JP2010219849A - Image generation system, program, information storage medium, server system, and content distribution system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image generation system capable of presenting each scene constituting video content and the keyword of each scene, and to provide a program, an information storage medium, a server system, or the like. <P>SOLUTION: The image generation system includes: a keyword acquiring part for acquiring at least one keyword associated with each scene of a plurality of scenes constituting video content; a scene acquiring part for acquiring at least one scene associated with each keyword of a plurality of keywords; and a display control part for performing control so as to display keywords associated with a selected scene in a list when a user selects the scene, and to display scenes associated with a selected keyword in a list when the user selects the keyword. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image generation system, a program, an information storage medium, a server system, a content distribution system, and the like.

  Conventionally, systems for distributing various video contents such as dramas and movies are known. As a conventional technique of this video distribution system, for example, a technique disclosed in Patent Document 1 is known.

  In such a video distribution system, works such as dramas and movies are distributed in units of one episode. For this reason, it was difficult to view the famous scenes of the work in scene units. Further, since the user views the video content by himself, it has been impossible to create a situation in which a plurality of users who are fans of the work can watch and listen to the famous scenes.

JP2003-169089

  According to some aspects of the present invention, it is possible to provide an image generation system, a program, an information storage medium, a server system, a content distribution system, and the like that can present each scene constituting a video content and a keyword of each scene.

  According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a keyword acquisition unit that acquires at least one keyword associated with each of a plurality of scenes constituting video content, and at least one scene associated with each keyword of the plurality of keywords. A scene acquisition unit to acquire, and when a user selects a scene, a list of keywords associated with the selected scene is displayed. When a user selects a keyword, a list of scenes associated with the selected keyword is displayed. The present invention relates to an image generation system including a display control unit that performs display control. The present invention also relates to a program that causes a computer to function as each of the above-described units, or a computer-readable information storage medium that stores the program.

  According to an aspect of the present invention, a keyword associated with each scene of video content is acquired. In addition, a scene associated with each keyword of the plurality of keywords is acquired. When the user selects a scene, a list of keywords associated with the scene is displayed. When the user selects a keyword, scenes associated with the keyword are displayed in a list. In this way, it is possible to present each scene constituting the video content and keywords of each scene, and to provide an unprecedented interface environment.

  In the aspect of the invention, the display control unit may perform control to display information related to the selected keyword or link destination information to the site of the information when the user selects the keyword. .

  In this way, when the user selects a keyword, the user can be guided to information related to the keyword (for example, product information, advertisement information, etc.) and the site.

  In the aspect of the invention, the display control unit may perform control to display a scene reproduction screen when a user performs a scene selection determination operation or a selection operation.

  In this way, the user can view the video content in units of scenes.

  In one aspect of the present invention, the display control unit corresponds to a scene or keyword in a menu screen for the user to select a scene or a keyword, with a presentation effect representing evaluation information input by the user on the scene playback screen. It is also possible to control the display.

  In this way, the user evaluation information on the scene playback screen can be reflected in the scene and keywords displayed on the menu screen.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, the display control unit includes a selection history acquisition unit that acquires a selection history of a scene or a keyword by a user. Alternatively, in a menu screen for selecting a keyword, the display may be performed in association with the scene or the keyword.

  In this way, the scene or keyword selection history by other users can be reflected in the scene or keyword displayed on the menu screen.

  In the aspect of the invention, the display control unit may perform control to display another user's comment on the selected scene when the user selects a scene.

  In this way, when the user selects a scene, it becomes possible to see the comments of other users on the scene, and the user community can be expanded.

  In the aspect of the invention, the display control unit may perform control to display a comment of another user for the selected keyword when the user selects the keyword.

  In this way, when the user selects a keyword, it becomes possible to see the comments of other users on the keyword, and the user community can be expanded.

  In the aspect of the invention, the keyword may be at least one keyword of a scene character, a scene location, a scene situation, and a scene time information.

  In the aspect of the invention, the display control unit may perform control to display another keyword related to the selected keyword when the user selects the keyword.

  Thus, by displaying another keyword related to the selected keyword, the user can be reminded of the other keyword.

  In one aspect of the present invention, a higher keyword is assigned to a plurality of keyword groups, and when the user selects a keyword, the display control unit assigns the higher keyword to the group to which the selected keyword belongs. You may perform control which displays.

  In this way, when the user selects a keyword, the user can know the upper keywords of the group to which the keyword belongs, and can present other keywords belonging to the upper keyword.

  In the aspect of the invention, the display control unit may perform control to display a user keyword associated with the selected scene or keyword when the user selects a scene or keyword.

  In this way, when the user selects a scene or keyword, the user can know the user keyword associated with the scene or keyword, and the user can customize the keyword.

  In one aspect of the present invention, the display control unit displays a list of comments of other users on the selected scene when an operation instruction in the first direction is made after the user selects the scene. Then, when an operation instruction in the second direction is performed, control for displaying a list of keywords associated with the selected scene may be performed.

  In this way, the user can confirm a comment on the scene and a keyword related to the scene by a simple operation such as an operation instruction in the first and second directions.

  In one aspect of the present invention, the display control unit displays a list of comments of other users for the selected keyword when an operation instruction in the first direction is made after the keyword is selected by the user. Then, when an operation instruction in the second direction is performed, control for displaying a list of scenes associated with the selected keyword may be performed.

  In this way, the user can confirm a comment on the keyword and a scene related to the keyword by a simple operation such as an operation instruction in the first and second directions.

  In one aspect of the present invention, a menu object space setting unit that sets a menu object space in which each icon object of a plurality of icon objects for selecting a scene or a keyword is arranged and set at each three-dimensional position; A virtual camera control unit that controls a virtual camera, wherein the display control unit performs control to display an image seen from the virtual camera in the menu object space as a menu screen for selecting a scene or a keyword. Also good.

  In this way, for example, a menu screen for selecting a scene or a keyword can be displayed by arranging and setting a large number of icon objects as compared with the case of a two-dimensional display. Can be displayed.

  In the aspect of the invention, the display control unit may perform control to display an image in which the icon object is viewed as viewed from the virtual camera as the menu screen.

  In this way, the user can select an icon object that appears to move and select a scene or keyword corresponding to the icon object.

  In one aspect of the present invention, the display control unit may perform control to display an image in which the icon object looks close when viewed from the virtual camera when the user selects the icon object.

  In this way, the user can check and confirm the approach image of the selected icon object.

  In the aspect of the invention, the display control unit may perform control to display an image in which the selected icon object is stationary and other icon objects appear to move.

  In this way, since the icon object is viewed statically and the other objects appear to move, it is possible to display a screen with a sense of reality.

  In one aspect of the present invention, the virtual camera control unit performs control to move the virtual camera on a trajectory, and when the user selects the icon object, causes the virtual camera to approach the selected icon object. Control may be performed.

  By moving the virtual camera in the trajectory in this way, it is possible to display an image that the icon object appears to move as viewed from the virtual camera. Then, when the user selects the icon object moving in this way, an approach image of the icon object is displayed, and the user can see and confirm the approach image of the selected icon object.

  In the aspect of the invention, the virtual camera control unit may perform control to direct the direction of the virtual camera toward the center of the track with respect to the tangential direction of the track.

  In this way, it is possible to display an image in which not only the icon object but also the vicinity of the center of the trajectory can be seen from.

  In one aspect of the present invention, the user can select an icon object within a predetermined distance range from the virtual camera position or a predetermined number of icon objects close to the virtual camera position from the plurality of icon objects. An icon setting unit to be set for a simple icon object may be included.

  In this way, since an icon object close to the virtual camera can be selected, a smooth interface environment can be provided.

  In one aspect of the present invention, when the icon object is selected by a cursor operated by a user, the display control unit displays a marker on the selected icon object so that the marker can be identified, or moves the icon object. Display control for changing the speed or image may be performed.

  In this way, the user can easily visually recognize which icon object of the plurality of icon objects has been selected.

  In the aspect of the invention, the virtual camera control unit may control at least one of the position and direction of the virtual camera based on an operation of the operation unit by a user.

  In this way, the icon object can be selected by changing the position and direction of the virtual camera by the user's operation, so that an unprecedented interface environment can be provided.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, a content distribution unit that distributes video content, a keyword acquisition unit that acquires at least one keyword associated with each scene of a plurality of scenes constituting the video content, a plurality of keyword A scene acquisition unit that acquires at least one scene associated with each keyword, and when the user selects a scene, the keyword associated with the selected scene is displayed in a list on the display unit of the terminal device. The present invention relates to a server system including a display processing unit that performs processing for displaying a list associated with a selected keyword on the display unit of the terminal device when a keyword is selected.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, a keyword associated with each scene of video content is acquired. In addition, a scene associated with each keyword of the plurality of keywords is acquired. When the user selects a scene, keywords associated with the scene are displayed in a list on the display unit of the terminal device. When the user selects a keyword, scenes associated with the keyword are displayed in a list on the display unit of the terminal device. In this way, it is possible to present each scene constituting the video content and keywords of each scene, and to provide an unprecedented interface environment.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, a content distribution unit that distributes video content, a keyword acquisition unit that acquires at least one keyword associated with each scene of a plurality of scenes constituting the video content, a plurality of keyword A scene acquisition unit that acquires at least one scene associated with each keyword, and when the user selects a scene, the keyword associated with the selected scene is displayed in a list on the display unit of the terminal device. When a keyword is selected, the display device includes a display processing unit that performs processing for displaying a list associated with the selected keyword on the display unit of the terminal device, and the terminal device having the display unit. Related to content distribution system.

1 is a configuration example of an image generation system according to the present embodiment. An example of a screen that displays a list of keywords associated with a scene. An example of a screen that displays a list of scenes associated with a keyword. Explanatory drawing of the 1st database with which a keyword is linked | related with a scene. FIGS. 5A to 5C are explanatory diagrams of a second database in which scenes are associated with keywords. 6A and 6B are explanatory diagrams of meta keywords (higher keywords). 7A and 7B are explanatory diagrams of user keywords. An example of the menu screen for scene and keyword selection. An example of an icon object catch screen. An example of the scene open screen. An example of a comment list display on the scene open screen. Example of keyword list display on the scene open screen. Example of keyword open screen. An example of the explanation text displayed on the keyword open screen. An example of a scene list display on the keyword open screen. An example of the scene playback screen. An example of object data of an icon object. 18A and 18B are explanatory diagrams of a method for moving a virtual camera on a trajectory. Explanatory drawing of the setting method of the direction of a virtual camera. 20A and 20B are explanatory diagrams of a method for setting icon objects that can be selected by the user. FIGS. 21A and 21B are explanatory diagrams of a method for selecting an icon object. Explanatory drawing of the method of controlling the position and direction of a virtual camera by a user's operation. The flowchart which shows the detailed process example of this embodiment. FIGS. 24A to 24D are explanatory diagrams of a method for giving an image representing an image effect or a selection history to an icon object. FIG. 25A to FIG. 25C are explanatory diagrams of a method for changing the position of an icon object outside the visual field range. 1 is a configuration example of a server system and a content distribution system according to the present embodiment.

  Hereinafter, this embodiment will be described. In addition, this embodiment demonstrated below does not unduly limit the content of this invention described in the claim. In addition, all the configurations described in the present embodiment are not necessarily essential configuration requirements of the present invention.

1. Image Generation System FIG. 1 shows a configuration example of an image generation system (image display system) of this embodiment. The image generation system according to the present embodiment can be applied to various devices such as a game device, a content playback device (HDD player, DVD player), a television, a portable terminal device, and a personal computer. Note that the image generation system of the present embodiment is not limited to the configuration of FIG. 1, and various modifications such as omitting some of the components (each unit) or adding other components are possible.

  The operation unit 160 is for a user (player) to input operation data, and functions thereof are operation buttons, direction keys, levers, analog sticks, remote controllers, keyboards, pointing devices (such as a mouse), microphones, or It can be realized with a touch panel display.

  The storage unit 170 serves as a work area for the processing unit 100, the communication unit 196, and the like, and its function can be realized by a RAM (DRAM, VRAM) or the like. A program executed by the processing unit 100 and data necessary for executing the program are held in the storage unit 170.

  The object data storage unit 172 of the storage unit 170 stores object data for setting an object space. The virtual camera data storage unit 174 stores various control data of the virtual camera control unit 103. The image data storage unit 175 stores image data of objects such as icon objects. The sound data storage unit 176 stores data of various sounds (speech and music) associated with icon objects and the like. The drawing buffer 177 is a buffer for drawing an image. The content storage unit 178 stores information on various types of content such as video content, music content, and game content.

  The first database 182 is a database in which at least one keyword (one or more keywords) is stored in association with each scene of a plurality of scenes constituting video content. The second database 184 is a database in which at least one scene (one or more keywords) is stored in association with each keyword. The first and second databases 182 and 184 may be provided in a server system or the like that distributes video content.

  The information storage medium 180 (a computer-readable medium) stores programs, data, and the like, and functions as an optical disk (DVD, Blu-ray disk, CD), HDD (hard disk drive), or memory (ROM, etc.). ) Etc. The processing unit 100 performs various processes of the present embodiment based on a program (data) stored in the information storage medium 180. That is, in the information storage medium 180, a program for causing a computer (an apparatus including an operation unit, a processing unit, a storage unit, and an output unit) to function as each unit of the present embodiment (a program for causing the computer to execute processing of each unit). Is memorized.

  The display unit 190 outputs an image generated according to the present embodiment, and its function can be realized by an LCD, a plasma display, a CRT, a touch panel display, an HMD (head mounted display), or the like. The sound output unit 192 outputs the sound generated by the present embodiment, and its function can be realized by a speaker, headphones, or the like.

  The auxiliary storage device 194 (auxiliary memory, secondary memory) is a storage device used to supplement the capacity of the storage unit 170, and can be realized by a memory card such as an SD memory card or a multimedia card.

  The communication unit 196 communicates with the outside (for example, another image generation system, a server system, or a host) via a wired or wireless network, and functions as a communication ASIC or a communication processor. It can be realized by hardware and communication firmware.

  A program (data) for causing a computer to function as each unit of the present embodiment is distributed from the information storage medium included in the server system to the information storage medium 180 (or the storage unit or auxiliary storage device) via the network and the communication unit 196. May be. Use of the information storage medium by such a server system can also be included in the scope of the present invention.

  The processing unit 100 (processor) performs various arithmetic processing, image generation processing, sound generation processing, and the like based on operation data from the operation unit 160, a program, and the like. The processing unit 100 performs various processes using the storage unit 170 as a work area. The functions of the processing unit 100 can be realized by hardware such as various processors (CPU, DSP, GPU, etc.), ASIC (gate array, etc.), and programs.

  The processing unit 100 includes a menu object space setting unit 102, a virtual camera control unit 103, a keyword acquisition unit 104, a scene acquisition unit 105, a selection history acquisition unit 106, a display control unit 107, a sound control unit 108, an icon setting unit 110, A position update unit 112 is included. Note that some of these components (for example, the menu object space setting unit, virtual camera control unit, icon setting unit, and position update unit) may be omitted, or other components (for example, the game calculation unit and the moving object calculation unit). Various modifications, such as adding, are possible.

  The menu object space setting unit 102 performs processing for setting various objects (objects composed of primitive surfaces such as polygons, free-form surfaces, or subdivision surfaces) in the object space (three-dimensional space). In other words, the position and rotation angle of the object in the world coordinate system (synonymous with direction and direction) are determined, and the rotation angle (rotation angle around the X, Y, and Z axes) is determined at that position (X, Y, Z). Place the object. Specifically, the object data storage unit 172 of the storage unit 170 stores object data such as the object position, rotation angle, moving speed, moving direction, and the like in association with the object ID. For example, it is updated by the position update unit 112 or the like.

  In this embodiment, the menu object space setting unit 102 performs a menu object space setting process. In the menu object space, the icon objects of the plurality of icon objects are arranged and set at respective three-dimensional positions.

  Here, the content is, for example, multimedia content such as video content distributed from a server system or the like. Alternatively, it may be TV or radio broadcast content. Alternatively, it may be video content recorded on a content playback device such as an HDD player or an optical disc player. The icon object is an object (display object) for selecting (representing) these contents. This icon object has information on the three-dimensional position in the object space (three-dimensional space) as attribute information, but the shape is not limited to the three-dimensional shape, and even if it is a two-dimensional object (for example, a billboard) It may be a three-dimensional object. The icon object may represent an image such as a scene, or may represent a character such as a keyword.

  When the image generation system according to the present embodiment is applied to a game device or the like, the object space setting unit 102 includes a model object (a moving object such as a person, a robot, or a car), a map (terrain), a building, a course (road). ), Processing for arranging and setting various objects representing display objects such as trees and walls in the object space.

  The virtual camera control unit 103 performs, for example, a virtual camera (viewpoint) control process for generating an image that can be seen from a given (arbitrary) viewpoint in a menu object space. Specifically, a process for controlling the position (X, Y, Z) and direction (rotation angle around the X, Y, Z axes) of the virtual camera (process for controlling the viewpoint position and the line-of-sight direction) is performed. Alternatively, the virtual camera control unit 103 may control the angle of view of the virtual camera.

  The keyword acquisition unit 104 performs keyword acquisition processing. For example, at least one keyword (keyword ID, keyword name) associated with each scene of a plurality of scenes (scenes) constituting the video content is acquired. Specifically, the keyword associated with each scene is obtained by referring to the first database 182 in which the keyword is associated with each scene. When the first database 182 is provided in the server system (host), data of each keyword (keyword ID, keyword name) associated with each scene is received from the server system via the network and the communication unit 196. By doing so, keyword acquisition processing is realized.

  The scene acquisition unit 105 performs scene acquisition processing. For example, at least one scene (scene ID, scene name) associated with each keyword of a plurality of keywords is acquired. Specifically, the scene associated with the keyword is acquired by referring to the second database 184 in which the scene is associated with each keyword. In the case where the second database 184 is provided in the server system, data of each scene (scene ID, scene name) associated with each keyword is received from the server system via the network and the communication unit 196. Realize the scene acquisition process.

  The selection history acquisition unit 106 performs user selection history acquisition processing. For example, when the user selects a scene or keyword on a menu screen or the like, the selection history is acquired as a scene or keyword selection history by the user.

  The display control unit 107 performs control to display various images on the display unit 190. For example, an object such as an icon object is drawn based on the results of various processes performed by the processing unit 100, thereby generating an image and outputting the image to the display unit 190. Specifically, geometric processing such as coordinate transformation (world coordinate transformation, camera coordinate transformation), clipping processing, perspective transformation, or light source processing is performed. Based on the processing result, drawing data (the position of the vertex of the primitive surface) Coordinates, texture coordinates, color data, normal vector, α value, etc.) are created. Then, based on the drawing data (primitive surface data), the object (one or a plurality of primitive surfaces) after perspective transformation (after geometry processing) is converted into image data in units of pixels such as a drawing buffer 177 (frame buffer, work buffer, etc.). Draw in a buffer that can be stored. Thereby, an image that can be seen from the virtual camera (given viewpoint) in the object space is generated. Note that an image or the like visible from the virtual camera may be generated in the server system, and the display control unit 107 may perform control to display the image (video) distributed from the server system on the display unit 190.

  The sound control unit 108 performs sound processing based on the results of various processes performed by the processing unit 100, generates sound such as BGM, sound effects, or sound, and performs control for outputting the sound to the sound output unit 192. Do.

  The icon setting unit 110 performs processing for setting various states (attributes) of icons. For example, among a plurality of icon objects, an icon object that can be selected by the user (icon object that can be selected by the cursor) within a predetermined distance range (within a predetermined view volume and within a predetermined Z value) from the position of the virtual camera. Perform processing to set. Alternatively, a predetermined number of icon objects close to the position of the virtual camera may be set as icon objects that can be selected by the user.

  The position update unit 112 performs an update process of the arrangement position of the object. For example, update processing of the arrangement positions (three-dimensional positions) of a plurality of icon objects set in the menu object space is performed.

  Specifically, the position update unit 112 includes content amount information, content popularity information, content evaluation information, content presentation frequency information, content genre information, content recommendation information, content selection history information, content information Update processing of the arrangement positions of a plurality of icon objects is performed according to at least one of the registration time information and additional information added to the content (update time information of additional information). Here, the content amount information is the number of content and the data amount of content. Content popularity information is information representing the popularity of a user or the like who uses the service. The evaluation information for content is information representing evaluation given to the content by the user. The content presentation frequency information is information representing the content presentation frequency, for example, information on the number of times video content or music content has been played or the number of game content plays. The content genre information is information on the genre to which the content belongs. The content recommendation information is recommendation information for the content provided by the service provider (manufacturer) or the user. The content selection history information is information representing a content selection history when a user (another user or a friend user) selects the content. The content registration time information is content registration time and registration date information. The additional information of the content is, for example, a comment given to the content by the user, a synopsis of a scene, a commentary on a keyword, or the like.

  Further, the position update unit 112 may perform a process of changing the position of the icon object that is out of the visual field range when the icon object is out of the visual field range of the virtual camera (when the icon object becomes invisible from the virtual camera). . For example, the position of the icon object is changed so that an icon object that is out of the visual field range falls within the visual field range again.

  In this embodiment, the keyword acquisition unit 104 acquires a keyword (keyword ID) associated with the scene, and the scene acquisition unit 105 acquires a scene (scene ID) associated with the keyword. When the user selects a scene, the display control unit 107 performs control to display a list of at least one keyword (at least one keyword acquired from the scene) associated with the selected scene. For example, a screen on which keyword names and the like are displayed is displayed. When the user selects a keyword, control is performed to display a list of at least one scene associated with the selected keyword (at least one scene acquired from the keyword). For example, a screen on which a scene icon image, a scene name, and the like are displayed is displayed.

  In addition, when the user selects a keyword, the display control unit 107 displays information related to the selected keyword (for example, product information and advertisement information) and link information (URL) to the site of the information. I do. For example, character goods, toys, game software, clothes, accessories, decorations, furniture, daily necessities, home appliances, etc., information on products and advertisements, websites of manufacturers, online shops, dealers, etc. Display link destination information.

  Further, the display control unit 107 performs control to display a reproduction screen of the selected scene when the user performs a scene selection determination operation (or selection operation). Alternatively, a playback screen for video content including the scene may be displayed.

  The display control unit 107 associates the rendering effect (e.g., image effect) representing the evaluation information input by the user on the scene playback screen with the scene or keyword on the menu screen for the user to select a scene or keyword. Control to display. For example, when the user swells on the scene playback screen and gives a high evaluation to the scene, an effect (image effect or the like) indicating the high evaluation is added to the icon object on the menu screen indicating the scene or keyword.

  Further, it is assumed that the selection history acquisition unit 106 acquires a selection history of scenes or keywords by the user. In this case, the display control unit 107 displays an effect (image effect or the like) representing a scene or keyword selection history by another user (friend user, general user) on a menu screen for the user to select a scene or keyword. Control is performed in association with a scene or keyword. For example, the selection history of another user is represented by an image of a movement trajectory connecting icon objects on the menu screen.

  In addition, when the user selects a scene, the display control unit 107 may perform control to display another user's comment on the selected scene. For example, a comment input by another user regarding the scene is displayed when the user selects a scene or views a scene.

  In addition, when the user selects a keyword, the display control unit 107 performs control to display another user's comment on the selected keyword. For example, a comment input by another user regarding the keyword is displayed when the user selects a keyword or when viewing an explanatory note of the keyword.

  The keyword (tag) is a scene character, a scene location, a scene situation, or scene time information. Here, the characters in the scene are drama and movie characters, anime characters, and the like. The location of the scene is the location where the scene is filmed or where the characters in the scene appear. The scene status represents a scene status such as a battle scene, a conversation scene, or a love scene. The scene time information represents the date and time of the scene.

  In addition, when the user selects a keyword, the display control unit 107 may perform control to display another keyword related to the selected keyword. That is, the related keyword of the keyword is displayed.

  In the present embodiment, higher keywords (meta keywords) may be assigned to a plurality of keyword groups. Then, when the user selects a keyword, the display control unit 107 performs control to display the upper keyword assigned to the group to which the selected keyword belongs. For example, it is assumed that the first upper keyword is assigned to the first to kth keywords. When the user selects the m-th keyword among the first to k-th keywords, the first upper keyword to which the m-th keyword belongs is displayed.

  The display control unit 107 performs control to display a user keyword (user tag, my tag) associated with the scene or keyword when the user selects a scene or keyword. For example, when the user selects the mth scene, a user keyword associated with the mth scene (a user keyword assigned in association with the mth scene) is displayed. Further, when the user selects the m-th keyword, a user keyword associated with the m-th keyword (a user keyword assigned in association with the m-th keyword) is displayed.

  Further, the display control unit 107 selects an operation instruction in a first direction (for example, left or right direction, or upward or downward direction) (for example, an operation instruction to scroll the screen in the first direction) after a scene is selected by the user. ) Is performed, control is performed to display a list of comments of other users for the selected scene. For example, a comment input by another user for the scene is displayed. In addition, when an operation instruction in the second direction (for example, right or left direction, or downward or upward direction) (for example, an operation instruction to scroll the screen in the second direction) is performed, it is associated with the selected scene. Control to display the keyword list. For example, a keyword (keyword name) associated with the scene is displayed in the first database 182.

  Further, the display control unit 107 responds to the selected keyword when an operation instruction in the first direction (for example, an operation instruction to scroll the screen in the first direction) is performed after the keyword is selected by the user. Controls the display of comments from other users. For example, a comment input by another user for the keyword is displayed. Further, when an operation instruction in the second direction (for example, an operation instruction to scroll the screen in the second direction) is performed, control is performed to display a list of scenes associated with the selected keyword. For example, the scene (scene icon image, scene name) associated with the keyword is displayed in the second database 184.

  In the present embodiment, the menu object space setting unit 102 performs setting processing for a menu object space in which icon objects are arranged and set. The display control unit 107 performs control to display an image seen from the virtual camera in the menu object space as a menu screen. That is, control is performed to display a menu screen for selecting a scene and a keyword represented by the icon object.

  The icon object is an icon object for selecting video content distributed via a network, each scene of the video content, and a keyword of each scene. Alternatively, it may be an icon object for selecting a broadcast program (television program, radio program) or an icon object for selecting video content recorded on a recording medium (hard disk, optical disk, external memory card).

  For example, the display control unit 107 performs control to display, as a menu screen, an image that the icon object appears to move when viewed from the virtual camera. In this case, the virtual camera side may be moved, or the icon object side may be moved. When the user selects an icon object, an image in which the icon object looks close when viewed from the virtual camera is displayed. For example, the virtual camera is moved to the front position (near position) of the icon object to generate an image that can be seen from the virtual camera. Specifically, the selected icon object (pointed icon object) is stationary, and the other icon objects (background image) are displayed as moving images. For example, an image is generated in which an icon object faces the virtual camera and a background image such as another icon object appears to rotate.

  The virtual camera control unit 103 may perform control to move the virtual camera on a predetermined trajectory. For example, control is performed to move the virtual camera on the orbit. In this way, it is possible to cause the icon object to appear periodically within the visual field range of the virtual camera. Various orbits such as circular or elliptical or oval can be assumed as the circular orbit.

  When the user selects an icon object (points to the icon object), control is performed to bring the virtual camera closer to the selected icon object. For example, the virtual camera is moved to the front position (near position) of the icon object to generate an image that can be seen from the virtual camera. In this case, it is desirable that the virtual camera control unit 103 performs control so that the direction of the virtual camera is directed toward the center of the track with respect to the tangential direction of the track. For example, the direction of the virtual camera is directed in a direction between the direction from the virtual camera position toward the center of the trajectory (for example, a circular trajectory or an elliptical trajectory) and the tangential direction of the trajectory.

  Further, when an icon object is selected (pointed) by a cursor operated by the user, the display control unit 107 may superimpose a marker on the selected icon object (display it in a broadly identifiable manner). Good. For example, an image in which a marker image and an icon object image are translucently combined is generated. Alternatively, when the icon object is selected with the cursor, display control may be performed to change the moving speed of the icon object (relative speed with respect to the virtual camera) or the icon object image. For example, the moving speed of the icon object is slowed, the color and brightness of the icon object are changed, and an image effect (production effect in a broad sense) is given. Whether or not the cursor has selected (pointed to) the icon object can be realized by determining whether or not the cursor position is within a predetermined range centered on the representative position of the icon object, for example.

  The virtual camera control unit 103 may control at least one of the position and direction of the virtual camera based on the operation of the operation unit 160 by the user. For example, the virtual camera is moved or the direction of the virtual camera is changed by a user operation.

  The display control unit 107 also includes at least one of the above-described content popularity information, content evaluation information, content presentation frequency information, content recommendation information, content registration time information, and additional information added to the content. Accordingly, display control in which the image of the icon object corresponding to the content changes may be performed. For example, the image (color, brightness, etc.) of the icon object is changed, or the image effect (effect effect) displayed superimposed on the icon object is changed.

  The display control unit 107 may perform control to display an image in which the information detail level of the icon object changes according to the positional relationship (distance, direction, etc.) between the icon object and the virtual camera. For example, when the distance to the virtual camera is farther than the first distance, the icon object is displayed with the first information detail level, and when closer to the first distance, the icon object is displayed than the first information detail level. The icon object is displayed with the second information detail level having a high level of detail. The distance between the icon object and the virtual camera may be a depth distance (Z value) or a linear distance. The level of detail of information changes when the type of information displayed at the same time changes, or when the amount of information displayed is changed.

  The virtual camera control unit 103 may control the angle of view of the virtual camera. For example, the angle of view of the virtual camera is controlled based on the initial setting information and user operation. And the display control part 107 may perform control which displays the image from which the information detail level of an icon object changes according to the angle of view of a virtual camera. For example, when the angle of view is wider than the first angle of view, the icon object is displayed with the first information detail level, and when it is narrower than the first angle of view, it is more detailed than the first information detail level. The icon object is displayed with the second information detail level having a high degree.

  The sound control unit 108 may perform control to output a sound according to the three-dimensional position of the icon object. For example, a virtual sound field is generated based on the three-dimensional position of the icon object, and surround processing is performed to output a sound reflecting the three-dimensional position.

  The sound control unit 108 may perform control to output a sound that changes in accordance with the positional relationship between the virtual camera and the icon object. For example, when the distance between the virtual camera and the icon object is far, the sound level is decreased, and when the distance is close, the sound level is increased. In this case, it is desirable that the output sound is a sound associated with each icon object.

  Further, for example, it is assumed that the first icon object is located on the near side of the second icon object as viewed from the virtual camera. In this case, the sound control unit 108 performs control so that the sound associated with the first icon object is output with priority over the sound associated with the second icon object. For example, sound control is performed so that only the sound of the first icon object is output or the sound of the first icon object is larger than the sound of the second icon object.

  Further, the menu object space setting unit 102 may arrange and set a plurality of icon objects on a trajectory (on one or a plurality of trajectories) set in the menu object space. For example, the icon object is arranged on a circular or elliptical orbit such as a circular orbit (circular orbit) centered on a predetermined position. In this case, a plurality of icon objects belonging to the corresponding content group among the plurality of content groups may be arranged and set on each of the plurality of tracks. For example, a plurality of icon objects belonging to the first content group are arranged on the first trajectory, and a plurality of icon objects belonging to the second content group are arranged on the second trajectory.

  Further, the virtual camera control unit 103 may perform control to move the virtual camera (relative movement with respect to the icon object) on a camera trajectory along a trajectory along which a plurality of icon objects are arranged and set. The camera trajectory may be a trajectory along the outer periphery or inner periphery of the icon object trajectory, or a part or all of the icon object trajectory may coincide with the camera trajectory. Alternatively, each camera trajectory may be provided along each trajectory corresponding to each content group, and the virtual camera may be moved on each camera trajectory.

2. 2. Method of this embodiment 2.1 List display of keywords and scenes In this embodiment, video content such as animation, movies, and dramas is not viewed (video distribution) in units of works such as 30 minutes to 2.5 hours, for example. A work of video content is divided into scenes of, for example, several tens of seconds to several minutes, and can be viewed in scene units. For example, a service provider divides and provides video content into scenes such as famous scenes. In addition, an interface that uses characters (character names) as keywords (tags) makes it possible to enjoy videos by talking with each other while associating fans like animations. . Then, by making it possible to enjoy the user's comments (words) and video simultaneously, the attractiveness and fun of the work itself is enhanced. In addition, the user's knowledge and memories are stored in the system in the form of a direct link to the video work. Then, by using characters such as the names of characters and characters as keywords, a comprehensive archive for fans of the work, which links official settings and related videos to enjoy works released from the past to the present, is realized. Is done. In addition, it is possible to expand e-commerce by linking to related products and character goods.

  2 and 3 show examples of screens displayed by the image generation system of this embodiment. FIG. 2 is an example of a screen on which keywords associated with a scene are displayed as a list (list display). For example, when a user selects a scene (icon object corresponding to a scene) on a menu screen described later, a screen (open scene screen) as shown in FIG. 2 is displayed.

  In FIG. 2, as shown by C1, the scene (scene icon image, scene name) selected by the user is displayed. As shown in C2, keywords (keyword names) associated with the scene are displayed in a list. The association between the scene shown in C1 and the keyword shown in C2 is realized by, for example, the first database 182.

  In addition, when a user performs a selection operation (or selection operation) for selecting a scene after a scene is selected as shown in FIG. 2, a scene playback screen for playing back the video of the scene is displayed (see FIG. 2 described later). 16). Then, on the scene playback screen, when the user gives an instruction to play the scene, the user can view the video of the scene.

  FIG. 3 is an example of a screen that displays a list of scenes associated with the keyword. For example, when a user selects a keyword (icon object corresponding to a keyword) on a menu screen or the like to be described later, a screen (keyword open screen) as shown in FIG. 3 is displayed.

  In FIG. 3, as shown by C3, the keyword (keyword name, keyword icon image) selected by the user is displayed. Further, as shown at C4, a scene (scene icon image) associated with the keyword is displayed.

  In C5, link destination information to the site of product information related to the keyword of C3 is displayed. For example, when the user clicks on the link destination information of C5, the browser is launched, and it is possible to shift to a manufacturer's site such as a keyword related product or a sales site. In addition, you may make it display the merchandise information itself relevant to a keyword directly.

  In C6, comments written by other users (friend users, general users other than friend users) for the keyword of C3 are displayed. For example, a comment window is displayed, and a plurality of comments from other users are displayed in a list. Note that it is desirable to display a comment written by another user on the selected scene also on the screen in the case of scene selection in FIG.

  In C7, a meta keyword (meta tag) that is an upper keyword assigned to a group of a plurality of keywords is displayed. For example, in this video work, “Asuka RBX” of C3 belongs to the Earth Army robot. For this reason, at C7, the meta-keyword “Earth Army Robot” assigned to the keyword group C3 is displayed. The meta keyword is linked to a keyword belonging to the meta keyword and a user keyword including the meta keyword. For example, when the user selects (clicks) a meta keyword of C7, an open screen for the meta keyword is displayed. In this open screen, keywords belonging to the meta keyword and user keywords including the meta keyword are displayed in a list. Meta keyword icon images, explanations, meta keyword names, and the like are also displayed.

  In C8, a user keyword (my tag, user tag) created by the user is displayed. This user keyword is linked to a scene, a keyword, and a meta keyword (upper keyword). For example, when the user selects a C8 user keyword, an open screen for the user keyword is displayed. On this open screen, a list of scenes, keywords, and meta keywords linked to the user keyword is displayed. Also displayed are the keyword name, author name, evaluation, user comment (a word), and the like.

  FIG. 4 shows an example of the first database 182 in which a keyword (keyword ID) is associated with each scene (scene ID). For example, keywords KW11, KW12, KW13, and the like are associated with the scene SC1, and keywords KW21, KW22, KW23, and the like are associated with the scene SC2. The same applies to the scene SC3.

  For example, the keywords KW11, KW12, and KW13 associated with the scene SC1 are the characters (appearance characters) of the scene SC1, the location of the scene SC1, the situation (combat situation, conversation situation, etc.) of the scene SC1, or the time information of the scene SC1. This is a keyword representing (date, time, season, etc.).

  For example, video content to be distributed or played is divided into a plurality of scenes by the service provider and the like, and a scene ID is assigned to each scene. This scene ID includes, for example, a work ID, number-of-story information (such as the 10th episode), a scene number in the episode (such as the fifth scene), and the like. Each scene is associated (defined) with, for example, a predetermined number of characters.

  FIG. 5A shows an example of the second database 184 in which a scene (scene ID) is associated with each keyword (keyword ID). For example, the scenes SC11, SC12, and SC13 are associated with the keyword KW1, and the scenes SC21, SC22, and SC23 are associated with the keyword KW2. The same applies to the keyword KW3.

  As shown in FIG. 5B, a short commentary and a long commentary are associated with each keyword. These explanatory texts are sentences for explaining the content of the keyword to the user, and the long explanatory texts are detailed explanatory texts.

  As shown in FIG. 5C, each keyword (ordinary tag) is associated with another keyword (another ordinary tag) as a related keyword. In other words, the content service provider judges and links the semantic relationship according to the story and setting of the work. For example, in FIG. 5C, keywords KW4, KW18, and KW35, which are keywords different from KW1, are associated with the keyword KW1 as related keywords. Further, KW8, which is a keyword different from KW2, is associated with the keyword KW2 as a related keyword. Further, KW12, KW48, and KW55, which are keywords different from KW3, are associated with the keyword KW3 as related keywords.

  FIG. 6A shows an example of a meta keyword (upper keyword) database. The meta keyword is a special keyword such as a parent folder associated with a normal keyword (ordinary tag). For example, the lower keywords KWA1, KWA2, and KWA3 are associated with the meta keyword MKWA, and the lower keywords KWB1, KWB2, and KWB3 are associated with the meta keyword MKWB. The same applies to the meta keyword MKWC. As shown in FIG. 6B, each metakeyword is associated with a short commentary explaining the metakeyword.

  FIG. 7A shows an example of a database of user keywords (my keywords). The user keyword is a keyword (tag) that can be defined by the user. As shown in FIG. 7A, scenes SCF1, SCF2, keywords KWF1, KWF2, meta-keyword MKWF, and the like are associated with user keyword UKWF. The user keyword UKWG is associated with scenes SCG1, SCG2, keywords KWG1, KWG2, metakeyword MKWG, and the like.

  As shown in FIG. 7B, an icon image, a user keyword name, an author name, the number of users, an evaluation, a comment, and the like are associated with each user keyword. The icon image is an image that the user selects and sets from a plurality of images prepared in advance. The user keyword name is a keyword name that can be set by the user. In the author name, when the user creates a user keyword, for example, the network ID of the created user is written. The number of users is the number of users obtained by counting the number of users registered as a keyword by the server system or the like. The evaluation is an evaluation of other users sent to the user keyword. A comment (word) is a user's writing for the user keyword.

  As described above, in this embodiment, video content is divided into a plurality of scenes. Then, when the user selects a desired scene from the plurality of scenes, a screen as shown in FIG. 2 is displayed, and keywords related to the scene are displayed. Then, when a keyword that the user is interested in is selected from these keywords, a screen as shown in FIG. 3 is displayed. In the screen of FIG. 3, a scene related to the selected keyword is displayed. When the user selects a desired scene from these scenes, a plurality of keywords related to the selected scene are displayed as shown in FIG.

  As described above, by dividing the video content into a plurality of scenes so that the content can be viewed in units of scenes, the user can pick up and enjoy only the famous scenes or scenes that the user likes. That is, it is possible to pick up and watch only a favorite scene without viewing all long video contents such as 30 minutes to 2.5 hours. Also, by displaying other users' comments and the like on the scene, topics such as conversations between the users and memories about the scene arise, and the expansion of the user community can be realized.

  In addition, even when the user forgets the person appearing in the scene and the situation of the scene, the list of keywords related to the scene is displayed as shown in FIG. Can be remembered by the user. Then, by selecting a keyword that the user is interested in, a list of scenes related to the keyword is also displayed as shown in FIG. For example, when the user is interested in a character (character) displayed as a keyword in FIG. 2 and selects the keyword, a list of other scenes related to the person is also displayed as shown in FIG. . Therefore, a user who has a feeling for the person can appreciate other scenes related to the person. In addition, other users' comments regarding the person can also be seen, and the expansion of the user community can be realized by talking and recollecting stories between users.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the user uses the reciprocal links between scenes and keywords, such as scenes to keywords, keywords to scenes, and scenes to keywords. I can enjoy it. Thereby, it becomes possible to enjoy the work of video content more deeply, and it becomes possible to provide video content of an unprecedented type. Also, by viewing comments from other users and user keywords created by other users, you can notice the appeal of works and characters that you have not noticed before, and you can understand the contents of the work more deeply.

2.2 Detailed Screen Examples FIGS. 8 to 16 show detailed screen examples displayed by the image generation system of the present embodiment. FIG. 8 shows an example of a menu screen for selecting a scene and a keyword.

  For example, the menu screen for content selection so far has been a two-dimensional display. For this reason, there is a limit to the number of icons displayed on one screen, and there has been a problem that when a large number of icons are displayed on the screen, the icons become small.

  Therefore, in FIG. 8, the menu screen is three-dimensionally displayed. Specifically, a menu screen is displayed in which a large number of icons (thumbnails) such as scenes and keywords appear to be in floating stars. As will be described later, behavior (history) such as user movement and comment writing is expressed to express the excitement of the entire user. For example, the name of the user's friend user, the movement trajectory of the friend user, the name of a user other than the friend, the movement trajectory of another user, and a comment writing mark (for example, the last five minutes) are displayed. In addition, an image effect (aura) representing the number of scenes played, the number of opens, etc. is displayed. A flare that expresses the excitement of the user community is also displayed at the center of the universe (orbit). In addition, BGM music that makes you feel relaxed in outer space flows, and the sound of the speech of the scene is played back randomly every predetermined number of seconds. In the following, a case where a menu screen or the like is performed in a three-dimensional display will be described as an example. However, the present embodiment is not limited to this, and a case where a menu screen or the like is performed in a two-dimensional display is also included in the scope of the present embodiment. .

  For example, in FIG. 8, icon objects IOB1, IOB2, and the like representing scenes constituting video content are displayed. In addition, icon objects IOB3, IOB4, and the like representing keywords associated with each scene are displayed. By selecting these icon objects, the user can select each scene and each keyword to view a playback video of the scene.

  Specifically, in this embodiment, a menu object space in which icon objects IOB1 to IOB4 for selecting scenes and keywords are arranged is set. For example, data of the three-dimensional positions (or three-dimensional positions and directions) of these icon objects are prepared as object data. Then, by generating an image that can be seen from the virtual camera in the menu object space, a menu screen as shown in FIG. 8 is displayed on the display unit 190.

  In this case, for example, it is desirable to display, as a menu screen, an image in which the icon objects IOB1 to IOB4 and the like are viewed from the virtual camera. That is, even if the user does not operate the operation unit 160, an image is displayed in which the icon object appears to flow from far away. Specifically, as will be described later, such an image is displayed by moving the virtual camera on a predetermined trajectory, for example, at a constant speed. By doing in this way, the user can bystand the image that the icon object disappears as it approaches from the next to the next without any operation.

  The user moves the cursor CS by operating the operation unit 160, and selects (points) an icon object that moves in the space. That is, while looking at the icon object image and keyword, the cursor CS is moved toward the icon object that is interested, and the target icon object is selected (supplemented, touched, clicked).

  When the icon object IOB1 is selected by the cursor CS, a catch screen (supplementary screen) of the icon object IOB1 (scene) is displayed as shown in FIG. In this catch screen, for example, a scene name, a scene icon image (thumbnail image), a scene aura, a comment of another user on the scene, and the like are displayed. For example, a predetermined number of comments are acquired from comments of other users on the network and displayed one by one.

  Specifically, when the icon object IOB1 is selected (pointed), the virtual camera that has moved on the trajectory moves to and approaches the front position (near the icon object IOB1). Then, by generating an image that can be seen from the virtual camera in such an approaching state, a catch screen as shown in FIG. 9 is displayed on the display unit 190.

  When the user performs a cancel operation in this state, the virtual camera returns to the original position on the orbit and the menu screen (space menu) shown in FIG. 8 is displayed again.

  In FIG. 9, the target icon object IOB1 is stationary, and an image in which other icon objects appear to move is displayed. For example, an image is generated so that other icon objects can be seen around the stationary icon object IOB1. In this way, the icon object IOB1 is enlarged and displayed, and the icon object IOB1 can be clearly notified to the user by being stationary. Further, the other icon objects slowly move around the stationary icon object IOB1, thereby increasing the sense of reality of the icon object IOB1.

  When the user performs a selection determination operation on the scene catch screen of FIG. 9, a scene open screen as shown in FIG. 10 is displayed. Then, when the user performs an operation of scrolling the screen in the left direction (first direction in a broad sense) on the open screen in FIG. 10 (operation instruction in the first direction in a broad sense), for example, as shown in FIG. As described above, comments of other users on the scene are displayed in a list. That is, when a user selects a scene, comments from other users with respect to the selected scene are displayed. The user can confirm each comment of the user displayed in the list by performing an operation instruction in the vertical direction in the state of FIG.

  On the other hand, when the user performs an operation of scrolling the screen in the right direction (second direction in a broad sense) (operation instruction in the second direction in a broad sense) on the open screen of the scene in FIG. As shown, the keywords associated with the scene are displayed in a list. That is, a list of keywords acquired using the first database 182 described in FIG. 4 is displayed. Then, the user can confirm each keyword displayed in the list by performing an operation instruction in the vertical direction in the state of FIG.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, when an operation instruction in the first direction is performed after a scene is selected by the user, comments from other users on the scene are displayed in a list and moved in the second direction. When the operation instruction is performed, keywords associated with the scene are displayed in a list. Thereby, the user can confirm a comment on the scene and a keyword related to the scene by a simple operation of operating instructions in the first and second directions, and the user interface environment can be improved.

  In FIG. 12, the icon image (portrait) of “Ken Tanaka” is displayed when the cursor is positioned on the keyword “Ken Tanaka”. By doing so, even a user who has forgotten the keyword “Ken Tanaka” can remember the keyword from this icon image, and can assist the user's selection operation. Further, instead of the icon image, a sound (for example, a famous line) reminiscent of “Ken Tanaka” may be output.

  When the user selects a keyword icon object on the menu screen of FIG. 8, a keyword catch screen having the same screen configuration as that of FIG. 9 is displayed. When the user performs a selection decision operation on the keyword catch screen, an open keyword screen as shown in FIG. 13 is displayed.

  When the user performs a selection decision operation on the keyword open screen in FIG. 13, a keyword commentary is displayed as shown in FIG. 14. That is, the long explanation text in FIG. 5B is displayed.

  In addition, when the user performs an operation for scrolling the screen in the left direction (first direction) (operation instruction in the first direction) on the keyword open screen in FIG. User comments are listed. That is, when the user selects a keyword, comments of other users for the selected keyword are displayed. In this state, the user can confirm each comment of the user displayed in the list by performing an operation instruction in the vertical direction.

  On the other hand, when the user performs an operation for scrolling the screen in the right direction (second direction) (operation instruction in the second direction) on the keyword open screen in FIG. 13, as shown in FIG. A list of scenes associated with is displayed. That is, a list of scenes acquired by the second database 184 described with reference to FIG. Then, the user can check each scene displayed in the list by performing an operation instruction in the vertical direction in the state of FIG.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, when an operation instruction in the first direction is performed after the keyword is selected by the user, the comments of other users on the keyword are displayed in a list, and the second direction is displayed. When the operation instruction is performed, scenes associated with the keyword are displayed in a list. By doing in this way, the user can confirm the comment on the keyword and the scene related to the keyword by a simple operation of operating instructions in the first and second directions, and improve the user interface environment. it can.

  When the user further performs an operation of scrolling the screen in the right direction (second direction) on the screen of FIG. 15, related keywords of the selected keyword are displayed in a list. That is, when the user selects a keyword, another keyword related to the selected keyword is displayed. Specifically, a list of keywords related to the keyword is displayed using the database of FIG.

  For example, in FIG. 15, the keyword selected by the user is “Ken Tanaka”. In this case, in this embodiment, in addition to the scene where “Ken Tanaka” appears, the high-order keyword (meta keyword) to which “Ken Tanaka” belongs, and the user keyword including “Ken Tanaka”, “Ken Tanaka” Display another related keyword as a related keyword. Specifically, "Father Tanaka", the father of "Ken Tanaka", "Dark Suzuki", a rival to "Ken Tanaka", and "Asuka RBX", a robot operated by "Ken Tanaka" Display keywords. In this way, when the user selects “Ken Tanaka” which is a specific keyword, another keyword related to “Ken Tanaka” such as “Father Tanaka”, “Dark Suzuki”, “Asuka RBX”, etc. You will be able to recall.

  Now, when the user performs a scene selection decision operation on the scene open screen of FIG. 10, a scene playback screen as shown in FIG. 16 is displayed. When the user performs a scene playback selection decision operation, the scene video (moving image) is played back so that the user can appreciate it.

  In the scene playback screen of FIG. 16, the user can input a comment for the scene by selecting the comment icon shown in A1. The input comment is displayed when another user is watching the scene.

  The user can express the excitement of the user by selecting the thumb-up icon indicated by A2. For example, when a user who sees a scene presses the thumb-up button, an image effect (aura or the like) representing the user's excitement (popularity) is displayed in association with the icon object of the corresponding scene on the menu screen of FIG. Become so.

  Further, when the “view one whole episode” icon shown in A3 is selected, the user can appreciate one episode of video content including the scene being reproduced. At this time, for example, billing processing by a server system described later is performed. In this way, when the user who sees the scene selects the A3 icon with an interest in the conversation before and after the scene, the user can be charged. Accordingly, it is possible to realize a billing process that makes it difficult for the user to feel uncomfortable, and to perform a billing process triggered by a scene, thereby realizing efficient billing.

  FIG. 17 shows an example of object data of an icon object. This object data is stored in the icon object data storage unit 173 of the object data storage unit 172 in FIG. Specifically, the icon object data storage unit 173 stores three-dimensional position data (X1, Y1, Z1), (X2, Y2, Z2), and (X3, Y3, Z3) of the icon objects IOB1, IOB2, and IOB3. To do. Also, attribute information of the icon object is stored. As attribute information, various information such as icon object ID, icon object type information (scene, keyword), or image effect (effect) information can be assumed. In addition to the three-dimensional position data, icon object direction data (rotation angles about the X, Y, and Z axes) may be stored.

  As shown in FIG. 18A, in this embodiment, the virtual camera VC moves on a trajectory TR set in a menu object space (three-dimensional space). For example, when the user is not performing any operation, the virtual camera VC moves at a constant speed on the trajectory TR. By doing so, as shown in FIG. 8, a menu screen as if floating in outer space can be displayed. The virtual camera VC may be stationary and the icon object may be moved. Further, the moving direction of the virtual camera VC may be reversed and can be rotated in reverse by a user operation.

  As shown in FIG. 18B, when the user selects the icon object IOB1, the virtual camera VC moves toward the selected icon object IOB1. Specifically, the virtual camera VC moves to a position facing the icon object IOB1 and facing the camera direction in the direction of the center CT of the trajectory TR. As a result, a catch screen as shown in FIG. 9 is displayed on the display unit 190.

  When returning from the catch screen of FIG. 9 to the menu screen of FIG. 8, the virtual camera VC returns to the original position on the trajectory TR as shown in FIG. 9 and 18B can be realized by a billboard display in which a two-dimensional billboard polygon serving as the icon object IOB1 is directly opposed to the virtual camera.

  In FIG. 18B, for example, the virtual camera VC is rotated at a slow speed around an axis along the viewing direction of the virtual camera VC. By doing so, as described with reference to FIG. 9, the icon object IOB1 appears to be stationary, and the other icon objects move and appear to generate an image. As a result, the presence of the icon object IOB1 increases.

  As shown in FIG. 19, when the virtual camera VC moves on the trajectory TR, it is desirable to direct the direction VD (line-of-sight direction) of the virtual camera VC toward the center CT side. That is, the direction VD of the virtual camera VC is directed to the center CT side from the tangential direction TD of the trajectory TR. By doing so, not only the icon object IOB1, but also an image of a crowded place on the trajectory CT is displayed, and the effect of rendering the image can be improved. At this time, for example, by arranging a flare or the like indicating the excitement of the user community in the vicinity of the center CT, the effect of rendering the image can be further improved.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 20A, an icon object within a predetermined distance range from the position of the virtual camera VC is set as an icon object that can be selected by the user. Specifically, when the user selects (points) an icon object on the menu screen of FIG. 8, only the icon object in the view volume VVL whose depth distance (Z) from the virtual camera VC is within a predetermined range can be selected. To.

  For example, when a large number of icon objects are displayed on the menu screen, if all the icon objects become selectable (pointable) by the cursor CS, a distant icon object that is not intended by the user is selected. This may confuse the user.

  In this regard, as shown in FIG. 20A, if only the icon objects within the predetermined distance range (in the view volume VVL) can be selected by the cursor CS, the user can select only the icon objects close to the viewpoint. , Provide a smooth operation interface with little confusion.

  The setting of selectable icon objects is not limited to the method shown in FIG. For example, only a predetermined number of icon objects close to the virtual camera may be set to be selectable. Specifically, as shown in the processing example of FIG. 20B, icon objects are extracted in order from the closest to the virtual camera (step S1). Then, it is determined whether or not the number of extracted icon objects has reached a predetermined number (step S2). If not, the process returns to step S1 to extract the next closest icon object. When the number of extracted icon objects reaches a predetermined number, the predetermined number of extracted icon objects are set as icon objects that can be selected by the user (step S3). In this way, the user can select only a predetermined number of icon objects close to the viewpoint of the virtual camera, and can provide a smooth operation interface with less confusion.

  In addition, when an icon object is selected by a cursor operated by the user, it is desirable to perform an image representation that indicates the selection. For example, in FIG. 21A, when the icon object IOBA is selected by the cursor CS, the marker MK is superimposed on the selected icon object IOBA (displayed in an identifiable manner in a broad sense, and translucently synthesized in a narrow sense). . By doing so, the user can visually recognize which icon object of the many icon objects has been selected, and can improve the user interface environment.

  Instead of displaying the marker MK as shown in FIG. 21A, the image of the icon object IOBA itself may be changed as shown in FIG. For example, the color or brightness of the selected icon object IOBA is changed or blinked. Even in this way, the user can visually recognize which icon object of the many icon objects has been selected. Further, for example, when the cursor CS operated by the user selects (points) an icon object, the operation unit 160 may be vibrated.

  In addition, although the case where a virtual camera moves automatically was demonstrated above, you may change the position and direction of a virtual camera according to a user's operation.

  For example, in FIG. 22, when the user operates the controller 161 which is the operation unit 160, the position PV and the direction DV of the virtual camera VC change according to the user's operation. For example, when the user operates a direction instruction key, an analog stick, or an operation button of the controller 161, the position PV and the direction DV of the virtual camera VC are controlled. In this way, the user can select a desired icon object by moving freely in the object space for menus such as outer space, as if he / she got on the spaceship, and never before An interface environment can be provided.

  FIG. 23 shows a flowchart of a detailed processing example of this embodiment. First, as described in FIG. 18A, the virtual camera is moved on the track at a predetermined speed (step S11). That is, it is moved by a predetermined distance within one frame. At this time, as shown in FIG. 19, the line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera is directed toward the center side.

  Next, as described with reference to FIG. 20A, an icon object within a predetermined distance range (within a predetermined view volume) from the position of the virtual camera is set as an icon object that can be selected by the user (step S12).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the icon object set in the selectable state in step S12 is selected by the cursor operated by the user (step S13). For example, it is determined whether or not the cursor is located within a predetermined distance from the representative position (center position) of the icon object. When an icon is selected with the cursor, as shown in FIG. 21A, a marker is superimposed on the icon object (displayed in an identifiable manner), and the icon object is selected. Is notified to the user (step S14).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the user has performed an icon object selection decision operation (step S15). When the selection decision operation is performed, an icon object catch screen as shown in FIG. 9 is displayed (step S16). Then, in this catch screen, it is determined whether or not the user has performed a scene (or keyword) selection determination operation. When the selection determination operation is performed, the scene (or keyword) is opened as described with reference to FIG. A screen is displayed (steps S17 and S18).

  According to the method of the present embodiment described above, as shown in FIG. 8, a menu screen on which many icon objects are displayed on one screen can be displayed. That is, the number of icon objects that can be displayed at one time can be significantly increased compared to a two-dimensional display menu screen in which the number of icon objects displayed is limited.

  In the menu screen of FIG. 8, the icon object on the back side is displayed small from the position of the virtual camera that is the viewpoint of the user, and the icon object on the near side is displayed large. Therefore, since the user can ignore a large number of icon objects on the back side, the user's convenience can be improved. In particular, by limiting the selectable icon objects as described with reference to FIGS. 20A and 20B, user convenience can be further improved.

  In FIG. 8, the icon object on the near side is displayed large, so that the user's selection operation is facilitated and the user interface environment can be improved. Even if the user does not operate, the icon object moves from one to the next in the field of view of the user who is watching. Then, the user can enjoy the contents of the icon object as shown in FIG. 16, for example, by viewing the icon image of the moving icon object, confirming the contents, and selecting the icon object that is interested. it can. Therefore, the user can select and enjoy the content of interest in a passive state without performing an active operation, and can provide an unprecedented type of menu screen.

2.3 Image Change of Icon Object In the present embodiment, the icon object image displayed on the menu screen of FIG. 8 may be changed based on various information.

  For example, in FIG. 24A, an icon object IOB on which an icon image of a scene is drawn is superimposed and displayed with an effect image corresponding to the user's popularity degree for the scene and the evaluation given by the user (identifiable). Displayed). For example, as the degree of popularity and evaluation increases, the type of effect image is changed, and the color and brightness of the effect image are changed. By doing so, on the menu screen of FIG. 8, icon objects of contents with high popularity and evaluation become visible to the user, and the popularity and evaluation are further increased.

  In FIG. 24B, an image effect (production effect) representing the number of times the scene is reproduced and recommendation information for the scene from the content providing side is superimposed on the icon object IOB on which the icon image of the scene is drawn. Has been. For example, as the number of times of reproduction increases, the type of the effect image is changed, and the color and brightness of the effect image are changed. Alternatively, an effect image is added to content recommended by the content provider such as newly arrived scene content. In this way, the menu screen of FIG. 8 has a large number of playbacks, and the icon object of the recommended content on the content provider side can be noticed by the user. Can lead users to the recommended content.

  For example, as described with reference to FIG. 16, when the user performs a scene selection determination operation (playback instruction), a playback screen of the selected scene is displayed. Then, it is assumed that the user inputs the evaluation information of the scene by selecting the thumb-up icon shown in A2, for example, on the scene playback screen of FIG. Then, the image effect (production effect) of FIG. 24A representing the evaluation information input by the user is displayed in association with the scene or keyword on the menu screen of FIG. 8 for the user to select a scene or keyword. The In this way, other users can grasp a highly evaluated scene or the like by viewing the image effect, and can display a menu screen of an unprecedented type.

  In FIGS. 24C and 24D, an image representing the selection history of icon objects by other users is displayed in association with the icon object. Specifically, an image representing a selection history of other users for a predetermined number of people in the latest several minutes is displayed in association with an icon object.

  For example, in FIG. 24C, a general-purpose user other than the friend user selects the icon object in the order of IOBA, IOBB, and IOBC, and the trajectory image of the selection history is the first color (for example, red). It is displayed. In FIG. 24D, a trajectory image of a selection history indicating that the user's friend user has selected icon objects in the order of IOBD, IOBE, and IOBF is displayed in the second color (for example, green). .

  As described above, for example, when the user selects a scene or a keyword on the menu screen of FIG. 8, the selection history is acquired by the selection history acquisition unit 106. Then, as shown in FIGS. 24C and 24D, an image effect (production effect) representing a scene or keyword selection history by another user is associated with the scene or keyword on the menu screen of FIG. It will be displayed.

  In this way, on the menu screen of FIG. 8, the user can visually grasp what icon object content the other user has selected with interest. Then, it is possible to select icon objects in the same order as the selection history of other users and enjoy the content, and to provide a menu screen of an unprecedented type.

  Note that the method of changing the image of the icon object on the menu screen is not limited to the method of FIGS. 24 (A) to 24 (D). For example, the image of the icon object may be changed based on time information (time and date) for newly registering content. For example, for a newly registered content, an image effect is added to an icon object corresponding to the content so as to be noticed by the user. Alternatively, the image effect to be added to the icon object may be different between content with an old registration time and new content.

  Further, the image of the icon object may be changed based on the additional information added to the content. For example, when another user's comment, which is additional information, is written on the content, an image effect is added to the content to be commented. By doing so, the icon object of the content to which additional information such as a comment is given becomes visible to the user, and the user can be guided to the content.

2.4 Icon Object Arrangement Position Update Processing In this embodiment, icon object arrangement position update processing may be performed based on various types of information. For example, based on content amount information, popularity information, evaluation information, presentation frequency information, genre information, recommendation information, content registration time information, additional information added to content (update time information of additional information), the icon object An arrangement position update process is performed. For example, as the amount of content increases, the number of trajectories is increased, content with a high degree of popularity and evaluation, and content with a large number of presentations (reproduction times) are arranged at positions that are conspicuous to the user. Alternatively, the icon objects are arranged and arranged according to the genre of the content, or the icon object arrangement position is changed according to the recommendation information on the service providing side and the date and time as the registration time information of the content. In addition, the arrangement position of the icon object is changed in accordance with additional information such as a comment of another user added to the content, a synopsis of the scene, or a commentary on a keyword.

  Alternatively, when the icon object is outside the visual field range of the virtual camera, the position of the icon object outside the visual field range may be changed.

  Specifically, in FIG. 25A, the icon object IOB is outside the visual field range of the virtual camera VC. That is, the icon object IOB is moved outside the view volume of the virtual camera VC. In this case, as shown in FIG. 25 (A), the icon object IOB outside the visual field range is moved so as to be within the visual field range of the virtual camera VC again, or the virtual camera VC can be moved in a short time. Keep within the field of view.

  In FIG. 25B, not all areas are prepared as the menu object space, but only a partial area RG is prepared. When the virtual camera VC goes out of the region RG as shown at B1 in FIG. 25B, the virtual camera VC is moved to the position B2 in FIG. The virtual camera VC is inserted into

  For example, on the menu screen of FIG. 8, an icon object that has approached the user's viewpoint disappears outside the user's visual field range at a high speed. For this reason, it may be difficult for an unfamiliar user to select an icon object, and the icon object may fail to be selected. Once the icon object has failed to be selected, it is necessary to wait for the icon object to go around in the trajectory and appear in front of the user again, which may impair user convenience.

  In this regard, in the method of FIGS. 25A to 25C, the icon object that has passed outside the user's visual field range again enters the user's visual field range in a short time. Therefore, the user can select the icon object that has failed to be selected again without waiting for much time, and the convenience can be improved.

  Note that when the icon object approaches the user's viewpoint, the relative movement speed of the icon object with respect to the virtual camera may be controlled to be slow. In this way, it is possible to reduce the situation where the user fails to select the icon object in front of him.

2.5 Stereoscopic Display In this embodiment, the menu screen in FIG. 8 may be a so-called stereoscopic display. By doing so, the user's sense of reality can be further improved.

  Here, various known methods can be adopted as the stereoscopic viewing method. For example, a method using glasses or a method not using glasses may be used. As a method not using glasses, a volume type such as a varifocal mirror method or holography may be used, or a parallax type such as a lenticular method, a parallax barrier method, or an integral method may be used.

  Specifically, an anaglyph process is performed on the original image to generate a left-eye image and a right-eye image, and the user views the image with glasses with color filters, thereby realizing a stereoscopic display such as a menu screen. . Alternatively, stereoscopic display may be realized by providing an optical device such as a lenticular lens on the screen of the display unit 19 or the like. Alternatively, the left-eye image and the right-eye image may be alternately displayed for each frame, and the user may realize stereoscopic display by viewing the screen with glasses equipped with a liquid crystal shutter or the like.

  By performing the stereoscopic display of the menu screen in FIG. 8 in this way, it is possible to further increase the virtual reality of the user who feels as if he is floating in outer space. Further, for example, when the catch screen of FIG. 9 is displayed, the depth value of the icon object is set to the near side of the screen so that the icon object can be seen to pop out from the screen. Thereby, the variety degree of the image displayed can be increased.

3. Server System FIG. 26 shows a configuration example of the server system and content distribution system of the present embodiment. In FIG. 26, a plurality of terminal devices 20-1 to 20-n are connected to the server system 200 via the network 10. Then, the server system 200 distributes the content to the terminal devices 20-1 to 20-n via the network 10. The content distribution system includes, for example, a server system 200 and terminal devices 20-1 to 20-n.

  Here, the network 10 (distribution network, communication line) is, for example, a communication path using the Internet. In addition to a dedicated line (dedicated cable) for direct connection, a LAN using Ethernet (registered trademark), a telephone communication network, A communication network such as a cable network may be included. The communication method may be wired / wireless.

  The terminal devices 20-1 to 20-n are client terminals such as game devices (home game devices), content playback devices, televisions, portable terminal devices, personal computers, and the like.

  The server system 20 includes a processing unit 210, a storage unit 270, and a communication unit 296. Note that various modifications such as omitting some of these components or adding other components (for example, an operation unit) are possible.

  The processing unit 210 performs content distribution processing and system management processing. The functions of the processing unit 210 can be realized by a processor such as a CPU, a program that runs on the processor, or the like. This program is stored in a computer-readable information storage medium.

  The storage unit 270 (database) functions as a work area for the processing unit 210 and the communication unit 296, and the function can be realized by a RAM, an HDD, or the like.

  The communication unit 296 performs communication processing with the terminal devices 20-1 to 20-n (hereinafter referred to as the terminal device 20 as appropriate), and the function can be realized by a communication ASIC or firmware.

  The processing unit 210 includes a content distribution unit 212, a management processing unit 214, a billing processing unit 216, a menu object space setting unit 218, a keyword acquisition unit 220, a scene acquisition unit 222, a selection history acquisition unit 224, and a display processing unit 230. . Various modifications may be made such as omitting some of these components or adding other components.

  The content distribution unit 212 performs content (scene content) distribution processing. Specifically, in accordance with a request from the terminal device 20, content information is read from the content storage unit 272 and distributed to the terminal device 20 via the communication unit 296 and the network 10. This content distribution is, for example, a bucket relay method in which content data received from a content distribution source node is buffered in a storage unit, and the buffered content data is retransmitted to a content distribution destination node by a relay method. Also good.

  The management processing unit 214 performs various server management processes. The management information is stored in the management information storage unit 274. Various information (ID, password, billing information, etc.) about the user is stored in the user information storage unit 276.

  The billing processing unit 216 performs billing processing for content distribution. For example, when a user selects a scene and then requests distribution of video content including the scene, the user is charged.

  The menu object space setting unit 218 performs processing for setting the menu object space. Here, in the menu object space, each icon object of a plurality of icon objects for selecting content to be distributed is arranged and set at each three-dimensional position. Note that the terminal device may be in charge of part or all of the arrangement setting process of the menu object space.

  The keyword acquisition unit 220 performs a process of acquiring at least one keyword associated with each of a plurality of scenes constituting the video content. For example, by referring to the first database 278 and reading out a keyword (keyword ID) associated with the scene from the first database 278, the keyword acquisition process is realized.

  The scene acquisition unit 222 performs a process of acquiring at least one scene associated with each keyword of a plurality of keywords. For example, by referring to the second database 280 and reading out a scene (scene ID) associated with the keyword from the second database 280, a scene acquisition process is realized.

  The selection history acquisition unit 224 acquires a scene or keyword selection history by the user. For example, this selection history information is stored in the user information storage unit 276.

  When the user selects a scene, the display processing unit 230 performs a process for displaying a list of keywords associated with the selected scene on the display unit of the terminal device 20. When the user selects a keyword, a process for displaying a list of scenes associated with the selected keyword on the display unit of the terminal device 20 is performed. In addition, the display control unit 230 associates an image effect (production effect) representing a scene or keyword selection history by another user with the scene or keyword on the menu screen for the user to select the scene or keyword, and the terminal device Processing for displaying on the 20 display units is performed.

  The display processing unit 230 performs processing for displaying an image seen from the virtual camera in the menu object space on the display unit of the terminal device 20 as a menu screen. Further, processing for displaying various screens such as a catch screen, an open screen, and a scene playback screen on the display unit of the terminal device 20 is performed. For example, various screens such as a menu screen may be created on the server side, and the terminal device 20 may display various screens on the display unit of the terminal device 20 by accessing URLs of the created various screens. Alternatively, the server side creates image data (video data) of various screens such as a menu screen and transmits the image data to the terminal device 20, thereby displaying various screens such as the menu screen on the display unit of the terminal device 20. May be. In addition, creation processing and display processing of various screens may be realized by distributed processing on the server side and the terminal device side.

  In addition, a part or all of the processes of the virtual camera control unit 103, the display control unit 107, the sound control unit 108, the icon setting unit 110, and the position update unit 112 described in FIG. Also good. That is, a block having the same function as each block included in the processing unit 100 and the storage unit 170 in FIG. 1 may be provided in the processing unit 210 and the storage unit 270 of the server system 200.

  Although the present embodiment has been described in detail as described above, it will be easily understood by those skilled in the art that many modifications can be made without departing from the novel matters and effects of the present invention. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included in the scope of the present invention. For example, a term described together with a different term having a broader meaning or the same meaning at least once in the specification or the drawings can be replaced with the different term anywhere in the specification or the drawings. In this embodiment, keyword / scene acquisition method, keyword / scene display method, menu screen, catch screen, open screen display method, virtual camera control method, icon object control method, etc. It is not limited to what was demonstrated, The method equivalent to these is also contained in the scope of the present invention.

IOB icon object, VC virtual camera,
10 network, 20-1 to 20-n terminal device,
100 processing unit, 102 object space setting unit for menu,
103 virtual camera control unit, 104 keyword acquisition unit, 105 scene acquisition unit,
106 selection history acquisition unit, 107 display control unit, 108 sound control unit,
110 icon setting unit, 112 position updating unit, 160 operation unit, 170 storage unit,
172 Object data storage unit, 173 Icon object data storage unit,
174 Virtual camera data storage unit, 175 image data storage unit,
176 sound data storage unit, 177 drawing buffer, 178 content storage unit,
180 information storage medium, 182 first database, 184 second database,
190 display unit, 192 sound output unit, 194 auxiliary storage device, 196 communication unit,
200 server system, 210 processing unit, 212 content distribution unit,
214 management processing unit, 216 billing processing unit,
218 Object space setting unit for menu, 220 keyword acquisition unit,
222 scene acquisition unit, 224 selection history acquisition unit, 230 display processing unit,
270 storage unit, 272 content storage unit, 274 management information storage unit,
276 user information storage unit, 278 first database,
280 Second database, 296 communication unit

Claims (26)

A keyword acquisition unit for acquiring at least one keyword associated with each of a plurality of scenes constituting the video content;
A scene acquisition unit that acquires at least one scene associated with each keyword of the plurality of keywords;
Display control for displaying a list of keywords associated with the selected scene when the user selects a scene, and displaying a list of scenes associated with the selected keyword when the user selects a keyword And
An image generation system comprising: In claim 1,
The display control unit
An image generating system, wherein when a user selects a keyword, control is performed to display information related to the selected keyword or link destination information of the information to a site. In claim 1 or 2,
The display control unit
An image generation system that performs control to display a scene reproduction screen when a user performs a scene selection determination operation or selection operation. In claim 3,
The display control unit
Image generation characterized in that control is performed to display presentation effects representing evaluation information input by the user on the scene playback screen in association with the scene or keyword on a menu screen for the user to select a scene or keyword system. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 4,
Including a selection history acquisition unit for acquiring a selection history of a scene or a keyword by a user;
The display control unit
An image generation system that performs control to display a presentation effect representing a selection history of a scene or a keyword by another user in association with the scene or the keyword on a menu screen for the user to select the scene or the keyword. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 5,
The display control unit
An image generation system, wherein when a user selects a scene, control is performed to display another user's comment on the selected scene. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 6.
The display control unit
An image generation system that performs control to display another user's comment on a selected keyword when the user selects a keyword. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 7,
The image generation system according to claim 1, wherein the keyword is at least one keyword of a scene character, a scene location, a scene situation, and scene time information. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 8.
The display control unit
An image generation system, wherein when a user selects a keyword, control is performed to display another keyword related to the selected keyword. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 9,
Top keywords are given to groups of keywords,
The display control unit
An image generation system that performs control to display a high-order keyword assigned to a group to which a selected keyword belongs when a user selects a keyword. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 10.
The display control unit
An image generation system that controls to display a user keyword associated with a selected scene or keyword when the user selects a scene or keyword. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 11,
The display control unit
When an operation instruction in the first direction is made after a scene is selected by the user, other users' comments on the selected scene are displayed in a list, and an operation instruction in the second direction is made In this case, the image generation system is characterized in that control is performed to display a list of keywords associated with the selected scene. In any one of Claims 1 to 12,
The display control unit
When an operation instruction in the first direction is performed after the keyword is selected by the user, comments of other users for the selected keyword are displayed in a list, and an operation instruction in the second direction is performed In this case, the image generation system is characterized in that control is performed to display a list of scenes associated with the selected keyword. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 13.
A menu object space setting unit for setting a menu object space in which each icon object of a plurality of icon objects for selecting a scene or a keyword is arranged and set at each three-dimensional position;
A virtual camera control unit for controlling the virtual camera,
The display control unit
An image generation system that performs control to display an image seen from the virtual camera in the menu object space as a menu screen for selecting a scene or a keyword. In claim 14,
The display control unit
An image generation system that performs control to display an image that the icon object appears to move as viewed from the virtual camera as the menu screen. In claim 14 or 15,
The display control unit
When the user selects the icon object, the image generation system performs control to display an image in which the icon object looks close when viewed from the virtual camera. In claim 16,
The display control unit
An image generation system that controls to display an image in which the selected icon object is stationary and other icon objects appear to move. In any of claims 14 to 17,
The virtual camera control unit
An image generation system, wherein control is performed to move the virtual camera on a trajectory, and when the user selects the icon object, control is performed to bring the virtual camera closer to the selected icon object. In claim 18,
The virtual camera control unit
An image generation system for controlling the direction of the virtual camera toward the center of the trajectory with respect to a tangential direction of the trajectory. In any of claims 14 to 19,
Icon setting that sets, among the plurality of icon objects, icon objects that are within a predetermined distance range from the position of the virtual camera or a predetermined number of icon objects that are close to the position of the virtual camera as icon objects that can be selected by the user An image generation system including a section. In any of claims 14 to 20,
The display control unit
When an icon object is selected by a cursor operated by a user, a marker is displayed on the selected icon object so as to be identifiable, or display control is performed to change a moving speed or an image of the icon object. Image generation system. A device according to any one of claims 14 to 21.
The virtual camera control unit
An image generation system that controls at least one of a position and a direction of the virtual camera based on an operation of an operation unit by a user. A keyword acquisition unit for acquiring at least one keyword associated with each of a plurality of scenes constituting the video content;
A scene acquisition unit that acquires at least one scene associated with each keyword of the plurality of keywords;
Display control for displaying a list of keywords associated with the selected scene when the user selects a scene, and displaying a list of scenes associated with the selected keyword when the user selects a keyword As part
A program characterized by causing a computer to function.   24. A computer-readable information storage medium, wherein the program according to claim 23 is stored. A content distribution unit for distributing video content;
A keyword acquisition unit for acquiring at least one keyword associated with each of a plurality of scenes constituting the video content;
A scene acquisition unit that acquires at least one scene associated with each keyword of the plurality of keywords;
When the user selects a scene, the keywords associated with the selected scene are displayed in a list on the display unit of the terminal device. When the user selects a keyword, the scene associated with the selected keyword is A display processing unit that performs processing for displaying a list on the display unit of the terminal device;
A server system comprising: A content distribution unit for distributing video content;
A keyword acquisition unit for acquiring at least one keyword associated with each of a plurality of scenes constituting the video content;
A scene acquisition unit that acquires at least one scene associated with each keyword of the plurality of keywords;
When the user selects a scene, the keywords associated with the selected scene are displayed in a list on the display unit of the terminal device. When the user selects a keyword, the scene associated with the selected keyword is A display processing unit that performs processing for displaying a list on the display unit of the terminal device;
The terminal device having the display unit;
A content distribution system comprising:

Images