JP2022177718A - Server system and entertainment system - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a technology to adjust formation of a viewer group that views a content appropriately.SOLUTION: A server system provides a game play that can select an appearing character 6 of a viewing content 16 viewed in a viewing part as a game object in a game part prior to the viewing part. The server system manages the play information user by user. The play information includes the information for determining overall relationships between a game object character that changes according to a play result and a user. The server system creates a group by a plurality of users on the basis of the play information, and distributes data on a common viewing content to user terminals of users 2 in the same group. The user terminal receives an action operation for the viewing content 16. Interactive processing according to the action operation is executed in a unit of groups that have been matched.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

The present invention relates to a server system or the like that controls the progress of content including a plurality of progress parts.

2. Description of the Related Art Video game content, which is a typical example of entertainment content, includes various game elements added according to the play result. Game elements include items, in-game currency, skill enhancements such as imparting skills to player characters, the right to play new content (for example, the right to play new game stages), and the right to draw lots. Regardless of video games, the same is true for other entertainment content such as content that can be operated interactively. Since how to use game elements, especially how to use items, is regarded as one of the important interests of the entertainment contents, various ideas have been devised in the past.

For example, Patent Literature 1 discloses a technology that allows a user who watches video content to use a separately purchased item in a way that corresponds to a gift or gift to a content performer.

JP 2012-120098 A

Viewers have various motivations for viewing conventional video content. Viewers with low motivation rarely use the functions for sharing viewer actions such as "posting" and "commenting" in the viewing environment of video content. They are just watching, and their passive behavior may affect other users viewing the same video content. For example, in a case where multiple users simultaneously view the same video content in real time, such as live distribution, in contrast to viewing archived video content, the tendency of each user's viewer actions may become apparent.

Suppose there is a live broadcast, and the viewer group has a small number of highly motivated viewers and a large number of other viewers with low motivation. Then, from the viewpoint of highly motivated viewers, there are many viewers who are silently watching without taking any viewer action, creating a false atmosphere that ``maybe they have to watch quietly''. It could be. In some cases, there may be a case where the viewer refrains from taking the viewer action even though he/she wanted to take the viewer action positively. As a result, the opportunity to enjoy the user experience using the play elements is missed. In that case, the value of the game element decreases, and the attractiveness of the entertainment content itself decreases, creating an unfavorable cycle.

The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a technique for appropriately adjusting the formation of viewer groups for viewing content.

A first invention for solving the above-described problems is a server system that communicates with a user terminal and provides content including a plurality of progress parts to the user of the user terminal,
As one of the progression parts, a game part control unit (for example, the server system 1100 in FIG. 1, the server processing unit 200s in FIG. 15, the entertainment management unit 210, the game part control unit) that controls the game part in which the user enjoys the game play. unit 212, game part management data 703 in FIG. 24, step S8 in FIG. 28);
Play information management means (for example, server system 1100 in FIG. 1, play information management in FIG. 15) that manages the play information of each user and updates the play information of the user based on the user's game play in the game part section 214, play information 705 in FIG. 24, step S16 in FIG. 29);
Viewing part control means (for example, the server system in FIG. 1) controls the progress of the viewing part by distributing data of a given viewing content to a plurality of user terminals and allowing a plurality of users to view the common viewing content. 1100, the viewing part control unit 220 in FIG. 15, and steps S64 to S66 in FIG. 28),
The viewing part control means
Matching means (for example, the server system 1100 in FIG. 1, the matching processing unit 228 in FIG. 15, steps S102 to S110 in FIG. 30) that creates a plurality of groups by matching the users based on the play information;
interactive processing means for causing the user terminal to accept an action operation on the viewing content by the user and controlling execution of interactive processing according to the action operation on the viewing content, wherein the group matched by the matching means. A server system having interactive processing means (for example, the server system 1100 in FIG. 1, the interactive processing unit 223s in FIG. 15, and steps S162 to S164 in FIG. 31) that controls to perform the interactive processing in units. .

In a second aspect of the invention, the play information includes familiarity equivalent information (for example, relationship data 713 in FIG. 24) for each character appearing in the game part, and the matching means includes the Matching of the user is performed using the intimacy equivalent information (for example, the relationship based on the play results that are the basis of the comprehensive relationship in FIG. 8, the determination of the “preferred” character based on the comprehensive relationship in FIG. 9, and the (Selection of viewing contents 16 in which characters 6 appear) is the server system of the first invention.

In a third aspect of the invention, the viewing content is content in which a given character appears, and the matching means matches the user using the familiarity equivalent information with respect to the character. 2 is a server system of the invention.

In a fourth aspect of the invention, the viewing contents include a plurality of viewing contents with different characters appearing therein, and the matching means determines the degree of intimacy with the appearing character for each of the characters appearing in each of the plurality of viewing contents. The viewing part control means performs the matching by creating a group of users whose corresponding information satisfies a predetermined condition, and the viewing part control means performs the matching in units of groups of users whose familiarity equivalent information satisfies the predetermined condition. A server system according to a third aspect of the invention for viewing the viewing content that appears.

In any one of the first to fourth inventions, the user can play the game in the game part, and the server system manages the play information for each user.

The play information is information for estimating how the user, who is the player, is interested in the details of the viewing content. For example, it is possible to infer the user's preferences to some extent based on which type of character he or she often plays in a breeding game in which a plurality of characters appear. It can be said that you can guess the type of character you are interested in.

If the character appearing in the viewing content is of the user's favorite type, the user's motivation for viewing the content will be high. Conversely, if the characters appearing in the viewing content are not of the user's favorite type, motivation will be low. If the characters that can be played in the play part and the characters that appear in the viewing content in the viewing part are common, the accuracy of such guesses will be very high.

Therefore, the server system can adjust the configuration of the viewer group by matching users who view the same viewing content based on the play information while providing the viewing part in which the user can view the viewing content. Then, within the same viewer group, interactive effects of action operations performed by viewers on viewing content can be shared.

By appropriately performing the adjustment, it is possible to avoid a situation in which viewers who do not take viewing actions refrain from taking actions and the atmosphere of viewing does not become lively. It also helps to analyze each viewer's evaluation of the viewing content because the group of users who are viewers can be tailored.

A fifth invention is the server system according to any one of the first to third inventions, wherein the viewing part control means allows viewing of the viewing contents that are different for each group.

According to the fifth invention, different viewing contents can be viewed for each group.

A sixth invention is the server system according to any one of the first to third inventions, wherein the viewing part control means allows different groups to view the same viewing content.
is.

According to the sixth aspect, even if the groups are different, the same viewing content can be viewed.

In a seventh aspect of the present invention, each of the progress parts has a predetermined period during which the progress part can progress (for example, an executable period TA and a viewable period VA in FIG. 3), and the plurality of progress parts includes a plurality of sets of said play part at least once and said viewing part at least once.

According to the seventh invention, the play of the progression part is time-restricted, and the user is encouraged to actively and continuously play the content. In addition, it is possible to add a once-in-a-lifetime element to the viewing of the viewing content, and an effect of increasing the motivation for viewing the viewing content can be expected.

In an eighth aspect of the invention, the game part control means controls so that the user can acquire a game element in the game part, and the interactive processing means receives the action operation using the game element, The server system according to any one of the first to seventh inventions performs interactive processing based on the game elements (for example, manual interactive processing described in FIG. 11, steps S190 to S200 in FIG. 33).

According to the eighth invention, the user can experience a new way of enjoying using the game element acquired in the game part in the action operation in the viewing part. Conversely, in order to perform action operations as desired in the viewing part, it is necessary to work hard in the game play of the playing part, which increases the user's sense of purpose and motivation for the playing part. .

A ninth invention is an eighth invention, wherein the play information management means manages the information of the game element acquired by each user by including it in the play information (for example, acquired game element data 720 in FIG. 24). server system.

According to the ninth invention, it is possible to adjust the audience group based on the information about which game element the user has acquired and how much he/she owns.

In the tenth invention, the game element is associated with the type of viewing content that can be used for the action operation (for example, usable situation 533 of usage restriction setting data 530 in FIG. 17, use restriction setting 725), the interactive processing means receives the action operation using the play element associated with the type of the viewing content being viewed by the user (for example, step S194 in FIG. 33), The server system according to the eighth or ninth.

According to the tenth invention, it is possible to adjust the audience group based on the information about which game element the user has acquired and how much of which game element is owned, and to adjust the viewing content for the game element. Usage restrictions can be given according to the type. Therefore, users who want to enjoy viewing while performing action operations using game elements are given the interest of considering which viewing content to view based on the game elements they have acquired. Paradoxically, in order to perform an action operation using a game element in the viewing content, it is necessary to acquire the corresponding game element in the game part. It can also be expected to give the user a sense of purpose, increase motivation in the play part, and increase excitement in the play part.

In the eleventh invention, the game element is associated with a character that can be used for the action operation (for example, a character that can be used in the use restriction setting 725 in FIG. 24), and the viewing content is a given It is a content in which characters appearing in
The interactive processing means receives the action operation using the game element associated with the appearing character appearing in the viewing content being viewed by the user (for example, step S194 in FIG. 33). It is a server system of the ninth invention.

According to the eleventh aspect, the user can adjust the viewer group based on the information about which game element the user has acquired and how much it is possessed, and the user can adjust the viewing content with respect to the game element. Use restrictions can be given based on the relationship with the characters that appear.

Therefore, for users who want to enjoy viewing while performing action operations using game elements, it is necessary to consider which appearing characters to perform action operations on based on the play elements they have acquired, and which appearance characters to perform action operations on. It is interesting to consider whether to view the viewing content in which the character appears.

In a twelfth invention, the game part control means controls so that the user can acquire a game element in the game part, and the interactive processing means receives the action operation using the game element, A seventh invention, wherein interactive processing is performed based on the game elements, and the play information management means manages the information of the game elements acquired by each user by including the information on the game elements in the play information (for example, step S200 in FIG. 33). server system.

According to the twelfth invention, the computer system can manage the information of the game elements involved in the interactive processing as part of the play information.

In a thirteenth aspect of the invention, the content includes one or a plurality of sets of the progression part including the play part one or more times and the progression part including the viewing part one or more times, The server system according to the twelfth invention, wherein the play information management means resets the information of the play elements owned by each user when the set ends.

According to the thirteenth invention, the user cannot carry over the acquired game element 8 across sets of progression parts. The user must reacquire the game element 8 in the game part 13 from "0" when starting the next set. Therefore, it is possible to encourage the user 2 to always play the game with a positive sense of purpose, and to keep the motivation of the user 2 high.

A fourteenth invention is an entertainment system comprising the server system of any one of the first to thirteenth inventions (for example, the server system 1100B of FIG. 34) and the user terminal.

According to the fourteenth invention, it is possible to realize an entertainment system that exhibits the same effects as those of the first invention.

The figure which shows the structural example of an entertainment system. The front view which shows the structural example of a user terminal. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a part configuration example of entertainment content; The figure for demonstrating a game part. A diagram for explaining an example of a game mission. The figure for demonstrating a game element. A diagram for explaining an example of how characters are associated with game elements. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the user and the characters that appear in the viewing content; FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining determination of a viewer group of users who view the same viewing content; A diagram for explaining a viewing part. A diagram for explaining manual interactive processing. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining how the relationship between a participating character and an instruction target character affects the details of viewing content. FIG. 1 is a diagram (part 1) for explaining automatic interactive processing; FIG. 2 is a diagram (part 2) for explaining automatic interactive processing; FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing a functional configuration example of a server system according to the first embodiment; FIG. 4A and 4B are diagrams showing examples of programs and data stored in a server storage unit according to the first embodiment; FIG. The figure which shows the data structural example of game element definition data. The figure which shows the data structural example of game part definition data. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a data configuration example of viewing part definition data; FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a data configuration example of viewing content initial setting data; Diagram showing a data configuration example of applicable requirements included in interactive process definition data FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a data configuration example of process content data included in interactive process definition data; The figure which shows the data structural example of entertainment management data. The figure which shows the data structural example of game part management data. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing a functional configuration example of a user terminal according to the first embodiment; FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of programs and data stored in a terminal storage unit according to the first embodiment; The figure which shows the data structural example of viewing-and-listening part management data. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of processing executed by a server system and a user terminal related to execution of one piece of entertainment content; A flow chart for explaining the flow of processing executed by the server system in the game part processing. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of processing executed by server system 1100 in viewing part processing. Flowchart continued from FIG. 4 is a flow chart for explaining the flow of processing after viewing content selection in the viewing part client processing executed by the user terminal; Flowchart continued from FIG. FIG. 11 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a server system according to the second embodiment; FIG. The figure which shows the data structural example of the entertainment management data in 2nd Embodiment. FIG. 11 is a functional block diagram showing an example functional configuration of a user terminal according to the second embodiment; FIG. 11 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a server system according to a third embodiment; FIG. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of programs and data stored in a server storage unit according to the third embodiment; FIG. 11 is a functional block diagram showing an example of functional configuration of a user terminal according to the third embodiment; The figure which shows the example of the program and data which the terminal memory|storage part in 3rd Embodiment memorize|stores. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a data configuration example of composite definition data; The figure which shows the data structural example of evolution definition data.

Although examples of embodiments of the present invention will be described below, it goes without saying that the forms to which the present invention can be applied are not limited to the following embodiments.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an entertainment system.
The entertainment system 1000 is a system that includes a server system 1100 and a user terminal 1500 of each user that can communicate with the server system 1100, and that allows the user terminal 1500 to play entertainment content. Although only two user terminals 1500 are depicted in FIG. 1, one or more user terminals 1500 can participate in the entertainment system 1000 in actual system operation.

In the entertainment system 1000, the server system 1100 and the user terminals 1500 are connected via the network 9 so as to be able to communicate data, and the user terminals 1500 are also connected via the network 9 so as to be able to communicate data.

A network 9 means a communication channel capable of data communication. That is, the network 9 includes a dedicated line (dedicated cable) for direct connection, a LAN (Local Area Network) such as Ethernet (registered trademark), a telephone communication network, a cable network, and a communication network such as the Internet. , and the communication method may be wired or wireless.

User 2 (2a, 2b, . . . ) uses user terminal 1500 (1500a, 1500b, . After completing the user registration procedure, the user becomes a registered user, that is, a member. Then, by going through a predetermined sign-in procedure using the unique user account (sign name) set at the time of registration, the user terminal 1500 is incorporated into the entertainment system 1000 and the system becomes online. Also, by going through a predetermined sign-out procedure, the user withdraws from the system and goes offline.

The server system 1100 is a computer system having, for example, a main device 1101 , a keyboard 1106 , a touch panel 1108 , and a storage 1140 , and a control board 1150 mounted on the main device 1101 .

The control board 1150 includes various microprocessors such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 1151, a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), and a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), various IC memories 1152 such as VRAM, RAM, and ROM, and a communication device 1153. It is Part or all of the control board 1150 may be implemented by an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or SoC (System on a Chip).

Then, the server system 1100 has (1) a user management function for managing information related to user registration and the like, and (2) providing entertainment content to the user by the control board 1150 performing arithmetic processing based on a predetermined program and data. (3) Membership services other than playing entertainment content (e.g., posting and viewing play videos, providing chat space, online shopping for items used in entertainment content, etc.) To realize a member service providing function.

Note that the server system 1100 is depicted as if it were a single server device, but it may also be implemented by a plurality of devices. For example, the server system 1100 may have a configuration in which a plurality of blade servers sharing each function are installed and connected to each other via an internal bus so as to enable data communication. Moreover, the installation location of the hardware constituting the server system 1100 does not matter. A plurality of independent servers installed at remote locations may be configured to function as a server system 1100 as a whole by performing data communication via the network 9 .

The user terminal 1500 is a computer system used by the user 2 who has undergone the registration procedure to use the entertainment system 1000 of this embodiment, and can access the server system 1100 and other user terminals 1500 via the network 9. It is an electronic device (electronic device).

FIG. 2 is a front view showing a configuration example of the user terminal 1500. As shown in FIG.
A user terminal 1500 includes direction input keys 1502, button switches 1504, a touch panel 1506 functioning as an image display device and contact position input device, a built-in battery 1509, a speaker 1510, a microphone 1512, a camera 1520, and a control board. 1550, and a memory card reader 1542 capable of reading and writing data from a memory card 1540, which is a computer-readable storage medium. In addition, a power button, a volume control button, etc., which are not shown, are provided. Also, an IC card reader or the like that can read and write data contactlessly with respect to an IC card-type credit card or prepaid card that can be used to pay for the use of the entertainment system 1000 may be provided.

The control board 1550 includes (1) a CPU 1551, various microprocessors such as GPU and DSP, (2) various IC memories 1552 such as VRAM, RAM, and ROM, and (3) a mobile phone base station connected to the network 9 and a wireless LAN. A wireless communication module 1553 for wireless communication with a base station or the like, (4) an interface circuit 1557, and the like are mounted.

Interface circuit 1557 includes (1) a driver circuit for touch panel 1506, (2) a circuit for receiving signals from direction input key 1502 and button switch 1504, (3) an output amplifier circuit for outputting audio signals to speaker 1510, ( 4) an input signal generation circuit for generating a signal of sound collected by the microphone 1512; (5) a circuit for inputting image data of an image captured by the camera 1520; circuit, etc.

These elements mounted on the control board 1550 are electrically connected via a bus circuit or the like so as to be able to read/write data and transmit/receive signals. Part or all of the control board 1550 may be configured by ASIC, FPGA, or SoC. Then, the control board 1550 stores programs and various data in the IC memory 1552 for realizing functions as a user terminal.

In this embodiment, the user terminal 1500 is configured to download programs and various setting data from the server system 1100, but may be configured to read from a storage medium such as a memory card 1540 that is separately obtained.

The user terminal 1500 shown in FIG. 2 is a device called a so-called smartphone, but if it is a computer system, it can be a wearable computer such as a smart watch or smart glasses, a portable game device, a home game device, a tablet type, or a smart watch. A computer, personal computer, or the like may be used. When a plurality of electronic devices, such as a combination of a smartphone and a smartwatch communicatively connected to the smartphone, perform one function by being communicatively connected, these plurality of electronic devices are regarded as one user terminal 1500. be able to.

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a part configuration example of entertainment content. Entertainment content consists of a series of progression parts. The progression parts include a first progression part 11 that must be played and a second progression part 12 that becomes executable after the first progression part 11.例文帳に追加Whether or not to play the second progression part 12 is left to the player. The entertainment content is repeated in multiple sets, with the first progression part 11 and the subsequent second progression part 12 being one set. Overall, the story as entertainment progresses and develops along the time axis. Although only two sets are shown in FIG. 3, the entertainment content may be composed of only one set or three or more sets.

Each of the first progress parts 11 has executable periods TA and TB (for example, six days from Monday to Saturday) set therein. 13. The plurality of play parts 13 (13a, 13b, . . . ) may have a series of story flows as a whole, or may have a complete situation. As an example of the former case, the first day of the story, the second day, . . . As an example of the latter, each game part 13 depicts a training item or a situation for each learning subject, or a different game genre (the first is action, the second is shooting, the third is puzzle, etc.). ) is applicable.

The second progression part 12 (12a, 12b, . . . ) is a viewing part 15 (15a, 15b, . . . ) in which one or more viewing contents 16 can be viewed.
The second progression part 12 can be executed within a predetermined period from the end of the period of the first progression part 11 of the same set. In other words, the second progression part 12 is set with viewable periods VA and VB, respectively. In the example of FIG. 3, one second progression part 12 is depicted as one viewing part 15, but it may be composed of a series of multiple viewing parts 15 with different executable periods.

One viewing part 15 has one or more viewing contents 16 (16a, 16b, . . . ).
Each viewing content 16 is a video content depicting a story that follows the story unfolded in the play part 13 of the first progress part 11 that is set immediately before, along the time axis. This is the setting for viewing the distribution of video content as

One or more appearing characters appear in the viewing content 16 . The main character among the appearing characters is selected from the candidate characters from which the user selects the player character (game target character) in the game part 13 .

In each viewing content 16, situations drawn using characters appearing may be common or different.
For example, the viewing content 16 may have a common setting of performing a "singing live show in which appearing characters sing and dance to a predetermined song" as a place for demonstrating the singing and dancing abilities that have been improved in the immediately preceding play part 13. A plurality of viewing contents 16 may be prepared with different combinations of characters.

Of course, one viewing part 15 may include viewing contents 16 in different situations. For example, a plurality of viewing contents 16 with different combinations of appearing characters depicting "singing live show in which appearing characters sing and dance to a predetermined song" and "appearing characters participating in variety programs and teaming up to compete in team battles" ” may be mixed with a plurality of viewing contents 16 having different combinations of appearing characters.

Information on the part configuration of such entertainment content is set in advance as progressing part configuration data 511 .

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the game part 13. As shown in FIG.
In one game part 13, a user who is a player performs a selection phase 21 in which one or more game characters 60 are selected from among a plurality of candidate characters before the start of play, and the selected game characters 60 are used. It includes one or more sets of a play phase 22 in which game play is performed and an acquisition phase 23 in which game elements are acquired according to the game play result.

The genre and contents of the game in the play phase 22 can be appropriately set. The content of the game can be appropriately selected from various game genres such as action games, breeding games, puzzle games, role-playing games, and tactical simulation games. The game genre may be different for each play part 13 .

For example, if the game target character 60 aims to be an idol, and the user is in the position of a breeder, in a breeding game, in the play phase 22, the play target character 60 is trained to improve its abilities as an idol. The play target character 60 is made to undergo various trainings. In addition, by using items, the game character 60 is made to eat, sometimes goes shopping together, and is given presents to keep the character 60 in good mood. A part of the play result includes a relationship parameter value (equivalent to closeness in the case of a breeding game) between the user and the play target character 60, and in addition to improving the ability parameter value of the play target character 60, this relationship parameter One of the goals of the game is to improve the value.

It should be noted that the relationship parameter values are prepared not only when the content of the play part 13 is a breeding game, but also depending on the content of the game, the name is not limited to the familiarity equivalent value, but the reliability, loyalty, friendship, etc. , hostility, similarity, and so on.

The content of the game play includes content in the form of a game mission from the playable character 60 .
FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining an example of a game mission. The game mission is in game form. In the example of FIG. 5, the user refers to the musical score 17 displayed on the game screen W6 while playing back the music, and inputs a predetermined operation in time with the rhythm of the music, and the play result is determined by how well the timing matches. . The ability of the play target character 60 is improved according to the play result, the relationship parameter value is changed, and the play element 8 can be acquired by completing the game mission.

Returning to FIG. 4 , when the play phase 22 ends, the game moves to the acquisition phase 23 , and the play element 8 is given to the user according to the play results in the play phase 22 .

How to show the acquisition of the play element 8 (situation in which the play element 8 is acquired) can be appropriately set according to the contents of the game. For example, after playing the game, you may go shopping with the playable character 60 and use a lottery machine at the shop you visit to obtain the item. A lottery device may appear and a lottery may be performed to win the game element 8. - 特許庁Alternatively, the game object character 60 may give a present as a reward for coaching in the play phase 22 . In any case, it is based on the play results in the play phase 22 , and based on the operation input by the user 2 on the play target character 60 , the user is controlled to acquire the play element 8 . Note that the play phase 22 and the acquisition phase 23 may appear to be integrated. In that case, the acquisition phase 23 may be included as an event included in the play phase 22 .

The play element 8 is an element that can be used in the play part 13 and viewing part 15 . As shown in FIG. 6, a plurality of types of game elements 8 (8a, 8b, . . . ) are prepared. One type of game element 8 is associated with information such as a game element type, game element category, corresponding character, rarity level, attribute, use restriction, and the like.

For example, as examples of categories of play elements 8 that can be used in the play part 13, (1) character items that can be used by the play target character 60 in the play part 13, (2) players and play target characters 60 , Acquired items, ability improvement rights related to at least one,
etc.

Character items can be appropriately set according to the game genre of the play part 13 . For example, in the case of a breeding game, the game elements 8 may be items (for example, costumes, weapons, etc.) equipped or possessed by the character, food for the character to be played, gifts favored by the character to be played, support NPCs, and the like.

The contents of the ability improvement when activating/using the ability improvement right are, for example, level up, granting skills, leveling up the granted skills, granting abilities, improving ability parameter values, distributing ability points, evolution, synthesis , etc., and the name and content thereof can be appropriately set according to the content of the game part 13 . In the game part 13, it is preferable to add a new movement pattern to the game target character 60 or release the ability in response to the improvement of the ability.

Also, for example, as an example of the category of the play element 8 that can be used in the viewing content 16 of the viewing part 15,
(1) Character items that can change the appearance of characters,
(2) Character items that can be possessed by the appearing character (3) Action patterns that can change various actions including the facial expression of the appearing character,
(4) Ability improvement right that can change the ability parameter value of the appearing character,
(5) background objects/background images/effects capable of changing the background of the viewing content 16;
(6) Viewing action items that can be used in viewer actions performed by the user in the viewing part 15 (actions performed with the intention of cheering on characters appearing in the viewing content 16, such as "tipping", "comment", and "evaluation");
(7) cheering goods used by user avatars appearing in viewing part 15;
(8) a special cheering motion applied to the user avatar;
etc. It should be noted that the manner in which the game element 8 is presented to the user can be set as appropriate, and may be, for example, like a game card.

The corresponding character is a character associated with each game element 8 , and is one or a plurality of characters appearing in the game part 13 .
FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining an example of how characters are associated with game elements 8. As shown in FIG.
For example, as shown in FIG. 7A, if the game element 8 is the item 5 dedicated to a certain character, the character associated with the game element 8 is a dedicated character 71 . The item 5 and the dedicated character 71 are represented by a common visual (for example, game card pattern) related to one game element 8 . On the other hand, an item 5 that can be used universally and whose use is not limited to a specific character or situation is regarded as a visual of one game element 8 by itself without including the dedicated character 71 .

As shown in FIGS. 7(2) to 7(4), general-purpose items are associated with participating characters 7 involved in obtaining the item.
For example, as shown in FIG. 7(2), if the item 5 (5d) of the game element 8 (8d) is a gift from the game character 60, the game character 60 who is the giver corresponds as the participating character 7. attached. Since the play target character 60 is selected by the user at the start of the play part 13, focusing on the setting of the participating character 7, the participating character 7 (strictly speaking, A character that can be the participating character 7) is selected.

For example, like item 5 (5f) of game element 8 (8f) in FIG. 7(3) and item 5 (5g) of game element 8 (8g) in FIG. If it is an item obtained when and goes shopping together, the play target character 60 who is a companion is associated as the participating character 7 . As another example, there may be a situation in which the user purchases exclusive items for each character 6 in a shopping event that occurs in the game part 13 . In this case, the appearing character 6 corresponding to the purchased game element 8 becomes the character associated with the game element 8 . In other words, the participating character 7 is a character who is highly involved in the situation in which the game element 8 is acquired.

The elements that describe the application requirements that must be met in order for the usage restrictions to be applied and the details of the usage restrictions that apply when the applicable requirements are met are as follows:
(1) The date and time when the game element 8 was acquired (either date and time in the real world or in the game world),
(2) Situation where game element 8 is acquired,
(3) the type and number of characters involved in acquiring the game element 8;
(4) the type of character for which the play element 8 is used;
(5) the relationship between the character using the play element 8 and the participating characters;
(6) Skills and ability parameter values required for the character using the game element 8,
(7) available situations;
(8) expiration date,
(9) the type, extent, and duration of action and effect;
(10) setting the relationship between the character involved in acquiring the play element 8 and the character using the play element 8;
and the like can be appropriately selected and used. It should be noted that a substantial "unlimited" setting is also possible for the specific settings of these elements.

By appropriately setting the "date and time when the play element 8 was acquired", it is possible to set usage restrictions limited to the play element 8 acquired during a specific time period or a specific period.

By appropriately setting the "situation where the game element 8 is acquired", different use restrictions can be set for each acquired situation.

By appropriately setting the "type and number of participating characters involved in the acquisition of the play element 8", even if the same play element 8 is involved, depending on which character is involved in the acquired situation, the content of usage restrictions can also be set differently.

By appropriately setting the "type of character for which the game element 8 is used", the game element 8 can be set to limit the use target.

The "relationship between the character using the play element 8 and the participating character involved in acquiring the play element 8" is, for example, unlimited, limited to participating characters, and the friendship parameter value between the used character and the participating character is a threshold value. It can be limited to the above case, limited to the case where the character used and the participating character 7 belong to the same team, and the like.

By setting the "relationship between the character using the play element 8 and the participating character involved in acquiring the play element 8" in an appropriate combination with the "kind, degree and duration of the effect", the play element 8 Depending on the relationship between the character used and the participating character involved in obtaining the game element, it is possible to set usage restrictions with different effects even for the same game element 8 .

The "usable situations" may be limited to the play part 13, limited to the viewing part 15, limited to a specific period of the viewing part 15 (for example, during an interlude of music), limited to the category of the viewing content 16, and the like. may be

When the "expiration date" expires, the game element 8 cannot be used. Note that the user may be able to extend or update the expiration date by paying a separate fee (for example, billing, consumption of the item, etc.). By appropriately combining the use-by date and the setting of the type, degree, and duration of the effect, it is possible to set the elapsed time from acquisition, or the effect to be reduced or eliminated after a predetermined period of time. Become.

FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the user and the play target character 60, that is, the appearing character 6 appearing in the viewing content 16. As shown in FIG.

The overall relationship between the user and the characters appearing in the viewing content 16 is determined from the relationship represented by the relationship parameter value based on the play results in the game part 13 and the acquisition status of the game element 8. It is represented by sex and. The acquisition status of the play element 8 includes the acquisition status for each character in which the play element 8 already acquired by the user 2 is classified by associated character (by character that can use the play element 8). . Then, as described below, a group of users viewing the same viewing content 16 in viewing part 15 is determined based on this comprehensive relationship.

FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the determination of the viewer group 3 of users who view the same viewing content 16. As shown in FIG.
When the first progression part 11 is finished, the second progression part 12 of the same set is ready to run. The second progression part 12 is a viewing part 15, in which a plurality of types of viewing contents 16 with different combinations of appearing characters are prepared, from which the user selects at least one to view.

The operator of the entertainment system 1000 sets a predetermined viewing start date and time for each of the viewing parts 15 . The viewing start date and time are notified to the user by publication on a predetermined website, a predetermined schedule confirmation function realized by the entertainment content, or the like.

For example, "1st talk show: 18:00 to 19:00 on May 5". The user selects the desired viewing of the viewing content 16 to be viewed in the viewing part 15 and makes a play reservation before the start of the viewing start date and time. This can be called viewing application.

Among the viewing contents 16 prepared in the executable viewing part 15, the desired viewing option is a character whose comprehensive relationship of the user satisfies a given standard as the appearing character 6 (6a, 6b, . . . ). The viewing content 16 to be viewed is selected and determined.

For example, a plurality of types of viewing contents 16 are prepared for the "first talk show". These viewing contents 16 have a common genre of talk show, and a common topic is memories related to "Children's Day" when they were children. different.

In the example of FIG. 9, in the example of the comprehensive relationship of the user 2 (2a), the comprehensive relationship with the appearing character 6e among the five types of appearing characters 6 (6a, 6b, . . . ) satisfies the criterion. In other words, the appearing character 6e corresponds to the user's favorite character, that is, the so-called "preferred character".

Therefore, for the user 2 (2a), the viewing contents 16 (16a, 16b) including the appearing character 6e as the main character are selected and used as options for desired viewing selection. For the user 2 (2a), since the viewing content 16 in which the "preferred" character 6e appears is automatically presented as an option, any character other than the "preferred" character 6e appears. or what kind of situation the contents are.

In this way, by presenting the desired viewing option to the user based on the comprehensive relationship, it is possible to adjust the user composition of the viewer group 3 as a result.
For example, when focusing attention on a certain viewing content 16, a viewer group 3 can be formed in which users with high viewing motivation gather who "prefer" an appearance character 6 appearing in the viewing content. Paradoxically speaking, it can also be said that the audience group 3 is formed by extracting the users who "prefer" the appearing character 6, and matching is performed.

Of course, the viewer group 3 is not always composed of 100% of users who "prefer" the characters that appear. For example, when there is little difference in the overall relationship and there is no particularly favorite character like the user 2 (2b), there is no superiority or inferiority due to the difference in appearance characters of the viewing content 16 . Therefore, the user 2 (2b) is presented with all the prepared viewing contents 16 (16a, 16b, . . . ) as viewing options. The choice depends on the mood of user 2 (2b). Viewer group 3 may also include, to some extent, users who have thus become viewers of the viewing content 16 .

Nevertheless, the excitement when viewing the viewing content 16 (appearing in the number and content of viewer actions during viewing) is such that the viewer group 3 is the majority of users who do not "prefer" the appearance character 6. It is clear that there will be a lot of excitement compared to the formed case and the case in which a small number of users "prefer" the characters that appear as a result of randomly grouping users.

Note that the process of presenting options for the viewing content 16 to be viewed to the user 2 who wishes to play the viewing part 15 and allowing the user 2 to select is omitted, and the server system 1100 substantially designates the viewing content 16. may be Only one option of the viewing content 16 is selected, and the viewing content 16 is selected and determined by the user 2 when the user 2 wishes to play the viewing part 15 . When a view is changed centering on the viewing contents 16, a user 2 who is highly likely to be interested in the contents of the viewing contents 16 and has a high viewing motivation is extracted for each viewing contents 16 based on the comprehensive relationship, and views the viewing contents 16.例文帳に追加It can also be said that a person group 3 is formed.

Also, the viewing contents 16 prepared for one viewing part 15 do not need to have the same situation. That is, the viewing content 16 associated with one viewing part 15 may have different appearance characters 6 and different situations. For example, "1st talk show: 18:00 to 19:00 on May 5" and "1st dance competition: 18:00 to 19:00 on May 5" may be set. The latter is a place to clarify the training result in the previous game part 13.

In this case, even if the viewing part 15 is the same, the content viewed by the user 2 differs depending on the user 2, so it will become a hot topic in the user community of the user 2 after viewing. Then, it is possible to activate the user community and enhance the attractiveness of the entertainment content. In addition, it is also possible to provide a so-called “replay” element that makes the user 2 want to play the entertainment content again.

FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the viewing part 15. As shown in FIG.
Viewing of the viewing content 16 in the viewing part 15 adopts a format in which the users 2 of the viewer group 3 view the same viewing content 16 at the same time. That is, to the user terminal 1500 of the user 2 who wishes to view certain viewing content 16, data (content data) for executing viewing of the viewing content 16 desired to be viewed is distributed from the server system 1100. FIG. Then, at the arrival of the previously announced viewing start date and time, each user terminal 1500 forms a stage of the viewing content 16 in the virtual three-dimensional space, and the appearing characters are arranged there. Objects in the virtual three-dimensional space, including the actions of appearing characters, are controlled according to a predetermined scenario. This state is photographed and rendered by a virtual camera placed in the virtual three-dimensional space, and the image becomes the original image of the viewing screen W10 (W10a, W10b) of the viewing content 16. FIG.

During viewing, when the user 2 (user 2b in the example of FIG. 10) who is a viewer performs viewer actions such as "money tip", "comment", and "evaluation", the information is shared within the same viewer group 3. be done. Then, on each user terminal 1500, a display body corresponding to the viewer action (for example, a display body 30 corresponding to "comment" displaying comment text, a display body 31 corresponding to "money tipping" imitating the insertion of a coin, etc.) , etc.) are displayed interactively. These are collectively referred to as "shared interactive processing". The shared interactive process allows users 2 of the same audience group 3 to have a user experience as if they were watching the same live broadcast together with other users (members of the audience group).

On the other hand, the display mode, behavior, ability parameter values, possessed items, etc. of the appearing character 6 placed in the virtual three-dimensional space controlled by each user terminal 1500 change interactively locally (each user terminal 1500). . In other words, the basic contents of the viewing content 16 are common to the members of the viewer group 3, but details such as the display mode of the appearing character 6 differ from user to user.

Local interactive changes are reflected in the content of viewing content 16 as a result of manual interactive processing and automatic interactive processing being performed.

FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining manual interactive processing.
In the manual interactive processing, the user 2, while viewing the viewing content 16, performs a predetermined operation for which the game element 8 that has already been acquired is used as a consideration, so that the viewing content 16 is influenced in accordance with the game element 8 as consideration. Interactive viewer action on content.

Specifically, it is detected that the user 2 touches any of the appearing characters 6 on the viewing screen W11bf, and the character is set as the "instruction target character 32". Alternatively, when a predetermined viewer action start operation is detected, a list of appearing characters 6 may be displayed and an instruction target character 32 may be selected by performing a touch operation from the list.

Next, a list 34 of acquired game elements 8 that can be used by the target character 32 is presented to the user 2 to accept selection of which game element 8 to use.
The conditions for selecting the game element 8 to be displayed in the list 34 can be used not only for the instruction target character 32, but also can be added as appropriate. For example, the participating character 7 is the same as the instructed character 32, and the participating character 7 and the instructed character 32 belong to the same idol production or the same idol team in the fictional world of the game part 13. There may be cases where conditions for selection include the fact that the

The acquired game element 8 displayed in the list 34 is a game element associated with the viewing content 16 being viewed or the viewing part 15 being executed from among all the acquired game elements owned by the user 2. 8 is primarily searched, and the play elements 8 that can be used by the indicated character 32 are determined by secondary searching from among the results of the primary search. The play element 8 selected by the user from the list 34 is set as the "instructed game element" which is the consideration for the viewer action to be realized from now on, and the content of the interactive processing determined based on the instructed game element is determined by viewing. It is reflected in the content of the viewing content 16 inside.

For example, in the example of FIG. 11, the appearance character 6e is selected as the instruction target character 32 on the viewing screen W11bf before reflection. In the viewing screen W11af after the user 2 selects the "muffler" game element 8 from the list 34 as the instruction target game element 80, the appearing character 6e possesses the "muffler" and the display mode is "muffler". (indicated by the upper white arrow of the two white arrows in FIG. 11). In other words, the instruction target character 32 equips the play element 8 provided by the user 2 .

Further, when the user avatar 36 of the user 2 appears on the viewing screen W11bf before reflection, the user 2 can select the user avatar 36 as the instruction target character 32 . In that case, when a play element 8 that can be used by the user avatar is selected from the list 34 as a target play element 80, interactive processing associated with the selected play element 8 is performed on the viewing screen W11af after reflection. executed. In the example of FIG. 11, the user avatar 36 is making an "action of waving a penlight" (indicated by the lower white arrow of the two white arrows in FIG. 11).

Similarly, if the content of the acquired game element 8 selected from the list 34 is an emote, the instructed character 32 is reflected to perform the emote. If the acquired game element 8 selected from the list 34 is an action (for example, throwing a kiss while jumping), the instruction target character 32 is reflected to perform the action. If the acquired game element 8 selected from the list 34 is a change in the ability parameter value (for example, an improvement in the dance ability level), the motion data applied to the motion control of the instruction target character 32 is The data in the initial state is changed to motion data for performing a better dance, and it is reflected as if the target character's dance level has improved.

However, even if the acquired game element 8 is presented in the list 34 as available for the instruction target character 32, depending on the relationship between the participating character 7 of the game element and the instruction target character 32, the play element may The degree of influence on the details of the viewing content 16 changes.

FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining the difference in the degree of influence on the contents of the viewing content 16 due to the relationship between the participating character 7 and the instruction target character 32. As shown in FIG.

FIGS. 12(1) and 12(2) show an example of a difference in relation between whether the participating character 7 and the instruction target character 32 are the same (homogeneous). The play element 8 used in the example is an item that improves the ability parameter value of the instruction target character 32, and the participating character 7 is set.

As shown in FIG. 12(1), if the instruction target character 32 and the participating character 7 are the same or of the same kind, they are considered to be compatible, and the action and effect of the game element 8 are exhibited 100%.
As shown in FIG. 12(2), if the instruction target character 32 and the participating character 7 are not the same or of the same kind, they are considered to be incompatible, and the effect of the game element 8 is suppressed.

FIGS. 12(2) and 12(3) show examples of differences in relationships between the participating character 7 and the instruction target character 32 as connections between people in the fictional world of the play part 13 and the viewing content 16. FIG. ing.

The relationship parameter values (for example, degree of intimacy, degree of attachment, degree of friendship, etc.) between the instruction target character 32 and the participating character 7 in FIG. 12(2) are higher than those in FIG. 12(3). . Alternatively, the instruction target character 32 in FIG. 12(2) belongs to the same idol team in the fictional world of the game part 13 and viewing content 16, but the instruction target character 32 in FIG. 12(3) belongs to a different team. It can be set. In addition, the relationship between people, such as enemy or ally, parent-child relationship, boss-subordinate relationship, etc., may be used.
And, the action effect of the game element 8 becomes higher as the relationship becomes higher.

As another example of the difference in the degree of influence, if the game element 8 is used to impart an item to the instruction target character 32, the grade of the item imparted may differ, or the grade of the item imparted may differ. Specific differences may be added, such as different numbers or different expiration dates of the items to be granted. Also, it is possible to make a difference in the appearance of the items on the screen display.

13 and 14 are diagrams for explaining automatic interactive processing.
The manual interactive process requires manual operations such as selection of the instruction target character 32 and selection of the instruction game element by the user 2, but the automatic interactive process is automatically executed without such user operations, and the game element 8 is displayed. The contents of the viewing contents 16 are affected according to the acquisition status.

The contents of the automatic interactive processing are variously set according to the acquisition status of the game elements 8 . The "acquisition status" includes (1) the current possession status indicating the combination of the acquired game elements 8, and (2) which type of new game element 8 is newly acquired by playing the previous game part 13. and an additional situation indicating how many game elements 8 have been acquired.

The content of automatic interactive processing can be broadly divided into direct reflection on the content of viewing content 16 as shown in FIG. 13 and indirect reflection as shown in FIG.

FIGS. 13(1) and 13(2) show an example of the content of automatic interactive processing in which the difference in the current holding/acquisition status of the acquired game element 8 is directly reflected.
In the example of FIG. 13(1), the state of possession holds that "more than a predetermined number of game elements 8 with different versions and having a common participating character 7 are held". In the example of FIG. 13(1), the participating character 7 is common to the "eyebrow rabbit", and three play elements 8 of different versions, which are the "muffler" item, are present in the acquired play elements 8. shows an example. Then, as the content of the interactive processing, a "muffler" item 40 is additionally equipped to a character matching the participating character 7 among the characters 6 appearing in the viewing content 16, and a new motion is automatically added. The example in FIG. 13(1) is a high jump motion.

In the example shown in FIG. 13(2), the state of possession holds that "more than a predetermined number of game elements 8 having common items and different participating characters 7 are possessed". In the example of FIG. 13(2), the five game elements 8 are common in that they are the "muffler" item, and the settings of the participating characters 7 are different. Then, as the content of the interactive processing, a new motion different from the example in FIG. A "muffler" item 41 is additionally equipped, and the jumping ability is further improved.

In addition, in both FIGS. 13(1) and 13(2), the details of the motion may further change according to the number of play elements 8 involved in the establishment of the combination.

As for FIG. 13(2), the acquisition status of each character other than the combination of characters (dedicated characters and participating characters 7) associated with the game element 8 is used to describe requirements for application of interactive processing. can also

For example, "acquisition rate of game element 8 by character", "type of character with maximum acquisition number", "already acquired game element 8 of all versions of a certain character", and "acquisition of game element 8 associated with a certain character". It is also possible to set a requirement such as "not done" as an applicable requirement. By varying the content of the interactive processing for each application requirement including such a description, it is possible to further diversify changes in the content of the viewing content 16 according to the acquisition status of each character.

FIGS. 13(3) and 13(4) are diagrams for explaining an example of automatic interactive processing in which direct reflection is performed based on the possession status and the addition status with a focus on the rarity of the game element 8. FIG.

In FIG. 13(3), in the possessed state, "among the game elements 8 that have already been acquired, there are two game elements 8 that have the same character to be used and are set to the rarity level 'S rare'" (FIG. 13 ( In the example of 3), the "whole body tights" item, the "glitter muffler" item)", and in the additional situation, "at least one of them has been newly acquired in the previous game part 13" is established. The possession status and addition status of the game element 8 by rarity level satisfy the requirements for automatic interactive processing. Then, as the content of the interactive processing, the content of the viewing content 16 is changed such that "the user avatar 36 shakes the cheering gate flag item 42 toward the corresponding appearing character 6d". there is

In FIG. 13(4), in the possessing state, "among the game elements 8 that have already been acquired, a game element 8 of a specific type (for example, a 'full-body tights' item) set to a rarity of 'S rare' and a rarity There are two play elements 8 of a specific type (for example, a 'shining muffler' item) set to 'A rare', and 'the latter is newly acquired in the previous play part 13' in the additional situation. established. The possession status and addition status of the game element 8 by rarity level satisfy application requirements different from those in FIG. 13(3). Then, as the content of the interactive processing, the content of the viewing content 16 is changed such that "the user avatar 36 makes an action of waving the gate flag item 43 toward the corresponding appearing character 6c".

In addition to the examples shown in FIGS. 13(3) and 13(4), the acquisition status of the play element 8 by rarity level can also be used to describe requirements for application of interactive processing.
For example, "acquisition rate of game element 8 by rarity", "type of rarity of maximum acquisition number", "possess or acquires a predetermined number or more of game element 8 with the highest rarity related to a certain character", Element 8 has not been acquired” can also be set as an applicable requirement. By varying the content of the interactive processing for each application requirement including such a description, it is possible to further diversify changes in the content of the viewing content 16 according to the acquisition status for each rarity level.

FIG. 13(5) shows that "among the obtained game elements 8, there is a specific type set to the attribute 'light'" in the possession state, and "two game elements 8 with the attribute 'light'" in the addition state. Acquired” has been established. As the contents of the interactive processing, the display mode of the display body 31 corresponding to the viewer action of "money tip" is changed. In the example of FIG. 13(5), the trajectory of movement is changed and a sparkling effect is added. The type of movement trajectory and the type of effect to be added are variously set according to the specific type in possession status, the number of additions in addition status, the type and combination of attributes, and the like.
In other words, the content of the automatic interactive processing that is directly reflected varies in various ways depending on the rarity level acquisition status of the acquired game element 8 .

In addition to the example shown in FIG. 13(5), the attribute acquisition status of the game element 8 can also be used as an application requirement for interactive processing.
For example, "acquisition rate of game elements 8 by attribute", "number of acquisitions of game elements 8 of a specific attribute", "acquisition of game elements 8 of all attributes related to a certain character", and "no game elements 8 of a specific attribute are acquired" ”, etc. can also be set as applicable requirements. By varying the content of the interactive processing for each application requirement including such conditions, it is possible to further diversify changes in the content of the viewing content 16 according to the acquisition status of each attribute.

Contents of automatic interactive processing that are indirectly reflected include replacing acquired play elements 8 with different types of play elements 8 that can be used in manual interactive processing.

In the example of FIG. 14(1), in the possessing state, "there are a predetermined number or more of game elements 8 of the same kind", and in the adding state, "one of them has been acquired by playing the previous game part 13" is established. and meets the applicable requirements for interactive processing. In the example of FIG. 14(1), three or more "carrot" items are held, and one of them is newly added. Then, as the contents of the interactive processing, the game elements 8 related to these application requirements are replaced with a different type of game element 8 used in the manual interactive processing (in the example of FIG. It is replaced with the item play element 8m). In other words, the play element 8 related to the applicable requirement is made non-possessed, and another type of play element 8 is made to be possessed instead.

In the example of FIG. 14(2), in the possessing situation, "there are '5' or more game elements 8 of the same kind", and in the adding situation, "more than half of them have been acquired by playing the previous game part 13". It is established and satisfies the applicable requirements for interactive processing. In the example of FIG. 14(2), seven or more "carrot" items are held, and five of them are newly added. Then, as the contents of the interactive processing, instead of the game element 8 related to these application requirements, the participating character 7 is the same as the participating character 7 of the game element 8 and is a different type of game element 8 (the use of which is restricted to the appearing character 6d). is replaced with a game element 8n) of the "bow tie" item.

14(1) and 14(2), the use restriction of the play element 8 (8m, 8n) after the replacement is basically set in advance according to the type of the play element. However, some or all of the usage restrictions set for the game element 8 before replacement may be inherited.

In the example of FIG. 14(3), in the possessing situation, "I have three or more versions of the game element 8", and in the adding situation, "I have three or more versions of the game element 8, and Earned by playing” is established and meets the application requirements for interactive processing. In the example of FIG. 14(3), the player has 4 versions of the "carrot" item, and 3 of them have been newly acquired. Then, as the contents of the interactive processing, the game element 8 related to these application requirements is replaced with another type of game element 8 (the game element 8p of the "spotlight effect" item).

The types of game elements 8 to be replaced (including differences in rarity settings and usage restriction settings) and the number of replacements, which are the content of the automatic interactive processing that is indirectly reflected, depend on the holding status and addition status. can be changed as appropriate according to the combination of the number of , and the types of the game elements 8 . Also, the way of showing the replacement may be synthesis or strengthening of the play elements 8 .

Next, the functional configuration will be described.
FIG. 15 is a functional block diagram showing a functional configuration example of the server system 1100. As shown in FIG.
The server system 1100 includes an operation input section 100s, a server processing section 200s, a sound output section 390s, an image display section 392s, a communication section 394s, and a server storage section 500s.

The operation input unit 100s is means for inputting various operations for server management. The keyboard 1106 in FIG. 1 corresponds to this.

The server processing unit 200s is realized by electronic components such as an IC memory in addition to a processor such as a CPU, GPU, ASIC, or FPGA that serves as an arithmetic circuit. data input/output control between Based on predetermined programs and data, operation input signals from the operation input unit 100s, data received from the user terminal 1500, etc., various arithmetic processes are executed to comprehensively control the operation of the server system 1100. do.

The server processing unit 200s includes a user management unit 202, a member service providing unit 204, an entertainment management unit 210, a clock unit 280s, a sound generation unit 290s, an image generation unit 292s, and a communication control unit 294s. Of course, functional units other than these can be included as appropriate.

The user management unit 202 performs processing related to user registration procedures and storage management of various types of information associated with user accounts. Specifically, the user management unit 202 (1) assigns a unique user account to a registered user, (2) stores and manages personal information for each user account, (3) manages sign-in/sign-out, ( 4) Storage management of save data related to play of entertainment content, (5) Management of points used as compensation for online shopping and membership services, and the like.

The member service providing unit 204 controls the provision of member services other than entertainment (for example, posting and viewing playing videos, providing a chat space, online shopping for items that can be used in playing entertainment content, etc.).

The entertainment management unit 210 performs various controls for playing given entertainment content on the user terminal 1500 . Specifically, the entertainment management section 210 has a play part control section 212 and a viewing part control section 220 .

The play part control unit 212 controls the play part 13 from which the user can acquire the play element 8 as one of the progression parts of entertainment content including a plurality of progression parts. In this embodiment, the play part 13 includes game play, so the play part control section 212 has a play information management section 214 .

The play information management unit 214 manages the play information 705 (see FIG. 24) of each user, and updates the play information 705 of the user based on the game play in the game part 13 of the user. Specifically, the play information management unit 214 manages the information on the play element 8 acquired by each user by including it in the play information 705, and reduces the information on the play element 8 used in the action operation during viewing. That is, management is performed as if the game element 8 was consumed according to the action operation.

Since the participating character 7 can be the play target character 60 of the game part 13 , focusing on the participating character 7 , the game part control unit 212 allows the participating character 7 to participate in the acquisition of the game element by the user 2 . It can also be said that it controls the progress of the game part.
Furthermore, focusing on the training elements of the game of the play part 13, the play elements 8 given to the user 2 change according to the training situation. It can also be said that control is performed to acquire the play element 8 based on the control, and the play element that can be acquired by the user is variably controlled based on the training status of the participating character 7 .

The viewing part control unit 220 adjusts the viewing part 15 for allowing the user to view the viewing content 16 in which the appearing character 6 appears as one of the progressing parts of the entertainment content including a plurality of progressing parts, depending on the acquisition status of the play element 8 of the user. control based on Specifically, the viewing part control unit 220 distributes the data of the given viewing content 16 to the plurality of user terminals 1500 and causes the plurality of users 2 to view the viewing content 16 common to the viewing part 15 . Control progress.

The viewing part control section 220 includes a viewing content variable control section 221 s , an interactive processing section 223 s , a viewing fee collecting section 226 and a matching processing section 228 .

The viewing content variable control unit 221 s variably controls the viewing content 16 based on the acquisition status of the game element 8 . In this embodiment, the combination of the appearing characters 6 is different for each viewing content 16 . Prior to the start of viewing in the viewing part 15, the "preferred" character is determined based on the play result of the game part 13 and the acquisition status of the game element 8 by the user 2 (see FIG. 8), and the "preferred" character appears. By selecting the viewing content 16 appearing as a character and presenting it as an option for viewing, the viewing content 16 is substantially variably controlled based on the acquisition status of the game elements 8 (see FIG. 9). . In addition, it can be said that the configuration of the viewer group 3 that views the viewing content 16 is adjusted.

The interactive processing unit 223 s receives an action operation on the viewing content 16 by the user 2 and performs interactive processing according to the action operation on the viewing content 16 . For example, shared interactive processing (see FIG. 10), manual interactive processing using play elements 8 (see FIGS. 11 and 12), and automatic interactive processing based on acquired play elements 8 (see FIGS. 13 and 14). and are applicable to this. Especially for the shared interactive processing, since the information of the shared viewer action is shared within the viewer group 3, the server system 1100 is responsible for a part of the interactive processing according to the action operation on the viewing content 16. I can say As for manual interactive processing and automatic interactive processing, it can be said that managing interactive processing definition data and providing it to the user terminal 1500 is responsible for part of these interactive processing.

The viewing fee collection unit 226 accepts an operation to set any of the game elements 8 owned by the user 2 as a fee-playing element as a fee for viewing control of the viewing part 15, and makes the fee-for-play element non-possessive. .

The matching processing unit 228 creates a plurality of viewer groups 3 by matching users who view the viewing content 16 in the viewing part 15 based on the play information of the game play in the playing part 13 (see FIG. 9). .

The clock unit 280s clocks the current date and time, the time limit, and the like using the system clock.

The sound generation unit 290s is realized by executing an IC or software that generates and decodes audio data, and generates operation sounds and sound effects related to system management of the server system 1100, provision of member services, and provision of entertainment content, BGM, It generates or decodes voice data such as voice calls. Then, an audio signal related to system management is output to the sound output section 390s.

The sound output unit 390s emits an audio signal. In the example of FIG. 1, this corresponds to a speaker (not shown) included in the main unit or the touch panel 1108 .

The image generation unit 292s generates an image to be displayed on the image display unit 392s and outputs the image signal. Some of the functions that generate various screens (or data for displaying them on the user terminal 1500) related to the system management of the server system 1100, the provision of membership services, and the provision of entertainment content correspond to this.

The image display unit 392s is implemented by a device that displays images, such as a flat panel display, a head-mounted display, or a projector. In the example of FIG. 1, the touch panel 1108 corresponds to this.

The communication control unit 294s executes data processing related to data communication, and exchanges data with an external device via the communication unit 394s.

394 s of communication parts connect with the network 9, and implement|achieve communication. For example, it is implemented by a wireless communication device, a modem, a TA (terminal adapter), a wired communication cable jack, a control circuit, or the like. In the example of FIG. 1, the communication device 1153 corresponds.

The server storage unit 500s stores programs, various data, and the like for realizing various functions for causing the server processing unit 200s to control the server system 1100 in an integrated manner. It is also used as a work area for the server processing unit 200s, and temporarily stores calculation results and the like executed by the server processing unit 200s according to various programs. This function is implemented by, for example, IC memories such as RAM and ROM, magnetic disks such as hard disks, optical disks such as CD-ROMs and DVDs, and online storage. In the example of FIG. 1, storage media such as the IC memory 1152 and hard disk mounted on the main unit 1101, and the storage 1140 correspond to this.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of programs and data stored in the server storage unit 500s.
The server storage unit 500s in this embodiment includes a server program 501, a distribution client program 503, entertainment content initial setting data 510, user management data 650, entertainment management data 700, matching management data 770, current date and time 900 and so on. The server storage unit 500s also stores other programs and data (for example, timers, counters, various flags, etc.) as appropriate.

The server program 501 is a program that is read and executed by the server processing unit 200 s to realize the functions of the user management unit 202 , the member service providing unit 204 and the entertainment management unit 210 .

The distribution client program 503 is the original of the program provided to the user terminal 1500 and executed.

The entertainment content initial setting data 510 stores various initial setting data related to entertainment content. For example, the entertainment content initialization data 510 includes progression part configuration data 511 (see FIG. 3), game element definition data 520, game part definition data 540, viewing part definition data 560, and viewing content initialization data 570. , additional content data 590 and interactive process definition data 600 . Of course, data other than these can be included as appropriate.

The game element definition data 520 is prepared for each game element 8 and stores various initial setting data related to the game element 8 . For example, as shown in FIG. 17, one game element definition data 520 includes a unique game element type 521, icon data 522, exclusive character type 523, rarity level 524, attribute 525, and game element category 526. , game element content data 527 , and usage restriction setting data 530 . Of course, data other than these can be included as appropriate.

The icon data 522 is icon data for presenting the acquired game element 8 to the user 2 in the list 34 or the like. The image drawn by the icon includes an image explaining the game element 8, and may also include an image showing an appearance character 6 (dedicated character) for which the game element 8 is limitedly used.

The dedicated character type 523 is set when the game element 8 is used exclusively for a specific appearing character 6 . It indicates the type of character drawn on the icon.

The game element content data 527 stores data for realizing the content and effects of the game element 8 . More specifically, it stores various data for realizing what will happen with regard to the viewing content 16 .

For example, if the game element 8 is an item that changes the display mode of the appearing character 6, the model data and texture data of the item (or the model data and texture data of the appearing character 6 wearing a muffler) are stored.

For example, in the case of the game element 8 that changes the ability parameter value, the type and change amount of the ability parameter value to be changed are stored.

For example, in the case of a game element 8 that changes the action of an appearing character 6, additional motion data and motion change instruction data specifying where to insert or replace in the default motion script are stored.

For example, in the case of a game element 8 that adds an effect, additional effect data and effect change instruction data specifying where to insert or replace in the default event script are stored.

The usage restriction setting data 530 stores the content of the usage restriction and the application requirements to which it is applied in association with each other. In the example of FIG. 17, acquisition situation 531 is taken as an example of application requirements, and use limit 532, useable situations 533, and useable characters 534 are exemplified as the contents of use restrictions.

Of course, application requirements are not limited to the example in FIG. The date and time when the game element 8 was acquired, the types and number of characters involved in acquiring the game element 8, the types of characters using the game element 8, and the relationship between the characters using the game element 8 and the participating characters. can be described using

The content of usage restrictions is not limited to the example in FIG. 17 either. In addition to these, it is also possible to describe using the skills and ability parameter values that are essential for the character using the game element 8, the type, degree, and duration of effects, and the like.

Acquisition situations 531 include situations that are chances to acquire the game element 8 in the game part 13 .
The expiration date 532 indicates the expiration of the elapsed time from acquisition and the specific viewing part 15 . Also, "no setting", which means unlimited, can be set.

The usable situation 533 is set with the identification information of the specific viewing part 15, the identification information of the specific viewing content 16, and the content category of the specific viewing content 16 that the play element 8 can use. Of course, it is also possible to set "no setting" which means unlimited.
The usable character 534 is data specifying the appearing character 6 that can be used by the game element 8 . For example, it is possible to set "all kinds", which means unlimited, or a dedicated character, a participating character 7, a user avatar 36, or the like.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a data configuration example of the game part definition data 540. As shown in FIG.
The game part definition data 540 is prepared for each game part 13 and stores various initial setting data related to the part. One game part definition data 540 includes a unique game part ID 541 , availability requirements 542 , game part content data 548 and lottery set definition data 550 . Of course, data other than these can be included as appropriate.

The availability requirement 542 is a condition that must be satisfied in order for the play part 13 to be playable, and is described by combining one sub-condition or a plurality of sub-conditions with AND or OR.
As sub-conditions, a period condition 543, a play part history condition 544, and a viewing part history condition 545 can be used. Any of these conditions can be set to "no setting".

A period condition 543 is a condition regarding the date and time or the elapsed time from a certain date. The game part history condition 544 is a condition regarding the past play history of the game part 13 . The viewing part history condition 545 is a condition regarding the viewing history of the viewing part 15 in the past.

The game part history condition 544 is a condition 544a about the type of character to be played, a condition 544b about the play result, a condition 544c about the acquisition status of the game element 8, etc., and combines one or more of them by AND or OR. Described. Any of these conditions can be set to "no setting".

The game part content data 548 stores various data for realizing the game part 13, such as game initial setting data for realizing game play and relationship parameter value change definition data 549. FIG. The relationship parameter value change definition data 549 defines how the relationship parameter value is changed when the game progresses.

The lottery set definition data 550 is prepared for each lottery set used when determining the game element 8 given to the user 2 in the game part 13 .
One lottery set definition data 550 includes, for example, a unique lottery set ID 551 and set use permission conditions 552 . The set use permission condition 552 is obtained by combining one or more of the play target character type condition 553, the relationship condition 554 regarding the relationship between the user and the play target character 60, and the play result condition 555 by AND or OR. Described. Any of these conditions can be set to "no setting".

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a data configuration example of the viewing part definition data 560. As shown in FIG.
The viewing part definition data 560 is prepared for each viewing part 15 and stores various setting data related to the viewing part 15 . One piece of viewing part definition data 560 includes a unique viewing part ID 561 , viewing availability requirements 562 , viewing content ID list 565 , and viewing start date/time 566 . Of course, data other than these can be included as appropriate.

Viewable requirements 562 include viewable period 563 and pre-play required game part ID list 564 . The viewable period 563 is described by a specific date and time on a calendar in the real world, a specific period, or an elapsed time from the play date and time of the game part 13 played immediately before. The pre-play required game part ID list 564 designates the game part 13 that must be played in order to view the viewing part 15, but can be set to "no designation".

The viewing content ID list 565 indicates viewing content 16 that can be used in the viewing part 15 concerned.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a data configuration example of the viewing content initialization data 570. As shown in FIG.
The viewing content initial setting data 570 is created for each viewing content 16 and stores various data for viewing the content. One viewing content initialization data 570 includes a unique viewing content ID 571 , a viewing content category 572 , an appearing character list 573 , viewing availability requirements 574 , and viewing content data 580 . Of course, data other than these can be included as appropriate.

The viewing content ID 571 and the viewing content category 572 are both information related to the setting of the viewing content 16 type.

The viewing content category 572 indicates the category of content of the viewing content 16 . The types of categories can be set as appropriate, for example, live singing, musical performances, plays, talk shows, variety programs, travelogues, food reports, sports, and the like.

Viewability requirements 574 describe what must be met in order to view the viewing content 16 in question. The viewable requirement 574 is described by combining one or more sub-conditions with AND or OR. It should be noted that any of these sub-conditions can be "not set". The sub-conditions are described using a relationship condition 575 and a game element acquisition status condition 576 which is a condition regarding the possession status or addition status of the acquired game element 8 .

The relationship condition 575 is a condition regarding the relationship between the user 2 and the appearing character 6 . For example, the range of relationship parameter values with each appearing character 6, the threshold value that should be reached, the number of appearing characters 6 that satisfy the threshold value that should be reached, and the like are described.

The viewing content data 580 defines the contents of the viewing content 16 and stores various data for enabling viewing of the viewing content 16 . For example, viewing content data 580 includes content script data 581, music data 582, character initial setting data 583, initial effect data 585, initial background setting data 586, and an initially acceptable viewer action type list 587. ,including. Of course, data other than these can be included as appropriate.

The content script data 581 is scenario data for the viewing content 16 as a whole. It describes which data is to be used at what timing. The music data 582, the character initial setting data 583, and the initial effect data 585 correspond to the materials.

Appearing character initial setting data 583 is prepared for each appearing character 6 of the viewing content 16 and defines when and how the viewing content 16 behaves. One appearing character initialization data 583 includes an appearing character type 583a and character data 583b. The character data 583b includes initial display mode data, initial ability parameter value data, and initial action data. Initial behavior data includes motion scripts and motion data.

The initial background setting data 586 defines the stage on which the contents of the viewing content 16 are played. That is, it contains data of various background objects arranged in the virtual three-dimensional space.

The initially acceptable viewer action type list 587 indicates the types of viewer actions that the user 2 can perform while viewing the viewing content 16 .

Returning to FIG. 16, the additional content data 590 is data of “bonus” content that becomes additionally viewable as one of the contents of the interactive processing as the viewing content 16 is viewed. The additional content data 590 is basically video content prepared in advance, but may be other content.

The interactive processing definition data 600 is prepared for each content of interactive processing, and stores various data for realizing the content of the interactive processing. A piece of interactive process definition data 600 includes a unique interactive ID 601 , a type 602 of shared, automatic, or manual, application requirements 610 , and process content data 630 . Of course, data other than these can be included as appropriate.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a data configuration example of the application requirement 610. As shown in FIG.
The application requirement 610 defines the content that should be satisfied in order for the content of the interactive processing to be executed, and is described by combining one or more sub-conditions with AND or OR. It should be noted that any of these sub-conditions can be "not set".

The sub-conditions include a user relationship condition 611, a possession situation condition 612 of the game element 8, an additional situation condition 614 of the game element 8, an instruction target character condition 620, an instruction game element designation condition 622, and a character relationship condition. 624, time conditions 626, and shared viewer action type conditions 628 can be used.

The user relationship condition 611 is a condition regarding the relationship between the user 2 and the appearing character 6 . For example, the range of relationship parameter values with all the appearing characters 6, the threshold that should be reached, the number of appearing characters 6 that satisfy the threshold that should be reached, and the like are described.

The possession status condition 612 and the additional status condition 614 are the possession status and the additional status (situation of how many game elements 8 were acquired in the game part 13 played immediately before) related to the acquired game element 8, respectively. These are sub-conditions, and both are conditions regarding the acquisition status of the game element 8 that has already been acquired.

The possession status condition 612 is described by combining one or more of the character possession status condition 612a, rarity level possession status condition 612b, and attribute possession status condition 612c with AND or OR. Any of these conditions can be set to "no setting". The possession status condition by rarity level 612 b and the possession status condition by attribute 612 c may be the possession status of the same character as the instruction target character 32 or the possession status of the instruction target character 32 irrelevant.

The additional situation conditions 614 are described by combining one or more of the additional situation conditions by character 614a, the additional situation conditions by rarity 614b, and the additional situation conditions by attribute 614c with AND or OR. Any of these conditions can be set to "no setting". The rarity-specific additional situation condition 614b and the attribute-specific additional situation condition 614c may be an additional situation for the same character as the instruction subject character 32, or may be an additional situation regardless of the instruction subject character 32. FIG.

The instruction target character condition 620 relates to manual interactive processing, and is a condition regarding which of the characters 6 the user 2 has selected as the instruction target character 32 . It can also be set to "no specification", which is virtually unlimited.

The indicated play element designation condition 622 relates to manual interactive processing, and the play element 8 selected and designated as the play element 8 to be used by the user 2 from among the acquired game elements 8 presented in the list 34 (see FIG. 11). defines what should be satisfied for

For example, the game element type 521 (see FIG. 17) of the specific game element 8, the rarity level 524, the attribute 525, the type of associated character (dedicated character or participating character 7), the setting of usage restrictions, etc. described by one or more combinations of

If the condition is described by the game element type 521, the instruction game element specification condition 622 includes a list of types. If the condition is described by the rarity level 524, the instruction play element specification condition 622 includes a range of rarity levels as a match/non-match criterion. If the attributes 525 describe the conditions, the instruction play element specification conditions 622 contain a list of attributes to be satisfied. If the conditions are described in terms of character types, the instruction play element specification condition 622 includes a list of character types. If the conditions are described using the setting of usage restrictions, the instruction play element specification condition 622 includes (1) a usable date range and a list of days of the week corresponding to the expiration date 532, (2) a list of viewing part IDs of the viewing parts 15 corresponding to the usable situation 533, a list of viewing content IDs of the viewing content 16, and (3) a list of categories of the viewing content 16, and the like.

The character relationship condition 624 is a condition regarding the relationship between the participating character 7 of the instruction game element and the instruction target character 32 . For example, it is set as a condition that both are either "same/similar", "different", or "not set". Also, the conditions may be described in terms of the range and threshold value of the relationship parameter values between the two, and the relationship between the characters 6 appearing in the game part 13 and the viewing content 16 as a person-to-person connection.

The time condition 626 is a condition regarding the time element related to the play element 8 (instruction play element) to be used. For example, it is described by the elapsed time from the date and time when the game element 8 is acquired until it is used.

The shared viewer action type condition 628 is a condition on the type of viewer action (shared viewer action; “tip”, “comment”, “evaluation”) whose information is shared within the viewer group 3 (see FIG. 9). is.

Depending on how and which of these sub-conditions are set, various application requirements 610 can be described in shared interactive processing, manual interactive processing, and automatic interactive processing. Incidentally, the application requirement 610 of the shared interactive process is described only by the shared viewer action type condition 628 . Manual interaction application requirement 610 is described using sub-conditions other than shared viewer action type condition 628 . Application requirements 610 for automatic interactive processing are described using user relationship conditions 611 , possession status conditions 612 , and additional status conditions 614 .

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a data configuration example of the processing content data 630. As shown in FIG.
The processing content data 630 defines what is to be done as the content of interactive processing in the situation described by the application requirements 610 .

For example, the processing content data 630 includes character-related change data 631, background change data 640, effect change data 641, acceptable viewer action type change data 642, service point grant amount 643, and content change data 644. ,including. These define what and how to change from the initial settings of the viewing content 16 .

The character-related change data 631 is prepared for each appearance character 6 to be changed.
One character-related change data 631 includes change target character type 632 , display mode change data 633 , action change data 634 , and ability parameter value change data 635 .

In the case of manual interactive processing, the play element content data 527 of the play element 8 whose use has been instructed is inevitably applied, so character-related change data 631, background change data 640, effect change data 641, and acceptable viewer actions. The type change data 642 may not be set. These settings are crucial for automatic interactive processing.

The service point grant amount 643 designates the service points to be granted to the user 2 who has viewed the program. Service points are used as compensation for receiving various member services.

The content change data 644 designates “bonus” content that can be viewed in addition to the viewing content 16 .

Returning to FIG. 16, the user management data 650 stores various data created for each registered user and associated with the user. For example, one piece of user management data 650 stores a unique user account, service point balance, and various save data.

The entertainment management data 700 is created each time entertainment content is provided, and stores various data related to provision control.
One piece of entertainment management data 700 includes, for example, a player account 701, game part management data 703, game part play history data 740, and viewing part history data 768, as shown in FIG. Of course, data other than these can be included as appropriate.

The game part management data 703 stores various data related to the play of the game part 13 .
As shown in FIG. 24, the game part management data 703 includes play information 705 and game element acquisition status data 730. FIG.

The play information 705 includes a game part ID 707 of the game part 13 being played, a game character type 709 , play result data 710 and acquired game element data 720 . Of course, data other than these can be included as appropriate.

The play performance data 710 includes training performance data 711 for each character to be trained and relationship data 713 .

The training result data 711 is prepared for each character to be trained in the game part 13, and stores the training target character type, the training parameter value at the start of play, and the latest training parameter value. Of course, data other than these can be included as appropriate. The training parameter values include training levels, ability parameter values of training target characters, levels for each skill, and the like.

The relationship data 713 is prepared for each playable character in the game part 13 and stores a relationship parameter value between the character and the user who is the player.

Acquired game element data 720 is created each time the user 2 acquires a new game element 8, and is deleted when the game element 8 is dispossessed and consumed. One acquired game element data 720 includes a unique game element ID 721 , a game element type 722 , an acquisition date and time 723 , a corresponding character type 724 , and use restriction settings 725 . Of course, data other than these can be included as appropriate.

The game element acquisition status data 730 is various statistical data indicating the acquisition status of the acquired game element 8 . For example, character acquisition status data 732, rarity level acquisition status data 734, and attribute acquisition status data 736 are included. It stores the number of possessions by character, by rarity level, and by attribute, and the number of additions newly acquired in the previous game part 13, respectively. The values indicated by these acquisition status data represent the acquisition status (possession status/addition status) of the acquired game element 8 .

FIG. 25 is a functional block diagram showing a functional configuration example of the user terminal 1500. As shown in FIG.
The user terminal 1500 includes an operation input section 100 , a terminal processing section 200 , a sound output section 390 , an image display section 392 , a communication section 394 and a terminal storage section 500 .

The operation input unit 100 outputs operation input signals to the terminal processing unit 200 according to various operation inputs made by the player. For example, it can be realized by a push switch, joystick, touch pad, trackball, acceleration sensor, gyro, CCD module, and the like. The direction input key 1502, the button switch 1504, the touch panel 1506, etc. in FIG. 2 correspond to this.

The terminal processing unit 200 is realized by, for example, a microprocessor such as a CPU or GPU, or an electronic component such as an IC memory, and controls data input/output with each functional unit including the operation input unit 100 and the terminal storage unit 500. conduct. Based on predetermined programs and data, operation input signals from the operation input unit 100 , and various data received from the server system 1100 , various arithmetic processing is executed to control the operation of the user terminal 1500 . The control board 1550 in FIG. 2 corresponds to this.

The terminal processing unit 200 in this embodiment has a client control unit 260 , a timer unit 280 , a sound generation unit 290 , an image generation unit 292 and a communication control unit 294 .

The client control unit 260 performs control for receiving membership services of the entertainment system 1000 and various controls for playing entertainment content. Specifically, the client control section 260 includes a play part client control section 261 that performs various controls for playing the play part 13, and a viewing part client control section 262 that performs various controls for viewing in the viewing part 15. ,including.

The viewing part client control unit 262 generates a virtual three-dimensional space that is the basis of the video of the viewing content 16, and controls the actions of the appearing character 6 in it. An image captured by a virtual camera arranged in a virtual three-dimensional space is rendered by an image generation unit 292, and various displays are added to create a viewing screen of the viewing content 16. - 特許庁

That is, the viewing part 15 that allows the user to view the viewing content 16 in which the appearance character 6 appears as one of the progressing parts of the entertainment content including a plurality of progressing parts is controlled based on the user's acquisition status of the play element 8. It bears part of the function of the viewing part control section 263 .

The viewing part client control unit 262 includes a viewing content variable control unit 221t, an appearing character control change unit 222, an interactive processing unit 223t, a first interactive processing content variable control unit 224, and a second interactive processing content variable control unit 225. and have

The appearing character control change unit 222 variably controls any of the appearance character 6 display mode, action, parameter value, and possessed item based on the acquisition status of the game element 8 . In addition, the appearing character control change unit 222 controls the appearing character based on the character-by-character acquisition status obtained by classifying the game element 8 already acquired by the user 2 according to the associated character. Manual interactive processing (see FIG. 11) and automatic interactive processing (see FIGS. 13 and 14) include changing the display mode, actions, ability parameter values, possessed items, etc. of the characters 6 appearing in the viewing content 16. Applicable.

Therefore, in the manual interactive processing, when an action operation with an appearing character 6 as an instruction target is received, the appearing character control changing unit 222 changes the display mode, behavior, parameter values, and and change any of the possessed items.

The interactive processing unit 223 t receives an action operation on the viewing content 16 by the user 2 and performs interactive processing according to the action operation on the viewing content 16 . For example, shared interactive processing (see FIG. 10), manual interactive processing using play elements 8 (see FIGS. 11 and 12), and automatic interactive processing based on acquired play elements 8 (see FIGS. 13 and 14). and are applicable to this.

Focusing on the character relationship condition 624 of the application requirement 610 of the interactive process definition data 600, the description is as follows. That is, when an action operation using the game element 8 is received during viewing, the interactive processing unit 223t sets the participating character 7 related to the game element 8 used in the action operation and the character 6 appearing in the viewing content 16 to the interactive processing unit 223t. It can also be said that interactive processing is performed according to the action operation based on the relationship between the

Also, in manual interactive processing (see FIG. 11), available play elements 8 are presented to user 2 in list 34 . Therefore, the interactive processing unit 223t accepts an action operation using the play element 8 based on the relationship between the participating character 7 related to the play element 8 used in the action operation and the character 6 appearing in the viewing content 16. It can also be said that it controls whether or not

Also, the play element 8 is associated with the viewing part 15 in which an action operation using the play element 8 is possible according to the setting of the usable situation 533 of the usage restriction setting data 530 . Therefore, based on whether the current viewing part 15 is the viewing part 15 associated with the play element 8, the interactive processing unit 223t controls whether or not to accept an action operation using the play element 8. , can also be said.

The first interactive processing content variable control unit 224 variably controls the content of executable interactive processing based on the acquisition status of the game element 8 . Specifically, among the game elements 8 already acquired by the user 2, the acquisition status of the game element 8 associated with the same character as the character 6 (instruction target character 32) to which the action operation is instructed. Based on this, the content of executable interactive processing is variably controlled.

For example, depending on whether the participating character 7 set in the play element 8 used in the manual interactive process matches or does not match the instruction target character 32 using the play element, the viewing content by the play element 8 is displayed. 16 corresponds to this (see FIG. 12).

Also, the first interactive processing content variable control unit 224 variably controls the content of executable interactive processing based on the acquisition status by rarity level of the game element 8 associated with the same character. For example, reflecting the content of the automatic interactive processing in FIG. 13(3) corresponds to this.

In addition, the first interactive processing content variable control unit 224 varies the content of executable interactive processing based on the character-by-character acquisition status of the play elements 8 already acquired by the user 2, which are classified according to the associated characters. to control. Specifically, the requirements for application of the interactive process (corresponding to activation conditions) include conditions regarding the overall relationship between the user 2 and the appearing character 6 . The integrated relationship includes character-by-character acquisition status classified by character associated with the play element 8 (for example, a specific character that can use the play element 8 or the participating character 7). Therefore, substantially, the content of interactive processing is variably controlled based on the acquisition status of each character.

In addition, the first interactive processing content variable control unit 224 selects the content of the interactive processing that can be executed based on the attribute-by-attribute acquisition status of the play elements 8 already acquired by the user 2. Control variably. Specifically, the requirements for application of interactive processing include a condition regarding the comprehensive relationship between the user 2 and the appearing character 6 . The integrated relationship includes acquisition status classified by attribute of the game element 8 . Therefore, the content of interactive processing is substantially variably controlled based on the acquisition status for each attribute.

Also, the first interactive processing content variable control unit 224 controls the content of executable interactive processing by changing the types of acceptable action operations. For example, when a user selects an instructable character 32 in manual interactive processing, play elements 8 that can be used for that character are selected and presented in a list 34, from which the user designates a reward play element. This also substantially corresponds to a change in the type of action operation that can be accepted (see FIG. 11).

In addition, the first interactive processing content variable control unit 224 determines the acquisition status of the play element 8 associated with the same character as the character that has been instructed to perform the action operation, among the play elements 8 already acquired by the user 2. Based on, the type of action operation that can be accepted as the action operation is changed. This controls the contents of executable interactive processing. For example, this corresponds to selecting a play element 8 that can be used by the instruction target character 32 from the list 34 (see FIG. 11) and having the user 2 select it. It should be noted that the condition for selecting the play element 8 to be displayed in the list 34 may include the condition that the participating character 7 is the same as the instruction target character 32 .

Focusing on the character relationship condition 624 of the application requirement 610 of the interactive process definition data 600, the first interactive process content variable control unit 224 controls the participating character 7 related to the play element 8 used in the action operation. It can also be said that the content of interactive processing is variably controlled based on the relationship between the viewing content 16 and the appearing character 6 .

Based on the time interval between the play part 13 in which the play element 8 used in the action operation is acquired and the viewing part 15 in which the action operation is performed, the second interactive processing content variable control unit 225 performs interactive processing based on the time interval. It variably controls the contents of processing.

The clock unit 280 clocks the current date and time, the time limit, and the like using the system clock.

The sound generation unit 290 is realized by, for example, a digital signal processor (DSP), a processor such as a speech synthesis IC, an audio codec capable of reproducing audio files, etc., and generates sound signals of music, sound effects, and various operation sounds, Output to the sound output unit 390 .

Sound output unit 390 is realized by a device that outputs sound (sound emission) based on the sound signal input from sound generation unit 290 . The speaker 1510 in FIG. 2 corresponds to this.

The image generation unit 292 generates various images under the control of the client control unit 260, and generates a play screen in the play part 13 and a viewing screen in the viewing part 15 based on the images. Then, an image signal for displaying them on the image display unit 392 is output. In the example of FIG. 2, the GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) mounted on the control board 1550 and the graphic controller correspond to this.

The image display unit 392 is implemented by a device that displays images, such as a flat panel display, a head-mounted display, or a projector. In the example of FIG. 2, the touch panel 1506 corresponds to this.

The communication control unit 294 executes data processing related to data communication, and exchanges data with an external device via the communication unit 394 .

The communication unit 394 connects with the network 9 to realize communication. For example, it is implemented by a wireless communication device, a modem, a TA (terminal adapter), a wired communication cable jack, a control circuit, or the like. In the example of FIG. 2, the wireless communication module 1553 corresponds to this.

FIG. 26 is a diagram showing an example of programs and data stored in the terminal storage unit 500. As shown in FIG.
The terminal storage unit 500 stores programs for causing the terminal processing unit 200 to implement given functions, various data, and the like. It is also used as a work area for the terminal processing unit 200, and temporarily stores calculation results executed by the terminal processing unit 200 according to various programs, input data input from the operation input unit 100, and the like. Such functions are realized by, for example, IC memories such as RAM and ROM, magnetic disks such as hard disks, and optical disks such as CD-ROMs and DVDs. In the example of FIG. 2, the IC memory 1552 and memory card 1540 mounted on the control board 1550 correspond to this. A configuration using online storage is also possible.

Specifically, the terminal storage unit 500 stores a client program 502 (application program) for causing the terminal processing unit 200 to function as the client control unit 260, client control data 790, and the current date and time 900. FIG. Of course, data other than these can also be stored as appropriate.

The client control data 790 includes viewing part management data 800, viewing content data (copy) 840, play performance data (copy) 842, acquired game element data (copy) 844, and game element acquisition status data (copy). 846 , interactive process definition data (copy) 848 , viewing start date and time (copy) 850 , and additional content data (copy) 852 . Of course, data other than these can be included as appropriate.

Viewing content data (copy) 840, play performance data (copy) 842, acquired game element data (copy) 844, game element acquisition status data (copy) 846, interactive processing definition data (copy) 848, viewing start date and time (copy) ) 850 is data provided from the server system 1100 before the viewing content 16 desired to be viewed by the user as the viewing part 15 is started. Viewing content data 580 (see FIG. 20), play performance data 710 (see FIG. 24), acquired game element data 720, game element acquisition status data 730, and interactive process definition, which are stored and managed by the server system 1100, respectively. It is a copy of the data 600 (see FIG. 16) and viewing start date/time 566 (see FIG. 19).

The additional content data (copy) 852 is a copy of the additional content data 590 (see FIG. 16) requested from the user terminal 1500 to the server system 1100 and provided as a result of the interactive processing.

FIG. 27 is a diagram showing a data configuration example of the viewing part management data 800. As shown in FIG.
The viewing part management data 800 stores various data for realizing viewing of the viewing content 16 . Specifically, the viewing part management data 800 includes the viewing content ID 801 of the viewing content 16 to be viewed, the applied content script data 802, the virtual three-dimensional space control data 803, the effect control data 804, and the appearance character management data 810. , an acceptable viewer action type list 820 , an instruction target character type 822 , a consideration designation operation 824 , an additional content ID 826 , and a scheduled service point 828 . Of course, data other than these can be included as appropriate.

The applied content script data 802 is a copy of the default content script data 581 of the viewing content 16 indicated by the viewing content ID 801, and is changed by interactive processing.

The virtual three-dimensional space control data 803 stores various data describing the arrangement and state of various objects such as background objects, character objects of the appearing character 6, and virtual cameras. If the interactive process involves changing the background, the control data is changed.

Appearing character management data 810 is prepared for each appearing character 6 and stores the latest various setting data related to control of the character. One piece of appearing character management data 810 includes, for example, an appearing character type 811, display mode management data 812, action management data 813, and ability management data 818.

The display mode management data 812 is added by interactive processing for changing the display mode of the character. For example, when a game element 8 such as equipment worn by an appearing character 6 is used in manual interactive processing, the display mode management data 812 stores the item data and the state parameter value of the item data. When the game element 8 for changing the color scheme of the appearing character 6 is used, the changed color scheme pattern data is stored.

The action management data 813 stores action setting data of the appearing character 6 . For example, applied motion script data 814 (which may be included in applied content script data 802) and motion data 815 are included.

The applied motion script data 814 is copied from the default motion script data in the viewing content 16 and changed by interactive processing.
The motion data 815 stores default motion data in the viewing content 16 as data in the initial state, but is replaced or added by interactive processing.

The ability management data 818 stores setting data about the ability of the appearing character 6 . The initial setting ability parameter value of the appearing character 6 in the viewing content 16 is copied to the initial state, but the stored ability parameter value is changed each time the ability is changed by interactive processing.

Next, the operation of entertainment system 1000 will be described.
FIG. 28 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of processing executed by server system 1100 and user terminal 1500 for execution of one piece of entertainment content. Broken arrows in the figure represent communication between the server system 1100 and the user terminal 1500 . In the following description of the operation, for ease of understanding, one user playing the entertainment content will be described, but in reality many users play the entertainment content concurrently. , the same processing is executed in parallel for each person.

As shown in FIG. 28, the server system 1100 executes game part processing (step S8). In response to this, the user terminal 1500 executes the game part client process, and executes the process related to the game play of the game part 13 in the same manner as in the client-server type online game (step S10).

FIG. 29 is a flow chart for explaining the flow of processing executed by the server system 1100 in the game part processing.
In the game part process, the server system 1100 initializes the game part management data 703 (see FIG. 24), and selects the game part 13 to be played according to the progression part configuration data 511 (step S12). The selection result is saved as the game part ID 707 of the game part management data 703 (see FIG. 24).

Next, the server system 1100 receives a selection operation for selecting a play target character 60 (this embodiment is a breeding game, so the character to be trained; player character) from among the appearing characters 6 (step S14).

The server system 1100 starts game progress control based on the game part content data 548 (see FIG. 18) (step S16). The play result data 710 is changed according to the play result (see FIG. 24). The relationship data 713 is incremented or decremented by a predetermined value when a predetermined game progress state is reached according to the relationship parameter value change definition data 549 . In addition, since the breeding element can be realized in the same manner as in the conventional art, the explanation here is omitted.

Then, if a chance to acquire the play element 8 comes during the game (YES in step S20), the server system 1100 selects a lottery set that satisfies the set use permission condition 552 from the lottery set definition data 550. (Step S22), the lottery is executed the number of times according to the play results (Step S24). It is preferable to set the number of times to be higher as the play record up to that point is better.

Next, the server system 1100 determines a corresponding character (participating character 7, etc.; see FIG. 7) to be associated with the new game element 8 as a result of the lottery, and sets its use restriction to the game element definition of the new game element 8. Determined according to the data 520 (see FIG. 17) (step S26). Then, this new game element 8 is given to the user 2 (step S28). As a result, new acquired game element data 720 is added to the play information 705 (see FIG. 24).

Steps S20 to S28 are repeated until the game play ends.
When the game play ends (YES in step S30), the server system 1100 provides the user with a new game element 8 according to the current play result/play score (step S32). The selection and provision of the new game element 8 here may be determined and provided by lottery in the same manner as in steps S22 to S28.

Server system 1100 then adds current game part play history data 740 to entertainment management data 700 (see FIG. 23) (step S34). In addition, save data is stored in the user management data 650 .

The server system 1100 detects the user's selection operation to continue playing the play part 13 (continuation of step S36), and if the currently played play part 13 still has an executable period (step S38). NO; see FIG. 3), the process returns to step S12 and moves to the process of playing the next game part 13. FIG.

On the other hand, when the user 2 detects an operation to end the play of the game part 13 (end of step S36), or when the playable period of the game part 13 currently being played ends (YES of step S38), the server system 1100 ends the game part processing.

Returning to FIG. 28, the server system 1100 extracts the game elements 8 whose use period has expired from among the game elements 8 that have already been acquired, displays them in a list on the user terminal 1500, and either extends the use period or deletes them. The user is asked to select whether to do so (step S50).

Then, the server system 1100 collects an extension fee for the game elements 8 for which extension of the deadline has been selected (step S52), and deletes the game elements 8 for which the extension of the deadline has not been selected (step S54). The fee for the extension of the period may be collected, for example, by charging with a virtual currency or credit card, or may be collected by consuming items or game points purchased in advance through online shopping. .

In viewing part 15, the start date and time of the period (corresponding to the start date and time of simulated live distribution) are disclosed to user 2 through a website or an information providing function within the game.
Based on the disclosed information, the user 2 has a viewing part 15 whose time limit starts after a predetermined period of time. When the user terminal 1500 detects this (YES in step S60), it transmits a predetermined viewing request to the server system 1100 (step S62).

When the server system 1100 receives the viewing request for the viewing part 15 whose viewable period starts after a predetermined time (YES in step S64), the server system 1100 executes viewing part processing (step S66). In response to this, the user terminal 1500 executes viewing part client processing (step S68).

30 and 31 are flowcharts for explaining the flow of processing executed by server system 1100 in the viewing part processing.
In the viewing part processing, the server system 1100 updates the play element acquisition status data 730 (see FIG. 24) related to the play part 13 executed in the most recent past for the user of the user terminal 1500 who made the viewing request. (Step S100).

Next, the server system 1100 receives the user 2's desire to view which viewing content 16 (for example, pseudo-singing live) in the viewing part 15 (steps S102 to S110). From the perspective of the server system 1100, this process can be said to extract and match users viewing the same viewing content.

Specifically, the server system 1100 primarily extracts the viewing content 16 that satisfies the viewable requirements (step S102). More specifically, the server system 1100 searches the viewing part definition data 560 (see FIG. 19) for the viewing part 15 that satisfies the viewable requirement 562, and registers the viewing part 15 in the viewing content ID list 565. Let viewing contents 16 be a population of reception of requests for viewing. Then, the server system 1100 primarily extracts the viewing content satisfying the viewability requirement 574 (see FIG. 20) from the viewing content 16 forming the population.

Next, the server system 1100 secondarily extracts the viewing content 16 in which the appearing character 6 whose relationship with the user satisfies a given standard appears from the primarily extracted viewing content (step S104). Specifically, the relationship data 713 by character type stored in the play information 705 of the game part management data 703 (see FIG. 24) is referred to. Then, a character whose relationship parameter value reaches a predetermined reference value (for example, since the game of this embodiment is a breeding game, a high value that is considered to be sufficiently high intimacy) is searched, and the character is selected for viewing content initialization. The viewing contents 16 included in the appearance character list 573 of the data 570 (see FIG. 20) are secondarily extracted.

The secondarily extracted viewing content 16 is content in which a so-called “preferred character” that is a favorite of the user 2 appears. Therefore, if the user 2 views the viewing content 16, there is no doubt that the user 2 will actively perform viewer actions.

Then, the server system 1100 causes the user terminal 1500 to display a list of the viewing contents 16 that have been secondarily extracted (step S106), and accepts viewing requests from the list (step S108; see FIG. 9).

The user terminal 1500 transmits to the server system 1100 the selection result of the viewing content 16 desired to be viewed. Based on the selection result, the server system 1100 sets the user 2 to the viewer group 3 of the selected viewing content 16, and stores and manages it as matching management data 770 (step S110; see FIG. 16).

If the content of the viewing content 16 is, for example, a pseudo-singing live stage that progresses according to a script, the content includes not only the appearance character 6 dancing and singing, but also the moderator progress by the appearance character 6 and the service for the audience. Talk, etc. are also included. Of course, the content of the viewing content 16 is not limited to the singing live stage. The contents can be appropriately set such as a talk program-like content, a variety program-like content, a travel program-like content in which the appearing character 6 takes an imaginary trip, an action program-like content in which the appearing character 6 challenges the limit of physical strength, and the like. Although there are differences in content, the characters 6 appearing are predetermined, and what the characters 6 will do is also predetermined.

Then, the viewing part 15 is provided in a live distribution style. That is, by providing content data of the same viewing content 16 to the user terminals 1500 of a plurality of users 2 in the same manner, starting viewing at the same time, and sharing part of the information of viewer actions with each other, it is as if multiple live distributions were performed. provide a simulated experience as if multiple users are watching simultaneously.

In other words, it can be said that the characters 6 appearing in the viewing content 16 are set to be variable in steps S102 to S106, from the viewpoint of the user who is the viewer. Furthermore, since steps S102 to S110 are executed for each user before the start date and time when the viewing part 15 is started, it can be said that the users 2 who view the same viewing content are matched in advance.

Now, the server system 1100 provides data for realizing viewing to the user terminal 1500 of the user who accepts the selection of the viewing content 16 desired to be viewed (step S120). That is, (1) the viewing content data 580 (see FIG. 20) of the viewing content 16 that the user wishes to view, and (2) the play result data 710 (see FIG. (see FIG. 16), (3) interactive process definition data 600 (see FIG. 16), and (4) viewing start date and time 566 (see FIG. 19). , is transmitted/provided in advance before viewing starts.

32 and 33 are flow charts for explaining the flow of processing after the selection of the viewing content 16 in the viewing part client processing executed by the user terminal 1500. FIG.
When the user terminal 1500 receives the data for realizing viewing of the desired viewing content 16 from the server system 1100, it stores them (step S122). These data include viewing content data (copy) 840, play performance data (copy) 842, acquired game element data (copy) 844, game element acquisition status data (copy) 846, interactive process definition data (copy) 848, Viewing start date and time (copy) 850 (see FIG. 26).

Next, the user terminal 1500 creates and initializes a virtual three-dimensional space that serves as the background/stage of the video of the viewing content 16 according to the saved viewing content data (copy) 840 (step S124). That is, various background objects are arranged in the virtual three-dimensional space according to the initial background setting data 586 to configure the stage of the viewing content 16, and the object of the appearing character 6 and the virtual camera are arranged and initialized there.

Next, the user terminal 1500 executes automatic interactive processing (step S126). That is, of the interactive process definition data (copy) 848 (600; see FIG. 16), the definition data whose type 602 is set to "automatic" is primarily retrieved, and the application requirement 610 is satisfied. secondary search. Then, the content of the processing content data 630 of the secondarily retrieved interactive processing definition data (copy) 848 is applied to the initialized virtual three-dimensional space. In addition, the acceptable viewer action type list 820, the additional content ID 826, and the service points scheduled to be given 828 are changed.

In the application requirement 610 of the "automatic" type interactive process definition data (copy) 848 (600), the instruction target character condition 620, the instruction game element designation condition 622, the character relationship condition 624, and the time condition 626 are not set. Therefore, the content of the processing content data 630 corresponding to the relationship between the user and the appearing character 6 and the acquisition status of the game element 8 is applied to the initialized virtual three-dimensional space or the like.

Next, the user terminal 1500 displays a list of predetermined types of game elements 8 that can be paid as consideration for viewing the viewing content 16 among the game elements 8 that have already been acquired. Accept selection input by the user. Then, the selection result is transmitted to the server system 1100 (step S130). Then, collection processing of the compensation game element is performed (step S132). Specifically, the data of the paid game element is deleted from the acquired game element data 844, and the game element acquisition status data 846 is updated.

30, when the server system 1100 receives the selection result of the paid game element, it performs the process of collecting the paid game element from the user who uses the user terminal 1500 of the transmission source (step S134). That is, the game element acquisition state data 730 is updated by erasing the value game element data from the acquired game element data 720 of the game part management data 703 (see FIG. 24).

Returning to FIG. 32, the user terminal 1500 starts viewing control (YES in step S150) when the viewing start date and time 850 (corresponding to the simulated live distribution start date and time) of the viewing content 16 desired to be viewed comes (step S152). That is, an image of the appearance of the appearing character 6 captured by a virtual camera placed in a virtual three-dimensional space is rendered, and an audiovisual image is generated based on the audiovisual content 16 from the image and displayed. If there is music data or voice data of a registered character, it is also reproduced at a predetermined timing.

When the user terminal 1500 detects an operation to start a shared viewer action after the viewing control is started, that is, while the user 2 is viewing the viewing content 16 (YES in step S154), the acceptable viewer action type list 820 (FIG. 27) is displayed. ) based on the settings, present the options of acceptable shared viewer actions, and select/set the desired shared viewer actions ("post", "comment", "evaluate", etc.) from the presentation is received (step S156). Then, a shared viewer action request is transmitted to the server system 1100 (step S158).

31, when server system 1100 receives a shared viewer action request from user terminal 1500 (YES in step S160), other users belonging to viewer group 3 same as the user of user terminal 1500 who is the sender to the user terminal 1500 (step S162). Then, the server system 1100 performs processing for collecting the requested share-type viewer action (step S164). For example, a billing process is performed for the "tipped" amount. That is, through steps S162 to S164, server system 1100 takes part in shared interactive processing.

Returning to FIG. 32, when user terminal 1500 receives an instruction to execute a shared viewer action (YES in step S170), the display corresponding to the instructed shared viewing content ("comment" display 30 , the display 31 of "tip", the notification display of the evaluation number, etc.; see FIG. 10) are reflected and displayed (step S172). That is, by step S172, the user terminal 1500 takes part in the shared interactive processing.

Moving on to FIG. 33, when the user terminal 1500 detects the pointing operation of the pointing target character 32 (YES in step S190; see FIG. 11), it sets the pointing target character type 822 (step S192; see FIG. 27). Acquired game elements 8 that can be used for a character 32 are searched, the search results are presented to the user 2 as candidates for instruction game elements in a list 34, and selection of instruction game elements (game elements 8 to be used) is accepted. (Step S194).

Specifically, in searching for usable acquired game elements 8, the setting of usable characters in the use restriction setting 725 of the acquired game element data 720 matches the character indicated by the instructed character type 822. Search the acquired game element data 720 . It should be noted that other usage restrictions in the usage restriction setting 725, such as the usage period and available situation settings, must also not conflict with the usage restrictions indicated by them.

Once the instructable character 32 is determined and the instructed game elements are determined, manual interactive processing is executed.
That is, the user terminal 1500 searches the interactive process definition data (copy) 848 (600) for definition data whose type 602 is "manual" and which satisfies the application requirements 610 (see FIG. 21) (step S196), the content set in the processing content data 630 (see FIG. 22) is applied (step S198). Then, the user terminal 1500 dispossesses (for example, consumes) the instructed game element (step S200). Non-ownership can be realized by erasing the data of the indicated game element, setting a flag indicating non-ownership/used, and the like.

During viewing, the user terminal 1500 monitors whether the application requirement 610 of the interactive process definition data (copy) 848 (600) whose type 602 is "automatic" is satisfied. Then, if there is corresponding interactive processing definition data (copy) 848 (YES in step S220), user terminal 1500 executes automatic interactive processing to apply the content indicated by processing content data 630 of the definition data (step S222).

That is, in steps S190 to S222, the content of the viewing content 16 being viewed is variably controlled in a completely different manner from the additional display of the display body by the shared viewer actions of "money tip", "comment", and "evaluation". It will be. Moreover, shared viewer actions such as "money tip", "comment", and "evaluation", that is, shared interactive processing are shared by the user terminals 1500 of users 2 belonging to the same viewer group 3, but manual interactive processing and automatic interactive processing are shared. Since only the virtual three-dimensional space managed and controlled for each user terminal 1500 and the management data of the viewing content 16 are changed, the contents of interactive processing are reflected locally.

Therefore, even though there is a sense of unity among the viewers watching the live distribution with a plurality of users 2, various changes according to the efforts of each user 2 in the game part 13 and the character 6 of each user 2 appearing. A new entertainment experience will be provided that allows you to enjoy changes in cheering using the acquired play element 8.

If the server system 1100 tries to reflect the contents of the three types of interactive processing in exactly the same way on the user terminals 1500 of all the users 2 belonging to the same viewer group 3, Interactive processing by all users 2 is reflected. In this case, the server system 1100 will have a reasonable processing load. In addition, since the items of the game element 8 used by a plurality of users 2 are applied to the appearing character 6, there is a possibility that the application process is inconsistent. However, such a situation does not occur in this embodiment.

When the viewing content ends (YES in step S240), the user terminal 1500 sets the additional content ID 826 as bonus content in the viewing part management data 800 (see FIG. 27) (step S242). The additional content ID 826 is transmitted together with the additional content request to the server system 1100 (step S244).

31, when the server system 1100 receives the additional content request (YES in step S246), the viewing content data 580 of the viewing content initialization data 570 (see FIG. 20) matching the received additional content ID 826 is It is transmitted as additional content data to the requesting user terminal 1500 (step S248).

Returning to FIG. 33, upon receiving this additional content data, the user terminal 1500 stores it and executes the additional content based on the data (step S250).
Note that the viewing content 16 is positioned as the "main story", and the additional content added as interactive processing is positioned as a "bonus", and is basically a moving image prepared in advance.

Next, the user terminal 1500 transmits to the server system 1100 a predetermined service point grant request and service points to be granted 828 (see FIG. 27) (step S252), and transmits a predetermined viewing end signal to the server system 1100. (step S254).

31, when server system 1100 receives a service point grant request (step S260), server system 1100 grants service points to user 2 of user terminal 1500 who made the request by the value indicated by received scheduled service points 828. Give (step S262).

Further, when server system 1100 receives a viewing end signal (YES in step S264), server system 1100 generates and stores new viewing part history data 768 in entertainment management data 700 (see FIG. 23) related to user 2 who has finished viewing. (step S266).

Then, when all the users belonging to the group have finished viewing (YES in step S270), the viewing part processing ends.

Returning to FIG. 28, server system 1100 then determines whether the entertainment content has ended. If not finished (NO in step S290), the process returns to step S8 to enable the remaining game part 13 to be played. If the process ends (YES in step S290), the series of processes ends. Similarly, if the entertainment content ends (YES in step S292), the user terminal 1500 ends the series of processes.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the user 2 acquires the play element 8 in the play part 13 and, as a viewer action in the viewing part 15, directs the acquired play element 8 toward the appearing character 6 appearing in the viewing content 16. can be used. The play element 8 is associated with a participating character 7 who has contributed to the acquisition of the play element 8 . Interactive processing based on the relationship between the participating character 7 of the play element 8 used in the action operation and the appearing character 6 using it is executed in the viewing content. There is no entertainment content that realizes how to use the game element 8 and interactive processing as a result of using it, and it brings about a completely new user experience.

Also, the entertainment system 1000 can provide the play element 8 to the user 2 in the play part 13 and control the viewing part 15 according to the acquisition status of the play element 8 . In other words, if the user 2 succeeds in acquiring the game element 8 in the game part 13 , he or she can experience various changes in the viewing content 16 in the viewing part 15 . Therefore, it is possible to realize a new interest related to the play element 8 that is added according to the progress of the entertainment content. In addition, this also increases the desire of the user 2 for the play element 8, and the quality of the user's experience in playing the play part 13 can also be improved. The attractiveness of entertainment contents will be enhanced comprehensively.

Also, the entertainment system 1000 can provide the user 2 with a place to play the game in the game part 13 and manage the play information 705 for each user. By matching users who view the same viewing content 16 based on the play information 705, the configuration of the viewer group can be adjusted. Then, within the same viewer group, interactive effects of action operations performed by viewers on viewing content can be shared.

Appropriate adjustment makes it possible to match users with high motivation for viewing content 16 to the same audience group. In addition, by adjusting, it is possible to create a viewer group according to the tendency of the viewers to take actions or not, so it is possible to avoid a situation in which viewers refrain from taking action and the atmosphere of viewing is not lively. can. It also helps to analyze each viewer's evaluation of the viewing content because the group of users who are viewers can be tailored.

[Second embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment will be described. The second embodiment has a configuration in common with the first embodiment, but differs in that the functions of the entertainment management data 700 are realized only by the server system 1100 . It should be noted that differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described, and the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment will be assigned to components that are the same as in the first embodiment, and redundant description will be omitted.

FIG. 34 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration example of the server system 1100B in the second embodiment. The viewing part control unit 220B of the server system 1100B includes a viewing content variable control unit 221, an appearing character control change unit 222, an interactive processing unit 223, a first interactive processing content variable control unit 224, and a second interactive processing content variable control unit 221. It has a control unit 225 , a viewing fee collection unit 226 , and a matching processing unit 228 .

The viewing content variable control unit 221 functions as both the viewing content variable control unit 221s of the server system 1100 in the first embodiment and the viewing content variable control unit 221t in the first embodiment.

The interactive processing unit 223 functions as both the interactive processing unit 223s of the server system 1100 in the first embodiment and the interactive processing unit 223t in the first embodiment.

In other words, the server system 1100B controls the virtual three-dimensional space for realizing the viewing of the viewing content 16, which was controlled by the user terminal 1500 in the first embodiment, and controls the content of the viewing content 16 according to the acquisition status of the game element 8. control that changes according to the

Therefore, the programs and data stored in the server storage unit 500s of the server system 1100B are basically the same as those in the first embodiment (see FIG. 16), but as shown in FIG. The management data 700B includes viewing part management data 800 stored and managed by the user terminal 1500 in the first embodiment.

FIG. 36 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration example of the user terminal 1500B in the second embodiment. The viewing part client control unit 262B of the user terminal 1500B includes a viewing content variable control unit 221t, an appearing character control change unit 222, an interactive processing unit 223t, and a first interactive processing content variable control unit in the viewing part client control unit 2262. 224 and the second interactive processing content variable control unit 225 are omitted. Also, along with this, the terminal storage unit 500 of the user terminal 1500B does not store the client control data 790 (see FIG. 25).

The operation of the entertainment system 1000 according to the present embodiment is realized by the server system 1100B executing control related to viewing of the viewing content 16, which was executed by the user terminal 1500 according to the first embodiment.

According to the present embodiment, although the processing load on the server system 1100B is greater than that of the first embodiment, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained.
On the other hand, since the processing load borne by the user terminal 1500B is reduced compared to the processing load of the first embodiment, the hardware specifications required for the user terminal 1500B can be kept considerably lower than in the first embodiment. Therefore, even a user who uses a computer (for example, a low-performance smart phone) whose specifications must be relatively low as the user terminal 1500B can use the entertainment system 1000 .

[Third Embodiment]
Next, a third embodiment will be described. The third embodiment has the same configuration as the first embodiment, but differs in that the user terminal 1500 controls the play part 13 . Note that differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described, and components similar to those in the first embodiment and the second embodiment will be given the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment and the second embodiment and duplicated. omit the description.

FIG. 37 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration example of the server system 1100C in the third embodiment. The viewing part controller 220</b>C of the server system 1100</b>C has a viewing content variable controller 221 s , a viewing price collection unit 226 , and a matching processor 228 .

FIG. 38 is a diagram showing an example of programs and data stored in the server storage unit 500s of the server system 1100C.
The server storage unit 500s stores a server program 501C. The program implements the function of the viewing part control section 220C in the server processing section 200s.
The entertainment management data 700 is omitted and managed by the user terminal 1500C.

FIG. 39 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration example of a user terminal 1500C in the third embodiment. In the user terminal 1500C, the viewing part client control unit 262C includes a viewing content variable control unit 221, an appearing character control change unit 222, an interactive processing unit 223, a first interactive processing content variable control unit 224, and a second interactive processing. and a content variable control unit 225 .

FIG. 40 is a diagram showing an example of programs and data stored in the terminal storage unit 500 of the user terminal 1500C.
The client program 502C includes a viewing content variable control unit 221, an appearing character control change unit 222, an interactive processing unit 223, a first interactive processing content variable control unit 224, and a second interactive processing content variable control unit 224 in the terminal processing unit 200. It is a program for realizing the function of the part 225 .

Entertainment content initialization data 510C is saved by previously downloading the original entertainment content initialization data 510 held by server system 1100 .

Entertainment management data 700B includes both play part management data 703 and viewing part management data 800 (see FIG. 35), as in the second embodiment.

Also in the third embodiment, effects similar to those of the first embodiment can be obtained.

[Modification]
Although examples of embodiments to which the present invention is applied have been described above, the forms to which the present invention can be applied are not limited to the above-described forms, and constituent elements can be added, omitted, or changed as appropriate.

(Modification 1)
For example, a process of dividing the viewer group into a plurality of groups according to the number of viewers or the like may be added to the above embodiment.
For example, if there are too many users who are viewers of the same viewing content 16, it cannot be denied that the display of viewer actions will fill up the viewing screen and hinder viewing. There is also the possibility that viewer actions will concentrate on a specific appearing character 6, giving some of the viewers a dejected mood. In this case, the viewer group 3 can be divided into a plurality of groups, information sharing of viewer actions can be limited within the divided groups, and viewer distribution can be performed based on substantial overall relationships.

For the distribution, for example, when there are two appearing characters 6, the groups may be divided so as to adjust the ratio of the users who consider each of them as the "favorite" within the group.
Specifically, a group may be formed to select users so that the ratio of the number of users who consider each appearing character 6 as their “preferred” value is as close as possible, and the remaining users may form a group. In this case, in the former group, users who "prefer" each of the appearing characters compete with each other in a cheering battle to avoid losing, triggering viewer actions and making the user experience more lively during viewing.

(Modification 2)
In the above-described embodiment, the play element 8 acquired by the user 2 is made into an instruction-handling game element related to manual interactive processing, so that it becomes non-possessed in accordance with the viewer action operation. Managed as if consumed. The other acquired game elements 8 are left even after the viewing part 15 is finished, and can be carried over to the next game element 8 .

Alternatively, when the second progression part 12 ends, all the information on the play elements 8 owned by each user 2 may be reset. Specifically, a reset step is added between step S66 and step S290. Alternatively, a step of resetting is added after a negative determination is made in step S290.

In this configuration, the user 2 cannot carry over the acquired game elements 8 across sets of progression parts. Every time you start the next set, you have to reacquire the game element 8 in the game part 13 from "0". Therefore, it is possible to encourage the user 2 to always play the game with a positive sense of purpose, and to keep the motivation of the user 2 always high.

(Modification 3)
Also, the contents of the shared interactive process can be set as appropriate without being limited to the example of the above embodiment. For example, it counts the total number of money and items that have been "tipped" from the start of the viewing part. The display body 31 is displayed each time a "money tip" is made, and when the count value reaches a predetermined value, the appearing character 6 performs some action (for example, winking) to the viewers to express gratitude. , bow and say thank you), a special shared interaction may be performed. Of course, the content of special shared interactive processing can be set as appropriate. For example, it is possible to display a congratulatory display on the viewing screen for achieving a predetermined value, or display an effect such as a falling shower of flowers. It is also possible to provide additional content for dancing as a token of gratitude, or to give special items to appearing characters.

(Modification 4)
Moreover, elements of synthesizing and evolving the game elements 8 may be added as appropriate to the above-described embodiment and modifications. Synthesis is a mechanism for replacing a plurality of synthetic material play elements 8 with one synthesized play element 8 . Basically, the play element 8 after synthesis has higher performance than the play element 8 made of synthetic material. Evolution consumes one or more game elements 8 as evolution materials, and replaces the game elements 8 to be evolved so as to gradually improve their abilities and appearance according to a predetermined ability improvement genealogy setting. It's how it works.

When adding a composition element based on the first embodiment, composition definition data 860 as shown in FIG. 41 is prepared and stored in the server system 1100 . When a user, who is a player, performs a predetermined synthesizing operation (including, for example, selecting a synthetic material and performing an operation) at user terminal 1500 , server system 1100 follows the synthesizing definition data 860 to create an account for the user. to change the acquired game element data 720 (see FIG. 24) associated with .

The synthesis definition data 860 includes a synthesis material game element type combination 861 , a post-synthesis game element type 862 , and a usage restriction change setting 863 . The composite pattern defined by the composite definition data 860 is determined by the composite material game element type combination 861 and the post-composite game element type 862 . The usage restriction change setting 863 is set instead of the usage restriction setting data 530 when the usage restriction set for the combined play element 8 is changed to a definition other than the usage restriction setting data 530 (see FIG. 17). .

The use limit change setting 863 is prepared for each change pattern. One usage restriction change setting 863 includes a change requirement and post-change usage restriction content.

The change requirement may be described using a combination of types of participating characters 7 of synthetic material play elements 8 and a combination of usage restriction settings. In addition, if there are level and rarity settings for the synthetic material play element 8, the combination thereof may also be included in the change requirement description.

Specifically, for example, as an example of synthesis using two synthetic material play elements 8, the change requirements are set such that the usage restriction on the first synthetic material play element 8 is "usable character = character A", the second Assume that the use restriction for the play element 8 of the synthetic material of 2 is "usable character=character B". Then, the use restriction related to the play element 8 after synthesis may be set to "usable character=character A or character B".

As another example, the change requirement is set such that the restrictions on the use of all synthetic materials are common to "usable character=character A". Then, while maintaining the usage restriction related to the play element 8 after synthesis to "usable character = character A", the expiration date is X times longer than that of the synthesized material (X is given in a positive relationship to the number of synthesized materials). (value determined by a function of ), or by increasing the number of situations where it can be used.

When adding an evolutionary element, the game element 8 before evolution and the game element 8 after evolution are set so that the design, ability, etc., are related so that the existence of the evolutionary lineage can be felt. However, in terms of data, it is preferable to treat it as a game element 8 of another type.

Then, evolution definition data 870 as shown in FIG. 42 is prepared and stored in server system 1100 . When a predetermined evolution operation (including, for example, an operation of selecting an evolution material and an evolution target and an operation of executing evolution) is performed by a user who is a player at the user terminal 1500, the server system 1100 outputs an evolution definition. According to the data 870, the acquired game element data 720 (see FIG. 24) associated with the user's account is changed.

The evolution definition data 870 includes evolution material game element types 871 , evolution target game element types 872 , post-evolution game element types 873 , and post-evolution use restriction settings 874 . The pattern of evolution defined by the definition data is determined by the evolution material game element type 871, the evolution target game element type 872, and the post-evolution game element type 873. FIG. The post-evolution usage restriction setting 874 is appropriately set when the usage restriction of the evolved game element 8 is changed to a definition other than the definition of the usage restriction setting data 530 (see FIG. 17).

The post-evolution usage restriction setting 874 is prepared for each change pattern. One post-evolution usage restriction setting 874 includes change requirements and post-change usage restriction content. The change requirement and post-change usage restriction content can be set in the same manner as the usage restriction change setting 863 .

(Modification 5)
In the above-described embodiment, the progressing part structure data 511 is illustrated as a straight part structure as if the story were a straight road without branches, but it is also possible to have a part structure with branches.

For example, when providing a branch at the end of the second progression part 12 , the server system 1100 or the user terminal 1500 records and manages the performance results of the viewer actions and interactive processing in the viewing part 15 . Specifically, it records and manages the number of viewing actions by type, the total amount of tipping, the type of interactive processing performed, the number of interactive processing performed, and the like.
In addition, in the second progression part 12 having a branch after the end of the part, there is a branching condition using the execution results of viewer actions and interactive processing, and a branching condition to be executed next depending on whether the branching condition is satisfied or not. Which game part 13 is to be executed among the 1 progression parts 11 is preset and associated.

After completing the second progression part 12 having a branch after the end of the part, a branch decision is made based on the corresponding branch condition, and it is determined which game part 13 is to be executed among the first progression parts 11 to be executed next. do. It may have multiple endings, with multiple different endings possible as a result of branching.

Depending on the story structure and the setting of the viewable period VA of the second progress part, the branch destination may be changed to the play part 13 of the first progress part 11 that is executed before the second progress part 12 that branches after the end of the part. may be

In this case, based on the results of a certain second progress part 12 (the amount of posts, the status of actions, etc.), in the first progress part 11 performed before the second progress part 12, a game different from the previous time Since it is possible to match Part 13 again and play it repeatedly, the development of the story becomes more complicated and heavy, and the interest is improved.

2 -- User 3 -- Viewer group 5 -- Item 6 -- Appearing character 7 -- Participating character 8 -- Game element 11 -- First progress part 12 -- Second progress part 13 -- Game part 15 -- Viewing part 16 -- Viewing content 32 -- Instruction Target character 60... Play target character 71... Dedicated character 80... Compensation game element 200s... Server processing unit 210... Entertainment management unit 212... Game part control unit 214... Play information management unit 220, 220B, 220C... Viewing part control unit 221, 221s, 221t ... Viewing content variable control section 222 ... Appearing character control change section 223, 223s, 223t ... Interactive processing section 224 ... First interactive processing content variable control section 225 ... Second interactive processing content variable control section 226 ... Viewing fee collection Unit 228 Matching processing unit 260 Client control unit 261 Play part client control unit 262, 262B, 262C Viewing part client control unit 263 Viewing part control unit 500 Terminal storage unit 500s Server storage unit 501, 501C Server Programs 502, 502C... Client programs 510, 510C... Entertainment content initialization data 511... Advance part configuration data 520... Game element definition data 521... Game element types 524... Rareness 525... Attributes 527... Game element content data 530... Use restrictions Setting data 532 Expiration date 533 Usable situations 534 Usable characters 540 Game part definition data 560 Viewing part definition data 562 Viewable requirements 570 Viewing content initial setting data 572 Viewing content category 573 Appearance character list 574 Viewable requirements 575 Relationship conditions 576 Game element acquisition status conditions 580 Viewing content data 583 Appearing character initial setting data 587 Initial acceptable viewer action type list 600 Interactive process definition data 602 Type 610 Application requirements 611 User relationship condition 612 Possession situation condition 614 Additional situation condition 620 Instruction target character condition 622 Instruction game element designation condition 624 Character relationship condition 626 Time condition 630 Processing content data 633 Display mode change data 634 Action change data 635 Ability parameter value change data 642 Receivable viewer action type change data 643 Service point grant amount 644 Content change data 700, 700B Entertainment management data 703 Game part management data 705 Play information 709 -- Game target character type 710 -- Play result data 711 -- Training result data 713 -- Relationship data 720 -- Acquired game element data 722 -- Game element type 724 -- Corresponding character type 725 -- Usage restriction setting 730 -- Game element acquisition status data 732 Acquisition status data by character 734 Acquisition status data by rarity level 736 Acquisition status data by attribute 770 Matching management data 800 Viewing part management data 810 Appearing character management data 812 Display mode management data 813 Behavior management data 818 Ability management data 820 Receivable viewer action type list 822 Instruction target character type 824 Instruction game element type 840 Viewing content data (copy)
852 ... Additional content data (copy)
1000 Entertainment system 1100, 1100B, 1100C Server system 1500, 1500B, 1500C User terminal TA Executable period VA Viewable period

Claims (14)

A server system that communicates with a user terminal and provides content including a plurality of progression parts to a user of the user terminal,
a game part control means for controlling a game part in which the user enjoys playing the game, as one of the progression parts;
play information management means for managing play information of each user and updating the play information of the user based on the user's game play in the play part;
viewing part control means for controlling progress of the viewing part by distributing data of a given viewing content to a plurality of user terminals and allowing a plurality of users to view the common viewing content;
with
The viewing part control means
matching means for creating a plurality of groups by matching the users based on the play information;
interactive processing means for causing the user terminal to accept an action operation on the viewing content by the user and controlling execution of interactive processing according to the action operation on the viewing content, wherein the group matched by the matching means. interactive processing means for controlling to perform the interactive processing in units;
having
server system. The play information includes information corresponding to the user's degree of familiarity with each character appearing in the play part,
The matching means performs matching of the user using the intimacy equivalent information.
The server system according to claim 1. The viewing content is content in which a given appearing character appears,
The matching means performs matching of the user using the information equivalent to degree of familiarity with the appearing character.
The server system according to claim 2. The viewing contents include a plurality of viewing contents having different appearing characters,
The matching means performs the matching by creating a group of users who satisfy a predetermined condition for the familiarity equivalent information with respect to each of the characters appearing in each of the plurality of viewing contents.
The viewing part control means allows each group of users whose intimacy equivalent information satisfies the predetermined condition to view the viewing content in which the corresponding appearing character appears.
The server system according to claim 3. The viewing part control means allows viewing of the viewing content that is different for each group.
A server system according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The viewing part control means causes the different groups to view the same viewing content.
A server system according to any one of claims 1 to 3. Each progressing part has a predetermined period during which the progressing part can progress,
The plurality of progression parts include a plurality of sets of the play part at least once and the viewing part at least once.
A server system according to any one of claims 1-6. The game part control means controls so that the user can acquire a game element in the game part,
When the action operation using the game element is received, the interactive processing means performs interactive processing based on the game element.
A server system according to any one of claims 1-7. The play information management means includes and manages information on the game element acquired by each user in the play information.
A server system according to claim 8 . The play element is associated with the type of viewing content that can be used for the action operation,
The interactive processing means receives the action operation using the play element associated with the type of the viewing content being viewed by the user.
A server system according to claim 8 or 9. A character that can be used for the action operation is associated with the game element,
The viewing content is content in which a given appearing character appears,
The interactive processing means receives the action operation using the play element associated with the character appearing in the viewing content being viewed by the user.
A server system according to claim 8 or 9. The game part control means controls so that the user can acquire a game element in the game part,
The interactive processing means performs interactive processing based on the game element when the action operation using the game element is received,
The play information management means includes and manages information on the game element acquired by each user in the play information.
The server system according to claim 7. The content includes one or a plurality of sets of the progression part including the play part one or more times and the progression part including the viewing part one or more times,
The play information management means resets the information of the play elements owned by each user when the set ends.
The server system according to claim 12. a server system according to any one of claims 1 to 13;
the user terminal;
entertainment system with

Images