JP2022185001A - Observation system, computer program for observation system, and control method of observation system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To allow effect shown in accordance with operation of multiple observation users to have relevance.

SOLUTION: An observation system (100) in which game video is distributed to display devices (24) of multiple observation users includes: operation reception means (111) for receiving a spectator's operation by multiple observation users; and effect control means (113) for controlling an operation effect corresponding to the spectator's operation. The operation reception means displays a guidance image for guiding operation timing when a spectator's operation should be performed on a display device as a guidance instruction of the spectator's operation.

SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

COPYRIGHT: (C)2023,JPO&INPIT

Description

The present invention relates to a watching system that accepts a spectator operation by a watching user, a computer program for the watching system, and a control method for the watching system.

In the game system of Patent Literature 1, a watching game screen generation unit of a game management server transmits the generated watching game screen to a streaming server for distribution. The generated watching game screen is distributed from the streaming server to a plurality of watching player terminals. Furthermore, the spectator player instruction reception unit of the game management server receives an instruction regarding the game from the spectator player. Then, when the spectator player instruction receiving unit receives an action instruction from the spectator player, it transmits the received instruction to the game control unit. After that, the game control unit executes the instructed action and reflects it in the game.

Further, in the game system of Patent Literature 1, a watching screen generation unit of the watching management server generates a watching screen displayed on a watching player terminal. Furthermore, the watching player terminal acquires the mini-game from the watching management server and executes the acquired mini-game. Then, the watching player terminal transmits the execution result of the mini game to the watching management server, and the watching management server transmits the execution result of the mini game to the game management server. After that, the game management server affects the game being executed by the player of the game player terminal according to the execution result of the mini-game. In the mini-game, it is possible to produce an effect as if the spectator player is cheering for the game player.

Further, in the system for distributing live moving images of Patent Literature 2, the moving image distribution control unit of the moving image distribution server receives input of items for the distributor of the live moving images by each of the plurality of viewers. Furthermore, the video distribution control unit determines whether or not the item input by the viewer satisfies a predetermined combo condition. Then, the moving image distribution control unit generates a combo when a predetermined combo condition is satisfied. In accordance with the occurrence of the combo, the moving image distribution control unit gives a value that brings profit to the distributor. Also, in the system of Patent Document 2, the viewer screen has a comment input area, a "Like" button, and an item input button.

JP 2015-77291 A Japanese Patent No. 6511217

A spectator user who watches the distributed video may desire to have an effect that affects the distributed video in response to his or her own operation. For example, when a game video is distributed, a spectator user wants to output effects such as applause sounds and cheering message images at the same time as the game video in order to support the players playing the game. Sometimes. In this case, since each spectator user performs an operation, an effect corresponding to each operation is also output at each timing. Therefore, it is difficult for a spectator user to feel solidarity with other spectator users.

A game watching system according to one aspect of the present invention is a game watching system in which a game image is distributed to display devices of a plurality of watching users, and includes operation receiving means for receiving a spectator operation by the plurality of watching users; and effect control means for controlling an operation effect corresponding to the operation, wherein the operation receiving means displays a guide image for guiding an operation timing at which the spectator operation should be performed as a guide instruction for the spectator operation on the display device. to display.

Further, a computer program for a watching system according to an aspect of the present invention is a computer program for a watching system in which a computer is provided and a game video is distributed to display devices of a plurality of watching users, wherein the computer comprises the Functioning as operation receiving means for accepting spectator operations by a plurality of spectator users and effect control means for controlling an operation effect corresponding to the spectator operations, the operation accepting means serves as a guide instruction for the spectator operations. The display device is caused to display a guide image that guides an operation timing at which a viewer operation should be performed.

Further, a control method for a watching system according to an aspect of the present invention is a control method for a watching system in which a game image is distributed to display devices of a plurality of watching users, wherein spectator operations by the plurality of watching users are accepted. and controlling an operation effect corresponding to the spectator operation, and causing the display device to display a guide image for guiding an operation timing at which the spectator operation should be performed as a guide instruction of the spectator operation.

This makes it possible to associate the effects exhibited in response to the operations of a plurality of spectator users. Therefore, the spectator user can feel a sense of solidarity with other spectator users, and the spectator user's desire to watch is improved.

Schematic overall view of the watching system. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a watching system; FIG. 4 is a schematic explanatory diagram of a viewing screen in the first embodiment; FIG. Schematic explanatory drawing of a game-watching screen. 4 is a flowchart of processing in the first embodiment; FIG. 11 is a schematic explanatory diagram of a viewing screen in the second embodiment; 9 is a flowchart of processing in the second embodiment; FIG. 11 is a schematic explanatory diagram of a viewing screen in the third embodiment; 9 is a flowchart of processing in the third embodiment;

Exemplary embodiments for carrying out the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, and relative positions of components described in the following embodiments can be arbitrarily set, and can be changed according to the configuration of the apparatus to which the present invention is applied or various conditions. Also, unless otherwise stated, the scope of the invention is not limited to the embodiments specifically described below.

[First embodiment]
As shown in FIG. 1, a watching system 100 in which game images are distributed to display devices of a plurality of watching users includes a management server 10 . The watching system 100 also includes a playback terminal 20 for viewing game videos, a distribution server 30 for distributing game videos, a game server 60, and a game terminal 70 as an example of a game device. The playback terminal 20 can be connected to the management server 10 via a predetermined network 50 . As an example, the spectator user uses the playback terminal 20 at the site of the game tournament, at the user's home, or the like. Also, the game terminal 70 can be connected to the game server 60 via a predetermined network 50 . As an example, a user who plays a game uses the game terminal 70 at a predetermined facility such as a game tournament site or a store.

The management server 10, distribution server 30, and game server 60 are configured as one logical server device by combining server units as a plurality of computers. However, the management server 10, distribution server 30, and game server 60 may be configured by a single server unit. Alternatively, the management server 10, distribution server 30, and game server 60 may be logically configured using cloud computing.

The management server 10 manages the viewing service for allowing the viewing user to view the game video for the playback terminal 20 or the user of the playback terminal 20 . The watching service includes a distribution service for distributing and updating programs or data for the reproduction terminal 20 via the network 50 . The management server 10 appropriately distributes various programs or data necessary for viewing game images to each reproduction terminal 20 through this distribution service.

For example, the management server 10 provides web services to the user of the playback terminal 20 via the network 50 . The Web service includes a video distribution service for distributing video reproduced through the game watching service when the game watching service is provided via the reproduction terminal 20 . Web services include an information provision service that provides various types of information related to video, a community service that provides a place for interaction such as transmission, exchange, and sharing of information by users, and a user ID for identifying each user. Other services such as services may be included.

The distribution server 30 provides a service of distributing game video via the management server 10 to the playback terminal 20 or the user of the playback terminal 20 . As an example, the distribution server 30 distributes the game video generated by the game server 60 to the reproduction terminal 20 via the management server 10 . The game image includes a game screen distributed by the distribution server 30 and is displayed simultaneously with the watching screen managed by the management server 10 . Note that the distribution server 30 may distribute video other than the video received from the game server 60 . As an example, the distribution server 30 may distribute a game video created by a user playing the game. In this case, the distribution server 30 distributes the game video uploaded by the user to the playback terminal 20 via the management server 10 .

The game server 60 provides various services for the game device to the game terminal 70 or the user of the game terminal 70 . This service includes a distribution service for distributing and updating programs or data for game terminal 70 via network 50 . The game server 60 appropriately distributes various programs or data necessary for providing game services to each game terminal 70 through this distribution service.

The game server 60 provides services for sports games, for example. For example, the game server 60 provides, as a sports game, a baseball game service including a training part for training baseball players and a competition part for pitting a team to which the trained baseball player belongs against an opponent team. Note that the game server 60 can handle FPS (first-person shooter) games, TPS (third-person shooter) games, RTS (real-time strategy) games, MOBA (multiplayer online battle arena) games, MMORPG (massively multiplayer) games, • may provide services for other games such as online role-playing games), fighting games, racing games, puzzle games, trading card games, and online strategy games. A case where the game server 60 provides a baseball game service will be described below as an example.

The game device service provided by the game server 60 may include a service in which the game server 60 receives the user identification information of the user from the game terminal 70 and authenticates the user. The game device service may also include a service in which the game server 60 receives and stores play data including game screen images or play results of the authenticated user from the game terminal 70 . Further, the game device service may include a service of providing play data stored by the game server 60 to the game terminal 70 . In addition, the game device service may include a service in which the game server 60 matches users with each other when multiple users play a common game via the network 50 . The services for game devices may also include services in which the game server 60 collects fees from users.

The network 50 is configured to connect the game terminal 70 and the playback terminal 20 to the management server 10, the distribution server 30, and the game server 60, respectively. As an example, network 50 is configured to implement network communications using the TCP/IP protocol. Specifically, the LAN 52 connects the management server 10 , distribution server 30 , and game server 60 to the Internet 51 . An Internet 51 as a WAN and a LAN 52 are connected via a router 53 . The playback terminal 20 and the game terminal 70 are also configured to be connected to the Internet 51 . The management server 10 , distribution server 30 , game server 60 , playback terminal 20 , and game terminal 70 may be interconnected via the Internet 51 instead of or in addition to the LAN 52 .

The playback terminal 20 and the game terminal 70 are computer devices that can be connected to a network. For example, the playback terminal 20 and game terminal 70 include a stationary or book-type personal computer 54 and a mobile terminal device 55 such as a mobile phone (including a smart phone). In addition, the reproduction terminal 20 and the game terminal 70 include various computer devices such as a stationary home game device, a portable game device, and a portable tablet terminal device. The playback terminals 20 and the game terminals 70 are equipped with various types of computer software so that users can enjoy various services provided by the management server 10 and the game servers 60 . Specifically, the playback terminal 20 functions as a game video display terminal through video playback software. Also, the game terminal 70 functions as a game device through software for the game device. Note that the playback terminal 20 and the game terminal 70 may be arcade game machines.

As an example, in the watching system 100 , the game server 60 provides game services to the game terminals 70 . The game server 60 then records a game image of the game being played by the game terminal 70 or a game image created by photographing a game screen or the like. The game video may be a game-related video such as a video of a user playing the game or a spectator watching the game. The game server 60 transmits the acquired or created game video to the distribution server 30 . The distribution server 30 then distributes the received game video. The management server 10 synthesizes the game viewing screen with the game video distributed by the distribution server 30 and provides it to the reproduction terminal 20 .

A spectator user watching the game video can use the playback terminal 20 to input a spectator operation. Then, the management server 10 causes the playback terminal 20 to output an operation effect, which is an effect corresponding to the spectator operation, together with the game video. For example, when a spectator user touches an operation button for displaying a cheering message, the management server 10 accepts the operation as a spectator operation. Then, the management server 10 synthesizes the cheering message with the game video, and causes the playback terminal 20 to display it. At least two of the management server 10, distribution server 30, and game server 60 can be provided in one server. For example, the management server 10 can also function as the distribution server 30 . Furthermore, the game server 60 can also function as the management server 10 and the distribution server 30 .

A spectator user who watches the distributed video may desire to have an effect that affects the distributed video in response to his or her own operation. For example, when a game video is distributed, a spectator user wants to output effects such as applause sounds and cheering message images at the same time as the game video in order to support the players playing the game. Sometimes. In this case, since each spectator user performs an operation, an effect corresponding to each operation is also output at each timing. Therefore, it is difficult for a spectator user to feel solidarity with other spectator users.

Therefore, in the first embodiment, the mutual relationship between spectator operation inputs by each of a plurality of spectator users is evaluated, and the operation effect changes according to the evaluation result. This makes it possible to associate the effects exhibited in response to the operations of a plurality of spectator users. Therefore, the spectator user can feel a sense of solidarity with other spectator users, and the spectator user's desire to watch is improved.

[Control system of spectator system]
Next, the control system of the watching system 100 will be described with reference to FIG. First, the management server 10 includes a server control section 11, a server storage section 12, and a communication section (not shown). The server control unit 11 performs various controls for synthesizing the game viewing screen with the game video received from the distribution server 30 and transmitting the synthesized video to the reproduction terminal 20 . The server storage unit 12 also stores a control program for the management server 10, a watching program PG for providing a watching service, and watching data OD used to create a watching screen.

The distribution server 30 includes a distribution control section 31, a distribution storage section 32, and a communication section (not shown). The distribution control unit 31 executes various controls for distributing the game video received from the game server 60 . The distribution storage unit 32 also stores the control program for the distribution server 30 and the game video received from the game server 60 . The game video may be distributed to all users at the same time, and even if it is in the form of real-time video distribution (live distribution), it may not be in real time, but may be, for example, a format in which edited video is distributed. may

The game server 60 includes a game control section 61, a game storage section 62, and a communication section (not shown). The game control unit 61 executes various controls for providing game services to the game terminal 70 . Furthermore, the game control unit 61 records the image of the game screen, stores it in the game storage unit 62, and uploads it to the distribution server 30 as a game image. The game storage unit 62 also stores a control program for the game server 60, user data that is information related to the user, and game data that is information related to the game. As an example, user data includes user identification information, user's personal information, and the like. The game data also includes various data such as image data, BGM data, and user play data. The play data is data for handing over contents specific to each user such as the user's play history (past achievements) from the next time onward.

The server control unit 11, the distribution control unit 31, and the game control unit 61 include a processor that executes various arithmetic processing and operation control according to a predetermined program, an internal memory that is necessary for the operation of the processor, and other peripheral devices. Configured as a combined computer. As an example, these processors are CPUs (Central Processing Units) or MPUs (Micro-Processing Units), which control the entire apparatus based on a predetermined program and also centrally control various processes.

The server storage unit 12, distribution storage unit 32, and game storage unit 62 are storage devices including computer-readable non-temporary storage media. The server storage unit 12, distribution storage unit 32, and game storage unit 62 include RAM (Random Access Memory), which is system work memory for the processor to operate, and ROM (Read Only Memory), which stores programs and system software. ), HDD (Hard Disc Drive) and SSD (Solid State Drive). The processor can perform processing operations such as various calculations, controls, and judgments according to control programs stored in the ROM or HDD. Note that the server storage unit 12, the distribution storage unit 32, and the game storage unit 62 may hold all the data in one storage device, or may store the data distributedly in a plurality of storage devices. .

The server control unit 11, the distribution control unit 31, and the game control unit 61 are wired or wirelessly connected to a display device that displays the input state, setting state, measurement result, and various information of the device. The server storage unit 12, the distribution storage unit 32, and the game storage unit 62 are wired or wirelessly connected to an operating device including a keyboard or various switches for inputting predetermined commands and data. The server control unit 11, the distribution control unit 31, and the game control unit 61 are compatible with CD (Compact Disc), DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), CF (Compact Flash) cards, USB (Universal Serial Bus) memories, and the like. Control can also be performed according to a program stored in a carrier recording medium or an external storage medium such as a server on the Internet.

The reproduction terminal 20 includes a reproduction control unit 21, a reproduction storage unit 22, an operation unit 23 as an operation device, a display unit 24 as a display device, a speaker 25 as an audio output device, and a communication unit (not shown). The playback storage unit 22 stores a control program for the playback terminal 20 and a game video playback program. The reproduction control unit 21 controls the reproduction terminal 20 and causes the display unit 24 to display the game video by executing the reproduction program. Further, the operation unit 23 is an operation device such as a controller or a touch panel, and receives spectator operation input by a spectator user. Also, the display unit 24 is a display device such as a television, a display, or a touch panel, and displays game images that the user views. The speaker 25 outputs related sounds such as game sounds as the game video is reproduced. Note that the operation unit 23, the display unit 24, and the speaker 25 may be integrated with the playback terminal 20 or may be separate units.

The game terminal 70 includes a terminal control section 71, a terminal storage section 72, a game operation section 73, a game display section 74, and a communication section (not shown). The terminal storage unit 72 stores a control program for the game terminal 70 and a game program. The terminal control unit 71 controls the game terminal 70 and causes the user to play the game by executing the game program. The game operation unit 73 is an operation device such as a controller or a touch panel, and receives game operation input from the user. The game display unit 74 is a display device such as a display or a touch panel, and displays a game screen of a game played by the user. The game operation unit 73 and the game display unit 74 may be integrated with the game terminal 70 or may be separate. Furthermore, the game terminal 70 has an audio output device (not shown). The terminal control section 71 controls the progress of the game by executing the game program, but may control the progress of the game in cooperation with the game control section 61 . For example, the game control unit 61 may control the progress of at least a part of the game, and the terminal control unit 71 may cause the game display unit 74 to display the result. The server control unit 11 also collects play data from the game terminal 70 and manages the collected play data. Further, the server control unit 11 collects game images, key information for reconstructing the game images, and the like from the game terminal 70 .

The playback control unit 21 and the terminal control unit 71 are configured as a computer that combines a processor that executes various arithmetic processing and operation control according to a predetermined program, an internal memory that is necessary for the operation of the processor, and other peripheral devices. ing. As an example, these processors are CPUs or MPUs, which control the entire apparatus based on a predetermined program, and also centrally control various processes. Note that the playback control unit 21 and the terminal control unit 71 perform control according to programs stored in portable recording media such as CDs, DVDs, CF cards, and USB memories, or external storage media such as servers on the Internet. can also

The reproduction storage unit 22 and the terminal storage unit 72 are storage devices including computer-readable non-temporary storage media. The reproduction storage unit 22 and the terminal storage unit 72 include RAM, which is a system work memory for the processor to operate, and storage devices such as ROM, HDD, and SSD for storing programs and system software. The processor can execute processing operations such as various calculations, controls, and determinations according to control programs stored in the ROM or HDD. Note that the reproduction storage unit 22 and the terminal storage unit 72 may hold all the data in one storage device, or may distribute and store the data in a plurality of storage devices.

[Management Server]
The server control unit 11 of the management server 10 includes an operation receiving unit 111 as operation receiving means, an evaluation unit 112 as evaluation means, an effect control unit 113 as effect control means, a consideration acceptance unit 114 as consideration acceptance means, and screen generation. A screen generating unit 115 as means and a distribution unit 116 as distribution means are provided as logical devices. These logical devices are realized by a combination of the hardware resources of the server control section 11 and the spectator program PG as software resources.

The operation receiving unit 111 receives spectator operations input to the playback terminal 20 by a plurality of spectator users. Therefore, the operation receiving unit 111 executes a guidance instruction to guide at least one of the operation timing and the operation position at which the spectator operation should be performed. Specifically, the operation receiving unit 111 causes the display unit 24 of the reproduction terminal 20 to display a guide image as a guide instruction for the spectator operation. As a result, the input timings of the spectator operations by different spectator users can be made uniform, so that the timings of exhibiting the operation effects exhibited in response to the spectator operations can be made uniform as much as possible. In addition, the evaluation result by the evaluation unit 112 can be increased according to the result of matching the input timings of the viewer operations. As an example, FIG. 3 shows a state in which a guidance image GI1 is displayed in the operation guidance column OG1 on the watching screen displayed together with the game video. The guide image GI1 moves over time toward the operation position OP1.

Then, the spectator user touches the operation position OP1 at the timing when the guidance image GI1 reaches the operation position OP1 and the two overlap each other. Thereby, the operation receiving unit 111 acquires the input timing and the input position of the spectator operation from the operation unit 23 of the reproduction terminal 20 . In place of or in addition to the display on the display unit 24, the operation receiving unit 111 causes the speaker 25 to output a sound indicating the operation timing and the operation position OP1, or another aspect (for example, vibration) indicating the operation timing. etc.) may be executed by the reproduction terminal 20 .

Further, the operation receiving unit 111 may guide only the operation position using the guidance image GI1. For example, when the cheering song is being played, if the spectator touches the operation position OP1 indicated by the guide image GI1 at a desired timing, clapping sounds are output. In this case, the spectator user arbitrarily determines the timing of touching the operation position OP1. If operation timing such as clapping timing is known to a large number of spectator users, the operation receiving unit 111 can omit the guidance of the operation timing. In this case, even if the spectator user arbitrarily determines, input timings of spectator operations by a plurality of spectator users can be aligned.

Further, the operation receiving unit 111 causes the display unit 24 to display an input field IF for displaying a guide image GI2 as an operation button in order to execute a guidance instruction for spectator operation. As an example, the input field IF in FIG. 3 displays a plurality of guide images GI2 including character strings of "support", "support 300Pt", and "support 5000Pt". In order to guide the operation timing, the operation receiving unit 111 displays the operation button at the timing of displaying the cheering message. In the example of FIG. 3, the operation receiving unit 111 displays the operation button at the timing when the pitcher performs the pitching motion. When the spectator user touches the operation button, the operation accepting unit 111 accepts the input of the spectator operation, and a predetermined message is displayed as an effect image.

The evaluation unit 112 evaluates the interrelationship between inputs of spectator operations by each of a plurality of spectator users. A mutual relationship is, for example, a relationship in which input timings of a plurality of spectator users are close to each other. Specifically, the evaluation unit 112 compares input timings of spectator manipulations by a plurality of spectator users to evaluate mutual relationships. The evaluation unit 112 also compares input timings of spectator operations by a plurality of spectator users based on reference timings corresponding to guidance instructions from the operation receiving unit 111 . Thereby, the input timings of spectator operations by a plurality of spectator users can be matched based on the reference timing.

As an example, the reference timing corresponding to the guidance instruction is the operation timing guided by the guidance instruction. Alternatively, the reference timing is the timing at which the operation position is expected to be touched, such as the timing at which the user should clap, and is set in correspondence with the guidance instruction. Note that the evaluation unit 112 may compare and evaluate one spectator operation with other spectator operations, or may compare and evaluate a plurality of spectator operations. Furthermore, the evaluation unit 112 may evaluate a spectator operation by one spectator user by comparing it with spectator operations by other spectator users. In addition, the evaluation unit 112 may compare and evaluate spectator operations specified from a plurality of spectator actions by one spectator user.

The evaluation unit 112 can specify the input timing based on the timing of starting the reproduction of the game video or the operation timing instructed by the operation receiving unit 111 . For example, if the spectator operation is input when 10 minutes have passed since the start of reproduction of the game video, the evaluation unit 112 specifies that the input timing is 10 minutes. Further, when the spectator operation is input one second after the operation timing, the evaluation unit 112 specifies that the input timing is one second later. Similarly, when the spectator operation is input one second before the operation timing, the evaluation unit 112 identifies that the input timing is one second before.

As an example, the evaluation unit 112 acquires from the operation receiving unit 111 the input timing of each spectator operation of a plurality of spectator users. Then, the evaluation unit 112 evaluates a plurality of viewer operations whose input timings are the same or which are included in a predetermined temporal range as having a close relationship. Furthermore, the evaluation unit 112 evaluates the interrelationship according to the number of viewer operations that are closely related. As a result, when the number of adjacent viewer operations is larger than a predetermined reference value, the evaluation unit 112 determines a high evaluation (GOOD in FIG. 3) as the evaluation result. On the other hand, when the number of adjacent viewer operations is less than the predetermined reference value, the evaluation unit 112 determines a low evaluation (POOR in FIG. 3) as the evaluation result. In this case, the evaluation unit 112 evaluates the interrelationship of the input of the viewer operation by dividing it into a plurality of levels. In addition, the evaluation unit 112 may determine the evaluation result based on the ratio of the number of viewer operations in a close relationship to the total number of viewer operations input within a predetermined time range. . Furthermore, the evaluation unit 112 may evaluate the correlation numerically, and may determine a high evaluation as the evaluation result when the accumulated evaluation results reach a predetermined value.

Note that the predetermined temporal range is, for example, a range from 0 seconds to 30 seconds from a predetermined reference. In this case, the evaluation unit 112 determines the viewer operation input within 30 seconds after the first input timing as the approaching viewer operation. Alternatively, the evaluation unit 112 determines that the spectator operation input within 15 seconds before and after the operation timing is the approaching spectator operation. Furthermore, the evaluation unit 112 may use the median value or average value of the input timings of a plurality of viewer operations as a reference.

Also, the evaluation unit 112 causes the reproduction terminal 20 to output the evaluation result together with the game video. In the example of FIG. 3, the evaluation unit 112 displays the image of the needle that is displaced in conjunction with the evaluation so as to face the right direction in FIG. 3 so as to indicate "GOOD" as the evaluation result in the evaluation result column ER1. It is displayed in section 24 . Alternatively, the evaluation unit 112 may display a character string, number, image, or the like indicating the evaluation result. Furthermore, the evaluation unit 112 causes the speaker 25 to output a sound indicating the evaluation result instead of or in addition to the display on the display unit 24, or outputs another form (for example, vibration) indicating the evaluation result. The playback terminal 20 may be caused to execute.

The effect control unit 113 causes the playback terminal 20 to output an operation effect corresponding to the viewer's operation. As an example, the effect control unit 113 causes the display unit 24 to display the operation effect or causes the speaker 25 to output sound. Specifically, the effect control unit 113 displays an effect image as an operation effect at the same time as the game image based on the evaluation result. The effect images are character strings such as "Fight" and "GOOD", images such as megaphones, musical instruments and balloons, and other images. Further, the effect control unit 113 may display the effect image so as to overlap the game image, or may display the effect image so as not to overlap the game image. Also, the effect control unit 113 outputs sound effects as an operation effect simultaneously with the game image based on the evaluation result. The sound effects include cheering songs, cheering songs, sounds of musical instruments, clapping, applause, cheers, shouts such as "fight," and other sounds.

Note that the effect control unit 113 may display, as the operation effect, a message from the spectator user, a meter indicating the degree of cheering that changes according to the number of input spectator operations, or an animation. Further, when displaying the operation effect superimposed on the game video, the effect control unit 113 may display the operation effect superimposed on a specific part of the game video, for example, an image of a large display included in the game video. Furthermore, the effect control unit 113 may display a wipe image that displays the operation effect so as to be superimposed on the game image. Note that the effect control unit 113 may exert a negative effect on the game image, such as a character string indicating booing, an image, or a sound, as the operation effect.

Furthermore, the effect control unit 113 controls the operation effect corresponding to the viewer operation so as to change based on the evaluation result of the mutual relationship by the evaluation unit 112 . Also, the effect control unit 113 changes the operation effect when the evaluation result by the evaluation unit 112 satisfies a predetermined condition. Specifically, the effect control unit 113 controls the operation effect so as to change the display mode of the effect image or the output mode of the effect sound. For example, when the input timings of a large number of viewer operations are close to each other and result in a high evaluation result, the effect control unit 113 changes such that the operation effect by image, sound, vibration, or the like is emphasized. Specifically, the effect control unit 113 causes the image to be displayed larger, more, darker, or brighter, or blinks or moves the image significantly. Alternatively, the effect control unit 113 increases the sound volume or repeats the sound. Alternatively, the effect control unit 113 increases the vibration or repeats the vibration. Furthermore, the effect control unit 113 may additionally output a special effect. For example, the effect control unit 113 may display an effect image.

In the example of FIG. 3, the effect control unit 113 displays an image of a small megaphone and a small character string of "Fight" as the effect image EI1. Furthermore, the effect control unit 113 displays an image with a large megaphone and a character string with a large "fight" as an effect image EI2 that is emphasized with respect to the effect image EI1. Further, the effect control unit 113 displays messages as effect images EI3 and EI4. Also, the effect sound may be output while displaying the effect image or without displaying the effect image. For example, the effect control unit 113 may cause the speaker 25 to output a soft voice of “fight” together with the effect image EI1. Further, the effect control unit 113 may cause the speaker 25 to output a loud voice of "fight" as a more emphasized sound effect together with the effect image EI2.

As an example, the predetermined condition for changing the operation effect is satisfied when a high evaluation result is obtained, when a high evaluation result continues for a predetermined time period, when a high evaluation result is achieved a predetermined number of times, or the like. Furthermore, the predetermined condition may be satisfied when the consideration acceptance unit 114 determines that the payment of the consideration has been completed. Here, the effect control unit 113 may exhibit an operation effect that has been changed in advance, or may change an operation effect that has already been exhibited. For example, the effect control unit 113 may display a previously emphasized effect image, or may change the displayed effect image so as to be emphasized. Further, when the predetermined condition is satisfied by completing the payment of consideration, the degree of change may be varied according to the amount of consideration. For example, when the amount of consideration is large, the degree of emphasis may be made stronger, and when the amount of consideration is small, the degree of emphasis may be made weaker. When varying the degree of change according to the amount of consideration, the amount of consideration paid by one viewer may be changed for each viewer, or the total amount of consideration paid by multiple viewers may be changed according to

The consideration acceptance unit 114 accepts payment of consideration for the viewer's operation. As an example, the compensation acceptance unit 114 determines that compensation will be paid when the spectator user selects an operation button in the input field IF. Then, the compensation acceptance unit 114 causes the display unit 24 of the reproduction terminal 20 to display a compensation payment screen (not shown) for the spectator operation. The spectator user selects the desired spectator operation from among the displayed spectator operations via the payment screen. Then, the playback terminal 20 transmits payment information including unique billing target information for identifying the selected viewer operation to a payment server (not shown). The settlement server performs settlement processing for consuming the billing object price corresponding to the billing object information, and transmits the result of the settlement processing to the reproduction terminal 20 and the management server 10 .

When the payment is completed, the playback terminal 20 causes the display unit 24 to display the result of the payment process. When the settlement is completed and the consideration is paid, the consideration acceptance unit 114 determines that the payment of the consideration is completed, and notifies the effect control unit 113 of the completion of payment. Then, the effect control unit 113 exerts an operation effect corresponding to the viewer's operation. In the example of FIG. 3, the effect control unit 113 displays an effect image EI4 as the operation effect corresponding to the spectator's operation for which consideration has been paid. It should be noted that the spectator user can pay the consideration using consumption media such as substitute money, virtual currency, crypto assets, electronic money, and points. Consumable media can also be purchased in advance, and can also be purchased after or before the viewer's operation is input.

Spectator operations include operations that require the consumption of consideration and operations that do not require consideration. By performing the spectator operation on the condition that the consideration is consumed, the operation effect can be exhibited or the operation effect can be changed. In the example of FIG. 3, the spectator user can select an operation button including the character string "cheering" displayed in the input field IF to perform spectator operations that do not require consideration. In this case, the effect control unit 113 displays the message "Cheering from Mr. A" as a normal effect image. Also, the spectator user can pay, for example, 300 Pt as a consideration after performing a spectator operation that does not require consideration, such as selecting an operation button including the character string "Cheering" displayed in the input field IF. Alternatively, the spectator user can select an operation button including the character string "Cheering 300Pt" displayed in the input field IF to perform spectator operation on the condition of consumption of consideration. In this case, the effect control unit 113 changes the normal effect image and further displays the paid consideration of "300 Pt". Note that the effect control unit 113 may change the operation effect in another mode, for example, highlight the message.

The effect control unit 113 may control the operation effect so as to change the display mode of the effect image or the output mode of the effect sound when a consideration is paid for the viewer's operation. For example, the effect control unit 113 changes to emphasize the operation effect by image, sound, vibration, or the like when the price is paid. In the example of FIG. 3, when the operation accepting unit 111 accepts the spectator user's operation on the operation button displayed in the input field IF, the effect control unit 113 displays an emphasized message as the effect image EI4.

At this time, when the price is paid, the effect control unit 113 changes the display mode so that the effect image is emphasized. In the example of FIG. 3, the effect control unit 113 displays a large character string "5000 Pt" as the effect image EI4 that is emphasized with respect to the effect image EI3. Alternatively, when a consideration is paid, the effect control unit 113 may change the display mode of the effect image or the output mode of the effect sound according to the amount of the consideration. In the example of FIG. 3, the effect control unit 113 changes the display mode of the effect image so as to display the amount of consideration. Furthermore, when providing an area for inputting a message, the effect control unit 113 may display a message input by the spectator user via the operation unit 23 .

The screen generation unit 115 acquires various data such as images from the operation reception unit 111, the evaluation unit 112, the effect control unit 113, and the consideration reception unit 114, and generates a watching screen that is displayed simultaneously with the game video. The watching screen is generated as an image or video. For example, the screen generation unit 115 generates a watching screen in various formats such as MPEG format. In the example of FIG. 3, the screen generator 115 includes a game video display area PB, a control area (not shown), and a watching screen (FIG. 4). As shown in FIG. 4, the spectator screen includes effect images EI1, EI2, EI3, an evaluation result field ER1, an operation guidance field OG1, and an input field IF.

The screen generator 115 superimposes the generated watching screen on the game video. As an example, an upper layer including a watching screen is superimposed on a lower layer including a display area for game images. The upper layer is configured as a transparent image so as not to interfere with the display of game images. In the upper layer, each image is displayed at the timing when the effect images EI1, EI2, EI3, the evaluation result column ER1, the operation guidance column OG1, and the input column IF are displayed. For example, when a viewer operation is input, effect images EI1, EI2, and EI3 are displayed on the upper layer. Alternatively, the effect images EI1, EI2, EI3, the evaluation result column ER1, the operation guidance column OG1, or the input column IF may be displayed in the upper layer when the spectator performs a predetermined operation. Alternatively, the screen generator 115 may arrange the watching screen so as not to overlap the game video.

The distribution unit 116 distributes the game video and the watching screen to the playback terminal 20 in order to provide the watching service. As an example, the distribution unit 116 displays the game video and the spectator screen on the Web page accessed by the spectator user.

[Processing flow by spectator system]
A processing flow by the watching system 100 will be described with reference to FIG. The watching system 100 starts processing when a predetermined start condition is satisfied. For example, in the case of live distribution, the watching system 100 starts processing when shooting starts.

The server control unit 11 of the management server 10 acquires game video from the distribution server 30 (S101). Then, the screen generation unit 115 acquires data for displaying the operation guidance column OG1 from the operation receiving unit 111, further acquires data for displaying the evaluation result column ER1 from the evaluation unit 112, and displays the watching screen. Generate (S102). Subsequently, the distribution unit 116 distributes the game video and the watching screen to the playback terminal 20 (S103). Then, the playback terminal 20 causes the display unit 24 to display the game video and the watching screen.

When the timing for accepting the spectator operation, for example, the timing for distributing the battle part, is reached, the operation accepting unit 111 executes operation acceptance processing for accepting the spectator operation (S104), and displays a guide image in the operation guide field OG1. GI1 is displayed to guide the operation timing and the operation position OP1. Furthermore, the operation receiving unit 111 displays the guidance image GI2 in the input field IF. Therefore, the screen generation unit 115 generates a watching screen so that the guide images GI1 and GI2 are displayed. Then, the distribution unit 116 distributes the generated watching screen.

Note that the operation receiving unit 111 uses the audio included in the game video, the game situation, the elapsed time from the start of playback, the time, or the timing information added by the person who uploads or distributes the game video. You may also specify when to accept an operation. Also, the timing at which the spectator operation is accepted is, for example, when the bottom of the seventh inning starts, when the opponent is winning or losing, when a score is added, when a game character appears, etc. It may be the timing when the situation of has changed.

In the operation acceptance process, the operation acceptance unit 111 uses the spectator data OD stored in the server storage unit 12 . As an example, the spectator data OD includes image data, music data, and sequence data. The image data includes, for example, the guide images GI1 and GI2 as well as data such as icons, various objects, and backgrounds. Music data includes data such as musical tones, songs, and sound effects. The sequence data is data defining an operation procedure, and includes data such as the display timing of the guide image GI1, the type of the guide image GI1, and the operation timing.

Then, the operation receiving unit 111 guides the operation timing and the operation position OP1 using the guidance image GI1 that moves toward the operation position OP1. For example, in the example of FIG. 3, the operation receiving unit 111 reads operation timings for touching each of the plurality of operation positions OP1 from the sequence data. Then, the operation receiving unit 111 determines the timing for causing the guide image GI1 to appear at the appearance position by back calculation while referring to the information about the moving speed of the guide image GI1. After that, the operation receiving unit 111 moves the guide image GI1 toward the operation position OP1 according to the referred moving speed. Then, when the spectator user touches the operation position OP1, the operation receiving unit 111 acquires the input timing and the input position of the spectator operation. In this specification, the action of the spectator user touching the operation position OP1 is defined as a spectator operation that does not require compensation, but it may be a spectator operation that requires compensation.

When the spectator user does not touch the operation button of the input field IF as a spectator operation for cheering, but touches the operation position OP1, for example, the consideration acceptance unit 114 does not determine that the consideration will be paid (in S105). NO). Then, the evaluation unit 112 evaluates the interrelationship between inputs of spectator operations by each of the plurality of spectator users (S106). Also, the effect control unit 113 refers to the evaluation result of the interrelationship by the evaluation unit 112, and determines whether or not a predetermined condition is satisfied (S107). If the predetermined condition is satisfied (YES in S107), the effect control unit 113 changes the operation effect (S108), for example, exerts the emphasized operation effect. On the other hand, if the predetermined condition is not satisfied (NO in S107), the effect control unit 113 exerts a normal operation effect (S109).

After that, if the distribution is to be terminated because the game video has been reproduced to the end (YES in S110), the spectator system 100 terminates the process. On the other hand, if the distribution is to be continued (NO in S110), the watching system 100 repeats the process. Note that the effect control unit 113 uses the spectator data OD stored in the server storage unit 12 in order to exhibit or change the operation effect. As an example, the spectator data OD includes image data of effect images and music data of sound effects.

In addition, in the operation acceptance process, when the spectator user touches an operation button in the input field IF, the operation acceptance unit 111 acquires the type of spectator operation as the selected operation button according to the input position of the spectator operation. . The compensation acceptance unit 114 acquires the type of spectator operation from the operation acceptance unit 111 and determines that there is a possibility that compensation will be paid (YES in S105). Then, the price acceptance unit 114 causes the display unit 24 to display the payment screen. Further, the consideration acceptance unit 114 determines whether or not the payment of the consideration has been completed through the settlement process (S111). Then, when the consideration acceptance unit 114 determines that the payment of the consideration has been completed (YES in S111), it notifies the effect control unit 113 of the completion of the payment.

When the price is paid in this way, the effect control unit 113 changes the operation effect (S112), for example, exerts the emphasized operation effect. On the other hand, if the consideration is not paid (NO in S111), for example, if the spectator user selects a type of spectator operation that does not require consideration, according to the type of spectator operation acquired from the operation receiving unit 111, The effect control unit 113 exerts normal operation effects (S113). After that, if the distribution is to be terminated because the game video has been reproduced to the end (YES in S110), the spectator system 100 terminates the process. On the other hand, if the distribution is to be continued (NO in S110), the watching system 100 repeats the process.

According to the first embodiment described above, it is possible to associate the effects exhibited in response to the operations of a plurality of spectator users. In other words, the mutual relationship between spectator operation inputs by each of a plurality of spectator users is evaluated, and the operation effect changes according to the evaluation result. Therefore, the spectator user can feel a sense of solidarity with other spectator users, and the spectator user's desire to watch is improved. Further, when the mutual relationship is highly evaluated, for example, when input of spectator operation by each of a plurality of spectator users is close to each other, the operation effect changes, and for example, the content of cheering is emphasized. Therefore, the spectator user can obtain a reward for improving the effect of the cheering action. As a result, it is possible to give the spectator users a motivation to join together in the cheering action. Furthermore, it is possible to provide the spectator users with a simulated experience as if a plurality of spectator users had performed a cheering act in unison.

Note that when the spectator user pays the price, a privilege may be given to the distributor of the game video, the spectator user, the player of the game, or the team playing the game. For example, at least part of the price paid by the spectator user may be used as a privilege to be given to the player of the game. Also, a privilege for advancing the game advantageously may be given to the player of the game according to the amount of consideration paid by the spectator user. Benefits for advancing the game advantageously include, for example, experience points consumed when training a game character and improvement of the game character's abilities. The content of these benefits can be determined by the game control unit 61 based on information on the amount of consideration provided from the management server 10 to the game server 60 . Note that at least part of the consideration may be given as a privilege, in addition to being directly given as a consideration, it may be given after being converted into currency or the like that is accepted in the game.

Furthermore, according to the evaluation result by the evaluation unit 112, a privilege may be given to the distributor of the game video, the spectator user, the player of the game, or the team playing the game. For example, when a high evaluation result is obtained, the player of the game may be given a privilege for advancing the game in an advantageous manner. The game server 60 can acquire the evaluation result by the evaluation unit 112 from the management server 10 and determine the content of the privilege according to the evaluation result.

Further, the effect control unit 113 may exhibit the operation effect at the same time as the viewer's operation, or may exhibit the operation effect when a predetermined time has passed since the viewer's operation. Further, the effect control unit 113 may cause the operation effect when a predetermined condition is satisfied to be exhibited at the same time as the condition is satisfied, or to be exhibited after a predetermined time has elapsed from the time when the condition is satisfied. good too. In addition, the effect control unit 113 may cause the operation effect to be exhibited in association with the progress of the game. For example, the evaluation unit 112 evaluates in advance a plurality of spectator operations input at operation timings guided by the guidance image GI1, and the effect control unit 113 determines the operation effects according to the evaluation results according to the progress of the game. may be activated at a specific timing determined by As an example, the specific timing is the timing after the end of the top of the seventh inning and before the start of the bottom of the seventh inning in a baseball game, and the effect control unit 113 displays the operation effect of blowing balloons at this timing.

[Second embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. FIG. Note that in the description of the second embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described, and the same reference numerals will be given to the components that have already been described, and the description thereof will be omitted. Components with the same reference numerals have substantially the same operations and functions, and have substantially the same effects, unless otherwise specified.

A spectator user who watches the distributed video may desire to have an effect that affects the distributed video in response to his or her own operation. For example, when a game video is distributed, a spectator user wants to output effects such as applause sounds and cheering message images at the same time as the game video in order to support the players playing the game. Sometimes. In this case, since each spectator user performs an operation, an effect corresponding to each operation is also output at each timing. Therefore, it is difficult for a spectator user to feel solidarity with other spectator users.

Therefore, in the second embodiment, the operation receiving unit 111 receives a subordinate operation when it receives a dominant operation. As a result, a plurality of spectator users can work together to realize a cheering action composed of the operational effect of the dominant operation and the operational effect of the subordinate operation. Therefore, the spectator user can feel a sense of solidarity with other spectator users, and the spectator user's desire to watch is improved.

The operation receiving unit 111 of the second embodiment accepts, as a spectator operation, a dominant operation on the condition of consumption of consideration, and when accepting a dominant operation, performs a subordinate operation as a viewer operation. accept. In the example of FIG. 6, the dominant operation is a spectator operation of outputting a cheering song on the condition that a consideration of 5000 Pt is consumed. Further, the subordinate operation is a spectator operation of outputting the sound of a shout on the condition that a consideration of 300 Pt is consumed, and a spectator operation of outputting the sound of a drum without requiring a consideration.

The operation receiving unit 111 displays a guide image GI3, which is also an operation button, in the input field IF as a guide instruction for the dominant operation. As an example, the entry field IF in FIG. 6 displays a guide image GI3 including the character string "Cheering Song 5000Pt". The character string “5000Pt” displayed by the operation receiving unit 111 indicates the amount of consideration to be consumed. Further, when the operation accepting unit 111 accepts a dominant operation from the spectator user, the operation accepting unit 111 displays guide images GI4 and GI5, which are also operation buttons, in the input field IF as a guide instruction for a subordinate operation. As an example, in the input field IF of FIG. 6, a guide image GI4 including a character string "300Pt" and a guide image GI5 including a character string "taiko" are displayed.

The operation receiving unit 111 displays a guidance instruction for a subordinate operation when a dominant operation is received. As an example, the operation receiving unit 111 acquires the subordinate operation associated with the received dominant operation from the server storage unit 12 . Then, the operation receiving unit 111 causes the display unit 24 to display the guide image of the associated subordinate operation. Alternatively, the operation receiving unit 111 may display a selection button on the watching screen of the watching user who performed the dominant operation when the dominant operation is accepted. The spectator user can select a subordinate operation to associate with the dominant operation by touching the select button. Then, the operation receiving unit 111 causes the display unit 24 to display the guide image of the subordinate operation associated by the spectator user. In this way, the operation receiving unit 111 can execute the guide instruction for the subordinate operation when the dominant operation is received. As a result, the operation receiving unit 111 can receive the subordinate operation when it receives the dominant operation. Alternatively, the operation accepting unit 111 is configured not to accept the subordinate operation even if the displayed guidance image of the subordinate operation is selected when the dominant operation is not accepted. good too.

Further, the operation receiving unit 111 causes the display unit 24 to display a guidance image GI6 that guides the operation timing at which the subordinate operation should be performed in cooperation with the determination line L as a guide instruction for the subordinate operation. Then, the operation receiving unit 111 instructs the operation timing of the subordinate operation using the guidance image GI6, which is a guidance instruction. In the example of FIG. 6, the operation receiving unit 111 moves the determination line L from left to right in FIG. 6 over time in the operation guide field OG2. Then, the spectator user who performs the subordinate operation touches the guide images GI4 and GI5 at the timing when the determination line L reaches each guide image GI6 and the two overlap each other. Thereby, the operation receiving unit 111 acquires the input timing and the input position as the input operation from the operation unit 23 of the reproduction terminal 20 . Alternatively, the position touched by the user may be set to a position where the guide image GI6 and the determination line L overlap, another button image, or any position on the display section 24 . For example, when the position touched by the user is the position where the guide image GI6 and the judgment line L overlap, the spectator user touches either the guide image GI4 or the guide image GI5 before starting to touch the overlapping position. , it is possible to set whether or not the spectator operation to be performed generates a consideration. That is, if the guide image GI4 is touched and set, the first touch operation to the overlapping position performed during the cheering period (for example, until the performance of one cheering song ends) generates a consideration, and then A touch operation to the overlapping position may not generate a consideration. In addition, if the overlapping position is touched while neither of the guide images GI4 and GI5 is touched, no charge may be generated as a default.

The evaluation unit 112 evaluates the interrelationship between the inputs corresponding to the subordinate operations by each of the plurality of spectator users. Furthermore, the evaluation unit 112 evaluates the interrelation according to the number of subordinate operations that are closely related. In the example of FIG. 6, the evaluation unit 112 accumulates points corresponding to the number of subordinate operations in a close relationship as evaluation results. Then, the evaluation unit 112 causes the playback terminal 20 to display the evaluation result together with the game video in the evaluation result column ER2. The evaluation unit 112 determines a high evaluation as the evaluation result when the accumulated evaluation result reaches a predetermined value.

The effect control unit 113 causes the display unit 24 to display operation effects corresponding to the dominant operation and the subordinate operation, or causes the speaker 25 to output audio. In the example of FIG. 6, the effect control unit 113 causes the speaker 25 to output the sound of the cheering song when the spectator user selects the guide image GI3 as the dominant operation. Here, the effect control unit 113 may further display the lyrics of the cheering song on the display unit 24 . Further, when the spectator user selects the guide image GI5 as a subordinate operation, the effect control unit 113 causes the speaker 25 to output the sound of the drum performance. Furthermore, when the spectator user selects the guide image GI4 as a subordinate operation, the effect control unit 113 causes the speaker 25 to output the sound of a shout (for example, a player's name). When the subordinate operation is selected, the effect control unit 113 causes the display unit 24 to further display an image representing a sound (for example, the character string "don" indicating the sound of a drum and the character string "aoi" indicating a shout). may be displayed in

A subordinate operation may be an operation for executing a special effect. For example, the operation receiving unit 111 displays a guide image including the character string "balloon" as a guide instruction for the subordinate operation. Then, when the spectator user touches the guidance image, the effect control unit 113 displays an effect image in which balloons fly. As a result, a plurality of spectator users can cooperatively exhibit a plurality of operation effects in different modes, such as outputting the cheering song sound and displaying the effect image. Therefore, the spectator users can jointly perform cheering composed of a plurality of operation effects of different modes.

Further, the effect control unit 113 controls the operation effect corresponding to the subordinate operation so as to change based on the evaluation result of the interrelationship by the evaluation unit 112 . Further, the effect control unit 113 changes the operation effect corresponding to the subordinate operation when the evaluation result by the evaluation unit 112 satisfies a predetermined condition. In the example of FIG. 6, when the synchro point, which is the accumulated evaluation result, reaches a predetermined value, the evaluation unit 112 determines a high evaluation as the evaluation result. When a high evaluation is determined, the effect control unit 113 additionally outputs a special presentation as the changed operation effect. For example, the effect control unit 113 repeats the cheering song that has been output. As a result, the spectator user can again input the subordinate operation.

The consideration acceptance unit 114 accepts payment of consideration for the viewer's operation. As an example, the compensation acceptance unit 114 determines that compensation will be paid when the spectator user selects an operation button in the input field IF. Then, the compensation acceptance unit 114 causes the display unit 24 of the reproduction terminal 20 to display a compensation payment screen (not shown) for the spectator operation. When the settlement is completed and the consideration is paid, the consideration acceptance unit 114 determines that the payment of the consideration is completed, and notifies the effect control unit 113 of the completion of payment.

Here, the effect control unit 113 controls the operation effect of the subordinate operation so as to change the display mode of the effect image or the output mode of the effect sound when a consideration is paid for the subordinate operation. For example, the effect control unit 113 emphasizes the performance sound of the drums or the voice of the chant as the operation effect corresponding to the subordinate operation for which consideration has been paid, and outputs it louder. In addition, the effect control unit 113 may repeat the cheering song that has been output as a special effect. As a result, the spectator user can again input the subordinate operation.

The screen generation unit 115 acquires various data such as images from the operation reception unit 111, the evaluation unit 112, the effect control unit 113, and the consideration reception unit 114, and generates a watching screen that is displayed simultaneously with the game video. In the example of FIG. 6, the screen generation unit 115 generates a watching screen including an evaluation result field ER2, an operation guidance field OG2, and an input field IF.

[Processing flow by spectator system]
A processing flow by the watching system 100 of the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Note that in FIG. 7, illustration of the flow of some of the processes that have already been described is omitted for convenience of description.

The watching system 100 starts processing when a predetermined start condition is satisfied. Then, the server control unit 11 of the management server 10 acquires the game video from the distribution server 30 (S201). Then, the screen generation unit 115 acquires data for displaying the operation guidance column OG2 from the operation receiving unit 111, further acquires data for displaying the evaluation result column ER2 from the evaluation unit 112, and displays the watching screen. Generate (S202). Subsequently, the distribution unit 116 distributes the game video and the watching screen to the reproduction terminal 20 (S203). As a result, the playback terminal 20 causes the display unit 24 to display the game video and the spectator screen.

When the timing for accepting the dominant operation is reached, the operation accepting unit 111 executes the operation accepting process (S204) and displays the guide image GI3 in the input field IF. Further, the screen generation unit 115 generates a watching screen so that the guide image GI3 is displayed. Then, the distribution unit 116 distributes the generated watching screen. For example, the timing at which the dominant operation is accepted is the timing at which the battle part is distributed, the timing at which the bottom of the seventh inning starts, the timing at which the game ends, and the like.

In the operation acceptance process, when the spectator user touches an operation button in the input field IF, the operation acceptance unit 111 acquires the type of spectator operation as the selected operation button according to the input position of the spectator operation. When the compensation acceptance unit 114 acquires the type of the spectator operation from the operation acceptance unit 111 and determines that it is a dominant operation (YES in S205), it determines that compensation will be paid. Then, the price acceptance unit 114 causes the display unit 24 to display the payment screen. Further, the consideration acceptance unit 114 determines whether payment of the consideration has been completed through the settlement process (S206). When the consideration acceptance unit 114 determines that the consideration has been paid (YES in S206), it notifies the effect control unit 113 of the completion of the payment.

When the consideration is paid, the effect control unit 113 exerts the operational effect of the dominant operation (S207). For example, the effect control unit 113 causes the speaker 25 to output a cheering song. On the other hand, if the operation is not the dominant operation (NO in S205), for example, if the spectator operation other than touching the operation button of the input field IF is performed, the effect control unit 113 exerts a normal operation effect. After that, if the distribution is to be terminated because the game video has been reproduced to the end (YES in S211), the spectator system 100 terminates the process. On the other hand, if distribution is to be continued (NO in S211), the watching system 100 repeats the process. The same is true when the price has not been paid (NO in S206). That is, the spectator system 100 terminates the process when the distribution is terminated (YES in S211), and repeats the process when the distribution is continued (NO in S211).

Further, when the consideration for the dominant operation is paid, the operation receiving unit 111 displays the guidance image GI6 in the operation guidance field OG2 to guide the operation timing of the dependent operation (S208). Further, the operation receiving unit 111 displays guidance images GI4 and GI5 in the input field IF to guide the operation position of the subordinate operation (S208). Further, the screen generation unit 115 generates a watching screen so that the guide images GI4 and GI5 are displayed. Then, the distribution unit 116 distributes the generated watching screen.

When the spectator user touches the guidance images GI4 and GI5 in the input field IF, the operation receiving unit 111 acquires the type of spectator operation selected according to the input position of the spectator operation. Then, according to the type of spectator operation acquired from the operation receiving unit 111, the effect control unit 113 exerts the operation effect of the subordinate operation (S210). Here, the effect control unit 113 may control the operation effect so as to change the display mode of the effect image or the output mode of the effect sound when a consideration is paid for the subordinate operation.

Further, in the operation acceptance process, the operation acceptance unit 111 uses the spectator data OD stored in the server storage unit 12 . In the example of FIG. 6, the operation receiving unit 111 guides the operation timing of the subordinate operation using the determination line L and the guide image GI6. Then, when the spectator user touches the guidance images GI4 and GI5 in the input field IF, the operation receiving unit 111 acquires the input timing and input position of the spectator operation. The evaluation unit 112 also evaluates the interrelationship between inputs of spectator operations by each of a plurality of spectator users.

Then, the effect control unit 113 refers to the evaluation result of the correlation by the evaluation unit 112 and determines whether or not a predetermined condition is satisfied. When a predetermined condition is satisfied, for example, when the accumulated synchro points reach a predetermined value, the effect control section 113 changes and exerts the operational effect of the subordinate operation (S210). On the other hand, if the predetermined condition is not satisfied, the effect control section 113 exerts a normal operation effect (S210). After that, if the distribution is to be terminated because the game video has been reproduced to the end (YES in S211), the spectator system 100 terminates the process. On the other hand, if distribution is to be continued (NO in S211), the watching system 100 repeats the process.

According to the second embodiment described above, it is possible to associate the effects exhibited in response to the operations of a plurality of spectator users. That is, the operation receiving unit 111 receives the subordinate operation when it receives the dominant operation. As a result, a plurality of spectator users can work together to realize a cheering action composed of the operational effect of the dominant operation and the operational effect of the subordinate operation. Therefore, the spectator user can feel a sense of solidarity with other spectator users, and the spectator user's desire to watch is improved. Furthermore, it is possible to provide the spectator users with a simulated experience as if a plurality of spectator users had performed a cheering act in unison.

Note that in the second embodiment, the evaluation unit 112 may or may not evaluate the interrelationship between inputs of viewer operations. Also, the subordinate operation may be performed by the spectator user who performed the dominant operation. For example, a spectator user who has performed a dominant operation may perform a subordinate operation together with other users. Alternatively, the operation accepting unit 111 may be configured not to accept a subordinate operation from a spectator user who has executed a dominant operation. For example, the operation receiving unit 111 does not have to display the input field IF for the subordinate operation on the watching screen viewed by the spectator user who performed the dominant operation. Moreover, when dominant operations by a plurality of spectator users overlap, the operation accepting unit 111 may accept only the dominant operation received by the management server 10 earliest. In this case, an image indicating the error may be displayed for subsequent principal operations. Furthermore, when subjective operations overlap, the operation receiving unit 111 may receive a plurality of subjective operations that arrive within a predetermined time from the earliest received subjective operation. In this case, the compensation acceptance unit 114 charges each spectator user an amount obtained by equally dividing the compensation for the dominant operation by the number of the plurality of spectator users who have input the accepted dominant operation. may It should be noted that duplication of dominant operations means that in a state in which a dominant operation has been received and an operation effect (for example, playing a cheering song) corresponding to the dominant operation has not ended, any further spectator Receiving a subjective operation by a user.

[Third embodiment]
Next, a third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9. FIG. Note that in the description of the third embodiment, differences from the first and second embodiments will be mainly described, and the same reference numbers will be assigned to the components that have already been described, and the description thereof may be omitted. . Components with the same reference numerals have substantially the same operations and functions, and have substantially the same effects, unless otherwise specified.

A spectator user who watches the distributed video may desire to have an effect that affects the distributed video in response to his or her own operation. For example, when a game video is distributed, a spectator user wants to output effects such as applause sounds and cheering message images at the same time as the game video in order to support the players playing the game. Sometimes. In this case, since each spectator user performs an operation, an effect corresponding to each operation is also output at each timing. Therefore, it is difficult for a spectator user to feel solidarity with other spectator users.

In the third embodiment, the operation receiving unit 111 causes the display unit 24 to display a guide image that guides the operation timing at which the spectator operation should be performed as a guide instruction for the spectator operation. This makes it possible to associate the effects exhibited in response to the operations of a plurality of spectator users. That is, since the input timings of the spectator operations by different spectator users can be made uniform, the timings of exhibiting the operation effects exhibited in response to the spectator operations can be made uniform as much as possible. Therefore, the spectator user can feel a sense of solidarity with other spectator users, and the spectator user's desire to watch is improved.

Furthermore, if the effect is output irregularly, the user watching the game will have a troubled impression, and will lose the desire to watch the game. Therefore, in the third embodiment, the effect control unit 113 exerts the operation effect based on the input timing of the spectator operation. As a result, it is possible to make the timings of exhibiting the operational effects exhibited in response to the viewer's operations as uniform as possible. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a complicated impression from being given to the spectator user viewing the game image.

The operation receiving unit 111 causes the display unit 24 to display a guidance image that guides the operation timing at which the viewer operation should be performed, as a guide instruction for the viewer operation. In the example of FIG. 8, the operation receiving unit 111 displays an image including the character string "balloon" as the guidance image GI7 for guiding the operation timing. In addition, the operation receiving unit 111 inputs the guidance image GI8 including the character string “red balloon” and the character string “blue balloon” to the input field IF as guidance instructions for the spectator operation that produces the operation effect of flying the balloon. A guide image GI8 containing the information is displayed. The spectator user can bring out the operation effect by touching the guide image GI8 at the target operation timing. For example, the operation receiving unit 111 causes the speaker 25 to output cheering songs at the start of the bottom of the seventh inning. Then, the operation receiving unit 111 guides the spectator user by the cooperation of the guidance image GI7 and the judgment line L2, with the timing at which the cheering song ends as the operation timing.

As an example, the operation receiving unit 111 uses the spectator data OD stored in the server storage unit 12 to guide the operation timing. The operation receiving unit 111 reads the operation timing for touching the guide image GI8 from the sequence data of the watching data OD. Then, the operation receiving unit 111 determines the timing for causing the guide image GI7 to appear at the appearance position by back calculation while referring to the information about the moving speed of the determination line L2. After that, the operation receiving unit 111 moves the determination line L2 from left to right in FIG. 8 toward the guide image GI7 according to the referred moving speed.

The spectator user flies the team-colored balloons of the team that he or she supports in accordance with the operation timing provided. For example, when the team color is red, the spectator touches the guide image GI8 including the character string "red balloon" at the timing when the decision line L2 reaches (overlaps) the guide image GI7. Then, the operation receiving unit 111 acquires the input timing and input position of the spectator operation. By following the guidance instructions, the spectator users can match the input timings of spectator operations by different spectator users as much as possible. As shown in FIG. 8, if the timings of the spectator operations of many spectator users are concentrated at the same time, many effect images EI5 of balloons are displayed at the same timing. Also, the operation receiving unit 111 may issue a guidance instruction in another manner. For example, when it is decided to clap at a specific timing during the performance of the cheering song, the operation receiving unit 111 may guide the operation timing of the spectator operation for outputting the sound of clapping. Note that instead of the guide image GI8, the spectator user may be allowed to set the team to support in advance, and an operation button including the character string "balloon" without color may be displayed. In this case, when the spectator touches the operation button, balloons of colors corresponding to the set cheering team may be displayed. As a result, it is possible to prevent the spectator user from making a mistake in operation, and to prevent the spectator user from supporting the opposing team by making a mistake in the operation.

Further, the operation receiving unit 111 may receive, as the spectator operation, a subjective operation on the condition of consumption of consideration. In the example of FIG. 8, the operation of selecting the guide image GI3 to output the cheering song is the dominant operation. Then, when the operation receiving unit 111 receives the dominant operation, the operation receiving unit 111 receives the subordinate operation as the spectator operation. In the example of FIG. 8, the operation of selecting the guide image GI8 in order to display the image of the balloon flying is the subordinate operation. Then, the operation receiving unit 111 guides the operation timing of the subordinate operation during the period in which the operation effect corresponding to the dominant operation is being executed. In the example of FIG. 8, the operation receiving unit 111 displays a guidance image GI7 for guiding the operation timing of the subordinate operation while the sound of the cheering song is output as the operation effect corresponding to the dominant operation. In this case, the voice of the cheering song is not automatically output, but is output on the condition that the dominant operation is accepted.

Note that the spectator user may set the operation timing of the subordinate operation. For example, the spectator user who performed the dominant operation inputs from the reproduction terminal 20 specific information indicating the operation timing of the subordinate operation (for example, elapsed time from the start of the cheering song). The server control unit 11 inserts data for indicating the operation timing of the subordinate operation into the sequence data based on the input specific information. By referring to this sequence data, the operation receiving unit 111 issues a guidance instruction so that the judgment line L2 reaches the guidance image GI7 at the timing input by the spectator user who performed the dominant operation.

The evaluation unit 112 evaluates the interrelationship between inputs of spectator operations by each of a plurality of spectator users. Furthermore, the evaluation unit 112 evaluates the interrelationship according to the number of viewer operations that are closely related. In the example of FIG. 8, the evaluation unit 112 accumulates points corresponding to the number of viewer operations in close relation as evaluation results. Then, the evaluation unit 112 causes the playback terminal 20 to display the evaluation result together with the game video in the evaluation result column ER2. The evaluation unit 112 determines a high evaluation as the evaluation result when the accumulated evaluation result reaches a predetermined value.

The effect control unit 113 exerts the operation effect based on the input timing of the spectator operation. Specifically, the effect control unit 113 causes the display unit 24 to display the operation effect corresponding to the viewer operation, or causes the speaker 25 to output the sound. In the example of FIG. 8, the effect control unit 113 displays an effect image EI5 as the operation effect. In the example of FIG. 8, the effect control unit 113 displays the effect image EI5 so as to represent a flying balloon. At the same time, the effect control unit 113 may cause the speaker 25 to output the sound of a whistle as the effect sound when the balloon flies.

Furthermore, the effect control unit 113 changes the operation effect corresponding to the viewer operation when the evaluation result by the evaluation unit 112 satisfies a predetermined condition. In the example of FIG. 8, when the synchro point, which is the accumulated evaluation result, reaches a predetermined value, the evaluation unit 112 determines a high evaluation as the evaluation result. When a high evaluation is determined, the effect control unit 113 additionally outputs a special presentation as the changed operation effect. For example, the effect control unit 113 increases the number of displayed balloons.

As a result, when spectator operation input by each of a plurality of spectator users is strongly related, for example, when there are many spectator operations in a close relationship, the effect control unit 113 exerts a predetermined operation effect. or to exhibit a greater operational effect. For this reason, the operation receiving unit 111 causes the display unit 24 to display a guide image that guides the operation timing of the spectator operation. As a result, it is possible to guide a plurality of spectator users to perform operations at close timings, thereby enhancing the relevance of spectator operation input by each of the plurality of spectator users. On the other hand, when each spectator user's spectator operation is evaluated by comparison with the guided operation timing, each spectator user cannot match the input timing of the spectator operation with other spectator users. Therefore, it becomes difficult to obtain a sense of solidarity with other spectator users.
Different from configuration.

[Processing flow by spectator system]
A processing flow by the watching system 100 of the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. It should be noted that in FIG. 9, illustration of the flow of some of the processes already described is omitted for convenience of description.

The watching system 100 starts processing when a predetermined start condition is satisfied. Then, the server control unit 11 of the management server 10 acquires the game video from the distribution server 30 (S301). Then, the screen generation unit 115 acquires data for displaying the operation guidance column OG2 from the operation receiving unit 111, further acquires data for displaying the evaluation result column ER2 from the evaluation unit 112, and displays the watching screen. Generate (S302). Subsequently, the distribution unit 116 distributes the game video and the watching screen to the reproduction terminal 20 (S303). As a result, the playback terminal 20 causes the display unit 24 to display the game video and the spectator screen.

When the timing for accepting the viewer operation approaches, the operation acceptance unit 111 executes operation acceptance processing (S304). In the example of FIG. 8, the operation receiving unit 111 causes the display unit 24 to display a guide image GI7 that guides the operation timing of the spectator operation, and moves the guide image GI7 toward the bar. For example, the timing when the guide image GI7 reaches the bar is the timing when the cheering song ends. Furthermore, the operation receiving unit 111 displays a guidance image GI8 in the entry field IF. Further, the screen generation unit 115 generates a watching screen so that the guide images GI7 and GI8 are displayed. Then, the distribution unit 116 distributes the generated watching screen. When the operation receiving unit 111 receives the dominant operation, steps S204 to S209 shown in FIG. 7 are executed instead of step S304.

In the operation acceptance process, when the spectator user touches the operation button of the input field IF, the operation acceptance unit 111 acquires the input timing and input position of the spectator operation. Then, the evaluation unit 112 evaluates the interrelationship between inputs of spectator operations by each of the plurality of spectator users (S305). Then, the effect control unit 113 refers to the evaluation result of the correlation by the evaluation unit 112 and determines whether or not a predetermined condition is satisfied (S306). If the predetermined condition is satisfied (YES in S306), the effect control unit 113 changes the operation effect (S307), for example, exerts the emphasized operation effect. On the other hand, if the predetermined condition is not satisfied (NO in S306), the effect control unit 113 exerts a normal operation effect (S308). After that, if the distribution is to be terminated because the game video has been reproduced to the end (YES in S309), the spectator system 100 terminates the process. On the other hand, if the delivery is to be continued (NO in S309), the watching system 100 repeats the process.

As described above, according to the third embodiment, it is possible to associate the effects exhibited in response to the operations of a plurality of spectator users. That is, the operation receiving unit 111 causes the display unit 24 to display a guide image for guiding the operation timing of the spectator operation as a guide instruction for the spectator operation. This makes it possible for a plurality of spectator users to work together to realize a cheering action composed of a plurality of operation effects by spectator operations with the same input timing. Therefore, the spectator user can feel a sense of solidarity with other spectator users, and the spectator user's desire to watch is improved. Furthermore, it is possible to provide the spectator users with a simulated experience as if a plurality of spectator users had performed a cheering act in unison. In addition, it is possible to align the timing of exhibiting the operation effect exhibited in response to the viewer's operation as much as possible. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a complicated impression from being given to the spectator user viewing the game image.

Note that, in the third embodiment, the subjective operation may be executable without the consumption of consideration. In other words, the spectator user may be able to perform the dominant operation without paying any consideration. Even in this case, it is possible to make the timings of exhibiting the operational effects exhibited in response to the viewer's operations as uniform as possible. Also, the evaluation unit 112 does not have to evaluate the interrelationship between inputs of viewer operations. Furthermore, the effect control unit 113 may exhibit the same operation effect as the display mode of the effect image or the output mode of the effect sound regardless of the evaluation result by the evaluation unit 112 .

Although the present invention has been described with reference to each embodiment, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Inventions modified within the scope of the present invention and inventions equivalent to the present invention are also included in the present invention. Further, each embodiment and each modification can be appropriately combined within a range not contrary to the present invention.

For example, the evaluation unit 112 may evaluate the input timing of the spectator operation by each spectator user. That is, the evaluation unit 112 may evaluate the spectator operation by each spectator user based on the reference timing corresponding to the guidance instruction from the operation reception unit 111 . For example, the reference timing is operation timing. In this case, the effect control unit 113 may control the operation effect such that the display mode of the effect image or the output mode of the effect sound is changed based on the evaluation result by the evaluation unit 112 . Furthermore, the effect control unit 113 may control the operation effect so as to affect the video distributed to each spectator user, or may control the operation effect so as to affect the video distributed to all spectator users. good.

As an example, the operation receiving unit 111 acquires the input timing and input position of the spectator operation by each spectator user. Then, the evaluation unit 112 evaluates the viewer operation based on a comparison between the acquired input timing and input position and the operation timing and operation position guided by the guide image. Then, when the evaluation unit 112 determines that the difference between the two is within a predetermined range, the evaluation unit 112 evaluates the viewer operation so that the evaluation result is high. For example, the evaluation unit 112 adds the points of each spectator user. The effect control unit 113 exerts an operation effect or changes the operation effect when the evaluation result by the evaluation unit 112 satisfies a predetermined condition.

Further, in the above description, the management server 10 composites the watching screen with the distributed game video. However, by executing a program downloaded in advance to the reproduction terminal 20, the reproduction control section 21 may display a fixed portion such as a frame of the watching screen. In this case, the management server 10 or the distribution server 30 may distribute the cheering message of the spectator user or the dynamic part such as the operation effect of the spectator's operation. Furthermore, the game server 60, distribution server 30, and management server 10 may belong to different systems and may be operated by different administrators. For example, the management server 10 may be configured to acquire a game video from the outside, combine it with a watching screen, and distribute it. In this case, the management server 10 may receive information on the progress of the game from the game server 60 at any time, and may receive a signal from the game server 60 that notifies the acceptance timing at which spectator operations can be accepted. Alternatively, an operator who monitors the progress of the game may input information on the progress of the game or a signal for notifying the acceptance timing.

Various aspects derived from each embodiment and each modification described above will be described below. In addition, in order to facilitate understanding of each aspect, the reference numerals shown in the accompanying drawings are added. However, the reference numerals are not intended to limit the present invention to the illustrated forms.

A watching system (100) in which game images are distributed to display devices (24) of a plurality of watching users includes an operation receiving means (111) for receiving a spectator operation by the plurality of watching users, and a spectator operation corresponding to the spectator operation. an effect control means (113) for controlling an operation effect, wherein the operation receiving means sends a guide image for guiding an operation timing at which the spectator operation should be performed to the display device as a guide instruction for the spectator operation. display.
Further, a computer program for a spectator system (100) comprising a computer (11) and distributing a game image to display devices (24) of a plurality of spectator users, comprises a spectator operation by the plurality of spectator users on the computer. and an effect control means (113) for controlling an operation effect corresponding to the spectator operation, and the operation accepting means receives the spectator's The display device is caused to display a guide image that guides an operation timing at which an operation should be performed.
Further, the control method of the watching system (100) in which the game video is distributed to the display devices (24) of the plurality of watching users accepts spectator operations by the plurality of watching users, and produces an operation effect corresponding to the spectator operations. to display on the display device, as a guide instruction for the spectator operation, a guide image for guiding the operation timing at which the spectator operation should be performed.

This makes it possible to associate the effects exhibited in response to the operations of a plurality of spectator users. As a result, a plurality of spectator users can work together to realize a cheering action composed of a plurality of operation effects by spectator operations with the same input timing. Therefore, the spectator user can feel a sense of solidarity with other spectator users, and the spectator user's desire to watch is improved. Furthermore, it is possible to provide the spectator users with a simulated experience as if a plurality of spectator users had performed a cheering act in unison.

The effect control means (113) exerts the operation effect based on the input timing of the spectator operation.

As a result, it is possible to make the timings of exhibiting the operational effects exhibited in response to the viewer's operations as uniform as possible. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a complicated impression from being given to the spectator user viewing the game image.

The spectator system (100) further comprises an evaluation means (112) for evaluating a correlation between inputs of the spectator operation by each of the plurality of spectator users, and the effect control means (113) evaluates the correlation. The operation effect corresponding to the viewer operation is controlled to change based on the result.

As a result, when the mutual relationship is highly evaluated, for example, when the input of the spectator operation by each of the plurality of spectator users is close to each other, the operation effect changes, and the content of cheering is emphasized, for example. Therefore, the spectator user can obtain a reward for improving the effect of the cheering action. As a result, it is possible to motivate the spectator users to join in the cheering action. Furthermore, it is possible to provide the spectator users with a simulated experience as if a plurality of spectator users had performed a cheering act in unison.

The spectator system (100) further comprises payment acceptance means (114) for accepting payment for the spectator operation.
In addition, the operation receiving means (111) accepts, as the viewer operation, a dominant operation on the condition of consumption of consideration, and when the dominant operation is accepted, it is subordinated as the viewer operation. A target operation is received, and the operation receiving means (111) guides the operation timing at which the subordinate operation should be performed during the period in which the operation effect corresponding to the dominant operation is being executed.
Further, the effect control means (113) controls the operation effect so as to change the display mode of the effect image or the output mode of the effect sound when the consideration is paid for the spectator operation. .

This makes it possible for a plurality of spectator users to work together to realize a cheering action composed of the operational effect of the dominant operation and the operational effect of the subordinate operation. Therefore, the spectator user can feel a sense of solidarity with other spectator users, and the spectator user's desire to watch is enhanced. Furthermore, it is possible to provide the spectator users with a simulated experience as if a plurality of spectator users had performed a cheering act in unison.

11: Server control unit (computer)
24: Display unit (display device)
100: Watching system 111: Operation receiving unit (operation receiving means)
112: Evaluation unit (evaluation means)
113: effect control unit (effect control means)
114: Consideration acceptance department (consideration acceptance means)
PG: Spectator program (computer program)

Claims (1)

A spectator system in which a game video is distributed to display devices of a plurality of spectator users,
operation receiving means for receiving spectator operations by the plurality of spectator users;
an effect control means for controlling an operation effect corresponding to the viewer operation;
The game watching system, wherein the operation receiving means causes the display device to display, as a guide instruction of the spectator operation, a guide image that guides an operation timing at which the spectator operation should be performed.

Images