JP2023071712A - System for animated cartoon distribution, method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To promote activation of animation distribution.

SOLUTION: An animation distribution server 10 according to an embodiment provides an animation distribution service for distributing an animated cartoon provided by a distribution user to multiple viewing users via a user terminal 30. Since the sever 10 renders each avatar on the basis of each three-dimensional model for multiple avatars corresponding to multiple users who conduct joint distribution of an animated cartoon as well as controlling each motion of the multiple avatars on the basis of information inputted from each of the multiple users, respectively, and generates an animated cartoon corresponding to a virtual space in which the multiple avatars are included, for example, even when a user who feels resistance to publish his/her natural face is included in, it is possible to conduct joint distribution of an animated cartoon by multiple users easily, as a result, activation of animation distribution can be promoted.

SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

COPYRIGHT: (C)2023,JPO&INPIT

Description

The present invention relates to a system, method, and program for distributing moving images.

Conventionally, systems have been provided for users to distribute moving images, and the moving images distributed through such systems include moving images (self-portrait moving images) in which the user himself/herself appears as a subject (for example, patent See reference 1). For example, a user can capture a video containing his or her own image and voice through a camera and microphone of a smartphone, a personal computer, or the like, and distribute the captured video to a plurality of viewers.

JP 2017-121036 A

However, among the users who wish to receive such moving images, there may be users who are reluctant to disclose their true faces to an unspecified number of viewers. For example, collaborative distribution in which general viewers participate in videos of users who are accustomed to distributing selfie videos may promote the activation of video distribution services, but such general viewers may They are likely to feel resistance. Therefore, for example, it would be useful to be able to easily perform collaborative distribution of videos in which the user's avatar appears instead of the user himself/herself.

One object of the embodiments of the present invention is to promote activation of video distribution. Other objects of embodiments of the present invention will become apparent upon review of the specification as a whole.

A system according to one embodiment of the present invention is a system for distributing moving images, comprising one or more storage devices for storing at least image information of avatars of each of a plurality of users, and one or more computer processors. and wherein the one or more computer processors, in response to execution of readable instructions, include first and second avatars corresponding to first and second users co-distributing a video. a process of generating a moving image corresponding to the virtual space; and a process of providing the generated moving image to each of a plurality of viewing users; based on at least the image information of the first and second avatars stored in the one or more storage devices; and rendering the first and second avatars the first and second operating in the virtual space based at least on input information input by two users via first and second user terminals, respectively.

A method according to an embodiment of the present invention is executed by one or more computers accessible to one or more storage devices for storing at least image information of avatars of each of a plurality of users, for distributing moving images. A method, comprising the steps of: generating a moving image corresponding to a virtual space including first and second avatars corresponding to first and second users for joint distribution of the moving image; and viewing the generated moving image a plurality of times. and providing each of the users, wherein the step of generating the moving image includes the first and second avatars stored in the one or more storage devices. and rendering the first and second avatars based on at least the image information of the avatars of the input entered by the first and second users via the first and second user terminals, respectively operating in the virtual space based at least on the information;

A program according to an embodiment of the present invention is a program for distributing a moving image, comprising one or more storage devices that can access one or more storage devices that store at least image information of avatars of each of a plurality of users. In response to execution on a computer, the one or more computers are provided with a video corresponding to a virtual space containing first and second avatars corresponding to first and second users who jointly distribute videos. and a process of providing the generated moving image to each of a plurality of viewing users. drawing based on at least image information of the first and second avatars stored in a storage device; and drawing the first and second avatars by the first and second users. operating in the virtual space based at least on input information respectively input via a second user terminal;

Various embodiments of the present invention may facilitate the activation of video distribution.

1 is a configuration diagram schematically showing the configuration of a network including a video distribution server 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing functions possessed by a video distribution server 10; FIG. 4 is a diagram exemplifying information managed in a user information table 411; FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating information managed in a distribution information table 412; FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating processing executed by the video distribution server 10 when individual video distribution is performed; FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining communication performed during distribution of a live moving image; FIG. 6 is a view exemplifying a viewing screen 60; FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically exemplifying an input image 50 input via a camera of a distribution user terminal 30; The figure which illustrates the screen 70 for distribution. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating processing executed by the video distribution server 10 in response to a participation request from a viewing user; FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a participation request notification object 80; FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining communication that takes place during the period of collaboration distribution; FIG. 11 is a diagram exemplifying a viewing screen 60 during a period of collaboration distribution; FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining communication performed during collaboration distribution according to another embodiment; FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining communication performed during collaboration distribution according to yet another embodiment;

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram schematically showing the configuration of a network including a video distribution server 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated, the moving picture distribution server 10 is communicably connected to a user terminal 30 via a communication network 20 such as the Internet. Although only one user terminal 30 is illustrated in FIG. 1 , the server 10 is communicably connected to a plurality of user terminals 30 . The server 10 provides, via the user terminal 30, a video distribution service for distributing a video provided by a distribution user to a plurality of viewing users. In this embodiment, the user of the user terminal 30 can distribute moving images as a distribution user, and can also view moving images distributed by other users as a viewing user.

The moving image distribution server 10 is configured as a general computer, and as shown in FIG. ) 15, and these constituent elements are electrically connected via a bus or the like (not shown).

The computer processor 11 is configured as a CPU, GPU, or the like, reads various programs stored in the storage 15 or the like into the main memory 12, and executes various instructions included in the programs. The main memory 12 is composed of, for example, a DRAM.

The input/output I/F 13 includes various input/output devices for exchanging information with a user or the like. The input/output I/F 13 includes, for example, information input devices such as keyboards and pointing devices (for example, mice, touch panels, etc.), voice input devices such as microphones, and image input devices such as cameras. The input/output I/F 13 includes an image output device such as a display and an audio output device such as a speaker.

The communication I/F 14 is implemented as hardware such as a network adapter, various types of communication software, or a combination thereof, and is configured to enable wired or wireless communication via the communication network 20 or the like.

The storage 15 is composed of, for example, a magnetic disk, flash memory, or the like. The storage 15 stores various programs including an operating system, various data, and the like.

In this embodiment, the video distribution server 10 can be configured using a plurality of computers each having the hardware configuration described above. For example, the video distribution server 10 may be configured by one or more server devices.

The moving image distribution server 10 configured in this way has functions as a web server and an application server, and is capable of receiving information from a web browser and other applications (for example, an application for a moving image distribution service) installed in the user terminal 30. Various processes are executed in response to the request, and screen data (for example, HTML data, control data, or the like) corresponding to the results of the processes are transmitted to the user terminal 30 . The user terminal 30 displays a web page or other screen based on the received data.

The user terminal 30 is configured as a general computer, and as shown in FIG. 35, and these constituent elements are electrically connected via a bus or the like (not shown).

The computer processor 31 is configured as a CPU, GPU, or the like, reads various programs stored in the storage 35 or the like into the main memory 32, and executes various instructions included in the programs. The main memory 32 is composed of, for example, a DRAM.

The input/output I/F 33 is various input/output devices for exchanging information with a user or the like. The input/output I/F 33 includes, for example, information input devices such as keyboards and pointing devices (for example, mice and touch panels), voice input devices such as microphones, and image input devices such as cameras. The input/output I/F 33 includes an image output device such as a display and an audio output device such as a speaker.

The communication I/F 34 is implemented as hardware such as a network adapter, various types of communication software, or a combination thereof, and is configured to enable wired or wireless communication via the communication network 20 or the like.

The storage 35 is configured by, for example, a magnetic disk or flash memory. The storage 35 stores various programs including an operating system, various data, and the like. A program stored in the storage 35 can be downloaded from an application market or the like and installed.

In this embodiment, the user terminal 30 may be configured as a smart phone, tablet terminal, wearable device, personal computer, or the like.

A user of the user terminal 30 configured as described above can communicate with the video distribution server 10 via a web browser or other application installed in the storage 35 or the like, thereby performing video distribution provided by the server 10 . can use the service.

Next, functions of the video distribution server 10 of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing the functions of the video distribution server 10. As shown in FIG. As illustrated, the server 10 includes an information storage management unit 41 that stores and manages various information, a basic function control unit 43 that controls basic functions of the video distribution service, and a video distribution control unit that controls video distribution. 45. These functions are realized by the cooperative operation of hardware such as the computer processor 11 and the main memory 12, and various programs and data stored in the storage 15 and the like. It is implemented by the computer processor 11 executing instructions included in the loaded program. Also, part or all of the functions shown in FIG.

The information storage management unit 41 of the video distribution server 10 stores and manages various information in the storage 15 or the like. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the information storage management unit 41 has a user information table 411 that manages information about users of the video distribution service and a distribution information table 412 that manages information about individual video distributions. can be configured.

Moreover, in this embodiment, the information storage management part 41 has 3D model DB413, as shown in FIG. The DB 413 stores a plurality of 3D models (image information) for drawing (rendering) the user's avatar in the 3D virtual space.

The basic function control unit 43 of the video distribution server 10 executes various processes related to control of the basic functions of the video distribution service. For example, the basic function control unit 43 transmits HTML data or control data of various screens related to the basic functions to the user terminal 30, and responds to user operation input via the screens displayed on the user terminal 30 to perform various operations. processing, and transmits HTML data or control data according to the result of the processing to the user terminal 30 . Basic functions controlled by the basic function control unit 43 include, for example, login authentication (user authentication), billing control, and user management (for example, updating the user information table 411, etc.).

The moving image distribution control unit 45 of the moving image distribution server 10 executes various processes related to controlling the distribution of moving images. In this embodiment, the video distribution control unit 45 generates a video corresponding to a virtual space including a plurality of avatars corresponding to a plurality of users who perform joint video distribution (collaborative distribution), and distributes the generated video to a plurality of users. It is configured to be provided to each viewing user. For example, the video distribution control unit 45 is configured to transmit the generated video to the user terminals 30 of each of the plurality of viewing users.

In this embodiment, the moving image distribution control unit 45 is configured to draw each of a plurality of avatars corresponding to a plurality of users who perform joint distribution of moving images based on 3D models stored in the 3D model DB 413. ing. For example, when co-distributing a video is started, the video distribution control unit 45 identifies each of a plurality of users who perform joint distribution, identifies a 3D model corresponding to each identified user's avatar, and identifies a 3D model corresponding to the avatar of each identified user. It is configured to obtain the model from the 3D model DB 413 . Information for specifying the 3D model corresponding to each user's avatar is managed in the user information table 411, for example.

Also, the video distribution control unit 45 is configured to cause each of the plurality of avatars to operate in the virtual space based at least on input information input via the user terminal 30 by the corresponding user.

In this way, the video distribution server 10 in the present embodiment draws each avatar based on the 3D model of each of the avatars corresponding to the users who jointly distribute the video, and each avatar is drawn by the users. The motion of each of the plurality of avatars is controlled based on the input information to be input, and a video corresponding to the virtual space containing the plurality of avatars is generated and distributed. Even if some users are reluctant to do so, it is possible for a plurality of users to easily perform joint distribution of moving images, and as a result, activation of moving image distribution can be promoted.

In this embodiment, the input information that is input to operate the avatar includes various information, such as operation information for the touch panel of the user terminal 30 or operation information for the physical controller. Also, for example, the input information includes an image input via the camera of the user terminal 30, and in this case, the video distribution control unit 45 creates an avatar based on the user's posture included in the input image. can be configured to operate. For example, the moving image distribution control unit 45 receives an image input (captured) via the camera of the user terminal 30 from each user terminal 30 of each of a plurality of users who perform joint distribution of moving images, and converts the received image to It is configured to detect the pose (bone) of the included user and control the motion of the corresponding avatar based on the detected user pose (eg, in conjunction with the user's pose). Detection of the user's posture included in the image can be realized by applying a known human posture estimation technique, for example. In addition, the moving image distribution control unit 45 is configured to operate the avatar based at least on the arrangement in the image of one or more predetermined parts of the user's body (e.g., face, hands, etc.) included in the input image. can be Such a configuration allows the avatar to act based on real user movements.

In addition, the video distribution control unit 45 can be configured to generate a video including audio input via the user terminal 30 by each of a plurality of users who jointly distribute the video. For example, the moving image distribution control unit 45 receives audio input through the microphone of each user terminal 30 of each user terminal 30 of a plurality of users who perform joint distribution of moving images, is configured to generate Such a configuration enables distribution of moving images including audio input by each user who co-distributes moving images.

In this case, the video distribution control unit 45 may be configured to control mouth movements of corresponding avatars based on voices input by each of a plurality of users who jointly distribute videos. For example, the moving picture distribution control unit 45 operates the mouth of the avatar of the specific user according to a predetermined rule during a period when there is voice input by the specific user, while during a period when there is no voice input by the specific user , is configured to freeze the mouth of that particular user's avatar. Such a configuration helps bring the avatar's mouth movements closer to the real user's mouth movements.

In addition, the video distribution control unit 45 may be configured to control the volume of audio input by the corresponding user based at least on the position of the avatar in the virtual space. For example, the video distribution control unit 45 increases (or decreases) the volume of the voice input by the corresponding user as the distance between the virtual camera and the avatar in the virtual space is shorter (or longer). Generate a video like Also, for example, the video distribution control unit 45 controls the volume of each of the left speaker and the right speaker of the audio input by the corresponding user based on the positional relationship between the virtual camera and the avatar in the virtual space. (For example, when the avatar is positioned on the left side of the virtual camera, the volume of the corresponding audio for the left side is increased compared to the volume for the right side, etc.). Such a configuration makes it possible to output sound with a volume corresponding to the position of the avatar in the virtual space.

Next, a specific example of the video distribution server 10 of this embodiment having such functions will be described. In this example, the server 10 provides a live video distribution service for users to distribute videos in real time. FIG. 3 illustrates information managed in the user information table 411 in this example. The user information table 411 manages information about users of the live video distribution service, and in this example, as illustrated, is information about the user's avatar in association with a "user account" that identifies an individual user. It manages information such as "avatar information", "distribution history information" that is information about distribution history of live videos, and "viewing history information" that is information about viewing history of live videos.

The avatar information includes information specifying a 3D model preselected by the user from among multiple 3D models stored in the 3D model DB 413 . A plurality of 3D models stored in the 3D model DB 413 correspond to a plurality of avatars having mutually different appearances. can be pre-selected as a 3D model of

FIG. 4 illustrates information managed in the distribution information table 412 in this example. The distribution information table 412 manages information about individual video distributions, and in this example, as illustrated, identifies distribution users who distribute videos in association with "distribution IDs" that identify individual video distributions. It manages information such as "distribution user accounts", "participating user accounts" for identifying participating users participating in this video distribution, and "distribution status information". The distribution status information includes information such as the number of simultaneous viewers, the total number of viewers, and the elapsed time from the start of distribution.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating processing executed by the moving image distribution server 10 when individual moving image distribution is performed in this example. The user can instruct the start of video distribution via a screen displayed on the user terminal 30, for example. The server 10 first acquires the 3D model of the distribution user's avatar from the 3D model DB 413, as illustrated (step S100). Information specifying the 3D model of the distribution user's avatar is managed in the avatar information of the user information table 411 .

After obtaining the 3D model of the distribution user, the server 10, until the distribution is completed (NO in step S130), transmits the 3D model from the distribution user's user terminal 30 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "distribution user terminal 30"). , an input image input via a camera and an input sound input via a microphone are received, and a process of generating and transmitting a moving image based on the received input image and input sound is repeated (steps S110 and S120). ).

FIG. 6 shows the process performed between the distribution user terminal 30, the video distribution server 10, and the user terminals 30 of a plurality of viewing users (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "viewing user terminals 30") during distribution of a live video. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining communication that is carried out; As illustrated, an input image input via the camera of the distribution user terminal 30 and an input sound input via the microphone are transmitted from the distribution user terminal 30 to the video distribution server 10 . The moving picture distribution server 10 generates a moving picture based on the received input image and input sound, and transmits the generated moving picture to each of the distribution user terminal 30 and the plurality of viewing user terminals 30 . Each of the distribution user terminal 30 and the plurality of viewing user terminals 30 displays the received video.

FIG. 7 illustrates a viewing screen 60 displayed on the viewing user terminal 30 that receives the moving image generated by the moving image distribution server 10 . As shown, the screen 60 displays the virtual space 100 over the entire screen, and includes a comment input area 62 located on the left side of the bottom edge of the screen, a comment display area 63 located above the area 62, and a comment display area 63 located above the area 62 and the bottom edge of the screen. A participation button 64 located on the right side of the is arranged so as to be superimposed on the virtual space 100 . When the viewing user inputs a comment via the comment input area 62 , the input comment is displayed in the comment display area 63 . Also, when the viewing user selects the participation button 64, a request for participation in the live video being viewed is made. The details of the request to participate in the live video will be described later.

In this example, the video generated by the video distribution server 10 corresponds to the virtual space 100. FIG. As shown in FIG. 7, the virtual space 100 has a stage 102 substantially in the center, and an avatar 110 of the broadcast user is arranged on the stage 102 . The avatar 110 is rendered based on a 3D model of the broadcast user's avatar. In addition, the avatar 110 is controlled based on the input image received from the distribution user terminal 30. controlled.

FIG. 8 schematically illustrates an input image 50 received from the distribution user terminal 30. As shown in FIG. As shown, in this example, a circular marker MK1 of a first color (for example, red) is provided on the palm of the distribution user's right hand RH, and a first color marker MK1 is provided on the distribution user's left hand LH palm. A circular marker MK2 of two colors (eg yellow) is provided. These markers MK1 and 2 are, for example, configured as stickers to be attached to the palms of the hands, and the stickers are provided to users by, for example, providers of live video distribution services. Also, the markers MK1 and MK2 are drawn directly with ink or the like, for example, on the palm of the hand. In this case, for example, the user draws markers MK1 and 2 on the palms of both hands according to instructions distributed by a live video distribution service provider or the like.

As shown in FIG. 8, in this example, the user's face FC is detected and recognized as a rectangular detection area DA1 surrounding the outline of the face FC. Both hands RH and LH of the user are detected and recognized as rectangular detection areas DA2 and DA3 surrounding the contours of the markers MK1 and MK2 provided on the palms of the hands RH and LH, respectively. Recognition of such face FC and both hands RH and LH (markers MK1, 2) is realized using known object tracking technology, for example, using a trained model generated via machine learning. .

In this way, when the user's face and hands are recognized in the input image received from the distribution user terminal 30, the action of the avatar 110 is controlled in conjunction with the arrangement of the face and both hands. For example, when the distribution user takes a banzai posture, the arrangement of the distribution user's face and both hands included in the input image becomes an arrangement corresponding to the banzai posture, and the avatar 110 in the virtual space 100 assumes the banzai posture. Its operation is controlled.

Also, in this example, the moving image generated by the moving image distribution server 10 includes the input voice (voice of the distribution user) received from the distribution user terminal 30 . In this example, the movement of the mouth of the avatar 110 may be controlled based on the input voice.

FIG. 9 exemplifies a distribution screen 70 displayed on the distribution user terminal 30 . As shown in the drawing, the screen 70 displays the virtual space 100 on the entire screen in the same manner as the viewing screen 60 described above. Positioned comment display area 73 is overlapped. Also, instead of the participation button 64 in the viewing screen 60 , a distribution stop button 74 is superimposed on the virtual space 100 on the right side of the lower end of the distribution screen 70 . The distribution stop button 74 is an object for stopping the distribution of live moving images.

For example, the distribution user operates the avatar 110 via an input image input (captured) via the in-camera by moving the body in front of the in-camera of the user terminal 30 configured as a smartphone, A moving image corresponding to the virtual space 100 including the avatar 110 can be viewed via the distribution screen 70 displayed on the user terminal 30 .

Here, the operation when a viewing user participates in a live video will be described. In this example, the viewing user can request participation in the live video being viewed by selecting the participation button 64 on the viewing screen 60 . FIG. 10 is a flow diagram illustrating processing executed by the video distribution server 10 in response to a participation request from a viewing user. When the participation button 64 is selected, the server 10 first notifies the distribution user of the participation request by the viewing user, as shown in the figure (step S200).

FIG. 11 exemplifies a participation request notification object 80 displayed on the distribution user terminal 30 in response to selection of the participation button 64 by the viewing user. The object 80 notifies that a specific user (user A in the example of FIG. 11) has requested participation, and has a permit button 82 for permitting the participation request and a refusal button 84 is arranged. The participation request notification object 80 is superimposed on the distribution screen 70 and displayed.

Then, when the distribution user selects the permission button 82 (YES in step S210), the server 10 acquires the 3D model of the avatar of the viewing user (participating user) who made the participation request from the 3D model DB 413 ( Step S220), and start distribution (collaboration distribution) of the video in which the participating users have participated (step S230). Note that if the distributing user selects the refusal button 84 (NO in step S210), the request for participation has been refused, so the processes of steps S220 and S230 are skipped.

FIG. 12 shows a distribution user terminal 30, a participating user's user terminal 30 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "participating user terminal 30"), a video distribution server 10, and a plurality of viewing user terminals during a period of collaboration distribution. 30 is a diagram for explaining communication performed between 30. FIG. As shown in the figure, during the collaboration delivery period, input images and input sounds are transmitted from the delivery user terminals 30 to the video delivery server 10, and from the participating user terminals 30 to the video delivery server 10, An input image input through the camera of the participating user terminal 30 and an input sound input through the microphone are transmitted. The moving image distribution server 10 generates a moving image based on the input image and the input sound received from the distributing user terminal 30 and the participating user terminals 30, respectively, and distributes the generated moving image to the distributing user terminal 30, the participating user terminals 30 and a plurality of viewing users. It transmits to each of the terminals 30 respectively. Each of the distribution user terminal 30, the participating user terminals 30, and the plurality of viewing user terminals 30 displays the received video.

In this example, the video generated by the video distribution server 10 during the collaboration distribution has the avatars of the participating users added in the virtual space 100 . FIG. 13 exemplifies the viewing screen 60 during the collaboration delivery period. As shown in the figure, during the collaboration delivery period, the position of the delivery user's avatar 110 on the stage 102 slides slightly to the left, and the participating user's avatar 112 is newly aligned to the right of the avatar 110. placed (added). The avatar 112 is drawn based on the 3D model of the participating user's avatar, and its action is controlled based on the input image received from the participating user terminal 30 in the same way as the distribution user's avatar 110 .

In addition, during the collaboration distribution period, the video generated by the video distribution server 10 includes the input voices of the participating users received from the participating user terminals 30 (participation user's voice). In this example, based on the positions of the avatars 110 and 112 in the virtual space 100, the volumes of the input voices of the distribution users and the participating users may be controlled. For example, the input audio of a broadcast user whose avatar 110 is positioned on the left side of stage 102 will have a louder volume for the left speaker compared to the volume for the right speaker, while, conversely, the volume for the left speaker will be greater than the volume for the right speaker. The input voice of the participating user whose avatar 112 is positioned on the right side of the top may be louder for the right speaker than for the left speaker.

Thus, in this example, it is possible to easily generate a video corresponding to the virtual space in which the avatars of the distribution users and the participating users are included, and distribute the video to a plurality of viewing users. In this example, the participation button 64 on the viewing screen 60 cannot be selected during the collaboration delivery period, and the number of participating users is limited to one. However, in other examples of this embodiment, a collaborative delivery involving two or more participating users may be enabled.

The moving image distribution server 10 according to the present embodiment described above draws each avatar based on the 3D model of each of the plurality of avatars corresponding to the plurality of users who perform joint distribution of moving images, and the plurality of users respectively Based on the input information (for example, the input image input via the camera of the user terminal 30), the operation of each of the plurality of avatars is controlled, and the virtual space in which the plurality of avatars are included is supported. Since a moving image is generated and distributed, for example, even if there are users who are reluctant to disclose their real faces, it is possible to easily perform joint distribution of moving images by a plurality of users, As a result, activation of video distribution can be promoted.

In the above-described embodiment, the moving picture distribution server 10 generates the moving picture, but in another embodiment of the present invention, the distribution user terminal 30 may generate the moving picture. FIG. 14 is for explaining the communication performed between the distribution user terminals 30, the participating user terminals 30, the video distribution server 10, and the plurality of viewing user terminals 30 during the collaboration distribution period in this other embodiment. is a diagram. As illustrated, in this embodiment, only the input image is transmitted from the distribution user terminal 30 to the moving image distribution server 10, and the input image and the input image are transmitted from the participating user terminal 30 to the moving image distribution server 10. Audio is sent. The moving image distribution server 10 analyzes each input image received from each of the distribution user terminal 30 and the participating user terminal 30, and obtains arrangement information regarding the arrangement of the user's face and both hands in each input image. Then, the moving image distribution server 10 transmits the obtained arrangement information (distribution users) and arrangement information (participating users), and the input voice received from the participating user terminals 30 to the distribution user terminals 30 . The distribution user terminal 30 generates a video based on the arrangement information (distribution user), the arrangement information (participating user), and the input voice (participating user) received from the video distribution server 10, and the input voice in the delivery user terminal 30. Then, the generated video is transmitted to each of the participating user terminals 30 and the plurality of viewing user terminals 30 via the video distribution server 10 . Note that the distribution user terminal 30 acquires the 3D models of the avatars of the distribution user and the participating users from the 3D model DB 413 before starting the collaboration distribution.

Further, in the above-described embodiment in which the moving image is generated in the distribution user terminal 30, the analysis of each input image and the acquisition of the arrangement information may be performed in each of the distribution user terminal 30 and the participating user terminals 30. In this case, the arrangement information and the input voice are transmitted from the participating user terminal 30 to the video distribution server 10 . The moving image distribution server 10 transmits the arrangement information and the input audio received from the participating user terminals 30 to the distribution user terminals 30 . Based on the arrangement information (participating users) and the input audio (participating users) received from the video distribution server 10, and the arrangement information (distribution users) and the input audio (distribution users) in the distribution user terminal 30, the distribution user terminal 30 A moving image is generated, and the generated moving image is transmitted to each of a plurality of viewing user terminals 30 via the moving image distribution server 10. - 特許庁

Also, in still another embodiment of the present invention, the generation of moving images may be performed in each of the distribution user terminal 30 , the participating user terminals 30 , and the plurality of viewing user terminals 30 . FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining communication between the distribution user terminal 30, the participating user terminals 30, the video distribution server 10, and the plurality of viewing user terminals 30 during the collaboration distribution period in this embodiment. is. As illustrated, in this embodiment, input images and input sounds are transmitted from the distribution user terminals 30 and the participating user terminals 30 to the video distribution server 10 . The moving image distribution server 10 analyzes each input image received from each of the distribution user terminal 30 and the participating user terminal 30, and obtains arrangement information regarding the arrangement of the user's face and both hands in each input image. Then, the video distribution server 10 transmits the obtained arrangement information (distribution users) and arrangement information (participating users) and the input voice received from the participating user terminal 30 to the distribution user terminal 30, and the distribution user terminal 30 A video is generated based on the arrangement information (distribution user), the arrangement information (participating user), and the input voice (participating user) received from the video delivery server 10 and the input voice in the delivery user terminal 30 . In addition, the video distribution server 10 transmits the acquired arrangement information (distribution users) and arrangement information (participating users), and the input voice received from the distribution user terminals 30 to the participating user terminals 30, and the participating user terminals 30 A moving image is generated based on the arrangement information (distribution user), the arrangement information (participating user), and the input sound (distributing user) received from the moving picture distribution server 10 and the input sound at the participating user terminal 30 . Furthermore, the video distribution server 10 sends the acquired arrangement information (distribution users) and arrangement information (participating users), and the input voices received from the distribution user terminals 30 and the participating user terminals 30 to each of the plurality of viewing user terminals 30. , and each viewing user terminal 30 transmits the video based on the arrangement information (distribution user), the arrangement information (participating user), the input audio (distributing user), and the input audio (participating user) received from the video distribution server 10 to generate Note that each of the distribution user terminal 30, the participating user terminal 30, and the plurality of viewing user terminals 30 acquires the 3D models of the avatars of the distribution users and the participating users from the 3D model DB 413 before starting the collaboration distribution.

In the above-described embodiment, image information (3D models) of avatars of a plurality of users is managed in the video distribution server 10 (3D model DB 413). At least part of the information may be managed in a device other than the server 10, for example, in the user terminal 30. FIG.

The processes and procedures described herein, other than those explicitly described, may be implemented in software, hardware, or any combination thereof. For example, the processes and procedures described herein are implemented by implementing logic corresponding to the processes and procedures in media such as integrated circuits, volatile memory, non-volatile memory, magnetic disks, and the like. Moreover, the processes and procedures described in this specification can be implemented as computer programs corresponding to the processes and procedures, and can be executed by various computers.

Although the processes and procedures described herein are described as being performed by a single device, software, component or module, such processes or procedures may be performed by multiple devices, software, components or modules. and/or by multiple modules. Also, the software and hardware elements described herein can be implemented by aggregating them into fewer components or by decomposing them into more components.

In this specification, even if the components of the invention are described as either singular or plural, or are described without being limited to either singular or plural, when the context requires otherwise , the component may be singular or plural.

10 moving image distribution server 11 computer processor 30 user terminal 41 information storage management unit 411 user information table 412 distribution information table 413 3D model DB
43 Basic function control unit 45 Video distribution control unit 50 Input image 60 Viewing screen 70 Distribution screen 100 Virtual space 110 Distribution user avatar 112 Participating user avatar

Claims (10)

A system for distributing video,
One or more storage devices for storing at least image information of each avatar of a plurality of users, and one or more computer processors,
The one or more computer processors, in response to executing readable instructions,
A process of generating a video corresponding to a virtual space including first and second avatars corresponding to first and second users who perform video joint distribution;
a process of providing the generated moving image to each of a plurality of viewing users;
The process of generating the moving image draws the first and second avatars based at least on image information of the first and second avatars stored in the one or more storage devices; and causing the first and second avatars to act in the virtual space based at least on input information input by the first and second users via first and second user terminals, respectively. ,
system. The input information includes an image input via a camera,
The process of generating the moving image includes moving the first or second avatar based at least on the posture of the first or second user included in the input image.
The system of Claim 1. The process of generating the moving image is performed based on at least the arrangement of one or more predetermined parts of the body of the first or second user included in the input image in the input image. activating a second avatar;
3. The system of claim 2. The process of generating the moving image includes generating a moving image including audio input by the first or second user via a microphone of the first or second user terminal,
4. The system of any one of claims 1-3. The process of generating the moving image includes controlling movement of the mouth of the first or second avatar based at least on the input sound.
5. The system of claim 4. The process of generating the moving image includes controlling the volume of the audio input by the first or second user based at least on the position of the first or second avatar in the virtual space.
6. The system of any one of claims 1-5. The process of generating the moving image is executed at the first or second user terminal,
7. The system of any one of claims 1-6. the process of generating the moving image is executed in a user terminal of each of the plurality of viewing users;
7. The system of any one of claims 1-6. 1. A method for distributing a moving image, executed by one or more computers accessible to one or more storage devices storing at least image information of each avatar of a plurality of users, comprising:
generating a video corresponding to a virtual space including first and second avatars corresponding to first and second users who jointly distribute videos;
providing the generated video to each of a plurality of viewing users;
The step of generating the moving image draws the first and second avatars based at least on image information of the first and second avatars stored in the one or more storage devices; and causing the first and second avatars to act in the virtual space based at least on input information input by the first and second users via first and second user terminals, respectively. ,
Method. A program for distributing videos,
Upon execution on one or more computers accessible to one or more storage devices for storing at least image information of each avatar of a plurality of users, to said one or more computers,
A process of generating a video corresponding to a virtual space including first and second avatars corresponding to first and second users who perform video joint distribution;
a process of providing the generated video to each of a plurality of viewing users;
The process of generating the moving image draws the first and second avatars based at least on image information of the first and second avatars stored in the one or more storage devices; and causing the first and second avatars to act in the virtual space based at least on input information input by the first and second users via first and second user terminals, respectively. ,
program.

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