WO2022137340A1

WO2022137340A1 - Information processing method, computer-readable medium, and information processing device

Info

Publication number: WO2022137340A1
Application number: PCT/JP2020/047932
Authority: WO
Inventors: 功淳馬場
Original assignee: 株式会社コロプラ
Priority date: 2020-12-22
Filing date: 2020-12-22
Publication date: 2022-06-30
Also published as: JPWO2022137340A1

Abstract

This information processing method for progressing a game includes: step (S1a) in which a processor implements the progression of a first part (story part), in which a character is made to act in response to an input operation of a user, said input operation being via an operation unit; a step (S13a) in which a specific behavior of the user is received during the first part, a computer is given, in response to the result of the specific behavior, the privilege to implement a first progression of a second part (livestream part), and on the basis of this privilege, it becomes possible for the progression of the game to switch from the first part to the second part; a step (S4a) in which action instruction data that has been transmitted from an external device and designates an action of the character is received, said external device being located in an external space that is physically removed from the space where the user is located; and a step (S5a) in which the first progression of the second part is implemented by causing the character to act on the basis of the received action instruction data, wherein the action instruction data includes motion data and voice data that have been inputted by an operator playing the character, and the operator is a different person from the user and is located in the external space that is physically separated from the space where the user is located.

Description

Information processing methods, computer-readable media, and information processing equipment

This disclosure relates to information processing methods, computer-readable media, and information processing devices.

Conventionally, a game in which a story progresses so that the ending differs depending on the option selected by the user is widely known. For example, Non-Patent Document 1 discloses a romance simulation game whose main purpose is to virtually deepen friendship with a girl character. The user selects the most suitable action for the character from the presented options, and the story progresses by repeating the reaction of the character to the action.

In the game disclosed in Non-Patent Document 1, a character response pattern is prepared in advance. Then, according to the input operation of the user, the response of the character is determined from the response pattern and output, and the game progresses. Therefore, the variation of the character's movement does not extend beyond the contents of the data prepared in advance. Therefore, there is a problem that the user cannot feel the reality as if the character is in the real world with respect to the relationship with the character, and eventually gets tired of it. Generally, in a game developed with the intention of letting the user play for a long time, it is important how to deal with the problem that the user gets tired of the game. Games are always required to provide compelling content that motivates users to play. In particular, in a game in which the user finds interest in the relationship with the character, it is preferable that the character has a high sense of reality so that the user can immerse himself in the world of the game.

One aspect of the present disclosure is intended to enhance the immersive feeling of the game in the world and to improve the interest of the game.

The information processing method according to the present disclosure is an information processing method for the progress of a game by a computer including a processor, a memory, and an operation unit, and operates a character in response to a user's input operation via the operation unit by the processor. A step of executing the progress of the first part to be caused, and a step of accepting a specific action by the user in the first part, for executing the first progress of the second part according to the result of the specific action. A right is granted to the computer, and based on that right, the progress of the game can be switched from the first part to the second part, in an external space physically separated from the space where the user is located. The first progress of the second part is executed by operating the character based on the step of receiving the operation instruction data specifying the operation of the character and the received operation instruction data transmitted from the external device located. The operation instruction data includes the motion data and the voice data input by the operator who plays the character, and the operator is located in an external space physically separated from the space in which the user is located. Is a different person.

The information processing method according to the present disclosure is an information processing method for the progress of a game by a computer including a processor, a memory, and an operation unit, and operates a character in response to a user's input operation via the operation unit by the processor. A step to execute the progress of the first part to be caused, a step to accept a specific action by the user in the progress of the first part in order to make the progress of the game switchable from the first part to the second part, and the second part. Recorded from an external device located in an external space physically separated from the space in which the user is located, and the step requesting the progress of the completed second part when the progress of is not progressed in real time. The operation instruction data includes an operator who plays the character, including a step of receiving the operation instruction data and a step of executing the progress of the completed second part by operating the character based on the received operation instruction data. The operator is a person different from the user, including the input motion data and voice data, located in an external space physically separated from the space in which the user is located.

In the information processing apparatus according to the present disclosure, the information processing apparatus includes a first part progressing unit that executes the progress of the first part that operates a character in response to a user's input operation, and the first part to the second part that progresses the game. In order to be able to switch to a part, a reception unit that accepts a specific action by the user in the progress of the first part, and a second part progress part, when the progress of the second part is not progressed in real time. Requests the progress of the completed second part, receives recorded operation instruction data from an external device located in an external space physically separated from the space where the user is located, and is based on the received operation instruction data. The operation instruction data includes motion data and voice data input by the operator who plays the character, and includes a second part progress unit that executes the progress of the completed second part by operating the character. The operator is a person different from the user, located in an external space physically separated from the space in which the user is located.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, it has the effect of improving the interest of the game.

It is a figure which shows the hardware configuration of a game system. It is a block diagram which shows the functional configuration of a user terminal, a server, and an operation instruction device. It is a flowchart which shows an example about the basic game progress of the game which is executed based on the information processing method which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the data structure of the operation instruction data. It is a figure which shows an example of the data structure of a game information. It is a figure which shows an example of the quest presentation screen displayed on the display part of a user terminal. It is a figure which shows an example of the quest solution screen displayed on the display part of a user terminal. It is a figure which shows an example of the reward screen displayed on the display part of a user terminal. It is a figure which shows an example of the moving image play screen which is displayed on the display part of a user terminal. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the process executed in a game system. It is a flowchart which shows an example about the basic game progress of the game which is executed based on the information processing method which concerns on this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the process which analyzes the operation instruction data executed by a user terminal. It is a figure which shows an example of the data structure of the user behavior history information of a live distribution part. It is a flowchart which shows an example about the basic game progress of the game which is executed based on the information processing method which concerns on this embodiment. An example of the transition of the game screen displayed on the display unit of the user terminal is shown.

[Embodiment 1]
The game system according to the present disclosure is a system for providing a game to a plurality of users who are game players. Hereinafter, the game system will be described with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to these examples, and is indicated by the scope of claims, and it is intended that all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the scope of claims are included in the present invention. To. In the following description, the same elements are designated by the same reference numerals in the description of the drawings, and duplicate description is not repeated.

<Hardware configuration of game system 1>
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration of the game system 1. As shown in the figure, the game system 1 includes a plurality of user terminals 100 and a server 200. Each user terminal 100 connects to the server 200 via the network 2. The network 2 is composed of various mobile communication systems constructed by the Internet and a wireless base station (not shown). Examples of this mobile communication system include so-called 3G and 4G mobile communication systems, LTE (Long Term Evolution), and wireless networks (for example, Wi-Fi (registered trademark)) that can be connected to the Internet by a predetermined access point. Will be.

The server 200 (computer, information processing device) may be a general-purpose computer such as a workstation or a personal computer. The server 200 includes a processor 20, a memory 21, a storage 22, a communication IF 23, and an input / output IF 24. These configurations of the server 200 are electrically connected to each other by a communication bus.

The user terminal 100 (computer, information processing device) may be a mobile terminal such as a smartphone, a feature phone, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), or a tablet computer. The user terminal 100 may be a game device suitable for game play. As shown in the figure, the user terminal 100 includes a processor 10, a memory 11, a storage 12, a communication interface (IF) 13, an input / output IF 14, a touch screen 15 (display unit), a camera 17, and a distance measuring sensor 18. And. These configurations included in the user terminal 100 are electrically connected to each other by a communication bus. The user terminal 100 may be provided with an input / output IF 14 to which a display (display unit) configured separately from the user terminal 100 main body can be connected in place of or in addition to the touch screen 15.

Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the user terminal 100 may be configured to be communicable with one or more controllers 1020. The controller 1020 establishes communication with the user terminal 100 according to a communication standard such as Bluetooth (registered trademark). The controller 1020 may have one or more buttons or the like, and transmits an output value based on a user's input operation to the buttons or the like to the user terminal 100. Further, the controller 1020 may have various sensors such as an acceleration sensor and an angular velocity sensor, and transmits the output values of the various sensors to the user terminal 100.

Note that, instead of or in addition to the user terminal 100 including the camera 17 and the distance measuring sensor 18, the controller 1020 may have the camera 17 and the distance measuring sensor 18.

It is desirable that the user terminal 100 causes a user who uses the controller 1020 to input user identification information such as the user's name or login ID via the controller 1020, for example, at the start of a game. As a result, the user terminal 100 can associate the controller 1020 with the user, and identifies which user the output value belongs to based on the source of the received output value (controller 1020). be able to.

When the user terminal 100 communicates with a plurality of controllers 1020, each user grips each controller 1020 so that the user terminal 100 does not communicate with other devices such as the server 200 via the network 2. Multiplayer can be realized with. In addition, each user terminal 100 communicates with each other according to a wireless standard such as a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) standard (communication connection is made without going through the server 200), thereby realizing local multiplayer with a plurality of user terminals 100. You can also do it. When the above-mentioned multiplayer is realized locally by one user terminal 100, the user terminal 100 may further include at least a part of various functions described later described in the server 200. Further, when the above-mentioned multiplayer is realized locally by a plurality of user terminals 100, the plurality of user terminals 100 may be provided with various functions described later described in the server 200 in a distributed manner.

Even when the above-mentioned multiplayer is realized locally, the user terminal 100 may communicate with the server 200. For example, information indicating a play result such as a result or a win or loss in a certain game may be associated with user identification information and transmitted to the server 200.

Further, the controller 1020 may be configured to be detachable from the user terminal 100. In this case, a coupling portion with the controller 1020 may be provided on at least one surface of the housing of the user terminal 100. When the user terminal 100 and the controller 1020 are connected by wire via the coupling portion, the user terminal 100 and the controller 1020 transmit and receive signals via the wire.

As shown in FIG. 1, the user terminal 100 may accept the attachment of a storage medium 1030 such as an external memory card via the input / output IF14. As a result, the user terminal 100 can read the program and data recorded on the storage medium 1030. The program recorded on the storage medium 1030 is, for example, a game program.

The user terminal 100 may store the game program acquired by communicating with an external device such as the server 200 in the memory 11 of the user terminal 100, or may store the game program acquired by reading from the storage medium 1030 in the memory 11. You may memorize it in.

As described above, the user terminal 100 includes a communication IF 13, an input / output IF 14, a touch screen 15, a camera 17, and a distance measuring sensor 18 as an example of a mechanism for inputting information to the user terminal 100. Each of the above-mentioned parts as an input mechanism can be regarded as an operation part configured to accept a user's input operation.

For example, when the operation unit is configured by at least one of the camera 17 and the distance measuring sensor 18, the operation unit detects an object 1010 in the vicinity of the user terminal 100 and performs an input operation from the detection result of the object. Identify. As an example, a user's hand as an object 1010, a marker having a predetermined shape, or the like is detected, and an input operation is specified based on the color, shape, movement, or type of the object 1010 obtained as a detection result. To. More specifically, when the user's hand is detected from the captured image of the camera 17, the user terminal 100 inputs a gesture (a series of movements of the user's hand) detected based on the captured image. Specify and accept as. The captured image may be a still image or a moving image.

Alternatively, when the operation unit is composed of the touch screen 15, the user terminal 100 identifies and accepts the user's operation performed on the input unit 151 of the touch screen 15 as the user's input operation. Alternatively, when the operation unit is configured by the communication IF 13, the user terminal 100 identifies and accepts a signal (for example, an output value) transmitted from the controller 1020 as an input operation of the user. Alternatively, when the operation unit is composed of the input / output IF14, a signal output from an input device (not shown) different from the controller 1020 connected to the input / output IF14 is specified as an input operation of the user and received.

In the present embodiment, the game system 1 further includes an operation instruction device 300. The operation instruction device 300 connects to each of the server 200 and the user terminal 100 via the network 2. At least one operation instruction device 300 is provided in the game system 1. A plurality of operation instruction devices 300 may be provided depending on the number of user terminals 100 that use the service provided by the server 200. One operation instruction device 300 may be provided for one user terminal 100. One operation instruction device 300 may be provided for a plurality of user terminals 100.

The operation instruction device 300 (NPC control device, character control device) may be a computer such as a server, a desktop personal computer, a laptop computer, or a tablet, and a computer group in which these are combined. As shown in the figure, the operation instruction device 300 includes a processor 30, a memory 31, a storage 32, a communication IF 33, an input / output IF 34, and a touch screen 35 (display unit). These configurations included in the operation instruction device 300 are electrically connected to each other by a communication bus. The operation instruction device 300 may include an input / output IF 34 to which a display (display unit) configured separately from the operation instruction device 300 main body can be connected in place of or in addition to the touch screen 35.

Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the operation instruction device 300 is connected to peripheral devices such as one or more microphones 3010, one or more motion capture devices 3020, and one or more controllers 3030 via wireless or wired. It may be configured to be communicable. The wirelessly connected peripheral device establishes communication with the operation instruction device 300 according to a communication standard such as Bluetooth (registered trademark).

The microphone 3010 acquires the voice generated in the surroundings and converts it into an electric signal. The voice converted into an electric signal is transmitted to the operation instruction device 300 as voice data, and is received by the operation instruction device 300 via the communication IF 33.

The motion capture device 3020 tracks the motion (including facial expressions, mouth movements, etc.) of the tracking target (for example, a person), and transmits the output value as the tracking result to the operation instruction device 300. The motion data, which is an output value, is received by the operation instruction device 300 via the communication IF 33. The motion capture method of the motion capture device 3020 is not particularly limited. The motion capture device 3020 selectively includes all mechanisms for capturing motion, such as a camera, various sensors, markers, a suit worn by a model (person), a signal transmitter, etc., depending on the method adopted. ..

The controller 3030 may have one or more physical input mechanisms such as buttons, levers, sticks, and wheels. The controller 3030 transmits an output value based on an input operation input to the input mechanism by the operator of the operation instruction device 300 to the operation instruction device 300. Further, the controller 3030 may have various sensors such as an acceleration sensor and an angular velocity sensor, and may transmit the output values of the various sensors to the operation instruction device 300. The above output value is received by the operation instruction device 300 via the communication IF 33. In the following, a person who performs some input operation on the operation instruction device 300 by using the operation unit provided in the operation instruction device 300 or various input mechanisms communicably connected to the operation instruction device 300. Called an operator. The operator includes a person who operates the operation instruction device 300 by using the input unit 351 and the controller 3030, a voice actor who inputs voice through the microphone 3010, and moves via the motion capture device 3020. A model for inputting is also included. The operator is not included in the user who is a game player.

The operation instruction device 300 may include a camera and a distance measuring sensor (not shown). Alternatively or in addition to the motion instruction device 300, the motion capture device 3020 and the controller 3030 may have a camera and a distance measuring sensor.

As described above, the operation instruction device 300 includes a communication IF 33, an input / output IF 34, and a touch screen 35 as an example of a mechanism for inputting information to the operation instruction device 300. If necessary, a camera and a distance measuring sensor may be further provided. Each of the above-mentioned parts as an input mechanism can be regarded as an operation part configured to accept a user's input operation.

The operation unit may be composed of the touch screen 35. In this case, the operation instruction device 300 identifies and accepts the user's operation performed on the input unit 351 of the touch screen 35 as the user's input operation. Alternatively, when the operation unit is composed of the communication IF 33, the operation instruction device 300 identifies and accepts a signal (for example, an output value) transmitted from the controller 3030 as an input operation of the user. Alternatively, when the operation unit is composed of the input / output IF34, a signal output from an input device (not shown) different from the controller 3030 connected to the input / output IF34 is specified as an input operation of the user and received.

<Game overview>
The game executed by the game system 1 according to the first embodiment (hereinafter, this game) is, for example, a game in which one or more characters appear and at least one of the characters is operated based on the operation instruction data. .. The character appearing in the game may be a player character (hereinafter, PC) or a non-player character (hereinafter, NPC). The PC is a character that can be directly operated by a user who is a game player. An NPC is a character that operates according to a game program and operation instruction data, that is, a character that cannot be directly operated by a user who is a game player. In the following, when it is not necessary to distinguish between the two, "character" is used as a generic term.

As an example, this game is a training simulation game. Specifically, in the training simulation game, the main character, who is a user, deepens interaction with the character and works on it to make the character a famous video distributor and realize the dream that the character has. It is an object. Further, the training simulation game may include an element of a love simulation game in which the main character aims to increase intimacy through interaction with a character.

Furthermore, it is preferable that this game includes at least a live distribution part as an example. In the game system 1, the operation instruction data is supplied to the user terminal 100 running the game from a device other than the user terminal 100 at an arbitrary timing. The user terminal 100 analyzes (renders) the operation instruction data by using the reception of the operation instruction data as a trigger. The live distribution part is a part in which the user terminal 100 presents a character that operates according to the above-mentioned analyzed operation instruction data to the user in real time. As a result, the user can feel the reality as if the character really exists, and can further immerse himself in the game world and enjoy the game.

In this embodiment, the game may be composed of a plurality of play parts. In this case, the character properties may differ from part to part, such as one character being a PC in one part and an NPC in another part.

The game genre is not limited to a specific genre. The game system 1 can execute games of all genres. For example, sports-themed games such as tennis, table tennis, dodgeball, baseball, soccer and hockey, puzzle games, quiz games, RPG (Role-PlayingGame), adventure games, shooting games, simulation games, training games, and It may be an action game or the like.

Further, the play form of the game executed in the game system 1 is not limited to a specific play form. The game system 1 can execute a game of any play form. For example, a single-player game by a single user, a multi-play game by a plurality of users, a battle game in which a plurality of users play against each other, and a cooperative play game in which a plurality of users cooperate among the multi-play games. You may.

<Hardware components of each device>
The processor 10 controls the operation of the entire user terminal 100. The processor 20 controls the operation of the entire server 200. The processor 30 controls the operation of the entire operation instruction device 300.

Processors

10, 20 and 30 include a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), and a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit).

The processor 10 reads a program from the storage 12 described later and expands it into the memory 11 described later. The processor 20 reads a program from the storage 22 described later and expands it into the memory 21 described later. The processor 30 reads a program from the storage 32 described later and expands it into the memory 31 described later. Processor 10, processor 20 and processor 30 execute the expanded program.

The

memories

11, 21 and 31 are the main storage devices. The

memories

11, 21 and 31 are composed of storage devices such as ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory). The memory 11 provides a work area to the processor 10 by temporarily storing a program and various data read from the storage 12 described later by the processor 10. The memory 11 also temporarily stores various data generated while the processor 10 is operating according to the program. The memory 21 provides a work area to the processor 20 by temporarily storing various programs and data read from the storage 22 described later by the processor 20. The memory 21 also temporarily stores various data generated while the processor 20 is operating according to the program. The memory 31 provides a work area to the processor 30 by temporarily storing various programs and data read from the storage 32 described later by the processor 30. The memory 31 also temporarily stores various data generated while the processor 30 is operating according to the program.

In the present embodiment, the program may be a game program for realizing the game by the user terminal 100. Alternatively, the program may be a game program for realizing the game in collaboration with the user terminal 100 and the server 200. Alternatively, the program may be a game program for realizing the game in cooperation with the user terminal 100, the server 200, and the operation instruction device 300. The game realized by the cooperation of the user terminal 100 and the server 200 and the game realized by the cooperation of the user terminal 100, the server 200, and the operation instruction device 300 are started by the user terminal 100 as an example. It may be a game executed on a browser. Alternatively, the program may be a game program for realizing the game by the cooperation of a plurality of user terminals 100. Further, the various data include data related to the game such as user information and game information, and instructions or notifications to be transmitted / received between the devices of the game system 1.

Storages

12, 22 and 32 are auxiliary storage devices. The

storages

12, 22 and 32 are composed of a storage device such as a flash memory or an HDD (Hard Disk Drive). Various data related to the game are stored in the

storages

12, 22 and 32.

The communication IF 13 controls the transmission and reception of various data in the user terminal 100. The communication IF 23 controls the transmission / reception of various data in the server 200. The communication IF 33 controls the transmission / reception of various data in the operation instruction device 300.

Communication IFs

13, 23 and 33 control communication using, for example, communication via a wireless LAN (Local Area Network), Internet communication via a wired LAN, a wireless LAN, or a mobile phone network, and communication using short-range wireless communication. ..

The input / output IF 14 is an interface for the user terminal 100 to accept data input, and an interface for the user terminal 100 to output data. The input / output IF 14 may input / output data via USB (Universal Serial Bus) or the like. The input / output IF 14 may include, for example, a physical button, a camera, a microphone, a speaker, or the like of the user terminal 100. The input / output IF 24 of the server 200 is an interface for the server 200 to receive data input, and an interface for the server 200 to output data. The input / output IF 24 may include, for example, an input unit that is an information input device such as a mouse or a keyboard, and a display unit that is a device that displays and outputs an image. The input / output IF 34 of the operation instruction device 300 is an interface for the operation instruction device 300 to receive data input, and an interface for the operation instruction device 300 to output data. The input / output IF34 includes, for example, information input devices such as a mouse, keyboard, stick, and lever, devices for displaying and outputting images such as a liquid crystal display, and peripheral devices (microphone 3010, motion capture device 3020, and controller 3030). May include connections for sending and receiving data between.

The touch screen 15 of the user terminal 100 is an electronic component that combines an input unit 151 and a display unit 152. The touch screen 35 of the operation instruction device 300 is an electronic component in which an input unit 351 and a display unit 352 are combined. The

input units

151 and 351 are, for example, touch-sensitive devices, and are configured by, for example, a touch pad. The

display units

152 and 352 are configured by, for example, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display, or the like.

The

input units

151 and 351 detect the position where the user's operation (mainly a physical contact operation such as a touch operation, a slide operation, a swipe operation, and a tap operation) is input to the input surface, and information indicating the position. It has a function to transmit as an input signal. The

input units

151 and 351 may be provided with a touch sensing unit (not shown). The touch sensing unit may adopt any method such as a capacitance method or a resistance film method.

Although not shown, the user terminal 100 may include one or more sensors for specifying the holding posture of the user terminal 100. This sensor may be, for example, an acceleration sensor, an angular velocity sensor, or the like. When the user terminal 100 includes a sensor, the processor 10 can also specify the holding posture of the user terminal 100 from the output of the sensor and perform processing according to the holding posture. For example, the processor 10 may be a vertical screen display in which a vertically long image is displayed on the display unit 152 when the user terminal 100 is held vertically. On the other hand, when the user terminal 100 is held horizontally, it may be a horizontal screen display in which a horizontally long image is displayed on the display unit. In this way, the processor 10 may be able to switch between the vertical screen display and the horizontal screen display according to the holding posture of the user terminal 100.

The camera 17 includes an image sensor and the like, and generates a captured image by converting the incident light incident from the lens into an electric signal.

The distance measuring sensor 18 is a sensor that measures the distance to the object to be measured. The distance measuring sensor 18 includes, for example, a light source that emits pulse-converted light and a light receiving element that receives the light. The distance measuring sensor 18 measures the distance to the object to be measured by the timing of light emission from the light source and the timing of receiving the reflected light generated by the light emitted from the light source being reflected by the object to be measured. The distance measuring sensor 18 may have a light source that emits light having directivity.

Here, an example in which the user terminal 100 receives the detection result of detecting the object 1010 in the vicinity of the user terminal 100 by using the camera 17 and the distance measuring sensor 18 as an input operation of the user will be further described. The camera 17 and the distance measuring sensor 18 may be provided on the side surface of the housing of the user terminal 100, for example. A ranging sensor 18 may be provided in the vicinity of the camera 17. As the camera 17, for example, an infrared camera can be used. In this case, the camera 17 may be provided with a lighting device that irradiates infrared rays, a filter that blocks visible light, and the like. This makes it possible to further improve the detection accuracy of the object based on the captured image of the camera 17, regardless of whether it is outdoors or indoors.

The processor 10 may perform one or more of the processes shown in the following (1) to (5), for example, on the captured image of the camera 17. (1) The processor 10 performs image recognition processing on the captured image of the camera 17 to specify whether or not the captured image includes a user's hand. The processor 10 may use, for example, a technique such as pattern matching as the analysis technique adopted in the above-mentioned image recognition process. (2) Further, the processor 10 detects the user's gesture from the shape of the user's hand. The processor 10 specifies, for example, the number of fingers of the user (the number of extended fingers) from the shape of the user's hand detected from the captured image. The processor 10 further identifies the gesture performed by the user from the number of identified fingers. For example, the processor 10 determines that the user has made a "par" gesture when the number of fingers is five. Further, when the number of fingers is 0 (the finger is not detected), the processor 10 determines that the user has made a “goo” gesture. Further, when the number of fingers is two, the processor 10 determines that the user has performed the "choki" gesture. (3) The processor 10 performs image recognition processing on the captured image of the camera 17 to detect whether the user's finger is in a state where only the index finger is raised or whether the user's finger is repelled. .. (4) The processor 10 is an object 1010 (user's hand or the like) in the vicinity of the user terminal 100 based on at least one of the image recognition result of the captured image of the camera 17 and the output value of the distance measuring sensor 18. ) And the user terminal 100. For example, the processor 10 may have the user's hand near the user terminal 100 (for example, a distance less than a predetermined value) or far away (for example, a predetermined value) depending on the size of the shape of the user's hand specified from the captured image of the camera 17. Detect if it is at the above distance). When the captured image is a moving image, the processor 10 may detect whether the user's hand is approaching or moving away from the user terminal 100. (5) When it is found that the distance between the user terminal 100 and the user's hand is changing while the user's hand is detected based on the image recognition result of the captured image of the camera 17, the processor. 10 recognizes that the user is waving his hand in the shooting direction of the camera 17. When an object is detected or not detected in the distance measuring sensor 18 having a stronger directivity than the shooting range of the camera 17, the processor 10 determines that the user is waving his hand in a direction orthogonal to the shooting direction of the camera. recognize.

As described above, the processor 10 determines whether or not the user is holding the hand (whether it is a “goo” gesture or another gesture (for example, “par”) by recognizing the image captured by the camera 17. Or) is detected. In addition, the processor 10 detects the shape of the user's hand and how the user is moving the hand. In addition, the processor 10 detects whether the user is approaching or moving this hand toward or away from the user terminal 100. Such an operation can correspond to an operation using a pointing device such as a mouse or a touch panel, for example. For example, the user terminal 100 moves the pointer on the touch screen 15 in response to the movement of the user's hand, and detects the user's gesture “goo”. In this case, the user terminal 100 recognizes that the user is continuing the selection operation. The continuation of the selection operation corresponds to, for example, the state in which the mouse is clicked and pressed, or the state in which the mouse is touched after the touch-down operation is performed on the touch panel. Further, when the user moves his / her hand while the user's gesture "goo" is detected, the user terminal 100 performs such a series of gestures as an operation corresponding to a swipe operation (or a drag operation). You can also recognize it. Further, when the user terminal 100 detects a gesture that the user flips a finger based on the detection result of the user's hand by the image taken by the camera 17, the gesture is clicked by the mouse or tapped on the touch panel. It may be recognized as an operation corresponding to.

<Functional configuration of game system 1>
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a user terminal 100, a server 200, and an operation instruction device 300 included in the game system 1. Each of the user terminal 100, the server 200, and the operation instruction device 300 is not shown, and has a functional configuration necessary for functioning as a general computer and a functional configuration necessary for realizing a known function in a game. May include.

The user terminal 100 has a function as an input device that accepts a user's input operation and a function as an output device that outputs a game image or sound. The user terminal 100 functions as a control unit 110 and a storage unit 120 by the cooperation of the processor 10, the memory 11, the storage 12, the communication IF 13, the input / output IF 14, and the like.

The server 200 has a function of communicating with each user terminal 100 and supporting the user terminal 100 to advance the game. For example, when the user terminal 100 downloads an application related to this game for the first time, the user terminal 100 is provided with data to be stored in the user terminal 100 at the start of the first game. For example, the server 200 transmits the operation instruction data for operating the character to the user terminal 100. The motion instruction data may include motion capture data that captures the movement of an actor such as a model in advance, or may include voice data that records the voice of an actor such as a voice actor, or causes the character to operate. It may include operation history data indicating the history of input operations for the purpose, or may include a motion command group in which commands associated with the above-mentioned series of input operations are arranged in chronological order. When the game is a multiplayer game, the server 200 may have a function of communicating with each user terminal 100 participating in the game and mediating an exchange between the user terminals 100 and a synchronization control function. Further, the server 200 has a function of mediating between the user terminal 100 and the operation instruction device 300. As a result, the operation instruction device 300 can supply the operation instruction data to the user terminal 100 or a group of a plurality of user terminals 100 in a timely manner without making a mistake in the destination. The server 200 functions as a control unit 210 and a storage unit 220 by the cooperation of the processor 20, the memory 21, the storage 22, the communication IF23, the input / output IF24, and the like.

The operation instruction device 300 has a function of generating operation instruction data for instructing the operation of a character in the user terminal 100 and supplying the operation instruction data to the user terminal 100. The operation instruction device 300 functions as a control unit 310 and a storage unit 320 in cooperation with the processor 30, the memory 31, the storage 32, the communication IF 33, the input / output IF 34, and the like.

The

storage units

120, 220 and 320 store the game program 131, the game information 132 and the user information 133. The game program 131 is a game program executed by the user terminal 100, the server 200, and the operation instruction device 300. The game information 132 is data that the

control units

110, 210, and 310 refer to when executing the game program 131. The user information 133 is data related to the user's account. In the

storage units

220 and 320, the game information 132 and the user information 133 are stored for each user terminal 100. The storage unit 320 further stores the character control program 134. The character control program 134 is a program executed by the operation instruction device 300, and is a program for controlling the operation of a character appearing in a game based on the above-mentioned game program 131.

(Functional configuration of server 200)
The control unit 210 comprehensively controls the server 200 by executing the game program 131 stored in the storage unit 220. For example, the control unit 210 transmits various data, programs, and the like to the user terminal 100. The control unit 210 receives a part or all of the game information or the user information from the user terminal 100. When the game is a multiplayer game, the control unit 210 may receive a request for synchronization of multiplayer from the user terminal 100 and transmit data for synchronization to the user terminal 100. Further, the control unit 210 communicates with the user terminal 100 and the operation instruction device 300 as necessary to send and receive information.

The control unit 210 functions as a progress support unit 211 and a shared support unit 212 according to the description of the game program 131. The control unit 210 can also function as another functional block (not shown) in order to support the progress of the game on the user terminal 100, depending on the nature of the game to be executed.

The progress support unit 211 communicates with the user terminal 100 and supports the user terminal 100 to progress various parts included in this game. For example, when the user terminal 100 advances the game, the progress support unit 211 provides the user terminal 100 with information necessary for advancing the game.

The sharing support unit 212 communicates with a plurality of user terminals 100, and supports a plurality of users to share each other's decks on each user terminal 100. Further, the sharing support unit 212 may have a function of matching the online user terminal 100 with the operation instruction device 300. As a result, information can be smoothly transmitted and received between the user terminal 100 and the operation instruction device 300.

(Functional configuration of user terminal 100)
The control unit 110 comprehensively controls the user terminal 100 by executing the game program 131 stored in the storage unit 120. For example, the control unit 110 advances the game according to the game program 131 and the user's operation. Further, the control unit 110 communicates with the server 200 and the operation instruction device 300 as necessary to transmit and receive information while the game is in progress.

The control unit 110 includes an operation reception unit 111, a display control unit 112, a user interface (hereinafter, UI) control unit 113, an animation generation unit 114, a game progress unit 115, an analysis unit 116, and a progress unit according to the description of the game program 131. It functions as an information generation unit 117. The control unit 110 can also function as other functional blocks (not shown) in order to advance the game, depending on the nature of the game to be executed.

The operation reception unit 111 detects and accepts a user's input operation to the input unit 151. The operation reception unit 111 determines what input operation has been performed from the action exerted by the user on the console via the touch screen 15 and other input / output IF 14, and outputs the result to each element of the control unit 110. do.

For example, the operation receiving unit 111 receives an input operation for the input unit 151, detects the coordinates of the input position of the input operation, and specifies the type of the input operation. The operation receiving unit 111 specifies, for example, a touch operation, a slide operation, a swipe operation, a tap operation, and the like as types of input operations. Further, the operation receiving unit 111 detects that the contact input is canceled from the touch screen 15 when the continuously detected input is interrupted.

The UI control unit 113 controls the UI object to be displayed on the display unit 152 in order to construct the UI. The UI object is a tool for the user to make an input necessary for the progress of the game to the user terminal 100, or a tool for obtaining information output during the progress of the game from the user terminal 100. UI objects are, but are not limited to, icons, buttons, lists, menu screens, and the like.

The animation generation unit 114 generates an animation showing the motion of various objects based on the control mode of various objects. For example, the animation generation unit 114 may generate an animation or the like that expresses how the character moves as if it were there, moves the mouth, or changes the facial expression.

The display control unit 112 outputs a game screen reflecting the processing result executed by each of the above elements to the display unit 152 of the touch screen 15. The display control unit 112 may display the game screen including the animation generated by the animation generation unit 114 on the display unit 152. Further, the display control unit 112 may superimpose and draw the above-mentioned UI object controlled by the UI control unit 113 on the game screen.

The game progress unit 115 advances the game. In the present embodiment, the game progress unit 115 advances the game in response to a user's input operation input via the operation reception unit 111. The game progress unit 115 causes one or more characters to appear and operates the characters while the game is in progress. The game progress unit 115 may operate the character according to the game program 131 downloaded in advance, may operate according to the input operation of the user, or may operate the character according to the operation instruction device 300. It may be operated according to.

When this game is divided into a plurality of parts such as the first part, the second part, and so on, the game progress unit 115 advances the game according to the specifications of each part.

To explain concretely with an example, it is assumed that the first part is a story part in which the story in the game progresses by interacting with the character. In this case, the game progress unit 115 advances the story part as follows. Specifically, the game progress unit 115 operates the character according to the game program 131 downloaded in advance or the operation instruction data (first operation instruction data) also downloaded in advance. The game progress unit 115 identifies an option selected by the user based on the input operation of the user received by the operation reception unit 111, and causes the character to perform an operation associated with the option. It is assumed that the second part is a live distribution part in which the character is operated based on the operation instruction data supplied from the operation instruction device 300. In this case, the game progress unit 115 operates the character from the operation instruction device 300 based on the operation instruction data to advance the live distribution part.

The analysis unit 116 analyzes (renders) the operation instruction data and instructs the game progress unit 115 to operate the character based on the analysis result. In the present embodiment, the analysis unit 116 starts rendering of the operation instruction data triggered by the fact that the operation instruction data supplied by the operation instruction device 300 is received via the communication IF 33. The operation instruction device 300 transmits the analysis result to the game progress unit 115, and immediately instructs the character to operate based on the operation instruction data. That is, the game progress unit 115 uses the reception of the operation instruction data as a trigger to operate the character based on the operation instruction data. This makes it possible to show the user a character that operates in real time.

The progress information generation unit 117 generates progress information indicating the progress of the game being executed by the game progress unit 115, and sends it to the server 200 or the operation instruction device 300 in a timely manner. The progress information may include, for example, information that specifies the currently displayed game screen, or may include a progress log indicating the progress of the game in chronological order by characters, symbols, and the like. In the game system 1, in the embodiment in which the server 200 and the operation instruction device 300 do not require progress information, the progress information generation unit 117 may be omitted.

(Functional configuration of operation instruction device 300)
The control unit 310 comprehensively controls the operation instruction device 300 by executing the character control program 134 stored in the storage unit 320. For example, the control unit 310 generates operation instruction data according to the operation of the character control program 134 and the operator, and supplies the operation instruction data to the user terminal 100. The control unit 310 may further execute the game program 131, if necessary. Further, the control unit 310 communicates with the server 200 and the user terminal 100 running the game to send and receive information.

The control unit 310 functions as an operation reception unit 311, a display control unit 312, a UI control unit 313, an animation generation unit 314, a progress simulation unit 315, and a character control unit 316 according to the description of the character control program 134. The control unit 310 can also function as another functional block (not shown) in order to control a character appearing in the game according to the nature of the game executed in the game system 1.

The operation reception unit 311 detects and accepts the operator's input operation to the input unit 351. The operation reception unit 311 determines what kind of input operation has been performed on the console via the touch screen 35 and other input / output IF 34s from the action exerted by the operator, and outputs the result to each element of the control unit 310. Output. The details of the function of the operation reception unit 311 are almost the same as those of the operation reception unit 111 in the user terminal 100.

The UI control unit 313 controls the UI object to be displayed on the display unit 352.

The animation generation unit 314 generates an animation showing the motion of various objects based on the control mode of various objects. For example, the animation generation unit 314 may generate an animation or the like that reproduces the game screen actually displayed on the user terminal 100 that is the communication partner.

The display control unit 312 outputs a game screen reflecting the processing result executed by each of the above-mentioned elements to the display unit 352 of the touch screen 35. The details of the functions of the display control unit 312 are substantially the same as those of the display control unit 112 in the user terminal 100.

The progress simulation unit 315 grasps the progress of the game on the user terminal 100 based on the progress information indicating the progress of the game received from the user terminal 100. Then, the progress simulation unit 315 presents the progress of the user terminal 100 to the operator by simulating the behavior of the user terminal 100 in the operation instruction device 300.

For example, the progress simulation unit 315 may display a reproduction of the game screen displayed on the user terminal 100 on the display unit 352 of the own device. Further, the progress simulation unit 315 may display the progress of the game on the display unit 352 as the above-mentioned progress log on the user terminal 100.

Further, a part of the functions of the progress simulation unit 315 may be realized by the control unit 310 executing the game program 131. For example, first, the progress simulation unit 315 grasps the progress of the game of the user terminal 100 based on the progress information. Then, the progress simulation unit 315 may completely or simplify the game screen currently displayed on the user terminal 100 based on the game program 131 and reproduce it on the display unit 352 of its own device. Alternatively, the progress simulation unit 315 may grasp the progress of the game at the present time, predict the progress of the game after the present time based on the game program 131, and output the prediction result to the display unit 352.

The character control unit 316 controls the behavior of the character displayed on the user terminal 100. Specifically, the operation instruction data for operating the character is generated and supplied to the user terminal 100. For example, the character control unit 316 generates operation instruction data instructing an operator (voice actor or the like) to speak to the character to be controlled based on the voice data input via the microphone 3010. The operation instruction data generated in this way includes at least the above-mentioned voice data. Further, for example, an operator (model or the like) generates motion instruction data instructing the character to be controlled to perform a motion based on the motion capture data input via the motion capture device 3020. The motion instruction data generated in this way includes at least the above-mentioned motion capture data. Further, for example, it is instructed that the operator operates the character to be controlled based on the history of the input operation input through the input mechanism such as the controller 3030 or the operation unit such as the input unit 351 which is the operation history data. Generate action instruction data to be performed. The operation instruction data generated in this way includes at least the above-mentioned operation history data. The operation history data is, for example, information in which operation logs indicating which button of the controller 3030 is pressed at what timing by the operator when which screen is displayed on the display unit are organized in chronological order. .. The display unit here may be a display unit linked to the controller 3030, may be a display unit 352 of the touch screen 35, or may be another display unit connected via the input / output IF 34. .. Alternatively, the character control unit 316 identifies a command instructing the operation of the character associated with the input operation input by the operator via the above-mentioned input mechanism or operation unit. Then, the character control unit 316 arranges the commands in the order in which they are input to generate a motion command group indicating a series of actions of the character, and generates motion instruction data instructing the character to be operated according to the motion command group. You may. The motion instruction data generated in this way includes at least the above-mentioned motion command group.

The reaction processing unit 317 receives feedback on the user's reaction from the user terminal 100 and outputs this to the operator of the operation instruction device 300. In the present embodiment, for example, the user terminal 100 can create a comment addressed to the character while the character is operated according to the above-mentioned operation instruction data. The reaction processing unit 317 receives the comment data of the comment and outputs it. The reaction processing unit 317 may display the text data corresponding to the user's comment on the display unit 352, or may output the voice data corresponding to the user's comment from a speaker (not shown).

The functions of the user terminal 100, the server 200, and the operation instruction device 300 shown in FIG. 2 are merely examples. Each device of the user terminal 100, the server 200, and the operation instruction device 300 may have at least a part of the functions of the other devices. Further, another device other than the user terminal 100, the server 200, and the operation instruction device 300 may be used as a component of the game system 1, and the other device may be made to execute a part of the processing in the game system 1. That is, the computer that executes the game program in the present embodiment may be any of a user terminal 100, a server 200, an operation instruction device 300, and another device other than the user terminal 100, and is realized by a combination of a plurality of these devices. May be done.

In this embodiment, the progress simulation unit 315 may be omitted. Further, in the present embodiment, the control unit 310 can function as the reaction processing unit 317 according to the description of the character control program 134.

<Game structure>
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the basic game progress of this game. The game is divided into, for example, two gameplay parts. As an example, the first part is a story part and the second part is a live distribution part. In addition, the game may include an acquisition part that allows the user to acquire a game medium that is digital data that can be used in the game in exchange for valuable data possessed by the user. In this embodiment, the play order of each part is not particularly limited. FIG. 3 shows a case where the user terminal 100 executes a game in the order of a story part, an acquisition part, and a live distribution part.

In step S1, the game progress unit 115 executes the story part. The story part includes a fixed scenario S11 and an acquisition scenario S12 (described later). The story part includes, for example, a scene in which the main character operated by the user and the character interact with each other. In the present embodiment, as an example, the "scenario" collected as digital data corresponds to one episode of a story related to a character, is supplied from the server 200, and is temporarily stored in the storage unit 120. In the story part, the game progress unit 115 reads out one scenario stored in the storage unit 120, and advances one scenario according to the input operation of the user until the end is reached. The scenario includes an option to be selected by the user, a response pattern of the character corresponding to the option, and the like, and different endings may be obtained in one scenario depending on which option the user selects. .. Specifically, the game progress unit 115 presents a plurality of options corresponding to the action from the main character to the character so that the user can select them, and advances the scenario according to the options selected by the user.

In step S2, when the user plays the scenario to the end, the game progress unit 115 may make the user acquire a reward according to the ending. The reward is provided to the user, for example, as a game medium which is digital data that can be used in the game. The game medium may be, for example, an item such as clothing that can be worn by the character. Here, "to make the user acquire the reward" may, as an example, change the status of the game medium as the reward managed in association with the user from unusable to usable. Alternatively, the game medium may be stored in at least one of the memories (memory 11, memory 21, memory 31) included in the game system 1 in association with the user identification information, the user terminal ID, or the like.

In step S3, the game progress unit 115 executes the acquisition part. In the acquisition part, the game medium acquired by the user may be a new scenario different from the scenario provided to the user terminal 100 at the time of the first download. In the following, the former scenario will be referred to as a fixed scenario, and the latter scenario will be referred to as an acquisition scenario. When it is not necessary to distinguish between the two, it is simply referred to as a scenario.

In the acquisition part, for example, the game progress unit 115 causes the user to possess an acquisition scenario different from the fixed scenario that the user already possesses, in exchange for consuming the user's valuable data. The scenario to be acquired by the user may be determined by the game progress unit 115 or the progress support unit 211 of the server 200 according to a predetermined rule. More specifically, the game progress unit 115 or the progress support unit 211 may execute a lottery and randomly determine a scenario to be acquired by the user from a plurality of acquisition scenarios. The acquisition part may be executed at any time before and after the story part and the live distribution part.

In step S4, the game progress unit 115 determines whether or not the operation instruction data has been received from an external device via the network. While the operation instruction data is not received from the external device, the game progress unit 115 may return from NO in step S4 to, for example, step S1 to execute the story part. Alternatively, the game progress unit 115 may execute the acquisition part of step S3. On the other hand, when the operation instruction data is received from the external device, the game progress unit 115 proceeds from YES in step S4 to step S5.

In step S5, the game progress unit 115 executes the live distribution part (second part). Specifically, the game progress unit 115 advances the live distribution part by operating the character according to the operation instruction data received in step S4. In step S1, the user simply interacts with the character showing a definite reaction via the UI in the scenario. However, in the live distribution part, the user can freely and interactively interact with the character that operates in real time based on the operation instruction data transmitted from the external device. More specifically, the analysis unit 116 receives the operation instruction data including the voice data and the motion data generated according to the content of the input operation of the user from the operation instruction device 300. Then, the game progress unit 115 causes the character to speak based on the voice data included in the received motion instruction data, and moves the character based on the above-mentioned motion data. Thereby, the reaction of the character to the above-mentioned input operation of the user can be presented to the user.

<Processing overview>
In the present embodiment, the user terminal 100 is configured to execute the following steps in order to improve the interest of the game based on the game program 131. Specifically, the user terminal 100 is operation instruction data that specifies an operation of an NPC that neither the user nor another user operates, and is based on the first operation instruction data stored in advance in the memory 11. A step of operating an NPC and advancing the first part according to a user's input operation input via an operation unit (input / output IF 14, touch screen 15, camera 17, distance measuring sensor 18), and an NPC control device (NPC control device). The step of advancing the second part by operating the NPC based on the second operation instruction data received from the operation instruction device 300) is executed.

According to the above configuration, the user terminal 100 operates the NPC in the first part based on the first operation instruction data downloaded in advance. In addition to this, the user terminal 100 receives the second operation instruction data from the operation instruction device 300, and in the second part, operates the NPC based on the second operation instruction data. Since the NPC can be operated based on the second operation instruction data received from the operation instruction device 300, the operation of the NPC is unconventional and its expression is greatly expanded. Therefore, the user can feel the reality as if the NPC is in the real world through the relationship with the NPC during the game play. As a result, it has the effect of increasing the immersive feeling of the game and improving the interest of the game.

<Data structure>
(Operation instruction data)
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a data structure of operation instruction data processed by the game system 1 according to the present embodiment. As an example, the action instruction data includes each item of "destination" and "creator" which is meta information, and each item of "character ID", "voice" and "movement" which are the contents of the data. It is composed of.

The destination designation information is stored in the item "destination". The destination designation information is information indicating to which device the operation instruction data is transmitted. The destination designation information may be, for example, an address unique to the user terminal 100, or may be identification information of the group to which the user terminal 100 belongs. It may be a symbol (for example, "ALL") indicating that the destination is all user terminals 100 satisfying a certain condition.

The creation source information is stored in the item "creation source". The creation source information is information indicating which device created the operation instruction data. The creation source information is information related to a user (hereinafter referred to as user-related information) that can identify a specific user, such as a user ID, a user terminal ID, and a unique address of the user terminal. The creation source information may be an ID or an address indicating the server 200 or the operation instruction device 300, and if the creation source is the server 200 or the operation instruction device 300, the value of the item is left empty. It may be left, or the item itself may not be provided in the operation instruction data.

The item "character ID" stores a character ID for uniquely identifying a character appearing in this game. The character ID stored here represents which character's action is indicated by the action instruction data.

The item "voice" stores voice data to be expressed in the character. Motion data that specifies the movement of the character is stored in the item "movement". As an example, the motion data may be motion capture data acquired by the motion instruction device 300 via the motion capture device 3020. The motion capture data may be data that tracks the movement of the actor's entire body, may be data that tracks the facial expression and mouth movement of the actor, or may be both. As another example, the motion data may be a motion command group instructing a series of movements of the character specified by an operation input by the operator of the operation instruction device 300 via the controller 3030. For example, when the commands "raise the right hand", "raise the left hand", "walk", and "run" are assigned to the buttons A, B, C, and D of the controller 3030, the operator can use them. , Button A, button B, button C, and button D are pressed in succession. In this case, a motion command group in which the commands "raise the right hand", "raise the left hand", "walk", and "run" are arranged in the above order is stored in the "movement" item as motion data. Will be done. In this embodiment, the voice data and the motion data are included in the operation instruction data in a synchronized state.

By receiving such motion instruction data, the game progress unit 115 can operate the character appearing in the game as intended by the creator of the motion instruction data. Specifically, when the operation instruction data includes voice data, the game progress unit 115 causes the character to speak based on the voice data. Further, when the motion data includes motion data, the game progress unit 115 moves the character based on the motion data, that is, generates an animation of the character so as to move based on the motion data. do.

(Game information)
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the game information 132 processed by the game system 1 according to the present embodiment. The items provided in the game information 132 are appropriately determined according to the genre, nature, content, etc. of the game, and the exemplary items do not limit the scope of the present invention. As an example, the game information 132 is configured to include each item of "play history", "item", "intimacy", "famousness", and "delivery history". Each of these items is appropriately referred to when the game progress unit 115 advances the game.

The user's play history is stored in the item "play history". The play history is information indicating whether or not the user's play is completed for each scenario stored in the storage unit 120. For example, the play history includes a list of fixed scenarios downloaded at the beginning of the play and a list of acquisition scenarios acquired later in the acquisition part. In each list, statuses such as "played", "unplayed", "playable", and "unplayable" are associated with each scenario.

The item "item" stores a list of items owned by the user as a game medium. In this game, the item is, for example, a clothing item worn by a character. The user can make the character wear the items obtained by playing the scenario and customize the appearance of the character.

The item "Intimacy" stores intimacy, which is one of the character's statuses. The new density is a parameter that indicates the friendliness of the user's alter ego, the "hero", with the character. For example, the game progress unit 115 may advance the game in the user's favor as the intimacy is higher. For example, the game progress unit 115 may increase or decrease the intimacy depending on whether the play result of the scenario is good or bad. As an example, the game progress unit 115 increases the intimacy more as the user selects the option well and the ending greeted in the scenario is better. On the contrary, the game progress unit 115 may reduce the intimacy when the user reaches the scenario at the bad end.

The item "Familiarity" stores the fame level, which is one of the character's statuses. The name recognition is a parameter indicating the popularity and recognition of the character as a video distributor. One of the purposes of this game is to support the video distribution activity of the character, raise the name of the character, and realize the dream of the character. As an example, a special scenario may be offered as a reward to a user who has achieved a certain level of name recognition.

The item "Distribution history" stores a list of videos, so-called back numbers, that have been live-distributed from characters in the past in the live distribution part. In the live distribution part, the video that is PUSH-distributed in real time can be viewed only at that time. On the other hand, the moving images for past distribution are recorded by the server 200 or the operation instruction device 300, and can be PULL distributed in response to a request from the user terminal 100. In the present embodiment, as an example, the back number may be made available for download by the user for a fee.

<Screen example of story part>
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a quest presentation screen 400 displayed on the display unit 152 of the user terminal 100. In the story part, the game progress unit 115 presents a quest to the user according to the game program 131 while the scenario is in progress. Specifically, the game progress unit 115 causes the character to speak a request item corresponding to a quest to the hero in a dialogue between the hero and the character. At this time, for example, the game progress unit 115 may display the quest presentation screen 400 shown in FIG. 6 on the display unit 152.

The method of presenting a character that performs a series of actions of "making the character speak a request" is not particularly limited. For example, the game progress unit 115 may display a character that utters the request as a still image based on the text data stored in the storage unit 120 in advance. Specifically, the game progress unit 115 displays a quest presentation screen 400 including a character 401, a balloon 402 indicating that the character 401 is speaking, and text data of a request item arranged in the balloon 402. Display on 152. Alternatively, the game progress unit 115 may display an animation of the character who utters the request item based on the operation instruction data corresponding to the scene in which the request item is uttered, which is stored in the storage unit 120 in advance. Specifically, the game progress unit 115 moves the character 401 according to the motion capture data included in the motion instruction data, and transfers the voice data included in the motion instruction data as voice from a speaker (not shown) included in the user terminal 100. Output.

In the present embodiment, as an example, the game progress unit 115 may realize the quest by a location information game using the location registration information of the user terminal 100. The game progress unit 115 acquires the current position information (for example, address information, latitude / longitude information, etc.) of the user terminal 100 from a position registration system (not shown) provided in the user terminal 100. Then, based on the acquired current position information, a map 403 around the place where the user terminal 100 is located is generated and arranged on the quest presentation screen 400. The map data that is the source of generating the map 403 may be stored in advance in the storage unit 120 of the user terminal 100, or may be acquired from another service providing device that provides the map data via the network. ..

Subsequently, the game progress unit 115 determines a position (address, latitude / longitude, etc.) at which an object that can solve the request (hereinafter referred to as a target) can be acquired, and a target icon is placed at a position on the map corresponding to the determined position. 404 is superimposed and displayed. As a result, the user can understand that if he / she holds the user terminal 100 and moves to the position of the target icon 404 on the map 403, he / she can acquire the target object and clear the quest. The position of the target may be randomly determined by the game progress unit 115, or may be determined in advance according to the contents of the scenario, the quest, and the target.

When the user brings the user terminal 100 to an actual position corresponding to the position of the target icon 404, the game progress unit 115 determines that the main character has reached the target object, and causes the user to acquire the target object. The game progress unit 115 determines that the quest has been cleared.

In the present embodiment, when the quest is cleared, the game progress unit 115 may generate a quest resolution screen 500 and display it on the display unit 152. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a quest resolution screen 500 displayed on the display unit 152 of the user terminal 100. As an example, the quest resolution screen 500 includes a character 401. For example, the game progress unit 115 causes the character 401 to perform the operation of "thank the hero for the resolution of the request". The game progress unit 115 may cause the character 401 to perform this operation based on the operation instruction data stored in advance. Alternatively, the game progress unit 115 may reproduce the scene in which the character 401 is thanking by arranging the still image of the character 401 and the text data 501 corresponding to the content of the statement on the quest resolution screen 500.

In the present embodiment, the game progress unit 115 may release one new fixed scenario related to the client character 401 as a reward for clearing the quest, and transition to a state in which the user can play. Specifically, the game progress unit 115 reads the play history shown in FIG. 5 and updates the status of the predetermined fixed scenario from "playable" to "playable".

Furthermore, the game progress unit 115 may increase the intimacy between the main character and the character based on the fact that the quest has been cleared. The game progress unit 115 may be configured to increase intimacy as the play content of the quest (time required, distance traveled, number of acquisitions, degree of joy of the character, rarity of the acquired target, etc.) is better. ..

When the user clears one or more quests or selects an option, the dialogue with the character progresses and the scenario progresses. When the scenario has one ending, the user has completed playing the scenario.

The game progress unit 115 may allow the user to acquire an item as a reward for playing the scenario by the user. The item is, for example, a clothing item to be worn by the character 401. The game progress unit 115 determines the items to be acquired by the user based on a predetermined rule. For example, the game progress unit 115 may give the user an item preliminarily associated with the scenario played, or may provide the user with the play content of the scenario (time required to clear the quest, acquired intimacy, and good choices). Items determined according to the selection, etc.) may be given. Alternatively, the item to be given to the user may be randomly determined from a plurality of candidates.

In the present embodiment, the game progress unit 115 may generate a reward screen 600 for notifying the user of the acquired item and display it on the display unit 152. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a reward screen 600 displayed on the display unit 152 of the user terminal 100. As an example, the reward screen 600 may include an icon 601 of the acquired item and a name 602 of the item. As a result, the user can confirm the items that he / she has acquired. Further, the game progress unit 115 adds the above-mentioned acquired item to the item list stored in the item "item" shown in FIG.

<Screen example of live distribution part>
When the game progress unit 115 receives the operation instruction data from an external device such as the operation instruction device 300, the game progress unit 115 operates the character based on the operation instruction data in the live distribution part. For example, in the live distribution part, a moving image reproduction screen 800 including a character that operates based on the operation instruction data is generated and displayed on the display unit 152.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a moving image reproduction screen 800 displayed on the display unit 152 of the user terminal 100. As an example, the moving image reproduction screen 800 includes at least a character (character 802 in the illustrated example) that was a dialogue partner in the story part.

In the present embodiment, the game progress unit 115 reflects the movement indicated by the motion capture data included in the movement instruction data supplied from the external device (hereinafter referred to as the movement instruction device 300) in the movement of the character 802. .. The motion capture data is obtained by acquiring the movement of the model 702 at the installation location of the motion instruction device 300 via the motion capture device 3020. Therefore, the movement of the model 702 is directly reflected in the movement of the character 802 displayed on the display unit 152.

In the present embodiment, the game progress unit 115 outputs the voice data 801 included in the movement instruction data supplied from the movement instruction device 300 as the voice emitted by the character 802 in synchronization with the movement of the character 802. .. The voice data is obtained by acquiring the voice 700 of the voice actor 701 via the microphone 3010 at the installation location of the operation instruction device 300. Therefore, the voice data 801 corresponding to the voice 700 emitted by the voice actor 701 is output as it is from the speaker of the user terminal 100.

According to the above configuration, the voices and movements of the existing voice actors 701 and model 702 at the installation location of the operation instruction device 300 are directly reflected in the voices and movements of the character 802. Looking at the character 802 that performs such an operation, the user can feel the reality of the character 802 as if it exists in the real world, and can immerse himself in the game world. ..

Further, in the present embodiment, the game progress unit 115 may determine the play result of the story part based on the input operation of the user in the story part (first part). Then, in the live distribution part (second part), the game progress unit 115 may display the character to be operated based on the operation instruction data on the display unit 152 in a display mode according to the play result.

As an example, if an item that can be worn by the above-mentioned character is acquired in the story part played so far, the game progress unit 115 synthesizes the object of the item into the object of the character 802. It is preferable to do so. According to the above configuration, the item acquired by the user playing the story part can be reflected in the clothing of the character 802 operating in the live distribution part. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, an item as a fashion item (for example, a Usamimi band) is acquired by playing a scenario in a story part. In this case, the game progress unit 115 reads out the information of the clothing item from the game information 132 shown in FIG. 5, and synthesizes the object of the item (in the illustrated example, the clothing item 803) into the character 802.

As a result, the user can feel the attachment to the character 802 and enjoy the live distribution part even more. Further, the user's motivation to upgrade the clothing of the character 802 can be cultivated, and as a result, the motivation to play the story part can be strengthened.

Further, in the present embodiment, the game progress unit 115 may be able to input a comment addressed to the character 802 in response to the operation of the character 802. As an example, the game progress unit 115 arranges a comment input button 804 on the moving image reproduction screen 800. The user touches the comment input button 804 to call a UI for inputting a comment, operates the UI, and inputs a comment addressed to the character 802. The UI may be for the user to select a desired comment from some prepared comments. The UI may be for the user to edit characters and enter comments. The UI may be for the user to input a comment by voice.

<Processing flow>
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing executed by each device constituting the game system 1.

In step S101, when the game progress unit 115 of the user terminal 100 receives an input operation for starting a game from the user, it accesses the server 200 and requests login.

In step S102, the progress support unit 211 of the server 200 confirms that the status of the user terminal 100 is online, and responds that the login has been accepted.

In step S103, the game progress unit 115 advances the game according to the input operation of the user while communicating with the server 200 as necessary. The game progress unit 115 may advance the story part or the acquisition part for acquiring a new scenario.

In step S104, the progress support unit 211 supports the progress of the game on the user terminal 100 by providing necessary information to the user terminal 100 as needed.

At the live distribution time in step S105, the sharing support unit 212 of the server 200 proceeds from YES in step S105 to step S106. The live distribution time is, for example, predetermined by the game master and managed by the server 200 and the operation instruction device 300. Further, the live distribution time may be notified to the user terminal 100 in advance, or may be kept secret until the actual live distribution time is reached. In the former case, live distribution can be stably supplied to the user, and in the latter case, live distribution with special added value can be supplied to the user as a surprise distribution.

In step S106, the sharing support unit 212 searches for one or more user terminals 100 having the right to receive live distribution. The conditions for receiving live distribution may be set by the game master as appropriate, but at least the conditions include that the application of this game is installed and that the game is online at the time of live distribution. In the present embodiment, as an example, the user terminal 100 that is online at the time of live distribution, that is, that is running the application of this game, is searched for as the user terminal 100 that has the right to receive live distribution. Alternatively, the sharing support unit 212 may further add that the user terminal 100 is owned by the user who has paid the consideration for receiving the live distribution. Alternatively, the sharing support unit 212 may search for a specific user terminal 100 that has made a reservation to receive live distribution in advance at the above-mentioned live distribution time as a user terminal 100 that has the right to receive live distribution. good.

In step S107, the sharing support unit 212 notifies the operation instruction device 300 of one or more detected user terminals 100. For example, the sharing support unit 212 may notify the operation instruction device 300 of the terminal ID of the user terminal 100, the user ID of the user who is the owner of the user terminal 100, the address of the user terminal 100, and the like.

On the other hand, in step S108, the character control unit 316 of the operation instruction device 300 proceeds from YES in step S108 to steps S109 to S110 at the live distribution time. Which of steps S109 to S110 may be executed first.

In step S109, the character control unit 316 acquires the voice input by an actor such as a voice actor via the microphone 3010 as voice data.

In step S110, the character control unit 316 acquires the motion input by the actor such as the model via the motion capture device 3020 as motion capture data.

In step S111, the character control unit 316 generates operation instruction data (second operation instruction data). Specifically, the character control unit 316 identifies a character to be delivered a moving image at the above-mentioned live distribution start time, and stores the character ID of the character in the item of "character ID" of the operation instruction data. Which character's moving image is to be delivered at what time may be scheduled in advance by the game master and registered in the operation instruction device 300. Alternatively, the operator of the operation instruction device 300 may specify in advance to the operation instruction device 300 which character the operation instruction data should be created. The character control unit 316 stores the voice data acquired in step S109 in the “voice” item of the operation instruction data. The character control unit 316 stores the motion capture data acquired in step S110 in the “movement” item of the operation instruction data. The character control unit 316 associates the voice data with the motion capture data so that the voice data and the motion capture data are synchronized with each other. The character control unit 316 may use group identification information of a group of these user terminals 100 or one user terminal 100 so that the destination is one or more user terminals 100 notified by the server 200 in step S107. The address is stored in the "destination" item of the operation instruction data as the destination designation information.

In step S112, the character control unit 316 transmits the operation instruction data generated as described above to each user terminal 100 designated as the destination via the communication IF 33. The character control unit 316 acquires voice data and motion capture data obtained by the actor making a voice or moving, and immediately renders them into motion instruction data, and distributes them to each user terminal 100 in real time. Is desirable.

In step S113, the analysis unit 116 of the user terminal 100 receives the above-mentioned operation instruction data via the communication IF 13. For example, the analysis unit 116 may receive the operation instruction data at a time previously announced to be live-streamed from the operation instruction device 300 or the server 200.

In step S114, the analysis unit 116 analyzes the received operation instruction data by using the reception as a trigger.

In step S115, when the game progress unit 115 receives the above-mentioned operation instruction data, if the live distribution part is not executed, the game progress unit 115 starts the live distribution part. At this time, if another part is being executed, the game progress unit 115 interrupts the progress of the part and then starts the live distribution part. Here, the game progress unit 115 may output a message to the effect that the part being executed is temporarily suspended due to the start of live distribution to the display unit 152, and save the progress of the part in the storage unit 120. desirable. If the live distribution part has already been executed when the above-mentioned operation instruction data is received, the game progress unit 115 may omit step S115. In this case, the game progress unit 115 may output a message to the effect that the distribution of the operation instruction data (that is, the moving image of the body to be live-streamed by the character) has started to the display unit 152.

In step S116, the game progress unit 115 advances the live distribution part by operating the character based on the moving image instruction data analyzed by the analysis unit 116. Specifically, the game progress unit 115 causes the display unit 152 to display the moving image reproduction screen 800 and the like shown in FIG. The game progress unit 115 reproduces the voice and movement in real time at almost the same time as the actors such as the voice actor 701 and the model 702 are making a voice or moving at the place where the operation instruction device 300 is installed. It is reflected in the speech and movement of the character 802 on the screen 800. The analysis unit 116 and the game progress unit 115 continue rendering and reproducing the real-time moving image while continuously receiving the operation instruction data from the operation instruction device 300. Specifically, the game progress unit 115 does not accept any input operation from the user, and while the operation instruction data is received, returns from NO in step S117 to step S113, and repeats the subsequent steps.

If the operation reception unit 111 receives an input operation from the user while the character is operating based on the operation instruction data in step S117, the game progress unit 115 proceeds from YES in step S117 to step S118. For example, the operation receiving unit 111 accepts an input operation for the comment input button 804 on the moving image reproduction screen 800.

In step S118, the game progress unit 115 transmits the comment data generated in response to the above-mentioned input operation to the operation instruction device 300. Specifically, the game progress unit 115 may transmit the comment ID of the selected comment as comment data. Alternatively, the game progress unit 115 may transmit the text data of the text input by the user as comment data. Alternatively, the game progress unit 115 may transmit the voice data of the voice input by the user as comment data. Alternatively, the game progress unit 115 may recognize the voice input by the user, convert it into text data, and transmit it as comment data.

In step S119, the reaction processing unit 317 of the operation instruction device 300 receives the comment data transmitted from the user terminal 100 via the communication IF 33.

In step S120, the reaction processing unit 317 outputs the received comment data to the operation instruction device 300. For example, the reaction processing unit 317 displays the text data included in the comment data on the display unit 352. This allows operators to receive feedback on how the user responded to the character they moved. Then, the operator can determine the action of the further character according to this feedback. That is, the operation instruction device 300 returns to step S109, continues to acquire the voice data and the motion capture data, and continues to provide the operation instruction data to the user terminal 100. The user terminal 100 receives the operation instruction data transmitted from the operation instruction device 300 after the content of the input operation in the own terminal is received by the operation instruction device 300. Specifically, the user terminal 100 receives voice data corresponding to the content of the character's speech, motion capture data corresponding to the movement of the character, and the like, and operation instruction data. Then, the user terminal 100 continuously operates the character based on the operation instruction data. As a result, it is possible for the user to experience real-time interactive interaction with the character. Instead of the motion capture data, the user terminal 100 may receive a motion command group in which one or more commands instructing the operation of the character are arranged in the order instructed by the operator of the operation instruction device 300.

<Modification 1>
In the first modification of the first embodiment, the character for live-streaming the moving image in the live-streaming part does not have to be an NPC in the other part. That is, the present invention can also be applied to a game in which a PC operating based on a user's operation in another part performs live distribution of a moving image as an NPC in the live distribution part.

In the first modification, the user terminal 100 is configured to execute the following steps in order to improve the interest of the game based on the game program 131. Specifically, the user terminal 100 is a character according to a user's input operation input to the computer (user terminal 100) via the operation unit (input / output IF 14, touch screen 15, camera 17, distance measurement sensor 18). The second part is advanced by operating the character based on the step of advancing the first part by operating the character and the operation instruction data specifying the operation of the character received from the NPC control device (operation instruction device 300). And perform the steps to make it. Here, the operation instruction data includes at least one of voice data and motion capture data. In the step of advancing the second part, the user terminal 100 transmits the content of the user's input operation to the NPC control device, receives the operation instruction data determined by the NPC control device based on the content of the input operation, and receives the operation instruction data. The character is operated by using the reception of the operation instruction data as a trigger.

<Modification 2>
In the description of the first embodiment, the case where the user terminal 100 executes the game in the order of the story part, the acquisition part, and the live distribution part is shown with respect to FIG. 3 described above. On the other hand, in the second modification of the first embodiment, the game is progressed so as to automatically switch to the live distribution part according to the result of whether a specific action is performed by the user terminal 100 while the story part is in progress. May be good. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a basic game progress of a game executed based on the game program according to the second modification of the embodiment.

Step S1a is the same as step S1 in FIG. That is, the game progress unit 115 executes the story part (first part). The story part includes a fixed scenario S11a and an acquisition scenario S12a. As described above, for example, a scene in which the main character operated by the user and the character interact with each other is included. In the present embodiment, as an example, the "scenario" collected as digital data corresponds to one episode of a story related to a character, is supplied from the server 200, and is temporarily stored in the storage unit 120. In the story part, the game progress unit 115 reads out one scenario stored in the storage unit 120, and advances one scenario according to the input operation of the user until the end is reached. The scenario includes an option to be selected by the user, a response pattern of the character corresponding to the option, and the like, and different endings may be obtained in one scenario depending on which option the user selects. .. Specifically, the game progress unit 115 presents a plurality of options corresponding to the action from the main character to the character so that the user can select them, and advances the scenario according to the options selected by the user. The character may be the above-mentioned NPC, and is not a target of direct operation by any user who is a game player here.

While the story part of step S1a is in progress, in step S13a, the game progress unit 115 receives a specific action by the user. In response to this, the game progress unit 115 proceeds to step S4a, and an operation for switching from the story part to the live distribution part is performed. It is preferable that the game progress unit 115 continuously executes the story part of step S1a until the user does not accept a specific action in step S13a.

Here, the result of a specific action by the user in the story part includes, for example, that the position of the user terminal 100 acquired by the above-mentioned position registration system included in the user terminal 100 becomes a predetermined position. More specifically, as described with respect to FIG. 6, the quest is realized by the location information game using the location registration information of the user terminal 100, and the user holds the user terminal 100 and is determined by the game progress unit 115. Move to position. As a result, when the current position information of the user terminal 100 matches the determined position, the progress of the game is live-streamed in place of or in addition to causing the user to acquire the target (FIG. 8). You may want to switch to the part automatically.

Note that virtual location information may be applied instead of the actual location registration information of the user terminal 100 acquired by the location registration system. That is, the result of a specific action by the user in the story part may include that the virtual position of the character being operated by the user during the game becomes a predetermined position.

In another example, the result of a particular action by the user in the story part includes the completion of a given scenario associated with the story part. More specifically, in the story part, when the user clears one or more quests or selects an option, the dialogue with the character progresses and the scenario progresses. Then, when the scenario has one end, the user has completed the play of the scenario. As a result, the game may automatically switch from the story part to the livestream part.

Returning to FIG. 11, step S4a is the same as step S4 in FIG. That is, the game progress unit 115 determines whether or not the operation instruction data has been received from the external device (server 200 or the operation instruction device 300) via the network. While the operation instruction data is not received from the external device, the game progress unit 115 may return from NO in step S4a to, for example, step S1a, and continue to execute the story part. On the other hand, when the operation instruction data is received from the external device, the game progress unit 115 proceeds from YES in step S4a to step S5a.

Step S5a is the same as step S5 in FIG. That is, the game progress unit 115 executes the live distribution part (second part). Specifically, the game progress unit 115 advances the live distribution part by operating the character according to the operation instruction data received in step S4a. In step S1a, the user simply interacts with the character showing a definite reaction via the UI in the scenario. However, in the live distribution part, the user can freely and interactively interact with the character that operates in real time based on the operation instruction data transmitted from the external device. More specifically, the analysis unit 116 inputs operation instruction data including voice data and motion data input by an operator (including a voice actor and a model) associated with the NPC according to the content of the input operation of the user. It is received from the operation instruction device 300 and analyzed. Then, the game progress unit 115 causes the character to speak based on the voice data included in the received motion instruction data, and moves the character based on the above-mentioned motion data. This allows the user and the operator to collaborate while synchronizing their actions in real time and interactively. That is, the reaction of the character to the above-mentioned user's input operation can be presented to the user.

In the second modification, in the processing flow described with reference to FIG. 10 above, for example, in step S105, instead of determining whether the server 200 is the live distribution time, the server 200 is specified by the user. It is better to judge whether the action has been accepted. That is, when the determination condition is satisfied, the server 200 and the operation instruction device 300 provide the live distribution in the live distribution part to the user terminal 100. On the contrary, when the determination condition is not satisfied, the progress of the game is controlled so that the user terminal 100 does not proceed to the live distribution part.

When the determination condition is satisfied, the user terminal 100 operates the NPC based on the operation instruction data, and can execute the progress of the live distribution part. Specifically, when the operation instruction terminal 300 has already started the live distribution from S108 to S110, the user terminal 100 may be able to receive the real-time live distribution from the middle. Instead of this, when the determination condition is satisfied, the live distribution is started by using this as a trigger, and the user terminal 100 may be able to receive the supply of the completed live distribution from the beginning. .. It should be noted that a specific action by the user, which is a determination condition, is determined in advance by, for example, a game master, and is managed by the server 200 and the operation instruction device 300.

According to the second modification, the user terminal 100 operates the NPC in the first part based on the first operation instruction data downloaded in advance. Then, switching from the first part to the second part is performed according to the result of the user performing a specific action in the first part. The user terminal 100 receives the second operation instruction data from the operation instruction device 300, and in the second part, operates the NPC based on the second operation instruction data. Since the NPC can be operated based on the second operation instruction data received from the operation instruction device 300, the operation of the NPC is unconventional and its expression is greatly expanded. Therefore, the user can feel the reality as if the NPC is in the real world through the relationship with the NPC during the game play. As a result, it has the effect of increasing the immersive feeling of the game and improving the interest of the game. Further, in order to move to the second part, the user needs to perform a specific action in the first part, so that the game quality can be further enhanced.

Similar to the first modification, in the second modification, the character for live-streaming the video in the live-streaming part does not have to be an NPC in the other part. That is, the present invention can also be applied to a game in which a PC operating based on a user's operation in another part performs live distribution of a moving image as an NPC in the live distribution part.

<Modification 3>
In the description of the first embodiment, the case where the user terminal 100 executes the game in the order of the story part, the acquisition part, and the live distribution part is shown with respect to FIG. 3 described above. Further, in the second modification of the first embodiment, with respect to FIG. 11 described above, the game is automatically switched to the live distribution part according to the result of whether a specific action is performed by the user terminal 100 while the story part is in progress. Was shown to be progressing.

In the third modification, in response to the reception of a specific action by the user in step S13a of the second modification, the live distribution for advancing the live distribution part is received instead of the configuration that automatically switches to the live distribution part. Rights may be granted to the user. The right here may be in the form of a ticket, and the user holding the ticket has the right to access the live delivered.

In other words, only the user who holds the ticket can switch to the live distribution part based on the right to receive the live distribution, and the live distribution part can be advanced when the live distribution time comes. On the other hand, users who do not have tickets cannot proceed with the livestreaming part. The live distribution time may be notified to the user terminal 100 in advance, or may be kept secret until the actual live distribution time is reached. In the former case, live distribution can be stably supplied to the user, and in the latter case, live distribution with special added value can be supplied to the user as a surprise distribution.

[Embodiment 2]
<Game overview>
The game executed by the game system 1 according to the second embodiment (hereinafter, this game) is, as an example, a training simulation game including elements of a love simulation game, as in the first embodiment. In this embodiment, the game includes at least a live distribution part. The game may be composed of a single live distribution part or may be composed of a plurality of parts. Further, in the live distribution part, the character whose operation is controlled by the operation instruction device 300 may be a PC or an NPC. For example, a character that operates as an NPC in the live distribution part may operate as a PC according to a user's input operation in another part. Alternatively, during the period when the operation instruction data is not live-distributed from the operation instruction device 300, the character may operate as a PC in the live distribution part according to the input operation of the user. Then, when the live distribution is started, the character may be switched to the NPC and operate according to the operation instruction data supplied from the operation instruction device 300.

<Processing overview>
In the present embodiment, the user terminal 100 is configured to execute the following steps in order to improve the interest of the game based on the game program 131. Specifically, the user terminal 100 has a step of operating a character in response to a user's input operation input to the user terminal 100 (computer) via an operation unit such as an input unit 151, and a server 200 or an operation instruction. The step of receiving the operation instruction data specifying the operation of the character transmitted by multicast from the device 300 (character control device) and the step of operating the character based on the received operation instruction data are executed.

Further, it is preferable that the step of operating the character is started by triggering that the operation instruction data transmitted by multicast is received in the receiving step.

Alternatively, in the present embodiment, the user terminal 100 may be configured to execute the following steps in order to improve the interest of the game based on the game program 131. Specifically, the user terminal 100 has a step of operating a character in response to a user's input operation input to the user terminal 100 via an operation unit, and a step of operating the character from the server 200 or the operation instruction device 300 to the user terminal 100. A step of receiving operation instruction data that is transmitted and specifies operation instruction data that does not specify the user terminal 100 of another user as a source of the operation instruction data, and a received operation instruction. Perform steps to move the character based on the data. In addition, "the operation instruction data was transmitted to the user terminal 100" means, for example, that the operation instruction data was transmitted by unicast. For example, when the destination designation information includes an address unique to the own terminal, the user terminal 100 can determine that the operation instruction data is addressed to the own terminal, that is, transmitted by unicast.

Further, the step of operating the character triggers that the operation instruction data transmitted by unicast and to which the identification information of the user or the user terminal is not associated is received in the receiving step. It is preferable to start with.

<Functional configuration of game system 1>
In the user terminal 100 according to the present embodiment, the analysis unit 116 further analyzes the meta information of the operation instruction data. The meta information is information that defines the properties of the action instruction data separately from the contents of the action instruction data. The meta information is, for example, destination designation information, creation source information, and the like. Specifically, the analysis unit 116 determines whether the operation instruction data is multicast-transmitted or unicast-transmitted based on the destination designation information of the transmitted operation instruction data. do. Multicast transmission means that the server 200 or the operation instruction device 300 transmits the same information to a predetermined group including the own terminal. For example, the operation instruction data in which "ALL" is set as the destination designation information is sent to all the user terminals running the application of this game. Unicast transmission means that the server 200 or the operation instruction device 300 transmits information to its own terminal. The destination designation information is stored in, for example, the item “destination” of the operation instruction data shown in FIG.

It is probable that the operation instruction data transmitted by multicast was created by the game master, not by a specific user. Specifically, the above-mentioned operation instruction data may be created by a device belonging to a provider (operating organization) that provides the service of the game in the game system 1. For example, since the server 200 or the operation instruction device 300 knows the information about all the users and the user terminals, it is possible to create the operation instruction data and transmit it by multicast to the user terminal while the application is running. Therefore, the user terminal 100 can determine that the operation instruction data transmitted by multicast is created by the game master.

In the present embodiment, the analysis unit 116 may have the following functions as an example. Specifically, the analysis unit 116 renders the operation instruction data transmitted by multicast. Then, the analysis unit 116 instructs the game progress unit 115 to operate the character based on the rendering result. More preferably, the analysis unit 116 renders the operation instruction data in real time by using the reception of the operation instruction data transmitted by multicast as a trigger. Subsequently, the analysis unit 116 instructs the game progress unit 115 to operate the character based on the rendering result.

In another embodiment, the analysis unit 116 may have the following functions in place of or in addition to the above-mentioned functions. Specifically, the analysis unit 116 renders unicast-transmitted operation instruction data, for example, operation instruction data to which information related to a specific user such as a user ID or a user terminal ID is not associated. do. Then, the analysis unit 116 instructs the game progress unit 115 to operate the character based on the rendering result. More preferably, when the analysis unit 116 determines that the operation instruction data is unicast transmitted, the operation instruction data is transmitted by a specific user terminal based on the creation source information of the operation instruction data. Determine if it was created. For example, the analysis unit 116 determines that the operation instruction data to which the information related to the specific user is associated with the creation source information is created by the specific user terminal. The analysis unit 116 determines that the operation instruction data in which the value of the creation source information is empty and the operation instruction data to which the creation source information is not associated are not created by a specific user terminal. The operation instruction data that is not created by a specific user terminal is considered to have been created by the game master.

The analysis unit 116 renders the operation instruction data in real time, triggered by the reception of the operation instruction data that is unicast and is not associated with the related information of the specific user as the creation source information. Subsequently, the analysis unit 116 instructs the game progress unit 115 to operate the character based on the rendering result.

Thereby, the user terminal 100 can operate the character in real time based on the operation instruction data delivered from the game master, reflecting the intention of the game master. Therefore, the character can be provided with a sense of reality as if the character really exists there.

<Processing flow>
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing for analyzing operation instruction data executed by the user terminal 100 according to the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, the processing executed by each device of the game system 1 is substantially the same as the processing shown in FIG. In step S114, the user terminal 100 analyzes the operation instruction data as shown below.

In step S201, the analysis unit 116 acquires the destination designation information from the item "destination" of the operation instruction data.

In step S202, the analysis unit 116 determines whether or not the operation instruction data is transmitted by multicast based on the destination designation information. When the destination designation information points to a group identifier (for example, "ALL"), the analysis unit 116 determines that the operation instruction data is transmitted by multicast. Then, the analysis unit 116 proceeds from YES in step S202 to step S115 and subsequent steps shown in FIG. That is, the game progress unit 115 causes the character to operate in real time based on the operation instruction data, triggered by the fact that the operation instruction data transmitted by multicast is received in the own terminal. On the other hand, when the destination designation information points to the address of the own terminal, the analysis unit 116 determines that the operation instruction data is transmitted by unicast. In the present embodiment, the analysis unit 116 determines that it is not necessary to reproduce the unicast transmission in real time, stores the received operation instruction data in the storage unit 120, and steps S103 shown in FIG. You may go back to that. In step S103, for example, the game progress unit 115 may advance a part that operates the character according to the input operation of the user input to the user terminal 100. In another embodiment, when the operation instruction data transmitted by unicast is received, the analysis unit 116 may proceed from NO in step S202 to step S203.

In step S203, the analysis unit 116 acquires the creation source information from the item "creation source" of the operation instruction data.

In step S204, the analysis unit 116 determines whether or not the creation source information points to user-related information related to a specific user. The user-related information is, for example, a user ID, a terminal ID of the user terminal 100, an address of the user terminal 100, and the like. When the creation source information is not the user-related information of a specific user, the analysis unit 116 determines that the operation instruction data is not created by the specific user but is created by the game master. Then, the analysis unit 116 proceeds from NO in step S204 to step S115 and subsequent steps shown in FIG. That is, the game progress unit 115 triggers the reception of the operation instruction data to which the user-related information is not associated with the own terminal, and causes the character to operate in real time based on the operation instruction data. On the other hand, when the creation source information is user-related information of a specific user, the analysis unit 116 determines that the operation instruction data is created by the specific user. Therefore, the analysis unit 116 determines that it is not necessary to reproduce the operation instruction data in real time because it is not the operation instruction data supplied from the game master, and proceeds from YES in step S204 to step S205.

In step S205, the analysis unit 116 saves the operation instruction data created by a specific user in the storage unit 120, and returns to step S103 and subsequent steps shown in FIG.

According to the above configuration and method, in the user terminal 100, in addition to operating the character according to the input operation of the user, the character is operated based on the operation instruction data received from the server 200 or the operation instruction device 300. be able to. Therefore, the movement of the character is not limited to the type, and the expression is greatly expanded. As a result, the user can see the movement of the character and feel the reality as if the character is in the real world. Then, the user feels more attached to the character through the experience of interacting with the character with a rich sense of reality, so that another part that operates the character can be played with even more interest. As a result, it has the effect of increasing the immersive feeling of the game and improving the interest of the game.

<Modification example>
In the modification of the second embodiment, the analysis unit 116 omits the step of determining whether or not the operation instruction data is multicast-transmitted based on the destination designation information, and the user-related information of a specific user is included in the operation instruction data. You may perform the step of determining whether or not it is linked based on the creation source information.

[Embodiment 3]
<Game overview>
The game (hereinafter, this game) executed by the game system 1 according to the third embodiment is, as an example, a training simulation game including elements of a love simulation game, as in the first and second embodiments. In this embodiment, the game includes at least a live distribution part. The game may be composed of a single live distribution part or may be composed of a plurality of parts. In one example, it may be composed of a combination of a story part and a live distribution part as shown in FIGS. 3 and 11. Further, in the live distribution part, the character whose operation is controlled by the operation instruction device 300 may be a PC or an NPC. For example, a character that operates as an NPC in the live distribution part may operate as a PC in another part according to an input operation of a user who is a game player. Alternatively, during the period when the operation instruction data is not live-distributed from the operation instruction device 300, the character may operate as a PC in the live distribution part according to an input operation of a user who is a game player. Then, when the live distribution is started, the character may be switched to the NPC and operate according to the operation instruction data supplied from the operation instruction device 300.

In the present embodiment, especially in the live distribution part, the user requests the progress of the completed live distribution part even after the real-time live distribution is once completed, and the live is performed based on the received operation instruction data. The distribution part can be advanced again. As a result, the user can look back at the live stream again, and even if he / she misses it, he / she can watch the live stream again. In the following, it is assumed that a game including a story part and a live distribution part after the story part progresses through the first embodiment and the second embodiment, and variations thereof, and a scene after the end of the live distribution time is assumed. is doing. Further, the character here is assumed to be an NPC that is not a target of direct operation by a user who is a game player.

<Processing overview>
In the present embodiment, the user terminal 100 is configured to execute the following steps in order to improve the interest of the game based on the game program 131. Specifically, the user terminal 100 (computer) has a step of requesting the progress of a completed live distribution part via an operation unit such as an input unit 151, and a server 200 or an operation instruction device 300 (character control device). ), The step of receiving the recorded operation instruction data related to the completed live distribution part, and the step of advancing the completed live distribution part by operating the NPC based on the recorded operation instruction data. Run. Here, the recorded operation instruction data includes motion data and voice data input by the operator associated with the NPC. The operator includes not only a model and a voice actor but also an operator who performs some operation on the operation instruction device 300 (character control device), but does not include a user who is a game player. The recorded operation instruction data is often stored in the storage unit 200 of the server 200 or the storage unit 320 of the operation instruction device 300, and is delivered to the user terminal 110 again in response to a request from the user terminal 100. It is good to do it.

In the present embodiment, it is preferable that the progress of the completed live distribution part based on the recorded operation instruction data is different depending on the result of whether or not the user has progressed the live distribution part in real time. Specifically, when it is determined that the user has a track record of advancing the live distribution part in real time, the same live distribution part as the user has advanced the live distribution part in real time is advanced again. Is good (return delivery). In return delivery, it is better to perform a selective progression of the live delivery part. On the other hand, when it is determined that the user has no record of progressing the live distribution part in real time, it is preferable to proceed with the live distribution part having a progress mode different from that progressed in real time (missed distribution). Here, if it is determined that there is no track record in the overlooked distribution, for example, the user has the right to receive the live distribution, and if the user has the live distribution time, the real-time live distribution part can proceed. Nevertheless, this includes cases where this was not actually done. For missed deliveries, it's a good idea to perform a limited progression of the live stream part.

<Functional configuration of game system 1>
When it is determined that the user has a track record of advancing the live distribution part in real time in the user terminal 100 according to the present embodiment, the analysis unit 116 further receives the user action history information in the live distribution part. To analyze. The user action history information is a data set of user actions recorded by an input operation during the progress of the live distribution part, in addition to the contents of the recorded action instruction data. The user action history information is often associated with the recorded operation instruction data, and is preferably stored in the storage unit 220 of the server 200 or the storage unit 320 of the operation instruction device 300. In addition to or instead of this, the user behavior history information may be stored in the storage unit 120 of the user terminal 100.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a data structure of user behavior history information. The user action history information includes, for example, items such as action time, action type, and action details in which the user has acted in the live distribution part, and is associated with a user ID that identifies the user. The item "behavior time" is the time information in which the user performed an action in the live distribution part, the item "behavior type" is a type indicating the user's action, and the item "behavior details" is the specific action of the user. Content. For example, for the actions specified by the items "behavior type" and "behavior details", the consumption of valuable data by the user's input operation (for example, throwing money and billing by purchasing items, etc.), comment input, and character input. Actions such as changing items such as clothing (so-called dress-up) may be included. In addition, such an action may include selection of a time for later playing back a specific progress portion of the live distribution part (for example, a recording operation of the specific progress portion). In addition to this, such actions may include the acquisition of rewards, points, etc. during the live distribution part. The user action history information is preferably associated with each other between the data structure of the operation instruction data described in FIG. 4 and the data structure of the game information described in FIG. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that these data structures are merely examples and are not limited thereto.

<Processing flow>
FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of a basic game progress of a game executed based on the game program according to the present embodiment. The processing flow is applied to the scenes after the end of the live distribution time when the real-time live distribution part has already been completed.

In step S301, the operation unit 151 of the user terminal 100 newly requests the progress of the completed live distribution part. In step S302, in response to the request in step S301, the user terminal 100 receives the recorded operation instruction data related to the completed live distribution part from the server 200 or the operation instruction device 300 (character control device).

The recorded action instruction data includes motion data and voice data input by the operator associated with the character. In addition to the recorded operation instruction data, the user terminal 100 may receive various progress record data acquired and recorded along with the movement of the character during the progress of the real-time live distribution part. Specifically, the progress record data may include viewer behavior data in which the user who participated in the real-time live distribution part behaves in accordance with the movement of the character. The viewer behavior data is data including a record of the behavior during the live of all the users (that is, the viewers who participated in the live) who have advanced the real-time live distribution part in real time. In particular, the viewer behavior data should include messaging content such as text messages and icons sent by the viewer to the character in real time during the live performance. In this way, by advancing the completed live distribution part using the progress record data, it is possible to faithfully reproduce the reaction of the viewer in the live distribution part that has progressed in real time, and it is possible to faithfully reproduce the reaction of the viewer in the live space in real time. The sense of presence can be further improved.

Note that the recorded operation instruction data and progress record data may be received by the user terminal 100 as separate data, and each may be analyzed (rendered). Alternatively, in the server 200 or the operation instruction device 300, the previously recorded operation instruction data and the viewer behavior data may be combined, and the combined data set may be received by the user terminal 100 at one time. By receiving the combined data set, it is possible to reduce the load of subsequent data analysis (rendering) by the user terminal 100. In the following description, it is assumed that the progress record data is combined with the recorded action instruction data (that is, the recorded action order data includes the progress record data).

Next, in step S303, the game progress unit 115 determines whether or not the user has a track record of progressing the live distribution part in real time. The determination may be performed, for example, with reference to the item "destination" shown in FIG. 4 based on whether there is a record in which the action instruction data has been sent to the user terminal 100. Alternatively, even if the live distribution part is executed based on whether the status is "played" by referring to the item "play history" shown in FIG. 5, the item "distribution history" is also referred to. It may be executed based on whether or not there is a record of live distribution from the character in the past. In addition to this, when the operation instruction data already recorded is stored in the storage unit 120 of the user terminal 100, it may be determined that the live distribution part has already been advanced in real time. In addition, the determination may be performed by combining them, or by any other method.

If it is determined in step S303 that the user has a track record of advancing the live distribution part in real time (YES), the progress of the completed live distribution part is "return distribution". On the other hand, when it is determined in step S303 that the user has no record of advancing the live distribution part in real time (NO), the progress of the completed live distribution part is "missed distribution". As mentioned above, the user experience is different between "return delivery" and "missed delivery".

If it is determined in step S303 that the user has a track record of advancing the live distribution part in real time, the processing flow proceeds from YES in step S303 to step S304. In step S304, the analysis unit 116 acquires the user behavior history information of the live distribution part shown in FIG. 13 and analyzes it. The user action history information may be acquired from the server 200 or the operation instruction device 300, or may be used directly when it is already stored in the storage unit 120 of the user terminal 100.

Subsequently, in step S305, the game progress unit 115 re-progresses the completed live distribution part (that is, the above-mentioned "return distribution"). Specifically, the recorded operation instruction data and the user action history information analyzed in step S304 are used to re-progress the live distribution part. Also, if the user has acquired the reward described in FIG. 8 as an item (here, "Usamimi band"), an NPC will be assigned based on the item (that is, wearing a Usamimi band). Make it work. As a result, the live distribution part may be re-progressed. That is, the re-progress of the live distribution part reflects the user behavior history information and the reward information, is similar to the live distribution part that has progressed in real time, and is unique to the user.

Also, in the return distribution, the re-progress of the live distribution part is selectively executed according to the time information specified by the user's input operation via the operation unit, which was recorded when the live distribution part was first advanced. good. Specifically, by using the data of "action time" included in the user action history information described with reference to FIG. 13, the user specifies a specific action time, and the live distribution part is selectively advanced from there. Can be made to. For example, if the user inputs a comment 2 minutes and 45 seconds after the start of the live distribution part, the user can advance the live distribution part again by specifying the timing after 2 minutes and 45 seconds. .. In addition to the above-mentioned record of comment input, such re-progress is "action time" corresponding to the consumption of valuable data by the user's input operation and the record of actions such as change of items such as character's clothing. It is better to make it feasible based on.

Furthermore, in the return distribution, if the user has selected a specific progress part by an input operation between the live distribution parts that have progressed in real time, only the selected specific progress part is selected in the re-progress of the live distribution part. It can be advanced selectively. As a result, the user can efficiently play back only the specific progress part of the live distribution part later. Specifically, when the user selects a specific progress part and a record of such an action is registered in the user action history information, the live distribution part is selectively progressed by using the data of the action time. Can be made to. For example, if the user has selected a period of 2 minutes 45 seconds to 5 minutes 10 seconds from the start of the live distribution part, the user can re-progress the live distribution part over that period.

Returning to FIG. 14, if it is determined in step S303 that the user has no record of advancing the live distribution part in real time, the processing flow proceeds from NO in step S303 to step S306. In step S306, the game progress unit 115 executes a limited progress (that is, the above-mentioned "missed distribution") of the completed live distribution part. The reason why the missed delivery is restricted is that the user has the right to receive the live stream, but it can be considered that he has waived this right, so not all of the live stream is necessarily limited. Based on the idea that it is not necessary to reproduce and present it to the user.

Specifically, in the overlooked distribution, the progress of the live distribution part is executed using the recorded operation instruction data. As mentioned above, if the user has earned a reward as an item (“Usamimi Band” in Figure 8) through the scenario associated with the story part, the NPC will wear that item in the livestream part that progressed in real time. The image was synthesized so that it would work. That is, the operation mode of the NPC was associated with the reward. However, in the overlooked distribution, unlike the live distribution part that progresses in real time, the reward is not associated with the operation mode of the NPC. That is, the image composition process that causes the NPC to wear the item and operate it is not performed. That is, the progress of the completed livestreaming part is limited in that it does not reflect the reward information and is not unique to the user.

Also, in the overlooked distribution, unlike the live distribution part that progressed in real time, it is better to limit the actions of the users that can be accepted. Specifically, in the live distribution part that progressed in real time, consumption of valuable data by user input operations (for example, throwing money and billing by purchasing items, etc.) could be accepted. On the other hand, in the progress of the completed live distribution part, the consumption of such valuable data may be restricted so as not to be accepted. More specifically, in the live distribution part progressed in real time, a user interface (UI) including a button and a screen for executing the consumption of valuable data was displayed on the display unit 352. Then, the user could execute the consumption of valuable data through such an input operation in the UI. On the other hand, in the overlooked delivery, such a UI should be hidden so that the user cannot explicitly perform an input operation.

Furthermore, in the return delivery and the missed delivery, the user can play a specific scenario associated with the live delivery part as well as the live delivery part that progresses in real time. Certain scenarios include, for example, user-participatory events, which provide the user with an interactive experience with the character. Examples of user-participatory events include questionnaires provided by the character, quizzes given by the character, battles with the character (for example, rock-paper-scissors, bingo), and the like. Then, as in the case of live distribution in real time, the participation result of such a user participation type event is fed back to the user in the overlooked distribution. For example, in the return delivery, when the user participates in and answers the event of the four-choice quiz given by the character, the result of the correctness determination is fed back to the user. (However, if the user 8 who did not participate in the live in real time answered a questionnaire, quiz, etc. in the missed delivery, or if the feedback delivery that participated in the live in real time gave a different answer than during the live participation, these The content of the user 8's answer is not reflected, but the program may automatically make only a simple judgment (correctness judgment, etc.) and give feedback.) In addition, the user 8 is participating in the live concert in the return delivery. If the answer is different from the answer, a display such as "The answer is different from the one during the live" is displayed and output to the user terminal 800 by comparing with the answer of the user who is participating in the live. May be good.

On the other hand, in the overlooked distribution, unlike the live distribution part that progresses in real time, the user may be restricted from acquiring predetermined game points for the above feedback. Specifically, in a live distribution part that progresses in real time, as a result of the user playing a specific scenario, predetermined game points may be associated with the user and added to the points owned by the user. On the other hand, in the progress of the completed live distribution part, such points may not be associated with the user. As a result of not adding the points owned by the user, for example, in the case of a game in which a plurality of users who are game players are ranked based on the points, when the user advances the completed live distribution part, this is the case. It will not affect the ranking.

After the end of the return distribution (step S305) or the overlooked distribution (step S306), the user terminal 100 may request the progress of the completed second part (live distribution part) again. That is, it is preferable that the return delivery or the missed delivery can be repeatedly executed a plurality of times. In this case, the processing flow returns to step S301.

According to the above configuration and method, in the user terminal 100, even after the live distribution part has progressed in real time, the user can proceed with the live distribution part again in various modes. As a result, the user becomes more attached to the character through the experience of realistic interaction with the character, so that another part that operates the character can be played with even more interest. can. As a result, it has the effect of increasing the immersive feeling of the game and improving the interest of the game.

<Modification 1>
In the third embodiment, whether the progress of the completed live distribution part is a return distribution or a missed distribution is determined based on whether or not the user has a track record of advancing the live distribution part in real time. (Step S303 in FIG. 14). On the other hand, in the first modification of the present embodiment, the user may be configured to select the return delivery or the overlooked delivery. Alternatively, regardless of the presence or absence of the above-mentioned achievements, only the overlooked distribution may be provided to the user.

<Modification 2>
In the third embodiment, after the end of the return distribution (step S305 in FIG. 4) or the missed distribution (step S306 in FIG. 4), the progress of the completed second part (live distribution part) may be requested again. did. That is, the return delivery or the missed delivery could be repeatedly executed a plurality of times. In the second modification, it is preferable that the second and subsequent return delivery or missed delivery correspond to the record of the previous return delivery or missed delivery.

When the first return distribution or the overlooked distribution is performed, the first distribution history data is stored in the storage unit 220 of the server 200 or the storage unit 320 of the operation instruction device 300. After that, when the recorded operation instruction data related to the completed live distribution part is requested again from the user terminal 100, the first distribution history data is recorded from the server 200 or the operation instruction device 300 (character control device). It is delivered together with the completed action instruction data. In the user terminal 100, the received first delivery history data is referred to, and if the first return delivery or the missed delivery is performed halfway, the user terminal 100 will perform the second return delivery or the second return delivery from the continuation. Resume the progress of overlooked delivery. As a result, the user can efficiently perform return delivery or missed delivery.

If the first delivery is a return delivery, the return delivery should be executed from the second time onward, and if the first delivery is a missed delivery, the missed delivery should be executed from the second time onward. Further, when the recorded operation instruction data already exists in the user terminal 100, the user terminal 100 may not receive the recorded operation instruction data again. As a result, the amount of data received by the user terminal 100 can be saved.

<Modification 3>
In the third embodiment, whether the progress of the completed live distribution part is a return distribution or a missed distribution is determined according to the actual result of the user advancing the live distribution part in real time (). Step S303 in FIG. 14). In the third modification, when it is determined that the user has progressed the live distribution part halfway in real time, it is preferable to restart the progress of the completed live distribution part from the continuation. The record of how far the user has advanced the live distribution part in real time can be determined from the user behavior history information described above in FIG. That is, the user behavior history information records how long the user has progressed with respect to a specific live distribution part. Although not limited to this, the resumption of the completed live distribution part should be a missed distribution, which is a limited progress. As a result, the user can efficiently execute the overlooked delivery.

<Example of display screen of user terminal 100>
FIG. 15 shows an example of a screen displayed on the display unit 152 of the user terminal 100 based on the game program according to the present embodiment, and an example of a transition between these screens. Examples of screens include a home screen 850A, a live selection screen 850B for live distribution, a missed selection screen 850C for missed distribution, and a game screen 850D for a location-based game part. In the transition example, the home screen 850A can be transitioned to the live selection screen 850B and the game screen 850D. Further, the live selection screen 850B can be changed to the home screen 850A, the overlooked selection screen 850C, and the game screen 850D. Similarly, the overlooked selection screen 850C can be transitioned to the live selection screen 850B, and the game screen 850D can be transitioned to the home screen 850A and the live selection screen 850B. The actual distribution screen (not shown) is transitioned from the live screen 850B and the overlooked selection screen 850C.

(Home Screen)
The home screen 850A displays various menus for advancing the position game part (first part) or the live distribution part (second part) on the display unit 152 of the user terminal 100. When the game progress unit 115 receives an input operation for starting the position game part and / or the live distribution part, the game progress unit 115 first displays the home screen 850A. Specifically, the home screen 850A includes a "live" icon 852 for transitioning to the live selection screen 850B and an "outing" icon 854 for transitioning to the game screen 850D of the location information game. Upon receiving an input operation for the "live" icon 852 on the home screen 850A, the game progress unit 115 causes the display unit 152 to display the live selection screen 850B.

(Live selection screen)
The live selection screen 850B presents the user with live information that can be distributed. In particular, a list of one or more live notification information for notifying the user of the live distribution time and the like in advance is displayed. The live announcement information includes at least the live delivery date and time. Further, the live announcement information may include free / paid live information, an advertisement image including an image of a character appearing in the live, and the like. Further, the live selection screen 850B may display the notification information regarding the live distribution to be distributed in the near future on the live selection screen by pop-up 856.

At the live distribution time, the server 200 searches for one or more user terminals 100 having the right to receive the live distribution. The right to receive live distribution is granted when the user terminal 100 satisfies a predetermined condition. The predetermined conditions are that the consideration for receiving the live distribution has been paid (for example, holding a ticket), the scenario has been cleared in the location information game part, and the user terminal 100 or the user terminal 100 in the location information game part. The current position of the character including the main character includes being in a specific area / position where a live distribution source or the like is located. The corresponding live notification information will be displayed on the user terminal 100 having the right to receive the live distribution.

The user terminal 100 accepts a live playback operation (for example, a selection operation for a live that has reached the live distribution time on the live selection screen 850B). Specifically, it is better to accept touch operations on live images. Accordingly, the game progress unit 115 shifts the display unit 152 to the actual distribution screen (not shown). As a result, the user terminal 100 can advance the live distribution part and advance the live viewing process in real time.

When the live viewing process is executed, the video playback unit 117 operates the character in the live distribution part based on the received operation instruction data. That is, the moving image reproduction unit 117 uses the operation instruction data in the live distribution part to generate a moving image reproduction screen (for example, a moving image as shown in FIG. 9) including the character to be operated and display it on the display unit 152. .. The character may be either an NPC or a PC.

Further, the live selection screen 850B has a "return (x)" icon 858 for transitioning to the screen displayed immediately before and a "missing delivery" icon 860 for transitioning to the missed selection screen 800C on the display unit 152. It may be displayed. Here, in response to an input operation for the "return (x)" icon 858 on the live selection screen 850B, the game progress unit 115 shifts the screen 800B to the screen displayed immediately before. Specifically, the game progress unit 115 shifts to the home screen 850A when the screen displayed immediately before is the home screen 850A, and to the game screen 800D when the game screen 850D. That is, it is preferable that the history back function is executed on the "back (x)" icon 858. In this way, the broken line arrow shown in FIG. 37 selectively transitions from the live selection screen 850B to either the home screen 850A or the position information screen 850D in response to the input operation for the “back (x)” icon 858. Indicates that it will be done. On the other hand, for the input operation for the missed distribution icon 860 on the live selection screen 850B, the game progress unit 115 shifts from the live selection screen 850B to the missed selection screen 850C.

(Missing selection screen)
The overlook selection screen 850C displays, among the delivered information about one or more live delivered in the past, the delivered information in which the user has not progressed the live delivery part in real time. The operation unit 151 of the user terminal 100 accepts input operations (for example, touch operations) for live delivered information displayed on the overlooked selection screen 850C, for example, an image 880 including a character appearing in the live. In response to this, the game progress unit 115 can re-progress the completed live distribution part after the end of the live distribution part. The re-progress here is not limited to this, but it is better to make it a missed delivery.

As shown in the example of the missed selection screen 850C, the delivered information about the live is further delivered with the playback time 862 of each delivered live, the period until the end of delivery (days, etc.) 864, and how many days before the present. It may include information 866 indicating whether or not it has been done, past delivery date and time, and the like. Further, the overlooked selection screen 850C includes a "back (<)" icon 868 for transitioning to the live selection screen 850B. In response to the input operation for the "return (<)" icon 868, the game progress unit 115 transitions to the live selection screen 850B.

In the present embodiment, the overlooked selection screen 850C is not limited to this, but it is preferable that the transition is made only from the live selection screen 850B and not directly from the home screen 850A and the game screen 850D. The missed distribution is performed for the user who missed the live distribution, and is only a function accompanying the live distribution function. In addition, one of the purposes of this game is to enhance the fun of the game by allowing the user to watch the live stream in real time, support the character in real time, and deepen the interaction with the character. For this reason, it should be prioritized to guide the user to watch the live distribution in real time, rather than the overlooked distribution in which real-time interaction with the character (player) is not possible. Therefore, in the present embodiment, it is preferable not to directly transition from the home screen 850A and the game screen 850D to the overlooked selection screen 850C.

In addition, on the overlooked selection screen 850C, the delivered information that the user has not made the live delivery part in real time is displayed. Instead of this, the delivered information about all the live delivered in the past may be displayed in a list for each live. In this case, it is preferable that either the return distribution or the overlooked distribution is executed depending on whether or not the user has progressed the live distribution part in real time. Specifically, when it is determined that the user has a track record of advancing the live distribution part in real time, it is preferable to use the above-mentioned return distribution. On the other hand, if it is determined that the user has no record of progressing the live distribution part in real time, it is better to overlook the distribution. As mentioned above, the return delivery and the missed delivery provide different user experiences.

(Game screen)
The game screen 850D is a screen displayed on the display unit 152 in the location information game part. The game progress unit 115 presents a quest to the user while the scenario is in progress in the location information game part. In one example, the game progress unit 115 may realize the quest by a location information game using the location registration information of the user terminal 100. The game progress unit 115 acquires the current position information (for example, address information, latitude / longitude information, etc.) of the user terminal 100 from the position registration system (not shown) provided in the user terminal 100. Then, based on the acquired current position information, a map 874 around the place where the user terminal 100 is located is generated and arranged on the game screen 850D. The map data that is the source of generating the map 874 may be stored in the storage unit 120 of the user terminal 100 in advance, or may be acquired from another service providing device (not shown) that provides the map data via the network. May be done.

Subsequently, the game progress unit 115 determines a position (address, latitude / longitude, etc.) at which the privilege can be obtained, and superimposes and displays the portal icon 876 on the position on the map corresponding to the determined position. In one example, the user can acquire the privilege and clear the quest by moving to the position of the portal icon 876 on the map 874 by holding the user terminal 100. In another example, the user can take the user terminal 100, move to the position of the portal icon 876 on the map 874, clear the game associated with the portal, obtain the privilege, and clear the quest. The position of the portal may be randomly determined by the game progress unit 115, or may be predetermined according to the contents of the scenario, quest, and privilege.

The privilege may be in the form of a ticket related to the right to receive the above-mentioned live distribution. That is, only the user who has acquired this privilege can watch the corresponding live distribution through the live selection screen 850B in the later live distribution part.

The location information game part may be realized without using the location registration information of the user terminal 100. In this case, the virtual position information on the map 874 is used instead of the actual position registration information of the user terminal 100. The

The game screen 850D displays a "home" icon 878 and a "live" icon 872. In response to the input operation for the "home" icon 878, the game progress unit 115 causes the display unit 152 to display the home screen 850A. Further, when the input operation for the "live" icon 872 is received, the game progress unit 115 causes the live selection screen 850B to be displayed on the display unit 152.

In this way, the game screen 850D can transition to the home screen 850A or the live selection screen 850B. That is, the live selection screen 850B can be transitioned not only from the home screen 850A but also from the game screen 850D. As described above, for the purpose of inducing the user to watch the live distribution in real time, it is preferable to configure the game screen 850D so as not to directly transition to the overlooked selection screen 850C.

[Example of implementation by software]
Control of the control block of the control unit 110 (particularly, the operation reception unit 111, the display control unit 112, the UI control unit 113, the animation generation unit 114, the game progress unit 115, the analysis unit 116 and the progress information generation unit 117), and the control unit 210. Blocks (particularly progress support unit 211 and shared support unit 212) and control blocks of control unit 310 (particularly, operation reception unit 311, display control unit 312, UI control unit 313, animation generation unit 314, progress simulation unit 315). , Character control unit 316 and reaction processing unit 317) may be realized by a logic circuit (hardware) formed in an integrated circuit (IC chip) or the like, or by software using a CPU (Central Processing Unit). You may.

In the latter case, the control unit 110, the control unit 210 or the control unit 310, or an information processing device including a plurality of these units is a CPU that executes instructions of a program that is software that realizes each function, the above program, and various types. It is equipped with a ROM (Read Only Memory) or storage device (these are referred to as "recording media") in which data is readablely recorded by a computer (or CPU), a RAM (Random Access Memory) for expanding the above program, and the like. .. Then, the object of the present invention is achieved by the computer (or CPU) reading the program from the recording medium and executing the program. As the recording medium, a "non-temporary tangible medium", for example, a tape, a disk, a card, a semiconductor memory, a programmable logic circuit, or the like can be used. Further, the program may be supplied to the computer via any transmission medium (communication network, broadcast wave, etc.) capable of transmitting the program. It should be noted that one aspect of the present invention can also be realized in the form of a data signal embedded in a carrier wave, in which the above program is embodied by electronic transmission.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the claims, and the embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in the different embodiments. Is also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

[Additional notes]
The contents relating to one aspect of the present invention are listed below.

(Item 1) The information processing method was explained. According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the information processing method includes a processor (10), a memory (11), an operation unit (communication IF13, input / output IF14, touch screen 15, camera 17, distance measurement sensor 18, input unit 151, etc.). A first part (story) of operating a character (PC) in response to a user's input operation via an operation unit by a processor, which is an information processing method for the progress of a game by a computer (user terminal 100) provided with). A step (step S1a) for executing the progress of the part) and a step (step S13a) for receiving a specific action by the user in the first part, and the second part (live distribution part) is performed according to the result of the specific action. ) Is granted to the computer the right to perform the first progress, and based on that right, the progress of the game can be switched from the first part to the second part, the step and the space where the user is located. Is the step (step S4a) of receiving the operation instruction data specifying the operation of the character transmitted from the external device (server 200 or the operation instruction device 300) located in the external space physically separated from the above. The motion instruction data includes a step (step S5a) of executing the first (real-time) progress of the second part by operating the character based on the motion instruction data, and the motion instruction data is a motion input by the operator who plays the character. The operator, including data and audio data, is a person different from the user, located in an external space physically separate from the space in which the user is located.

According to the above configuration, in the first part, in addition to the user operating the character, the second operation instruction data is received from the character control device, and in the second part, the operation instruction data received from the character control device. Operate the character based on. In this way, since the character can be operated based not only on the user's operation but also on the operation instruction data received from the character control device, the character's operation is not unconventional and the expression is greatly expanded. Therefore, the user can feel the reality as if the character is in the real world through the relationship with the character. As a result, it has the effect of increasing the immersive feeling of the game and improving the interest of the game. Further, in order to move to the second part, the user needs to perform a specific action in the first part, so that the game quality can be further enhanced.

(Item 2) In (Item 1), the second part is a part for live distribution performed in real time, and when the live distribution time associated with the above right comes, the first progress of the second part Becomes feasible.

(Item 3) In (Item 1) or (Item 2), the computer is further equipped with a location registration system, and the result of a specific action is that the position of the computer acquired by the location registration system in the first part is a predetermined position. Including becoming.

(Item 4) In any one of (Item 1) to (Item 3), the virtual position of the character operated by the user in the first part is the predetermined position as the result of the specific action. Including that.

(Item 5) In any one of (Item 1) to (Item 4), a step of requesting the second progress of the second part after the completion of the first progress of the second part by the processor. (Step S301), the step of receiving the operation instruction data from the external device again (step S302), and the operation of the character based on the operation instruction data received again, the second progress of the second part is executed. A recording of the action instruction data received again by the second progress of the second part, including the step (step S305), and the action by the user's input operation received during the first progress of the second part. Is executed based on.

(Item 6) The information processing method was explained. According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the information processing method includes a processor (10), a memory (11), an operation unit (communication IF13, input / output IF14, touch screen 15, camera 17, distance measuring sensor 18, input unit 151, etc.). A first part (story) of operating a character (PC) in response to a user's input operation via an operation unit by a processor, which is an information processing method for the progress of a game by a computer (user terminal 100) provided with). A step (step S1a) to execute the progress of the part) and a specific action by the user in the progress of the first part so that the progress of the game can be switched from the first part to the second part (live distribution part). The acceptance step (step S13a), the step of requesting the progress of the completed second part when the progress of the second part is not progressed in real time, and the external space physically separated from the space where the user is located. By operating the character based on the step (step S301) of receiving the recorded operation instruction data from the external device located in the space of, and the received operation instruction data, the progress of the completed second part is executed. Including step (step S306), the motion instruction data includes motion data and voice data input by the operator who plays the character, and the operator is in an external space physically separated from the space in which the user is located. A person who is different from the user who is located.

According to the above configuration, in the user terminal 100, even after the live distribution part has progressed in real time, the user can proceed with the live distribution part again in various modes. As a result, the user becomes more attached to the character through the experience of realistic interaction with the character, so that another part that operates the character can be played with even more interest. can. As a result, it has the effect of increasing the immersive feeling of the game and improving the interest of the game.

(Item 7) In (Item 6), the step of executing the progress of the completed second part is to make the character speak based on the voice data included in the operation instruction data and based on the motion data included in the operation instruction data. Including moving the character.

(Item 8) In (Item 6) or (Item 7), the step of executing the progress of the completed second part triggers the reception of the previous operation instruction data and sets the character based on the operation instruction data. Including to operate.

(Item 9) In any one of (Item 6) to (Item 8), the completed second part is advanced with restrictions as compared with the second part when the user advances it in real time. To.

(Item 10) A computer-readable medium containing computer-executable instructions was explained. According to certain aspects of the disclosure, the computer readable medium causes a processor to perform a step comprising any one of (item 1) to (item 10) when a computer executable instruction is executed.

(Item 11) The information processing device for the progress of the game has been described. According to a certain aspect of the present disclosure, the information processing apparatus (user terminal 100) has a first part progressing unit that executes the progress of the first part (story part) that operates a character in response to a user's input operation, and a game. In order to make it possible to switch the progress of the first part from the second part (live distribution part), the reception part that accepts a specific action by the user in the progress of the first part,
In the second part progress part, if the progress of the second part is not progressed in real time, the progress of the completed second part is requested, and the space physically separated from the space where the user is located is external. A second part progress unit that receives recorded operation instruction data from an external device located in space and operates a character based on the received operation instruction data to execute the progress of the completed second part. The motion instruction data includes motion data and voice data input by the operator who plays the character, and the operator is located in an external space physically separated from the space in which the user is located. A different person. The method according to (item 11) has the same effect as the method according to (item 6).

(Item 12) In (Item 11), the completed second part is advanced with restrictions as compared with the second part when the user advances it in real time.

1 game system, 2 networks, 10,20,30 processors, 11,21,31 memory, 12,22,32 storage, 13,23,33 communication IF (operation unit), 14,24,34 input / output IF (operation) Unit), 15, 35 touch screen (display unit, operation unit), 17 camera (operation unit), 18 distance measurement sensor (operation unit), 100 user terminal (computer, information processing device), 110, 113, 210, 310 Control unit, 111,311 Operation reception unit, 112,312 Display control unit, 113,313 UI control unit, 114,314 animation generation unit, 115 game progress unit, 116 analysis unit, 117 progress information generation unit, 120,220, 320 storage unit, 131 game program, 132 game information, 133 user information, 134 character control program, 151,351 input unit (operation unit), 152,352 display unit, 200 server (computer), 211 progress support unit, 212 shared Support unit, 300 operation instruction device (NPC control device, character control device), 315 progress simulation unit, 316 character control unit, 317 reaction processing unit, 1010 object, 1020, 3030 controller, 1030 storage medium, 3010 microphone, 3020 motion capture Device

Claims

An information processing method for the progress of a game by a computer including a processor, a memory, and an operation unit, wherein the processor is used.
A step of executing the progress of the first part of operating the character in response to a user's input operation via the operation unit, and
In the first part, it is a step of accepting a specific action by the user.
Depending on the outcome of the particular action, the computer is entitled to perform the first progression of the second part.
Based on the right, the step and the step in which the progress of the game can be switched from the first part to the second part.
A step of receiving operation instruction data specifying an operation of the character transmitted from an external device located in an external space physically separated from the space in which the user is located, and a step of receiving the operation instruction data.
Including a step of executing the first progress of the second part by operating the character based on the received operation instruction data.
The operation instruction data includes motion data and voice data input by an operator who plays the character.
An information processing method in which the operator is a person different from the user, who is located in an external space physically separated from the space in which the user is located.
In the information processing method according to claim 1,
The second part is a part for live distribution performed in real time.
An information processing method that enables the first progress of the second part to be executed when the live distribution time associated with the right is reached.
In the information processing method according to claim 1 or 2,
The computer is further equipped with a location registration system.
An information processing method comprising the result of the particular action being a predetermined position of the computer acquired by the location registration system in the first part.
In the information processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
An information processing method including the fact that the result of the specific action is a virtual position of the character operated by the user in the first part.
The information processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further according to the processor.
After the completion of the first progress of the second part, the step of requesting the second progress of the second part and the step.
The step of receiving the operation instruction data again from the external device, and
Including the step of executing the second progress of the second part by operating the character based on the operation instruction data received again.
The second progress of the second part is executed based on the operation instruction data received again and the record of the action by the input operation of the user received during the first progress of the second part. Information processing method.
An information processing method for the progress of a game by a computer including a processor, a memory, and an operation unit, wherein the processor is used.
A step of executing the progress of the first part of operating the character in response to a user's input operation via the operation unit, and
A step of accepting a specific action by the user in the progress of the first part in order to enable the progress of the game to be switched from the first part to the second part.
When the progress of the second part is not progressed in real time, the step of requesting the progress of the completed second part and the step.
A step of receiving recorded operation instruction data from an external device located in an external space physically separated from the space in which the user is located, and
Including a step of executing the progress of the completed second part by operating the character based on the received operation instruction data.
The operation instruction data includes motion data and voice data input by an operator who plays the character.
An information processing method in which the operator is a person different from the user, who is located in an external space physically separated from the space in which the user is located.
The step of executing the progress of the completed second part is to make the character speak based on the voice data included in the motion instruction data and move the character based on the motion data included in the motion instruction data. 6. The information processing method according to claim 6.
6. The information processing method described.
In the information processing method according to any one of claims 6 to 8,
The completed second part is an information processing method in which the movement of the character is restricted and progressed as compared with the second part when the user advances in real time.
A computer-readable medium containing computer-executable instructions that, upon execution of the computer-executable instruction, causes the processor to perform the steps included in the method of any one of claims 1-9. Readable medium.
An information processing device for the progress of the game
The first part progress part that executes the progress of the first part that operates the character according to the input operation of the user, and
A reception unit that accepts a specific action by the user in the progress of the first part in order to enable the progress of the game to be switched from the first part to the second part.
It is the second part progress part,
If the progress of the second part is not progressed in real time, the progress of the completed second part is requested.
The recorded operation instruction data is received from an external device located in an external space physically separated from the space in which the user is located, and the operation instruction data is received.
A second part progress unit, which executes the progress of the completed second part by operating the character based on the received operation instruction data, is provided.
The operation instruction data includes motion data and voice data input by an operator who plays the character.
The operator is an information processing device that is a person different from the user, located in an external space physically separated from the space in which the user is located.
In the information processing apparatus according to claim 11,
The completed second part is an information processing device in which the movement of the character is restricted and progressed as compared with the second part when the user advances in real time.