Program and system

Abstract

To provide a program capable of improving amusement of contents while considering various users.SOLUTION: A program causes a computer to change a display mode of an object presented to a user within contents, on the basis of an acquired personal attribute of the user.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a program and a system. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, advances in graphics technology have led to increased realism in visual expressions in games and virtual reality (VR) spaces. However, there are also visual expressions that are too extreme for young people, such as sexual or tragic depictions. Therefore, for example, Non-Patent Document 1 discloses a technology that restricts the games that can be launched depending on the player's age. [Prior art documents] [Non-patent literature]

[0003] [Non-Patent Document 1] Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc., PlayStation(R) 4 User's Guide, [Retrieved February 17, 2024], Internet<URL:https: / / manuals.playstation.net / document / jp / ps4 / basic / kidsapp.html> Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, if a game is banned for its inclusion of explicit visual content, it will deprive users who simply want to enjoy the story of the game. On the other hand, if a game is restricted to innocuous visual content in order to appeal to users of all ages, it will lose its appeal. Furthermore, these problems can arise not only based on age, but also on nationality, race, creed, and other factors.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a program that can improve the interest of content while taking into consideration various users. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problem, a program according to the present invention causes a computer to change the display mode of an object presented to a user within content based on acquired personal attributes of the user. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the interest of content while taking into consideration various users. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of a system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of a user terminal. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram conceptually illustrating one aspect of a 3D space. [Figure 4] This is a diagram showing a YZ cross section of the viewing area in 3D space as seen from the X direction. [Figure 5] 1 is a diagram showing an XZ cross section of a field of view in a 3D space as viewed from the Y direction. [Figure 6] 4 is a flowchart of a display control process according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between a female character and a virtual camera. [Figure 8] 10 is a screen example showing an example of a push notification when a user reaches a threshold age. [Figure 9] 10 is an example of a display mode table. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart of a display control process according to the second embodiment. [Figure 11] This is an example in which the display mode is changed based on the display mode table of FIG. 9(A). [Figure 12] This is an example in which the display mode is changed based on the display mode table of FIG. 9(B). [Figure 13] 10 is a flowchart of a display control process according to the third embodiment. [Figure 14] 10 is a display example of a personal attribute input screen. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] A system 1 according to an embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiment of the present invention described below is an example of how the present invention is embodied, and the scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope of the described embodiment. Therefore, the present invention can be implemented by adding various modifications to the embodiment. Furthermore, the following embodiments and modifications can be combined in any combination without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0010] [System 1 Overview] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of a system 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the system 1 mainly includes a server 10 and user terminals 20A, 20B, and 20C (hereinafter, these may be collectively referred to as "user terminals 20"). Although three user terminals 20 are illustrated in FIG. 1, examples of the user terminals 20 included in the system 1 are not limited to this. The server 10 and the user terminals 20 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other via a communication network 2. Specific examples of the communication network 2 are not particularly limited, and may include, for example, the Internet, a mobile communication system (e.g., 4G, 5G, etc.), a wireless network such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark), or a combination of these.

[0011] The system 1, for example, realizes a VR space (an example of a 3D space) in which users of multiple user terminals 20A, 20B, and 20C communicate via avatars. The system 1 also realizes, for example, a game on the user terminal 20. More specifically, the system 1 realizes a game in which avatars are operated on a field (another example of a 3D space). As an example, the game may be an online game realized by mutual communication between a server 10 and multiple user terminals 20A, 20B, and 20C. As another example, the game may be an offline game executed on only one user terminal 20. In the case of an offline game, the server 10 can be omitted. The VR space and the game are examples of content realized on the user terminal 20.

[0012] [Server 10 configuration] The server 10 is realized by, for example, a workstation or a general-purpose computer such as a personal computer. As one example, the server 10 providing a VR space synchronizes the VR space data (e.g., appearance and placement of avatars and objects) of each of the multiple user terminals 20. As another example, the server 10 providing an online game synchronizes the game data (e.g., avatars, enemy characters, field conditions) of each of the multiple user terminals 20.

[0013] [Configuration of user terminal 20] The user terminal 20 is realized as, for example, an HMD set, a tablet terminal, a wearable device, smart glasses, a smartphone, a feature phone, a laptop computer, a desktop computer, etc. In this embodiment, an example of the user terminal 20 as a tablet terminal will be described as shown in FIG.

[0014] Fig. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of the user terminal 20. As shown in Fig. 2, the user terminal 20 mainly includes a processor 21, a memory 22, a storage 23, a communication interface 25, a monitor 31, cameras 33 and 34, a microphone 35, a speaker 36, a motion sensor 41, and an operation device 42 (operation unit). Each component of the user terminal 20 is connected to a communication bus 29.

[0015] The processor 21 performs the processes described below by executing a series of instructions included in a terminal program 23P stored in the memory 22 or the storage 23. The processor 21 is realized as, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a micro processing unit (MPU), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other devices.

[0016] The memory 22 temporarily stores the terminal program 23P and data. The terminal program 23P is loaded from, for example, the storage 23. The data includes data input to the user terminal 20 and data generated by the processor 21. For example, the memory 22 is realized as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or other volatile memory.

[0017] The storage 23 permanently stores the terminal program 23P and data. The storage 23 is realized, for example, as a ROM (Read-Only Memory), a hard disk drive, flash memory, or other non-volatile storage device. The storage 23 may also be realized as a removable storage device such as a memory card. As yet another example, the storage 23 may be connected to the user terminal 20 as an external storage device instead of being built into the user terminal 20. With this configuration, for example, in a situation where multiple user terminals 20 are used, such as an amusement facility, it becomes possible to collectively update the terminal program 23P and data.

[0018] The communication interface 25 communicates with other devices (e.g., the server 10) connected to the communication network 2. The communication interface 25 is realized as, for example, a wired communication interface such as a LAN (Local Area Network), or a wireless communication interface such as Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity), Bluetooth (registered trademark), or NFC (Near Field Communication).

[0019] Monitor 31 is provided on the surface of a flat housing, as shown in Fig. 1, for example. Monitor 31 is a display device (display unit) that displays images or videos. Camera 33 is a so-called in-camera that is attached to the surface of the flat housing and captures an image of the face of a user viewing monitor 31. Camera 34 is a so-called out-camera that is attached to the back surface of the flat housing (the surface opposite to monitor 31) and captures an image of the surroundings.

[0020] The microphone 35 converts the user's speech into an audio signal (electrical signal) and outputs it to the computer 26. The speaker 36 converts the audio signal output from the computer 26 into sound and outputs it to the user. Note that the user terminal 20 may include earphones instead of the speaker 36.

[0021] The motion sensor 41 detects the motion of the housing (for example, rotation around three mutually orthogonal axes). The motion sensor 41 may be realized by, for example, an angular velocity sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, or an acceleration sensor.

[0022] The operation device 42 accepts input (operation) of commands by the user to the user terminal 20. The operation device 42 is, for example, a touch panel that is superimposed on the monitor 31 and accepts various touch operations by the user. In other words, the monitor 31 according to this embodiment is a touch panel display unit. As another example, the user terminal 20 may be provided with a controller equipped with buttons, an operation stick, etc. as the operation device 42.

[0023] The touch operation is a general term for various operations (for example, tap operation, swipe operation, flick operation, pinch-in operation, pinch-out operation) performed by touching a touch panel superimposed on the monitor 31 with a touch member. In the following description, a user's finger will be used as a specific example of a touch member, but a touch pen or the like may also be used.

[0024] [Personal attribute definition] The user terminal 20 acquires personal attributes of the user. The personal attributes are information indicating the attributes of the individual user of the user terminal 20. The personal attributes are also information that makes it possible to divide multiple users who play the content provided by the system 1 into specific groups (for example, age group, creed, nationality). Furthermore, the personal attributes are information that does not change in conjunction with the progress of the content realized on the user terminal 20 (for example, level, rank, acquired experience points, etc.). However, the personal attributes may be information that changes independently of the progress of the content, or may be information that does not change.

[0025] The personal attributes according to this embodiment include at least one of the age (date of birth) and creed (religion) of the user of the user terminal 20. However, specific examples of personal attributes are not limited to the above examples, and may include the gender, nationality, race, dietary policy (e.g., vegetarian, halal, vegan) of the user of the user terminal 20.

[0026] As an example, the processor 21 may accept input of personal attributes from a user through the operation device 42. More specifically, the processor 21 displays an input screen on the monitor 31 that accepts input of personal attributes (e.g., date of birth, creed). The processor 21 then acquires the personal attributes input to the input screen through the operation device 42. The processor 21 may then store the acquired personal attributes in the storage 23. Alternatively, the processor 21 may upload the acquired personal attributes to the server 10 through the communication IF 25 and download them as needed. The processor 21 may also accept input of personal attributes, for example, when the terminal program 23P is first started, or may accept input of personal attributes during execution of a display control process described below (e.g., between steps S11 and S12, or immediately after step S13).

[0027] As another example, some or all of the personal attributes may be stored in a provider server (not shown) operated by the OS provider of the user terminal 20. Then, the processor 21 may acquire the personal attributes stored in the provider server via the communication IF 25 at an appropriate timing. Since the personal attributes are registered in the provider server after identity verification, highly reliable information can be acquired.

[0028] [First embodiment] The first embodiment is premised on content in which an avatar operates within a 3D space 90, which is an example of a virtual space. An avatar is, for example, a 3D object with a three-dimensional shape having three-dimensional coordinates. The avatars include a user's own avatar, which is an alter ego of the user operating within the 3D space 90, and other user's avatars other than the user's own avatar (for example, avatars of other users, avatars prepared in advance within the content). Other user's avatars are an example of objects presented to the user within the content. However, the objects are not limited to other user's avatars and may be the user's own avatars. Furthermore, the objects are not limited to human-shaped avatars and may be animals, monsters, robots, etc.

[0029] Moreover, in the content according to the first embodiment, a virtual camera 92 is set in the 3D space 90. The virtual camera 92 is installed, for example, at the position of the head of the user's avatar so as to capture an image in the direction of the user's avatar's line of sight. Furthermore, by moving the user's avatar via the operation device 42, the virtual camera 92 also moves following the user's avatar. This allows the user to capture images of the 3D space 90 from various angles. Furthermore, images (videos, still images) captured by the virtual camera 92 are displayed on the monitor 31 of the user terminal 20. That is, since the line of sight of the user's avatar within the 3D space 90 is displayed on the monitor 31, the user can feel immersed as if he or she were in the 3D space 90.

[0030] [Overview of 3D Space 90] Fig. 3 is a diagram conceptually showing one aspect of the 3D space 90. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing a YZ cross section of the viewing area 94 in the 3D space 90 as viewed from the X direction. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an XZ cross section of the viewing area 94 in the 3D space 90 as viewed from the Y direction. The 3D space 90 can be applied not only to VR spaces but also to games.

[0031] As shown in Fig. 3, the 3D space 90 has a spherical structure that covers the entire 360-degree area around the center C. To avoid complicating the explanation, Fig. 3 illustrates the celestial sphere in the upper half of the 3D space 90. Meshes are defined in the 3D space 90. The position of each mesh is defined in advance as coordinate values ​​in an XYZ coordinate system, which is a global coordinate system defined in the 3D space 90. Each partial image that makes up a panoramic image 91 (still image, video, etc.) that can be developed in the 3D space 90 is associated with a corresponding mesh in the 3D space 90.

[0032] For example, in the 3D space 90, an XYZ coordinate system is defined with the center C as the origin. The XYZ coordinate system is, for example, parallel to the real coordinate system. The horizontal direction, vertical direction (up-down direction), and front-to-back direction in the XYZ coordinate system are defined as the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis, respectively. Therefore, the X-axis (horizontal direction) of the XYZ coordinate system is parallel to the x-axis of the real coordinate system, the Y-axis (vertical direction) of the XYZ coordinate system is parallel to the y-axis of the real coordinate system, and the Z-axis (front-to-back direction) of the XYZ coordinate system is parallel to the z-axis of the real coordinate system.

[0033] A virtual camera 92 associated with the user terminal 20 is placed in the 3D space 90. The position of the virtual camera 92 in the 3D space 90 corresponds to the user's viewpoint in the 3D space 90. The orientation of the virtual camera 92 corresponds to the user's line of sight (reference line of sight 93) in the 3D space 90. Then, the processor 21 defines a field of view 94 (the angle of view of the virtual camera 92) in the 3D space 90 based on the position and orientation of the virtual camera 92.

[0034] As shown in Fig. 4, the field of view 94 includes an area 95 in the YZ cross section. The area 95 is a range of polar angle α centered on the reference line of sight 93 in a vertical cross section (YZ cross section) including the reference line of sight 93 in the 3D space 90. As shown in Fig. 5, the field of view 94 includes an area 96 in the XZ cross section. The area 96 is a range of azimuthal angle β centered on the reference line of sight 93 in a horizontal cross section (XZ cross section) including the reference line of sight 93 in the 3D space 90.

[0035] Processor 21 generates (extracts) a partial image included in field of view 94 of panoramic image 91 deployed in 3D space 90 as captured image 97 captured by virtual camera 92. Processor 21 then displays generated captured image 97 on monitor 31. That is, field of view 94 corresponds to the user's field of view within 3D space 90. Furthermore, field of view 94 moves in accordance with changes in the position and orientation of virtual camera 92 within 3D space 90, and captured image 97 displayed on monitor 31 is updated. That is, the user's field of view moves.

[0036] For example, the processor 21 moves the virtual camera 92 within the 3D space 90 in conjunction with a user operation received by the operating device 42. The processor 21 also changes the orientation of the virtual camera 92 (i.e., the reference line of sight 93) in conjunction with the movement of the user terminal 20 detected by the motion sensor 41 (e.g., rotation around three mutually perpendicular axes). Furthermore, the processor 21 displays on the monitor 31 a captured image 97 captured by the virtual camera 92 after the position and orientation have been changed.

[0037] [Display control process according to the first embodiment] Fig. 6 is a flowchart of the display control process according to the first embodiment. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the female character 50 and the virtual camera 92. The terminal program 23P causes the processor 21 to execute the display control process shown in Fig. 6 while content is being executed on the user terminal 20, for example (hereinafter simply referred to as "the processor 21 executes the process"). It is assumed that the user terminal 20 has already acquired the user's personal attributes at the time of executing the display control process.

[0038] First, processor 21 waits to execute the processing from step S12 onwards until it is determined that the virtual camera 92 is capturing an image of the female character 50 from a specific angle (S11: No). That is, processor 21 determines whether the angle is a specific angle using a method described below each time the position or orientation of virtual camera 92 in 3D space 90 is changed in accordance with the movement of user terminal 20 detected by motion sensor 41 and the user's operation accepted by operation device 42. The program (processor) that executes the processing of step S11 is an example of a first determination means.

[0039] The female character 50 refers to, for example, a female avatar appearing in the content. The specific angle refers to, for example, an angle of the virtual camera 92 that captures the female character 50 from a sexual perspective. The specific angle according to this embodiment refers to an angle that attempts to peek at the underwear of the female character 50. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, it refers to an angle that captures the image from above the feet of the female character 50. There are no particular limitations on the method for determining whether the female character 50 is being captured from a specific angle, but the following method may be considered, for example.

[0040] As an example, as shown in Fig. 7(A), a setting vector V1 is set in advance for the female character 50. The setting vector V1 is, for example, a vector extending in a direction at a specific angle from a specific part of the female character 50 (for example, the position of the underwear or the chest). In addition, an imaging vector V2 is set for the virtual camera 92. The imaging vector V2 is, for example, a vector pointing in the imaging direction of the virtual camera 92 (more specifically, a vector extending from the position of the virtual camera 92 toward the center of the angle of view).

[0041] In step S11, processor 21 calculates the dot product of setting vector V1 and imaging vector V2. If the calculated dot product is less than a threshold, processor 21 may determine that virtual camera 92 is capturing an image of female character 50 from a specific angle. On the other hand, if the calculated dot product is equal to or greater than the threshold, processor 21 may determine that virtual camera 92 is not capturing an image of female character 50 from a specific angle.

[0042] As another example, a tag is attached to a specific part of the female character 50 (for example, underwear or chest area). Then, the processor 21 may determine that the image is captured from a specific angle when the angle of view of the virtual camera 92 includes the specific part to which the tag is attached. On the other hand, the processor 21 may determine that the image is not captured from a specific angle when the angle of view of the virtual camera 92 does not include the specific part to which the tag is attached.

[0043] As yet another example, the processor 21 may perform image analysis on the captured image 97 captured by the virtual camera 92 for each pixel (or for each predetermined group of pixels) to determine whether or not a specific part is included. Then, if the captured image 97 includes a specific part, the processor 21 may determine that the image was captured from a specific angle. On the other hand, if the captured image 97 does not include a specific part, the processor 21 may determine that the image was not captured from a specific angle.

[0044] Next, when it is determined that the virtual camera 92 is capturing an image of the female character 50 from a specific angle (S11: Yes), the processor 21 determines whether the user of the user terminal 20 is above a threshold age based on previously acquired personal attributes (S12). The threshold age is set, for example, to an age (e.g., 12, 15, 18, or 20 years old) at which it is acceptable to present a captured image 97 of the female character 50 captured from a sexual perspective. The threshold age may be the same value for all specific body parts, or may be a different value for each specific body part. The program (processor) that executes the processing of step S12 is an example of a second determination means.

[0045] Then, if the user is at least the threshold age (S12: Yes), the processor 21 displays the female character 50 captured from a specific angle by the virtual camera 92 on the monitor 31 (S13), as shown in Fig. 7(A). On the other hand, if the user is less than the threshold age (S12: No), the processor 21 hides the female character 50 captured from a specific angle by the virtual camera 92 (S14), as shown in Fig. 7(B). More specifically, the processor 21 includes objects and the background behind the female character 50 in the captured image 97, by making the female character 50 captured from the specific angle transparent.

[0046] Step S13 is an example of changing the display mode of the female character 50 to a first mode. Step S14 is an example of changing the display mode of the female character 50 to a second mode different from the first mode. Note that specific examples of the second mode are not limited to non-display (transparent). Other examples of changing the display mode may include lightening the color of a specific part, superimposing a different pattern (e.g., a mosaic or stamp) on the specific part, or filling the pixels of the specific part with a predetermined color (e.g., black). The program (processor) that executes the processing of steps S13 and S14 is an example of a changing means.

[0047] The processor 21 repeatedly executes the processes of steps S11 to S14 while the content is being executed on the user terminal 20 (S15: No). Then, when the content has ended on the user terminal 20 (S15: Yes), the processor 21 ends the display control process.

[0048] Fig. 8 is an example screen showing an example of a push notification when the user has reached the threshold age. When the processor 21 executes the process of step S14, the processor 21 may repeatedly determine whether the user has reached the threshold age at predetermined time intervals (for example, once a year). Then, when the processor 21 determines that the user of the user terminal 20 has reached the threshold age, the processor 21 may perform control (for example, a notification) to prompt the user to replay the content, as shown in Fig. 8. Note that the determination of whether the user has reached the threshold age may be executed by the terminal program 23P installed in the user terminal 20, or may be executed by the server 10 and the result may be notified to the user terminal 20.

[0049] Furthermore, the specific method of notification is not particularly limited, and may utilize, for example, a push notification function implemented in the user terminal 20. As one example, as shown in FIG. 8(A), the processor 21 may display a message saying "Display restriction has been lifted. Try playing again!" on the lock screen of the user terminal 20. As another example, as shown in FIG. 8(B), the processor 21 may display a badge on an icon ([C] in FIG. 8(B)) for launching content on the menu screen of the user terminal 20.

[0050] A user being above a threshold age is an example of the user's age satisfying a predetermined condition. However, specific examples of the user's age satisfying a predetermined condition are not limited to the above example, and the user's age may be below a threshold age. Furthermore, the female character 50 is an example of an object with a predetermined attribute. However, the predetermined attribute refers to an attribute that is inappropriate for the user to view at a certain angle, depending on the user's personal information. Examples of objects with a predetermined attribute include female characters and characters with high exposure regardless of gender. However, objects with a predetermined attribute are not limited to "characters" and may include any object (e.g., signboards, murals, dolls) placed in a virtual space that contains sexual, violent, or discriminatory depictions (text, illustrations, suggestion).

[0051] [Effects of the first embodiment] According to the first embodiment, the display and non-display of the female character 50 captured from a specific angle is switched based on the user's age, which is an example of a personal attribute, thereby preventing young people from being presented with extreme visual expressions. In other words, switching between displaying and non-displaying the female character 50 is an example of changing the display mode of an object presented to the user within the content. This makes it possible to improve the interest of the content while taking into consideration various users.

[0052] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, when the user reaches a threshold age, the display restriction is lifted, thereby encouraging the user to replay the content and making the user aware of the new appeal of the content.

[0053] The processor 21 allows the user to move the virtual camera 92 to a position where the female character 50 is captured at a specific angle, regardless of whether the user is above the threshold age. That is, in the first embodiment, the user's operation is not restricted according to personal attributes, and only the control of switching the display mode is performed. This makes it possible to control only the extreme visual expression without diminishing the appeal of the content (for example, the gameplay). Also, in the first embodiment, the display mode of parts unrelated to the content is changed. That is, whether step S13 or S14 is executed, the content of the content (for example, the game story) is not affected. The same applies to the following embodiments.

[0054] [Second embodiment] Fig. 9 is an example of a display mode table. Fig. 10 is a flowchart of a display control process according to the second embodiment. Fig. 11 is an example in which the display mode is changed based on the display mode table of Fig. 9(A). Fig. 12 is an example in which the display mode is changed based on the display mode table of Fig. 9(B). Note that a detailed description of the commonalities with the first embodiment will be omitted, and the following description will focus on the differences.

[0055] The storage 23 of the user terminal 20 stores, for example, a display mode table as shown in FIG. 9. The display mode table is a table that stores multiple display modes of specific objects that appear in content. More specifically, the display mode table is a table that stores display modes of specific objects in association with multiple personal attributes. A specific object refers to, for example, an object that is the target of the display control process according to the second embodiment. The display mode table is stored in the server 10, and may be downloaded to the user terminal 20 at a necessary timing.

[0056] 9(A) is an example of a display mode table that stores display modes of specific objects in association with age (above or below a threshold age), which is an example of a personal attribute. The specific objects in FIG. 9(A) are a female character wearing a swimsuit (swimsuit woman), an enemy character that splatters blood when defeated (enemy character that splatters blood), and a machine gun carried by another avatar. In other words, the objects that are the target of the display control process are not limited to the avatar (female character, enemy character), but may also be an item carried by the avatar (machine gun).

[0057] As an example, a specific object "woman in a swimsuit" is displayed in a swimsuit (default display) for users over a threshold age, and is displayed in a T-shirt for users under the threshold age. In other words, reducing the level of exposure of the female character when the user is under the threshold age compared to when the user is over the threshold age is an example of changing the display mode of an object presented to the user in content based on personal attributes.

[0058] As another example, a specific object, an "enemy character that splatters blood," is displayed as is (default display) for users above a threshold age, while the blood splatter effect is omitted for users below the threshold age. In other words, omitting the visual effect of an object that is displayed when the user is above the threshold age, when the user is below the threshold age, is an example of changing the display mode of an object presented to a user within content based on personal attributes.

[0059] As yet another example, a specific object, a "machine gun," may be displayed as is (default display) for users over a threshold age, and replaced with a water gun for users under the threshold age. In other words, replacing an object with a different object that fulfills the same role when the user is over the threshold age and when the user is under the threshold age is an example of changing the display mode of an object presented to a user within content based on personal attributes.

[0060] 9(B) is an example of a display mode table that stores display modes of specific objects in association with creed (non-Islamic, Islamic), which is another example of a personal attribute. The specific objects in FIG. 9(B) are a male character, a female character, and a pork dish. As shown in FIG. 9(B), the same personal attribute may be associated with one or more display modes.

[0061] For example, a specific object "male character" is displayed as is (default display) to non-Muslim users, and displayed wearing traditional clothing and with a beard to Islamic users. Also, a specific object "female character" is displayed as is (default display) to non-Muslim users, and displayed wearing traditional clothing to non-Islamic users. Furthermore, a specific object "pork dish" is displayed as is (default display) to non-Muslim users, and is replaced with a chicken dish or a lamb dish to Islamic users. In other words, switching the display mode of an object according to beliefs is an example of changing the display mode of an object presented to a user in content based on personal attributes.

[0062] [Display control process according to the second embodiment] 10 is based on the premise that a specific object is displayed on the monitor 31 as the content progresses. Furthermore, the content according to the second embodiment is not limited to progressing within the 3D space 90, and may progress within a 2D plane.

[0063] Processor 21 according to the second embodiment waits to execute the processes from step S22 onwards until a specific object appears in the content (S21: No). For example, the timing at which the specific object appears may be predetermined in the content, or as described in FIG. 7, the specific object may enter the angle of view of virtual camera 92 at any timing. Next, processor 21 determines whether or not to display the specific object appearing in the content as a default display based on the user's personal attributes (S22). The program (processor) that executes the process of step S22 is an example of a third determination means.

[0064] As an example, if the user is above the threshold age (S22: Yes), processor 21 displays (presents to the user) a female character 51 wearing a swimsuit on monitor 31 in the default display mode (S23), as shown in Fig. 11(A). On the other hand, if the user is below the threshold age (S22: No), processor 21 displays a female character 52 wearing a T-shirt on monitor 31 (S26), as shown in Fig. 11(B). The program (processor) that executes the processing of steps S23 and S26 is an example of a changing means.

[0065] 11 shows an example in which female characters 51 and 52 are presented to the user in a display mode corresponding to the user's personal attribute from among a plurality of pre-stored display modes. That is, when the user is under the threshold age, processor 21 reduces the degree of exposure of the female characters compared to when the user is at least the threshold age. Note that, since only one display mode of the specific object "woman in swimsuit" corresponding to the personal attribute "under the threshold age" is registered in FIG. 9(A) (S24: No), the processing of step S25 is skipped.

[0066] As another example, when the user is not Muslim (S22: Yes), processor 21 displays male character 53, female character 54, and pork dish 55 on monitor 31 in the default display mode (S23), as shown in Fig. 12(A). On the other hand, when the user is Muslim (S22: No), processor 21 displays male character 56 wearing traditional clothing and with a beard, female character 57 wearing traditional clothing, and chicken dish 58 on monitor 31 (S26), as shown in Fig. 12(B).

[0067] 12 shows an example in which male characters 53 and 56, female characters 54 and 57, and dishes 55 and 58 are presented to the user in a display mode corresponding to the user's personal attribute from among a plurality of pre-stored display modes. Note that in FIG. 9(B), multiple display modes of the specific object "pork dish" corresponding to the same personal attribute "Muslim" are registered (S24: Yes), so processor 21 replaces the specific object "pork dish" with the display mode "chicken dish" selected by lottery from the plurality of display modes "chicken dish" and "mutton dish" (S25), and displays it on monitor 31 (S26). The program (processor) that executes the processing of step S25 is an example of lottery means.

[0068] The processor 21 repeatedly executes the processes of steps S21 to S26 while the content is being executed on the user terminal 20 (S27: No). Then, when the content has ended on the user terminal 20 (S27: Yes), the processor 21 ends the display control process.

[0069] [Effects of the second embodiment] According to the second embodiment, a specific object is presented in a display mode corresponding to the user's personal attributes from among multiple pre-stored display modes, so that, similar to the first embodiment, the interest of the content can be improved while taking into consideration various users.

[0070] Furthermore, according to the second embodiment, when multiple display modes are associated with the same personal attribute, the object is presented to the user in a display mode selected at random by lottery. This increases the variety of visual representations of content. However, the processing of steps S24 to S25 can be omitted.

[0071] [Display control process according to the third embodiment] Fig. 13 is a flowchart of the display control process according to the third embodiment. Fig. 14 is a display example of a personal attribute input screen. Note that a detailed description of the commonalities with the first and second embodiments will be omitted, and the description will focus on the differences. In the third embodiment, it is assumed that the user's personal attributes have not yet been acquired at the start of the display control process (i.e., at the start of the content).

[0072] When a specific object appears in content (S21: Yes), the processor 21 according to the third embodiment displays the specific object on the monitor 31 in a default display mode, for example, as shown in Fig. 12(A) (S22). In addition, the processor 21 displays the personal attribute input screen shown in Fig. 14 on the monitor 31, superimposed on a screen including the specific object in the default display mode (S31).

[0073] The personal attribute input screen is a screen that accepts input of personal attributes from the user of the user terminal 20. In this embodiment, an example will be described in which input of a user's beliefs is accepted through the personal attribute input screen. However, the type of personal attribute that can be accepted as input through the personal attribute input screen is not limited to beliefs. Furthermore, the number of personal attributes that can be accepted as input through the personal attribute input screen is not limited to one, and may be multiple. In other words, the personal attributes that are accepted as input through the personal attribute input screen may be selected according to the specific object to be displayed.

[0074] Next, when processor 21 receives input of the creed "Islam" through the personal attribute input screen (S22: No), processor 21 causes monitor 31 to display the screen shown in Fig. 12(B) instead of the screen shown in Fig. 14 (S26). On the other hand, when processor 21 receives input of the creed "non-Islam" through the personal attribute input screen (S22: Yes), processor 21 erases the personal attribute input screen and causes monitor 31 to display the screen shown in Fig. 12(A) again.

[0075] That is, when processor 21 presents a specific object for which multiple display modes are set (S23), processor 21 accepts input of personal attributes from the user (S31). Then, processor 21 switches the display mode of the presented specific object to one corresponding to the personal attributes input by the user (S26).

[0076] [Effects of the third embodiment] According to the third embodiment, a user who feels uncomfortable with a specific object displayed in the default display mode can be prompted to input personal attributes. However, the timing for accepting input of personal attributes is not limited to the example in Fig. 13. As another example, a personal attribute input screen may be displayed between steps S21 and S22 in Fig. 10 to accept input of personal attributes.

[0077] [Other variations] The program according to the present invention is not limited to a single program, but may be a collection of multiple programs. Furthermore, the program according to the present invention is not limited to one executed by a single device, but may be shared and executed by multiple devices. Furthermore, the division of roles between the server 10 and the user terminal 20 is not limited to the above example. That is, part of the processing of the server 10 may be executed by the user terminal 20, or part of the processing of the user terminal 20 may be executed by the server 10.

[0078] Furthermore, some or all of the means implemented by the program can be implemented by hardware such as an integrated circuit. Furthermore, the program may be provided recorded on a non-transitory recording medium that can be read by a computer. Examples of recording media include hard disks, SD cards, DVDs, and servers on the Internet.

[0079] [Note] Some of the features of the present invention are summarized below. [assignment] The present invention aims to improve the entertainment value. [Solution] (1) A program that causes a computer to change the display mode of an object presented to a user within content based on the acquired personal attributes of the user. (2) In the program described in (1) above, The personal attributes include the age of the user; The computer, displaying an object having a predetermined attribute, captured by a virtual camera from a specific angle, in a first manner when the user's age satisfies a predetermined condition; A program that, when the user's age does not satisfy the specified condition, changes the display mode of at least a portion of the object with the specified attribute captured by the virtual camera from the specific angle to a second mode different from the first mode. (3) In the program described in (2) above, A program that causes the computer to determine that the object with the specified attribute is being imaged from the specific angle if the dot product of a setting vector that is preset for the object with the specified attribute and an imaging vector that indicates the imaging direction of the virtual camera is less than a threshold value. (4) In the program described in (1) above, The personal attributes include the age of the user; the object is a female character, A program for the computer that reduces the degree of exposure of the female character when the user's age satisfies the specified condition compared to when the user's age does not satisfy the specified condition. (5) In the program described in (2) or (4), A program that causes the computer to perform control to prompt the user to replay the content when the user's age satisfies the predetermined condition. (6) In the program described in (1) above, A program that causes the computer to present the object in a display mode that corresponds to the personal attribute of the user, from among a plurality of display modes stored in advance. (7) In the program described in (6) above, The computer, receiving input of the personal attributes from the user at a timing when the object having a plurality of display modes set thereto is presented; a program for executing a process of switching the presented object to a display mode corresponding to the personal attribute input by the user; (8) In the program described in (6) above, The program causes the computer to present the object in a display mode selected by lottery from a plurality of display modes when the same personal attribute is associated with a plurality of display modes. (9) In the program described in (1) above, The personal attributes are attributes of the user that do not change in conjunction with the progress of the content. (10) A system comprising a change means for changing the display mode of an object presented to a user within content based on the acquired personal attributes of the user. [Action and effect] According to the above solutions (1) and (10), it is possible to improve the interest of content while taking into consideration various users. According to the above solution (2), it is possible to tone down the extreme visual expressions for users below the threshold age without reducing the appeal of the content to users above the threshold age. According to the above solution (3), it is possible to determine with a small amount of calculation whether a female character is being photographed from a specific angle. According to the above solution (4), it is possible to tone down the extreme visual expressions for users under the threshold age without reducing the appeal of the content to users over the threshold age. According to the above solution (5), a user who played the content when he / she was under the threshold age can be made aware of the new appeal of the content by being prompted to play the content again when he / she reaches the threshold age. According to the above solution (6), it is possible to improve the interest of content while taking into consideration various users. According to the above solution (7), a user who encounters an unpleasant visual expression can be prompted to input personal attributes. According to the above solution (8), the variety of visual representations of content increases. According to the above solution (9), it is possible to determine the visual representation of the content in consideration of various users. [Explanation of symbols]

[0080] 1...system, 2...communication network, 10...server, 20...user terminal, 21...processor, 22...memory, 23...storage, 23P...terminal program, 25...communication interface, 26...computer, 29...communication bus, 31...monitor, 33, 34...camera, 35...microphone, 36...speaker, 41...motion sensor, 42...operation device, 50, 51, 52, 54, 57...female character, 53, 56...male character, 55...pork dish, 58...chicken dish, 90...3D space, 91...panoramic image, 92...virtual camera, 93...reference line of sight, 94...view area, 95, 96...area, 97...captured image

Claims

1. A program that causes a computer to change the display mode of an object presented to a user within content based on the acquired personal attributes of the user.

2. 2. The program according to claim 1, The personal attributes include the age of the user; The computer, If the age of the user satisfies a predetermined condition, an object having a predetermined attribute captured by a virtual camera from a specific angle is displayed in a first manner; A program that, when the user's age does not satisfy the specified condition, changes the display mode of at least a portion of the object with the specified attribute captured by the virtual camera from the specific angle to a second mode different from the first mode.

3. 3. The program according to claim 2, A program that causes the computer to determine that the object with the specified attribute is being imaged from the specific angle if the dot product of a setting vector that is preset for the object with the specified attribute and an imaging vector that indicates the imaging direction of the virtual camera is less than a threshold value.

4. 2. The program according to claim 1, The personal attributes include the age of the user; the object is a female character, A program for the computer that reduces the degree of exposure of the female character when the user's age satisfies the specified condition compared to when the user's age does not satisfy the specified condition.

5. 5. The program according to claim 2 or 4, A program that causes the computer to perform control to prompt the user to replay the content when the user's age satisfies the predetermined condition.

6. 2. The program according to claim 1, A program that causes the computer to present the object in a display mode that corresponds to the personal attribute of the user, from among a plurality of display modes stored in advance.

7. 7. The program according to claim 6, The computer, receiving input of the personal attributes from the user at a timing when the object having a plurality of display modes set thereto is presented; a program for executing a process of switching the presented object to a display mode corresponding to the personal attribute input by the user;

8. 7. The program according to claim 6, The program causes the computer to present the object in a display mode selected by lottery from a plurality of display modes when the same personal attribute is associated with a plurality of display modes.

9. 2. The program according to claim 1, The personal attributes are attributes of the user that do not change in conjunction with the progress of the content.

10. A system comprising a change means for changing a display mode of an object presented to a user within content based on the acquired personal attributes of the user.

Images