Computer system and program

Abstract

To provide a new technique regarding arrangement of objects according to an operation of a viewing user who views an object to be viewed.SOLUTION: A server system 1100 includes: a request operation receiving unit 235 which receives a request operation from a viewing user for arranging a predetermined object of interest in a surrounding aerial region surrounding an object to be viewed which is disposed in a virtual space; an arrangement control unit 239 which controls arranging the object of interest in the surrounding aerial region in response to the request operation; and a viewing image generation control unit 243 which performs control to generate a viewing image that displays the object to be viewed with the object of interest arranged in the surrounding aerial region.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] A system is known in which a virtual space including an object to be viewed is displayed on the viewing screen of a user (viewing user) who wishes to view the virtual space, and posts such as "likes," comments, gifts (also called tips), etc. When a posting operation is accepted, the posted content is reflected on the viewing screen, for example by making an object corresponding to the post appear in the virtual space.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology in which viewers provide gifts to broadcasters when broadcasting content featuring the broadcaster's avatar. In the technology of Patent Document 1, when a gift is provided by a viewer, an object of the gift is placed in a virtual space, and when the number of gifts increases, a transparent object is placed between the avatar and the gift, preventing a situation in which the placement of the gift makes the avatar difficult to recognize. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-117915 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, conventional techniques for arranging objects in response to the operations of a user viewing the object to be viewed only involve arranging the objects in a line at the bottom of the screen or stacking them, which leaves room for improvement in the arrangement of the objects.

[0006] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a new technology relating to the arrangement of objects in accordance with the operation of a viewing user viewing a viewing target object. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The first invention for solving the above problem is a computer system comprising a peripheral aerial sphere setting means (e.g., peripheral aerial sphere setting unit 231 in Figure 11) for setting a peripheral aerial sphere around an object to be viewed placed in a virtual space based on setting information of the virtual space, a request operation receiving means (e.g., request operation receiving unit 235 in Figure 11) for receiving a request operation from a viewing user to place a given object of interest in the peripheral aerial sphere, a placement control means (e.g., placement control unit 239 in Figure 11) for controlling the placement of the object of interest in the peripheral aerial sphere in accordance with the request operation, and a viewing image generation control means (e.g., viewing image generation control unit 243 in Figure 11) for controlling the generation of a viewing image that displays the object to be viewed together with the object of interest placed in the peripheral aerial sphere.

[0008] The second invention is a computer system comprising a peripheral aerial sphere setting means (e.g., peripheral aerial sphere setting unit 231 in Figure 11) for setting a peripheral aerial sphere around a target object to be viewed based on the target object placed in a virtual space, a request operation receiving means (e.g., request operation receiving unit 235 in Figure 11) for receiving a request operation from a viewing user to place a given target object in the peripheral aerial sphere, a placement control means (e.g., placement control unit 239 in Figure 11) for controlling the placement of the target object in the peripheral aerial sphere in accordance with the request operation, and a viewing image generation control means (e.g., viewing image generation control unit 243 in Figure 11) for controlling the generation of a viewing image that displays the target object to be viewed together with the target object placed in the peripheral aerial sphere.

[0009] The third invention is a computer system comprising a peripheral aerial sphere setting means (e.g., peripheral aerial sphere setting unit 231 in FIG. 11) for setting a peripheral aerial sphere around a target object to be viewed based on setting information of the virtual space and the target object placed in the virtual space, a request operation receiving means (e.g., request operation receiving unit 235 in FIG. 11) for receiving a request operation from a viewing user to place a given target object in the peripheral aerial sphere, a placement control means (e.g., placement control unit 239 in FIG. 11) for controlling the placement of the target object in the peripheral aerial sphere in accordance with the request operation, and a viewing image generation control means (e.g., viewing image generation control unit 243 in FIG. 11) for controlling the generation of a viewing image that displays the target object to be viewed together with the target object placed in the peripheral aerial sphere.

[0010] According to the first to third inventions, a peripheral air sphere is set around the object to be viewed in response to a request from the viewing user, and an object of interest can be placed in the peripheral air sphere. This provides a new technology for placing objects of interest. Note that, for example, when a virtual ground is set, such as when an object to be viewed is placed on a virtual ground set in a virtual space, the object of interest can be placed not only in the air but also on the ground. Preferably, the object of interest is placed in the air.

[0011] A fourth invention is a computer system in the above invention, wherein the surrounding aerial sphere setting means sets the surrounding aerial sphere in a three-dimensional spatial area around the object to be viewed.

[0012] According to the fourth invention, a spatial region around the viewing object can be set as a surrounding air sphere.

[0013] A fifth invention is a computer system in which, in the above invention, the surrounding aerial sphere setting means sets a given image layer that constitutes the viewing image, and sets the surrounding aerial sphere in the area surrounding the object to be viewed in that image layer.

[0014] According to the fifth invention, a surrounding air sphere can be set in the area around the viewing target object in the viewing image.

[0015] A sixth invention is a computer system in the above invention, wherein the placement control means performs control to place a new interest object in response to the new requested operation in addition to existing interest objects that have already been placed.

[0016] According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, each time a request operation is performed by a viewing user, an interest object can be placed in the surrounding air sphere.

[0017] A seventh invention is a computer system in which, in the above invention, the viewing image generation control means generates an image of the virtual space seen from a given virtual camera as the viewing image and controls the position and line of sight of the virtual camera based on the operation of the viewing user, the request operation receiving means receives the request operation by the viewing user while viewing the viewing image, and the placement control means determines the placement position of the interest object based on the position of the virtual camera when the request operation is performed.

[0018] According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, for example, it is possible to place an interest object at the position of the virtual camera when a request operation is performed.

[0019] An eighth invention is a computer system in the above invention, wherein the placement control means controls the placement of the interest objects in a spatially discrete manner.

[0020] According to the eighth invention, the interest objects can be arranged so as not to overlap each other.

[0021] A ninth invention is a computer system in the above invention, wherein the placement control means determines a placement position of a new interest object to be newly placed based on existing interest objects that have already been placed.

[0022] According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, for example, it is possible to determine the placement position of a new interest object so that it does not overlap with an existing interest object.

[0023] A tenth aspect of the invention is a computer system in the above-mentioned invention, wherein the placement control means controls placement of the interest objects discretely in time by controlling placement times of the interest objects.

[0024] According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, for example, it is possible to shift the timing of arranging a new interest object so that the new interest object does not overlap with an existing interest object.

[0025] An eleventh invention is a computer system in which, in the above invention, the placement control means has a merging control means that controls the merging of multiple interest objects into a given composite interest object based on 1) the number of interest objects, 2) the placement density, which is the number of interest objects placed per given unit area, and 3) the nearest neighbor distance, which is the distance between the nearest interest objects.

[0026] According to the eleventh invention, a plurality of interest objects can be combined.

[0027] A twelfth invention is a computer system in the above invention, wherein the placement control means has size control means for controlling the size of the interest objects based on the number of interest objects to be placed.

[0028] According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to make the interest objects larger or smaller depending on the number of interest objects arranged in the virtual space.

[0029] A thirteenth invention is a computer system in which there are a plurality of types of the interest objects, and the placement control means variably controls the types of the interest objects to be placed.

[0030] According to the thirteenth aspect, different types of interest objects can be arranged.

[0031] A fourteenth invention is a computer system in which, in the above invention, the placement control means variably controls the type of the interest object to be placed based on user information of the viewing user who performed the request operation.

[0032] According to the fourteenth invention, it is possible to arrange interest objects of a type that corresponds to the viewing user.

[0033] A fifteenth invention is a computer system in which, in the above invention, the request operation receiving means is capable of receiving the request operation including a charge or a given price payment operation by consuming an item or parameter, and the placement control means variably controls the type of the interest object in accordance with the price payment operation.

[0034] According to the fifteenth aspect, the type of the interest object to be placed can be changed in response to a payment operation.

[0035] A sixteenth invention in the above invention is a computer system, wherein the placement control means controls the placement position of the interest object in accordance with the type of the interest object to be placed.

[0036] According to the sixteenth aspect, the interest object can be arranged at a position according to its type.

[0037] A 17th invention is a computer system in accordance with the above invention, further comprising an evaluation input receiving means (e.g., evaluation input receiving unit 245 in FIG. 11) for receiving evaluation input from the viewing user regarding an existing interest object that has already been placed, and an evaluation response display control means (e.g., evaluation response display control unit 247 in FIG. 11) for variably controlling the display of the corresponding existing interest object based on the evaluation input.

[0038] According to the seventeenth aspect of the present invention, the display of an existing interest object can be changed in accordance with an evaluation input by a viewing user for the existing interest object.

[0039] The 18th invention is a program for causing a computer system to function as a peripheral aerial sphere setting means for setting a peripheral aerial sphere around an object to be viewed placed in a virtual space based on setting information of the virtual space, a request operation receiving means for receiving a request operation from a viewing user to place a given object of interest in the peripheral aerial sphere, a placement control means for controlling the placement of the object of interest in the peripheral aerial sphere in accordance with the request operation, and a viewing image generation control means for controlling the generation of a viewing image that displays the object to be viewed together with the object of interest placed in the peripheral aerial sphere.

[0040] The 19th invention is a program for causing a computer system to function as a peripheral aerial sphere setting means for setting a peripheral aerial sphere around a target object to be viewed based on the target object placed in a virtual space, a request operation receiving means for receiving a request operation from a viewing user to place a given target object in the peripheral aerial sphere, a placement control means for controlling the placement of the target object in the peripheral aerial sphere in accordance with the request operation, and a viewing image generation control means for controlling the generation of a viewing image that displays the target object together with the target object placed in the peripheral aerial sphere.

[0041] The 20th invention is a program for causing a computer system to function as a peripheral aerial sphere setting means for setting a peripheral aerial sphere around an object to be viewed based on setting information of the virtual space and the object to be viewed placed in the virtual space, a request operation receiving means for receiving a request operation from a viewing user to place a given object of interest in the peripheral aerial sphere, a placement control means for controlling the placement of the object of interest in the peripheral aerial sphere in accordance with the request operation, and a viewing image generation control means for controlling the generation of a viewing image that displays the object to be viewed together with the object of interest placed in the peripheral aerial sphere.

[0042] According to the eighteenth to twentieth aspects of the present invention, it is possible to realize a program that provides the same effects as the first to third aspects of the present invention. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0043] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a game system. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the device configuration of a user terminal. [Figure 3] A diagram showing the exhibition space. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a viewing screen. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of the viewing screen. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of the viewing screen. [Figure 7] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing examples of changes to the display of an interest object related to a comment sending operation. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a surrounding air sphere setting process. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a region designation window. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a region-specific neighborhood range for one region. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a server system. [Figure 12] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of exhibition space setting data. [Figure 13]FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of owned character data. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a user terminal. [Figure 15] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing performed by the server system. [Figure 16] 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining a combination control process in a modified example. [Figure 17] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing examples of display modes of a composite interest object. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a viewing image in a modified example. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a user terminal according to a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0044] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below, and the forms to which the present invention can be applied are not limited to the following embodiments. In addition, in the description of the drawings, the same parts are given the same reference numerals.

[0045] [Overall configuration] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a game system 1000 according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the game system 1000 is a computer system including a server system 1100 and a user terminal 1500 owned by a player (user) 2 of the game according to this embodiment, which are connected via a network N so as to be able to communicate data with each other.

[0046] The network N refers to a communication path that allows data communication. That is, the network N includes a dedicated line (dedicated cable) for direct connection, a LAN (Local Area Network) using Ethernet (registered trademark), etc., as well as a communication network such as a telephone communication network, a cable network, or the Internet, and the communication method can be either wired or wireless.

[0047] The server system 1100 is a computer system including a main device 1101, a keyboard 1106, a touch panel 1108, and storage 1140. The main device 1101 incorporates a control board 1150 on which electronic components such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 1151, various microprocessors such as a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) and a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), various IC memories 1152 such as a VRAM, RAM and ROM, and a communication device 1153 are mounted. Note that part or all of the control board 1150 may be realized by an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or an SoC (System on a Chip).

[0048] This server system 1100 realizes a user management function related to the user registration of user 2 and a game management function that provides data necessary for playing the game on user terminal 1500 and manages execution control of the game on user terminal 1500, by having CPU 1151 and the like perform calculations based on predetermined programs and data. In other words, the game in this embodiment is realized as a kind of client-server online game. User 2 accesses server system 1100 with his / her own user terminal 1500, logs in using an issued account (user ID), and enjoys the game of this embodiment.

[0049] The server system 1100 also cooperates with an external electronic settlement server operated by an electronic settlement service provider or the like to carry out the purchase procedure (billing process) of game coins, which are in-game currency. During the billing process, the electronic settlement server responds to an inquiry from the server system 1100 and settles the purchase amount of the game coins with User 2's credit card, prepaid card, or the like. Then, the server system 1100 grants User 2 game coins equivalent to the purchase amount settled by the electronic settlement server.

[0050] 1, the server system 1100 may be configured to include multiple blade servers each assigned to one function, connected to each other via an internal bus for data communication. Alternatively, the server system 1100 may be configured to function as a whole as a server system 1100 by having multiple independent servers installed in remote locations communicate with each other via a network N.

[0051] The user terminal 1500 is a computer system that functions as a man-machine interface, and is connected to the network N via a mobile phone base station, a wireless communication base station, or the like, and can perform data communication with the server system 1100. This user terminal 1500 can take the form of, for example, a smartphone, a mobile phone, a portable game device, a stationary home game device, a controller for a stationary home game device, an arcade game device, a personal computer, a tablet computer, a wearable computer, or the like.

[0052] Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the device configuration of a smartphone, which is an example of a user terminal 1500. As shown in Fig. 2, the user terminal 1500 includes a directional input key 1502, a home key 1504, a touch panel 1506 that functions as an image display device and a contact position input device, an internal battery 1509, a speaker 1510, a microphone 1512, a camera 1520, a control board 1550, and a memory card reader 1542 that can read and write data from and to a memory card 1540 that is a computer-readable storage medium. In addition, the user terminal 1500 is provided with a power button, a volume control button, etc. (not shown).

[0053] The control board 1550 is equipped with various microprocessors such as a CPU 1551, a GPU, and a DSP; various IC memories 1552 such as a VRAM, a RAM, and a ROM; a wireless communication module 1553 for wireless communication with a mobile phone base station or a wireless communication base station connected to the network N; and an interface circuit 1557. The interface circuit 1557 includes a circuit for receiving signals from the direction input keys 1502 and the home key 1504, a driver circuit for the touch panel 1506, an output amplifier circuit for outputting audio signals to the speaker 1510, an audio signal generation circuit for generating an audio signal collected by the microphone 1512, a circuit for inputting image data of an image captured by the camera 1520, and a signal input / output circuit for the memory card reader 1542. These elements equipped on the control board 1550 are electrically connected to each other via a bus circuit or the like, and are connected to enable reading and writing of data and sending and receiving of signals. Note that part or all of the control board 1550 may be configured using an ASIC, an FPGA, or an SoC.

[0054] In this control board 1550, IC memory 1552 stores a game client program and various setting data required to execute this game client program. The game client program and the like are downloaded from server system 1100 at appropriate times. Alternatively, the program may be read from a separately obtained storage medium such as memory card 1540. Then, CPU 1551 and the like execute the game client program to perform arithmetic processing, and control each section of user terminal 1500 in response to operational inputs made to touch panel 1506, directional input keys 1502, and home key 1504, thereby enabling user 2 to play the game.

[0055] [overview] The game of this embodiment is a combat simulation game set in space, in which the user becomes the pilot of a robot weapon character (hereinafter also referred to as a "robot character") and enjoys battling targets (enemy characters) and opponent robot characters piloted by other users.

[0056] There are several types of robot characters. Robot characters can be obtained, for example, while playing a game. They can also be purchased by paying a fee or obtained by lottery.

[0057] In addition, the game of this embodiment provides a setup menu for owned robot characters, a menu for publishing the robot characters, a menu for viewing published robot characters, and the like.

[0058] In the setup menu, users can create robot characters that are strengthened and modified as desired, based on their own robot characters. For example, it is possible to replace the parts that make up the robot with other part objects, add or replace attached parts, strengthen the robot by combining part material objects, or modify the robot by applying decorations such as paint. In other words, users can create new, original robot characters.

[0059] In the disclosure menu, the user can disclose the robot character created in the setup menu. The robot character disclosed in the disclosure menu is exhibited as a viewing object in an exhibition space, which is a virtual space. In this embodiment, a separate exhibition space is set for each viewing object, but it is also possible to have a configuration in which the disclosed viewing objects are displayed side by side in a single exhibition space. The user can enter the exhibition space from the viewing menu.

[0060] Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an exhibition space. As shown in Fig. 3, an exhibition stage (exhibition stage) 11 is prepared in the exhibition space, and an object V to be viewed is placed on it. The orientation and pose of the object V to be viewed on the exhibition stage 11 can be freely specified by the publishing user (the creator of the robot character) who has published the object V to be viewed.

[0061] When viewing, the user selects an option for the viewing target object V in FIG. 3 from the viewing menu. Then, a virtual camera C for that user (viewing user) is placed in the exhibition space, and an image of the exhibition space seen from the viewing user's virtual camera C is generated as a viewing image for that viewing user and displayed on the viewing user's user terminal 1500. The viewing user can freely move their own virtual camera C within the exhibition space (more specifically, within the surrounding airspace described below) to view the viewing target object V on the exhibition stage 11 from any position or angle. When viewing, the viewing user can also "like" the viewing target object V or add a comment. They can also "like" comments added by other users.

[0062] 4 to 6 are diagrams showing examples of viewing screens, with FIG. 4 showing an observation screen corresponding to virtual camera C-1 in FIG. 3, FIG. 5 showing an observation screen corresponding to virtual camera C-2 in FIG. 3, and FIG. 6 showing an observation screen corresponding to virtual camera C-3 in FIG. 3. As shown in FIG. 4 and other figures, the viewing screen includes a viewing image display unit W11 on which a viewing image is displayed and a request operation input unit W13 for inputting a request operation. A viewing user can operate virtual camera C while viewing the viewing image on viewing image display unit W11 to view the entire image of viewing target object V, as illustrated in FIG. 4, or to move virtual camera C closer to viewing target object V to view a portion of it, as illustrated in FIG. 5. As illustrated in FIG. 6, it is also possible to look down on viewing target object V from above.

[0063] Furthermore, when the viewing user likes the viewing target object V, the viewing user performs a request operation in the request operation input unit W13 to place the interest object O within the exhibition space. The request operation input unit W13 includes a rating button B11, a paid rating button B13, and a comment input button B15. The request operation input unit W13 also includes a part designation button B17 for a part designation operation, which will be described later. In this embodiment, when the viewing user "likes" (posts a rating) or tips (an example of a gift) using the rating button B11 or the paid rating button B13, or leaves a comment using the comment input button B15, the interest object O is placed within the exhibition space. Note that the type of request operation is not particularly limited.

[0064] In this embodiment, the evaluation post is described as a "like." However, in addition to "like," other comments such as "good," "average," and "bad" may be posted, and an impression object O corresponding to the post may be placed. Alternatively, figures or illustrations expressing emotions may be posted, and an impression object O corresponding to the post may be placed. In the case of tipping, an impression object O may be placed, and points or a reward based on the content of the tip may be awarded to a given target user. The target user may be, for example, a user who has published the object V to be admired or a viewing user. In addition, gifts other than tips may be posted. Gifts may be, for example, items that can be used in games or items that can be used as virtual currency. In this case, the gift may also be awarded to a given target user. The target user may be, for example, a user who has published the object V to be admired or a viewing user.

[0065] The rating button B11 is used to perform a rating operation, which is one of the requested operations ("Like" button). When a viewing user wishes to perform a rating operation, the viewing user touches the rating button B11. When the rating operation is performed, an interest object (hereinafter also referred to as a "first-type interest object") Oa related to the rating operation is placed in the exhibition space.

[0066] The paid rating button B13 is one of the request operations and is used to perform a paid rating operation, which is also a payment operation (it can also be considered a type of tipping). When a viewing user wishes to perform a paid rating operation, they touch the paid rating button B13. When a paid rating operation is performed, in exchange for consuming a predetermined amount of game coins (100C in Figure 4, etc.), an interest object (hereinafter also referred to as a "second-type interest object") Ob related to the paid rating operation is placed in the exhibition space. The second-type interest object Ob is of a different type from the first-type interest object Oa related to the rating operation. For example, the second-type interest object Ob is set to be more noticeable than the interest object Oa so that it is more noticeable in the exhibition space.

[0067] The comment input button B15 is used to perform a comment transmission operation, which is another mode of request operation. When the comment input button B15 is touched, an input box for entering a comment is displayed. The viewing user touches the comment input button B15, enters text in the displayed input box, and transmits it. When a comment transmission operation is performed, an interest object (hereinafter also referred to as a "third-type interest object") Oc related to the comment transmission operation is placed in the exhibition space.

[0068] Therefore, each time a request operation is performed by a visiting user (viewing user), an interest object (three types of interest objects Oa, Ob, and Oc in this embodiment) of a type corresponding to the request operation is placed in the exhibition space. The placed interest objects Oa, Ob, and Oc are displayed together with the object V to be viewed in the viewing image display section W11 of the viewing screen. The interest objects O are placed in a three-dimensional, hollow position that surrounds the object V to be viewed. Therefore, as the number of interest objects O placed increases, the exhibition space takes on an atmosphere in which the interest objects O are clustered around the object V to be viewed in the air, or, conversely, the object V to be viewed is surrounded by a group of interest objects O. Furthermore, if a particular location has a large number of interest objects O placed therein and is densely packed, that location can be said to be one of the best spots for appreciating the object V to be viewed.

[0069] Here, a user can also input a rating for a comment on the third-type interest object Oc. For example, when the third-type interest object Oc is touched on the viewing image display unit W11, the text of the comment is displayed together with a rating button ("Like" button) B2 for rating input and the number of rating inputs (number of "Likes") 13, as shown in FIG. 5. When a viewing user sympathizes with the content of the comment or supports the content, the viewing user can input a rating for the comment by touching the rating button B2. When the rating button B2 is touched, the number of rating inputs 13 is updated.

[0070] The server system 1100 then variably controls the display of the third-type interest object Oc in accordance with the number of evaluation inputs. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a change in the display of the third-type interest object Oc. In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 7, the display mode of the third-type interest object Oc is predefined in three stages according to the number of evaluation inputs. The shape, size, color, pattern, etc. of the display mode of each stage are defined so that the more evaluation inputs there are, the more noticeable the object becomes.

[0071] Therefore, when the number of rating inputs of the interest object Oc shown in Fig. 3 etc. reaches Na, it changes to the display of the corresponding display mode in Fig. 7. Then, when the number of rating inputs further increases and reaches Nb, it changes to the display of the corresponding display mode in Fig. 7. Note that the change is not limited to the three-stage change shown as an example, and it may be changed in two stages or in four or more stages.

[0072] [detail] When a viewing user makes a request operation (in this embodiment, any one of a rating operation, a paid rating operation, and a comment sending operation), the server system 1100 places an interest object (a new interest object) at the position of the virtual camera at the time of the request operation. For example, if the rating button B11 is touched on the viewing screen of Fig. 5, a new interest object O(Oa)-1 is placed at the position of the corresponding virtual camera C-2 in addition to the existing interest objects O(Oa, Ob, Oc) that have already been placed, as shown in Fig. 3.

[0073] However, since the interest objects are placed in response to requests from users visiting the exhibition space, the number of requests increases in a popular exhibition space visited by many users. Therefore, placing interest objects without limit may make it difficult to see the essential object being viewed. Furthermore, as described above, viewing users operate their own virtual cameras to view the object being viewed, and perform appropriate requests. Therefore, if the object being viewed has a distinctive part, attention is likely to be drawn to that part, and interest objects are likely to be concentrated around it. For example, if the arm of the object being viewed is made up of unusual part objects, interest objects may be concentrated around the arm, or if the head is elaborately decorated, interest objects may be concentrated around the head. In these cases, similar problems may arise.

[0074] Therefore, the server system 1100 executes a peripheral aerial sphere setting process for setting a peripheral aerial sphere around the object to be viewed placed in the exhibition space, a virtual camera control process for controlling a virtual camera within the peripheral aerial sphere set in the peripheral aerial sphere setting process, and a placement control process for placing a new object of interest in the peripheral aerial sphere in response to a requested operation. In the placement control process, the server system 1100 adjusts the placement position of the new object of interest based on the existing object of interest that has already been placed, and starts controlling the placement time.

[0075] On the other hand, when the viewing object has a characteristic part as described above, it may be easier to evaluate if the requested operation can be performed by directly specifying that part.

[0076] Therefore, the server system 1100 appropriately executes an association position setting process to set an association position when placing a new interest object, and for the interest object for which an association position has been set, executes a part-specific placement control process instead of the placement control process described above.

[0077] 1. Surrounding air sphere setting process FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the peripheral aerial sphere setting process. In the peripheral aerial sphere setting process, when a robot character is revealed in the disclosure menu, the server system 1100 prepares an exhibition space in which to exhibit the robot character and places the robot character as a viewing target object V on the exhibition stage 11. The server system 1100 then sets a three-dimensional spatial region around the viewing target object V as a peripheral aerial sphere 15, which has a dome-shaped outer shape that covers the entire viewing target object V and is partitioned so that the inside does not overlap with the surface of the viewing target object V. At this time, the server system 1100 sets the peripheral aerial sphere by referring to the setting information of the exhibition space (e.g., information on size, shape, etc.) and the data of the viewing target object V. If the exhibition space is large, the peripheral aerial sphere is set relatively wider than a small space. Furthermore, if the viewing target object V is a large object, the peripheral aerial sphere is set relatively wider than a small object. The outer shape of the peripheral aerial sphere 15 is not limited to a dome shape and may be a cylindrical, prismatic, spherical, etc. Moreover, the surrounding air sphere 15 may be an area that surrounds the outer shape of the object V to be viewed or an area that entirely covers the bounding box of the object V to be viewed.

[0078] 2. Virtual camera control process In the virtual camera control process, the server system 1100 places a virtual camera for the corresponding user (viewing user) in the exhibition space of the selected object to be viewed in response to a selection operation from the viewing menu on the user terminal 1500. Then, the server system 1100 controls the position and line of sight of the virtual camera within the surrounding airspace based on the operation of the viewing user.

[0079] Here, the server system 1100 places the object of interest based on the position of the virtual camera when the request operation is performed. The object of interest is placed within the surrounding airspace so as not to overlap with the object to be viewed.

[0080] 3. Placement control processing In this embodiment, the placement position of a new interest object is basically the position of the virtual camera at the time of the request operation. However, there may be existing interest objects already placed in the exhibition space. Therefore, in the placement control process, the server system 1100 controls the placement of the interest object spatially discretely by appropriately adjusting the placement position of the new interest object so that it does not overlap with existing interest objects. To achieve this, upon receiving a request operation, the server system 1100 first provisionally determines the position of the virtual camera for the viewing user who performed the request operation as the placement position of the new interest object. Then, if an existing interest object is placed near the provisionally determined placement position, the provisionally determined placement position is adjusted so that it does not overlap with the existing interest object. The spacing between non-overlapping interest objects is predefined, and the placement position is determined by shifting the provisionally determined placement position so that the distance from the nearby existing interest object is equal to or greater than the predetermined spacing.

[0081] Thereafter, the server system 1100 places the new interest object at the determined placement position. The server system 1100 then sets a placement time for the new interest object and controls it to disappear from the exhibition space after the placement time has elapsed (placement time control), thereby controlling the placement of the interest object in a time-discrete manner. This makes it possible to prevent the occurrence of a situation where the number of interest objects increases too much, making it difficult to see the object being viewed.

[0082] The placement time may be the same regardless of the type of new interest object, or may vary depending on the type. For example, the placement time for a second-type interest object may be longer than the placement time for a first-type interest object or a third-type interest object. The placement time may also be set according to the viewing user who performed the request operation. For example, the placement time may be longer for a user with a billing history. The placement time may also be set according to the number of viewing users currently viewing the object to be viewed in the same exhibition space. For example, the placement time may be shorter when there are a large number of viewing users. The placement time may also be set according to the processing load status of the server system 1100 when the request operation is performed. For example, the placement time may be shorter when the processing load of the server system 1100 is high.

[0083] 4. Associated position setting process In the associated position setting process, the server system 1100 sets an associated position when placing a new interest object in response to a requested operation. In this embodiment, a body part of the object to be viewed is set as the associated position. The body parts to be set as associated positions may be set as appropriate, but for example, eight parts may be set: "head," "body," "left arm," "right arm," "left leg," "right leg," and equipped "weapon" and "shield."

[0084] The server system 1100 then accepts a part designation operation from the viewing user, who designates one of these eight parts, and sets the designated part as the associated position. For example, the part designation operation is performed by touching the part designation button B17 in the request operation input section W13 on the viewing screen. Figure 9 shows an example of the part designation window W3 that is displayed on the viewing screen when the part designation button B17 is touched.

[0085] As shown in FIG. 9, the body part designation window W3 presents eight body parts as options using their selection buttons. The body part designation window W3 also includes a rating button B31, a paid rating button B33, and a comment input button B35. In this body part designation window W3, the viewing user first touches one of the eight body part selection buttons to perform a body part designation operation. FIG. 9 shows a state in which "weapon" has been designated. In response to this body part designation operation, the server system 1100 sets the body part related to the body part designation operation ("weapon" in the example of FIG. 9) as an associated position.

[0086] Thereafter, the viewing user touches either the rating button B31, the paid rating button B33, or the comment input button B35 on the area specification window W3 to perform a request operation (rating operation / paid rating operation / comment sending operation) accompanied by an area specification operation.

[0087] Here, the part designation window W3 is displayed to accept the part designation operation, but it is also possible to accept a pointing operation (e.g., a touching operation) that designates a part of the object V to be viewed on the viewing image display section W11 of the viewing screen as the part designation operation, and set the part designated by the pointing operation as the associated position.

[0088] 5.Regarding the location control process for each part The part-specific placement control process is a process that is executed in place of the above-mentioned placement control process when an associated position is set in the associated position setting process, more specifically, when a request operation involving a part designation operation is performed by the viewing user in the part designation window W3 of Figure 9.

[0089] That is, in the part-by-part placement control process, the server system 1100 places a new interest object in the surrounding air sphere based on the associated position. In this embodiment, the server system 1100 determines the placement position of the new interest object to be a position that satisfies a given proximity condition for the part set as the associated position.

[0090] Specifically, the range within the peripheral air sphere that satisfies the proximity condition (hereinafter referred to as the "part-specific proximity range") is defined in advance for each of the eight parts. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the part-specific proximity range 151 for one part, "weapon." As shown in FIG. 10, the part-specific proximity range 151 is determined as the range inside the peripheral air sphere 15 and surrounding the part, "weapon." The part-specific proximity ranges for the other seven parts are determined in a similar manner.

[0091] Then, the server system 1100 determines a position within the vicinity range of the body part related to the body part set as the associated position as the placement position of the new interest object. As a result, for example, if a "weapon" is specified in the body part specification operation, an interest object of a type corresponding to the requested operation will be placed as the new interest object within the vicinity range of the body part 151 in FIG. 10.

[0092] More specifically, the server system 1100 controls the spatially discrete placement of interest objects by determining a position within the vicinity range for each part as the placement position of the new interest object so as not to overlap with an existing interest object that has already been placed. In this case, if the new interest object is a second-type interest object, the placement position may be determined to be a position on the near side as viewed from the front side of the object to be viewed (or the exhibition stage) so that the new interest object is easily noticeable.

[0093] Thereafter, the server system 1100 places the new interest object at the determined position, similar to the placement position control process. The server system 1100 then sets a placement time for the new interest object and performs control (placement time control) to make it disappear from the exhibition space after the placement time has elapsed, thereby controlling the placement of the interest object in a time-discrete manner. This makes it possible to prevent the occurrence of a situation where the number of interest objects increases too much, making it difficult to see the object to be viewed.

[0094] [Function Configuration] 1. Server system Fig. 11 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a server system 1100. As shown in Fig. 11, the server system 1100 of this embodiment includes an operation input unit 100s, a server processing unit 200s, an image display unit 390s, a sound output unit 392s, a communication unit 394s, and a server storage unit 500s.

[0095] The operation input unit 100s is used to input various operations for system management, maintenance, etc., and can be realized by, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, etc. In FIG. 1, this corresponds to the keyboard 1106 and the touch panel 1108.

[0096] The server processing unit 200s can be realized by electronic components such as a processor, which is an arithmetic circuit such as a CPU, GPU, ASIC, or FPGA, or an IC memory, and controls the input and output of data between the operation input unit 100s and each unit of the device, including the server storage unit 500s. The server processing unit 200s performs various arithmetic processing based on predetermined programs and data, operation input signals from the operation input unit 100s, data received from the user terminal 1500, etc., and controls the overall operation of the server system 1100. In FIG. 1, this corresponds to the control board 1150 and its CPU 1151.

[0097] The server processing unit 200s includes a user management unit 210, a billing processing unit 220, a game management unit 230, a timekeeping unit 280s, an image generation unit 290s, a sound generation unit 292s, and a communication control unit 294s.

[0098] The user management unit 210 performs processes related to user registration and manages the data of each registered user linked to a user ID (account). For example, it can perform processes such as assigning a unique account to a registered user, registering and managing personal information for each account, and managing usage history such as login and logout history. Of course, it can also appropriately include management processes for other data linked to accounts.

[0099] The billing processing unit 220 performs billing processing in response to a user's operation to purchase game coins, and grants the user game coins equivalent to the purchase amount.

[0100] The game management unit 230 performs various processes related to the management of game execution. Since the game of this embodiment is a client-server online game, the game management unit 230 controls the provision of data necessary for game play while communicating with the user terminal 1500.

[0101] In this embodiment, the game management unit 230 includes a surrounding aerial sphere setting unit 231, a virtual camera control unit 233, a request operation receiving unit 235, an association position setting unit 237, a placement control unit 239, a part-by-part placement control unit 241, a viewing image generation control unit 243, an evaluation input receiving unit 245, and an evaluation response display control unit 247.

[0102] The peripheral aerial sphere setting unit 231 is a functional unit that executes peripheral aerial sphere setting processing, and sets a peripheral aerial sphere in a three-dimensional spatial area around the object to be viewed, based on the space setting information 531 of the exhibition space in which the object to be viewed is placed and the object to be viewed data 539. In this embodiment, when a selection operation of the disclosure menu is performed on the user terminal 1500, the peripheral aerial sphere setting unit 231 sets an exhibition space in which the disclosed robot character is exhibited as the object to be viewed, and sets a peripheral aerial sphere around the object to be viewed.

[0103] The virtual camera control unit 233 is a functional unit that executes virtual camera control processing, and when a selection operation from the viewing menu is performed on the user terminal 1500, places a virtual camera for the user (viewing user) of the user terminal 1500 in the exhibition space of the selected object to be viewed. Then, based on the operation of the viewing user, the virtual camera control unit 233 controls the position and line of sight direction of the virtual camera within the airspace surrounding the object to be viewed.

[0104] The request operation receiving unit 235 receives a request operation from each viewing user who selects the viewing menu and operates the virtual camera in the exhibition space to view the viewing target object. In this embodiment, the request operation receiving unit 235 receives a part designation operation together with the request operation in the part designation window W2 (see FIG. 9).

[0105] The associated position setting unit 237 is a functional unit that executes the associated position setting process, and sets the associated position when placing a new interest object in the surrounding air sphere based on a request operation from the viewing user. In this embodiment, when a part designation operation is performed together with the request operation, the associated position setting unit 237 sets the designated part as the associated position.

[0106] The placement control unit 239 is a functional unit that executes placement control processing, and performs control to place a new interest object of a type corresponding to the requested operation in the air around the object to be viewed, in accordance with the requested operation of the viewing user received by the request operation receiving unit 235. In this case, the placement control unit 239 adjusts the placement position of the new interest object so that it does not overlap with existing interest objects, and starts controlling the placement time.

[0107] The part-by-part placement control unit 241 is a functional unit that executes part-by-part placement control processing, and when a requested operation involving a part-designation operation is performed, it controls the placement of a new interest object of a type corresponding to the requested operation in the surrounding airspace based on the associated position set by the associated position setting unit 237. In this embodiment, the part-by-part placement control unit 241 determines the placement position of the new interest object within the part-by-part neighborhood range defined for the part of the associated position so that it does not overlap with existing interest objects. Then, the part-by-part placement control unit 241 places the new interest object and begins controlling its placement time.

[0108] The viewing image generation control unit 243 performs control to generate a viewing image that displays the viewing target object together with an interest object placed in the surrounding air sphere. In this embodiment, the viewing image generation control unit 243 generates, for each viewing user, an image of the exhibition space as seen from a virtual camera controlled by the virtual camera control unit 233, and displays it on the user terminal 1500.

[0109] The evaluation input receiving unit 245 receives an evaluation input by a viewing user for an existing interest object that has already been placed. In this embodiment, the evaluation input receiving unit 245 receives an evaluation input of a comment using the evaluation button B2 (see FIG. 5) for a third-type interest object.

[0110] The evaluation response display control unit 247 variably controls the display of the corresponding existing interest object based on the evaluation input by the evaluation input receiving unit 245. In this embodiment, the evaluation response display control unit 247 changes the display mode of the third-type interest object in, for example, three stages illustrated in Fig. 7 based on the number of evaluation inputs for the third-type interest object.

[0111] The timekeeping unit 280s uses a system clock to keep track of the current date and time, the time limit, and the like.

[0112] The image generating unit 290s generates images relating to system management of the server system 1100 and outputs them to the image display unit 390s.

[0113] The sound generation unit 292s is realized by executing an IC or software that generates or decodes audio data, and generates or decodes audio data such as operation sounds and background music related to system management and video distribution of the server system 1100. Audio signals related to system management are output to the sound output unit 392s.

[0114] The communication control unit 294s performs communication connection and data processing for data communication with an external device (for example, the user terminal 1500) via the communication unit 394s, thereby realizing data exchange with the external device.

[0115] The image display unit 390s displays various screens for system management and the like based on the image signals input from the image generation unit 290s. For example, this can be realized by an image display device such as a flat panel display, a projector, or a head-mounted display. In FIG. 1, this corresponds to the touch panel 1108.

[0116] The sound output unit 392s outputs the audio signal input from the sound generation unit 292s. In Fig. 1, this corresponds to a speaker (not shown) provided in the main device 1101 or the touch panel 1108.

[0117] The communication unit 394s establishes communication by connecting to the network N. For example, it can be realized by a wireless communication device, a modem, a TA (terminal adapter), a jack for a wired communication cable, a control circuit, etc. In FIG. 1, this corresponds to the communication device 1153.

[0118] The server storage unit 500s stores in advance or temporarily stores each time processing is performed programs for operating the server system 1100 and implementing various functions of the server system 1100, as well as data used during execution of these programs. For example, this can be implemented by an IC memory such as RAM or ROM, a magnetic disk such as a hard disk, or an optical disk such as a CD-ROM or DVD. In FIG. 1, this corresponds to the IC memory 1152 and storage 1140.

[0119] The server storage unit 500s also stores a server program 501, a distribution game client program 503, user management data 510, game setting data 520, and play data 560. In addition, other necessary data such as timers, counters, various tables, thresholds, and flags are also stored as appropriate.

[0120] The server program 501 is a program for causing the server processing unit 200s to function as the user management unit 210, the billing processing unit 220, and the game management unit 230. Note that the server program 501 may also include programs for causing the server processing unit 200s to function as the image generation unit 290s, the sound generation unit 292s, and the communication control unit 294s, as appropriate.

[0121] The distribution game client program 503 is the original of the game client program 502 (see FIG. 14) downloaded to the user terminal 1500.

[0122] The user management data 510 is prepared for each user who has completed user registration, and stores various management data related to the game play of the corresponding user. For example, one piece of user management data 510 stores, in association with the user ID of the user, the user's username, personal information such as the user's age, sex, and birthday, information on the balance of the electronic payment medium (game coins in this embodiment) associated with the user, the user's play level, the user's skill level related to character creation (creation of a robot character in the setup menu), information on the user's friends, and the user's play history such as the date and time of game play and play time.

[0123] The game setting data 520 stores various setting data necessary to execute the online game of this embodiment. For example, the game setting data 520 stores character definition data that defines various characters including a robot character, part object definition data that defines various part objects that can be exchanged as robot character parts, object definition data that defines various objects such as items that the user can obtain during the game, enemy character definition data that defines enemy characters that appear during the game, and stage setting data related to the setting of the game stage. In this embodiment, the game setting data 520 also stores exhibition space setting data 530 related to the setting of the exhibition space. In addition, the game setting data 520 stores display data related to various interest objects (first-type interest object / second-type interest object / third-type interest object) and various display modes of the third-type interest object (see FIG. 7).

[0124] The exhibition space setting data 530 is prepared for each exhibition space set by the surrounding aerial sphere setting unit 231. For example, as shown in Fig. 12, one exhibition space setting data 530 includes space setting information 531 that defines and sets the exhibition space (virtual space) itself, a viewed object ID 531 of a viewed object placed in the exhibition space (a viewed object placed on an exhibition stage in the exhibition space), a user ID 533 of a publishing user who has published the viewed object (robot character), surrounding aerial sphere definition data 535, part-by-part vicinity range definition data 537, viewed object data 539, and interest object data 540.

[0125] The space setting information 531 stores information such as 1) the size and shape of the exhibition space, and 2) the position, size, and shape of the exhibition stage 11 set in the exhibition space, as well as coordinate system setting information.

[0126] The viewing target object ID 532 stores the character ID 571 of the corresponding robot character (see FIG. 13). The surrounding aerial sphere definition data 535 stores various data for defining the surrounding aerial sphere within the exhibition space. The body part proximity range definition data 537 stores various data for defining the body part proximity range of each body part (eight body parts in this embodiment) of the viewing target object placed in the exhibition space.

[0127] The viewing target object data 539 is data for placing the viewing target object on the exhibition stage, and is set based on the part configuration information 575 and machine body decoration information 577 (see FIG. 13) of the corresponding robot character, information on the orientation and pose on the exhibition stage specified by the publishing user, etc. The viewing target object data 539 also includes information on the size of the viewing target object, the bounding box surrounding the viewing target object, etc.

[0128] The interest object data 540 is generated each time a request is made by a viewing user visiting the exhibition space, and stores various data for defining the interest object for each interest object related to the request. For example, one interest object data 540 stores the user ID 541 of the user (viewing user) who made the request, the type of interest object (in this embodiment, there are three types: first-type interest object, second-type interest object, and third-type interest object) 543, the placement date and time (the date and time of the request) 545, the part 547 set as the associated position, the placement position 549, and the placement end date and time 551. Furthermore, if the type of interest object is a third-type interest object, the data stores the comment content 553 and the number of rating inputs 555, which is displayed as the number of rating inputs 13 (see FIG. 5).

[0129] The play data 560 is prepared for each user who has completed user registration, and stores various data describing the user's game play status (progress) in association with the user ID of the user. In this embodiment, the play data 560 includes owned character data 570 relating to robot characters owned by the user.

[0130] Owned character data 570 is prepared for each robot character owned by the user. For example, one piece of owned character data 570 includes character ID 571 for identifying the corresponding robot character, robot name 573 of the robot character, part configuration information 575, and robot decoration information 577, as shown in FIG.

[0131] The part configuration information 575 stores the type of part object, various ability values, etc. for each part that configures the robot character. When part objects for the robot character are exchanged and recombined in the setup menu, or when material objects are synthesized, the information for the corresponding part is updated.

[0132] The machine decoration information 577 stores information about decorations applied to the machine of the robot character. If the machine of the robot character is decorated with paint or other decorations in the setup menu, the information about the decorations is set.

[0133] 2. User Device 14 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a user terminal 1500. As shown in FIG. 14, the user terminal 1500 includes an operation input unit 100, a device processing unit 200, an image display unit 390, a sound output unit 392, a communication unit 394, and a device storage unit 500.

[0134] The operation input unit 100 is used by the user to input various operations, and can be realized by, for example, a button switch, a joystick, a touchpad, a trackball, an acceleration sensor, an angular velocity sensor, a CCD module, etc. In Fig. 2, this corresponds to the direction input keys 1502, the home key 1504, and the touch panel 1506.

[0135] The device processing unit 200 can be realized by a processor, which is an arithmetic circuit such as a CPU, GPU, ASIC, or FPGA, or by electronic components such as an IC memory, and controls the input and output of data between the device and each unit including the operation input unit 100 and the device storage unit 500. The device processing unit 200 performs various arithmetic processing based on predetermined programs and data, operation input signals from the operation input unit 100, data received from the server system 1100, etc., and controls the operation of the user terminal 1500. In FIG. 2, this corresponds to the control board 1550 and its CPU 1551. The device processing unit 200 in this embodiment includes a user terminal arithmetic unit 270, a timer unit 280, an image generation unit 290, a sound generation unit 292, and a communication control unit 294.

[0136] The user terminal calculation unit 270 executes various calculation processes to cause the user terminal 1500 to function as a terminal for the user to play games. For example, the user terminal calculation unit 270 includes an operation signal transmission control unit 271 and a screen display control unit 273.

[0137] The operation signal transmission control unit 271 performs processing for transmitting various data and request information to the server system 1100 in response to an operation input to the operation input unit 100 .

[0138] The screen display control unit 273 controls the display of various screens, such as game screens, based on various data received from the server system 1100. For example, if the online game of this embodiment is realized as a web game, it can be realized using web technology that actively controls screen display using a web browser-based HTML together with Java (registered trademark) and CSS (Cascading Style Sheets), or a plug-in such as Adobe (registered trademark) Flash. Of course, other methods are also acceptable. In addition, in the configuration of this embodiment, the game space image (e.g., 3DCG, etc.) that forms the basis of the game screen is generated by the server system 1100, but it is also possible to configure the game space image to be generated by the user terminal 1500. In this case, the screen display control unit 273 controls objects arranged in a virtual three-dimensional space for generating the 3DCG.

[0139] The image generation unit 290, in cooperation with the screen display control unit 273, generates an image signal for displaying one game screen per frame time (for example, 1 / 60 seconds) based on various data received from the server system 1100, and outputs the generated image signal to the image display unit 390. For example, this can be realized by a processor such as a GPU or a digital signal processor (DSP), a video signal IC, a program such as a video codec, an IC memory for drawing frames such as a frame buffer, etc.

[0140] The sound generation unit 292 is realized, for example, by a digital signal processor (DSP), a processor such as a voice synthesis IC, or an audio codec for playing audio files, and generates audio signals for game sound effects, background music, and various operation sounds, and outputs them to the sound output unit 392.

[0141] The communication control unit 294 performs communication connection and data processing for data communication with an external device (for example, the server system 1100) via the communication unit 394, thereby realizing data exchange with the external device.

[0142] The image display unit 390 displays various screens, such as a game screen, based on the image signal input from the image generation unit 290. For example, this can be realized by an image display device such as a flat panel display or a head-mounted display. In FIG. 2, this corresponds to the touch panel 1506.

[0143] The sound output unit 392 emits sound effects, background music, etc. related to the game based on the audio signal input from the sound generation unit 292. In FIG.

[0144] The communication unit 394 connects to the network N to realize communication. For example, it can be realized by a wireless communication device, a modem, a TA, a jack for a wired communication cable, a control circuit, etc. In FIG. 2, the wireless communication module 1553 corresponds to this.

[0145] The terminal storage unit 500 stores in advance or temporarily stores each time processing is performed programs for operating the user terminal 1500 and realizing the functions of the user terminal 1500, as well as data used during the execution of these programs. For example, this can be realized by IC memory such as RAM or ROM, a magnetic disk such as a hard disk, or an optical disk such as a CD-ROM or DVD. In FIG. 2, this corresponds to the IC memory 1552 and the memory card 1540.

[0146] The terminal storage unit 500 also stores a game client program 502. The game client program 502 is a program that causes the terminal processing unit 200 to function as the user terminal computing unit 270. This game client program 502 may be a dedicated client program that corresponds to the technical method for realizing the online game, or may be configured by a web browser program and a plug-in that realizes interactive image display, etc. In this embodiment, the game client program 502 is a copy of the distribution game client program 503 (see FIG. 11) provided by the server system 1100.

[0147] [Processing flow] Fig. 15 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing executed by the server system 1100. Focusing on one user terminal 1500, Fig. 15 shows the flow of processing related to the publication of a viewing target object (robot character) in a publishing menu by the user of the user terminal 1500 as a publishing user, and the viewing of the viewing target object in the viewing menu by the viewing user. The processing described here is realized by the server processing unit 200s reading and executing the server program 501.

[0148] 15, when a disclosure menu is selected on a user terminal 1500 of interest and a user (disclosing user) of the user terminal 1500 performs a disclosure operation of a robot character (step S1: YES), the surrounding aerial sphere setting unit 231 first sets an exhibition space for exhibiting the disclosed robot character and places the robot character on the exhibition stage as a viewing object (step S3).Then, the surrounding aerial sphere setting unit 231 sets a surrounding aerial sphere in the spatial region around the viewing object (step S5).

[0149] Also, if a viewing menu is selected on the user terminal 1500 (step S7: YES), the virtual camera control unit 233 places a virtual camera for the user (viewing user) of the user terminal 1500 in the exhibition space of the object to be viewed that was selected when the viewing menu was selected, and starts the virtual camera control process (step S9).

[0150] Thereafter, the request operation receiving unit 235 receives a request operation from the viewing user. If a request operation is received (step S11: YES), the process branches depending on whether an area designation operation has been performed in conjunction with the request operation. That is, if an area designation operation has not been performed (if any of the rating button B11, paid rating button B13, and comment input button B15 has been touched in the request operation input unit W13 on the viewing screen in FIG. 4 or the like) (step S13: NO), the placement control unit 239 executes placement control processing.

[0151] In the placement control process, the placement control unit 239 first provisionally determines the position of the virtual camera as the placement position of the new object of interest (step S15). Next, if there is an existing object of interest near the placement position provisionally determined in step S15, the placement control unit 239 adjusts the placement position so as not to overlap with the existing object of interest (step S17). Then, the placement control unit 239 sets a placement time for the new object of interest whose placement position has been provisionally determined and adjusted in steps S15 and S17, and starts controlling the placement time so that the new object of interest disappears from the exhibition space after the placement time has elapsed (step S19).

[0152] On the other hand, if a region designation operation is performed together with the request operation (i.e., if any of the rating button B31, paid rating button B33, and comment input button B35 is touched in the region designation window W3 in FIG. 9) (step S13: YES), first, the associated position setting unit 237 sets the region designated by the region designation operation as the associated position (step S21). Then, the region-specific placement control unit 241 executes region-specific placement control processing.

[0153] In the part-by-part placement control process, the part-by-part placement control unit 241 first places a new interest object within the part-by-part neighborhood range related to the part of the associated position set in step S21 so as not to overlap with existing interest objects (step S23). Then, the part-by-part placement control unit 241 sets a placement time for the new interest object placed in step S23, and starts controlling the placement time so that the object disappears from the exhibition space after the placement time has elapsed (step S25).

[0154] Thereafter, until the viewing user leaves the exhibition space (step S27: NO), the process returns to step S11 and the above-described processing is repeated.

[0155] In step S29, an end determination is made, and the process returns to step S1 until it is determined that the process has ended (step S29: YES).

[0156] As described above, according to this embodiment, a peripheral air sphere is set around the object to be viewed that does not overlap with the object, and various interest objects can be placed in the peripheral air sphere in response to requested operations such as rating operations, paid rating operations, and comment sending operations. This allows the placement of interest objects in the peripheral air sphere around the object to be viewed. Therefore, it is possible to provide a new technology for placing interest objects.

[0157] Furthermore, when a part designation operation is performed in conjunction with a request operation, the designated part is set as an associated position, and an interest object can be placed within the part-specific vicinity range related to the associated position (designated part). This allows the viewing user to designate a favorite part and perform various request operations. In this case, too, the interest object can be placed so as not to overlap with the object to be viewed, preventing the interest object from interfering with the viewing of the object to be viewed.

[0158] In addition, to prevent the object to be viewed from becoming difficult to see due to an excessive number of interest objects in the vicinity, the placement time of each interest object is controlled, and interest objects whose placement time has elapsed can be made to disappear from the exhibition space.

[0159] The forms to which the present invention can be applied are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and constituent elements can be added, omitted, or modified as appropriate.

[0160] [Variation 1] For example, in order to prevent the number of interest objects from increasing too much, the server system 1100 may be configured to perform a combination control as a combination control means for combining a plurality of interest objects into a composite interest object. For example, for interest objects for which an associated position is not set, interest objects of the same type are combined.

[0161] 1. Synthesis control process using nearest neighbor distance dn 16 is a diagram for explaining the combination control process in this modified example. For example, the server system 1100 executes the combination control process after tentatively determining the placement position of the new interest object.

[0162] In the synthesis control process of this modified example, the server system 1100 first determines whether there is an existing interest object that satisfies the merging condition using the nearest distance dn, which is the distance between the nearest interest objects. The merging condition can be set, for example, as "the distance between the provisionally determined placement position of the new interest object and the placement position of the existing interest object is shorter than the nearest distance dn."

[0163] Specifically, as shown in (a) of Figure 16, when an existing interest object Oa-3 of the same type exists near the provisionally determined placement position P41 of a new interest object (a first-type interest object in the example of (a) of Figure 16) Oa-2 indicated by a dashed line, and the distance d4 between the placement positions P41 and P43 is shorter than the closest distance dn, it is determined that the existing interest object Oa-3 satisfies the merging condition. In this case, the server system 1100 merges the new interest object Oa-2 with the existing interest object Oa-3 to create a composite interest object Od, as shown in (b) of Figure 16. The composite interest object Od indicates the number of interest objects that make up the composite interest object Od (the number of merged interest objects; in the example of (b) of Figure 16).

[0164] In the synthesis control process of this modification, the server system 1100 controls to change the display mode of the synthesized interest object according to the number of combinations. This can be realized by defining in advance the display mode of the synthesized interest object according to the number of combinations.

[0165] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of the display mode of a composite interest object. FIG. 17 shows a setting example in which the display mode, such as size and shape, is changed in three stages for each type of interest object (first-type interest object / second-type interest object / third-type interest object). As in the above embodiment, when the display mode of the third-type interest object is changed according to the number of evaluation inputs, the display mode is changed in combination with that. Note that the display mode may be changed in two stages, or in four or more stages. Furthermore, the threshold value of the number of combinations that defines each stage is not limited to the number shown in the example and may be set as appropriate.

[0166] 2. Coalescence control process using placement density In this modification of the merging control process, the server system 1100 first determines whether the merging condition is met by using the number of interest objects in a peripheral area of ​​a predetermined size including the provisionally determined placement position of the new interest object as the peripheral placement density. In this case, the merging condition can be set, for example, as "the number of existing interest objects of the same type in the peripheral area must be equal to or greater than a reference value." The peripheral area can be, for example, a predetermined range centered on the provisionally determined placement position. When the number of existing interest objects is large, the server system 1100 merges the existing interest objects and the new interest object within the predetermined range into a composite interest object. In this case, it is preferable to display the composite interest object in a more prominent manner than the display of the individual interest objects. Alternatively, only the existing interest objects may be merged, and the new interest object may be placed individually.

[0167] 3.Other Alternatively, when the total number of interest objects in the surrounding airspace reaches a predetermined upper limit, interest objects of the same type may be combined into a composite interest object. In this case, it is also possible to configure the combination to be limited to specific types. For example, among the existing interest objects, combination control may be performed for first-type interest objects, and when the number of first-type interest objects placed in the surrounding airspace reaches the upper limit, they may be combined into a composite interest object. On the other hand, combination control may not be performed for second-type interest objects and third-type interest objects.

[0168] Alternatively, the number of interest objects per unit area may be calculated as the placement density, and merging control may be performed based on the placement density. The size of the unit area is set in advance. For example, if the calculated placement number is equal to or greater than a reference value, existing interest objects in the unit area may be merged into a composite interest object for each unit area. In this case, the placement density may be calculated for each type of interest object, and merging control may be performed for each type. Alternatively, merging control may be performed for only a specific type.

[0169] [Variation 2] In variant example 1, we have explained the control of combining interest objects for which no associated position is set, but for interest objects for which an associated position is set, multiple interest objects may also be combined into a composite interest object.

[0170] 1. Controlling the merging of objects with the same associated position In the combination control process of this modified example, the server system 1100 first determines whether the combination condition is met using the number of existing interest objects that have the same associated position as the new interest object. The combination condition can be set, for example, as "the number of corresponding existing interest objects must be equal to or greater than a reference value." If the combination condition is met, the server system 1100 combines the existing interest objects and the new interest object into a combined interest object. In this case, the server system 1100 may also be configured to calculate the number of existing interest objects of the same type as the new interest object and combine interest objects of the same type. Alternatively, the server system 1100 may be configured to perform combination control only on specific types. Alternatively, the server system 1100 may combine only existing interest objects and place the new interest object alone.

[0171] 2. Combination control based on the number of objects corresponding to each part that meets the short-distance condition In the synthesis control process of this modification, the number of interest objects arranged in each part that satisfies the short distance condition is used, which can be realized by defining in advance the part that satisfies the short distance condition for each part that can be set as an associated position.

[0172] That is, the server system 1100 first counts the number of existing interest objects that have the same associated position as the new interest object, and the number of existing interest objects that have a part that satisfies the short-distance condition with the associated position set as the associated position. Then, if the counted number of each part is equal to or greater than a reference value, the existing interest objects and the new interest object are combined into a composite interest object. In this case, the number of interest objects of the same type as the new interest object may be calculated, and existing interest objects of the same type may be combined. Alternatively, the combination control may be performed only for specific types. Alternatively, only existing interest objects may be combined, and the new interest object may be placed alone.

[0173] [Variation 3] In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the placement time of an interest object is controlled and the interest object is deleted after the placement time has elapsed. Alternatively, an existing interest object may be deleted when the total number of interest objects in the surrounding airspace reaches a predetermined upper limit. For example, the objects may be deleted in order of placement date and time, starting with the oldest. It is also possible to delete only specific types of interest objects. For example, among the existing interest objects, first-type interest objects and third-type interest objects may be deleted in order of placement date and time, while second-type interest objects may not be deleted regardless of placement date and time.

[0174] [Variation 4] The size of the interest objects in the surrounding air sphere may also be controlled. For example, the server system 1100, as a size control means, performs control to reduce the size of all interest objects at a predetermined reduction rate when the total number of interest objects in the surrounding air sphere reaches a predetermined upper limit. This increases the distance between adjacent interest objects, making each interest object easier to see. Note that the control is not limited to reducing the interest objects, and a configuration may also be used to control them to increase their size. Furthermore, if the surrounding air sphere can be set relatively wide, the size of the interest objects may be increased. Conversely, if the surrounding air sphere is set relatively narrow, the size of the interest objects may be reduced.

[0175] Furthermore, as a placement control for the interest objects within the surrounding air sphere, the upper limit of the number that can be placed may be changed depending on the size of the surrounding air sphere. For example, if the surrounding air sphere is relatively large, the upper limit may be set higher than if it is relatively small. Furthermore, as a placement control, in order to place the interest objects as evenly as possible and to distribute them as evenly as possible, control may be performed so that the placement position of a new interest object is not less than a predetermined distance from the nearest interest object that has already been placed. Furthermore, control may be performed so that the interest objects are placed densely in a certain area within the surrounding air sphere.

[0176] [Variation 5] In addition, in the above embodiment, a new object of interest is placed based on the position of the virtual camera, but it is also possible to configure the object of interest to be placed in an empty space within the surrounding airspace where no existing objects exist.

[0177] [Variation 6] In the above embodiment, a paid evaluation operation is exemplified as a request operation including a payment operation, and an example has been described in which an interest object (paid interest object) is placed in exchange for consuming game coins. Alternatively, an operation to consume a predetermined item may be accepted as a payment operation, and an interest object may be placed in exchange for consuming the item. The item may be obtainable during the course of the game, or may be purchased by paying (using game coins), or may be obtainable by lottery.

[0178] Alternatively, an operation of consuming a predetermined parameter may be accepted as a payment operation, and an attractive object may be placed in exchange for consuming a predetermined amount of the parameter. The parameter may be, for example, a parameter that the user accumulates by playing the game.

[0179] [Variation 7] Furthermore, the type of interest object to be placed may be variably controlled according to the play level of the viewing user. For example, play levels may be divided into three stages, "low," "medium," and "high," and when a request operation is made, an interest object of a type corresponding to the stage to which the viewing user's play level belongs is placed. This can be achieved by defining a type of interest object for each of the three stages. Note that the number of stages to be classified is not limited to three, and may be two, four, or more.

[0180] The type of interest object to be placed may also be variably controlled according to the skill level of the viewing user. For example, skill levels may be divided into multiple stages in the same manner as in the example of play levels, and when a request operation is performed, an interest object of a type corresponding to the stage to which the viewing user's skill level belongs may be placed. In this case, too, it is sufficient to define the type of interest object corresponding to each skill level stage.

[0181] [Variation 8] The server system 1100 may have a function for distributing gameplay videos that reproduce a user's gameplay. During distribution, viewer users can rate the gameplay video by posting "likes," comments, tips, and the like. Therefore, when a target object to be viewed appears in the distributed gameplay video (i.e., when a public user distributes a gameplay video in which the broadcaster plays a game using the corresponding robot character), an interest object may be placed in the air around the target object to be viewed in response to a rating on the gameplay video. This allows the viewer's rating on the video in which the target object to be viewed appears to be reflected in the exhibition space of the target object to be viewed.

[0182] In this case, the server system 1100 generates and manages reproduction data for reproducing the user's game play based on the play data 560 (see FIG. 11). The server system 1100, as a viewing video provision control means, generates a game play video (viewing video) based on the reproduction data and distributes it in response to a distribution instruction operation by the distributor's user, thereby controlling the provision of the viewing video to the viewing user. When a robot character appearing in the viewing video being distributed is made public as a viewing object by the distributor's user (public user), and a rating operation is performed by the viewing user (viewing user) while viewing the viewing video, the server system 1100 accepts the rating operation as a request operation by the viewing user, and places a rating object in the air around the viewing object.

[0183] Alternatively, when a rating operation is performed, an associated position may be set. For example, the server system 1100 identifies the body part of the object to be viewed that was displayed in the video being viewed at the time of the rating operation from the play reproduction data and sets it as the associated position. In this case, the server system 1100 places the new delivery object within the body part vicinity range related to the body part set as the associated position. For example, when a rating operation is performed in a scene in which a weapon is displayed in the video being viewed, the "weapon" is set as the associated position, and the interest object is placed within the body part vicinity range (see FIG. 10) that is defined as the peripheral range of the "weapon" within the surrounding airspace.

[0184] [Variation 9] In addition, the ranking may be determined by counting the number of associated positions (corresponding to the number of interesting objects arranged within the vicinity range for each part related to the corresponding part) set for each of the eight parts of the viewing object corresponding to the associated position. The server system 1100 counts the number as a ranking counting means, and presents the rankings of the parts to the user in descending order of the number of associated positions, for example.

[0185] Furthermore, in the configuration of Modification 8, a ranking of the number set as the associated position can also be obtained. In Modification 8, the part of the object to be viewed that was displayed in the viewed video at the time of the rating operation is set as the associated position. Therefore, it is possible to rank the viewed video based on which part was most frequently posted during its display and present this to the user.

[0186] [Variation 10] In the above embodiment, the object to be viewed is a robot character created by a user playing a game through strengthening and modifying using a setup menu. However, the object to be viewed can also be a character object created by 3D scanning an assembly toy created by the user in the real world. An example of an assembly toy is an assembly-type plastic model of a robot character that appears in a game. In this case, a three-dimensional model is generated from a photographed image of the assembly toy, and object data to be viewed is obtained.

[0187] [Variation 11] Alternatively, an avatar of a viewing user may appear in the exhibition space, and the virtual camera of the viewing target user may be positioned behind the avatar. In this case, the server system 1100 controls the position of the virtual camera to follow the position behind the avatar and the line of sight of the virtual camera to match the direction of the avatar. The viewing user operates the virtual camera by operating their own avatar. In this case, when the viewing user performs a requested operation, an interest object may be placed at the avatar's current location. Furthermore, the viewing user may be able to operate the avatar to touch the placed interest object or change the shape of the touched interest object, allowing the avatar to interact with the placed interest object.

[0188] [Variation 12] Furthermore, the interest objects are not limited to being fixed at their placement positions, but may be controlled to move so as to float within the surrounding airspace. In this case, the movement of each interest object is controlled so that it does not overlap with other interest objects.

[0189] [Variation 13] In the above-described embodiment and each modified example, the exhibition space is a three-dimensional virtual space, the three-dimensional spatial area around the object to be viewed in the exhibition space is the peripheral aerial sphere, and the virtual camera can be moved three-dimensionally within the peripheral aerial sphere. In contrast, an image of the object to be viewed (for example, an image of the object to be viewed on the exhibition stage taken from the front; an exhibition space image) may be used as a two-dimensional exhibition space, and an image layer of this exhibition space may be superimposed on an object display layer for displaying the object to be viewed to generate an image to be viewed.

[0190] Fig. 18 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a viewing image in this case. As shown in Fig. 18, the viewing image is composed of an image layer L51 of an exhibition space image and an interest object display layer L53. In this modification, when the image layer L51 and the interest object display layer L53 are superimposed, the server system 1100 sets the area 21 of the interest object display layer L53, which is hatched in Fig. 18 and is outside the viewing target object V, as the surrounding aerial sphere. This makes it possible to set the area 21 around the viewing target object V that does not overlap with the viewing target object V shown in the image layer L51 as the surrounding aerial sphere.

[0191] Then, when a request operation indicating the desired placement position of the interest object is performed (for example, a touch operation that sets the touch position as the desired placement position), the server system 1100 places the interest object O in the surrounding air sphere 21 on the interest object display layer L53. In this case, too, the placement position is determined so as not to overlap with existing interest objects in the same manner as in the above-described embodiment and modified example. It is also possible to control placement time, size, and combination control. Furthermore, when placing an interest object in the depth direction toward the exhibition space image, the size of the interest object is reduced when placed.

[0192] [Variation 14] Furthermore, in the above embodiment and modified examples, the server system 1100 is described as the entity that processes game management, but the user terminal 1500 may be the entity that processes game management, or the processing related to the game management may be distributed and executed between the server system 1100 and the user terminal 1500. For example, in the configuration of the above embodiment, when the user terminal is the entity that processes game management, an example of the functional configuration of the user terminal 1500A is as shown in Fig. 19. Note that in Fig. 19, the same components as those in the above embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0193] As shown in FIG. 19 , in the user terminal 1500A of this modification, the device processing unit 200 includes a game management unit 230, and the screen display control unit 273 is omitted. That is, the user terminal 1500A of this modification does not acquire data for displaying images such as game screens from the server system 1100, but serves as a computer system in which its own game management unit 230 performs game management processing, controls the execution of game content, and generates images such as game screens. A game program 504 is stored in the device storage unit 500 of the user terminal 1500A, which, when executed by the user terminal 1500A, causes the device processing unit 200 to function as the user terminal calculation unit 270 and the game management unit 230. User management data 510 and play data 560 related to the user of the user terminal 1500A, as well as game setting data 520, are also stored in the device storage unit 500.

[0194] The processing flow of the user terminal 1500A of this modified example is basically the same as the flowchart shown in FIG. 15, and each step can be interpreted as being executed by the game management unit 230 of the user terminal 1500A.

[0195] However, the server system 1100 manages the latest information on the interest object data 540 (see FIG. 12) included in the exhibition space setting data 530. That is, the server system 1100 collects interest object data of new interest objects generated in the relevant user terminal 1500 in response to a new request operation from the relevant user terminal 1500 as needed, and adds the collected interest object data to the interest object data related to the relevant exhibition space for management. The server system 1100 also distributes the collected interest object data of new interest objects together with the exhibition space ID to each user terminal 1500. Meanwhile, when interest object data is generated in the user terminal 1500 in response to a new request operation, the server system 1100 transmits the interest object data to the server system 1100 together with the exhibition space ID. When interest object data is distributed from the server system 1100, the interest object data is added to the exhibition space setting data 530 related to the relevant exhibition space.

[0196] According to this modification, the same effects as those of the above embodiment can be obtained. Note that the user terminal 1500 may be configured to perform only a part of the functions of the game management unit 230, rather than performing all of them. [Explanation of symbols]

[0197] 1000...Game System 1100...Server system 100s...Operation input section 200s...Server processing section 210...User Management Department 220...Charging processing unit 230...Game Management Department 231... Peripheral airspace setting section 233...Virtual camera control unit 235...Request operation reception unit 237...Association position setting unit 239...Layout control unit 241...Part-specific placement control unit 243...Viewing image generation control unit 245...Evaluation input reception unit 247...Evaluation response display control unit 290s...Image generation section 292s…sound generation section 294s…Communication control unit 390s...Image display section 392s...Sound output section 394s…Communication Department 500s...Server storage section 501...Server program 503...Streaming game client program 510...User management data 510...User management data 520...Game setting data 530...Exhibition space setting data 531...Space setting information 532...Viewing object ID 533...Public user ID 535... Peripheral airspace definition data 537...Proximity range definition data by body part 539...Viewing object data 540...Interesting object data 541... Viewer user ID 543...Type 545…Placement date and time 547...Association site 549…Placement position 551...End date and time of placement time 553...Comment content 555...Number of evaluations entered 560...Play data 570... Character data 571...Character ID 573...Aircraft name 575...Parts configuration information 577...Aircraft decoration information 1500...User terminal 100...Operation input section 200...Terminal processing section 270...User terminal calculation unit 271...Operation signal transmission control unit 273...Screen display control unit 290...Image generation unit 292...Sound generation section 294...Communication control unit 390...Image display unit 392...Sound output unit 394…Communications Department 500...Device memory section 502...Game client program N...Network 2...User

Claims

1. a surrounding aerial sphere setting means for setting a surrounding aerial sphere around an object to be viewed that is placed in the virtual space based on setting information of the virtual space; a request operation receiving means for receiving a request operation from a viewing user to place a given interest object in the surrounding air sphere; a placement control means for controlling placement of the interest object in the surrounding air sphere in response to the request operation; a viewing image generation control means for controlling the generation of a viewing image that displays the viewing target object together with the object of interest arranged in the surrounding air sphere; A computer system comprising:

2. a surrounding aerial sphere setting means for setting a surrounding aerial sphere around an object to be viewed based on the object to be viewed arranged in a virtual space; a request operation receiving means for receiving a request operation from a viewing user to place a given object of interest in the surrounding air sphere; a placement control means for controlling placement of the interest object in the surrounding air sphere in response to the request operation; a viewing image generation control means for controlling the generation of a viewing image that displays the viewing target object together with the object of interest arranged in the surrounding air sphere; A computer system comprising:

3. a surrounding aerial sphere setting means for setting a surrounding aerial sphere around the object to be viewed based on setting information of the virtual space and the object to be viewed arranged in the virtual space; a request operation receiving means for receiving a request operation from a viewing user to place a given object of interest in the surrounding air sphere; a placement control means for controlling placement of the interest object in the surrounding air sphere in response to the request operation; a viewing image generation control means for controlling the generation of a viewing image that displays the viewing target object together with the object of interest arranged in the surrounding air sphere; A computer system comprising:

4. the surrounding aerial sphere setting means sets the surrounding aerial sphere in a three-dimensional space area around the object to be viewed, The computer system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The surrounding aerial sphere setting means sets a given image layer constituting the viewing image, and sets the surrounding aerial sphere in an area around the viewing target object in the given image layer. The computer system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. the placement control means performs control to place a new interest object in response to the new requested operation in addition to the existing interest object that has already been placed; The computer system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

7. The viewing image generation control means generating an image of the virtual space as seen from a given virtual camera as the viewing image; controlling the position and line of sight of the virtual camera based on an operation by the viewer; and the request operation receiving means receives the request operation from the viewing user who is viewing the viewing image, the placement control means determines a placement position of the interest object based on a position of the virtual camera when the requested operation is performed. The computer system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

8. the placement control means controls the placement of the interest objects in a spatially discrete manner; The computer system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

9. the placement control means determines a placement position of a new interest object to be newly placed based on an existing interest object that has already been placed; The computer system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

10. the placement control means controls placement of the interest objects so as to be discrete in time by controlling placement times of the interest objects; The computer system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

11. The arrangement control means has a combination control means for controlling the combination of the plurality of interest objects into a given composite interest object based on 1) the number of the interest objects to be arranged, 2) an arrangement density which is the number of the interest objects to be arranged per given unit area, and 3) a nearest distance which is the distance between the nearest adjacent interest objects. The computer system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

12. the placement control means includes size control means for controlling the size of the interest objects based on the number of interest objects to be placed; The computer system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

13. There are multiple types of interest objects, the placement control means variably controls the type of the interest object to be placed; The computer system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

14. the placement control means variably controls the type of the interest object to be placed based on user information of the viewing user who performed the request operation; 14. The computer system of claim 13.

15. the request operation receiving means is capable of receiving the request operation including a payment operation for a given price by charging or consuming an item or parameter; the placement control means variably controls the type of the interest object in response to the payment operation; 14. The computer system of claim 13.

16. the placement control means controls the placement position of the interest object in accordance with the type of the interest object to be placed; 14. The computer system of claim 13.

17. evaluation input receiving means for receiving an evaluation input from the viewing user for an existing interest object that has already been placed; an evaluation response display control means for variably controlling the display of the corresponding existing interest object based on the evaluation input; The computer system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising:

18. The computer system, a surrounding aerial sphere setting means for setting a surrounding aerial sphere around an object to be viewed placed in the virtual space based on setting information of the virtual space; a request operation receiving means for receiving a request operation from a viewing user to place a given interest object in the surrounding air sphere; a placement control means for controlling placement of the object of interest in the surrounding air sphere in response to the request operation; a viewing image generation control means for controlling the generation of a viewing image in which the viewing target object is displayed together with the object of interest arranged in the surrounding air sphere; A program to function as a

19. The computer system, a surrounding aerial sphere setting means for setting a surrounding aerial sphere around an object to be viewed based on the object to be viewed arranged in a virtual space; a request operation receiving means for receiving a request operation from a viewing user to place a given interest object in the surrounding air sphere; a placement control means for controlling placement of the object of interest in the surrounding air sphere in response to the request operation; a viewing image generation control means for controlling the generation of a viewing image in which the viewing target object is displayed together with the object of interest arranged in the surrounding air sphere; A program to function as a

20. The computer system, a surrounding aerial sphere setting means for setting a surrounding aerial sphere around the object to be viewed based on setting information of the virtual space and the object to be viewed arranged in the virtual space; a request operation receiving means for receiving a request operation from a viewing user to place a given interest object in the surrounding air sphere; a placement control means for controlling placement of the object of interest in the surrounding air sphere in response to the request operation; a viewing image generation control means for controlling the generation of a viewing image in which the viewing target object is displayed together with the object of interest arranged in the surrounding air sphere; A program to function as a

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