Server system for providing image generation for content, terminal device, and program

Abstract

To provide a server system, etc., for providing image generation for content capable of reducing a load of each processing such as image processing in the case where information on a game is provided to a terminal device and a player enjoys the game.SOLUTION: When a transmission request transmitted from a terminal device 20 is received, a server device 10 executes image generation determination processing for determining whether to create image data by image generation processing or to use registered image data on the basis of the registered image data registered in a storage unit 140, generates image data to be transmitted as image generation processing and provides the generated image data to be transmitted to the terminal device 20 in a case where it is determined that the generation of the image is executed by the image generation determination processing, and reads the corresponding registered image data and provides it to the terminal device 20 in a case where it is determined that the registered image data is used by the image generation determination processing.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a server system for generating and providing images for content, a terminal device, a program, and the like. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, with the development of network technologies such as the World Wide Web (WWW) and advances in information and communication terminal devices (hereinafter referred to as "terminal devices") such as personal computers and smartphones, it has become common to provide images for games and the like to multiple terminal devices using a network.

[0003] In particular, recently, terminal devices have been configured to access a server device that provides a game via a network using the terminal device based on user operation, and to play the game provided by the server device.

[0004] On the other hand, if the number of terminal devices accessing a server device increases, the load on the server device increases, various processing speeds decrease, and it may become difficult to provide the game appropriately and make the game enjoyable.

[0005] In particular, with the recent development of communication technology, games with high image quality are often provided, which is accelerating the deterioration of various processing speeds.

[0006] Recently, as a solution to this problem, systems have emerged that reduce the amount of calculation required for high-load drawing processing (e.g., Patent Document 1), or systems that generate and store predicted images and sounds in advance and output the stored images and sounds when needed (e.g., Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5559445 [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 7157099 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] However, the systems described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 above are based on the premise that the drawing process is reduced by using multiple server devices or that images are generated by predicting them in advance, and do not register images generated based on actual image generation requests or use the registered images depending on the situation.

[0009] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to reduce the load of each process, such as imaging process (drawing process), for generating an image when providing information about an image for a game or the like to a terminal device, or to provide a server system for generating and providing images for content that not only reduces the processing load on the terminal device when the terminal device is executing each process related to a virtual space, but also enables the use of high-resolution images regardless of the specifications of the terminal device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] (1) In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides: A server system for generating and providing images for content that generates and provides given images for content as image data to a terminal device connected via a network, a reception processing means for receiving a request to transmit the image transmitted from the terminal device based on information related to the content at a given timing while the control related to the content using the image is being executed by the terminal device; a generation processing means for executing a generation process for generating the image as image data based on the transmission request; a registration control means for registering the generated image data in a storage means in association with information on the content at the time when the transmission request was made, and storing the image data for at least a predetermined period of time; a determination processing means for executing a use determination process, when the transmission request is received, to determine whether to create an image to be transmitted by the generation process based on at least registered image data registered in the storage means, or to use the registered image data as the image to be transmitted; providing means for providing the generated image data or the registered image data to the terminal device at a given timing; The configuration includes:

[0011] With this configuration, the present invention allows users to enjoy images without depending on the specifications of the terminal device, and can utilize existing resources without having to constantly generate image data every time an image transmission request is received.

[0012] Therefore, when a terminal device is performing processing related to a virtual space and performing processing that involves a heavy load, such as generating high-resolution images, the present invention can utilize the resources of the server system, thereby not only reducing the processing burden on the terminal device but also making it possible to provide high-resolution images without depending on the specifications of the terminal device.

[0013] Furthermore, when processing related to a virtual space is being executed on the server system side, the present invention can reduce the load of each process on the server system side, such as imaging processing (drawing processing) for generating an image.

[0014] In particular, the present invention can reduce the processing load of the server itself, and therefore can provide a comfortable playing, operating, or viewing environment for many users, for example, in cases where a large number of users enjoy an experience in the same virtual space at the same time, such as in MMOs (Massively Multiplayer Online Games).

[0015] It should be noted that "given images for content" refers to, for example, images related to a given game, or images related to a network service that uses a virtual space such as the Metaverse.

[0016] In particular, the "given image" includes various images such as moving images and still images, or various images such as a combination of the image with music or sound, and may indicate, for example, a character object, the motion of the character object, a background object, and an image in a virtual space including these, or a movie scene that is a part of such an image.

[0017] In particular, the "given game" includes games such as fighting games (fighting games and sports games), RPGs, shooting games, racing games, and simulation games.

[0018] The term "given timing" refers to any timing during the execution of given control using an image.

[0019] Furthermore, a "transmission request" indicates, for example, a request to generate and provide an image of a specific scene that has occurred within a virtual space, and includes, for example, the environment within the virtual space (e.g., the game environment) for identifying the specific scene, the situation within the virtual space (e.g., the game situation), and user-related information of the user making the transmission request (e.g., player-related information of the player playing the game).

[0020] In addition to the above, "generation processing" includes not only the processing of generating a new image from scratch, but also the processing of generating an image by using or reconstructing part of registered image data. However, "generation processing" includes not only the processing performed according to a predefined procedure such as a program, but also the processing performed using a model generated based on already generated images such as generation AI or pre-prepared learning images.

[0021] Furthermore, "storing for at least a predetermined period of time" may mean temporarily storing the information or semi-permanently storing the information, and may also mean storing the information for a period of time until a given condition is met, such as the frequency of use over a certain period of time falling below a predetermined standard.

[0022] In particular, it is now possible to delete registered image data that is used infrequently, thereby optimizing storage space and reserving storage space for necessary images.

[0023] In addition, "judgment processing" includes not only judgment processing that makes judgments based on predefined conditions such as a program (the situation in the virtual space, the environment in the virtual space, user information, etc.), but also judgments that are made using a model generated based on judgment results that have already been executed or pre-prepared judgment results such as a generation AI.

[0024] Furthermore, the "given timing" may be the timing at which an image is generated in response to a transmission request, but if the terminal device is capable of storing image data, it may also be the timing between registering or logging in to a virtual space, such as at the start of a game, and the time at which the image is used (including the timing at which it may be used), or it may be a timing determined by the operator of the game or service, or it may be a timing specified based on the user's operation.

[0025] In addition to the above, "using registered image data" includes not only using registered image data as is (without modifying the image), but also using part of the registered image data.

[0026] (2) The present invention also provides the images include at least an image relating to a virtual space displayed on the terminal device; The generation processing means The image is generated as image data based on a plurality of image resources used to form an image relating to the virtual space.

[0027] With this configuration, the present invention allows users to enjoy image data without depending on the specifications of the terminal device, and can utilize existing resources without having to constantly generate image data every time an image transmission request is received, thereby reducing the processing load of image processing (drawing processing) when generating images related to virtual space.

[0028] It should be noted that "images related to virtual space" include not only specific scenes or videos that occur within the virtual space, but also parts (parts of an image) that make up an image, such as characters that appear within the virtual space or various objects represented by the terrain of the virtual space, or the background.

[0029] Furthermore, "image resources" refers to data specified when an image relating to a virtual space is drawn, such as model data for a character or the like, texture data, or shaders, vectors, and coordinates.

[0030] (3) The present invention also provides The reception processing means Based on the request to send the image, an image in the virtual space for specifying the image to be sent, information about the virtual space indicating at least one of information about the situation in the virtual space, user-related information about the relevant user, or information about the virtual space and the user-related information is acquired; The generation processing means The image is generated as image data based on the acquired information.

[0031] With this configuration, the present invention can generate image data according to the situation within each user's virtual space at a given time, such as when logging in to a virtual space executed on a terminal device (for example, when a game is launched), when a given quest is started in the virtual space (for example, when a quest in a game is started), or when a given quest is completed in the virtual space (for example, when a boss is defeated during a game).

[0032] Therefore, the present invention can provide image data that is well timed and impressive, or image data that can give an uplifting feeling.

[0033] In addition, "images in virtual space" include, for example, (A1) Parameters related to objects such as the type, position, and characteristics of each object that constitutes the virtual space; (A2) Position and brightness of the light source (image brightness), (A3) Virtual camera position, (A4) Parameters related to time in the virtual space, and (A5) Parameters for defining the virtual space, These include:

[0034] In addition, "situation in virtual space" includes, for example, (B1) Parameters set for each character, including the user character, such as the position, action, and status (specifically, the current coordinates of each part of the character and the coordinates of the final point after the action), stamina (current value and maximum value), experience points, and ability values ​​(including those to be unlocked in the future; the same applies below) (information about color, the coordinates of the target to be reached in the case of a moving object, and the final form in the case of a transforming object), (B2) Item parameters such as the type, number, and ability values ​​of items acquired by each character or user (information about color, coordinates of the target in the case of a moving object, and the final form in the case of a transforming object), (B3) The composition of characters in the same group or team, the type of other characters or their abilities, etc. (B4) The current stage and previously cleared stages, These include:

[0035] Furthermore, "obtaining information about the virtual space in order to identify the image to be transmitted" means obtaining information about the virtual space transmitted from the terminal device along with the transmission request, or obtaining information from the information provided to the terminal device by the server system for generating and providing images for content based on the transmission request.

[0036] Furthermore, "user-related information" includes, for example, information about the specifications of the terminal device (such as the resolution of the display or the processing power of the CPU) and information about the user (hereinafter also referred to as "user information").

[0037] In particular, "user information" includes, for example, parameters such as currency, scores, points, level, and achievements used in the virtual space obtained by the user, the time spent in the virtual space (the actual time from registration or the actual time spent in the virtual space from logging in to logging out), the event participation history carried out in the virtual space (the total time and number of times the user participated in the event), and the billing history (including the date and amount of the billing).

[0038] (4) The present invention also provides The image includes a plurality of types, The generation processing means The system is configured to identify the type of image to be generated from among the multiple types of images based on the information about the acquired virtual space, and to execute the generation process to generate an image corresponding to the identified type as image data.

[0039] With this configuration, the present invention can generate images as image data according to information about the virtual space, such as by using or reconstructing part of registered image data such as model data (data for motion) for NPCs or background data including coordinate data and terrain objects, or by generating new images from scratch.

[0040] Therefore, the present invention can generate, at appropriate timing, an image in a virtual space, an image suitable for the situation in the virtual space, and an image suitable for the user, as image data.

[0041] It should be noted that "multiple types" include character objects, the motion of the character objects, background objects, images of scenes in a virtual space including these (including those that also have sound), parts of the images, or scripts for forming images such as each image (which may include resources such as images to be used).

[0042] For example, "multiple types" is defined as images of different types when the scene in the virtual space provided (displayed) on the terminal device is the same, but the resolution is different, the data format is different, or the resource data is different.

[0043] (5) The present invention also provides The storage means stores each registered image data in association with registration status information indicating the registration status of the registered image data, The generation processing means The system is configured to identify the type of image to be generated based on the registered image data registered in the storage means and the registration status information of the registered image data, and to execute the generation process to generate an image of the identified type as image data.

[0044] With this configuration, the present invention can generate an image by using or reconstructing part of the data of an image based on the type of image, the situation in the virtual space at the time of generation, the registration status of the image in the virtual space or user information, or can generate a new image from scratch.

[0045] Therefore, the present invention can utilize existing resources without constantly generating image data every time an image transmission request is received, thereby reducing the load of imaging processing for generating images, for example.

[0046] The "registration status" includes, for example, the content of each image (the type of image itself, the type of image resource included in each image, the image in the virtual space of each image, the situation in the virtual space of each image, information about the user to whom each image was provided (user-related information)), and the data volume of each image. However, the registration status may also include, for example, the usage frequency, usage history, and number of uses of each image, as well as the usage status of registered image data, such as the usage frequency, usage history, and number of uses for each usage format.

[0047] (6) The present invention also provides The generation processing means Based on the registration status information, the entire image to be transmitted is generated, or a portion of the image is generated, and the image to be transmitted is generated as image data using the portion of the generated image.

[0048] With this configuration, the present invention can generate an image as image data by using or reconstructing part of the data of an image based on the type of image, or the situation in the virtual space at the time of generation, or the image in the virtual space, etc., so that existing resources can be utilized without having to constantly generate image data every time a request to send an image is received.

[0049] (7) The present invention also provides The determination processing means When the transmission request is accepted, a condition determination process is executed to determine whether or not information relating to the user who has issued the transmission request satisfies a given condition; When it is determined that the information relating to the user satisfies the condition, the use determination process is executed.

[0050] With this configuration, the present invention can generate images as image data according to the situation within the user's virtual space, thereby improving the user's motivation to act within the virtual space, such as to enjoy better images.

[0051] "Information about the user" may include, for example, the user's billing history for subscriptions, the currency or points used in the virtual space, or whether or not the user has items to use in the virtual space.

[0052] In addition, the "given conditions" include conditions based on, for example, the user's billing history for subscriptions, the consumption of currency or points used in the virtual space, or the use or acquisition status of items used in the virtual space.

[0053] (8) The present invention also provides a management means for managing, for each of the images, at least one of information relating to the virtual space and the user-related information including terminal information indicating information relating to the terminal device; Further preparation, The determination processing means Execute the usage determination process based on the registered image data, information about the virtual space, and the terminal information; The generation processing means When generating the image as image data, the generation process is executed based on information about the virtual space and the terminal information.

[0054] With this configuration, the present invention can determine whether or not registered image data is to be used, or whether or not image data is to be generated, depending on the status of the user or the user's terminal device, so that image data appropriate for each user can be generated while utilizing existing resources without having to constantly generate image data every time an image transmission request is received.

[0055] In other words, the present invention can change the prerequisites for the image generation process for each user or terminal device, so that the image generated can be changed according to the user's situation or the terminal device being used, and as a result, suitable images can be provided even in different environments.

[0056] "Terminal information" includes information mainly related to specifications, such as memory, storage capacity, drawing capacity (image processing capacity of GPU, etc.), resolution, communication speed, computing capacity (processing capacity of CPU), and product name (product identification number) from the parts manufacturer.

[0057] (9) The present invention also provides The generation processing means The system is configured to identify the type of image to be generated based on the request to send the image, as well as information about the virtual space and / or the terminal information, and to execute the generation process to generate an image of the identified type as image data.

[0058] With this configuration, the present invention can, for example, generate an image as drawing data to be displayed on a terminal device, or generate display control data for drawing on a terminal device, or change the type of image depending on the level (e.g., game level) set in the user's virtual space.

[0059] Therefore, the present invention can generate and provide image data in accordance with the specifications of the terminal device, and therefore can provide appropriate image data without placing an excessive load on the terminal device.

[0060] (10) The present invention also provides a prediction processing means for executing a prediction process for predicting an image to be provided to the user in the future based on at least one of information about the virtual space of the user who has executed the transmission request and the terminal information of the user; The generation processing means performing the generation process to generate an image predicted by the prediction process as predicted image data; The registration control means The generated predicted image data is registered in the storage means.

[0061] With this configuration, the present invention can generate image data to be provided in advance, thereby quickly providing image data and, as a result, reducing delays in each process (both on the terminal device side and on the image providing side such as the server system) that are required to provide, for example, high-quality images. ) can be prevented, and the satisfaction level regarding the use of games or network services can be improved without causing frustration to the user.

[0062] (11) The present invention also provides The generation processing means executes a predicted image determination process for determining whether the predicted image data satisfies a given image condition; When the predicted image data satisfies the given image conditions, the predicted image data is generated as the predicted image data.

[0063] With this configuration, the present invention can suppress excessive processing such as generating a predicted image as predicted image data, since, for example, when the predicted image is identical or considered to be identical to an image that can be generated based on the specifications of the terminal device, there may be no need to generate it in advance.

[0064] The "given image conditions" include conditions such as the predicted image not being identical or not being considered identical to an image that can be generated based on the specifications of the terminal device.

[0065] In particular, the term "identical images" refers to images with the same image quality or data volume, or images with the same time required for the generation process during the game, and images that are considered identical refer to images with image quality or data volume that are within a specified range, or images with the same time required for the generation process during the game that are within a specified range, for example.

[0066] (12) The present invention also provides The generation processing means performing a predicted image determination process for determining whether the generated predicted image satisfies a given image condition; If the generated predicted image does not satisfy the given image conditions, predicted image data with different characteristics is regenerated.

[0067] With this configuration, the present invention can prevent duplicate registration of images that are identical or considered to be identical, or can generate images of different patterns as image data by changing the conditions for generation.

[0068] (13) The present invention also provides The generation processing means modifying the already generated image data or the newly generated image data in accordance with given conditions to generate one or more modified images; The registration control means The generated altered image is registered in the storage means as new registered image data.

[0069] With this configuration, the present invention can increase the number of registered image data, so that existing resources can be utilized without constantly generating image data every time an image transmission request is received.

[0070] Therefore, the present invention can provide image data quickly and, as a result, prevent delays in each process due to, for example, providing high-quality images, thereby improving the user's satisfaction with using games or network services without causing frustration to the user.

[0071] In addition, "given conditions" include generating multiple images with a different resolution than the image requested to be sent, generating an image in a different data format than the image requested to be sent, and generating image data in a different language than the image requested to be sent.

[0072] (14) The present invention also provides The reception processing means receiving an instruction to generate an image to be combined with image data generated by the terminal device or registered in the terminal device as a request to transmit the image; The providing means The image to be synthesized generated by the generation process, or image data that has already been registered as the image to be synthesized, is provided to the terminal device.

[0073] With this configuration, the present invention can also utilize the image generation function provided in the terminal device, thereby reducing the resources of the server system for generating and providing images for content itself and enabling images to be provided quickly.

[0074] (15) The present invention also provides The apparatus is configured to further include a determination processing means for executing a determination process to determine the composite image to be generated by the generation process, based on information about the virtual space, such as an image in the virtual space for identifying the image acquired together with the request to send the image, and at least one of information about the situation in the virtual space, the image data already registered in the terminal device, and registered image data already registered in the storage means.

[0075] With this configuration, the present invention can also utilize the image generation function provided in the terminal device, thereby reducing the resources of the server system for generating and providing images for content itself and enabling image data to be provided quickly.

[0076] (16) The present invention also provides The providing means The image data is provided to the terminal device in a predetermined format for moving images.

[0077] With this configuration, the present invention can provide generated image data or registered image data to a terminal device in a predetermined format such as MPEG.

[0078] (17) In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides: A program that generates a given image for content as image data and provides it to a terminal device connected via a network, a reception processing means for receiving a request to transmit the image transmitted from the terminal device based on information related to the content at a given timing while the control related to the content using the image is being executed by the terminal device; a generation processing means for executing a generation process for generating the image as image data based on the transmission request; a registration control means for registering the generated image data in a storage means in association with information on the content at the time when the transmission request was made, and storing the image data for at least a predetermined period of time; When the transmission request is accepted, an image to be transmitted is created by the generation process based on at least the registered image data registered in the storage means, or a determination processing means for executing a use determination process for determining whether or not to use the registered image data as an image to be transmitted; providing means for providing the generated image data or the registered image data to the terminal device at a given timing; The computer has a configuration that causes the computer to function as a

[0079] With this configuration, the present invention allows users to enjoy images without depending on the specifications of the terminal device, and can utilize existing resources without having to constantly generate image data every time an image transmission request is received.

[0080] Therefore, when a terminal device is performing processing related to a virtual space and performing processing that involves a heavy load, such as generating high-resolution images, the present invention can utilize the resources of the server system, thereby not only reducing the processing burden on the terminal device but also providing high-resolution images without depending on the specifications of the terminal device.

[0081] Furthermore, when processing related to a virtual space is being executed on the server system side, the present invention can reduce the load of each process on the server system side, such as imaging processing (drawing processing) for generating an image.

[0082] (18) In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides: A terminal device that executes control related to a given image for content provided from a server system connected via a network based on a user's operation, a reception control means for receiving server-generated image data provided from the server system; a generation control means for executing a generation process to generate an image to be combined with the received server-generated image data as a terminal-generated image; a synthesis processing means for executing synthesis processing to synthesize the server-generated image data and the terminal-generated image to generate a synthesized image as image data; an output control means for outputting the composite image to an output means; Equipped with The generation control means acquiring image resource data for generating the image as image data from the server system or from a storage unit in which the image resource data is stored in advance; The image processing device is configured to execute the generation process for generating the terminal-generated image as image data based on the acquired image resource data and the server-generated image data.

[0083] With this configuration, the present invention enables the server system and the terminal device to generate image data in cooperation with each other, for example, by generating images that require a heavy burden of drawing processing, such as background images (including still images and moving images), in the server system, and generating images that require a light burden of drawing processing, such as images of character objects, in the terminal device.

[0084] Therefore, the present invention can reduce the load of each process, such as the imaging process (drawing process) for generating an image, on the server system side.

[0085] In particular, the present invention can reduce the processing load of the server itself, and therefore can provide a comfortable playing, operating, or viewing environment for many users, for example, in cases where a large number of users enjoy an experience in the same virtual space at the same time, such as in MMOs (Massively Multiplayer Online Games).

[0086] Furthermore, the present invention is applicable to a case where a process related to a virtual space is being executed by a terminal device. Therefore, when performing processing that requires a heavy load, such as generating a high-resolution image, the resources of the server system can be utilized, which not only reduces the processing load on the terminal device, but also makes it possible to provide high-resolution images without depending on the specifications of the terminal device.

[0087] (19) In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides: A program that executes control related to a given image for content provided from a server system connected via a network based on a user's operation, a reception control means for receiving server-generated image data provided from the server system; a generation control means for executing a generation process to generate an image to be combined with the received server-generated image data as a terminal-generated image; a synthesis processing means for executing synthesis processing to synthesize the server-generated image data and the terminal-generated image to generate a synthesized image as synthesized image data; and an output control means for outputting the composite image to an output means; Make the computer function as The generation control means acquiring image resource data for generating the image as image data from the server system or from a storage unit in which the image resource data is stored in advance; The image processing device is configured to execute the generation process for generating the terminal-generated image data based on the acquired image resource data and the server-generated image data.

[0088] Therefore, the present invention can reduce the load of each process, such as imaging process (drawing process) for generating an image, on the server system side.

[0089] In particular, the present invention can reduce the processing load of the server itself, and therefore can provide a comfortable playing, operating, or viewing environment for many users, for example, in cases where a large number of users enjoy an experience in the same virtual space at the same time, such as in MMOs (Massively Multiplayer Online Games).

[0090] Furthermore, when a terminal device is performing processing related to a virtual space and performing processing that involves a heavy load, such as generating high-resolution images, the present invention can utilize resources on the server system side, thereby not only reducing the processing burden on the terminal device but also making it possible to provide high-resolution images without depending on the specifications of the terminal device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0091] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration showing the configuration of a game system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 illustrates functional blocks of a server device according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating functional blocks of a terminal device according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an image generation process and a process for providing the generated image in a server device according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of image data registered in an image data storage unit according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an image generation process executed by a server device according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an image generation process executed by a server device according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing an operation executed by the server device according to an embodiment, illustrating an image generation and provision process for providing image data based on an instruction from the terminal device 20 while a game is being played. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0092] The present embodiment will be described below.

[0093] Note that the embodiments described below do not unduly limit the content of the present invention described in the claims, and not all of the configurations described in the present embodiments are necessarily essential components of the present invention.

[0094] The following embodiments will be described using game images as given images using a virtual space. However, the following embodiments are not limited to these and can also be applied to images in a virtual space such as the Metaverse or images of events.

[0095] [1] Game System First, the outline and general configuration of a game system 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a system configuration showing the configuration of the game system 1 according to this embodiment.

[0096] As shown in FIG. 1, the game system 1 of this embodiment is configured such that a server device 10 that provides game services and terminal devices 20 (e.g., terminal devices 20A, 20B, 20C) are connectable to the Internet (an example of a network).

[0097] A player can access the server device 10 from a terminal device 20, obtain a game from the server device 10 via the Internet, and play the game. Furthermore, by accessing the server device 10 from a terminal device 20, a player can play a game while communicating with other players.

[0098] In particular, the server device 10 is an information processing device capable of providing a service that allows players to play games using terminal devices 20 that are connected for communication via the Internet.

[0099] The server device 10 can also function as an SNS server that provides a communication-type service. The SNS server refers to, for example, an information processing device that provides a service that allows communication between multiple players.

[0100] Furthermore, when the server device 10 functions as an SNS server, for example, it is capable of providing a game called a social game that is executed using the operating environment (API (Application Programming Interface), platform, etc.) of the SNS it provides.

[0101] Specifically, the server device 10 may provide games via the terminal device 20 in a server-client format, or may provide games provided on the web browser of the terminal device 20, such as browser games (games that can be started simply by opening the installation site in a web browser) created in various languages ​​such as HTML, FLASH, CGI, PHP, shockwave, Java (registered trademark) applet, and JavaScript (registered trademark).

[0102] Unlike existing online games, social games include games that can be played using only a web browser and an SNS account, without requiring dedicated client software. The server device 10 is configured to connect to other players' devices (smartphones, PCs, game consoles, etc.) via a network, and provide an online game in which players can simultaneously share the same game progress online.

[0103] On the other hand, the server device 10 may be configured as one (device, processor) or multiple (devices, processors). It may consist of a number of (devices, processors).

[0104] Then, information such as game information stored in the memory area of ​​the server device 10 (memory unit 140 described later) may be stored in a database (broadly speaking, a storage device, memory) connected via a network (intranet or internet), or when functioning as an SNS server, information such as player information storage unit 146 stored in the memory area may be stored in a database (broadly speaking, a storage device, memory) connected via a network (intranet or internet).

[0105] Specifically, the server device 10 of this embodiment receives input information based on operations by a player of the terminal device 20 (i.e., a player who executes a game), and performs game processing based on the received input information.

[0106] Then, the server device 10 transmits the game processing results to the terminal device 20. The terminal device 20 is configured to perform various processes to provide the game processing results received from the server device 10 to the terminal device 20 so that they can be viewed by the player.

[0107] The terminal device 20 is an information processing device such as a smartphone, a mobile phone, a PHS, a computer, a game device, a PDA, a portable game machine, an image generating device, or the like, and is a device that can be connected to the server device 10 via a network such as the Internet (WAN) or a LAN. The communication line between the terminal device 20 and the server device 10 may be wired or wireless.

[0108] The terminal device 20 also includes a web browser capable of viewing web pages (HTML data). That is, the terminal device 20 includes a communication control function for communicating with the server device 10, a web browser function for controlling display using data received from the server device 10 (web data, data created in HTML format, etc.), and for transmitting player operation data to the server device 10.

[0109] For example, the terminal device 20 may acquire necessary information, such as game information about other players when they are competing, from the server device 10, execute game processing based on a game application stored in a memory area (the memory unit 270 described later), and also execute various processes to provide a game screen to the player, allowing the player to play the game.

[0110] Furthermore, for example, the terminal device 20 may transmit player operation data to the server device 10, while acquiring game control information provided by the server device 10, and execute predetermined game processing, thereby executing a game based on the game processing.

[0111] In particular, when the terminal device 20 executes game processing based on game control information provided by the server device 10, it makes a request to the server device 10 to play a predetermined game, and is connected to the game site of the server device 10, and the game begins.

[0112] The terminal device 20 is configured to use an API as needed to cause the server device 10 functioning as an SNS server to perform a predetermined process, or to acquire the player information storage unit 146 managed by the server device 10 functioning as an SNS server, thereby executing a game.

[0113] [2] Server device Next, the server device 10 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0114] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the functional blocks of the server device 10 of this embodiment. The server device 10 of the embodiment may have a configuration in which some of the components (units) of FIG. 2 are omitted.

[0115] The server device 10 includes an input unit 120 for use by the administrator and other inputs, a display unit 130 for displaying predetermined information, an information storage medium 180 in which predetermined information is stored, a communication unit 196 for communicating with terminal devices 20 and others, a processing unit 100 for mainly executing processing related to the game to be provided, and a memory unit 140 for storing various data mainly used in the game.

[0116] The input unit 120 is used by a system administrator or the like to input game-related settings and other necessary settings and data. For example, the input unit 120 in this embodiment is configured with a mouse, keyboard, and the like.

[0117] The display unit 130 displays an operation screen for the system administrator. For example, the display unit 130 of this embodiment is configured by a liquid crystal display or the like.

[0118] The information storage medium 180 (computer-readable medium) stores programs, data, etc., and its functions are realized by an optical disk (CD, DVD), a magneto-optical disk (MO), a magnetic disk, a hard disk, a magnetic tape, or a memory (ROM), etc.

[0119] The communication unit 196 performs various controls for communicating with the outside (e.g., terminals, other servers, or other network systems), and its functions are configured by hardware such as various processors or communication ASICs, programs, etc.

[0120] The storage unit 140 serves as a work area for the processing unit 100, the communication unit 196, etc., and its functions are realized by RAM (VRAM), etc. The information stored in the storage unit 140 may be managed by a database.

[0121] In addition to the main memory 142, the memory unit 140 of this embodiment also includes: (A1) A game data storage unit 144 stores game data such as game programs, various table data, and data related to each object including character data, data related to maps, and various image resource data required to draw images related to the game. (A2) a player information storage unit 146 in which player information indicating information about each player is stored; and (A3) An image data storage unit 148 in which image data relating to the game (hereinafter referred to as "image data"), which is generated in accordance with a request from the player's terminal device 20, is stored; It has the following characteristics.

[0122] The processing unit 100 performs various processes using the main memory unit 142 in the memory unit 140 as a work area. The functions of the processing unit 100 can be realized by hardware such as various processors (CPU, DSP, etc.) and ASICs (gate arrays, etc.), or by programs.

[0123] The processing unit 100 performs various processes of this embodiment based on programs (data) stored in the information storage medium 180. That is, the information storage medium 180 stores programs for causing a computer to function as each unit of this embodiment (programs for causing a computer to execute the processing of each unit).

[0124] For example, the processing unit 100 (processor) reads the program stored in the information storage medium 180. Based on the RAM, the server device 10 controls the entire server device 10 and performs various processes such as controlling the transfer of data between each unit. Furthermore, the server device 10 performs processes to provide various services in response to requests from terminals.

[0125] Specifically, the processing unit 100 of this embodiment has at least a communication control unit 101, a Web processing unit 102, a game management unit 103, an image management unit 104, an image generation processing unit 105, an image generation determination processing unit 106, a timer management unit 110, and an information provision unit 111.

[0126] The communication control unit 101 performs processing for transmitting and receiving data via the network to and from the terminal device 20. That is, the server device 10 performs various processing based on information received by the communication control unit 101 from the terminal device 20 and the like.

[0127] In particular, the communication control unit 101 of this embodiment performs processing to transmit images (including sounds), sounds, or text that constitute the game screen to the terminal device 20 of the player, based on a request from the terminal device 20 of the player.

[0128] The communication control unit 101 also executes various processes for accepting operation instructions input by the player to the terminal device 20 .

[0129] The Web processing unit 102 functions as a Web server. For example, the Web processing unit 102 performs a process of transmitting data in response to a request from a Web browser 211 installed in the terminal device 20, and a process of receiving data transmitted by the Web browser 211 of the terminal device 20, via a communication protocol such as HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol).

[0130] In this embodiment, the server device 10 is described as having a function as an SNS server, but the server device 10 may be formed as a server for the game and a server for the SNS separately. Also, the game processing of this embodiment may be performed in part or in whole by the server device 10, or in part by the terminal device 20.

[0131] The game management unit 103 works in conjunction with each terminal device 20 to execute game processing for various games such as role-playing games (RPGs), shooting games, fighting games, or location games, which can be played by multiple players simultaneously (either in the same game space or in separate game spaces).

[0132] For example, when the game management unit 103 controls each player's game using the server device 10, it works in conjunction with each terminal device 20 to perform various game calculation processes, such as starting the game (or each game if the games are executed individually; the same applies below) when the game start conditions are met, progressing the game, ending the game when the game end conditions are met, and managing each player or each player character related to the game progress.

[0133] In particular, while the game is in progress, the game management unit 103 executes various game calculation processes based on the player's operations input via each terminal device 20 or the game information output from each terminal device 20.

[0134] The image management unit 104 executes a reception process for receiving an image transmission request transmitted from each terminal device 20 (hereinafter referred to as an “image transmission request”).

[0135] In particular, the image management unit 104 is executed in each terminal device 20 together with an image transmission request. The information (hereinafter referred to as "game status information") indicating the current game situation (hereinafter referred to as "game situation") and the information (hereinafter referred to as "game environment information") regarding the environment of the game (hereinafter referred to as "game environment") are acquired.

[0136] Furthermore, the image management unit 104 manages image data registered in the image data storage unit 148 (hereinafter referred to as "registered image data"), and deletes or reads out the corresponding registered image data.

[0137] Then, the image management unit 104 registers each registered image data in the image data storage unit 148 by associating it with the game status information, game environment information, player-related information, or a combination of these (hereinafter collectively referred to as "registration status information") used when generating the corresponding registered image data.

[0138] The image generation processing unit 105 executes an image generation process to generate an image as image data based on the image transmission request accepted by the image management unit 104, or based on the image transmission request and game status information, game environment information, or both, and registers the generated image as image data in the image data storage unit 148.

[0139] The image generation processing unit 105 generates data for drawing processing based on the results of various processes (game processes) performed by the processing unit 100, thereby generating image data and outputting it to the terminal device 20.

[0140] The image generated by the image generation processing unit 105 may be a so-called two-dimensional image or a so-called three-dimensional image. In particular, the image generation processing unit 105 generates image data to be displayed on the screen, which is an image seen from a virtual camera in the object space.

[0141] When generating two-dimensional image data, the image generation processing unit 105 draws objects in order from the lowest priority set, and if objects overlap, it overwrites and draws the object with the highest priority.

[0142] Furthermore, when generating a three-dimensional image, the image generation processing unit 105 of this embodiment first receives object data (model data) including vertex data (such as vertex position coordinates, texture coordinates, color data, normal vectors, or α values) for each vertex of the object (model), and performs vertex processing based on the vertex data included in the input object data. Note that when performing vertex processing, vertex generation processing (tessellation, surface division, polygon division) for subdividing polygons may be performed as necessary.

[0143] Vertex processing involves geometry processing such as vertex movement, coordinate transformation (world coordinate transformation, camera coordinate transformation), clipping, and perspective transformation, and based on the results of these processing, the vertex data assigned to the vertices that make up the object is changed (updated, adjusted). Rasterization (scan conversion) is then performed based on the vertex data after vertex processing, and polygon (primitive) faces are associated with pixels. Following rasterization, pixel processing (fragment processing) is performed to draw the pixels that make up the image (fragments that make up the display screen) (including lighting processing, etc.).

[0144] In pixel processing, various processes such as texture reading (texture mapping), setting / changing color data, semi-transparent compositing, anti-aliasing, etc. are performed to determine the final drawing color of the pixels that make up the image, and the drawing color of the perspectively transformed object is output (drawn) to the image buffer 272 (frame buffer, buffer that can store image information in pixel units. VRAM, rendering target). In other words, in pixel processing, image information (color, modulus, It performs per-pixel processing, which sets or changes the following parameters (line, brightness, alpha value, etc.) on a pixel-by-pixel basis.

[0145] This generates an image seen from a virtual camera (given viewpoint) set in the object space. If there are multiple virtual cameras (viewpoints), the image can be generated so that the images seen from each virtual camera can be displayed as split images on one screen.

[0146] The vertex processing and pixel processing performed by the image generation processing unit 105 may be realized by hardware that makes polygon (primitive) rendering processing programmable using a shader program written in a shading language, known as a programmable shader (vertex shader or pixel shader). A programmable shader allows for programmable vertex-level processing and pixel-level processing, thereby providing a high degree of freedom in the rendering processing content and significantly improving expressiveness compared to fixed hardware-based rendering processing.

[0147] When drawing an object, the image generation processing unit 105 performs geometry processing, texture mapping, hidden surface removal processing, alpha blending, and the like.

[0148] Geometry processing involves performing processes such as coordinate transformation, clipping, perspective projection transformation, and light source calculation on the object. Then, the object data (position coordinates of the object's vertices, texture coordinates, color data (brightness data), normal vectors, α values, etc.) after geometry processing (after perspective projection transformation) is stored in storage unit 140.

[0149] Texture mapping involves mapping textures (texel values) stored in the texture storage section of storage unit 140 onto an object. Specifically, textures (surface properties such as color (RGB), alpha value, etc.) are read from the texture storage section of storage unit 140 using texture coordinates and the like set (assigned) to the vertices of the object, and the texture, which is a two-dimensional image, is mapped onto the object. In this case, processing is performed to associate pixels with texels, and bilinear interpolation is used to interpolate the texels.

[0150] In this embodiment, when an object is drawn, a process of mapping a given texture may be performed. In this case, the color distribution (texel pattern) of the mapped texture can be dynamically changed.

[0151] In this case, textures with different color distributions (pixel patterns) may be dynamically generated, or multiple textures with different color distributions may be prepared in advance and the texture to be used may be dynamically switched. Also, the color distribution of the texture may be changed on an object-by-object basis.

[0152] Hidden surface removal is performed using the Z-buffer method (depth comparison method, Z-test) that uses a Z-buffer (depth buffer) that stores the Z-values ​​(depth information) of the drawing pixels. That is, when drawing a drawing pixel corresponding to an object's primitive, the Z-value stored in the Z-buffer is referenced, and the Z-value in the referenced Z-buffer is compared with the Z-value of the drawing pixel of the primitive. If the Z-value of the drawing pixel is a Z-value that is closer to the virtual camera (for example, a small Z-value), the drawing process for that drawing pixel is performed, and the Z-value in the Z-buffer is updated to the new Z-value.

[0153] In α blending (α compositing), the drawing unit 220 performs semi-transparent compositing processing (normal α blending, additive α blending, subtractive α blending, etc.) based on the α value (A value). The α value is information that can be stored in association with each pixel (texel, dot), and is additional information other than color information, for example. The α value is used for mask information, semi-transparency (transparency), etc. It can be used as brightness, opacity, bump information, etc.

[0154] In particular, the image generation processing unit 105 of this embodiment may generate an image to be displayed in a display area corresponding to the contact detection area. Note that the image to be displayed in the display area may be, for example, an image including an object.

[0155] The image generation processing unit 105 performs sound processing based on the results of various processes performed by the processing unit 100, generates game sounds such as background music, sound effects, or voices, and provides them to the terminal device 20.

[0156] The image generation determination processing unit 106 executes an image data generation process based on the image transmission request including the game status information and the game environment information and the registered image data stored in the image data storage unit 148, and generates the image data to be registered.

[0157] The timer management unit 110 has a timer function and is used to manage the progress of the game, including player position information and game card position information.

[0158] In particular, the timer management unit 110 is used to manage the time and measurement time related to the game, and is also used to synchronize with each terminal device 20.

[0159] The information providing unit 111 generates and controls various types of game information to cause the terminal devices 20 to process the game, and provides the generated or controlled game information to the corresponding terminal devices 20. However, in the case of a browser game, the information providing unit 111 works in conjunction with the Web processing unit 102 to perform processing to provide game information to each terminal device 20.

[0160] [3] Terminal device Next, the terminal device 20 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0161] 3 is a diagram showing functional blocks of the terminal device 20 of this embodiment. The terminal device 20 of this embodiment may have a configuration in which some of the components (units) of FIG. 2 are omitted. The input unit 260 is a device for inputting input information from the player, and outputs the player's input information to the processing unit 200. The input unit 260 of this embodiment includes a detection unit 262 that detects the player's input information (input signal). The input unit 260 may be, for example, a lever, a button, a steering wheel, a microphone, a touch panel display, a keyboard, or a mouse.

[0162] The storage unit 270 serves as a work area for the processing unit 200, the communication unit 296, etc., and its functions can be realized by RAM (VRAM) or the like. The storage unit 270 of this embodiment includes a main memory unit 271 used as a work area, and an image buffer 272 in which the final display image, etc. are stored. Note that a configuration in which some of these components are omitted may also be used.

[0163] The information storage medium 280 (computer-readable medium) stores programs, data, etc., and its functions can be realized by an optical disk (CD, DVD), a magneto-optical disk (MO), a magnetic disk, a hard disk, a magnetic tape, or a memory (ROM), etc.

[0164] The processing unit 200 performs various processes of this embodiment based on programs (data) stored in the information storage medium 280. The information storage medium 280 can store programs for causing a computer to function as each unit of this embodiment (programs for causing a computer to execute the processing of each unit).

[0165] In this embodiment, the programs and game data for causing a computer to function as each unit of this embodiment, which are stored in the information storage medium 180 and storage unit 140 of the server device 10, are received via a network, and the received programs and data are stored in the information storage medium 280. The programs and data received from the server device 10 may also be stored in the storage unit 270. Such cases of receiving programs and data and causing a network system to function are also included within the scope of the present invention.

[0166] The display unit 290 outputs the image generated by this embodiment, and its function can be realized by a CRT, LCD, touch panel display, HMD (head mounted display), etc. The sound output unit 292 outputs the sound generated by this embodiment, and its function can be realized by a speaker, headphones, etc.

[0167] The communication unit 296 performs various controls for communicating with the outside (for example, other terminals, servers), and its functions can be realized by hardware such as various processors or communication ASICs, programs, etc.

[0168] The processing unit 200 (processor) performs processing such as game processing, display control, image generation processing, or sound generation processing based on game information and game control information acquired from the server device 10 via the communication unit 296, input information acquired from the input unit 260, or programs.

[0169] The processing unit 200 performs various processes using a main memory unit 271 in the memory unit 270 as a work area. The functions of the processing unit 200 can be realized by hardware such as various processors (CPU, DSP, etc.) and ASICs (gate arrays, etc.), or by programs.

[0170] The processing unit 200 includes a communication control unit 210, a web browser 211, a game processing unit 212, a display control unit 213, a drawing unit 220, and a sound processing unit 230. Note that some of these may be omitted.

[0171] The communication control unit 210 performs processing for transmitting and receiving data to and from each server device 10. The communication control unit 210 also performs processing for storing data received from the server device 10 in the storage unit 270, processing for analyzing the received data, and other control processing related to the transmission and reception of data.

[0172] The communication control unit 210 may store and manage destination information (IP address, port number) of the server in the information storage medium 280. The communication control unit 210 may then communicate with the server device 10 when receiving input information from the player to start communication.

[0173] In particular, the communication control unit 210 performs processing to transmit player identification information and operation information to the server device 10 and receive data related to the player information storage unit 146 (player's web page, game screen, etc.) from the server device 10.

[0174] The communication control unit 210 may transmit and receive data to and from the server device 10 at a predetermined cycle, or may transmit and receive data to and from the server device 10 when input information is received from the input unit 260. In particular, the communication control unit 210 of this embodiment performs processing to receive a game screen from the server device 10.

[0175] The web browser 211 is an application program for viewing web pages (game screens), and receives HTML files and images from the web server (server device 10). The web browser 211 downloads image files, analyzes the layout, and controls the display. The web browser 211 also transmits data to the web server (server device 10) using input forms (links, buttons, text boxes, etc.).

[0176] The web browser 211 of this embodiment can realize a browser game. For example, the web browser 211 may execute a program written in JavaScript (registered trademark), FLASH, Java (registered trademark), or the like, received from a web server (server device 10).

[0177] The terminal device 20 can display information from a web server specified by a URL via the Internet using the web browser 211. For example, the terminal device 20 can display a game screen (data such as HTML) received from the server device 10 using the web browser 211.

[0178] The game processing unit 212 performs various game calculation processes in conjunction with the server device 10. For example, these processes include a process for starting a game when a game start condition is met, a process for progressing the game, and a process for ending the game when a game end condition is met.

[0179] The game processing unit 212 may then perform processing to place and set various objects (objects composed of primitives such as polygons, free-form surfaces, or subdivision surfaces) representing display objects such as player characters, buildings, stadiums, cars, trees, pillars, walls, and maps (terrain) in the object space.

[0180] Here, object space refers to a virtual space, including both two-dimensional and three-dimensional spaces. Two-dimensional space is a space in which an object is placed, for example, using two-dimensional coordinates (X, Y), and three-dimensional space is a space in which an object is placed, for example, using three-dimensional coordinates (X, Y, Z). However, this does not apply to browser games.

[0181] In addition, the game processing unit 212 controls the sending and receiving of various information at the time of login, and executes game processing including the execution of game processing based on the player's operation when executing a game in real time in conjunction with the server device 10.

[0182] The display control unit 213 controls a display area for displaying the game information of each player, and performs processing to display the game information of each player on the display unit 290. Note that the display control unit 213 may display the game information of each player using the Web browser 211, for example.

[0183] The drawing unit 220 performs drawing processing based on various processes (for example, game processing) performed by the processing unit 200, thereby generating an image, which is output to the display unit 290 by the display control unit 213. The image generated by the drawing unit 220 may be a so-called two-dimensional image or a so-called three-dimensional image.

[0184] The sound processing unit 230 performs sound processing based on the results of various processes performed by the processing unit 200 , generates game sounds such as background music, sound effects, or voices, and outputs them to the sound output unit 292 .

[0185] [4] Processing method of this embodiment [4.1] Overview Next, the process of generating image data and the process of providing the generated image data in the server device 10 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0186] 4 shows the process of generating image data in the server device 10 of this embodiment and the generated image data. 10 is a diagram for explaining the process of providing image data. FIG.

[0187] The server device 10 of this embodiment is a server that generates and provides images for content such as games (images in a virtual space) as image data to the terminal device 20, allowing users to enjoy the image data without depending on the specifications of the terminal device 20, and is configured to utilize existing resources without having to constantly generate image data every time an image transmission request is received.

[0188] In particular, the server device 10 of this embodiment may be configured to generate information (game information) relating to a network service using a virtual space such as a game and provide the generated information to the terminal device 20, or may be configured to generate information relating to the network service by the terminal device 20 and support processing related to the generation of the network service.

[0189] Furthermore, for example, when game information is generated by the server device 10, the server device 10 is configured to allow a game, such as a fighting game or a combat game, an RPG, a shooting game, a racing game, or a simulation game, to be executed alone or simultaneously by multiple players.

[0190] Furthermore, the server device 10 is configured to work in conjunction with each terminal device 20 and provide game information such as the player character, other characters, the game space or parts thereof, game parameters, background music, and game scenarios to the terminal devices 20 connected via the network.

[0191] The server device 10 is configured to generate and provide game information such as character objects, character object motions, background objects, and game images including these or movie scenes that are parts of these, as image data, images related to a given game, such as various images such as moving images and still images, or combinations of such images with music or sound.

[0192] That is, the server device 10 of this embodiment has a configuration that generates and provides various image data required in game processing executed by the terminal device 20, such as 3D processing, still image display processing, or video playback processing.

[0193] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the server device 10 (A1) When control relating to content using an image is being executed by the terminal device 20, a reception process is executed to receive a transmission request for an image transmitted from the terminal device 20 based on information relating to the content at a given timing during the execution of the control; (A2) Execute a generation process (hereinafter referred to as "image generation process") to generate an image as image data based on the transmission request; (A3) The generated image data is associated with information on the content at the time of the transmission request, and is registered in the storage unit 140, and stored for at least a predetermined period of time. (A4) When the transmission request is accepted, a determination process (hereinafter referred to as an "image generation determination process") is executed to determine whether to generate an image to be transmitted (hereinafter referred to as an "image to be transmitted") as image data by an image generation process based on at least the registered image data registered in the storage unit 140, or whether to use the registered image data as the image to be transmitted; (A5) Providing the generated image data or registered image data to the terminal device 20 at a given timing; It has the following structure.

[0194] In particular, the server device 10, as shown in FIG. (A2-1) When it is determined by the image generation determination process that image data generation is to be executed, an image to be transmitted is generated as image data as the image generation process, and the generated image to be transmitted (hereinafter also referred to as a "newly generated image") data is provided to the terminal device 20; (A2-2) When it is determined that the registered image data is to be used by the image generation determination process, the corresponding registered image data is read and provided to the terminal device 20. It has the following structure.

[0195] With this configuration, the server device 10 of this embodiment can utilize the resources of the server system when processing related to virtual space is being performed by the terminal device 20 and heavy processing such as generating high-resolution images is being performed, thereby not only reducing the processing burden on the terminal device 20 but also making it possible to provide high-resolution images without depending on the specifications of the terminal device 20.

[0196] In addition, when processing related to the virtual space is being executed on the server system side, the server device 10 of this embodiment can reduce the load of each process on the server system side, such as imaging processing (drawing processing) for generating images (data).

[0197] [4.2] Image data Next, the image data registered in the image data storage unit 148 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0198] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of image data registered in the image data storage unit 148 of this embodiment.

[0199] Image data is information about the game (i.e., game information), and is data (information) for displaying and outputting various images such as moving images and still images related to the game (i.e., game screens) and various sounds such as music and voice (i.e., game sounds), as well as data related to the execution control of the game related to the images.

[0200] In particular, the image data includes at least an image of the game to be displayed on the terminal device 20, and may be the image data itself, data of resources for constructing the image (hereinafter referred to as "image resources") (hereinafter referred to as "image resource data"), or data composed of multiple image resource data.

[0201] For example, image data is data on game images (which may include sound), such as character objects, the motion of character objects, and background objects, as well as game images (including motion images) containing these or movie scenes that are part of them.

[0202] Furthermore, for example, image resource data includes model data of player characters or enemy characters used in the game, texture data, or data specified when game images are drawn, such as shader, vector, and coordinate data.

[0203] On the other hand, the image data is generated by the image generation process based on a request transmitted from the terminal device 20 to generate and provide an image of a specific scene related to the game (i.e., an image transmission request).

[0204] In addition, the image data is registered as the generated registered image data. The image data is stored in the image data storage unit 148 in association with information indicating the registration status (that is, registration status information).

[0205] In particular, the registration status information is player-related information including the timing of the image transmission request when the image transmission request is accepted, game status information, game environment information, and terminal information such as the specifications of the terminal device 20.

[0206] For example, image data is associated with an image ID as shown in FIG. (A1) Timing of image transmission request, (A2) Type of image, (A3) Image registration status information, and (A5) Data of the image itself (image resource data or package data such as background image), are registered and stored in the image data storage unit 148 in association with the image data.

[0207] The type of image refers to a character object, the motion of the character object, a background object, an image of a game scene including these (including those that also have sound), a part of the image, or a script for forming each image (which may include resources such as the images used), etc.

[0208] For example, in a gaming environment, (B1) Parameters related to objects such as the type, position, and characteristics of each object that constitutes the game space; (B2) Position and brightness of the light source (image brightness), (B3) Virtual camera position, (B4) Presence and volume of environmental sounds and background music (B5) Parameters related to time in the game space, and (B6) Parameters for defining the game space, These include:

[0209] Also, for example, in "Game Status", (C1) Parameters set for each character in the game, including the player character, such as the position, action, and status (specifically, the current coordinates of each part of the character and the coordinates of the final point after the action), stamina (current value and maximum value), experience points, and ability values ​​(including those to be unlocked in the future; the same applies below) (information about color, the coordinates of the target to be reached in the case of a moving object, and the final form in the case of a transforming object), (C2) Parameters related to items, such as the type of item acquired by each character or player, the number of items, and the ability values ​​specified for the item (information about color, the coordinates of the target to be reached in the case of a moving object, and the final form in the case of a transforming object), (C3) The composition of characters in the same group or team, the type of other characters or their abilities, etc. (C4) The current stage and previously cleared stages, These include:

[0210] Furthermore, for example, "player-related information" includes (D1) Information (i.e., terminal information) about the specifications of the terminal device 20 (resolution of the display, frame rate, processing power of the CPU, performance of the DSP, etc.), and (D2) Player information (hereinafter also referred to as "player information"); Includes:

[0211] In particular, "player information" includes, for example, parameters such as in-game currency, scores, points, game level, and performance acquired by the player, as well as game history (total time and number of times played in the game), and billing history (including billing date and amount).

[0212] The image data is stored for at least a predetermined period in the image data storage unit 148. That is, the image data may be temporarily stored in the image data storage unit 148, may be stored semi-permanently, or may be stored for a period until a given condition is met, such as the frequency of use for a certain period falling below a predetermined standard.

[0213] [4.3] Game control processing Next, a game control process executed by the server device 10 when the server device 10 of this embodiment executes a process related to a game will be described.

[0214] For example, when multiple games are being played simultaneously and the games are linked, the game management unit 103 identifies the players participating in each of the linked games (i.e., the players playing the games).

[0215] Then, the game management unit 103 creates a two-dimensional or three-dimensional game space for each game played by the identified player, and executes various game processes to control the movement of each player character and moving objects including other characters, control linkage with other games, control the virtual camera in each game, and progress other games in each game in accordance with the game program while being based on the operations of each player.

[0216] On the other hand, when a game for multiple players is executed in one game space, the game management unit 103 identifies each player participating in the game and also identifies a second player for each player.

[0217] The game management unit 103 then creates a two-dimensional or three-dimensional game space for the game, and executes game processing to control the movements of each player's character and moving objects including other characters in accordance with the game program, based on the operations of each player, control each virtual camera corresponding to each player, and progress each game.

[0218] On the other hand, during the execution of the game, the game management unit 103, based on the execution of the game processing as described above, images the game space from the viewpoint of each game and each player's virtual camera, generates game sounds accordingly, and generates information as game information for displaying and outputting the game images together with the game sounds on each terminal device 20, along with additional information about each player (i.e., acquires the game information).

[0219] The information providing unit 111 works in conjunction with the communication control unit 101 to provide the generated game information for each player to the corresponding terminal device 20.

[0220] Furthermore, the terminal device 20 of this embodiment may have a configuration that executes part or all of the above game control processing.

[0221] [4.4] Image transmission request acceptance process Next, the image transmission request acceptance process executed by the server device 10 of this embodiment will be described.

[0222] The image management unit 104 executes an image transmission request acceptance process for accepting an image (image data) transmission request (that is, an image transmission request) transmitted from the terminal device 20.

[0223] Then, when the image management unit 104 receives an image transmission request, it acquires game-related information and player-related information, including game situation information and game environment information, for specifying the image to be transmitted.

[0224] In particular, the image management unit 104 obtains the game-related information and player-related information by receiving the information contained in the image transmission request or transmitted together with the image transmission request.

[0225] When an instruction to request image transmission is input based on the player's instruction or the progress of the game, the terminal device 20 works in conjunction with the game management unit 103 to detect or acquire the game situation, game environment, and player-related information at the relevant timing in the game being played (i.e., the timing for identifying the image), and transmits each of the detected or acquired information to the server device 10 together with the image transmission request.

[0226] In addition, the image management unit 104 may obtain the image directly from the game management unit 103 or the memory unit 140 in which the game content or player-related information of each player is stored, based on information associated with the image transmission request, such as a player ID or timing information indicating the timeline timing within the game.

[0227] In other words, in this case, when an instruction to request image transmission is input based on the player's instruction or the progress of the game, the terminal device 20 may cause the game management unit 103 to detect or acquire the game status, game environment, and player-related information of the game being played, and then cause the image management unit 104 to acquire them.

[0228] [4.5] Image generation decision processing Next, the image generation determination process executed by the server device 10 of this embodiment will be described.

[0229] When an image transmission request is accepted by the image management unit 104, the image generation determination processing unit 106 executes an image generation determination process to determine whether to create image data to be transmitted (i.e., image data to be transmitted) by image generation processing based on the registered image data registered in the image data storage unit 148, or whether to use the registered image data stored in the image data storage unit 148 as image data to be transmitted (including use as is and partial use).

[0230] In particular, if the image data requested to be transmitted is already registered in the image data storage unit 148 as registered image data, the image generation determination processing unit 106 determines not to perform the image generation process but to use the registered image data as the image data to be transmitted.

[0231] If the image data requested for transmission has not yet been registered in the image data storage unit 148, the image generation determination processing unit 106 determines to execute image generation processing for newly generating image data to be transmitted.

[0232] That is, the image generation determination processing unit 106 executes the image generation determination process based on the registered image data, the game-related information, and the player-related information.

[0233] Furthermore, the image generation determination processing unit 106 makes a determination according to a predetermined identity determination condition (for example, a condition related to elements such as the game situation, the game environment, and player information) of the program or the like.

[0234] Specifically, the image generation determination processing unit 106 compares the game-related information (game status information and game environment information) and player-related information acquired when the image transmission request is received with the game-related information (game status information and game environment information) and player-related information stored in association with the registered image data.

[0235] Then, if the image-related information including game-related information and player-related information acquired when the image transmission request was received (hereinafter referred to as "transmission-requested image-related information") is identical or deemed to be identical to the registration status information including game-related information and player-related information stored in association with the registered image data, the image generation determination processing unit 106 determines that the image data requested to be transmitted has already been registered in the image data storage unit 148 as registered image data.

[0236] For example, the image generation determination processing unit 106 determines that the game situation or game environment in the transmission request image related information is identical if it completely matches the game situation or game environment in the registered image data related information, and notifies the image management unit 104 that the registered image data will be used instead of newly generating image data to be transmitted.

[0237] Furthermore, for example, the image generation determination processing unit 106 determines the identity of image resources and each object as a condition for determining identity if there is no perfect match, and determines that they are identical if 90% or more of the items are identical (in the case of images, 90% of the pixels are identical).

[0238] On the other hand, if the game-related information and player-related information acquired when the image transmission request is received are not identical to the game-related information and player-related information stored in association with the registered image data (if they are not deemed to be identical), the image generation determination processing unit 106 causes the image generation processing unit 105 to execute image generation processing.

[0239] If the game-related information and player-related information acquired when the image transmission request is received are not identical to the game-related information and player-related information stored in association with the registered image data, the image generation determination processing unit 106 detects whether or not there is registered image data that can be used for the image generation process, and if it detects the registered image data that can be used, it provides the detected registered image data to the image generation processing unit 105.

[0240] For example, the image generation determination processing unit 106 determines whether or not there is image data having image resource data to be used for the image to be transmitted, and detects registered image data having the corresponding image resource data as usable registered image data.

[0241] The image generation determination processing unit 106 of this embodiment may execute image generation processing using a model generated based on a determination result that has already been executed, such as a generation AI, or a determination result that has been prepared in advance.

[0242] [4.6] Image generation processing Next, the image generation process executed by the server device 10 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0243] 6 and 7 are diagrams for explaining the image generation process executed by the server device 10 of this embodiment.

[0244] (Basic principles of image generation processing) The image generation processing unit 105 executes image generation processing for generating image data based on the transmission request accepted by the image management unit 104 .

[0245] In particular, the image generation processing unit 105 executes an image generation process that identifies the type of image to be generated from a plurality of types according to game-related information (i.e., at least one of game status information and game environment information), player-related information, or the game-related information and the player-related information, and generates the image data.

[0246] Specifically, the image generation processing unit 105 sets generation conditions (hereinafter referred to as "image generation conditions") for generating image data such as frame rate and image quality according to game-related information (i.e., at least one of game status information and game environment information), player-related information, or the game-related information and the player-related information.

[0247] Furthermore, the image generation processing unit 105 identifies the type of image from multiple types, such as a still image or a moving image, an image of the entire game image or part of a character, or image resource data, based on the set image generation conditions.

[0248] For example, the image generation processing unit 105 identifies the type of image data to be generated based on the image generation conditions from among multiple types of image data, such as character objects, the motion of the character objects, background objects, images of game scenes including these (including those with sound), parts of these images, or scripts for forming images such as each image (which may include resources such as images to be used).

[0249] Then, based on the image generation conditions and the type of image, the image generation processing unit 105 executes a process of generating new image data from scratch from various data stored in the game data storage unit 144 (hereinafter referred to as the "new generation process"), or a process of generating image data by using part of the data of registered image data, such as using background objects, or by reconstructing the data by replacing a character with another character (hereinafter referred to as the "modification generation process").

[0250] The image generation processing unit 105 also generates image data based on a plurality of image resources used to form images such as game images.

[0251] The image generation processing unit 105 executes the new generation process according to a program with predefined procedures, whether it is a new generation process or an altered generation process, or executes it using model data using an already generated learning model such as a generation AI.

[0252] (New generation process) In the new generation process, the image generation processing unit 105 sets the image generation conditions and specifies the type of image data to be generated, and then generates image data by processing specified for each type of image data specified based on the game status information, game environment information, and player-related information obtained along with the image data transmission request.

[0253] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, the image generation processing unit 105 performs, based on the type of image data to be generated (for example, image type), drawing processing such as collection of image resource data stored in the game data storage unit 144, generation of object data, and vertex processing for each object, and sound processing to generate sound data in accordance with the drawn game image. Execute.

[0254] FIG. 6 shows an example in which image data is generated based on image resource data for a background object, characters 1 to 3, and a player character.

[0255] Furthermore, even if the game scene provided (displayed) on the terminal device 20 is the same, if the resolution, data format, or resource data is different, the image generation processing unit 105 generates the image data as a different type.

[0256] Furthermore, the image generation processing unit 105 may use, for example, model data such as characters, texture data, or data specified when game images are drawn, such as shaders, vectors, and coordinates, to generate not only game scenes or videos, but also parts (parts of images) that make up images such as game characters or various objects represented by the terrain of the game space, backgrounds, and image resource data itself, as image data.

[0257] (Modification generation process) In the modification generation process, the image generation processing unit 105 detects available registered image data based on the registration status information stored in association with the registered image data stored in the image data storage unit 148, and generates image data based on the detected registered image data by processing specified for each type of identified image data.

[0258] In addition, the image generation processing unit 105 compares the game situation information, game environment information, and player-related information acquired along with the image data transmission request with the registration status information of the registered image data, and detects image data that meets given conditions (hereinafter referred to as "usage conditions").

[0259] In particular, the registration status information includes the contents of each registered image data (the type of image data itself, the type of image resources contained in each image data, the game environment and game status of each image data, and information about the player and terminal device 20 to which each image data was provided (player-related information)).

[0260] The usage conditions also include that the game situation information, game environment information, and player-related information acquired together with the image data transmission request are partly identical.

[0261] Specifically, based on the registration status information, the image generation processing unit 105 detects registered image data that has the same game status information, game environment information, and player-related information as part of the image data transmission request, as image data that meets the usage conditions.

[0262] Then, the image generation processing unit 105 reads out image resource data for different parts of the game status information, game environment information, and player-related information acquired along with the image data transmission request from the game data storage unit 144, and based on the read image resource data and the detected image data, performs drawing processing and sound processing to generate a game image to be displayed on the terminal device 20 and sound data to be output from the terminal device 20.

[0263] For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the image generation processing unit 105 identifies image resource data to be used, identifies portions of the image resource data to be used that have been modified and the details of the modifications, modifies the image resource data to be used, acquires new image resource data to be used, and converts the new image resource data to the modified image resource data, based on the game situation information, game environment information, and player-related information acquired together with the image data transmission request, and the read registered image data. The image processing unit 100 executes various processes, such as compositing the image resource data, to generate game images to be displayed on the terminal device 20 as image data, and also generates sound data to be output from the terminal device 20.

[0264] At this time, if the image generation processing unit 105 detects registered image data that has different formatting aspects such as data format or resolution as image data that meets the image usage conditions, it performs format conversion on the registered image data to generate a game image to be displayed on the terminal device 20 and sound data to be output from the terminal device 20.

[0265] FIG. 7 shows an example of using registered image data, in which the registered image data is replaced with a player character as image resource data.

[0266] In addition, similar to the new generation process, the image generation processing unit 105 performs drawing processes such as collecting image resource data, generating object data, and vertex processing for each object, as well as sound processing to generate sound data in accordance with the drawn game image, in accordance with processes predetermined depending on the type of image data detected.

[0267] [4.7] Image registration process Next, the image registration process executed by the server device 10 of this embodiment will be described.

[0268] The image management unit 104 newly registers the image data generated by the image generation process in the image data storage unit 148, and stores it for at least a predetermined fixed period (for example, one day, three days, one week, etc.).

[0269] In particular, the image management unit 104 registers new images generated by the generation process in the image data storage unit 148, whether the image data is generated from scratch (i.e., image data that is completely generated) or image data that has been modified using part of registered image data (i.e., image data that is partially generated).

[0270] Furthermore, the image management unit 104 registers the generated image data in the image data storage unit 148 in association with the game situation information, game environment information, and player-related information used when generating the image data.

[0271] [4.8] Image provision processing Next, the image providing process of this embodiment will be described.

[0272] The information providing unit 111 provides the generated image data or registered image data to the terminal device 20 at a given timing.

[0273] In particular, the information providing unit 111 provides the generated image data or registered image data to the terminal device 20 at a given timing, such as the timing of returning a response to a transmission request, the timing before the image is used on the terminal device 20, the timing determined by the game side, or the timing specified based on the player's operation.

[0274] When providing the information to the terminal device 20, the information providing unit 111 may provide, for example, an MPEG format such as MP4 or MPEG2, AVI, MPEG4, or the like as a format for moving images. It is provided in various formats such as OV, WMV, or FLV.

[0275] [4.9] Variations Next, a modification of this embodiment will be described.

[0276] (Image generation process based on the specifications of the terminal device) The server device 10 may execute the image generation process based on the specifications of the terminal device 20.

[0277] Specifically, the image generation processing unit 105 may perform the image generation process using information (hereinafter referred to as "terminal information") indicating the specifications (i.e., capabilities) of the terminal device 20 to which the generated image data is provided and which outputs the image data, such as for display.

[0278] In this case, the image management unit 104, for example, when it receives an image transmission instruction or at any other timing, acquires and manages game-related information regarding the game, including at least one of game status information and game environment information for each image, and terminal information of each terminal device 20.

[0279] In this case, the image generation determination processing unit 106 executes an image generation determination process to determine whether to create image data to be transmitted (i.e., image data to be transmitted) by an image generation process based on the registered image data and its registration status information, as well as the game-related information and the terminal information, or whether to use the registered image data stored in the image data storage unit 148 as image data to be transmitted.

[0280] In particular, the terminal information includes information mainly related to specifications, such as memory, storage capacity, drawing capacity (image processing capacity of GPU, etc.), resolution, communication speed, computing capacity (processing capacity of CPU), and product name (product identification number) from the parts manufacturer.

[0281] Furthermore, the image generation processing unit 105 executes image generation processing based on the image transmission request, game-related information, and terminal information.

[0282] Then, the image generation processing unit 105 identifies the type of image data to be generated based on the game-related information and terminal information along with the image data transmission request, and executes image generation processing to generate image data of the identified type.

[0283] For example, the image generation processing unit 105 may generate image data consisting of only model data for a terminal device 20 with high specifications, since the terminal device 20 can perform drawing processing, or may generate image data with a high frame rate or high image quality.

[0284] Furthermore, the image generation processing unit 105 generates high-quality image data in a data format that does not require processing for rendering by the terminal device 20, as image data for the terminal device 20 with low specifications.

[0285] On the other hand, the image generation processing unit 105 may perform a prediction process to predict image data to be provided to the player who executed the transmission request in the future based on at least one of the game-related information and terminal information of the player, and may perform an image generation process to generate the predicted image data as predicted image data.

[0286] In particular, the image generation processing unit 105 receives the game status and game environment of the player who issued the transmission request. The prediction process is performed based on at least one of the environment and player-related information, terminal information such as the drawing capability and calculation capability of the terminal device 20 of the player, or both.

[0287] For example, the image generation processing unit 105 predicts the game scene (the scene where the final boss is defeated) when the current stage is cleared in the current game situation (the player character's party composition or items owned by the player character) and game environment (the player's game level), and generates image data based on the prediction.

[0288] The image management unit 104 then registers the predicted image data generated by the image generation process in the image data storage unit 148 together with other image data.

[0289] In addition, when performing a prediction process, the image generation processing unit 105 may perform a prediction image determination process to determine whether or not a predicted image satisfies given image conditions, and if the predicted image does not satisfy the given image conditions, generate the predicted image as predicted image data.

[0290] For example, if the image generation processing unit 105 determines that the predicted image is identical or deemed to be identical to an image that can be generated based on the specifications of the terminal device 20, it may consider that the predicted image meets given image conditions and not generate predicted image data, but if it determines that the predicted image is not identical or deemed to be identical to an image that can be generated based on the specifications of the terminal device 20, it may generate predicted image data.

[0291] In particular, the term "identical images" refers to images with the same image quality or data volume, or images with the same time required for the generation process during the game, and images that are considered identical refer to images with image quality or data volume that are within a specified range, or images with the same time required for the generation process during the game that are within a specified range, for example.

[0292] Furthermore, when the image generation processing unit 105 generates predicted image data, it executes a predicted image determination process to determine whether the generated predicted image satisfies given image conditions, and if the generated predicted image satisfies the given image conditions, it may discard the generated predicted image data or regenerate predicted image data with different characteristics.

[0293] In this case, the image generation processing unit 105 has a configuration that prevents duplicate registration of the same or considered to be the same image, or that can generate images of different patterns as image data by changing the conditions for generation.

[0294] Even in these cases, the image generation processing unit 105 may generate predicted image data, or may temporarily register the generated predicted image data in the image data storage unit 148.

[0295] (Generating modified images) The server device 10 may generate one or more modified images as image data by modifying already generated image data in accordance with given conditions.

[0296] That is, when generating image data based on an image transmission request, the server device 10 may generate, at the time of generating the image data or at a later time, image data having an image resolution different from the image requested to be transmitted (e.g., 4K different from HD), image data in a data format different from the image requested to be transmitted, and image data in a language different from the image data requested to be transmitted (e.g., English version different from Japanese version).

[0297] Specifically, in this case, the image generation processing unit 105 generates image data, or At a predetermined timing, such as during a time period when the server device 10 is not operating as quickly as possible, the server device 10 generates modified image data by modifying already generated image data in accordance with given conditions for modification (hereinafter also referred to as "modification conditions"), and registers the generated modified image data in the image data storage unit 148 together with game environment information, game status information, player-related information, and modification condition information indicating the modification conditions.

[0298] The registered altered image data is managed in the same manner as other registered image data, and is also registered and stored as registered image data to be searched for in the image generation determination process.

[0299] (Image generation processing based on cooperation with terminal devices) When generating image data, the server device 10 may execute the image generation process in cooperation with the terminal device 20.

[0300] That is, the server device 10 also utilizes the image generation function provided in the terminal device 20, and has a configuration for reducing the resources of the server device 10 itself and for providing images quickly.

[0301] Specifically, the image management unit 104 executes a reception process to receive an instruction to generate a composite image to be combined with a terminal-generated image generated by the terminal device 20 or registered in the terminal device 20 as a request to send an image.

[0302] Then, the information providing unit 111 provides the terminal device 20 with the image to be synthesized generated by the generation process or image data that has already been registered as the image to be synthesized.

[0303] In this case, the image generation processing unit 105 and the image generation determination processing unit 106 execute the image generation processing and the image generation determination processing based on the instruction to generate the image to be synthesized.

[0304] In this case, the terminal device 20 (A1) Receive server-generated image data (i.e., image data for synthesis) provided from the server device 10; (A2) performing a generation process to generate an image to be combined with the received server-generated image data as terminal-generated image data; (A3) performing a synthesis process of synthesizing the server-generated image data and the terminal-generated image data to generate a synthesized image as synthesized image data; (A4) Execute an output control process to output the composite image to the display unit 290 or the sound output unit 292 (for example, a speaker). It has the following structure.

[0305] In addition, in the synthesis process, the terminal device 20 is configured to acquire image resource data for generating an image from the server device 10 or from the memory unit 270 where the image resource data is stored in advance, and synthesize the terminal-generated image data based on the acquired image resource data and the generated image transmitted from the server device 10.

[0306] In addition, in the server device 10, the image management unit 104 may determine the generation and content of the image to be synthesized, including management of terminal-generated image data generated or registered in the terminal device 20, instead of instructions from the terminal device 20.

[0307] Specifically, the image management unit 104 is a means for determining an image to be synthesized by the generation process, and includes a game environment for specifying the image acquired together with the image transmission request, Furthermore, a determination process may be executed to determine the composite image to be generated based on at least some game-related information of the game situation, terminal-generated image data already registered in the terminal device 20, and registered image data already registered in the image data storage unit 148.

[0308] (Management of registered image data using registration status information) The image management unit 104 manages the registered image data using the registration status information, on the premise that the registered image data is stored in association with the usage status information.

[0309] Specifically, the image management unit 104 manages the usage status for each registered image data, including the usage frequency, usage history, and number of uses of each image, as well as the usage frequency, usage history, and number of uses of the image types included in the registered image data.

[0310] In addition to the above, the image management unit 104 manages the capacity and total amount of each image data stored in the image data storage unit 148, as well as the time elapsed since the last provision of each image data from the terminal device 20.

[0311] Then, if a given condition is met in the usage situation, the image management unit 104 deletes the corresponding registered image data.

[0312] For example, the image management unit 104 determines whether or not to delete images at a predetermined timing, such as once a day.

[0313] In addition, conditions for deletion include when the stored image data has not been used for a specified period of time, when the number of times the stored image data has been used within a specified period of time does not meet a specified value, or when the total amount of stored image data has reached a specified value.

[0314] (Image generation process when given conditions are met) The server device 10 of this embodiment may execute an image generation process for generating image data when the consumption of items used in the virtual space or the user's billing history meets a given condition.

[0315] Specifically, in this case, when the image generation determination processing unit 106 receives an image transmission request from a specific player, it performs a condition determination process to determine whether the information about the user who executed the transmission request is a user who meets given conditions.

[0316] Then, when the image generation determination processing unit 106 determines that the information regarding the user who executed the transmission request meets given conditions, it executes an image generation determination process to determine whether to create the image data to be transmitted by the image generation process or to use the registered image data stored in the image data storage unit 148 as the image data to be transmitted.

[0317] In particular, the image generation determination processing unit 106 uses, as information about the user, information such as the user's billing history for subscriptions, the currency or points used in the virtual space, or the presence or absence of items used in the virtual space.

[0318] In addition, the image generation determination processing unit 106 uses, as given conditions for the condition determination processing, conditions based on, for example, the user's billing history for subscriptions, consumption of currency or points used in the virtual space, or the use or acquisition status of items used in the virtual space.

[0319] If the image generation determination processing unit 106 determines that the information about the user who issued the transmission request does not satisfy the given conditions, it does not perform the image generation determination processing and does not generate image data.

[0320] [5] Operation in this embodiment Next, the operation of the image generation and provision process, which is executed by the server device 10 of this embodiment and provides image data based on an instruction from the terminal device 20 while the game is being played, will be described with reference to FIG.

[0321] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation executed by the server device 10 of this embodiment, that is, the operation of the image generation and provision process for providing image data based on an instruction from the terminal device 20 during the execution of the game.

[0322] This operation is an operation when appropriate image data is provided based on an image transmission instruction from a specific player, and is an operation when image data is provided as image data.

[0323] In addition, this operation is to transmit the generated image data and registered image data without delay after receiving an image transmission instruction.

[0324] Note that this operation may be an operation in which game processing is executed by the server device 10 and game information is provided to the terminal device 20, or an operation in which game processing is executed by the terminal device 20 and image data is provided to the terminal device 20.

[0325] First, when the image management unit 104 receives an image transmission request from the terminal device 20 (step S101), it acquires the game status information, game environment information, and player-related information (i.e., image-related information) transmitted from the terminal device 20 together with the image transmission request (step S102).

[0326] Next, the image generation determination processing unit 106 compares the acquired game situation information, game environment information, and player-related information with the registration status information of registered image data already stored in the image data storage unit 148, searches for registered image data that is identical or considered to be identical to the image data to be transmitted (i.e., the image data to be transmitted), and determines whether or not it exists (step S103).

[0327] Next, if the image generation determination processing unit 106 determines that registered image data that is identical or deemed to be identical to the image data to be transmitted has been detected, it proceeds to processing of step S104, and if it determines that registered image data that is identical or deemed to be identical to the image data to be transmitted has not been detected, it proceeds to processing of step S105.

[0328] Next, if the image management unit 104 determines that registered image data that is identical or deemed to be identical to the image data to be sent has been detected, it provides the corresponding registered image data to the corresponding terminal device 20 (step S104) and terminates this operation.

[0329] On the other hand, if the image generation processing unit 105 determines that registered image data that is identical or deemed to be identical to the image data to be transmitted has not been detected, it generates image data based on the acquired game situation information, game environment information, and player-related information (step S105).

[0330] Next, the image management unit 104 provides the generated image data to the corresponding terminal device 20 (step S106), and ends this operation.

[0331] [6] Other The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible. For example, terms cited in the specification or drawings as broadly defined or synonymous terms can be replaced with broadly defined or synonymous terms in other descriptions in the specification or drawings.

[0332] This embodiment may be applied to various games, for example, competitive games such as sports games like baseball games, soccer games, and basketball games, role-playing games, and other simulation games.

[0333] In addition, in this embodiment, each game may be provided to the terminal device 20 by one server device 10, or a server system may be constructed by linking a plurality of server devices 10, and each game may be provided to the terminal device 20.

[0334] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a single game device (game system) having the functions of the server device 10, i.e., a device (standalone) that operates independently without relying on other devices such as a server device, may be realized by linking with other game devices.

[0335] The present invention includes configurations that are substantially the same as the configurations described in the embodiments (for example, configurations with the same functions, methods, and results, or configurations with the same purpose and effects). The present invention also includes configurations in which non-essential parts of the configurations described in the embodiments are replaced. The present invention also includes configurations that achieve the same effects as the configurations described in the embodiments or that can achieve the same purpose. The present invention also includes configurations in which publicly known technology is added to the configurations described in the embodiments.

[0336] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail as above, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that many modifications can be made without substantially departing from the novel features and effects of the present invention. Therefore, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0337] 1: Game System 10: Server device 20: Terminal device 100: Processing section 101: Communication control unit 102: Web processing unit 103: Game Management Department 104: Image Management Department 105: Image generation processing unit 106: Image generation determination processing unit 110: Timer management unit 111: Information provision department 120: Input section 130: Display section 140: Storage section 142: Main memory 144: Game data storage unit 146: Player information storage unit 148: Image data storage unit 180: Information storage medium 196: Communications Department 200: Processing section 210: Communication control unit 211: Web browser 212: Game processing section 213: Display control unit 220: Drawing section 230: Sound processing unit 260: Input section 262:Detection unit 270: Storage section 271: Main memory 272: Image buffer 280: Information storage medium 290:Display section 292: Sound output unit 296: Communications Department

Claims

1. A server system for generating and providing images for content that generates and provides given images for content as image data to a terminal device connected via a network, a reception processing means for receiving a request to transmit the image transmitted from the terminal device based on information related to the content at a given timing while the control related to the content using the image is being executed by the terminal device; a generation processing means for executing a generation process for generating the image as image data based on the transmission request; a registration control means for registering the generated image data in a storage means in association with information on the content at the time when the transmission request was made, and storing the image data for at least a predetermined period of time; a determination processing means for executing a use determination process, when the transmission request is received, to determine whether to create an image to be transmitted by the generation process based on at least registered image data registered in the storage means, or to use the registered image data as the image to be transmitted; providing means for providing the generated image data or the registered image data to the terminal device at a given timing; A server system for generating and providing images for content, comprising:

2. 2. The content-oriented image generation and provision server system according to claim 1, the images include at least an image relating to a virtual space displayed on the terminal device; The generation processing means A server system for generating and providing images for content, which generates the images as image data based on a plurality of image resources used to form the images relating to the virtual space.

3. 2. The content-oriented image generation and provision server system according to claim 1, The reception processing means Based on the request to send the image, an image in the virtual space for specifying the image to be sent, information about the virtual space indicating at least one of information about the situation in the virtual space, user-related information about the relevant user, or information about the virtual space and the user-related information is acquired; The generation processing means A content-oriented image generation and provision server system that generates the image as image data based on the acquired information.

4. 4. The content-oriented image generation and provision server system according to claim 3, The image includes a plurality of types, The generation processing means A server system for generating and providing images for content, which identifies the type of image to be generated from among the multiple types of images based on the information about the acquired virtual space, and performs the generation process to generate an image corresponding to the identified type as image data.

5. 2. The content-oriented image generation and provision server system according to claim 1, The storage means stores each registered image data in association with registration status information indicating the registration status of the registered image data, The generation processing means registered image data registered in the storage means, and the registered image data The server system for generating and providing images for content specifies the type of image to be generated based on the registration status information, and executes the generation process to generate an image of the specified type as image data.

6. 6. The content-oriented image generation and provision server system according to claim 5, The generation processing means A server system for generating and providing images for content, which generates all of the image to be sent based on the registration status information, or generates a portion of the image, and uses the portion of the generated image to generate the image to be sent as image data.

7. 2. The content-oriented image generation and provision server system according to claim 1, The determination processing means When the transmission request is accepted, a condition determination process is executed to determine whether or not information relating to the user who has issued the transmission request satisfies a given condition; The server system for generating and providing images for content executes the usage determination process when it is determined that the information about the user satisfies the condition.

8. 4. The content-oriented image generation and provision server system according to claim 3, The system further includes a management unit for managing, for each of the images, at least one of information relating to the virtual space and the user-related information including terminal information indicating information relating to the terminal device; The determination processing means Execute the usage determination process based on the registered image data, information about the virtual space, and the terminal information; The generation processing means A server system for generating and providing images for content, which executes the generation process based on information about the virtual space and the terminal information when generating the image as image data.

9. 9. The content-oriented image generation and provision server system according to claim 8, The generation processing means A server system for generating and providing images for content, which identifies the type of image to be generated based on a request to send the image, as well as information about the virtual space and / or the terminal information, and executes the generation process to generate an image of the identified type as image data.

10. 9. The content-oriented image generation and provision server system according to claim 8, a prediction processing means for executing a prediction process for predicting an image to be provided to the user in the future based on at least one of information about the virtual space of the user who has executed the transmission request and the terminal information of the user; The generation processing means performing the generation process to generate an image predicted by the prediction process as predicted image data; The registration control means The server system for generating and providing images for content registers the generated predicted image data in the storage means.

11. The content-oriented image generation and provision server system according to claim 10, The generation processing means A predicted image determination process for determining whether the predicted image data satisfies a given image condition. Run The server system for generating and providing images for content generates the predicted image data when the predicted image data satisfies the given image conditions.

12. The content-oriented image generation and provision server system according to claim 10, The generation processing means performing a predicted image determination process for determining whether the generated predicted image satisfies a given image condition; If the generated predicted image does not satisfy the given image conditions, the server system regenerates predicted image data with different characteristics.

13. 2. The content-oriented image generation and provision server system according to claim 1, The generation processing means modifying the already generated image data or the newly generated image data according to given conditions to generate one or more modified images; The registration control means The server system for generating and providing images for content registers the generated altered image in the storage means as new registered image data.

14. 2. The content-oriented image generation and provision server system according to claim 1, The reception processing means receiving an instruction to generate an image to be combined with image data generated by the terminal device or registered in the terminal device as a request to transmit the image; The providing means A server system for generating and providing images for content that provides the terminal device with the image to be synthesized generated by the generation process or image data that has already been registered as the image to be synthesized.

15. 15. The content-oriented image generation and provision server system according to claim 14, A server system for generating and providing images for content, further comprising a determination processing means for executing a determination process to determine the composite image to be generated by the generation process, based on information about the virtual space, such as an image in the virtual space for identifying the image obtained along with the request to send the image, and at least one of information about the situation in the virtual space, the image data already registered in the terminal device, and registered image data already registered in the storage means.

16. 15. The content-oriented image generation and provision server system according to claim 14, The providing means A server system for generating and providing images for content that provides the generated image data or the registered image data to the terminal device in a predetermined format for moving images.

17. A program that generates a given image for content as image data and provides it to a terminal device connected via a network, a reception processing means for receiving a request to transmit the image transmitted from the terminal device based on information related to the content at a given timing while the control related to the content using the image is being executed by the terminal device; a generation processing means for executing a generation process for generating the image as image data based on the transmission request; The generated image data is transmitted to the a registration control means for registering the information in the storage means in association with the information and storing the information for at least a predetermined period of time; a determination processing means for executing a use determination process, when the transmission request is received, to determine whether to create an image to be transmitted by the generation process or to use the registered image data as the image to be transmitted, based on at least the registered image data registered in the storage means; and providing means for providing the generated image data or the registered image data to the terminal device at a given timing; A program that causes a computer to function as a

18. A terminal device that executes control related to a given image for content provided from a server system connected via a network based on a user's operation, a reception control means for receiving server-generated image data provided from the server system while control relating to the content using the image is being executed; a generation control means for executing a generation process for generating an image to be combined with the received server-generated image data as terminal-generated image data; a synthesis processing means for executing synthesis processing to synthesize the server-generated image data and the terminal-generated image data to generate a synthesized image as synthesized image data; an output control means for outputting the composite image to an output means; Equipped with The generation control means acquiring image resource data for generating the image as image data from the server system or from a storage unit in which the image resource data is stored in advance; The terminal device executes the generation process to generate the terminal-generated image data based on the acquired image resource data and the server-generated image data.

19. A program that executes control related to a given image for content provided from a server system connected via a network based on a user's operation, a reception control means for receiving server-generated image data provided from the server system while control relating to content using the image is being executed; a generation control means for executing a generation process to generate an image to be combined with the received server-generated image data as terminal-generated image data; a synthesis processing means for executing synthesis processing to synthesize the server-generated image data and the terminal-generated image data to generate a synthesized image; and an output control means for outputting the composite image to an output means; Make the computer function as The generation control means acquiring image resource data for generating the image as image data from the server system or from a storage unit in which the image resource data is stored in advance; a program for executing the generation process for generating the terminal-generated image data based on the acquired image resource data and server-generated image data;

Images