Information system, information processing method and program

Abstract

To enable easy acquisition of a situation of watching a video representing a progress of a game.SOLUTION: An information system 100 includes a game control part 211 which progresses a game in a virtual space, a location setting part 212 which sets a use location in the virtual space for each of a plurality of users U, an instruction reception part 112 which receives a message M instructed by the plurality of users U, a display control part 213 which displays a play video Va representing a progress of the game on a display device 25 which a player P of the game watches, and a video distribution part 111 which transmits video data for displaying a distribution video representing the progress of the game to a plurality of terminal devices 30. In the distribution video, an object representing the user U is placed at the use location of the user U in the virtual space for each of the plurality of users U, and the message M received from the user U is placed adjacent to the object.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a technique for distributing video related to games. [Background technology]

[0002] A technology has been proposed for distributing video of a game that is played in a virtual space in response to instructions from a player to multiple terminal devices. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which comments entered by users watching the video using each terminal device are arranged in the virtual space. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-37549 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the technology of Patent Document 1, the comments input by the users of each terminal device are merely arranged in a virtual space. Therefore, there is a problem that the users of the terminal devices or the game players cannot grasp the situation in which multiple users are watching a video, such as the number of users watching the video and the ratio of users who have input comments. In consideration of the above circumstances, the present invention aims to make it possible to easily grasp the viewing situation of a video showing the progress of a game. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In order to solve the above problems, an information system according to one embodiment of the present invention is a system capable of communicating with multiple terminal devices used by multiple users, and includes a game control unit that progresses a game in a virtual space, a location setting unit that sets a location of use in the virtual space for each of the multiple users, an instruction receiving unit that receives messages specified by the multiple users, a display control unit that displays a first video representing the progress of the game on a display device viewed by a player of the game, and a video distribution unit that transmits video data to the multiple terminal devices for displaying a second video representing the progress of the game, in which, for each of the multiple users, an object representing the user is placed at the user's location of use in the virtual space and a message received from the user is placed in the vicinity of the object.

[0006] An information system according to another aspect of the present invention is a system capable of communicating with a plurality of terminal devices respectively used by a plurality of users, and includes a game control unit which progresses a game in a virtual space, a location setting unit which sets a location of use in the virtual space for each of the plurality of users, an instruction receiving unit which receives messages instructed by the plurality of users, a display control unit which displays, on a display device viewed by a player of the game, a first video which represents the progress of the game, wherein, for each of the plurality of users, an object representing the user is placed at the user's location of use in the virtual space and a message received from the user is placed in the vicinity of the object, and a video distribution unit which transmits video data for displaying a second video which represents the progress of the game to the plurality of terminal devices.

[0007] An information processing method according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises an information system capable of communicating with a plurality of terminal devices respectively used by a plurality of users, progressing a game in a virtual space, setting a location of use in the virtual space for each of the plurality of users, accepting messages instructed by the plurality of users, displaying a first video representing the progress of the game on a display device viewed by the player of the game, and transmitting video data to the plurality of terminal devices for displaying a second video representing the progress of the game, in which, for each of the plurality of users, an object representing that user is placed at that user's location of use in the virtual space and a message accepted from that user is placed in the vicinity of the object.

[0008] Another aspect of the information processing method of the present invention includes an information system capable of communicating with a plurality of terminal devices respectively used by a plurality of users, progressing a game in a virtual space, setting a location of use in the virtual space for each of the plurality of users, accepting messages instructed by the plurality of users, displaying a first video representing the progress of the game on a display device viewed by a player of the game, in which, for each of the plurality of users, an object representing that user is placed at that user's location of use in the virtual space and a message received from that user is placed near the object, and transmitting video data for displaying a second video representing the progress of the game to the plurality of terminal devices.

[0009] A program according to one embodiment of the present invention causes a computer system capable of communicating with multiple terminal devices respectively used by multiple users to function as a game control unit that progresses a game in a virtual space, a location setting unit that sets a location of use in the virtual space for each of the multiple users, an instruction receiving unit that receives messages specified by the multiple users, a display control unit that displays a first video representing the progress of the game on a display device viewed by a player of the game, and a video distribution unit that transmits video data to the multiple terminal devices to display a second video representing the progress of the game, in which, for each of the multiple users, an object representing the user is placed at the user's location of use in the virtual space and a message received from the user is placed in the vicinity of the object.

[0010] A program according to another aspect of the present invention causes a computer system capable of communicating with multiple terminal devices respectively used by multiple users to function as a game control unit that progresses a game in a virtual space, a location setting unit that sets a location of use in the virtual space for each of the multiple users, an instruction receiving unit that receives messages specified by the multiple users, a display control unit that displays, on a display device viewed by a player of the game, a first video representing the progress of the game, in which, for each of the multiple users, an object representing that user is placed at that user's location of use in the virtual space and a message received from that user is placed in the vicinity of the object, and a video distribution unit that transmits video data for displaying a second video representing the progress of the game to the multiple terminal devices. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an information system according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a distributed video. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a terminal device. [Figure 4]FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of an information system and a terminal device. [Diagram 5] 11 is a flowchart illustrating a specific procedure of a process executed by a terminal device with respect to spectator seats and spectator characters. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of an instruction acceptance screen on which a user selects spectator seats. [Figure 7] 13 is a schematic diagram of an instruction acceptance screen on which a user selects a spectator character. FIG. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a specific procedure of a process executed by a terminal device when a user inputs a message. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a video distribution system. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a game system. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a gameplay video. [Figure 12] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a user table. [Figure 13] 11 is a flowchart illustrating a specific procedure of a process executed by the information system regarding spectator seats and spectator characters. [Figure 14] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a specific procedure of a control process. [Figure 15] 11 is a flowchart illustrating a specific procedure of a process executed by the information system for a message designated by a user. [Figure 16] 11 is a flowchart illustrating a specific procedure of a distribution process. [Figure 17] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of a baseball game image in the second embodiment. [Figure 18] 13 is a flowchart of a process of arranging a message in the second embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of a message arrangement in the third embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a baseball game image in the fourth embodiment. [Figure 21]FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a distribution video in the fifth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] The embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The embodiments described below include various technically suitable limitations. The scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments exemplified below.

[0013] [First embodiment] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an information system 100 according to a first embodiment. The information system 100 is a computer system for distributing a distribution video Vb (see FIG. 2) showing the situation of a game played by a player P1 and a player P2 to a plurality of terminal devices 30. For example, in an event (esports) in which many participants participate, the player P1 and the player P2 compete in a baseball game. The baseball game is a competitive game in which the team of the player P1 and the team of the player P2 compete in baseball in a virtual space. The distribution video Vb is a content including images and sounds, and is distributed (i.e., live-distributed) to each terminal device 30 in real time in parallel with the progress of the baseball game. In the following description, when there is no need to particularly distinguish between the player P1 and the player P2, they will be simply referred to as "player P". The same applies to other symbols.

[0014] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the information system 100 includes a video distribution system 10 and a game system 20. Each of the multiple terminal devices 30 and the video distribution system 10 can communicate with each other via a communication network 200 such as the Internet. Similarly, the video distribution system 10 and the game system 20 can communicate with each other via the communication network 200. The game system 20 is a computer system that provides a baseball game. The video distribution system 10 is a computer system that distributes a distribution video Vb showing the situation of a baseball game provided by the game system 20 to the multiple terminal devices 30. Note that the video distribution system 10 and the game system 20 may be realized by a single device.

[0015] Each of the multiple terminal devices 30 is an information terminal such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a personal computer. Any device capable of acquiring and displaying the distributed video Vb, such as a television receiver connected to the communication network 200, is used as the terminal device 30. The terminal device 30 may be either a portable type or a stationary type. A user U of each terminal device 30 watches the distributed video Vb distributed from the information system 100 to the terminal device 30. That is, the user U can watch the distributed video Vb showing the situation of the baseball game in real time in parallel with the progress of the baseball game.

[0016] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a distribution video Vb. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the distribution video Vb includes a baseball game image B, a related video Vc, and an input field Vd. The baseball game image B is a video showing the situation of a baseball game unfolding in a virtual space F. A virtual camera is installed in the virtual space F. A space within a range (hereinafter referred to as an "imaging range") according to the direction and angle of view of the virtual camera in the virtual space F is displayed as a baseball game image B. The imaging range of the virtual camera is changed as needed according to the progress of the baseball game or instructions from each player P. Note that the actual distribution video Vb is composed of a stereoscopic image with depth that expresses the virtual space with the virtual camera as the viewpoint.

[0017] A competition field Fa and a spectator field Fb are set in the virtual space F. The competition field Fa is a space in the virtual space F where a baseball game is played out. In the competition field Fa, for example, an opponent character X1 operated by a player P1 and an opponent character X2 operated by a player P2 are placed. The opponent character X1 and the opponent character X2 are objects representing virtual players participating in the baseball game. Specifically, the opponent character X1 represents a batter of the offensive team in the baseball game, and the opponent character X2 represents a pitcher of the defensive team.

[0018] The spectator field Fb is a space in the virtual space F for watching a baseball game, and is set around the competition field Fa, for example. A plurality of spectator seats A are arranged in the spectator field Fb. A spectator character Y is placed in each of the plurality of spectator seats A. Each spectator character Y is an object representing a virtual spectator watching a baseball game in the virtual space F. In the first embodiment, each spectator character Y is an avatar virtually representing a user U watching the distribution video Vb. Any one of a plurality of types of spectator characters Y having different display modes is placed in each spectator seat A. Note that among the plurality of spectator seats A in the spectator field Fb, there are spectator seats A in which no spectator character Y is placed.

[0019] A user U of each terminal device 30 can input a desired message M about the baseball game in the input field Vd. The message M is, for example, a character string expressing an impression about the state of the baseball game, or a character string cheering on the player P. As illustrated in FIG. 2, in the baseball game image B, the message M designated by each of the multiple users U is placed near the spectator character Y corresponding to the user U in the spectating field Fb. Specifically, the message M is placed in a balloon image Bm representing a statement by the spectator character Y.

[0020] The related video Vc is various images related to the baseball game. Specifically, the related video Vc includes a video Vc1 of a player P1 playing a baseball game and a video Vc2 of a player P2 playing a baseball game. For example, the related video Vc may include a video of the venue where the players P1 and P2 are playing the baseball game.

[0021] Fig. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of each terminal device 30. As illustrated in Fig. 3, the terminal device 30 includes a control device 31, a storage device 32, a communication device 33, a display device 34, and an operation device 35. The terminal device 30 may be realized as a single device, or may be realized as a plurality of devices configured separately from each other.

[0022] The control device 31 is configured, for example, by one or more processors that control each element of the terminal device 30. Specifically, the control device 31 is configured by one or more types of processors, such as a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0023] The storage device 32 is one or more memories that store programs executed by the control device 31 and various data used by the control device 31. For example, a known recording medium such as a semiconductor recording medium or a magnetic recording medium, or a combination of multiple types of recording media, is used as the storage device 32. The storage device 32 stores, for example, identification information Uid for identifying each user U.

[0024] The communication device 33 communicates with the moving image distribution system 10 via the communication network 200. For example, the communication device 33 receives moving image data Db transmitted from the moving image distribution system 10 from the communication network 200. The moving image data Db is data representing the distributed moving image Vb illustrated in FIG.

[0025] The display device 34 is composed of a display panel such as a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL (ElectroLuminescence) panel, and displays an image under the control of the control device 31. Specifically, the display device 34 displays the distributed video Vb of Fig. 2 represented by the video data Db received by the communication device 33. In parallel with the display of the distributed video Vb, various sound effects according to the situation of the baseball game may be reproduced from a sound emitting device (e.g., a speaker) of the terminal device 30.

[0026] The operation device 35 is an input device that accepts instructions from the user U. The operation device 35 is, for example, a plurality of operators operated by the user U, or a touch panel that is integrated with the display device 34. By operating the operation device 35, the user U can select a desired spectator seat A from a plurality of spectator seats A in the virtual space F and a desired spectator character Y from a plurality of types of spectator characters Y, and input a message M to be placed in the vicinity of the spectator character Y.

[0027] Fig. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the information system 100 and the terminal device 30. As illustrated in Fig. 4, the control device 31 of the terminal device 30 realizes a plurality of functions (a display control unit 311, a reception processing unit 312, and an instruction transmission unit 313) by executing a program stored in the storage device 32. Note that a device including the display control unit 311 and a device including the reception processing unit 312 and the instruction transmission unit 313 may be configured separately.

[0028] 2 represented by the video data Db received by the communication device 33, on the display device 34. The user U can view the distributed video Vb representing the situation of the baseball game in real time in parallel with the progress of the baseball game.

[0029] The reception processing unit 312 receives instructions from the user U. Specifically, the reception processing unit 312 receives a selection of spectator seats A, a selection of a spectator character Y, and an input of a message M from the user U. For example, the reception processing unit 312 receives a selection of spectator seats A and a spectator character Y from the user U before the start of playback of the distributed video Vb (typically before the start of a baseball game). In addition, the reception processing unit 312 receives an input of a message M from the user U at any time in parallel with the playback of the distributed video Vb.

[0030] The instruction transmission unit 313 notifies the video distribution system 10 of the instruction received by the reception processing unit 312 from the user U. Specifically, the instruction transmission unit 313 transmits instruction data Qa and instruction data Qb from the communication device 33 to the video distribution system 10. The instruction data Qa includes identification information Uid of the user U, identification information Za for identifying the spectator seat A selected by the user U, and identification information Zy for identifying the spectator character Y selected by the user U. The instruction data Qb includes the identification information Uid of the user U and a message M input by the user U.

[0031] 5 is a flowchart illustrating a specific procedure of a process executed for instruction data Qa by terminal device 30. The process of FIG. 5 is executed before the start of distribution of distribution video Vb (for example, before the start of a baseball game).

[0032] The reception processing unit 312 of the terminal device 30 causes the display device 34 to display an instruction reception screen R1 exemplified in FIG. 6 (Sa1). The instruction reception screen R1 is an image for the user U to select one of a plurality of spectator seats A in the virtual space F. As exemplified in FIG. 6, a plurality of spectator seats A in the spectating field Fb are arranged on the instruction reception screen R1 as candidates for selection by the user U. Different identification information Za is set for each of the plurality of spectator seats A. The user U operates the operation device 35 to select a desired spectator seat A from the plurality of spectator seats A on the instruction reception screen R1. The reception processing unit 312 receives an instruction to select a spectator seat A from the user U (Sa2).

[0033] The reception processing unit 312 displays the instruction reception screen R2 illustrated in FIG. 7 on the display device 34 (Sa3). The instruction reception screen R2 is an image for the user U to select one of a plurality of types of spectator characters Y. As illustrated in FIG. 7, a plurality of different types of spectator characters Y are arranged on the instruction reception screen R2 as candidates for selection by the user U. Different identification information Zy is set for each of the plurality of spectator characters Y. The user U can select a desired spectator character Y from the plurality of types of spectator characters Y on the instruction reception screen R2 by operating the operation device 35. The reception processing unit 312 receives an instruction to select the spectator character Y from the user U (Sa4). The order of the reception of the selection of the spectator seats A (Sa1, Sa2) and the reception of the selection of the spectator character Y (Sa3, Sa4) may be reversed.

[0034] The instruction sending unit 313 sends instruction data Qa, which includes the identification information Uid of the user U stored in the storage device 32, the identification information Za of the spectator seat A selected by the user U, and the identification information Zy of the spectator character Y selected by the user U, from the communication device 33 to the video distribution system 10 (Sa5). That is, the selection of the spectator seat A by the user U and the selection of the spectator character Y by the user U are notified to the video distribution system 10. The above operations are executed in each of the multiple terminal devices 30.

[0035] Fig. 8 is a flow chart illustrating a specific procedure of the process executed by terminal device 30 for instruction data Qb. User U can input a desired message M into input field Vd by operating operation device 35 while watching distribution video Vb displayed on display device 34. User U can input message M at any time in parallel with the progress of the baseball game. The process of Fig. 8 is repeated at a predetermined cycle in parallel with the distribution of distribution video Vb.

[0036] The reception processing unit 312 judges whether or not input of a message M in the input field Vd has been received from the user U (Sb1). If input of the message M has been received (Sb1: YES), the instruction sending unit 313 sends instruction data Qb, including the identification information Uid of the user U stored in the storage device 32 and the message M instructed by the user U, from the communication device 33 to the video distribution system 10 (Sb2). On the other hand, if input of the message M has not been received (Sb1: NO), the transmission of the instruction data Qb (Sb2) is not executed. In parallel with the progress of the baseball game and the distribution of the distribution video Vb, the operation of FIG. 8 exemplified above is executed in each of the multiple terminal devices 30.

[0037] Fig. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a video distribution system 10. As illustrated in Fig. 9, the video distribution system 10 includes a control device 11, a storage device 12, and a communication device 13. Note that the video distribution system 10 may be realized as a single device, or may be realized as a plurality of devices configured separately from each other.

[0038] The control device 11 is composed of, for example, a single or multiple processors that control each element of the video distribution system 10. Specifically, the control device 11 is composed of, for example, one or more types of processors such as a CPU, a GPU, a DSP, an FPGA, or an ASIC.

[0039] The storage device 12 is one or more memories that store the programs executed by the control device 11 and various data used by the control device 11. For example, a known recording medium such as a semiconductor recording medium or a magnetic recording medium, or a combination of multiple types of recording media, is used as the storage device 12.

[0040] The communication device 13 communicates with each terminal device 30 via the communication network 200. Specifically, the communication device 13 transmits video data Db representing the distribution video Vb to each terminal device 30. The communication device 13 also receives instruction data Qa and instruction data Qb representing instructions from each user U from each terminal device 30. The communication device 13 also communicates with the game system 20 via the communication network 200. Specifically, the communication device 13 transmits the instruction data Qa and instruction data Qb received from each terminal device 30 to the game system 20. The communication device 13 also receives video data Da from the game system 20. The video data Da is data representing a baseball game image B.

[0041] 4, the control device 11 of the video distribution system 10 realizes a plurality of functions (a video distribution unit 111 and an instruction receiving unit 112) by executing a program stored in the storage device 12. Note that the video distribution unit 111 and the instruction receiving unit 112 may be realized by separate devices.

[0042] The video distribution unit 111 distributes the distribution video Vb to a plurality of terminal devices 30. That is, the video distribution unit 111 generates video data Db representing the distribution video Vb, and transmits the video data Db from the communication device 13 to each of the plurality of terminal devices 30. Specifically, the video distribution unit 111 generates video data Db of the distribution video Vb including a baseball game image B represented by the video data Da, a related video Vc recorded by a recording system (not shown), and a predetermined input field Vd. The recording system includes, for example, an imaging device installed at a venue where the players P1 and P2 play a baseball game, and captures, for example, a video Vc1 of the player P1 and a video Vc2 of the player P2. The distribution video Vb is an example of a "second video."

[0043] The instruction receiving unit 112 receives instructions from the user U of each terminal device 30. Specifically, the instruction receiving unit 112 receives instruction data Qa transmitted from each terminal device 30 by the communication device 13, and transmits the instruction data Qa from the communication device 13 to the game system 20. That is, the instruction receiving unit 112 receives the spectator seats A and the spectator character Y selected by the user U of each terminal device 30. Similarly, the instruction receiving unit 112 receives instruction data Qb transmitted from each terminal device 30 by the communication device 13, and transmits the instruction data Qb from the communication device 13 to the game system 20. That is, the instruction receiving unit 112 receives a message M input by the user U of each terminal device 30.

[0044] Fig. 10 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a game system 20. As illustrated in Fig. 10, the game system 20 includes a control device 21, a storage device 22, a communication device 23, and a plurality of game units G (G1, G2). The game system 20 may be realized as a single device, or may be realized as a plurality of devices configured separately from each other.

[0045] The control device 21 is composed of, for example, one or more processors that control each element of the game system 20. Specifically, the control device 21 is composed of one or more types of processors such as a CPU, a GPU, a DSP, an FPGA, or an ASIC. The communication device 23 communicates with the video distribution system 10 via the communication network 200.

[0046] The storage device 22 is a single or multiple memories that store the programs executed by the control device 21 and various data used by the control device 21. For example, a known recording medium such as a semiconductor recording medium or a magnetic recording medium, or a combination of multiple types of recording media, is used as the storage device 22. The storage device 22 of the first embodiment stores various data required to generate a baseball game image B. For example, image data for placing each of multiple spectator characters Y in the virtual space F is stored in the storage device 22.

[0047] Each game unit G (G1, G2) is a user interface used by a player P to play a game. Player P1 uses game unit G1, and player P2 uses game unit G2. In addition to devices dedicated to baseball games, information terminals such as smartphones, tablet terminals, and personal computers can also be used as game units G.

[0048] Each game unit G includes an operation device 24 and a display device 25. The operation device 24 is an input device that accepts operations by each player P. The operation device 24 is, for example, a plurality of operators operated by the player P, or a touch panel that detects contact by the player P.

[0049] The display device 25 is configured with a display panel such as a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL panel, and displays various images under the control of the control device 21. Specifically, the display device 25 displays a play moving image Va of Fig. 11 showing the situation of a baseball game.

[0050] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating a gameplay video Va. As illustrated in FIG. 11, the gameplay video Va includes a baseball game image B. In the following description, a case in which the baseball game image B is displayed as the gameplay video Va will be illustrated. However, the gameplay video Va may include elements other than the baseball game image B. The gameplay video Va is an example of a "first video."

[0051] The baseball game image B of the gameplay video Va is a video showing the situation of a baseball game unfolding in the virtual space F, as described above with reference to FIG. 2. In the virtual space F, a competition field Fa and a spectator field Fb are set, as described above. In the competition field Fa, a baseball game in which an opponent character X1 and an opponent character X2 appear is played out. In the spectator field Fb, a plurality of spectator seats A in which a spectator character Y is positioned are set.

[0052] The player P1 plays a baseball game by operating the operation device 24 of the game unit G1 while watching the game play video Va displayed on the display device 25 of the game unit G1. Similarly, the player P2 plays a baseball game by operating the operation device 24 of the game unit G2 while watching the game play video Va displayed on the display device 25 of the game unit G2. It does not matter whether the game play video Va displayed on the display device 25 of the game unit G1 is the same as the game play video Va displayed on the display device 25 of the game unit G2. In addition, one display device 25 may be shared by the players P1 and P2. Each game unit G may be equipped with a sound emitting device (e.g., a speaker) that reproduces various sound effects according to the situation of the baseball game.

[0053] As illustrated in FIG. 4, the control device 21 of the game system 20 executes a program stored in the storage device 22 to realize a plurality of functions (a game control unit 211, a place setting unit 212, and a display control unit 213).

[0054] The game control unit 211 progresses the baseball game in the virtual space F. Specifically, the game control unit 211 progresses the baseball game by controlling an opponent character X1 in response to an instruction from the player P1 and an opponent character X2 in response to an instruction from the player P2. Then, the game control unit 211 determines the outcome of the game between the player P1 and the player P2 in accordance with the progress of the game between the opponent character X1 and the opponent character X2.

[0055] The location setting unit 212 sets the spectator seats A in the virtual space F for each of the multiple users U. The location setting unit 212 sets the spectator seats A for each user U according to the instruction data Qa received by the communication device 23. Specifically, the location setting unit 212 reflects the instruction data Qa in the user table T of FIG. 12. The user table T is a data table in which, for each of the multiple users U, the identification information Uid (Uid_001, Uid_002, ...) of the user U, the identification information Za (Za_001, Za_002, ...) of the spectator seats A designated by the user U, and the identification information Zy (Zy_001, Zy_002, ...) of the spectator character Y designated by the user U correspond to each other. Specifically, the location setting unit 212 registers a set of the identification information Uid, the identification information Za, and the identification information Zy included in the instruction data Qa in the user table T. As can be understood from the above description, a spectator seat A and a spectator character Y are registered for each user U in the user table T. The spectator seat A is an example of a "location of use" set for each user U.

[0056] The display control unit 213 in FIG. 4 generates a baseball game image B representing the state of a baseball game, and displays a play video Va including the baseball game image B on each display device 25. The display control unit 213 also transmits video data Da representing the baseball game image B from the communication device 23 to the video distribution system 10. That is, the baseball game image B of the play video Va is also used for the distribution video Vb. The display control unit 213 may generate the video data Da by performing various image processes, such as compression processing, on the image data of the baseball game image B to be displayed on the display device 25. The transmission of the video data Da to the video distribution system 10 is repeated periodically during the period in which the baseball game is executed. That is, the video data Da is sequentially transmitted (streamed) to the video distribution system 10 in parallel with the progress of the baseball game. It does not matter whether the format of the video data supplied to the display device 25 is the same as the format of the video data Da transmitted to the video distribution system 10. The video data Da transmitted to the video distribution system 10 is generated in any format suitable for processing in the video distribution system 10.

[0057] Fig. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a specific procedure of a process executed by the information system 100 for instruction data Qa that designates spectator seats A and spectator character Y. Before the start of distribution of the distribution video Vb (before the start of the baseball game), the process of Fig. 13 is executed in parallel with the process of Fig. 5 executed by each terminal device 30.

[0058] The instruction receiving unit 112 of the video distribution system 10 receives the instruction data Qa transmitted from each terminal device 30 via the communication device 13 (Sc1). The instruction receiving unit 112 transmits the instruction data Qa received from each terminal device 30 to the game system 20 from the communication device 13 (Sc2). The instruction receiving unit 112 transmits the instruction data Qa received from the multiple terminal devices 30 during each period, for example, every predetermined period, to the game system 20 all at once.

[0059] The location setting unit 212 of the game system 20 receives the instruction data Qa from the video distribution system 10 (Sd1). The location setting unit 212 registers a set of the identification information Uid, the identification information Za, and the identification information Zy in the instruction data Qa in the user table T (Sd2). By executing the above process for the instruction data Qa transmitted from each of the multiple terminal devices 30, a spectator seat A and a spectator character Y are set for each user U.

[0060] Fig. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a specific procedure of a process (hereinafter referred to as a "control process") Sd executed by the control device 21 of the game system 20 for a baseball game. After the process illustrated in Fig. 13 is executed, the control process Sd in Fig. 14 is started in response to an instruction from, for example, an administrator of the baseball game.

[0061] When the control process Sd is started, the game control unit 211 progresses the baseball game in response to instructions from the player P1 or the player P2 (Sd1). The display control unit 213 executes a process for generating a baseball game image B (hereinafter referred to as an "image generation process") (Sd2). The image generation process Sd2 is a process for generating a baseball game image B that reflects the current situation of the baseball game.

[0062] Specifically, the image generation process Sd2 is a process for generating a baseball game image B representing a space within the imaging range of the virtual camera in the virtual space F by image processing including, for example, rendering. In the image generation process Sd2, the display control unit 213 places the spectator character Y registered in the user table T for each user U in the spectator seat A registered in the user table T for the user U among a plurality of spectator seats A in the virtual space F. Specifically, the display control unit 213 places the spectator character Y indicated by the identification information Uy associated with the identification information Uid in the user table T in the spectator seat A indicated by the identification information Ua associated with the identification information Uid of each user U in the user table T. That is, in the image generation process Sd2, the spectator character Y representing the user U is placed in the spectator seat A set for each user U in the virtual space F by the location setting unit 212. The image generation process Sd2 exemplified above realizes rendering of the spectator character Y seated in each spectator seat A in the virtual space F.

[0063] The display control unit 213 causes the display device 25 of each game unit G to display the play video Va including the baseball game image B (Sd3). The display control unit 213 also transmits video data Da representing the baseball game image B from the communication device 23 to the video distribution system 10 (Sd4). Note that the order of the process of causing the display device 25 to display the play video Va (Sd3) and the transmission of the video data Da (Sd4) may be reversed.

[0064] The control device 21 determines whether the baseball game has ended (Sd5). If the baseball game has not ended (Sd5: NO), the control device 21 shifts the process to step Sd1. That is, the processes from step Sd1 to step Sd5 are repeated until the baseball game ends. If the baseball game has ended (Sd5: YES), the control device 21 ends the control process Sd.

[0065] Fig. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a specific procedure of a process executed by the information system 100 for instruction data Qb including a message M input by a user U of each terminal device 30. The process of Fig. 15 is executed in parallel with the control process Sd.

[0066] The instruction receiving unit 112 of the video distribution system 10 waits until it receives the instruction data Qb via the communication device 13 (Se1: NO). When it receives the instruction data Qb (Se1: YES), the instruction receiving unit 112 transmits the instruction data Qb to the game system 20 via the communication device 13 (Se2).

[0067] In the image generation process Sd2, the display control unit 213 of the game system 20 executes a process (Sd21, Sd22) of reflecting the instruction data Qb transmitted from the video distribution system 10 in the baseball game image B. Specifically, the display control unit 213 receives the instruction data Qb by the communication device 23 (Sd21). The display control unit 213 places the message M from the user U included in the instruction data Qb in the vicinity of the spectator character Y of the user U in the virtual space F (Sd22). Specifically, the display control unit 213 places the message M in the instruction data Qb in the vicinity of the spectator character Y (or the spectator seats A) registered in the user table T for the identification information Uid in the instruction data Qb. As can be understood from the above description, the message M in the instruction data Qb is added to the baseball game image B every time the user U receives the instruction data Qb including the message M.

[0068] 16 is a flowchart illustrating a specific procedure of a process (hereinafter referred to as a "distribution process") Sf executed by the control device 11 of the video distribution system 10 to distribute a distribution video Vb. For example, the distribution process Sf is started in response to an instruction from the operator of the video distribution system 10. The distribution process Sf is executed in parallel with the progress of the baseball game.

[0069] When the distribution process Sf is started, the video distribution unit 111 receives the video data Da transmitted from the game system 20 by the communication device 13 (Sf1). The video distribution unit 111 generates a distribution video Vb by combining a baseball game image B represented by the video data Da, a related video Vc separately acquired from the recording system, and an input field Vd prepared in advance (Sf2). The video distribution unit 111 transmits video data Db representing the distribution video Vb from the communication device 13 to the multiple terminal devices 30 (Sf3). The control device 31 of each terminal device 30 causes the display device 34 to display the distribution video Vb using the video data Db received by the communication device 33 from the video distribution system 10.

[0070] The video distribution unit 111 determines whether or not to end the distribution process Sf (Sf4). If the distribution process Sf is not to be ended (Sf4: NO), the video distribution unit 111 shifts the process to step Sf1. That is, the transmission of the video data Db to each terminal device 30 (Sf1 to Sf3) is repeated. On the other hand, for example, when the transmission of the video data Da by the game system 20 is ended, or when an instruction to end is received from the operator of the video distribution system 10, the video distribution unit 111 ends the distribution process Sf (Sf4: YES).

[0071] As can be understood from the above description, in the baseball game image B, the spectator character Y of each user U is placed in the spectator seat A of the user U, and the message M posted by each user U is placed near the spectator character Y of the user U. That is, the more users U watch the distributed video Vb, the more the total number or ratio of the spectator seats A in which the spectator character Y is placed among the multiple spectator seats A in the virtual space F increases. Also, the more the total number or ratio of the users U who input messages M among the multiple users U who watch the distributed video Vb, the more the total number of messages M placed in the virtual space F increases. Therefore, the player P who watches the play video Va using each display device 25 and the user U who watches the distributed video Vb using each terminal device 30 can intuitively and visually grasp the viewing situation of the distributed video Vb, such as the scale of the users U watching the distributed video Vb and the total number or ratio of the users U who posted messages M among the multiple users U.

[0072] [Second embodiment] A second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Note that, in each of the following exemplary embodiments, for elements whose functions are similar to those of the first embodiment, the reference numerals used in the description of the first embodiment will be used and detailed descriptions of each will be omitted as appropriate.

[0073] Fig. 17 is a schematic diagram of a baseball game image B included in the gameplay video Va and the distribution video Vb in the second embodiment. In the course of the baseball game, it is assumed that multiple users U input a common message M. In the second embodiment, as illustrated in Fig. 17, when the instruction receiving unit 112 receives a common message M "Go for it!" from multiple users U, the common message M is placed in a larger size than the message M placed for each user U. In other words, the message M commonly input by multiple users U is displayed together in a large size, and individual messages M are not displayed for each of the multiple users U.

[0074] FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating a specific procedure of the process (step Sd22 in FIG. 15) in which the display control unit 213 places a message M on the baseball game image B in the second embodiment. The display control unit 213 judges whether or not a number of users U exceeding a predetermined threshold have input a common message M (Sd221). Specifically, the display control unit 213 judges whether or not a number of users U exceeding the threshold, among the multiple users U whose spectator seats A are set within the imaging range, have input a common message M within the period by referring to the instruction data Qb received within a predetermined length of time. If the judgment result is negative (Sd221: NO), that is, if the number of users U who have input a common message M within the imaging range is below the threshold, the display control unit 213 places the message M input by each user U individually for each user U in the vicinity of the spectator character Y (or spectator seats A) of the user U, as in the first embodiment (Sd222).

[0075] On the other hand, if the number of users U who have input the common message M within the imaging range exceeds the threshold, the determination result of step Sd221 becomes positive. If the determination result is positive (Sd221: YES), the display control unit 213 displays the message M in a size larger than the individual message M for each user U near the spectator characters Y (or spectator seats A) of the multiple users U who have input the common message M (Sd223). Specifically, the size of the common message M exceeds the size of the individual messages M, and the size of the bubble image Bm in which the common message M is placed exceeds the size of the bubble image Bm in which the individual messages M are placed.

[0076] The second embodiment also achieves the same effect as the first embodiment. Moreover, in the second embodiment, when a common message M is received from a plurality of users U, the common message M is displayed in a larger size than the individual messages M for each user U. Therefore, each player P watching the gameplay video Va and each user U watching the distribution video Vb can visually and intuitively understand that a large number of users U have input a common message M. In addition, there is also an advantage that the gameplay video Va or the distribution video Vb is simplified compared to a configuration in which the common message M is displayed individually for each of the large number of users U.

[0077] In the above description, a common message M is displayed for multiple users U whose spectator seats A are set within the imaging range, but the range of users U for whom the message M is shared is not limited to the imaging range. When the number of users U who have input the common message M within a predetermined range selected regardless of the imaging range exceeds a threshold, the message M may be displayed in a large size.

[0078] [Third embodiment] As described above, the message M input by each user U is placed near the spectator character Y (or spectator seats A) set for that user U. Therefore, multiple messages M placed near mutually adjacent spectator characters Y may overlap each other. In the process of placing the message M in the baseball game image B (step Sd22 in FIG. 15), the display control unit 213 of the third embodiment places multiple messages M so as to overlap each other such that the message M input later in time (i.e., the newer message M) is located at the foreground.

[0079] FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram of the arrangement of messages M in the third embodiment. In FIG. 19, a message M1 "Just a little bit more!" input by a first user U among a plurality of users U and a message M2 "Come on!" input by a second user U different from the first user U are illustrated. The spectator seats A set for the first user U and the spectator seats A set for the second user U are adjacent to each other in the virtual space F. That is, the spectator character Y1 of the first user U and the spectator character Y2 of the second user U are adjacent to each other. The spectator character Y1 of the first user U is located in front of the spectator character Y2 of the second user U in the virtual space F (i.e., on the virtual camera side). Note that the message M1 is an example of a "first message" and the message M2 is an example of a "second message".

[0080] 19, it is assumed that the instruction receiving unit 112 receives instruction data Qb including a message M2 after receiving instruction data Qb including a message M1. In the above situation, the display control unit 213 arranges the message M1 and the message M2 so that they partially overlap each other, so that the message M2 is located in front of the message M1, as illustrated in FIG. 19. That is, the message M2 is arranged in front of the message M1, regardless of whether the spectator character Y1 and the spectator character Y2 are in front of each other. Specifically, the balloon image Bm in which the message M2 is arranged is located in front of the balloon image Bm in which the message M1 is arranged.

[0081] The third embodiment also achieves the same effects as the first embodiment. Moreover, in the third embodiment, when the instruction receiving unit 112 receives a message M2 after receiving a message M1, the message M2 is placed in front of the message M1, regardless of whether the spectator character Y1 (or spectator seats A) of the first user U is in front of the spectator character Y2 of the second user U. Therefore, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the message M2 is hidden behind the message M1 immediately after reception. The configuration of the second embodiment may be applied to the third embodiment.

[0082] [Fourth embodiment] 20 is a schematic diagram of a baseball game image B included in the gameplay video Va and the distribution video Vb in the fourth embodiment. As in the first embodiment, the baseball game image B displays the space within the imaging range (hereinafter referred to as the "main imaging range") of the virtual camera in the virtual space F.

[0083] As illustrated in FIG. 20, a display unit Bd is placed in the virtual space F. The display unit Bd is a large virtual display device that displays images. The display unit Bd is placed, for example, near the back screen of the spectator field Fb in the virtual space F. FIG. 20 assumes a case in which multiple spectator seats A and the display unit Bd are located within the main imaging range (i.e., the competition field Fa is not included within the main imaging range).

[0084] In addition to a virtual camera that captures the main imaging range, an auxiliary virtual camera (hereinafter referred to as the "auxiliary camera") is installed in the virtual space F. The auxiliary camera is a virtual camera that captures a range (hereinafter referred to as the "secondary imaging range") Br in the virtual space F according to the direction and angle of view of the auxiliary camera. FIG. 20 illustrates an example in which the secondary imaging range Br overlaps with the main imaging range. However, the secondary imaging range Br and the main imaging range do not have to overlap. The secondary imaging range Br is an example of a "specific range."

[0085] The display control unit 213 places an image within the secondary imaging range Br captured by the auxiliary camera on the display unit Bd. That is, the display unit Bd virtually displays an image within the secondary imaging range Br in the virtual space F. As illustrated in Fig. 20, the display unit Bd displays spectator seats A and spectator characters Y within the secondary imaging range Br, and a message M placed within the secondary imaging range Br.

[0086] The fourth embodiment also achieves the same effect as the first embodiment. In addition, in the fourth embodiment, an effect is realized in which an image captured of the secondary imaging range Br in the virtual space F is displayed on the display unit Bd in the virtual space F. In addition, the player P watching the play video Va and the user U watching the distribution video Vb can visually recognize the spectator characters Y and messages M arranged in each spectator seat A in the virtual space F, as well as the spectator characters Y and messages M displayed on the display unit Bd in the virtual space F. Therefore, the user U can check the situation in the virtual space F other than the main imaging range corresponding to the virtual camera (the situation in the secondary imaging range Br corresponding to the auxiliary camera) by the display unit Bd. Note that the configuration of the second or third embodiment may be applied to the fourth embodiment.

[0087] [Fifth embodiment] Fig. 21 is a schematic diagram of a distribution video Vb in the fifth embodiment. As illustrated in Fig. 21, the distribution video Vb in the fifth embodiment includes a reference image Ve in addition to the same elements as in the first embodiment (baseball game image B, related video Vc, and input field Vd). The reference image Ve is an image in which a plurality of messages M accepted by the instruction accepting unit 112 are arranged in chronological order. That is, the messages M in each piece of instruction data Qb are arranged in the order in which the instruction data Qb is accepted from each terminal device 30. On the other hand, the play video Va displayed by the game system 20 to each player P does not include a reference image Ve.

[0088] Among the multiple messages M accepted by the instruction accepting unit 112, messages M from user U corresponding to spectator seats A within the imaging range (main imaging range and sub-imaging range Br) are displayed in baseball game image B. In other words, messages M from user U corresponding to spectator seats A outside the imaging range are not displayed in baseball game image B. In contrast to baseball game image B, all messages M accepted from user U are arranged in reference image Ve, regardless of whether they are inside or outside the imaging range.

[0089] The instruction receiving unit 112 of the video distribution system 10 sequentially stores each message M of the multiple instruction data Qb received by the communication device 13 in the storage device 12. In generating a distribution video VB (Sf2) in the distribution process Sf (FIG. 16), the video distribution unit 111 generates a distribution video Vb by combining a baseball game image B represented by the video data Da, a related video Vc, an input field Vd, and a reference image Ve in which multiple messages M stored in the storage device 12 are arranged in chronological order.

[0090] The fifth embodiment also achieves the same effect as the first embodiment. The distribution video Vb of the fifth embodiment includes a reference image Ve in which a plurality of messages M are arranged in time series. Therefore, a user U watching the distribution video Vb can check not only the messages M arranged within the imaging range (main imaging range and sub-imaging range Br) of the virtual space F, but also the messages M from the user U corresponding to the spectator seats A outside the imaging range. On the other hand, since the play video Va does not include the reference image Ve, there is also an advantage that each player P can easily concentrate on playing the baseball game. The configurations of the second to fourth embodiments may be applied to the fifth embodiment. The play video Va may also include the reference image Ve.

[0091] [Variations] Each of the above-mentioned embodiments can be modified in various ways. Specific modified embodiments that can be applied to each of the above-mentioned embodiments are exemplified below. Two or more embodiments selected from the following examples may be combined to the extent that they are not mutually contradictory.

[0092] (1) In each of the above-mentioned embodiments, the video data Db representing the distribution video Vb is exemplified, but the format of the video data Db is arbitrary. For example, a configuration is assumed in which the video data Db includes image data representing a baseball game image B and a related video Vc, a plurality of messages M arranged on the spectator field Fb of the baseball game image B, and position data specifying the position of the spectator seats A where each message M is arranged (for example, coordinates in the virtual space F). The display control unit 311 of the terminal device 30 uses the video data Db to display the distribution video Vb on the display device 34. Specifically, the display control unit 311 generates the distribution video Vb by arranging the message M at a position specified by the position data in the virtual space F represented by the image data of the video data Db, and displays the distribution video Vb on the display device 34. Note that the position of the message M specified by the position data is converted according to the position of the virtual camera in the baseball game image B. However, if the position of the virtual camera is fixed, the conversion of the position specified by the position data is omitted. Position data representing the converted position may be included in the video data Db. In a configuration in which a distribution video Vb in which a message M is placed on a baseball game image B is generated in the information system 100 (e.g., game system 20), there is a possibility that the message M will be crushed in the distribution video Vb. In a configuration in which the distribution video Vb is generated by synthesizing the message M with the baseball game image B in the terminal device 30, it is possible to prevent each message M from being crushed. As can be understood from the above explanation, the video data Db does not need to represent the distribution video Vb itself displayed on the display device 34.

[0093] In addition, in each of the above-mentioned embodiments, the video data Db representing the distribution video Vb including the input field Vd is exemplified, but the video data Db does not necessarily need to include image data of the input field Vd. For example, since the input field Vd is an image that is displayed fixedly, image data representing the input field Vd may be stored in advance in the storage device 32 of the terminal device 30. The video data Db is data representing a baseball game image B and a related video Vc (i.e., a part of the distribution video Vb other than the input field Vd). The display control unit 311 generates the distribution video Vb by adding the input field Vd represented by the image data stored in the storage device 32 to the baseball game image B and the related video Vc represented by the video data Db, and displays the distribution video Vb on the display device 34. As can be understood from the above description, a configuration in which a part of the distribution video Vb displayed on the display device 34 is held in the terminal device 30 is also assumed. In other words, the video data Db does not need to represent the entire distribution video Vb.

[0094] As can be understood from the above examples, the video data Db is comprehensively expressed as data for displaying the distribution video Vb on the display device 34. That is, in addition to data representing the distribution video Vb itself, the concept of the video data Db also encompasses data used in the process for displaying the distribution video Vb (e.g., data used to generate the distribution video Vb).

[0095] (2) The direction of the message M placed in the virtual space F may be controlled so that the message M always faces the virtual camera. Specifically, the direction of the bubble image Bm is controlled so that the normal of the bubble image Bm passes through the virtual camera, and the message M is placed on the surface of the bubble image Bm. The above configuration has the advantage that the user U and the player P can easily view each message M. In the fourth embodiment, the direction of the message M may be controlled so that the message M within the secondary imaging range Br always faces the auxiliary camera.

[0096] (3) In each of the above-mentioned embodiments, a configuration in which the user U can input any message M in the input field Vd has been exemplified, but a configuration in which the user U selects one of a plurality of messages M prepared in advance is also envisioned. Also, in each of the above-mentioned embodiments, a configuration in which the user U selects one of a plurality of types of spectator characters Y has been exemplified, but a spectator character Y created by the user U may be placed in the spectator seat A of the user U.

[0097] (4) In each of the above-mentioned embodiments, the user U selects the spectator seats A and the spectator character Y before the start of the playback of the distributed video Vb (for example, before the start of a baseball game), but the user U may select the spectator seats A and the spectator character Y in parallel with the progress of the baseball game. That is, the setting of the spectator seats A and the arrangement of the spectator character Y for each user U may be performed at a point in the middle of the baseball game. Also, before the start of the baseball game, the spectator character Y of each user U may be set (customized) and saved in response to an instruction from the user U. Also, the spectator seats A do not need to be set for each baseball game, and for example, a spectator seat A (so to speak, an annual pass) that is valid for a predetermined period during which multiple baseball games are played may be set for each user U.

[0098] (5) In each of the above-described embodiments, the video distribution system 10 relays the instruction data Qa and instruction data Qb transmitted from each terminal device 30, but the communication device 23 of the game system 20 may receive the instruction data Qa and instruction data Qb transmitted from each terminal device 30 without going through the video distribution system 10. In other words, the instruction receiving unit 112 in each of the above-described embodiments may be mounted on the game system 20.

[0099] (6) In each of the above-described embodiments, the game play video Va displayed on the game system 20 and the distribution video Vb displayed on the terminal device 30 are different from each other. However, the game play video Va (e.g., baseball game image B) may be displayed as the distribution video Vb on the terminal device 30. In other words, the game play video Va and the distribution video Vb may be the same.

[0100] (7) It is not necessary to set the spectator seats A and the spectator character Y for all users U who watch the distributed video Vb. In other words, the spectator seats A and the spectator character Y may be set and the message M may be displayed only for some of the users U who watch the distributed video Vb.

[0101] (8) In each of the above-mentioned embodiments, the video distribution system 10 includes the video distribution unit 111 and the instruction receiving unit 112, and the game system 20 includes the game control unit 211, the location setting unit 212, and the display control unit 213. However, the locations where each element is installed are not limited to the above examples. For example, a configuration in which the location setting unit 212 is installed in the video distribution system 10, or a configuration in which the video distribution unit 111 is installed in the game system 20 may also be envisioned.

[0102] (9) In the above-mentioned embodiments, a battle game in which the player P1 and the player P2 battle each other is exemplified, but the type of game in the present invention is arbitrary. For example, the present invention is applied to any game, such as a lottery game in which a lottery process such as a physical lottery or an electronic lottery is executed, a competitive game in which multiple players P compete in, for example, sports or board games, a music game in which the player P moves in time with music, an action game in which the player P achieves various objectives by controlling an opponent character X, and a search game in which the player P explores various places by controlling an opponent character X. As can be understood from the above examples, the number of players P in the game to which the present invention is applied is arbitrary. That is, the present invention is applied to a game played by one player P, in addition to a game in which multiple players P battle or cooperate with each other.

[0103] (10) The functions of the information system 100 according to each of the above-mentioned embodiments are realized by the cooperation of one or more processors (control device 11, control device 21) and a program. The programs according to each of the above-mentioned embodiments can be provided in a form stored in a computer-readable recording medium and installed in a computer. The recording medium is, for example, a non-transitory recording medium, and a good example is an optical recording medium (optical disk) such as a CD-ROM, but also includes any known type of recording medium such as a semiconductor recording medium or a magnetic recording medium. Note that the non-transitory recording medium includes any recording medium except for a transient, propagating signal, and does not exclude volatile recording media. In addition, in a configuration in which a distribution device distributes a program via a communication network, a storage device that stores the program in the distribution device corresponds to the above-mentioned non-transitory recording medium.

[0104] [Note] From the above description, for example, preferred embodiments of the present invention can be understood as follows. In order to facilitate understanding of each embodiment, reference numerals in the drawings are written in parentheses for convenience, but the present invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiments.

[0105] [Appendix 1] An information system (100) according to one aspect (Supplementary Note 1) of the present invention is a system capable of communicating with a plurality of terminal devices (30) used by a plurality of users (U), and includes a game control unit (211) that progresses a game in a virtual space (F), a location setting unit (212) that sets a usage location (A) in the virtual space (F) for each of the plurality of users (U), an instruction receiving unit (112) that receives messages (M) instructed by the plurality of users (U), and a first video (Va) that is displayed by a player (P) of the game. The virtual space (F) includes a display control unit (213) for displaying the second video (Vb) on a visual display device (25), and a video distribution unit (111) for transmitting to the multiple terminal devices (30) video data (Db) for displaying the second video (Vb) representing the progress of the game, in which, for each of the multiple users (U), an object (Y) representing the user (U) is placed in the user's (U) place of use (A) in the virtual space (F) and a message (M) received from the user (U) is placed in the vicinity of the object (Y).

[0106] In the above configuration, in the second video (Vb), an object (Y) is placed in the usage location (A) for each user (U) in the virtual space (F), and a message (M) received from each user (U) is placed near the object (Y). Therefore, each user (U) who watches the second video (Vb) using each terminal device (30) can intuitively and visually grasp the viewing situation of the second video (Vb), such as the number of users (U) watching the second video (Vb) and the proportion of users (U) who have indicated a message (M) among the multiple users (U).

[0107] The type of "game" is arbitrary. For example, the present invention is applicable to any type of game, regardless of the number or relationships of the players (P), such as a game in which multiple players (P) compete against each other, a game in which multiple players (P) aim to achieve a common objective, or a game in which one player (P) aims to achieve a predetermined objective.

[0108] The "video showing the progress of the game (first video (Va) or second video (Vb))" is any image that allows a viewer of the video to understand the status of the progress of the game. Note that there is no need to consider whether the "first video (Va)" and the "second video (Vb)" are the same. In other words, the first video (Va) viewed by the player (P) may be distributed as is to each terminal device (30) as the second video (Vb), or the second video (Vb) different from the first video (Va) may be distributed to each terminal device (30).

[0109] A "use location (A)" in a virtual space (F) is a location, space, or area secured at a specific position within the virtual space (F). For example, assuming that multiple virtual spectator seats are placed within the virtual space (F) for a game in which multiple players (P) compete against each other within the virtual space (F), one of the multiple spectator seats is set as the "use location (A)" for each user (U). However, it is not essential that the "use location (A)" be selected from multiple locations prepared in advance. For example, a space or area arbitrarily designated by the user (U) within the virtual space (F) may be set as the "use location (A)" for that user (U).

[0110] An "object (Y)" is a virtual element placed in the virtual space (F). A typical example of an object (Y) is a biological character (e.g., a human, an animal, or a monster). For example, an avatar representing a user (U) is assumed to be an "object (Y)". However, a non-biological element, such as a virtual signboard with the user's (U) name written on it, may also be adopted as an "object (Y)".

[0111] "Proximity to object (Y)" with regard to the placement of message (M) means that the object (Y) (or the place of use (A) where the object (Y) is placed) and the message (M) are in close proximity to each other to the extent that a user (U) who watches the second video (Vb) can visually recognize which object (Y) (or place of use (A)) the message (M) placed in the virtual space (F) corresponds to (i.e., the correspondence between the object (Y) and the message (M)).

[0112] [Appendix 2] In a specific example (Supplementary Note 2) of Supplementary Note 1, the first video (Va) is an image in which, for each of the multiple users (U), the object (Y) is placed at the usage location (A) of the user (U) in the virtual space (F), and the message (M) received from the user (U) is placed near the object (Y). In the above configuration, in the first video (Va), an object (Y) is placed at the usage location (A) of each user (U) in the virtual space (F), and the message (M) received from each user (U) is placed near the usage location (A). Therefore, a player (P) playing a game can intuitively and visually grasp the viewing situation of the second video (Vb), such as the size of the users (U) watching the first video (Va) and the ratio of users (U) who have indicated the message (M) among the multiple users (U).

[0113] [Appendix 3] In the specific example (Supplementary Note 3) of Supplementary Note 1 or Supplementary Note 2, when the instruction receiving unit (112) receives a common message (M) from two or more users (U) among the multiple users (U), the common message (M) is placed in the second video (Vb) in a size larger than the message (M) placed for each user (U). According to the above configuration, when a common message (M) is received from two or more users (U), the common message (M) is displayed in a size larger than the individual messages (M) for each user (U). Therefore, there is an advantage that a user (U) watching the second video (Vb) can visually and intuitively understand that a plurality of users (U) have instructed a common message (M). In addition, there is an advantage that the second video (Vb) is simplified compared to a case where a common message (M) is displayed individually for each of a large number of users (U).

[0114] [Appendix 4] In any of the specific examples (Supplementary Note 4) of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 3, when the instruction receiving unit (112) receives a second message (M2) instructed by a second user (U) whose use location (A) is set near the use location (A) of the first user (U) after receiving a first message (M1) instructed by a first user (U) among the multiple users (U), the first message (M1) and the second message (M2) are arranged in the second video (Vb) so as to partially overlap with each other such that the second message (M2) is located in front of the first message (M1). According to the above configuration, when the instruction receiving unit (112) receives the second message (M2) after receiving the first message (M1), the second message (M2) is arranged in front of the first message (M1) regardless of whether the use location (A) of the first user (U) is in front of the use location (A) of the second user (U). This makes it possible to prevent the second message (M2) from being hidden behind the first message (M1) immediately after it is received.

[0115] [Appendix 5] In any of the specific examples (Supplementary Note 5) of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 4, the second video (Vb) includes a virtual display unit (Bd) arranged in the virtual space (F), and the display unit (Bd) displays the object (Y) and the message (M) arranged within a specific range (Br) of the virtual space (F). According to the above aspect, it is possible to realize a performance in which an image captured within a specific range (Br) of the virtual space (F) is displayed on the display unit (Bd) (virtual display device) in the virtual space (F). Furthermore, a user (U) viewing the second image can view the object (Y) and message (M) arranged in each use location (A) in the virtual space (F), as well as the object (Y) and message (M) displayed on the display unit (Bd) in the virtual space (F).

[0116] [Appendix 6] An information system (100) according to one aspect (Supplementary Note 6) of the present invention is a system capable of communicating with a plurality of terminal devices (30) used by a plurality of users (U), and includes a game control unit (211) that progresses a game in a virtual space (F), a location setting unit (212) that sets a usage location (A) in the virtual space (F) for each of the plurality of users (U), an instruction receiving unit (112) that receives messages (M) instructed by the plurality of users (U), and a first moving image (Va) that shows the progress of the game, the first moving image (Va) being displayed on the display screen of the plurality of users (U). For each of the above, a display control unit (213) is provided that displays a first moving image (Va) on a display device (25) viewed by a player (P) of the game, in which an object (Y) representing the user (U) is placed in the place of use (A) of the user (U) in the virtual space (F) and a message (M) received from the user (U) is placed near the object (Y), and a moving image distribution unit (111) is provided that transmits moving image data (Db) for displaying a second moving image (Vb) representing the progress of the game to the multiple terminal devices (30). In the above configuration, in the first moving image (Va), an object (Y) is placed in the place of use (A) of each user (U) in the virtual space (F), and a message (M) received from each user (U) is placed near the place of use (A). Therefore, a player (P) playing the game can intuitively and visually grasp the viewing status of the second video (Vb), such as the number of users (U) watching the first video (Va) and the proportion of users (U) among the multiple users (U) who have indicated a message (M).

[0117] [Appendix 7] In any of the specific examples (Supplementary Note 7) of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 6, the second video (Vb) includes a reference image (Ve) in which a plurality of messages (M) received by the instruction receiving unit (112) are arranged in chronological order, and the first video (Va) does not include the reference image (Ve). In the above configuration, the second video (Vb) includes a reference image (Ve) in which a plurality of messages (M) are arranged in chronological order. Therefore, a user (U) who watches the second video (Vb) can check not only the messages (M) arranged within the range of the display target in the virtual space (F), but also the messages (M) from the user (U) corresponding to the use location (A) outside the range. On the other hand, since the first video (Va) does not include a reference image (Ve), the player (P) can easily concentrate on the game.

[0118] [Appendix 8] In one aspect (Appendix 8) of the present invention, an information processing method includes an information system (100) capable of communicating with a plurality of terminal devices (30) used by a plurality of users (U), progressing a game in a virtual space (F), setting a usage location (A) in the virtual space (F) for each of the plurality of users (U), accepting messages (M) designated by the plurality of users (U), displaying a first video (Va) representing the progress of the game on a display device (25) viewed by a player (P) of the game, and transmitting video data (Db) for displaying a second video (Vb) representing the progress of the game, in which, for each of the plurality of users (U), an object (Y) representing the user (U) is placed in the usage location (A) of the user (U) in the virtual space (F) and the message (M) accepted from the user (U) is placed in the vicinity of the object (Y), to the plurality of terminal devices (30).

[0119] [Appendix 9] In an information processing method according to one embodiment (Appendix 9) of the present invention, an information system (100) capable of communicating with a plurality of terminal devices (30) respectively used by a plurality of users (U) progresses a game in a virtual space (F), sets a usage location (A) in the virtual space (F) for each of the plurality of users (U), accepts messages (M) instructed by the plurality of users (U), displays a first moving image (Va) representing the progress of the game, in which, for each of the plurality of users (U), an object (Y) representing the user (U) is placed at the usage location (A) of the user (U) in the virtual space (F) and the message (M) received from the user (U) is placed near the object (Y), on a display device (25) viewed by a player (P) of the game, and transmits moving image data (Db) for displaying a second moving image (Vb) representing the progress of the game to the plurality of terminal devices (30).

[0120] [Appendix 10] A program according to one aspect of the present invention (Appendix 10) includes a computer system capable of communicating with a plurality of terminal devices (30) used by a plurality of users (U), the computer system comprising: a game control unit (211) for progressing a game in a virtual space (F); a location setting unit (212) for setting a usage location (A) in the virtual space (F) for each of the plurality of users (U); an instruction receiving unit (112) for receiving messages (M) instructed by the plurality of users (U); and a display unit (112) for displaying a first moving image (Va) showing the progress of the game, the first moving image (Va) being visually recognized by a player (P) of the game. and a video distribution unit (111) that transmits to the plurality of terminal devices (30) video data (Db) for displaying a second video (Vb) representing the progress of the game, in which, for each of the plurality of users (U), an object (Y) representing the user (U) is placed at the user's (U's) usage location (A) in the virtual space (F) and a message (M) received from the user (U) is placed in the vicinity of the object (Y), to the plurality of terminal devices (30).

[0121] [Appendix 11] A program according to one aspect of the present invention (Supplementary Note 11) comprises a computer system capable of communicating with a plurality of terminal devices (30) used by a plurality of users (U), the computer system comprising: a game control unit (211) for progressing a game in a virtual space (F); a location setting unit (212) for setting a usage location (A) in the virtual space (F) for each of the plurality of users (U); an instruction receiving unit (112) for receiving messages (M) instructed by the plurality of users (U); and a first moving image (Va) representing the progress of the game, the first moving image (Va) being arranged to be displayed for each of the plurality of users (U). The virtual space (F) functions as a display control unit (213) that displays a first video (Va) in which an object (Y) representing the user (U) is placed in the location (A) of use for the user (U) and a message (M) received from the user (U) is placed near the object (Y) on a display device (25) viewed by a player (P) of the game, and a video distribution unit (111) that transmits video data (Db) for displaying a second video (Vb) representing the progress of the game to the multiple terminal devices (30). [Explanation of symbols]

[0122] 100...information system, 200...communication network, 10...video distribution system, 11, 21, 31...control device, 12, 22, 32...storage device, 13, 23, 33...communication device, 20...game system, 24, 35...operation device, 25, 34...display device, G (G1, G2)...game unit, 30...terminal device, 111...video distribution unit, 112...instruction reception unit, 211...game control unit, 212...location setting unit, 213...display control unit, 311...display control unit, 312...reception processing unit, 313...instruction transmission unit.

Claims

1. A system capable of communicating with a plurality of terminal devices used by a plurality of users, a game control unit that progresses a game in a virtual space; a location setting unit that sets a usage location in the virtual space for each of the plurality of users; an instruction receiving unit that receives messages instructed by the plurality of users; a display control unit that causes a first moving image representing the progress of the game to be displayed on a display device that is visually recognized by a player of the game; a video distribution unit that transmits video data for displaying a second video representing the progress of the game to the plurality of terminal devices, The second video is an object representing each user, the object being arranged at a location of use of each user within a first range in the virtual space; a message received from the user represented by the object, the message being placed in the vicinity of the object within the first range; a virtual display unit that is disposed within the virtual space and positioned within the first range and displays a third moving image, The third video is: An object representing each user is placed at a location of use of each user within a second range in the virtual space that is different from the first range; and a message received from the user and placed in the vicinity of the object within the second range and represented by the object; Information systems.

2. The first range and the second range overlap each other. The information system of claim 1.

3. The first video is an image in which, for each of the plurality of users, the object is placed in a location of use of the user in the virtual space, and a message received from the user is placed near the object.

3. The information system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. When the instruction receiving unit receives a common message from two or more users among the plurality of users, the common message is placed in the second video in a size larger than the messages placed for each of the users.

4. The information system according to claim 1.

5. When the instruction receiving unit receives a second message instructed by a second user whose location of use is set near the location of use of the first user after receiving a first message instructed by a first user among the plurality of users, the first message and the second message are arranged in the second video so as to partially overlap each other and to be positioned in front of the first message.

5. The information system according to claim 1.

6. An information system capable of communicating with a plurality of terminal devices used by a plurality of users, Progress the game in the virtual space, setting a usage location in the virtual space for each of the plurality of users; Accepting messages designated by the plurality of users; displaying a first moving image representing the progress of the game on a display device that is visually recognized by a player of the game; Transmitting video data for displaying a second video representing the progress of the game to the plurality of terminal devices.

1. An information processing method, comprising: The second video is an object representing each user, the object being arranged at a location of use of each user within a first range in the virtual space; a message received from the user represented by the object, the message being placed in the vicinity of the object within the first range; a virtual display unit that is disposed within the virtual space and positioned within the first range and displays a third moving image, The third video is: An object representing each user is placed at a location of use of each user within a second range in the virtual space that is different from the first range; and a message received from the user and placed in the vicinity of the object within the second range and represented by the object; Information processing methods.

7. A computer system capable of communicating with a plurality of terminal devices used by a plurality of users, a game control unit for progressing a game in a virtual space; a location setting unit that sets a usage location in the virtual space for each of the plurality of users; an instruction receiving unit that receives messages instructed by the plurality of users; a display control unit that causes a first moving image representing the progress of the game to be displayed on a display device visually recognized by a player of the game; and a video distribution unit that transmits video data for displaying a second video representing the progress of the game to the plurality of terminal devices; A program that functions as The second video is an object representing each user, the object being arranged at a location of use of each user within a first range in the virtual space; a message received from the user represented by the object, the message being placed in the vicinity of the object within the first range; a virtual display unit that is disposed within the virtual space and positioned within the first range and displays a third moving image, The third video is: An object representing each user is placed at a location of use of each user within a second range in the virtual space that is different from the first range; and a message received from the user and placed in the vicinity of the object within the second range and represented by the object; program.

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