System and Program

Abstract

To provide a system and a program capable of reducing a delay occurring between a video of actual play by a user and a video for viewing.SOLUTION: A first terminal includes first preparation means. The first preparation means performs preparation for allowing a first user of the first terminal to play a game. Prior to the preparation by the first preparation means, setting information selected by the first user for the first user playing the game is set for the first user. The second terminal includes information acquisition means and second preparation means. The information acquisition means acquires the setting information of the first user prior to the preparation by the first preparation means. The second preparation means starts preparation, prior to the preparation by the first preparation means, for allowing a second user of the second terminal to view the play of the game by the first user, based on the setting information of the first user.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 17

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] As an invention related to a conventional system, for example, the system described in Non-Patent Document 1 is known. In this system, a custom room is established that multiple users can enter. Then, users can compete against other users in the custom room. In addition, users who are not participating in the competition can watch the competition. [Prior art documents] [Non-patent literature]

[0003] [Non-Patent Document 1] Capcom Co., Ltd., "STREET FIGHTER Official Web Manual", [online], [Retrieved December 17, 2023], Internet<URL:https: / / game.capcom.com / manual / SF6 / ja / ps5 / page / 6 / 6> Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Incidentally, in the field of the system described in Non-Patent Document 1, there is a demand for reducing the delay that occurs between the video of the actual user's play and the video for viewing.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a system and program that can reduce the delay that occurs between the video of the actual user's play and the video for viewing. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The first aspect is The system includes a first terminal and a second terminal, the first terminal includes a first preparing means; the first preparation means prepares for a first user of the first terminal to play a game; setting information selected by the first user in order for the first user to play the game is set for the first user before the preparation by the first preparation means; the second terminal includes an information acquisition means and a second preparation means, the information acquisition means acquires the setting information of the first user before preparation by the first preparation means; the second preparation means, prior to the preparation by the first preparation means, starts preparation for a second user of the second terminal to watch the first user play the game, based on the setting information of the first user. It is a system.

[0007] The second aspect is The system further includes a third terminal through an Nth terminal, N is an integer equal to or greater than 3, when the first user to the Nth user of the Nth terminal enters the room set by the server, the first user to the Nth user sets the setting information for the first user to the Nth user by operating the first terminal to the Nth terminal; the information acquisition means acquires the setting information of the first user through the Nth user before preparation by the first preparation means; the second preparation means, prior to the preparation by the first preparation means, starts preparation for the second user of the second terminal to watch play of the game by some users, including the first user, among the first user to the N users, based on the setting information of the first user to the N users; 1 is a system according to the first aspect.

[0008] The third aspect is The third terminal to the Nth terminal further include the second preparation means, the second preparation means of the third terminal to the Nth terminal starts preparation for the second user of the second terminal to watch the play of the game by some users, including the first user, among the first user to the Nth user, based on the setting information of the first user to the Nth user, before the preparation by the first preparation means; A system according to a second aspect.

[0009] The fourth aspect is The game is a competitive game, When a plurality of matches are to be played, before a first match among the plurality of matches is started, the second preparation means prepares for the second user of the second terminal to watch the plurality of matches. 1 is a system according to the first aspect.

[0010] The fifth aspect is the second user is in a room set by the server; the information acquisition means acquires the setting information of the first user when the first user enters the room. 1 is a system according to the first aspect.

[0011] The sixth aspect is The system further includes a third terminal through an Nth terminal, N is an integer equal to or greater than 3, the information acquisition means acquires the setting information of the third user of the third terminal through the Nth user of the Nth terminal when each of the third user of the third terminal through the Nth user of the Nth terminal enters the room; the second preparation means, prior to the preparation by the first preparation means, starts preparation for the second user of the second terminal to watch play of the game by some users, including the first user, among the first user to the N users, based on the setting information of the first user to the N users; A system according to a fifth aspect.

[0012] The seventh aspect is the first terminal further comprises a setting information change means and a change notification means; the setting information changing means changes the setting information of the first user during preparation by the first preparation means; the change notification means notifies the second terminal that the setting information of the first user has been changed; the second preparation means prepares for the second user of the second terminal to watch the game being played by the first user, based on the setting information of the first user changed by the setting information change means; A system according to any one of the first to sixth aspects.

[0013] The eighth aspect is The system includes a first terminal and a second terminal, the first terminal includes a first preparing means; the first preparation means prepares for a first user of the first terminal to play a game; the second terminal includes a second preparing means; the second preparation means, prior to the preparation by the first preparation means, starts preparation for a second user of the second terminal to watch the first user play the game, based on setting information including options that can be selected by the first user in order for the first user to play the game; It is a system.

[0014] The ninth aspect is A program executed on a second terminal, the program causes the second terminal to function as an information acquisition means and a second preparation means; a first terminal preparing for a first user of the first terminal to play a game; Prior to the preparation by the first terminal, setting information selected by the first user in order for the first user to play the game is set for the first user; the information acquisition means acquires the setting information of the first user before preparation by the first terminal; the second preparation means starts preparation for a second user of the second terminal to watch the first user play the game, based on the setting information of the first user, before the preparation by the first terminal. It is a program.

[0015] The tenth aspect is A program executed on a second terminal, the program causes the second terminal to function as a second preparation means; a first terminal preparing for a first user of the first terminal to play a game; the second preparation means, prior to the preparation by the first terminal, starts preparation for a second user of the second terminal to watch the first user play the game, based on setting information including options that can be selected by the first user to play the game; It is a program. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to reduce the delay that occurs between the video of the actual user's play and the video for viewing. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of systems 1, 1a to 1f. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of first terminal 10-1. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the system 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the system 1. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 shows an image displayed on display 20 of first terminal 10-1. [Figure 6]FIG. 6 shows an image displayed on display 20 of first terminal 10-1. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 shows an image displayed on display 20 of first terminal 10-1. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 shows an image displayed on display 20 of first terminal 10-1. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 shows an image displayed on display 20 of second terminal 10-2. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of a system according to a comparative example. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an image displayed on the display of the first terminal according to the comparative example. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the operation of the system 1a. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the operation of the system 1b. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the operation of the system 1c. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the operation of the system 1d. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the operation of the system 1e. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the operation of the system 1f. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the operation of the system 1g. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the operation of the system 1h. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the operation of the system 1i. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] (Embodiment) A system 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0019] [System 1 Overview] First, the overall configuration of the system 1 will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is an explanatory diagram of the systems 1, 1a to 1e.

[0020] The system 1 shown in Fig. 1 includes a first terminal 10-1 to an N-th terminal 10-N, a first server 110, and a second server 210. N is an integer. In this embodiment, N is an integer equal to or greater than 3. The first terminal 10-1 to the N-th terminal 10-N, the first server 110, and the second server 210 can communicate with each other via a communication network. The network may be the Internet, an intranet, or the like.

[0021] The first terminal 10-1 to the Nth terminal 10-N are information processing devices used by the users US1 to USN, respectively. The first terminal 10-1 to the Nth terminal 10-N are, for example, smartphones, tablet terminals, home game consoles, portable game consoles, or personal computers.

[0022] The first server 110 and the second server 210 are computers. The first server 110 and the second server 210 provide responses to the first terminal 10-1 through the N-th terminal 10-N in response to requests from the first terminal 10-1 through the N-th terminal 10-N. The first server 110 is a server through which the first terminal 10-1 through the N-th terminal 10-N play a communication game. In this embodiment, the game is a fighting game in which a first character operated by the first terminal 10-1 fights against an N-th character operated by the N-th terminal 10-N. The second server 210 is a server through which the first terminal 10-1 through the N-th terminal 10-N make video calls.

[0023] Note that user US1 plays the game by operating first terminal 10-1. Therefore, the subject of the action of playing the game is user US1. However, in this specification, for the sake of simplicity, for example, "user US1 plays the game by operating first terminal 10-1" will be simply described as first terminal 10-1 playing the game. Note that other actions of first terminal 10-1 to Nth terminal 10-N are also similar to the action of first terminal 10-1 playing the game.

[0024] Next, an overview of the operation of the system 1 will be described. The N-1th terminal 10-N-1 opens a room by accessing the second server 210. Users US1 to USN of the first terminal 10-1 to the Nth terminal 10-N can enter the room. This allows, for example, the first terminal 10-1 to select an opponent from the second terminal 10-2 to the Nth terminal 10-N to play a game match. In this embodiment, the first terminal 10-1 and the Nth terminal 10-N compete against each other. When the first terminal 10-1 and the Nth terminal 10-N compete against each other, the first terminal 10-1 and the Nth terminal 10-N communicate with each other via peer-to-peer (P2P).

[0025] Furthermore, among the first terminal 10-1 to the Nth terminal 10-N, terminals that are not playing the game can watch the game match. In this embodiment, the second terminal 10-2 can watch the match between the first terminal 10-1 and the Nth terminal 10-N.

[0026] The system 1 performs the following operations to reduce the delay that occurs between the video of the actual user's play and the video for viewing. When a match between the first terminal 10-1 and the Nth terminal 10-N is decided, the first terminal 10-1 and the Nth terminal 10-N start a first data loading process for the first terminal 10-1 and the Nth terminal 10-N to play the game. During this first data loading process, the first terminal 10-1 and the Nth terminal 10-N select a character and a control method. Then, the first terminal 10-1 and the Nth terminal 10-N transmit a first notification including the character and the control method to the second terminal 10-2.

[0027] Upon receiving the first notification, the second terminal 10-2 starts a second data loading process so that the second terminal 10-2 can watch the game being played. Then, upon completion of the second data loading process, the second terminal 10-2 transmits a second notification indicating that preparations are complete to the first terminal 10-1 and the Nth terminal 10-N. This starts a match between the first terminal 10-1 and the Nth terminal 10-N.

[0028] [Structure of the first terminal 10-1 to the Nth terminal 10-N] Next, the structures of the first terminal 10-1 to the Nth terminal 10-N will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 2 is a block diagram of the first terminal 10-1.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 2, the first terminal 10-1 includes a control unit 12, a memory unit 14, a network interface 16, a camera 17, a graphics processing unit 18, a display 20, an audio processing unit 22, a speaker 24, and an operation unit 26.

[0030] The storage unit 14 stores programs and data and is, for example, a combination of a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), and a storage (for example, a flash memory or a hard disk).

[0031] The programs include, for example, the following programs: ·OS (Operating System) programs ·Application programs that process information (e.g., web browsers or target apps described below)

[0032] The data includes, for example, the following data: · Databases referenced in information processing · Data obtained by executing information processing (i.e., the results of executing information processing)

[0033] Control unit 12 realizes the functions of first terminal 10-1 by executing the programs stored in storage unit 14. Control unit 12 is, for example, at least one of the following: ·CPU(Central Processing Unit) ·GPU(Graphic Processing Unit) ·ASIC(Application Specific Integrated Circuit) ·FPGA(Field Programmable Array)

[0034] The control unit 12 includes, as functional blocks, a first preparation means 120, a first transmission means 122, a notification acquisition means 124, a second preparation means 126, a second transmission means 128, a game execution means 130, a second setting acquisition means 132, a video data output means 134, a first setting acquisition means 136, an information acquisition means 138, a setting information change means 140, and a change notification means 142.

[0035] The network interface 16 controls communication between the first terminal 10-1 and external devices, which are the second terminal 10-2 through the N-th terminal 10-N, the first server 110, and the second server 210.

[0036] Camera 17 captures the surroundings of first terminal 10-1 and generates video data. In this embodiment, camera 17 captures the face of user US1 who is using first terminal 10-1.

[0037] The graphics processing unit 18 displays an image on the display 20 based on the image data generated by the control unit 12. The display 20 is a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display.

[0038] The audio processing unit 22 causes the speaker 24 to output sound based on the audio data generated by the control unit 12 .

[0039] The operation unit 26 generates an operation signal based on an operation by the user US1 and outputs the operation signal to the control unit 12.

[0040] The second terminal 10-2 to the Nth terminal 10-N have the same structure as the first terminal 10-1, and therefore the explanation thereof will be omitted.

[0041] [System 1 operation] Next, the operation of system 1 will be described with reference to the drawings. Figures 3 and 4 are flowcharts showing the operation of system 1. Figures 5 to 8 are diagrams showing images displayed on display 20 of first terminal 10-1. Figure 9 is a diagram showing an image displayed on display 20 of second terminal 10-2.

[0042] When control unit 12 of first terminal 10-1 and second terminal 10-2 reads out programs stored in storage unit 14, these programs cause first terminal 10-1 and second terminal 10-2 to execute the operations described below. The programs then cause first terminal 10-1 and second terminal 10-2 to function as first preparation means 120, first transmission means 122, notification acquisition means 124, second preparation means 126, second transmission means 128, game execution means 130, second setting acquisition means 132, video data output means 134, first setting acquisition means 136, information acquisition means 138, setting information change means 140, and change notification means 142.

[0043] First, the first terminal 10-1, the Nth terminal 10-N, and the first server 110 perform a process of determining an opponent (step S0). Specifically, the control unit 12 of the first terminal 10-1 causes the display 20 to display the image shown in FIG. 5. The first terminal 10-1 can select an opponent from the second terminal 10-2 through the Nth terminal 10-N. For example, the control unit 12 of the first terminal 10-1 transmits a selection notice to the first server 110 via the network interface 16, indicating that the Nth terminal 10-N has been selected as the opponent. The first server 110 receives the selection notice and transmits a selection notice to the Nth terminal 10-N. The control unit 12 of the Nth terminal 10-N receives the selection notice via the network interface 16. Then, the control unit 12 of the Nth terminal 10-N transmits a battle permission notice to the first server 110 via the network interface 16, indicating that the first server 110 accepts the battle with the first terminal 10-1. This completes the opponent determination process.

[0044] Next, the control unit 12 (first preparation means 120) of the first terminal 10-1 prepares for the user US1 (player) to play the game. Specifically, the control unit 12 (first preparation means 120) of the first terminal 10-1 performs a first data loading process for the user US1 (player) to play the game (step S1). In this way, the preparation by the first preparation means 120 includes a first data loading process for the user US1 (player) to play the game. The first data loading process is an operation in which the control unit 12 reads character data from the storage unit 14 when the first terminal 10-1 selects a character, and reads operation method data from the storage unit 14 when the first terminal 10-1 selects an operation method. The first data loading process also includes an operation in which the control unit 12 reads data for a battle between the first terminal 10-1 and the Nth terminal 10-N from the storage unit 14. The data used by control unit 12 to perform a match between first terminal 10-1 and Nth terminal 10-N is, for example, a background image during the match.

[0045] Furthermore, the control unit 12 (first preparation means 120) of the Nth terminal 10-N prepares for the user USN (player) to play the game. Specifically, the control unit 12 (first preparation means 120) of the Nth terminal 10-N performs a first data loading process for the user USN (player) to play the game (step S61). The process subsequently performed by the control unit 12 of the Nth terminal 10-N is the same as the process subsequently performed by the control unit 12 of the first terminal 10-1, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0046] Next, during the first data loading process, the control unit 12 of the first terminal 10-1 displays the image shown in FIG. 6 on the display 20. The image shown in FIG. 6 is an image for the first terminal 10-1 to select a character to be used in the battle. The control unit 12 of the first terminal 10-1 selects character 1. Once the character is selected, the control unit 12 of the first terminal 10-1 displays the image shown in FIG. 7 on the display 20. The image shown in FIG. 7 is an image for the first terminal 10-1 to select an operation method in the battle. Through the selections in FIGS. 6 and 7, the control unit 12 (first preparation means 120) of the first terminal 10-1 acquires first information input by the user US1 (player) while the user US1 (player) is preparing to play the game. In this embodiment, the first information includes the character and operation method selected by the first terminal 10-1.

[0047] Next, the control unit 12 of the first terminal 10-1 transmits the first information as a first notification to the first server 110 via the network interface 16 (step S2). The first server 110 receives the first notification including the first information and transmits the first notification to the second terminal 10-2 (step S21). In this way, the control unit 12 (first transmitting means 122) of the first terminal 10-1 transmits at least a part of the first information acquired by the control unit 12 (first preparing means 120) of the first terminal 10-1 as a first notification to the second terminal 10-2 via the network interface 16. Note that even after step S2, the control unit 12 of the first terminal 10-1 continues the first data loading process so that the user US1 (player) can play the game (step S3).

[0048] The network interface 16 of the second terminal 10-2 receives the first notification and outputs it to the control unit 12 of the second terminal 10-2. As a result, the control unit 12 (notification acquisition means 124) of the second terminal 10-2 acquires the first notification regarding the preparation by the control unit 12 (first preparation means 120) of the first terminal 10-1 (step S41). Although a detailed explanation will be omitted, the control unit 12 (notification acquisition means 124) of the second terminal 10-2 acquires the first notification regarding the preparation by the control unit 12 (first preparation means 120) of the Nth terminal 10-N.

[0049] Next, in response to the first notification, the control unit 12 (second preparation means 126) of the second terminal 10-2 makes preparations for viewing the game play by user US1 (player) and user USN (player). Specifically, the control unit 12 (second preparation means 126) of the second terminal 10-2 performs a second data loading process so that user US2 (spectator) can view the game play by user US1 (player) and user USN (player) (step S42). In this way, the preparation by the second preparation means 126 includes a second data loading process so that user US2 (spectator) can view the game play by user US1 (player) and user USN (player). The second data loading process is an operation in which the control unit 12 reads data on the characters and operation methods selected by the first terminal 10-1 and data on the characters and operation methods selected by the Nth terminal 10-N from the storage unit 14. The second data loading process also includes an operation in which the control unit 12 of the second terminal 10-2 reads out data used by the control unit 12 of the second terminal 10-2 to play a match between the first terminal 10-1 and the Nth terminal 10-N from the storage unit 14. The data used by the control unit 12 to play a match between the first terminal 10-1 and the Nth terminal 10-N is, for example, data such as background video during the match. The data used by the control unit 12 to play a match between the first terminal 10-1 and the Nth terminal 10-N is not limited to the above data as long as it is data necessary for the match between the first terminal 10-1 and the Nth terminal 10-N, and may be any data that should be read out before the second notification is transmitted.

[0050] Next, the control unit 12 of the second terminal 10-2 transmits a second notification to the first server 110 via the network interface 16 indicating that preparation by the control unit 12 (second preparation means 126) of the second terminal 10-2 has been completed (step S43). The first server 110 receives the second notification and transmits the second notification to the first terminal 10-1 (step S22). In this way, the control unit 12 (second transmission means 128) of the second terminal 10-2 transmits the second notification to the first terminal 10-1 via the network interface 16 indicating that preparation by the control unit 12 (second preparation means 126) of the second terminal 10-2 has been completed. Although a detailed description will be omitted, the control unit 12 (second transmission means 128) of the second terminal 10-2 also transmits the second notification to the Nth terminal 10-N via the network interface 16.

[0051] The network interface 16 of the first terminal 10-1 receives the second notification and outputs it to the control unit 12 of the first terminal 10-1. As a result, the control unit 12 of the first terminal 10-1 acquires the second notification that preparation by the control unit 12 (second preparation means 126) of the second terminal 10-2 has been completed (step S4). Although a detailed description will be omitted, the control unit 12 of the Nth terminal 10-N also acquires the second notification.

[0052] The control unit 12 of the first terminal 10-1 starts a match with the Nth terminal 10-N (step S5). More specifically, the control unit 12 (game execution means 130) of the first terminal 10-1 starts the user US1 (player) playing the game when a start condition is satisfied. Similarly, the control unit 12 (game execution means 130) of the Nth terminal 10-N starts the user USN (player) playing the game when a start condition is satisfied. Here, the start condition includes that the control unit 12 (game execution means 130) of the first terminal 10-1 and the control unit 12 (game execution means 130) of the Nth terminal 10-N have acquired a second notification. In this embodiment, the start condition is simply that the control unit 12 (game execution means 130) of the first terminal 10-1 and the control unit 12 (game execution means 130) of the Nth terminal 10-N have acquired a second notification. Therefore, when the start conditions are met, the control unit 12 (game execution means 130) of the first terminal 10-1 starts playing the game by users US1 and USN (players) even without any operation of the first terminal 10-1, the second terminal 10-2, and the Nth terminal 10-N.

[0053] When the battle begins, as shown in FIG. 8, the user US1 operates the operation unit 26 to move the character CA1. The user USN operates the operation unit 26 to move the character CAN. The control unit 12 of the first terminal 10-1 transmits an operation signal generated by the operation unit 26 to the Nth terminal 10-N and the first server 110 via the network interface 16 (step S6). Similarly, although not shown, the control unit 12 of the Nth terminal 10-N transmits an operation signal generated by the operation unit 26 to the first terminal 10-1 and the first server 110 via the network interface 16. As a result, the first terminal 10-1 and the Nth terminal 10-N engage in a communication battle. Furthermore, the first server 110 transmits the operation signal of the first terminal 10-1 and the operation signal of the Nth terminal 10-N to the second terminal 10-2 (step S23).

[0054] Network interface 16 of second terminal 10-2 receives the operation signal of first terminal 10-1 and the operation signal of Nth terminal 10-N, and outputs the operation signal of first terminal 10-1 and the operation signal of Nth terminal 10-N to control unit 12 of second terminal 10-2. As a result, control unit 12 of second terminal 10-2 acquires the operation signal of first terminal 10-1 and the operation signal of Nth terminal 10-N (step S44). As shown in FIG. 8, control unit 12 of second terminal 10-2 can reproduce the battle between first terminal 10-1 and Nth terminal 10-N based on the operation signal of first terminal 10-1 and the operation signal of Nth terminal 10-N (step S45).

[0055] In parallel with the processing of step S6, the control unit 12 of the first terminal 10-1 transmits the video signal generated by the camera 17 to the second server 210 via the network interface 16 (step S8). Although not shown, the control unit 12 of the Nth terminal 10-N also transmits the video signal to the second server 210 via the network interface 16. The video signal generated by camera 17 of first terminal 10-1 (hereinafter referred to as the video signal of first terminal 10-1) is a video signal including the face of user US1. The video signal generated by camera 17 of Nth terminal 10-N (hereinafter referred to as the video signal of Nth terminal 10-N) is a video signal including the face of user USN. Second server 210 receives the video signal of first terminal 10-1 and the video signal of Nth terminal 10-N, and transmits the video signal of first terminal 10-1 and the video signal of Nth terminal 10-N to second terminal 10-2 (step S81).

[0056] Network interface 16 of second terminal 10-2 receives the video signal of first terminal 10-1 and the video signal of Nth terminal 10-N, and outputs the video signal of first terminal 10-1 and the video signal of Nth terminal 10-N to control unit 12 of second terminal 10-2. As a result, control unit 12 of second terminal 10-2 acquires the video signal of first terminal 10-1 and the video signal of Nth terminal 10-N (step S46).

[0057] Next, the control unit 12 of the second terminal 10-2 generates a composite image by combining the video of the battle between the first terminal 10-1 and the Nth terminal 10-N acquired in step S45, the video indicated by the video signal of the first terminal 10-1 acquired in step S46, and the video indicated by the video signal of the Nth terminal 10-N acquired in step S46. The control unit 12 of the second terminal 10-2 then displays the composite image shown in FIG. 9 on the display 20 (step S47). The composite image of FIG. 9 includes the video of the battle between the first terminal 10-1 and the Nth terminal 10-N, a video including the face of user US1, and a video including the face of user USN. This allows user US2 of the second terminal 10-2 to watch the battle between user US1 of the first terminal 10-1 and user USN of the Nth terminal 10-N.

[0058] [effect] As will be described below, system 1 can reduce the delay that occurs between the video of the actual user US1 playing and the video for viewing. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of a system according to a comparative example. In the processing of FIG. 10, the same processes as those in FIGS. 3 and 4 are assigned the same reference numerals. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an image displayed on the display of a first terminal according to a comparative example.

[0059] The operation of the system according to the comparative example differs from the operation of system 1 in that steps S4, S22, and S43 are not performed. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 10, the control unit of the first terminal and the control unit of the Nth terminal start the match (step S5) without waiting for the completion of the second data loading process (step S42) of the second terminal. In this case, the match reproduction process of step S45 is significantly delayed relative to the match start process of step S5. As a result, the video for viewing is significantly delayed relative to the video of the actual play of user US1. Therefore, the system according to the comparative example addresses this delay by, for example, fast-forwarding the first half of the match video or cutting the final part of the match video. In this case, user US2 cannot properly view the match.

[0060] Furthermore, in the system according to the comparative example, the first terminal selects a character in the image shown in FIG. 6 and selects an operation method in the image shown in FIG. 7. In this case, the first terminal reads data for user US1 to play the game in advance through a first data loading process as the selection by the first terminal progresses. This shortens the first data loading process in step S3 of FIG. 10. As a result, the video for viewing is delayed even further relative to the video of the actual play by user US1. On the other hand, if the first terminal does not read data for user US1 to play the game in advance through a first data loading process as the selection by the first terminal progresses, the start of the battle between the first terminal and the Nth terminal will be delayed.

[0061] One way to resolve this delay is for the control unit of the second terminal to start the second data loading process (step S42) early. However, the second data loading process is executed based on information included in the first notification. Therefore, the control unit of the second terminal cannot start the second data loading process before receiving the first notification in step S41.

[0062] In addition, in the system according to the comparative example, two consecutive matches between the first terminal and the Nth terminal are held so that user US2 can properly watch the matches. Due to the delay, user US2 is unable to properly watch the first match. Therefore, the system according to the comparative example performs the first match for adjustment purposes, preventing user US2 from watching the first match. However, the characters and control methods from the first match are carried over to the second match. Therefore, the character and control method data for the second match use the character and control method data from the first match. As a result, the first data loading process and the second data loading process for the second match are shorter than the first data loading process and the second data loading process for the first match. The timing at which the second data loading process for the second match ends is not significantly delayed relative to the timing at which the first data loading process for the second match ends. As a result, the match reproduction process in step S45 is less likely to be delayed relative to the match start process in step S5. Therefore, the video for viewing is less likely to lag behind the video of the actual play of user US1, so user US2 can properly watch the second match. As described above, in the system according to the comparative example, the match between the first terminal and the Nth terminal is held twice in succession so that user US2 can properly watch the match.

[0063] Therefore, in the system 1, as shown in step S43 of FIG. 3, the control unit 12 (second transmission means 128) of the second terminal 10-2 transmits a second notification to the first terminal 10-1 via the network interface 16, indicating that preparation by the control unit 12 (second preparation means 126) of the second terminal 10-2 has been completed. As a result, the first terminal 10-1 starts a match with the Nth terminal 10-N after preparation by the control unit 12 (second preparation means 126) of the second terminal 10-2 has been completed. In this case, the match reproduction process of step S45 does not have a significant delay with respect to the match start process of step S5. As described above, according to the system 1, it is possible to reduce the delay that occurs between the video of the actual play of the user US1 and the video for viewing. Furthermore, according to the system 1, it is not necessary to perform a match between the first terminal 10-1 and the Nth terminal 10-N twice in succession.

[0064] In the comparative example, the video for viewing is significantly delayed relative to the video of the actual gameplay of user US1. Meanwhile, the video signals of the first terminal and the Nth terminal are transmitted to the second terminal with a small delay after the match start process in step S5. The small delay refers to the delay due to the transmission and reception of the video signals. As a result, the timing at which the video of the match between the first terminal and the Nth terminal is displayed is significantly delayed relative to the timing at which the video including the face of user US1 and the video including the face of user USN are displayed. For example, in FIG. 11, character CAN is damaged, and the video of the match indicates that the first terminal is playing against the Nth terminal. Meanwhile, in the video including the face of user US1 and the video including the face of user USN, user USN is smiling because he has won, and user US1 is crying because he has lost. Therefore, user US2 knows the outcome of the match from the facial expressions of user US1 and user USN, even though the match between the first terminal and the Nth terminal is currently in progress.

[0065] On the other hand, system 1 can prevent the video for viewing from being significantly delayed relative to the video of the actual play of user US1. As a result, the timing at which the video of the match between first terminal 10-1 and Nth terminal 10-N is displayed does not significantly delay the timing at which the video including the faces of user US1 and user USN is displayed. Therefore, system 1 prevents user US2 from finding out the result of the match from the facial expressions of user US1 and user USN during the match between the first terminal and the Nth terminal.

[0066] In the system 1, when a start condition is satisfied, the control unit 12 (game execution means 130) of the first terminal 10-1 starts the user US1 (player) playing the game without any operation of the first terminal 10-1 or the second terminal 10-2. This shortens the time that the user US1 has to wait for the start of the game play.

[0067] (First Modification) The system 1a according to the first modified example will be described below with reference to the drawings. Figure 12 is a flowchart showing the operation of the system 1a.

[0068] System 1a differs from system 1 in that control unit 12 (second transmission means) of second terminal 10-2 transmits a first permission notification, in which user US2 (spectator) gives permission to start the game, to first terminal 10-1 via network interface 16. More specifically, after step S43, control unit 12 of second terminal 10-2 causes display 20 to display an image having a button for giving permission to start the game. In response, user US2 presses this button by operating operation unit 26.

[0069] Control unit 12 (second transmission means) of second terminal 10-2 transmits the first permission notification to first server 110 via network interface 16 (step S48). First server 110 receives the first permission notification and transmits the first permission notification to first terminal 10-1 (step S24). Network interface 16 of first terminal 10-1 receives the first permission notification and outputs it to control unit 12. As a result, control unit 12 of first terminal 10-1 acquires the first permission notification (step S8).

[0070] The control unit 12 of the first terminal 10-1 starts a match with the Nth terminal 10-N (step S5). More specifically, the control unit 12 (game execution means 130) of the first terminal 10-1 starts the user US1 (player) playing the game when a start condition is met. Here, the start condition includes that the control unit 12 (game execution means 130) of the first terminal 10-1 has acquired the second notification and the first permission notification. The subsequent processing of the system 1a is the same as that of the system 1, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. Furthermore, the system 1a can achieve the same effects as the system 1.

[0071] Furthermore, there may be a plurality of terminals (second terminals) that watch the match between first terminal 10-1 and Nth terminal 10-N. In this case, there may be variations in the performance of the plurality of terminals (second terminals). Therefore, the length of the second data loading process varies among the multiple terminals (second terminals). Therefore, the start condition only needs to include the control unit 12 (game execution means 130) of the first terminal 10-1 receiving the second notification and the first permission notification from the multiple terminals (second terminals). This reduces the delay between the video of the actual user US1 playing and the video for viewing on the multiple terminals (second terminals).

[0072] (Second Modification) A system 1b according to the second modification will be described below with reference to the drawings. Fig. 13 is a flowchart showing the operation of the system 1b.

[0073] System 1b differs from system 1 in that the N-1th terminal 10-N-1 is a host terminal that opens a room. The control unit 12 (second setting acquisition means 132) of the N-1th terminal 10-N-1 acquires game settings in the first terminal 10-1 before the control unit 12 (second transmission means 128) of the second terminal 10-2 transmits a first permission notice to the first terminal 10-1 via the network interface 16. In this embodiment, the control unit 12 (second setting acquisition means 132) of the N-1th terminal 10-N-1 acquires video for setting up the game in the first terminal 10-1 (hereinafter, "setting video"). The setting video includes information about the first terminal 10-1. The information is, for example, information about the character, the operation method, the character's costume, the color of the character's costume, the stage, and the controller.

[0074] 13, the control unit 12 of the N-1th terminal 10-N-1 transmits a setting request to the first server 110 via the network interface 16, requesting the first terminal 10-1 to provide a setting image (step S10). The first server 110 receives the setting request and transmits the setting request to the first terminal 10-1 (step S25). The network interface 16 of the first terminal 10-1 receives the setting request and outputs the setting request to the control unit 12. As a result, the control unit 12 of the first terminal 10-1 acquires the setting request (step S9).

[0075] The control unit 12 of the first terminal 10-1 transmits the setting video data to the first server 110 via the network interface 16 (step S101). The first server 110 receives the setting video data and transmits the setting video data to the N-1-th terminal 10-N-1 (step S26). The network interface 16 of the N-1-th terminal 10-N-1 receives the setting video data and outputs the setting video data to the control unit 12. As a result, the control unit 12 of the first terminal 10-1 acquires the setting video data (step S102). As a result, the user USN-1 of the N-1-th terminal 10-N-1 can confirm the setting video displayed on the display 20. The subsequent operation of the system 1b is the same as that of the system 1, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0076] According to the system 1b, before the start of a match between the first terminal 10-1 and the Nth terminal 10-N, the N-1th terminal 10-N-1 can acquire a setting image. The setting image includes information about the first terminal 10-1. The information is, for example, information about the character, the operation method, the character's costume, the color of the character's costume, the stage, and the controller. Therefore, the user USN-1 of the N-1th terminal 10-N-1 can determine whether the settings of the first terminal 10-1 violate any rules. The rules are determined by the N-1th terminal 10-N-1 (host terminal) that opened the room. A violation of the rules may, for example, be the selection of a character whose use is prohibited or the selection of a character costume that impairs visibility in a game tournament. Impairing visibility may, for example, be the selection of a character's costume that is too large, making it difficult to recognize the character's size. Then, if there is a rule violation in the settings of the first terminal 10-1, the N-1th terminal 10-N-1 may transmit a cancellation notice to the first server 110 to cancel the match between the first terminal 10-1 and the Nth terminal 10-N. This allows the N-1th terminal 10-N-1 to recognize the rule violation before the match begins. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent the match from being canceled during the match between the first terminal 10-1 and the Nth terminal 10-N due to a rule violation being discovered during the match between the first terminal 10-1 and the Nth terminal 10-N.

[0077] Furthermore, if the color of the costume of the character at first terminal 10-1 is similar to the color of the costume of the character at Nth terminal 10-N, it is difficult to distinguish between these two characters. In this case, N-1th terminal 10-N-1 may change the color of the costume of the character at first terminal 10-1 or the color of the costume of the character at Nth terminal 10-N.

[0078] (Third Modification) A system 1c according to the third modified example will be described below with reference to the drawings. Fig. 14 is a flowchart showing the operation of the system 1c.

[0079] System 1c differs from system 1 in that control unit 12 (first preparation means 120) of first terminal 10-1 acquires a second permission notification input by user US1 (player) after control unit 12 (game execution means 130) of first terminal 10-1 acquires the second notification. The second permission notification is a notification that permits user US1 (player) to start the game.

[0080] More specifically, after step S4, control unit 12 of first terminal 10-1 causes display 20 to display an image having a button permitting the start of the game. In response, user US1 presses this button by operating operation unit 26. As a result, control unit 12 (first preparation means 120) of first terminal 10-1 obtains a second permission notification (step S11).

[0081] Next, the control unit 12 of the first terminal 10-1 starts a match with the Nth terminal 10-N (step S5). More specifically, the control unit 12 (game execution means 130) of the first terminal 10-1 starts the user US1 (player) playing the game when a start condition is satisfied. Here, the start condition includes that the control unit 12 (game execution means 130) of the first terminal 10-1 has acquired the second notification and the second permission notification. The subsequent processing of the system 1a is the same as that of the system 1, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. Furthermore, the system 1a can achieve the same effects as the system 1. Furthermore, the system 1a can prevent a match between the first terminal 10-1 and the Nth terminal 10-N from starting abruptly.

[0082] (Fourth Modification) A system 1d according to the fourth modification will be described below with reference to the drawings. Fig. 15 is a flowchart showing the operation of the system 1d.

[0083] System 1c differs from system 1 in that the control unit 12 (game execution means 130) of the first terminal 10-1 does not start playing the game by user US1 (player) in response to a request to interrupt from the first terminal 10-1, even if the start conditions are met.

[0084] More specifically, after step S4, control unit 12 of first terminal 10-1 causes display 20 to display an image having a button indicating that the game is to be paused. In response, user US1 presses this button by operating operation unit 26. As a result, control unit 12 (first preparation means 120) of first terminal 10-1 acquires a pause request (step S12). As a result, control unit 12 of first terminal 10-1 suspends the match with Nth terminal 10-N (step S13). The suspension request is also transmitted via first server 110 to second terminal 10-2 and Nth terminal 10-N.

[0085] The suspension of the match between the first terminal 10-1 and the Nth terminal 10-N is released when a release condition is met. The release condition may be, for example, the passage of a predetermined suspension time (e.g., three minutes) or the first terminal 10-1 requesting suspension release. When the match between the first terminal 10-1 and the Nth terminal 10-N is played multiple times, if the first terminal 10-1 loses, the user US1 of the first terminal 10-1 needs time to process his / her feelings. Therefore, the first terminal 10-1 can transmit a suspension request. This provides an interval between matches, allowing the user US1 of the first terminal 10-1 to process his / her feelings.

[0086] Furthermore, when a match between the first terminal 10-1 and the Nth terminal 10-N is held multiple times, typically, after each match, the first terminal 10-1 and the Nth terminal 10-N select whether or not to have another match (rematch) between the first terminal 10-1 and the Nth terminal 10-N. In this case, a time limit is set for the time during which the first terminal 10-1 and the Nth terminal 10-N can select to have a rematch, so that the waiting time until the rematch is decided does not become too long.

[0087] However, in a game tournament, if the first terminal 10-1 or the Nth terminal 10-N desires an interval longer than the above-mentioned time limit, the first terminal 10-1 and the Nth terminal 10-N choose not to hold a rematch. In this case, the process returns to step S0. In this case, the first data loading process and the second data loading process are performed again, so it takes a long time before the rematch can take place.

[0088] Therefore, in the system 1d, the control unit 12 (game execution means 130) of the first terminal 10-1 does not start the game play by the user US1 (player) in response to the interruption request from the first terminal 10-1 even if the start condition is satisfied. As a result, when an interval is taken between matches, the selection of not holding a rematch is not made, so the process does not need to return to step S0 to ensure an interval.

[0089] (Fifth Modification) A system 1e according to the fifth modified example will be described below with reference to the drawings. Fig. 16 is a flowchart showing the operation of the system 1e.

[0090] System 1e differs from system 1 in that the control unit 12 (game execution means 130) of the first terminal 10-1 waits a predetermined time after the start condition is satisfied (step S14) before starting the game with user US1 (player). After step S14, the control unit 12 of the first terminal 10-1 starts a match with the Nth terminal 10-N (step S5). Since the operations performed by system 1e thereafter are the same as those of system 1, a description thereof will be omitted. System 1e can achieve the same effects as system 1. Furthermore, system 1e can prevent a match between the first terminal 10-1 and the Nth terminal 10-N from starting abruptly. Furthermore, system 1e can add excitement to the match by providing countdowns and commentary during the predetermined waiting time.

[0091] (Sixth Modification) A system 1f according to the sixth modified example will be described below with reference to the drawings. Fig. 17 is a flowchart showing the operation of the system 1f.

[0092] System 1f differs from system 1 in that the control unit 12 of the second terminal 10-2 starts the second data loading process before step S0. More specifically, when user US1 (first user) through user USN (Nth user) enter a room set by the first server 110, user US1 (first user) through user USN (Nth user) operate the first terminal 10-1 through the Nth terminal 10-N to set setting information for user US1 (first user) through user USN (Nth user). The setting information is information about the characters used by users US1 through USN. As a result, as shown in FIG. 5, users US1 through USN of the first terminal 10-1 through the Nth terminal 10-N enter the room with their characters selected.

[0093] Here, there is a changeable mode in which the first terminal 10-1 can change the character, and a non-changeable mode in which the first terminal 10-1 cannot change the character. In this modified example, the non-changeable mode is selected. Therefore, after the opponent determination process of step S0, the first terminal 10-1 cannot change the character, as shown in FIG. 6. In this case, the control unit 12 of the second terminal 10-2 can determine that the character selected by the first terminal 10-1 when the first terminal 10-1 entered the room will be selected by the first terminal 10-1 in the battle. Therefore, when the user US1 of the first terminal 10-1 enters the room, the control unit 12 of the second terminal 10-2 starts the second data loading process based on the character selected by the first terminal 10-1.

[0094] The operation of the system 1f will be described below with reference to the drawings. At the start of this operation, the user US2 of the second terminal 10-2 has already entered the room set by the first server 110.

[0095] User US1 of first terminal 10-1 and user USN of Nth terminal 10-N enter the room (steps S101, S161). Specifically, user US1 of first terminal 10-1 and user USN of Nth terminal 10-N each select a character by operating operation unit 26. In response, control unit 12 of first terminal 10-1 transmits user US1's account and password to first server 110 via network interface 16. In this way, prior to preparation (first data load processing, step S1) by control unit 12 (first preparation means 120) of first terminal 10-1, setting information regarding a character selected by user US1 (first user) to play the game is set for user US1 (first user). Similarly, prior to preparation by the control unit 12 of the first terminal 10-1, setting information regarding the character selected by user USN (Nth user) to play the game is set for user USN (Nth user).

[0096] When user US1 enters the room, first terminal 10-1 transmits setting information to first server 110 via network interface 16 (step S102). First server 110 receives the setting information and transmits the setting information to second terminal 10-2 (step S121).

[0097] The network interface 16 of the second terminal 10-2 receives the setting information and outputs it to the control unit 12 of the second terminal 10-2. As a result, the control unit 12 (information acquisition means 138) of the second terminal 10-2 acquires the setting information of the first terminal 10-1 (first user) (step S141) before the preparation (first data load process, step S1) by the control unit 12 (first preparation means 120) of the first terminal 10-1. In this embodiment, the control unit 12 (information acquisition means 138) of the second terminal 10-2 acquires the setting information of the user US1 (first user) when the user US1 (first user) enters the room.

[0098] Since this is the same processing as step S141, detailed description will be omitted, but the control unit 12 (information acquisition means 138) of the second terminal 10-2 acquires the setting information of the third terminal 10-3 through the Nth terminal 10-N before preparation by the control unit 12 of the first terminal 10-1. In this embodiment, the control unit 12 (information acquisition means 138) of the second terminal 10-2 acquires the setting information of the user US3 (third user) through the user USN (Nth user) when each of the user US3 (third user) through the user USN (Nth user) enters the room.

[0099] Next, the control unit 12 (second preparation means 126) of the second terminal 10-2 starts preparations for user US2 (second user) of the second terminal 10-2 to watch game play by user US1 (first user) based on the setting information of user US1 (first user) before preparations by the control unit 12 (first preparation means 120) of the first terminal 10-1. In this embodiment, the control unit 12 (second preparation means 126) of the second terminal 10-2 starts preparations for user US2 (second user) of the second terminal 10-2 to watch game play by some users, including user US1 (first user), among user US1 (first user) to user USN (Nth user), based on the setting information of user US1 (first user) to user USN (Nth user), before preparations by the first terminal 10-1 (first preparation means 120). Specifically, the control unit 12 (second preparation means 126) of the second terminal 10-2 performs a second data loading process (step S142) for user US2 to watch a match between two users among users US1 to USN, based on the setting information acquired in step S141. The second data loading process is an operation in which the control unit 12 reads out data of characters selected by the first terminal 10-1 to the Nth terminal 10-N from the storage unit 14.

[0100] Although not shown in the drawings, the control units 12 (second preparation means 126) of the third terminal 10-3 through the Nth terminal 10-N also perform the same operation as the control unit 12 (second preparation means 126) of the second terminal 10-2. Specifically, before the preparation by the control unit 12 (first preparation means 120) of the first terminal 10-1, the control units 12 (second preparation means 126) of the third terminal 10-3 through the Nth terminal 10-N start preparation for user US2 (second user) of the second terminal 10-2 to watch game play by some users, including user US1 (first user), among user US1 (first user) through user USN (Nth user), based on setting information of user US1 (first user) through user USN (Nth user).

[0101] Next, the first terminal 10-1, the Nth terminal 10-N, and the first server 110 perform an opponent determination process (step S0). Specifically, the control unit 12 of the first terminal 10-1 causes the display 20 to display the image shown in FIG. 5. The first terminal 10-1 can select an opponent from the second terminal 10-2 through the Nth terminal 10-N. For example, the control unit 12 of the first terminal 10-1 transmits a selection notice to the first server 110 via the network interface 16, indicating that the Nth terminal 10-N has been selected as the opponent. The first server 110 receives the selection notice and transmits a selection notice to the Nth terminal 10-N. The control unit 12 of the Nth terminal 10-N receives the selection notice via the network interface 16. Then, the control unit 12 of the Nth terminal 10-N transmits a battle permission notice to the first server 110 via the network interface 16, indicating that the first server 110 accepts the battle with the first terminal 10-1. This completes the opponent determination process.

[0102] Next, the control unit 12 (first preparation means 120) of the first terminal 10-1 prepares for the user US1 (player) to play the game. Specifically, the control unit 12 (first preparation means 120) of the first terminal 10-1 performs a first data loading process for the user US1 (player) to play the game (step S1). Similarly, the control unit 12 (first preparation means 120) of the Nth terminal 10-N prepares for the user USN (player) to play the game. Specifically, the control unit 12 (first preparation means 120) of the Nth terminal 10-N performs a first data loading process for the user USN (player) to play the game (step S61). However, the operations of the system 1f from step S0 onwards are the same as the operations of the system 1 from step S0 onwards, and therefore will not be described here.

[0103] In system 1f, the control unit 12 (second preparation means 126) of the second terminal 10-2 starts preparations for user US2 (second user) of the second terminal 10-2 to watch user US1 (first user) play a game, based on the setting information of user US1 (first user), before preparations by the control unit 12 (first preparation means 120) of the first terminal 10-1. Therefore, the second data loading process of system 1f is completed earlier than the second data loading process of the system according to the comparative example shown in FIG. 10. Therefore, system 1f can reduce the delay that occurs between the video of the actual play of user US1 and the video for viewing.

[0104] (Seventh Modification) A system 1g according to the seventh modification will be described below with reference to the drawings. Fig. 18 is a flowchart showing the operation of the system 1g.

[0105] System 1g differs from system 1f in that the changeable mode is selected. More specifically, the control unit 12 (setting information change means 140) of the first terminal 10-1 changes the setting information of user US1 (first user) during preparation by the control unit 12 (first preparation means 120). Specifically, user US1 selects a character different from the character selected when user US1 entered the room.

[0106] Next, first terminal 10-1 transmits a change notification to first server 110 via network interface 16 (step S103). The change notification includes setting information related to the newly selected character. First server 110 receives the change notification and transmits the change notification to second terminal 10-2 (step S122).

[0107] Network interface 16 of second terminal 10-2 receives the change notification and outputs the change notification to control unit 12 of second terminal 10-2. As a result, control unit 12 of second terminal 10-2 acquires the change notification (step S143). In this way, in steps S103 to S143, control unit 12 (change notification means 142) of first terminal 10-1 notifies second terminal 10-2 that the setting information of user US1 (first user) has been changed.

[0108] Next, the control unit 12 (second preparation means 126) of the second terminal 10-2 prepares to watch the game play by user US1 (first user) and user USN (Nth user) based on the setting information of user US1 (first user) changed by the control unit 12 (setting information change means 140) of the first terminal 10-1. Specifically, the control unit 12 (second preparation means 126) of the second terminal 10-2 performs a second data load process to enable user US2 (spectator) to watch the game play by user US1 and user USN (step S42).

[0109] Next, the control unit 12 of the second terminal 10-2 transmits a second notification to the first server 110 via the network interface 16 indicating that preparation by the control unit 12 (second preparation means 126) of the second terminal 10-2 has been completed (step S43; see FIG. 3). Note that the operations of system 1g from step S43 onwards are the same as the operations of system 1f from step S43 onwards, and therefore will not be described here.

[0110] In the system 1g, even when the changeable mode is selected, the first notification is transmitted, so that the delay occurring between the video of the actual play of the user US1 and the video for viewing can be reduced.

[0111] (Eighth Modification) A system 1h according to the eighth modification will be described below with reference to the drawings. Fig. 19 is a flowchart showing the operation of the system 1h.

[0112] System 1h differs from system 1f in that when multiple matches are held, before the first of the multiple matches begins, the control unit 12 (second preparation means 126) of second terminal 10-2 makes preparations for user US2 (second user) of second terminal 10-2 to watch the multiple matches.

[0113] More specifically, in system 1h, five users on a first team compete against five users on a second team. Therefore, second terminal 10-2 acquires setting information of all users US1 to USN who have joined the room. Then, control unit 12 of second terminal 10-2 performs a second data loading process based on the setting information of all users US1 to USN (step S142).

[0114] Thereafter, the five users of the first team join the first team in the opponent determination process (step S0). The five users of the second team join the second team in the opponent determination process (step S0). Thereafter, the first through fifth matches are played (steps S301 to S305). In this way, when multiple matches are played, before the first of the multiple matches starts, control unit 12 (second preparation means 126) of second terminal 10-2 makes preparations for user US2 (second user) of second terminal 10-2 to watch the multiple matches.

[0115] In system 1h, second terminal 10-2 is prepared before the start of the first match, which reduces the delay between the video of actual user US1's play and the video for viewing, even when multiple matches are played.

[0116] (Ninth Modification) The system 1i according to the ninth modification will be described below with reference to the drawings. Figure 20 is a flowchart showing the operation of the system 1i.

[0117] System 1i differs from system 1f in that the control unit 12 of second terminal 10-2 performs the second data loading process based on setting information including all options that can be selected by user US1. More specifically, in system 1f, the control unit 12 of second terminal 10-2 reads data of the character selected by user US1 in the second data loading process. On the other hand, in system 1i, the control unit 12 of second terminal 10-2 reads data of all characters that can be selected by user US1 in the second data loading process.

[0118] First, prior to the preparation (first data load step S1) by the control unit 12 (first preparation means 120) of the first terminal 10-1, the control unit 12 (second preparation means 126) of the second terminal 10-2 starts preparation for user US2 (second user) of the second terminal 10-2 to watch user US1 (first user) play a game, based on setting information including options that user US1 (first user) can select in order to play the game (step S142). In this embodiment, the control unit 12 of the second terminal 10-2 reads out data of all characters that can be selected by all users (users US1 to USN) in order to play the game. Note that the control units of the first terminal 10-1, the third terminal 10-3 through the Nth terminal 10-N also read out data of all characters that can be selected by all users (users US1 to USN) in order to play the game. Note that all characters include characters that cannot be selected by the user US2. The second data loading process starts before the opponent determination process in step S0.

[0119] Thereafter, in the opponent determination process of step S0, it is determined that the first terminal 10-1 and the Nth terminal 10-N will compete against each other. At this time, the control unit 12 of the second terminal 10-2 discards the data of characters other than those that can be selected by the first terminal 10-1 and the Nth terminal 10-N from the read data. Note that step S0 of the system 1i is the same as step S0 of the system 1, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0120] Next, the control unit 12 of the first terminal 10-1 performs a first data load (step S1). Similarly, the control unit 12 of the Nth terminal 10-N performs a first data load (step S61). At this time, the control unit 12 of the second terminal 10-2 discards data of characters other than the character selected by the first terminal 10-1 and the character selected by the Nth terminal 10-N.

[0121] In the system 1i, the control unit 12 of the second terminal 10-2 performs a second data load based on setting information including options that the user US1 can select to play the game before the first data load is initiated. As a result, the second data load process of the system 1i is completed earlier than the second data load process of the system according to the comparative example shown in Fig. 10. Therefore, the system 1i can reduce the delay that occurs between the video of the actual play of the user US1 and the video for viewing.

[0122] (Other embodiments) The various control means and processing procedures described in the above embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, its applications, or its uses. The various control means and processing procedures can be appropriately modified in design within the scope that does not change the gist of the present invention.

[0123] The structures of the systems 1, 1a to 1i may be combined in any manner.

[0124] The setting information may include, in addition to information about the characters, information about operation methods and information about the stage where the battle will take place. Also, the setting information may be one or more of information about the characters, information about operation methods and information about the stage where the battle will take place.

[0125] In addition, in systems 1f to 1h, if another user is in the room when user US2 enters the room, the control unit 12 of the second terminal 10-2 acquires the setting information of the other user and performs a second data load process based on the setting information of the other user.

[0126] In systems 1f to 1h, when a user leaves a room, control unit 12 of second terminal 10-2 may discard the setting information of the user who has left the room.

[0127] The setting information is information about a character selected by the user US1 (first user) to play the game. Specifically, in the systems 1f and 1g, the setting information is information indicating the character selected when the first terminal 10-1 enters the room. However, the setting information may also be information for identifying a character that the user US1 is likely to select. Specifically, the setting information may be the play history of the user US1. In this case, the control unit 12 of the second terminal 10-2 identifies a character that the user US1 is likely to use based on the setting information, which is the play history. A character that is likely to be used is, for example, a character that the user US1 has used in the past, a character that the user US1 uses frequently, or a character that has a high win rate when used by the user US1 among the characters used by the user US1. However, a character that has a high win rate is a character that the user US1 has used in a predetermined number of matches (e.g., 10) or more. The play history may be the entire period during which the user US1 has played the game, a predetermined period (for example, the most recent month), or a predetermined number of past play days. The predetermined number of past play days of 20 days refers to the most recent 20 days during which the user US1 has played the game.

[0128] In system 1g, user US1 may change his / her character before the opponent determination process of step S0. In this case, when user US1 changes his / her character, first terminal 10-1 sends a change notification to second terminal 10-2. Therefore, second terminal 10-2 can start the second data loading process of step S42 before step S0. Note that every time user US1 changes his / her character, first terminal 10-1 sends a change notification to second terminal 10-2. Then, second terminal 10-2 performs the second data loading process of step S42. Note that user USN may also change his / her character before the opponent determination process of step S0.

[0129] In systems 1g to 1h, the N-1th terminal 10-N-1 may be a host terminal that opens a room. The N-1th terminal 10-N-1 may determine an opponent in the opponent determination process of step S0. If setting information such as the character or operation method has not been changed after the opponent determination process of step S0, the first terminal 10-1 does not transmit a change notification of step S103. Therefore, the second terminal 10-2 uses the data from the second data loading process of step S142. On the other hand, if setting information such as the character or operation method has been changed after the opponent determination process of step S0, the first terminal 10-1 transmits a change notification of step S103. In system 1h, the N-1th terminal 10-N-1 may determine opponents for the second and subsequent matches while the first match is being played in step S301. This allows the second terminal 10-2 to perform the second data loading process during the first match.

[0130] In the system 1a, X second terminals 10-2 through X-1 terminal 10-X-1 (X second terminals) may watch the match between the first terminal 10-1 and the Nth terminal 10-N. However, if the start condition includes the control unit 12 (game execution means 130) of the first terminal 10-1 receiving first permission notifications from the X second terminals 10-2 through X-1 terminal 10-X-1 (X second terminals), the start of the match between the first terminal 10-1 and the Nth terminal 10-N will be delayed. Therefore, the start condition may further include the control unit 12 (game execution means 130) of the first terminal 10-1 receiving first permission notifications from the control units 12 (second transmission means 128) of Y or more terminals among the X second terminals 10-2 through X-1 terminal 10-X-1 (X second terminals). X is an integer equal to or greater than 2. Y is an integer equal to or greater than 2 and equal to or less than X. This prevents delay in the start of the battle between first terminal 10-1 and Nth terminal 10-N.

[0131] In the system 1b, the start condition may include the control unit 12 (game execution means 130) of the first terminal 10-1 receiving a third permission notification from the N-1-th terminal 10-N-1 (host terminal). The third permission notification is a notification from the user USN-1 (host) permitting the game to start. This allows the host of the room to manage the progress of the match. Therefore, the live commentary of the match starts at an appropriate time.

[0132] In addition, in system 1b, the control unit 12 (first setting acquisition means 136) of the second terminal 10-2 may acquire the game settings of the first terminal 10-1 before the control unit 12 (second transmission means 128) of the second terminal 10-2 sends the first permission notification to the first terminal 10-1 via the network interface 16.

[0133] In addition, in the system 1c, a team match may be held in which one-on-one matches are played. That is, a team match may be played between a first team and a second team. In this case, the system 1c includes a plurality of first terminals 10-1 and a plurality of M-th terminals 10-M. The plurality of first terminals 10-1 form a first team. The plurality of M-th terminals 10-M form a second team. In this case, a plurality of matches are played. The number of times that an interruption request can be made is set for each of the first team and the second team. This allows each of the first team and the second team to take an interval of the above number of times between matches. This increases the degree of freedom in strategy in team matches.

[0134] In addition, in system 1c, the control unit 12 (game execution means 130) of the first terminal 10-1 may not start playing the game by user US1 (player) in response to a suspension request from the second terminal 10-2, even if the start condition is met.

[0135] The control unit 12 (video data output means 134) of the second terminal 10-2 may output video data related to the game while the control unit 12 (second preparation means 126) of the second terminal 10-2 is preparing. The video data includes information about a predetermined time. The predetermined time is, for example, a waiting time until the start of the match. In this case, a video counting down the time until the start of the match is displayed on the display 20 of the second terminal 10-2.

[0136] The video data may be, for example, data of an entrance scene of a competing character. More specifically, the video data may change according to the first information. The first information is information input by the user US1 (player) while the user US1 (player) is preparing to play the game. The information input by the user US1 (player) is, for example, the character used by the first terminal 10-1. That is, when the character selected by the first terminal 10-1 changes, the entrance scene of the competing character also changes. Note that, when a rematch is started after the interruption in FIG. 15, the video data of the entrance scene may not be displayed. Also, instead of the video of the entrance scene, a video of a character entering from a waiting room, a bench, or the like may be displayed. Also, in the case of a team match, a video of multiple characters on a team forming a circle may be displayed.

[0137] The video data may be an advertisement video. This may increase sales of the product in the advertisement video. In this case, second terminal 10-2 may be set so that the advertisement video cannot be skipped.

[0138] It should be noted that the game is not limited to a fighting-type battle game. The game may be an action game, a shooting game, a role-playing game, a simulation game, a card game, a sports game, a board game, a puzzle game, or the like. For example, if the game is a card game, the characters are character cards. The items are item cards and skill cards. In this case, for example, the user plays the game by manipulating the character cards, item cards, and skill cards. Specifically, a card object corresponding to a depicted player character is set in association with a deck in a virtual space, and the player character corresponding to the card object battles against an enemy character.

[0139] If the game is played with cards, a card set (deck) is set by the first terminal 10-1. In this case, in the entrance scene, instead of displaying the card deck, a character selected by the first terminal 10-1 may enter. Also, if the card game is a team game, the first terminal 10-1 can become the leader. In this case, the leader can change the appearance of the character by changing the skin. When the appearance of the character is changed, the appearance of the character entering in the entrance scene also changes.

[0140] Instead of the match between first terminal 10-1 and Nth terminal 10-N, a match between first terminal 10-1 and a computer may be viewed by second terminal 10-2. Also, a match between three or more terminals may be viewed by second terminal 10-2.

[0141] It should be noted that first terminal 10-1 and second terminal 10-2 communicate with each other via first server 110. However, first terminal 10-1 and second terminal 10-2 may communicate with each other, for example, peer-to-peer.

[0142] Instead of a competition between first terminal 10-1 and Nth terminal 10-N, the game played by first terminal 10-1 may be viewed by second terminal 10-2. Also, instead of a competition between first terminal 10-1 and Nth terminal 10-N, first terminal 10-1 and Nth terminal 10-N may cooperate to play a game.

[0143] Note that the control unit 12 (first transmission means 122) of the first terminal 10-1 may transmit part of the first information acquired by the control unit 12 (first preparation means 120) of the first terminal 10-1 to the second terminal 10-2 as a first notification. For example, the first information may include a background image during a battle in addition to the character and the operation method. In this case, the control unit 12 (first transmission means 122) of the first terminal 10-1 may transmit the character and the operation method, but may not transmit the background image during a battle.

[0144] Note that if a communication failure occurs between the second terminal 10-2 and the first server 110 or between the second terminal 10-2 and the second server 210, the second terminal 10-2 may be able to interrupt or cancel the match between the first terminal 10-1 and the Nth terminal 10-N during the match. The second terminal 10-2 may also distribute a composite video via a video distribution service. If a communication failure occurs in the video distribution service, the second terminal 10-2 may be able to interrupt or cancel the match between the first terminal 10-1 and the Nth terminal 10-N during the match.

[0145] In addition, the control unit 12 (notification acquisition means 124) of the second terminal 10-2 may acquire the first notification regarding preparation by the control unit 12 (first preparation means 120) of the first terminal 10-1 from a device other than the first terminal 10-1 (for example, the first server 110, the third terminal 10-3 to the Nth terminal 10-N, etc.).

[0146] In addition, in system 1b, the control unit 12 (second setting acquisition means 132) of the N-1st terminal 10-N-1 may acquire, instead of the setting image, a character string related to the game settings on the first terminal 10-1, an image immediately after the start of the match, or an image that combines these. Furthermore, control unit 12 (second setting acquisition means 132) of N-1th terminal 10-N-1 may process a part of the game settings in first terminal 10-1 that violates the rules. By applying processing, the part containing the rule violation becomes more noticeable, for example, by changing the color of the text or highlighting the text.

[0147] The method for determining the opponent in step S0 is not limited to the exemplified method. For example, terminals wishing to compete may be invited, and two terminals wishing to compete may compete. Also, the host terminal may specify the two terminals to compete.

[0148] In addition, the systems 1, 1a to 1e may be able to switch between a first mode in which steps S4, S22, and S43 of transmitting and receiving the second notification are executed, and a second mode in which steps S4, S22, and S43 of transmitting and receiving the second notification are not executed. In normal battles, a quick start of the battle is important. On the other hand, in game tournaments, reliable viewing is important. Therefore, the second mode may be set for normal online battles, and the first mode may be set for game tournaments.

[0149] The effects of this embodiment can be achieved even when these other embodiments are adopted. Furthermore, this embodiment can be combined with other embodiments, and other embodiments can be combined with each other as appropriate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0150] 1, 1a to 1i: System 10-1: Terminal 1 10-2: Terminal 2 10-M: Terminal M 10-N: Nth terminal 10-N-1: Terminal N-1 10-X-1: Terminal X-1 12: Control unit 14: Storage part 16: Network interface 17: Camera 18: Graphics processing unit 20: Display 22: Audio processing section 24: Speaker 26:Operation unit 110: First server 120:First preparation means 122: First transmission means 124: Notification acquisition means 126:Second preparation means 128: Second transmission means 130: Game execution means 132: Second setting acquisition means 134: Video data output means 136: First setting acquisition means 138: Information acquisition means 140: Setting information change means 142: Change notification method 210: Second server

Claims

1. The system includes a first terminal and a second terminal, There are a third terminal through an Nth terminal, N is an integer of 3 or greater, the first terminal includes a first preparing means; the first preparation means performs preparations resulting from a selection made by a first user of the first terminal to play a game after determining an opponent from among the third terminal to the Nth terminal; setting information selected by the first user in order for the first user to play the game is set for the first user before the preparation by the first preparation means; the second terminal includes an information acquisition means and a second preparation means, the information acquisition means acquires the setting information of the first user before preparation by the first preparation means and determination of the opponent; the second preparation means, prior to the preparation by the first preparation means and the determination of the opponent, starts preparation for a second user of the second terminal to watch the first user play the game, based on the setting information of the first user; system.

2. The system further includes a third terminal through an Nth terminal, When the first user to the Nth user of the Nth terminal enters a room set by a server, the first user to the Nth user set the setting information for the first user to the Nth user by operating the first terminal to the Nth terminal; the information acquisition means acquires the setting information of the first user through the Nth user before the preparation by the first preparation means; the second preparation means, prior to the preparation by the first preparation means, starts preparation for the second user of the second terminal to watch play of the game by some users, including the first user, among the first user to the N users, based on the setting information of the first user to the N users; The system of claim 1 .

3. The third terminal to the Nth terminal further include the second preparation means, the second preparation means of the third terminal to the Nth terminal starts preparation for the second user of the second terminal to watch the play of the game by some users, including the first user, among the first user to the Nth user, based on the setting information of the first user to the Nth user, before the preparation by the first preparation means; The system of claim 2 .

4. The game is a competitive game, When a plurality of matches are to be played, before a first match among the plurality of matches is started, the second preparation means prepares for the second user of the second terminal to watch the plurality of matches. The system of claim 1 .

5. the second user is in a room set by the server, the information acquisition means acquires the setting information of the first user when the first user enters the room. The system of claim 1 .

6. The system further includes a third terminal through an Nth terminal, the information acquisition means acquires the setting information of the third user of the third terminal through the Nth user of the Nth terminal when each of the third user of the third terminal through the Nth user of the Nth terminal enters the room; the second preparation means, prior to the preparation by the first preparation means, starts preparation for the second user of the second terminal to watch play of the game by some users, including the first user, among the first user to the N users, based on the setting information of the first user to the N users; The system of claim 5.

7. the first terminal further comprises a setting information change means and a change notification means; the setting information changing means changes the setting information of the first user during preparation by the first preparation means; the change notification means notifies the second terminal that the setting information of the first user has been changed; the second preparation means prepares for the second user of the second terminal to watch the first user play the game, based on the setting information of the first user changed by the setting information change means; A system according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. A program executed on a second terminal, There are first to Nth terminals, N is an integer equal to or greater than 3, and the program causes the second terminal to function as an information acquisition unit and a second preparation unit, the first terminal determines an opponent from among the third terminal to the Nth terminal, and then performs preparations resulting from a selection made by a first user of the first terminal to play a game; Prior to the preparation by the first terminal, setting information selected by the first user in order for the first user to play the game is set for the first user; the information acquisition means acquires the setting information of the first user before preparation by the first terminal and determination of the opponent; the second preparation means, prior to the preparation by the first terminal and the determination of the opponent, starts preparation for a second user of the second terminal to watch the first user play the game, based on the setting information of the first user; program.

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