Speech bubble generation program and video game processing system

Abstract

To enhance a player's interest in a video game.SOLUTION: A balloon generation program allows a server for controlling progress of a video game to realize a calculation formula specification function of specifying at least one calculation formula and a balloon generation function of generating a balloon having appearance prescribed by a calculation formula. The calculation formula may have variables and the balloon generation function generates a balloon in which appearance changes according to a change in variable values.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] At least one embodiment of the present invention relates to a speech bubble generating program and a video game processing system. [Background technology]

[0002] Speech bubbles are sometimes displayed on the game screen of video games. Generally, image data of speech bubbles having basic shapes is prepared in advance as assets (materials).

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a computer program that displays contact information together with a balloon image. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-018414 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Game players visually recognize speech bubbles displayed on the game screen, so if a computer device can display speech bubbles with a more dramatic appearance on the game screen, players' interest in the video game will increase.

[0006] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of at least one embodiment of the present invention is to solve the above problems and increase player interest in video games. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] From a non-limiting perspective, a speech bubble generation program according to one embodiment of the present invention is intended to enable a server that controls the progress of a video game to realize a formula identification function that identifies one or more formulas, and a speech bubble generation function that generates speech bubbles having an appearance defined by the formulas.

[0008] From a non-limiting perspective, a video game processing system according to one embodiment of the present invention is a video game processing system that includes a communication network, a server, and a user terminal, and controls the progress of a video game, and includes a formula identification means that identifies one or more formulas, and a speech bubble generation means that generates a speech bubble having an appearance defined by the formula.

[0009] From a non-limiting perspective, a speech bubble generation program according to one embodiment of the present invention is intended to enable a user terminal to realize a formula identification function that identifies one or more formulas, and a speech bubble generation function that generates a speech bubble having an appearance defined by the formula. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] Each embodiment of the present application addresses one or more of the deficiencies. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a video game processing system corresponding to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a server according to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 3] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of speech bubble generation processing according to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a server according to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of speech bubble generation processing according to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a server according to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a game process according to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 8] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a video game processing system corresponding to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of speech bubble generation processing according to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a user terminal according to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of speech bubble generation processing according to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a server according to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 13] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of speech bubble generation processing according to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 14] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating examples of speech bubbles having appearances defined by formulas, according to at least one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating examples of speech bubbles having appearances defined by formulas, according to at least one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating examples of speech bubbles having appearances defined by formulas, according to at least one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a calculation formula defined for generating a speech bubble, according to at least one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams illustrating examples of changes in speech bubbles according to variables, according to at least one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams illustrating examples of changes in speech bubbles according to variables, according to at least one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams illustrating examples of changes in speech bubbles according to variables, according to at least one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21] 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams illustrating examples of changes in speech bubbles according to variables, according to at least one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 22] 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams illustrating examples of changes in speech bubbles according to variables, according to at least one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 23] 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams illustrating examples of changes in speech bubbles according to variables, according to at least one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 24] 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams illustrating examples of changes in speech bubbles according to variables, according to at least one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 25] 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams illustrating examples of changes in speech bubbles according to variables, according to at least one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 26] 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams illustrating examples of changes in speech bubbles according to variables, according to at least one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 27] 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams illustrating examples of changes in speech bubbles according to variables, according to at least one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 28] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a speech bubble with a tail added, according to at least one embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Hereinafter, examples of embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the various components in the examples of the embodiments described below can be combined as appropriate to the extent that no inconsistencies or the like arise. Furthermore, content described as an example of one embodiment may be omitted in other embodiments. Furthermore, the content of operations and processes unrelated to the characteristic parts of each embodiment may be omitted. Furthermore, the order of various processes constituting the various flows and sequences described below may be in any order to the extent that no inconsistencies or the like arise in the processing content.

[0013] [First embodiment] An overview of the first embodiment of the present invention will be described below, taking as an example a speech balloon generating program executed on a server as the first embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a video game processing system corresponding to at least one embodiment of the present invention. The video game processing system 100 includes a video game processing server 10 (server 10) and user terminals 20, 201 to 20N (N is any integer) used by users (game players, etc.) of the video game processing system 100. The configuration of the video game processing system 100 is not limited to this. For example, the video game processing system 100 may be configured so that multiple users use a single user terminal. The video game processing system 100 may also include multiple servers.

[0015] The server 10 and the multiple user terminals 20, 201-20N are each communicatively connected to a communication network 30 such as the Internet. The connection between the communication network 30 and the server 10, and the connection between the communication network 30 and the multiple user terminals 20, 201-20N may be wired or wireless. For example, the multiple user terminals 20, 201-20N may be connected to the communication network 30 by performing data communication with a base station managed by a telecommunications carrier via a wireless communication line.

[0016] The video game processing system 100 includes a server 10 and a plurality of user terminals 20, 201 to 20N, and thereby realizes various functions for executing various processes in response to user operations.

[0017] The server 10 controls the progress of the video game. The server 10 is managed by an administrator of the video game processing system 100 and has various functions for providing information related to various processes to the multiple user terminals 20, 201-20N. In this example, the server 10 is configured as an information processing device such as a WWW server, and includes a storage unit (storage medium, storage device) for storing various information. The server 10 includes general components for performing various processes as a computer, such as a control unit and a communication unit, but a description thereof will be omitted here. Furthermore, in the video game processing system 100, it is preferable that the server 10 manages various information from the perspective of reducing the processing load on each of the multiple user terminals 20, 201-20N. However, the storage unit for storing various information only needs to include a storage area accessible by the server 10, and may be configured to have a dedicated storage area outside the server 10, for example.

[0018] The multiple user terminals 20, 201-20N are each managed by a user and are configured as communication terminals capable of playing network-distributed games. Examples of communication terminals capable of playing network-distributed games include mobile phone terminals, PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants), portable game devices, VR goggles, and so-called wearable devices. The configurations of user terminals that can be included in the video game processing system 100 are not limited to these, and any configuration that allows the user to recognize a composite image is sufficient. Other examples of user terminal configurations include a combination of various communication terminals, a personal computer, and a stationary game device.

[0019] Each of the multiple user terminals 20, 201 to 20N is connected to the communication network 30 and includes hardware (for example, a display device that displays a browser screen or a game screen according to coordinates) and software for executing various processes by communicating with the server 10. Note that each of the multiple user terminals 20, 201 to 20N may be configured to be able to communicate directly with each other without going through the server 10.

[0020] Each of the multiple user terminals 20, 201 to 20N may have a built-in display device. Furthermore, the display device may be connected to each of the user terminals 20, 201 to 20N wirelessly or via a wire. Since the display device has a very common configuration, it is not shown here. For example, the game screen is displayed by the display device as the above-mentioned composite image, and the user recognizes this composite image. For example, the game screen is displayed on a display, which is an example of a display device provided in a user terminal, or a display, which is an example of a display device connected to a user terminal. Examples of display devices include a hologram display device capable of displaying holograms, and a projection device that projects an image (including the game screen) onto a screen or the like.

[0021] 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a server corresponding to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention. Server 10A, which is an example of the configuration of server 10, includes at least a calculation formula identification unit 11 and a speech bubble generation unit 12. A processor included in server 10A refers to a speech bubble generation program stored (installed) in a storage unit (storage medium, storage device) and executes the program, thereby functionally realizing calculation formula identification unit 11 and speech bubble generation unit 12.

[0022] The formula specification unit 11 has a function of specifying one or more formulas. The speech bubble generation unit 12 has a function of generating a speech bubble having an appearance defined by the specified formula.

[0023] Next, a program execution process according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described below. Fig. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of speech balloon generation process corresponding to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0024] The formula specification unit 11 specifies one or more formulas (St11). Next, the speech balloon generation unit 12 generates a speech balloon having an appearance defined by the specified formula (St12).

[0025] A formula is a combination of numbers, operators, functions, etc., based on certain rules. For example, the division operator "÷" cannot be placed twice consecutively, as in "÷÷". Specific examples of formulas will be described later with reference to Figures 14 and 15.

[0026] A speech bubble refers to a frame image that surrounds text, emoji, stamp images, etc. The speech bubble may contain, for example, the speaker's lines (what is being said) or thoughts (what is going through one's mind). Speakers include, for example, characters appearing in stories such as manga or novels, the narrator of a story, characters appearing in a game, the game system itself that narrates within a game, a person who sends text indicating what is being said in a text chat application, performers on television or radio programs, performers and participants in talk events, and people who make comments in videos posted to video sharing sites or live-streamed videos (for example, commentators in game play videos). Elements other than text may be depicted within the speech bubble (frame image). For example, emoji, stamp images, or character facial images (still or video) may be depicted within the speech bubble. The speech bubble frame does not have to be completely closed, and part of the text, emoji, stamp image, etc. may extend beyond the speech bubble frame.

[0027] The appearance of a speech bubble refers to the shape, color, size, pattern, texture, etc. of the displayed speech bubble. The appearance includes at least the shape.

[0028] As one aspect of the first embodiment, various types of calculation formulas can be defined, making it possible to provide a variety of speech bubbles.

[0029] As one aspect of the first embodiment, by providing a variety of speech bubbles, it is possible to enhance the dramatic effect on a user who views the displayed speech bubbles.

[0030] As an aspect of the first embodiment, by providing a variety of speech bubbles, it is possible to increase the interest of players in the video game in which speech bubbles are displayed.

[0031] [Second embodiment] An overview of a second embodiment of the present invention will be described below. In the following, as the second embodiment, a speech bubble generation program executed on a server will be described as an example. The server may be the server 10 included in the video game processing system 100 shown in FIG. 1.

[0032] 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a server corresponding to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention. Server 10B, which is an example of the configuration of server 10, includes at least a calculation formula identification unit 11B and a speech bubble generation unit 12B. A processor included in server 10B refers to a speech bubble generation program stored (installed) in a storage unit (storage medium, storage device) and executes the program to functionally realize calculation formula identification unit 11B and speech bubble generation unit 12B.

[0033] The formula specification unit 11B has a function of specifying one or more formulas having variables. The speech bubble generation unit 12B has a function of generating a speech bubble having an appearance defined by the specified formula. The appearance of the speech bubble generated by the speech bubble generation unit 12B changes according to changes in the value of the variable.

[0034] Next, a program execution process according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described below. Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of speech balloon generation process corresponding to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0035] The formula specification unit 11B specifies one or more formulas (St21). Next, the speech balloon generation unit 12B generates a speech balloon having an appearance defined by the specified formula (St22).

[0036] The formula in the second embodiment, like the formula in the first embodiment, refers to a combination of numbers, operators, functions, etc. based on certain rules. Here, the formula in the second embodiment has variables. A variable is a number whose value can change. When the value of the variable changes, the calculation result of the formula changes. Since the appearance of the speech bubble is determined by the formula, the appearance of the speech bubble also changes.

[0037] The meanings of the speech bubbles and the appearances of the speech bubbles in the second embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0038] As an aspect of the second embodiment, the appearance of the speech balloon can be changed by changing the value of the variable, so that a greater variety of speech balloons can be provided.

[0039] As one aspect of the second embodiment, by changing the value of a variable, speech bubbles can be displayed as animation, which can further enhance the dramatic effect on a user who sees the displayed speech bubbles.

[0040] As an aspect of the second embodiment, it is possible to further increase the interest of players in video games in which speech bubbles are displayed.

[0041] [Third embodiment] An overview of a third embodiment of the present invention will be described below. In the following, as the third embodiment, a speech bubble generation program executed on a server will be described as an example. Note that in the third embodiment, the server may be the server 10 included in the video game processing system 100 shown in FIG. 1. Speech bubbles are displayed on a game screen provided on the side of the user terminal 20.

[0042] 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a server corresponding to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention. Server 10C, which is an example of the configuration of server 10, includes at least a calculation formula identification unit 11C, a speech bubble generation unit 12C, and a speech bubble display unit 13. A processor included in server 10C refers to a speech bubble generation program stored (installed) in a storage unit (storage medium, storage device) and executes the program to functionally realize calculation formula identification unit 11C, speech bubble generation unit 12C, and speech bubble display unit 13.

[0043] The formula specification unit 11C has a function of specifying one or more formulas. The speech bubble generation unit 12B has a function of generating a speech bubble having an appearance defined by the specified formula. The speech bubble display unit 13 has a function of displaying the generated speech bubble on the game screen.

[0044] Next, a program execution process in the third embodiment of the present invention will be described below. Fig. 7 is a sequence diagram showing an example of game processing corresponding to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0045] The formula identification unit 11C identifies one or more formulas (St31). Next, the speech bubble generation unit 12C generates a speech bubble having an appearance defined by the identified formula (St32). Next, the speech bubble display unit 13 transmits a speech bubble display command to the user terminal 20 to display the generated speech bubble on the game screen (St33). The speech bubble display command may include image data of the generated speech bubble. Next, the user terminal 20, which has received the speech bubble display command, displays the speech bubble on the game screen (St34).

[0046] The meanings of the formulas, speech bubbles, and speech bubble appearances in the third embodiment are the same as those in the first or second embodiment, and therefore will not be described here.

[0047] As an aspect of the third embodiment, the user can recognize a variety of speech bubbles.

[0048] As an aspect of the third embodiment, the user can recognize speech bubbles with a high dramatic effect.

[0049] As an aspect of the third embodiment, speech bubbles can attract the interest of video game players.

[0050] [Fourth embodiment] An outline of the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described below. As the fourth embodiment, a video game processing system for controlling the progress of a video game will be described as an example.

[0051] 8 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a video game processing system corresponding to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention. The video game processing system 101 includes a video game processing server 40 (server 40) and user terminals 20, 201 to 20N (N is any integer) used by users (game players, etc.) of the video game processing system 101. The configuration of the video game processing system 101 is not limited to this. For example, the video game processing system 101 may be configured so that multiple users use a single user terminal. The video game processing system 101 may also include multiple servers.

[0052] The server 40 and the multiple user terminals 20, 201-20N are each communicatively connected to a communication network 30 such as the Internet. The connection between the communication network 30 and the server 40, and the connection between the communication network 30 and the multiple user terminals 20, 201-20N may be wired or wireless. For example, the multiple user terminals 20, 201-20N may be connected to the communication network 30 by performing data communication with a base station managed by a telecommunications carrier via a wireless communication line.

[0053] The video game processing system 101 includes a server 40 and a plurality of user terminals 20, 201 to 20N, and thereby realizes various functions for executing various processes in response to user operations.

[0054] The server 40 controls the progress of the video game. The server 40 is managed by an administrator of the video game processing system 101, and has various functions for providing information related to various processes to the multiple user terminals 20, 201-20N. In this example, the server 40 is configured as an information processing device such as a WWW server, and includes a storage unit (storage medium, storage device) for storing various information. The server 40 includes general components for performing various processes as a computer, such as a control unit and a communication unit, but a description thereof will be omitted here. Furthermore, in the video game processing system 101, it is preferable that the server 40 manages various information from the perspective of reducing the processing load on each of the multiple user terminals 20, 201-20N. However, the storage unit for storing various information only needs to include a storage area accessible by the server 40, and may be configured to have a dedicated storage area outside the server 40, for example.

[0055] The multiple user terminals 20, 201-20N are each managed by a user and are configured as communication terminals capable of playing network-distributed games. Examples of communication terminals capable of playing network-distributed games include mobile phone terminals, PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants), portable game devices, VR goggles, and so-called wearable devices. The configurations of user terminals that can be included in the video game processing system 101 are not limited to these, and any configuration that allows the user to recognize a composite image is sufficient. Other examples of user terminal configurations include a combination of various communication terminals, a personal computer, and a stationary game device.

[0056] Each of the multiple user terminals 20, 201 to 20N is connected to the communication network 30 and includes hardware (for example, a display device that displays a browser screen or a game screen according to coordinates) and software for executing various processes by communicating with the server 40. Note that each of the multiple user terminals 20, 201 to 20N may be configured to be able to communicate directly with each other without going through the server 40.

[0057] Each of the multiple user terminals 20, 201 to 20N may have a built-in display device. Furthermore, the display device may be connected to each of the user terminals 20, 201 to 20N wirelessly or via a wire. Since the display device has a very common configuration, it is not shown here. For example, the game screen is displayed by the display device as the above-mentioned composite image, and the user recognizes this composite image. For example, the game screen is displayed on a display, which is an example of a display device provided in a user terminal, or a display, which is an example of a display device connected to a user terminal. Examples of display devices include a hologram display device capable of displaying holograms, and a projection device that projects an image (including the game screen) onto a screen or the like.

[0058] Next, a program execution process according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to a flowchart of FIG 9, which shows an example of speech bubble generation process according to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0059] The video game processing system 101 identifies one or more formulas (St41). Next, the video game processing system 101 generates a speech bubble having an appearance defined by the identified formulas (St42).

[0060] The processing entity of step St41 may be the server 40 or any one of the multiple user terminals 20, 201 to 20N. For example, when the calculation formula is identified based on information held by the server 40, the server 40 may execute step St41. Conversely, when the calculation formula is identified based on information held by any one of the multiple user terminals 20, 201 to 20N, any one of the user terminals 20, 201 to 20N may execute step St42.

[0061] The processing entity of step St42 may be the server 40 or any one of the plurality of user terminals 20, 201 to 20N. For example, from the viewpoint of processing load, the server 40 may execute step St42. On the other hand, from the viewpoint of reducing the communication load when transmitting a balloon image from the server 40 to any one of the plurality of user terminals 20, 201 to 20N, the user terminal may execute step St42.

[0062] The meanings of the formulas, speech bubbles, and speech bubble appearances in the fourth embodiment are the same as those in the first to third embodiments, and therefore will not be described here.

[0063] As one aspect of the fourth embodiment, various types of calculation formulas can be defined, making it possible to provide a variety of speech bubbles.

[0064] As one aspect of the fourth embodiment, by providing a variety of speech bubbles, it is possible to enhance the dramatic effect on a user who sees the displayed speech bubbles.

[0065] As an aspect of the fourth embodiment, by providing a variety of speech bubbles, it is possible to increase the interest of players in the video game in which speech bubbles are displayed.

[0066] [Fifth embodiment] An outline of the fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described below. As the fifth embodiment, a speech balloon generating program executed on a user terminal will be described as an example.

[0067] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a user terminal corresponding to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0068] The user terminal 50 is managed by a user and is configured as a terminal on which the user can play a game. The game played by the user terminal 50 may be a network distribution type game or a stand-alone type game. The user terminal 50 may control the progress of a video game. The user terminal 50 has a general configuration for performing various processes as a computer device, such as a control unit, a memory unit, a communication unit, and an input unit, but a description thereof will be omitted here.

[0069] Examples of the user terminal 50 include a mobile phone, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a portable game device, VR goggles, and a so-called wearable device. The configuration of the user terminal 20 is not limited to these, and any configuration that allows the user to recognize the composite image is sufficient. Other examples of the configuration of the user terminal 20 include a combination of various communication terminals, a personal computer, and a stationary game device.

[0070] The user terminal 50 may be any one of the plurality of user terminals 20, 201 to 20N shown in FIG. 1 or FIG.

[0071] User terminal 50 includes at least a calculation formula identification unit 51 and a speech bubble generation unit 52. A control unit (processor) included in user terminal 50 refers to a speech bubble generation program stored (installed) in a storage unit (storage medium, storage device) or distributed from server 40, and executes the program, thereby functionally realizing calculation formula identification unit 51 and speech bubble generation unit 52.

[0072] The formula specification unit 51 has a function of specifying one or more formulas. The speech bubble generation unit 52 has a function of generating a speech bubble having an appearance defined by the specified formula.

[0073] The user terminal 50 is combined with a display device. Note that the display device is an extremely common configuration and is therefore not shown here. The display device may or may not be built into the user terminal 50. The display device may be connected to the user terminal 50 wirelessly or via a wire. The game screen is displayed by the display device as the above-mentioned composite image, for example, and the user recognizes this composite image. The game screen is displayed, for example, on a display, which is an example of a display device provided in the user terminal, or on a display, which is an example of a display device connected to the user terminal. The display device may be, for example, a hologram display device capable of displaying holograms, or a projection device that projects images (including the game screen) onto a screen or the like.

[0074] Next, FIG. 11, which describes a program execution process in the fifth embodiment of the present invention, is a flowchart showing an example of a speech balloon generation process corresponding to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0075] The formula specification unit 51 specifies one or more formulas (St51). Next, the speech bubble generation unit 52 generates a speech bubble having an appearance defined by the specified formula (St52).

[0076] The meanings of the formulas, speech bubbles, and speech bubble appearances in the fifth embodiment are the same as those in the first to fourth embodiments, and therefore will not be described here.

[0077] As one aspect of the fifth embodiment, various types of calculation formulas can be defined, making it possible to provide a variety of speech bubbles.

[0078] As one aspect of the fifth embodiment, by providing a variety of speech bubbles, it is possible to enhance the dramatic effect on a user who sees the displayed speech bubbles.

[0079] As an aspect of the fifth embodiment, by providing a variety of speech bubbles, it is possible to increase the interest of players in the video game in which speech bubbles are displayed.

[0080] [Sixth embodiment] An outline of the sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described below. As the sixth embodiment, a speech balloon generating program executed on a server will be described as an example.

[0081] 12 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a server corresponding to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention. Server 10Z, which is an example of the configuration of server 10, includes at least a calculation formula identification unit 11Z and a speech bubble generation unit 12Z. A processor included in server 10Z refers to a speech bubble generation program stored (installed) in a storage unit (storage medium, storage device) and executes the program, thereby functionally realizing calculation formula identification unit 11Z and speech bubble generation unit 12Z.

[0082] The formula specification unit 11Z has a function of specifying one or more formulas. The speech bubble generation unit 12Z has a function of generating a speech bubble having an appearance defined by the specified formula.

[0083] Next, a program execution process according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to a flowchart of FIG 13, which shows an example of speech bubble generation process according to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0084] The formula specification unit 11Z specifies one or more formulas (St61). Next, the speech balloon generation unit 12Z generates a speech balloon having an appearance defined by the specified formula (St62).

[0085] A formula is a combination of numbers, operators, functions, etc., based on certain rules. For example, the division operator "÷" cannot be placed twice consecutively, as in "÷÷". Specific examples of formulas will be described later with reference to Figures 14 and 15.

[0086] A speech bubble refers to a frame image that surrounds text, emoji, stamp images, etc. The speech bubble may contain, for example, the speaker's lines (what is being said) or thoughts (what is going through one's mind). Speakers include, for example, characters appearing in stories such as manga or novels, the narrator of a story, characters appearing in a game, the game system itself that narrates within a game, a person who sends text indicating what is being said in a text chat application, performers on television or radio programs, performers and participants in events such as talk events, and people who make comments in videos posted to video sharing sites or live-streamed videos (for example, commentators of game play videos). Elements other than text may be depicted within the speech bubble (frame image). For example, emoji, stamp images, character facial images (still images or videos), etc. may be depicted within the speech bubble. Note that the frame of the speech bubble does not have to be completely closed, and part of the text, emoji, stamp image, etc. may extend beyond the frame of the speech bubble.

[0087] The appearance of a speech bubble refers to the shape, color, size, pattern, texture, etc. of the displayed speech bubble. The appearance includes at least the shape.

[0088] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a speech bubble having an appearance defined by a formula, according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.

[0089] The speech bubble SB01 has a circular appearance. In the drawing, the speech bubble SB01 is drawn in black, but in reality, the color of the speech bubble SB01 can be various colors other than black. In step St61, the calculation formula identification unit 11Z can identify the calculation formula A that defines the appearance of the speech bubble SB01.

[0090] Formula A is defined as length(p)-r, where p represents a point in a two-dimensional coordinate system (in this example, the XY coordinate system). Length(p) represents a function that outputs the distance (length) from the origin to point p in the coordinate system. If the x-coordinate value of point p is px and the y-coordinate value of point p is py, then the function length(p) can be expressed by the following formula: length(p)=((px) 2 +(py) 2 ) 1 / 2

[0091] In Formula A, r represents the radius of the circle. The radius r of the circle may be a fixed value. Alternatively, the radius r of the circle may be a variable value.

[0092] The formula A identified in step St61 defines the appearance of the speech bubble SB01. In fact, if the distance from the origin of point p is equal to or less than r, the calculation result of formula A will be a value equal to or less than 0. By drawing each point (each pixel on the displayed image) where the calculation result of formula A is equal to or less than 0 in black, the speech bubble SB01, which has a black circular shape, is defined. In step St62, the speech bubble generation unit 12Z generates an image of the speech bubble SB01 based on the identified formula A.

[0093] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a speech bubble having an appearance defined by a formula, according to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0094] The speech bubble SB02 has a rectangular appearance. In the drawing, the speech bubble SB02 is drawn in black, but in reality, the color of the speech bubble SB02 can be various colors other than black. In step St61, the calculation formula identification unit 11Z can identify the calculation formula B that defines the appearance of the speech bubble SB02.

[0095] Calculation formula B is defined as max(abs(px)-size.x, abs(py)-size.y). Here, p represents a point in a two-dimensional coordinate system (in this example, the XY coordinate system). px represents the x-coordinate value of point p, and py represents the y-coordinate value of point p.

[0096] max(a,b) is a function that outputs the larger of the values ​​a and b. abs(X) is a function that outputs the absolute value of the value X. abs(X) can also be expressed as |X|.

[0097] Size.x means half the length of the rectangle in the X-axis direction. Size.y means half the length of the rectangle in the Y-axis direction. In formula B, size.x and size.y may each be fixed values. Also, size.x and size.y may each be numbers (variables) whose values ​​change.

[0098] The formula B identified in step St61 defines the appearance of the speech bubble SB02. In fact, if point p is a point inside the rectangle, the calculation result of formula B will be a value less than or equal to 0. By drawing each point (each pixel on the displayed image) for which the calculation result of formula B is a value less than or equal to 0 in black, the speech bubble SB02 having a black rectangular shape is defined. In step St62, the speech bubble generation unit 12Z generates an image of the speech bubble SB02 based on the identified formula B.

[0099] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a speech bubble having an appearance defined by a formula, according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.

[0100] FIG. 16 shows speech bubbles with various appearances. Although detailed explanation of the formulas defining each speech bubble will be omitted, for example, speech bubbles with these appearances can be defined by a formula. Note that the appearance of a speech bubble may be obtained by combining multiple formulas. In step St61, the formula specification unit 11Z can specify various formulas that define the appearance of the speech bubble. In step St62, the speech bubble generation unit 12Z generates an image of the speech bubble based on the specified formulas.

[0101] The color, size, pattern, texture, and the like of a speech bubble can also be defined by a formula. For example, if RGB values ​​(R, G, and B values ​​each ranging from 0 to 255) based on additive color mixing are used to represent color, the R value can be expressed by a formula. The pattern, like the shape, can be expressed by a formula. The radius r shown in FIG. 14 illustrates that size can be expressed by a formula. As for texture, for example, the transparency (e.g., alpha value) of the speech bubble can be expressed by a formula. The formula specification unit 11Z specifies a formula that specifies the color, size, pattern, texture, and the like of the speech bubble in addition to the shape of the speech bubble. The speech bubble generation unit 12Z generates an image of the speech bubble having the color, size, pattern, texture, and the like defined by the specified formula. The speech bubble generation unit 12Z can generate a speech bubble with any appearance as long as the appearance can be expressed by a formula. Therefore, a variety of effects can be produced depending on the shape, color, and the like of the speech bubble.

[0102] The speech bubble images in the sixth embodiment are dynamically generated by calculation based on a formula. Therefore, the speech bubble images do not need to be statically stored in a storage unit (storage medium, storage device) as assets (materials). Therefore, the speech bubble images in the sixth embodiment do not take up space in the storage area. On the other hand, speech bubble images stored in a storage unit (storage medium, storage device) as static assets (materials) require the storage of many types of image data. In particular, when attempting to display speech bubbles as animation, a large number of sequentially numbered images that constitute the animation will be stored in the storage unit (storage medium, storage device). Such static assets have a large amount of data, which takes up space in the storage area.

[0103] Here, dynamically generating a speech bubble image means that the speech bubble image is not statically stored in a storage unit (storage medium, storage device) but is generated by calculation each time. However, depending on the situation, some of the dynamically generated speech bubble images may be saved in a storage unit (storage medium, storage device) and reused.

[0104] Without limitation, the generation of a balloon image may be performed using a shader. The balloon image may also be generated without using a shader. The processor used to generate the balloon image may be a GPU, a CPU, or another computing device (e.g., FPGA, etc.). The balloon image may be generated as a two-dimensional (2D) image, or may be generated as a three-dimensional (3D) image. Furthermore, after the balloon image is generated as a three-dimensional (3D) image, it may be projected into two-dimensional space to generate a two-dimensional (2D) balloon image.

[0105] Furthermore, the speech bubble images in the sixth embodiment can maintain image quality without being affected by enlarging or reducing the display size. For example, in the case of speech bubble SB01 (see FIG. 14), if the value of r in formula A is increased, speech bubble generation unit 12Z generates a larger circular speech bubble. If the value of r in formula A is decreased, speech bubble generation unit 12Z generates a smaller circular speech bubble. Furthermore, in the case of speech bubble SB02 (see FIG. 15), if the value of size.x or size.y in formula B is increased, speech bubble generation unit 12Z generates a larger rectangular speech bubble. If the value of size.x or size.y in formula B is decreased, speech bubble generation unit 12Z generates a smaller rectangular speech bubble. Here, in the case of a speech bubble image stored in a storage area as a static asset (material), if the speech bubble image is enlarged to a size equal to or greater than the resolution of the speech bubble image, the image quality will deteriorate.

[0106] FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a calculation formula defined for generating a speech balloon, according to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0107] The formulas may be predefined within the speech bubble generation program or in a format that can be referenced from the speech bubble generation program. Figure 17 shows predefined formulas 001 to 013 as non-limiting examples. However, the predefined formulas are not limited to these.

[0108] "Basic shape" indicates the outer shape of the speech bubble that the formula corresponds to (for example, circle, rectangle, oval, etc.). "Variable 1" and "Variable 2" indicate the values ​​that can be input as variables of the formula. Note that for convenience of explanation, variable 1 and variable 2 are listed, but the number of variables for one formula is not limited to 1 or 2. The number of variables for one formula may be 0, or 3 or more. "Changes in speech bubble appearance" indicates the changes that the value of the variable has on the appearance of the generated speech bubble (how the appearance of the speech bubble changes when the value of the variable changes).

[0109] (Animation display) When the formula specification unit 11Z specifies a formula having variables, the appearance of the speech bubble generated by the speech bubble generation unit 12Z changes according to changes in the value of the variable. That is, by changing the value of the variable, the speech bubble can be displayed as an animation. The generated speech bubble may be updated at regular intervals. For example, the speech bubble may be updated every frame. If the frame rate (fps) is 60, the speech bubble is updated 60 times per second. Those skilled in the art can freely design what values ​​to use as variables and how the appearance of the speech bubble is changed depending on the variables. Therefore, speech bubbles defined by a formula can have a wide variety of changes in appearance.

[0110] If speech bubble images are statically stored as assets (materials) in a storage unit (storage medium, storage device), one method is to perform affine transformations (rotation, scaling, movement) on a single still image that is a speech bubble image to animate it. With this method, the essential shape of the speech bubble image remains unchanged, making it difficult to achieve diverse expressions. On the other hand, if the appearance of the speech bubble is defined by a formula, various changes can be made to the speech bubble image by changing the values ​​of variables, resulting in a more diverse and wider range of expressions.

[0111] FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a change in a speech bubble according to a variable, according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.

[0112] The calculation formula identification unit 11Z identifies one or more calculation formulas based on a numerical value indicating the content of the dialogue to be combined with the speech bubble. Here, the dialogue to be combined with the speech bubble means the dialogue that is displayed overlapping the frame image of the speech bubble when the frame image of the speech bubble is displayed on a game screen or the like.

[0113] (Quantifying the speaker's emotions expressed through lines) Without limitation, the content of the lines may represent the emotion of the speaker. For example, the calculation formula identification unit 11Z identifies a calculation formula having the degree of anger (anger level) expressed by the lines as a variable. For example, if the content of the lines is "Autumn is cool and nice," the anger level is 0. For example, if the content of the lines is "Don't mess with me!!," the anger level is 3. Referring also to FIG. 17, the calculation formula identification unit 11Z identifies calculation formula 003 and calculation formula 008 having "anger level based on the content of the lines (normally 0 to furious 10)" as variable 1. In FIG. 18, speech bubble SB03A shows the appearance of a speech bubble generated by speech bubble generation unit 12Z when the anger level is 0. Speech bubble SB03B shows the appearance of a speech bubble generated by speech bubble generation unit 12Z when the anger level is 6. The level of the speaker's anger is expressed as the size of the spikes provided in the speech bubble frame. Furthermore, although the speech bubbles are drawn in black in FIG. 18, speech bubble SB03B is actually redder than speech bubble SB03A (calculation formula 008).

[0114] The calculation formula identification unit 11Z may determine the anger level value from the content of the dialogue based on various algorithms. For example, a correspondence table that associates specific text such as "Don't mess with me," "Damn it," and "!" with the anger level value (absolute value or additive value) when the text is included in the dialogue is stored in a storage unit (storage medium, storage device) of the server 10 in advance. The calculation formula identification unit 11Z calculates the anger level value based on the text included in the dialogue by referring to the correspondence table. The server 10 may also be equipped with a machine learning learning model. The learning model may be, for example, a trained model obtained by machine learning the text included in the dialogue, with the text included in the dialogue as input and the anger level value as output. The calculation formula identification unit 11Z inputs the text included in the dialogue into the trained model and calculates the anger level value. The anger level calculation algorithm is not limited to the above, and those skilled in the art may appropriately determine the calculation algorithm. The calculation formula identification unit 11Z may calculate the anger level value from the text included in the dialogue using any means that a person skilled in the art can implement.

[0115] The content of the lines combined with the speech bubbles is not limited to the degree of anger. For example, the calculation formula identification unit 11Z may determine various values ​​expressed by the lines, such as the degree of affection, tsundere, dislike, curiosity, goodwill, malice, seriousness, surprise, sadness, and kindness, based on the text contained in the lines. Then, the calculation formula identification unit 11Z identifies a calculation formula having these values ​​as variables.

[0116] (Quantifying the impression the receiver receives from the dialogue) Without limitation, the content of a line may refer to the impression a person (such as a user, viewer, or game player) receives from a utterance related to the line. An impression is the emotion a person (receiver) who receives a utterance related to the line has toward the speaker. For example, the receiver may have an impression of the speaker, such as "this utterance is cute" or "this speaker has a strong sense of responsibility." While the anger level described above represents the speaker's emotion, an impression represents the receiver's emotion. For example, the calculation formula identification unit 11Z may determine, based on the text contained in the line, numerical values ​​representing various impressions received by the receiver from the line, such as the speaker's degree of inner strength, cuteness, sincerity, sense of responsibility, or clumsiness. The algorithm for determining the numerical value of the impression is the same as that described above using the anger level as an example. The calculation formula identification unit 11Z then identifies a calculation formula having the numerical value of the impression as a variable.

[0117] (Quantification of topics included in dialogue) Without limitation, the content of the lines may refer to the topic (subject of the remark) included in the lines. For example, if the lines contain keywords such as "Aristotle" or "Kant," the speaker is likely to be discussing philosophy. If the lines contain keywords such as "fluffy omelet rice," the speaker is likely to be discussing food. In this case, the calculation formula identification unit 11Z can quantify the lines based on the "difficulty of the topic." For example, the difficulty of the topic may be 1 when the topic is food, and 5 when the topic is philosophy. The algorithm for determining the quantified value of the topic included in the lines may be similar to the one described above using the anger level as an example. Then, the calculation formula identification unit 11Z identifies a calculation formula having, as a variable, the quantified value of the topic included in the lines.

[0118] Additionally, the calculation formula identification unit 11Z may digitize the content of the dialogue based on various criteria. The calculation formula identification unit 11Z identifies one or more calculation formulas based on the value obtained by digitizing the content of the dialogue.

[0119] As described above, the calculation formula identification unit 11Z identifies one or more calculation formulas based on the numerical values ​​indicating the content of the dialogue to be combined with the speech bubble. This allows the speech bubble generation unit 12Z to generate a speech bubble having an appearance that suits the content of the dialogue to be combined with the speech bubble. This can further increase the player's interest in the video game.

[0120] FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a change in a speech balloon according to a variable, according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.

[0121] The calculation formula identification unit 11Z identifies one or more calculation formulas based on the number of characters in the lines to be combined with the speech bubble. Here, the lines to be combined with the speech bubble refer to lines that are displayed overlapping the frame image of the speech bubble when the frame image is displayed on a game screen or the like.

[0122] For example, if the content of the line is "We are searching for a legendary sword," the number of characters is 14. If the content of the line is "They say a legendary sword lies dormant in a cave beyond the northern mountains," the number of characters is 30. Referring also to FIG. 17, the calculation formula identification unit 11Z identifies calculation formula 002 having the "number of characters in the line" as variable 1. In FIG. 19, speech bubble SB04A shows the appearance of a speech bubble generated by speech bubble generation unit 12Z when the number of characters is 14. Speech bubble SB04B shows the appearance of a speech bubble generated by speech bubble generation unit 12Z when the number of characters is 30. The speech bubble frame becomes larger in the vertical direction (the long axis direction of the ellipse) as the number of characters increases.

[0123] As described above, the calculation formula identification unit 11Z identifies one or more calculation formulas based on the number of characters in the dialogue to be combined with the speech bubble. This allows the speech bubble generation unit 12Z to generate a speech bubble with an appearance that is appropriate for the number of characters in the dialogue to be combined with the speech bubble. This can further increase the player's interest in the video game.

[0124] 20 and 21 are explanatory diagrams illustrating examples of changes in speech bubbles according to variables, according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.

[0125] The calculation formula identification unit 11Z identifies one or more calculation formulas based on the volume or sound quality of the audio data corresponding to the lines to be combined with the speech bubble. Here, the lines to be combined with the speech bubble refer to the lines that are displayed overlapping the frame image of the speech bubble when the frame image of the speech bubble is displayed on a game screen or the like.

[0126] (Audio data equivalent to dialogue) Audio data corresponding to dialogue refers to audio data that is played together with the display of a speech bubble containing dialogue. For example, in video games, audio data of a voice actor reading the dialogue may be played together with the display of a speech bubble containing dialogue. Also, in live video commentary or talk events, the remarks of the commentator or other performers are picked up by a microphone and recorded as audio data. The recorded audio data is played together with the display of the speech bubble (displayed in the live video commentary or on a large screen at an event venue, etc.). Such audio data is an example of data corresponding to dialogue.

[0127] The calculation formula identification unit 11Z identifies a calculation formula having the volume of the audio data corresponding to the dialogue (hereinafter abbreviated as dialogue volume) as a variable. Referring also to FIG. 17, the calculation formula identification unit 11Z identifies a calculation formula 009 having "volume of dialogue (1 to 20)" as variable 1. In FIG. 20, speech bubble SB05A shows the appearance of a speech bubble generated by the speech bubble generation unit 12Z when the dialogue volume is 1. Speech bubble SB05B shows the appearance of a speech bubble generated by the speech bubble generation unit 12Z when the dialogue volume is 18. The volume of the speaker's voice is expressed as the size of the spikes provided in the speech bubble frame and the size of the speech bubble itself.

[0128] The calculation formula identification unit 11Z identifies a calculation formula having the sound quality of the voice data corresponding to the lines (hereinafter abbreviated as the sound quality of the lines) as a variable. Various standards for quantifying sound quality are conceivable, but here, the breath leakage level of a voice actor is used as an example. A breathy voice is assigned a breath leakage level of 10, and a voice with little breath leakage is assigned a breath leakage level of 1. Existing voice processing technology may be used for quantifying the sound data (e.g., calculating the breath leakage level). Here, with reference to FIG. 17 as well, the calculation formula identification unit 11Z identifies a calculation formula 010 having the "sound quality of the lines (breath leakage level 1 to 10)" as variable 1. In FIG. 21, a speech bubble SB06A shows the appearance of a speech bubble generated by the speech bubble generation unit 12Z when the breath leakage level is 1. A speech bubble SB06B shows the appearance of a speech bubble generated by the speech bubble generation unit 12Z when the breath leakage level is 5. The degree of blurring around the outer edge of speech bubble SB06B is greater than that of speech bubble SB06A. The amount of exhaled air contained in the voice is expressed by the degree of blurring around the speech bubble frame.

[0129] The quality of dialogue is not limited to the degree of breath leakage. For example, the quality of dialogue may include the lowness of the speaker's voice, the degree of edge voice, the degree of nasality, voice quality, timbre, etc. These dialogue quality values ​​are quantified, and the calculation formula identification unit 11Z identifies a calculation formula having the quantified values ​​as variables.

[0130] As described above, the formula identification unit 11Z identifies one or more formulas based on the volume or sound quality of the audio data corresponding to the dialogue to be combined with the speech bubble. This allows the speech bubble generation unit 12Z to generate a speech bubble with an appearance that matches the volume or sound quality of the audio data corresponding to the dialogue. This can further increase the player's interest in the video game.

[0131] FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a change in a speech bubble according to a variable, according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.

[0132] The calculation formula identification unit 11Z identifies one or more calculation formulas based on the attribute value of the speaker of the line to be combined with the speech bubble. Here, the line to be combined with the speech bubble means the line to be displayed overlapping the frame image of the speech bubble when the frame image of the speech bubble is displayed on a game screen or the like.

[0133] (Speaker attribute (value)) The speaker's attributes refer to the qualities that the speaker possesses. The speaker's attribute value refers to the speaker's attributes quantified. For example, typical examples of speaker attributes include the gender, age, physical strength, intelligence, magical power, agility, strength, wisdom, bravery, luck, recovery ability, hit points (HP), magic points (MP), physical attack resistance, and magical attack resistance of a character appearing in a story or game. Speaker attributes are not limited to these. Below, we will give an example where the speaker's attributes are the hit points (HP) of a character appearing in a game.

[0134] The calculation formula identification unit 11Z identifies a calculation formula having the hit points (HP) of the speaker of the lines as a variable. Referring also to FIG. 17, the calculation formula identification unit 11Z identifies a calculation formula 001 having "character's HP" as variable 1. In FIG. 22, speech bubble SB07A shows the appearance of a speech bubble generated by speech bubble generation unit 12Z when the character's HP is sufficiently high. Speech bubble SB07 shows the appearance of a speech bubble generated by speech bubble generation unit 12Z when the character's HP is low. The basic shape of the speech bubble in this example is oval, but as the character's HP decreases, the oval expands in the major axis direction and contracts in the minor axis direction. In other words, as the character's HP decreases, the speech bubble frame becomes thinner and squashed. This expresses the character's weakening.

[0135] Additionally, the calculation formula specification unit 11Z may specify one or more calculation formulas based on various attribute values ​​possessed by the speaker.

[0136] As described above, the calculation formula identification unit 11Z identifies one or more calculation formulas based on the attribute values ​​of the speaker of the line to be combined with the speech bubble. This allows the speech bubble generation unit 12Z to generate a speech bubble with an appearance that suits the attribute of the speaker of the line to be combined with the speech bubble. This can further increase the player's interest in the video game.

[0137] FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a change in a speech bubble according to a variable, according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.

[0138] The calculation formula identification unit 11Z identifies one or more calculation formulas based on a numerical value indicating the environment in which the speaker of the line combined with the speech bubble is placed. Here, the line combined with the speech bubble means the line that is displayed superimposed on the frame image of the speech bubble when the frame image of the speech bubble is displayed on a game screen or the like.

[0139] (The environment in which the speaker is placed) The environment in which the speaker is placed refers to the environment surrounding the speaker. For example, if the speaker is an in-game character appearing in a game, the environment in which the speaker is placed may include, for example, the following: the character's current location (town, village, castle, dungeon, cave, stamina recovery temple, grassland, mountains, sea, etc.), the number of companions accompanying the character and their status, whether the character has encountered an enemy character, the current time for the character (for example, morning, noon, evening, night, late night, etc.), the weather (sunny, rain, heavy rain, snow, thunder, etc.), the group the character belongs to, the combat stance of the group the character belongs to (emphasis on close-range attacks, emphasis on long-range attacks, emphasis on defense, emphasis on survival, etc.), the collection status of items essential for progressing through the game, the time remaining until the character completes the mission given to them, the security of the character's current location, whether the villagers and townspeople like or dislike the character, the era in which the character exists (ancient, modern, present, future, etc.), the distribution of power in the world in which the character exists (the Demon King's army is dominant, humans are dominant, etc.), the economic situation in the world in which the character exists (boom, recession, famine, etc.), the spread of disease and other illnesses in the world in which the character exists (no disease, pandemic, epidemic, etc.).

[0140] If the speaker is a person who exists in the real world (e.g., a game commentator, an event participant, etc.), the environment in which the speaker is placed may include, for example, the following: the speaker's current location (city, ward, town, village, outdoors, indoor facility, etc.), the number of people related to the speaker (number of viewers of a posted video, number of participants in an event, etc.), the attributes of the speaker's people related to the speaker (classmates, coworkers, meeting for the first time, etc.), the current time (e.g., morning, afternoon, evening, night, late night, etc.), traffic conditions when the speaker is traveling (traffic jam, train service suspension, etc.), weather near the speaker's location or home (sunny, rain, heavy rain, snow, thunder, etc.), the remaining time given to the speaker (remaining recording time of a video, time until the end of an event, etc.), the level of public safety in the speaker's current location, the economic situation in the region where the speaker exists (boom, recession, etc.), and the spread of disease or the like in the world where the character exists (no disease, pandemic, epidemic, etc.).

[0141] The environment in which the speaker is placed is not limited to the above. Below, an example will be given in which the environment in which the speaker is placed is the distance between the in-game character who is the speaker and an enemy character (distance from the enemy character).

[0142] The calculation formula identification unit 11Z identifies a calculation formula having the distance to the enemy character as a variable. Referring also to FIG. 17, the calculation formula identification unit 11Z identifies a calculation formula 012 having "distance to the enemy character" as variable 1. In FIG. 23, speech bubble SB08A shows the appearance of a speech bubble generated by speech bubble generation unit 12Z when the distance to the enemy character is sufficiently large. Speech bubble SB08B shows the appearance of a speech bubble generated by speech bubble generation unit 12Z when the distance to the enemy character is shortened. The manner in which the in-game character becomes nervous as the enemy character approaches is expressed by the number of spikes provided in the speech bubble frame.

[0143] As described above, the calculation formula identification unit 11Z identifies one or more calculation formulas based on the numerical value indicating the environment in which the speaker of the line to be combined with the speech balloon is located. This allows the speech balloon generation unit 12Z to generate a speech balloon with an appearance that suits the environment in which the speaker is located. This can further increase the player's interest in the video game.

[0144] FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a change in a speech bubble according to a variable, according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.

[0145] The calculation formula identification unit 11Z identifies one or more calculation formulas based on the number of speakers of the lines combined with the speech bubble. Here, the lines combined with the speech bubble refer to lines that are displayed overlapping the frame image of the speech bubble when the frame image is displayed on a game screen or the like.

[0146] The calculation formula identification unit 11Z identifies a calculation formula having the number of speakers of the lines as a variable. Referring also to FIG. 17, the calculation formula identification unit 11Z identifies calculation formula 007 having "the number of speakers of the lines" as variable 1. In FIG. 24, speech bubble SB09A shows the appearance of a speech bubble generated by the speech bubble generation unit 12Z when the number of speakers is one. Speech bubble SB09B shows the appearance of a speech bubble generated by the speech bubble generation unit 12Z when the number of speakers is three. The number of people who simultaneously speak the lines is expressed as the number of concentrically overlapping speech bubble frames.

[0147] As described above, the calculation formula identification unit 11Z identifies one or more calculation formulas based on the number of speakers of the lines to be combined with the speech balloon. This allows the speech balloon generation unit 12Z to generate speech balloons with an appearance appropriate for the number of speakers. This can further increase the player's interest in the video game.

[0148] FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a change in a speech balloon according to a variable, according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.

[0149] The calculation formula identification unit 11Z identifies one or more calculation formulas based on the operation time of the video game. The operation time may be the operation time of the server that controls the progress of the game. Alternatively, the operation time may be the time (play time) from when a user (player) having a user terminal starts the game to the present. The operation time may be the elapsed time when the time when a predetermined event occurs in the ongoing game is set as time 0.

[0150] The calculation formula identification unit 11Z identifies a calculation formula having the operating time of the video game as a variable. Referring also to FIG. 17, the calculation formula identification unit 11Z identifies calculation formula 006 having "operating time of the game" as variable 1. In FIG. 25, speech bubble SB10A shows the appearance of a speech bubble generated by speech bubble generation unit 12Z when the operating time of the video game is still short. Speech bubble SB10B shows the appearance of a speech bubble generated by speech bubble generation unit 12Z when the operating time of the video game has become long.

[0151] Here, an example of utilizing the speech bubbles shown in FIG. 25 will be shown. For example, a character (companion character) that accompanies the in-game character (protagonist) operated by the player exists. The companion character accompanies the protagonist by being summoned from another world, being generated by magic, or the like. The companion character leaves the protagonist after a predetermined time has elapsed due to reasons such as returning to another world or the protagonist (who summoned the companion character) running out of magical power. The companion character's lines are displayed on the game screen together with a speech bubble image generated by the speech bubble generation unit 12Z based on calculation formula 006. For example, in this case, as the operating time of the video game increases, the speech bubble becomes more and more transparent. This visually depicts the time remaining until the time limit at which the companion character leaves the protagonist. In addition, if the protagonist is affected by poison, the weakening of the effects of the poison may be depicted by a speech bubble generated by the speech bubble generation unit 12Z based on calculation formula 006.

[0152] The formula specification unit 11Z may also specify a formula that changes the shape of the speech bubble as the operating time of the video game increases. For example, the formula specification unit 11Z specifies a formula that defines a shape that is a cornerless rectangle as a basic shape and that becomes more circular as the elapsed time increases. This makes it possible to create a situation in which the personality of a young speaker, who is an in-game character, becomes more gentle as he or she gets older.

[0153] As described above, the calculation formula identification unit 11Z identifies one or more calculation formulas based on the running time of the video game. This allows the speech bubble generation unit 12Z to generate a speech bubble with an appearance appropriate for the running time of the video game. This can further increase the player's interest in the video game.

[0154] FIG. 26 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a change in a speech bubble according to a variable, according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.

[0155] The calculation formula identification unit 11Z identifies one or more calculation formulas based on the gaze position on the game screen of a video game player. Here, the gaze position on the game screen refers to the position on the game screen at which the game player is gazing. For example, when a cursor is displayed on the game screen as in a personal computer, the gaze position on the game screen may refer to the cursor position. When the game screen is displayed on a touch panel display, the gaze position on the game screen may refer to the position where the user (video game player) taps on the touch panel display. When the game screen is displayed on VR goggles with a gaze detection function, the gaze position on the game screen may refer to the position indicated by the gaze of the person wearing the VR goggles.

[0156] The calculation formula identification unit 11Z identifies a calculation formula having the gaze position on the game screen of a video game player as a variable. Referring also to FIG. 17, the calculation formula identification unit 11Z identifies a calculation formula 011 having the "coordinate values ​​(x, y) of the gaze position on the game screen" as variable 1. In FIG. 26, speech bubble SB11A shows the appearance of a speech bubble generated by speech bubble generation unit 12Z when the gaze position is not on a predetermined area of ​​the game screen. Speech bubble SB11B shows the appearance of a speech bubble generated by speech bubble generation unit 12Z when the gaze position is on a predetermined area of ​​the game screen. When the gaze position is on a predetermined area of ​​the game screen, the spikes of the speech bubble frame extend.

[0157] Here, an example of how the speech bubbles shown in FIG. 26 are used is shown. A video game player experiences the game from the perspective of protagonist A, an in-game character. For example, another in-game character (e.g., teammate B who is on the same team as protagonist A) is shown in close-up on the game screen making a statement in the game, and teammate B's lines are displayed in combination with the speech bubble. The predetermined area of ​​the game screen is assumed to be the area of ​​the displayed speech bubble. In this case, when the gaze position is on the predetermined area of ​​the game screen, this means that protagonist A (player) is looking at the speech bubble related to the statement made by teammate B. This corresponds to the case where protagonist A (player) is listening attentively to the statement made by teammate B. Therefore, by extending the spikes of the speech bubble frame, it can be expressed that teammate B is aware that "protagonist A (player) is listening attentively to the statement made by teammate B."

[0158] Another example of using the speech bubble shown in Figure 26 is shown below. For example, a rare item that increases the attack power of protagonist A (player) is hidden somewhere on the game screen. Protagonist A (player) moves his / her gaze (or moves the cursor or taps) to search for the rare item. Here, protagonist A (player) can only find the rare item when companion B is chanting the "search" spell with gestures. The speech bubble frame displays text corresponding to the spell being chanted by companion B. When protagonist A (player)'s gaze overlaps with the location where the rare item is hidden, the spikes in the speech bubble frame extend. This allows us to express a situation in which companion B is chanting the spell with gestures and cannot give protagonist A (player) a hint about the location of the rare item through words or gestures, but can give a hint through some other means, such as a sense of presence.

[0159] As described above, the formula identification unit 11Z identifies one or more formulas based on the gaze position of the player of the video game on the game screen. This allows the speech bubble generation unit 12Z to generate a speech bubble with an appearance that suits the gaze position of the player on the game screen. This can further increase the player's interest in the video game.

[0160] FIG. 27 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a change in a speech balloon according to a variable, according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.

[0161] The calculation formula specification unit 11Z specifies one or more calculation formulas based on a numerical value indicating a user experience to be given to a player of the video game.

[0162] (User Experience) Here, user experience (UX) refers to the general term for the experiences gained through a product or service. In the case of video games, it refers to the experience a player gains by playing the video game. For example, the user experience may include the player feeling tense, calm (relaxed), crying, laughing, getting angry, satisfied, or feeling dissatisfied while playing the game. However, the user experience in video games is not limited to these.

[0163] (Quantifying the level of tension) Here, "tension" and "relaxation" are examples of such user experiences. For example, there are times when you want to make the player tense during the game, such as when the user starts to get bored of playing the game. Conversely, there are times when you want to relax the player's tension because a prolonged state of tension will tire the player. Therefore, in order to maintain the player's level of tension at an appropriate level, a numerical indicator called tension level is introduced. For example, if the player is not tense at all, the tension level is set to 0. If the player is completely tense, the tension level is set to 10. Here, for convenience, the maximum tension level is defined as 10, but the maximum tension level may be a value other than 10.

[0164] The calculation formula identification unit 11Z identifies a calculation formula having a tension level as a variable. Referring also to FIG. 17, the calculation formula identification unit 11Z identifies a calculation formula 013 having "player's tension level" as variable 1. In FIG. 27, speech bubble SB12A shows the appearance of a speech bubble generated by the speech bubble generation unit 12Z when it is desired not to make the player tense (when it is desired to reduce the player's tension level). Speech bubble SB12B shows the appearance of a speech bubble generated by the speech bubble generation unit 12Z when it is desired to make the player tense (when it is desired to increase the player's tension level).

[0165] For example, a speech bubble generated by the speech bubble generating unit 12Z based on the formula 013 is used to display narration in a game. In this case, the speaker of the narration is the game system itself. A narration display using a spiky speech bubble SB12B is more stimulating to the player than a narration display using a speech bubble without thorns SB12A. Therefore, using a spiky speech bubble SB12B can make the player feel more tense. Note that the formula specifying unit 11Z may specify a formula such that the color of the speech bubble approaches red as the level of tension desired to be imparted to the player increases. Red is a color that is visually stimulating, so it can make the player feel more tense.

[0166] User experiences other than "tension" and "relaxation" given to the player may also be quantified. The calculation formula specification unit 11Z specifies a calculation formula having the quantified user experience as a variable.

[0167] As described above, the calculation formula identification unit 11Z identifies one or more calculation formulas based on the numerical values ​​indicating the user experience to be provided to the player of the video game. This allows the speech bubble generation unit 12Z to generate a speech bubble having an appearance suited to the user experience desired to be provided to the player of the video game. This can further increase the player's interest in the video game.

[0168] (Supplementary notes on the sixth embodiment) The formula identification unit 11Z may identify a formula that does not have variables (for example, formula 005 in FIG. 17). Also, if it is not necessary to change the appearance of the speech bubble, predetermined fixed values ​​may be input into the variable parts of formulas that have variables (for example, formulas 001 to 004, 006 to 013 in FIG. 17). Also, if a formula has two or more variables, predetermined fixed values ​​may be input into some of the variables.

[0169] The factors considered when specifying the calculation formula (hereinafter referred to as "considered factors") do not have to be used as variables of the calculation formula. Non-limiting examples of the considered factors include the content of the lines to be combined with the speech bubble (see FIG. 18), the number of characters of the lines to be combined with the speech bubble (see FIG. 19), the volume or sound quality of the audio data corresponding to the lines to be combined with the speech bubble (see FIG. 20 and FIG. 21), the attributes of the speaker of the lines to be combined with the speech bubble (see FIG. 22), the environment in which the speaker of the lines to be combined with the speech bubble is located (see FIG. 23), the number of speakers of the lines to be combined with the speech bubble (see FIG. 24), the operating time of the video game (see FIG. 25), the gaze position on the game screen by the video game player (see FIG. 26), and the user experience provided to the video game player (see FIG. 27).

[0170] The consideration factors do not need to be quantified. More specifically, the content of the lines combined with the speech bubbles, which are the consideration factors (see FIG. 18), the sound quality of the audio data corresponding to the lines (see FIG. 21), the attributes of the speaker (see FIG. 22), the environment in which the speaker of the lines is placed (see FIG. 23), and the user experience to be provided to the player of the video game (see FIG. 27) do not need to be quantified when identifying the calculation formula. For example, the calculation formula identified by the calculation formula identification unit 11Z may be determined in advance based on various conditions obtained from the above consideration factors, such as using calculation formula N if the lines contain a predetermined keyword, using calculation formula N+1 if the number of characters of the lines is less than 20, using calculation formula N+2 if the number of characters of the lines is 20 or more, and using calculation formula N+3 if the user experience to be provided to the player of the video game is "I want to make the player laugh." In such a case, for example, the consideration factors that are not quantified can be used as a determination criterion for identifying the calculation formula (a criterion for selecting the calculation formula).

[0171] When identifying a calculation formula, multiple consideration factors may be used in combination. Referring to FIG. 17, the calculation formula identification unit 11Z identifies a calculation formula 004 having a "character's bravery level (1 to 255)" as variable 1 and a "distance from the enemy character" as variable 2. The "character's bravery level" corresponds to the speaker's attributes (see FIG. 22), and the "distance from the enemy character" corresponds to the environment in which the speaker of the lines is located (see FIG. 23). In the above, various consideration factors are classified into multiple categories (see FIGS. 18 to 27), and the explanation is given for each category. However, the calculation formula identification unit 11Z may identify a calculation formula by considering consideration factors included in different categories. When the calculation formula identification unit 11Z identifies the calculation formula 004, the speech bubble generation unit 12Z generates a speech bubble whose basic shape is circular. The generated circular speech bubble repeatedly expands and contracts at a predetermined cycle. This animation display represents the heartbeat of a character about to encounter an enemy character. The closer the distance to the enemy character, the faster the radius of the circle changes, and therefore the faster the heart beats. Also, a brave character can calmly deal with an enemy character, while a non-brave character will be frightened when encountering an enemy character. Therefore, the lower the bravery level, the greater the amplitude of the radius of the circle. In other words, the faster the heart beats. Formula 004 expresses the emotions of such a character through the generated speech bubble.

[0172] A tail is sometimes added to a speech bubble to identify the speaker. A tail added to a speech bubble is also called a "leg," "horn," "arrow," "pointy part," or "notch." Here, the part added to a speech bubble to identify the speaker is referred to as a "tail." The shape of a tail is not limited to a triangle (see FIG. 28) and can take on various shapes. For example, a tail may have a bent shape. There are also "round tails" that are made up of multiple circles arranged in succession. Below, an example of a commonly used triangular tail is explained.

[0173] 28 is a diagram illustrating a speech bubble with a tail added, corresponding to at least one embodiment of the present invention. A triangular tail T is added to speech bubble SB13. Formula identification unit 11Z may identify a formula that defines the appearance of speech bubble SB13 and a formula that defines the appearance of the tail T. Speech bubble generation unit 12Z generates speech bubble SB13 with the tail T added, using both the formula that defines the appearance of speech bubble SB13 and the formula that defines the appearance of the tail T.

[0174] It is considered that the number of possible shape patterns for the tail T is smaller than the number of possible shape patterns for the speech bubble SB13. For this reason, an image serving as an asset (material) for the tail T may be stored in a storage unit (storage medium, storage device), and the tail T may be added to the generated speech bubble SB13 later.

[0175] (Summary of the sixth embodiment) As an aspect of the sixth embodiment, various types of calculation formulas can be defined, so that a variety of speech bubbles can be provided.

[0176] As one aspect of the sixth embodiment, by providing a variety of speech bubbles, it is possible to enhance the dramatic effect on a user who sees the displayed speech bubbles.

[0177] As an aspect of the sixth embodiment, by providing a variety of speech bubbles, it is possible to increase the interest of players in the video game in which speech bubbles are displayed.

[0178] As described above, each embodiment of the present application solves one or more deficiencies. Note that the effects of each embodiment are non-limiting effects or examples of effects.

[0179] In each of the above-described embodiments, the multiple user terminals 20, 201 to 20N, 50 and the server 10 and server 40 execute the various processes described above in accordance with various control programs (e.g., video game processing programs and speech bubble generation programs) stored in their own storage devices.

[0180] Furthermore, the configurations of the video game processing system 100 and the video game processing system 101 are not limited to those described as examples of the above-mentioned embodiments. For example, some or all of the processes described as processes executed by a user terminal may be executed by the server 10 or the server 40, or some or all of the processes described as processes executed by the server 10 or the server 40 may be executed by one of the multiple user terminals 20, 201-20N, 50 (e.g., the user terminal 20). Furthermore, some or all of the storage units (storage media, storage devices) included in the server 10 or the server 40 may be included in one of the multiple user terminals 20, 201-20N, 50. In other words, some or all of the functions included in either the user terminal or the server in the video game processing system 100 or the video game processing system 101 may be included in the other.

[0181] Furthermore, the program may be configured to cause a part or all of the functions described as examples of each of the above-mentioned embodiments to be realized by a single device that does not include a communication network.

[0182] Furthermore, the above-described embodiments may be applied to configurations other than video games. The above-described embodiments may be applied to, for example, an application program that displays speech bubbles executed on any computing device, such as a personal computer or a mobile terminal; a program that generates speech bubbles when displaying speech bubbles on a screen in a broadcast program such as television or video distribution; a video editing program that has a function for generating speech bubbles when creating or editing a video (including posted videos) played by a playback device; a program that generates speech bubbles when displaying speech bubbles on a screen (including a screen projected on a projection screen) displayed by a display device at a talk event, or a device on which these programs are installed. In this case, the game screen in the above-described embodiments may be interpreted as a screen displayed by a display device.

[0183] [Note] The above-described embodiments have been described so that at least the following invention can be implemented by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains. [1] The server that controls the progress of the video game a formula identification function for identifying one or more formulas; a speech bubble generation function for generating a speech bubble having an appearance defined by the formula; A speech bubble generation program to make this happen. [2] The formula specification function realizes a function of specifying one or more formulas having variables, The speech bubble generation function generates a speech bubble whose appearance changes according to the change in the value of the variable. [1] A speech bubble generation program for realizing this. [3] The server has a speech bubble display function for displaying the speech bubble on the game screen. A speech bubble generation program according to [1] or [2] for realizing this. [4] The formula identification function includes a function for identifying one or more formulas based on a numerical value indicating the content of the dialogue to be combined with the speech bubble. A speech bubble generation program according to any one of [1] to [3] for realizing the above. [5] The formula specification function includes a function for specifying one or more formulas based on the number of characters of the dialogue to be combined with the speech bubble. A speech bubble generation program according to any one of [1] to [4] for realizing the above. [6] The formula identification function includes a function for identifying one or more formulas based on the volume or sound quality of the voice data corresponding to the lines to be combined with the speech bubble. A speech bubble generation program according to any one of [1] to [5] for realizing the above. [7] The formula identification function includes a function for identifying one or more formulas based on an attribute value of a speaker of a line to be combined with the speech bubble. A speech bubble generation program according to any one of [1] to [6] for realizing the above. [8] The formula identification function includes a function for identifying one or more formulas based on a numerical value indicating an environment in which a speaker of a line to be combined with the speech bubble is placed. A speech bubble generation program according to any one of [1] to [7] for realizing the above. [9] The formula identification function includes a function for identifying one or more formulas based on the number of speakers of the lines to be combined with the speech bubble. A speech bubble generation program according to any one of [1] to [8] for realizing the above.

[10] The formula identification function includes a function for identifying one or more formulas based on the running time of the video game. A speech bubble generation program according to any one of [1] to [9] for realizing the above.

[11] The formula identification function includes a function for identifying one or more formulas based on a gaze position on a game screen by a player of the video game. A speech bubble generation program according to any one of [1] to

[10] for realizing the above.

[12] The formula specification function includes a function for specifying one or more formulas based on a numerical value indicating a user experience to be given to a player of the video game. A speech bubble generation program according to any one of [1] to

[11] for realizing the above.

[13] A video game processing program for causing a user terminal capable of communicating with the server to realize at least one of the functions that the speech bubble generation program described in any one of [1] to

[12] causes the server to realize.

[14] A server on which the speech bubble generation program according to any one of [1] to

[12] is installed.

[15] A video game processing system that includes a communication network, a server, and a user terminal, and controls the progress of a video game, A calculation formula specifying means for specifying one or more calculation formulas; and a speech bubble generating means for generating a speech bubble having an appearance defined by the formula. Video game processing system.

[16] On the user terminal, a formula identification function for identifying one or more formulas; a speech bubble generation function for generating a speech bubble having an appearance defined by the formula; A speech bubble generation program to make this happen.

[17] A user terminal on which the speech bubble generation program described in

[16] is installed.

[18] A speech bubble generation method using a computer device, comprising: a formula identification process for identifying one or more formulas; a speech bubble generation process for generating a speech bubble having an appearance defined by the formula; How to generate speech bubbles.

[19] A speech bubble generation method for a video game processing system including a communication network, a server, and a user terminal, the method comprising: a formula identification process for identifying one or more formulas; a speech bubble generation process for generating a speech bubble having an appearance defined by the formula; How to generate speech bubbles. [Industrial Applicability]

[0184] One embodiment of the present invention is useful for increasing a player's interest in a video game. [Explanation of symbols]

[0185] 10, 10A, 10B, 10C, 10Z, 40 servers 11, 11B, 11C, 11Z, 51 Calculation formula specification part 12, 12B, 12C, 12Z, 52 Speech bubble generation section 13 Display section 20, 201, 20N, 50 User terminals 30 Communication Network 100, 101 Video Game Processing System

Claims

1. On the server, A speech bubble generation function is provided for dynamically generating speech bubbles having an appearance defined by one or more formulas; the one or more formulas are formulas having variables, The speech bubble generation function includes a function of changing the shape of the appearance of the speech bubble (excluding changes in aspect ratio and changes in the number of tails) in response to changes in the value of the variable. A speech bubble generator.

2. On the server, A speech bubble generation function is provided for dynamically generating speech bubbles having an appearance defined by one or more formulas; A speech bubble generation program, wherein the one or more formulas include a formula that changes the shape of the speech bubble's appearance (excluding changes in aspect ratio and number of tails) based on a numerical value calculated based on the content of the dialogue to be combined with the speech bubble.

3. On the server, A speech bubble generation function is provided for dynamically generating speech bubbles having an appearance defined by one or more formulas; the one or more formulas are formulas having variables, the speech bubble generation function includes a function of changing the shape of the appearance of the speech bubble (excluding changes in aspect ratio and changes in the number of tails) in response to changes in the value of the variable; A speech bubble generation program, wherein the one or more formulas include a formula that changes the shape based on a numerical value calculated based on the content of the dialogue to be combined with the speech bubble.

4. On the server, A speech bubble generation function is provided for dynamically generating speech bubbles having an appearance defined by one or more formulas; A speech bubble generation program, wherein the one or more formulas include a formula that changes the shape of the appearance of the speech bubble (excluding changes in aspect ratio and number of tails) based on the number of characters of dialogue to be combined with the speech bubble.

5. On the server, A speech bubble generation function is provided for dynamically generating speech bubbles having an appearance defined by one or more formulas; the one or more formulas are formulas having variables, the speech bubble generation function includes a function of changing the shape of the appearance of the speech bubble (excluding changes in aspect ratio and changes in the number of tails) in response to changes in the value of the variable; The speech bubble generating program, wherein the one or more formulas include a formula that changes the shape based on the number of characters of dialogue to be combined with the speech bubble.

6. On the server, A speech bubble generation function is provided for dynamically generating speech bubbles having an appearance defined by one or more formulas; A speech bubble generation program, wherein the one or more formulas include a formula that changes the shape of the appearance of the speech bubble (excluding changes in aspect ratio and number of tails) based on the volume or sound quality of audio data corresponding to the dialogue to be combined with the speech bubble.

7. On the server, A speech bubble generation function is provided for dynamically generating speech bubbles having an appearance defined by one or more formulas; the one or more formulas are formulas having variables, the speech bubble generation function includes a function of changing the shape of the appearance of the speech bubble (excluding changes in aspect ratio and changes in the number of tails) in response to changes in the value of the variable; A speech bubble generating program, wherein the one or more formulas include a formula that changes the shape based on the volume or sound quality of audio data corresponding to the dialogue to be combined with the speech bubble.

8. On the server, A speech bubble generation function is provided for dynamically generating speech bubbles having an appearance defined by one or more formulas; A speech bubble generation program, wherein the one or more formulas include a formula that changes the shape of the appearance of the speech bubble (excluding changes in aspect ratio and number of tails) based on the attribute values ​​of the speaker of the line to be combined with the speech bubble.

9. On the server, A speech bubble generation function is provided for dynamically generating speech bubbles having an appearance defined by one or more formulas; the one or more formulas are formulas having variables, the speech bubble generation function includes a function of changing the shape of the appearance of the speech bubble (excluding changes in aspect ratio and changes in the number of tails) in response to changes in the value of the variable; A speech bubble generation program, wherein the one or more formulas include a formula that changes the shape based on an attribute value of a speaker of a line to be combined with the speech bubble.

10. On the server, A speech bubble generation function is provided for dynamically generating speech bubbles having an appearance defined by one or more formulas; A speech bubble generation program, wherein the one or more formulas include a formula that changes the shape of the speech bubble's appearance (excluding changes in aspect ratio and number of tails) based on the number of speakers who have spoken the same line as the line combined with the speech bubble.

11. On the server, A speech bubble generation function is provided for dynamically generating speech bubbles having an appearance defined by one or more formulas; the one or more formulas are formulas having variables, the speech bubble generation function includes a function of changing the shape of the appearance of the speech bubble (excluding changes in aspect ratio and changes in the number of tails) in response to changes in the value of the variable; A speech bubble generating program, wherein the one or more formulas include a formula that changes the shape based on the number of speakers who have spoken the same line as the line to be combined with the speech bubble.

12. On the server, a speech bubble generator that generates speech bubbles having an appearance defined by one or more formulas; The speech bubble generating program, wherein the one or more formulas are formulas that change the appearance of the speech bubble based on the positional relationship between a player's gaze position on the screen and a predetermined area on the screen.

13. On the server, a speech bubble generator that generates speech bubbles having an appearance defined by one or more formulas; the one or more formulas are formulas having variables, The speech bubble generation function generates a speech bubble whose appearance changes according to the change in the value of the variable. Make it happen, The speech bubble generating program, wherein the one or more formulas are formulas that change the appearance of the speech bubble based on the positional relationship between a player's gaze position on the screen and a predetermined area on the screen.

14. A processing system comprising a communication network, a server, and a user terminal, speech bubble generating means for dynamically generating speech bubbles having an appearance defined by one or more formulas; the one or more formulas are formulas having variables, the speech balloon generating means includes means for changing the shape of the appearance of the speech balloon (excluding changes in aspect ratio and changes in the number of tails) in response to changes in the value of the variable; Processing system.

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