Content display method, content display program, content display system, and content file

Abstract

This invention provides a content display method, content display program, content display system, and content files that allow readers to immerse themselves in the story presented in the content and experience the world of the story. [Solution] A content display method for displaying multiple images contained in a content file on a display unit includes a display step (ST6) in which multiple images are scrolled in a predetermined order and displayed on the display unit, and a reception step (ST10) in which a predetermined branch image is displayed on the display unit (ST9) and a selection of a branch destination is accepted by the user. If a branch destination is selected in the reception step (ST10) (Yes), the display step (ST6) scrolls multiple images from the first image of the selected branch destination in a predetermined order and displays them on the display unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a content display method, a content display program, a content display system, and a content file for displaying a plurality of images included in a content file on a display unit.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a content display method for displaying content such as manga on a display device such as a smartphone or a personal computer is known. In Patent Document 1, a method of scrolling manga frames in a predetermined order and displaying them on a display device, and expanding the expressiveness by playing music, vibrating an electronic device, or causing the LED of the electronic device to emit light in accordance with the display, and realizing an expression impossible with paper-based manga is disclosed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the prior art including Patent Document 1, although the expressiveness can be expanded by adding music, effects, etc. when displaying content, since the images are displayed along one story specified in the content, when the reader cannot empathize with the story, the reader cannot experience the worldview of the story and cannot obtain a sense of satisfaction. There was room for further improvement to increase the reader's satisfaction.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a content display method, a content display program, a content display system, and a content file that allow a reader to immerse in the story represented in the content and experience the worldview of the story. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The content display method of this disclosure is a content display method for displaying a plurality of images contained in a content file on a display unit, comprising a display step of scrolling the plurality of said images in a predetermined order and displaying them on the display unit, and when a predetermined branch image is displayed on the display unit, From multiple options The display step includes a reception step for accepting the selection of a branch destination, and when a branch destination is selected in the reception step, the display step displays the first image of the selected branch destination on the display unit, and scrolls a plurality of images from the first image of the branch destination in a predetermined order and displays them on the display unit.

[0007] The content display program of this disclosure is a content display program that causes a computer to execute a content display method for displaying a plurality of images contained in a content file on a display unit, comprising a display step of scrolling the plurality of said images in a predetermined order and displaying them on the display unit, and when a predetermined branch image is displayed on the display unit, From multiple options The system includes a reception step for accepting the selection of a branch destination, and the display step, when a branch destination is selected in the reception step, displays the first image of the selected branch destination on the display unit, and scrolls a plurality of images from the first image of the branch destination in a predetermined order and displays them on the display unit.

[0008] The content display system of this disclosure is a content display system that displays a plurality of images contained in a content file on a display unit, comprising: a storage device that stores the content file which includes a plurality of the images, an order in which the plurality of images are scrolled and displayed, and branching information which allows a user to select a branch destination; a server that, upon request, transmits the content file stored in the storage device or a part of the content file; and a display device having a display unit, an input unit, and a display processing unit, wherein the display processing unit performs a first display process which scrolls the plurality of images contained in the content file or a part of the content file received from the server in a predetermined order and displays them on the display unit, and based on the branching information contained in the content file or a part of the content file, From multiple options The system performs the following steps: a branch image display process that displays a branch image on the display unit for the user to select a branch destination; a reception process that accepts the selection of a branch destination from the input unit; and a second display process that, based on the branch destination selected in the reception process, displays the first image of the branch destination contained in the content file or a part of the content file on the display unit, and scrolls a plurality of images from the first image of the branch destination in a predetermined order and displays them on the display unit.

[0009] A content file in this disclosure is a content file that includes a plurality of images displayed on a display unit by a content display program of claim 6 or 7, wherein the plurality of images, the order in which the plurality of images are scrolled and displayed on the display unit, and the user From multiple options This includes information about the branch that allows the user to choose a branch destination. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to this disclosure, readers can immerse themselves in the story presented in the content and experience the world of the story. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1]A diagram illustrating the configuration of a content display system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] A block diagram showing the configuration of the information processing system of a content display system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] An explanatory diagram of an example of a content file used in a content display system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] A diagram illustrating the display of an image in a content display system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] A diagram illustrating the display of an image in a content display system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] A diagram illustrating the display of branched images in a content display system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] This figure illustrates the display of the first image of a branched destination in a content display system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] A flowchart of a content display method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] A flowchart of a content display method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] A block diagram showing the configuration of the information processing system of a content display system of another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] A flowchart of a content display method according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] A flowchart of a content display method according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] An embodiment of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. The configurations, shapes, etc. described below are illustrative examples for illustrative purposes and can be modified as appropriate according to the specifications of the content display system and content files. In the following, all corresponding elements are denoted by the same reference numerals in the drawings, and redundant explanations are omitted.

[0013] First, referring to FIG. 1, the configuration of the content display system 1 will be described. The content display system 1 has a configuration in which a server 10 to which a storage device 20 is connected and a display device 30 such as a personal computer, a smartphone, or a tablet owned by a user 3 such as a reader of the content are connected via a communication network 2 such as the Internet or a mobile communication network.

[0014] The storage device 20 stores a plurality of content files 22 (FIG. 2) including a plurality of images and the like. A content creator (author) creates the content file 22 using a content file creation system (not shown) or the like and stores it in the storage device 20. The server 10 transmits the content file 22 stored in the storage device 20 to the requested display device 30 in response to a request from the display device 30. Further, the server 10 has a function of collecting and managing browsing records and the like of the content file 22 from the display device 30. The display device 30 has a function of receiving the content file 22 transmitted from the server 10 and displaying a plurality of images and the like included in the received content file 22 on a display unit 32a (FIG. 2).

[0015] Next, referring to FIG. 2, the configuration of the information processing system of the content display system 1 will be described. The server 10 includes a server processing unit 11 and a server communication unit 17. The server communication unit 17 is a communication interface and performs transmission and reception of various types of information with a display communication unit 31 included in the display device 30 through the communication network 2.

[0016] The storage device 20 is configured to include a flash memory or an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or the like. The storage device 20 stores various types of information such as user information 21 and content files 22.

[0017] In Figure 2, the user information 21 stores information that identifies user 3 who purchased the content file 22, purchase records, viewing records 21a including the date and time when user 3 displayed the content file 22 on the display device 30, selection records 21b of the branch destination selected by user 3 in the content file 22 (described later), and point records 21c that record the points awarded to user 3.

[0018] The content file 22 stores metadata 22a, image data 22b, music data 22c, sequence data 22d, branching data 22e, etc. Metadata 22a is information about the content, including the title, creator, language, and genre of the content. Image data 22b is data about the image displayed on the display unit 32a, including multiple images, backgrounds displayed overlaid on the images, dialogue, speech bubbles, etc. Music data 22c is data about the music played on the display device 30, including music, sound effects, and voices. Sequence data 22d is data about the order in which multiple images are displayed on the display unit 32a, including the display order. Branching data 22e is data about the branching of multiple images displayed on the display unit 32a, including information about the branching image that accepts the branch destination, the first image of the branch destination, and data for increasing or decreasing points in response to the branch destination (increase / decrease value).

[0019] Here, referring to Figure 3, we will explain the configuration of multiple images and other elements defined by the various data contained in content file 22. In the following, we will refer to content file CA among the multiple content files CA to CC stored in storage device 20.

[0020] Content file CA is configured to display multiple images on the display unit 32a in the order of first image AA0, then image AA1, ..., image AA7, image AA8, and image AAj. Image AAj is a branching image AAj that accepts the selection of a branch destination. Branching image AAj accepts the selection of two options: "Yes" and "No". Content file CA is configured to display multiple images on the display unit 32a in the order of first image AB0, then image AB1, ..., image AB6, and image ABj of the branch destination if "No" is selected in branching image AAj if content file CA is configured to display multiple images on the display unit 32a in the order of first image AF0, then image AF1, ...

[0021] In Figure 3, image ABj is the branching image ABj that accepts the selection of the branch destination. Branching image ABj accepts the selection of three options: "1", "2", and "3". Content file CA is configured such that if "1" is selected in branching image ABj, multiple images will be displayed on the display unit 32a in the order of the first branching image AC0, then image AC1, ... Content file CA is configured such that if "2" is selected in branching image ABj, multiple images will be displayed on the display unit 32a in the order of the first branching image AD0, then image AD1, ... Content file CA is configured such that if "3" is selected in branching image ABj, multiple images will be displayed on the display unit 32a in the order of the first branching image AE0, then image AE1, ...

[0022] Furthermore, the number of options selected in branching image AAj and branching image ABj is not limited to two (e.g., Yes, No) or three (e.g., mountain, river, sea), but may be four or more.

[0023] In Figure 3, the content file CA defines music, sound effects, and audio (music data 22c) to be played in relation to each image or set of images (for example, AA0 to AAj). In this example, the content file CA defines music AMA as music to be played in relation to the first images AA0 to AA8, music AMB as music to be played in relation to the first images AB0 to AB6, and music AMj as music to be played in relation to branch images AAj and ABj.

[0024] Although the above explanation described an example where information regarding branching images AAj and ABj is stored in branching data 22e, it is also possible to specify that information regarding branching images AAj and ABj is included in the sequence data 22d.

[0025] Thus, the content file 22 contains at least multiple images (image data 22b), the order in which the multiple images are displayed by scrolling (order data 22d), and information about the branch that allows user 3 to select a branch destination (branch data 22e).

[0026] In Figure 2, the server processing unit 11 of server 10 is a computing device such as a CPU, which performs various information processing based on the stored programs. The server processing unit 11 performs internal processing such as content transmission processing 12, recording processing 13, recommendation processing 14, statistical processing 15, and management processing 16.

[0027] Specifically, the server processing unit 11, in response to a request for a content file 22 from the display device 30, executes a content transmission process 12, which transmits the content file 22 stored in the storage device 20 and the points corresponding to the content file 22 to the display device 30 that sent the request via the server communication unit 17. The server processing unit 11 also executes a recording process 13, which stores in the storage device 20 the information received by the server communication unit 17 that user 3 viewed the content file 22 as a viewing record 21a of user information 21 for user 3, stores in the storage device 20 the information regarding the branch destination selected by user 3 in the branching image as a selection record 21b of user information 21 for user 3, and stores in the storage device 20 the points corrected (calculated) based on the branch destination selected by user 3 as a point record 21c.

[0028] In Figure 2, the server processing unit 11 determines the content to recommend to user 3 (recommended content) based on the browsing record 21a and selection record 21b of the user information 21, and executes a recommendation process 14 to send it to the display device 30 used by user 3 via the server communication unit 17. For example, the server processing unit 11 executes the recommendation process 14 at the time when user 3 starts selecting content to view, causing the display device 30 used by user 3 to display information about the content recommended for user 3.

[0029] The server processing unit 11 performs statistical processing 15, which statistically processes the branch destinations selected by multiple users 3 in the branch image of the content file 22 based on the selection records 21b of multiple users 3 included in the user information 21, and transmits the statistical data to the display device 30 via the server communication unit 17. For example, in statistical processing 15, the proportion of multiple users 3 who selected each branch destination in the branch image is calculated as statistical data. The display device 30 stores the received information about the branch destinations as statistical data 34c in the display storage unit 34.

[0030] The server processing unit 11 executes management processes 16, such as billing for content viewing for each user 3 and advertising processes that display various advertisements on the display device 30 used by user 3, based on user information 21 including viewing records 21a, selection records 21b, and point records 21c. The server 10 executes various management processes 16 based on information (selection records 21b) regarding the branch destination selected by user 3.

[0031] In Figure 2, the display device 30 includes a display communication unit 31, a touch panel 32, a display processing unit 33, a display storage unit 34, and a speaker 35. The display communication unit 31 is a communication interface and transmits and receives various types of information with the server communication unit 17 of the server 10 via the communication network 2.

[0032] The touch panel 32 includes a display unit 32a that displays multiple images and other data contained in a content file, and an input unit 32b that accepts various data entered by the user 3 using buttons and other inputs displayed on the display unit 32a. If the display device 30 is a desktop computer, the display unit 32a is a liquid crystal display, and the input unit 32b is a mouse or keyboard.

[0033] The display storage unit 34 is a storage device and is configured to include flash memory or an HDD. The display storage unit 34 stores various types of information, such as recommendation data 34a, content files 34b, statistical data 34c, selection data 34d, and point data 34e.

[0034] In Figure 2, the display processing unit 33 of the display device 30 is a processing unit such as a CPU, and it performs various information processing based on the stored content display program. The display processing unit 33 performs internal processing such as recommendation display processing 33a, request processing 33b, first display processing 33c, branched image display processing 33d, reception processing 33e, second display processing 33f, music playback processing 33g, and point processing 33h.

[0035] Specifically, the display processing unit 33 stores information about content recommended to user 3, transmitted from the server 10 and received through the display communication unit 31, as recommendation data 34a in the display storage unit 34, and executes a recommendation display process 33a to display the recommended content on the display unit 32a. For example, the recommendation display process 33a displays something like "Why not read the currently popular content XX?" on the display unit 32a.

[0036] In Figure 2, the display processing unit 33 displays a list of content that user 3 can subscribe to on the display unit 32a, transmits information regarding the content request received by the input unit 32b to the server 10, and executes request processing 33b to receive the content file 22 and points sent from the server 10 and store them in the display storage unit 34 as content file 34b and point data 34e, respectively. In this way, the display storage unit 34 stores the content file 34b and point data 34e received from the server 10.

[0037] The display processing unit 33 executes a first display process 33c based on the content file 34b stored in the display storage unit 34, which scrolls multiple images contained in the content file 34b in a predetermined order and displays them on the display unit 32a. In the first display process 33c, the display processing unit 33 scrolls multiple images in a predetermined order (for example, AA7 → AA8 → AAj) and displays them on the display unit 32a, as well as in the reverse order (for example, AAj → AA8 → AA7).

[0038] In Figure 2, the display processing unit 33 executes a music playback process 33g based on the music data 22c and sequence data 22d contained in the content file 34b, playing music, sound effects, voices, etc., from the speaker 35 in accordance with the image display. Alternatively, in the music playback process 33g, instead of playing music from the speaker 35, the display processing unit 33 may use communication means (not shown) to control headphones or speakers owned by the user 3 via wired or wireless connection to play music.

[0039] Here, with reference to Figures 4 and 5, the first display processing 33c by the display processing unit 33 will be explained. Here, an example will be given in which the content file CA shown in Figure 3 is displayed on the display unit 32a. When the display processing unit 33 obtains the content file CA from the server 10 by request processing 33b, it scrolls through the images AA1, ..., AA8, starting with the first image AA0, and displays them on the display unit 32a, and plays the music AMA to the speaker 35.

[0040] Figure 4 shows the state in which image AA8 is displayed on the display unit 32a. When user 3 touches the display unit 32a (touch panel 32) with their finger and performs a flicking motion, the display processing unit 33 displays the next image AAj on the display unit 32a in a predetermined order (arrow a1), or displays the previous image AA7 on the display unit 32a in the reverse order of the predetermined order (arrow a2). If automatic scrolling is set in a settings screen (not shown), the display processing unit 33 scrolls multiple images at a predetermined speed in a predetermined order (automatic scrolling). The scrolling direction may be vertical or horizontal.

[0041] Figure 5 shows the state in Figure 4 where user 3 flicks upward (arrow a1), and the image displayed on the display unit 32a is scrolling from image AA8 to image AAj. In this state, when user 3 flicks, the display processing unit 33 either displays the next image AAj on the display unit 32a (arrow b1) or displays the previous image AA8 on the display unit 32a (arrow b2).

[0042] In Figure 2, the display processing unit 33 executes a branch image display process 33d, which displays a branch image on the display unit 32a that allows the user 3 to select a branch destination, based on the branch data 22e contained in the content file 34b. In addition, in the branch image display process 33d, the display processing unit 33 displays on the display unit 32a a field for displaying text, a button for selecting a branch destination, a field for displaying points, etc., overlaid on the branch image.

[0043] Furthermore, the display processing unit 33 receives the selection of a branch destination from the input unit 32b by the user 3, stores the selected branch destination as selection data 34d in the display storage unit 34, and simultaneously executes a reception process 33e to send it to the server 10.

[0044] In Figure 2, the display processing unit 33 modifies the points in the point data 34e based on the branch destination selected by user 3 and the increase / decrease values ​​of the points corresponding to the branch destinations contained in the content file 34b, stores (updates) them in the display storage unit 34, and simultaneously executes point processing 33h to send to the server 10. Furthermore, as part of point processing 33h, if the points reach a predetermined value after the modification, the display processing unit 33 executes a predetermined special process. For example, if the points become "0 (zero)", instead of executing the second display processing 33f described later, the display processing unit 33 displays a message on the display unit 32a indicating that "the points have become zero" and executes a retry process to start displaying the content file 34b from the beginning.

[0045] Here, with reference to Figure 6, the branch image display processing 33d and reception processing 33e by the display processing unit 33 will be explained. Figure 6 shows the state in Figure 5 when user 3 performs an upward flick motion (arrow b1) and branch image AAj is displayed on the display unit 32a. In branch image display processing 33d, the display processing unit 33 overlays the branch image AAj with the text display field 40, the fight button 41, the escape button 42, and the point display field 43 and displays them on the display unit 32a, and plays music AMj from the speaker 35.

[0046] The text display area 40 displays text information prompting user 3 to choose a branching path, as well as statistical information included in the statistical data 34c. In this example, "Will you fight?" is displayed as the information prompting the user to choose a branching path, and "65% of readers have chosen 'fight'" is displayed as statistical information superimposed on the branching image AAj in the display area 32a.

[0047] In Figure 6, the point display area 43 displays information about the points included in the point data 34e. In this example, the points displayed are "Life," which numerically represents the vitality of the main character of the content (manga). Specifically, the display unit 32a overlays the branching image AAj with a graph showing that the remaining Life is "75" and the percentage of the remaining Life relative to the Life initially granted to user 3.

[0048] When the display processing unit 33 displays the fight button 41 and the escape button 42 on the display unit 32a using the branch image display processing 33d, it executes a reception processing 33e to accept the selection of the branch destination from the input unit 32b. If user 3 operates the input unit 32b and selects the fight button 41, the display processing unit 33 accepts the selection of "Yes" as the branch destination. If user 3 operates the input unit 32b and selects the escape button 42, the display processing unit 33 accepts the selection of "No" as the branch destination.

[0049] While the branching image AAj is displayed on the display unit 32a, the speaker 35 plays music AMj, which is different from the music AMA that was played while the initial image AA0 to images AA8 were displayed. By creating a content file 22 that plays special music AMj or sound effects in branching image AAj, the content creator can achieve the following effects. For example, in branching image AAj that prompts the user to choose whether or not to fight, playing music AMj or sound effects that evoke different emotions than the music AMA that was played up to that point can enhance the sense of realism and appropriately express the creator's worldview.

[0050] In Figure 2, when the display processing unit 33 receives a branch destination in the reception processing 33e, it executes a second display processing 33f, which scrolls multiple images contained in the content file 34b in a predetermined order, starting from the first image of the branch destination, and displays them on the display unit 32a, based on the selected branch destination. In the second display processing 33f, the display processing unit 33 scrolls multiple images contained in the content file 34b in a predetermined order, or in the reverse order of the predetermined order, and displays them on the display unit 32a, but does not scroll from the first image of the branch destination to the branch source image.

[0051] Here, with reference to Figure 7, the second display processing 33f by the display processing unit 33 will be explained. Figure 7 shows the state in Figure 6 when user 3 selects the battle button 41 and the first image AB0 of the branch destination is displayed on the display unit 32a. At this time, the display processing unit 33 is playing music AMB through the speaker 35. In this state, when user 3 flicks upwards, the display processing unit 33 scrolls the next image AB1j and displays it on the display unit 32a (arrow c). On the other hand, even if user 3 flicks downwards, the first image AB0 displayed on the display unit 32a does not move. That is, the display processing unit 33 does not scroll from the first image AB0 of the branch destination to the branch source image AAj.

[0052] Here, we will explain the reason and effect of not scrolling (not displaying) the branching image AAj, the source of the branch from the initial image AB0, even if user 3 performs a flicking motion in the second display process 33f. The content creator expresses the worldview of the story in the content, including the story development after branching. If the story were to branch and proceed to the initial image AB0, and then allow the user to return to the original branching image AAj, the story would become different from the story the creator intended, and it would be possible that it would deviate from the worldview the creator intended. Therefore, by making it impossible to return to the original branching image AAj after branching, it is possible to prevent the story from changing from the creator's intention.

[0053] Furthermore, when billing for content with multiple branches, if user 3 selects a different branch, it is calculated as if different content was viewed. However, if the user returns to the original branch image AAj after branching and can read another branch (initial image AF0), a problem arises where billing cannot be performed correctly. Therefore, by preventing the user from returning to the original branch image AAj after branching, billing for content with multiple branches can be performed appropriately.

[0054] As described above, the content display system 1 includes a storage device 20 that stores the content file 22 which includes a plurality of images (image data 22b), an order in which the plurality of images are scrolled and displayed (order data 22d), and information regarding a branch that allows the user 3 to select a branch destination (branch data 22e); a server 10 that transmits the content file 22 stored in the storage device 20 upon request; and a display device 30 having a display unit 32a, an input unit 32b, and a display processing unit 33.

[0055] The display processing unit 33 then executes the following: a first display process 33c which scrolls multiple images contained in the content file 34b received from the server 10 in a predetermined order and displays them on the display unit 32a; a branch image display process 33d which displays a branch image on the display unit 32a that allows the user to select a branch destination based on branch information (branch data 22e) contained in the content file 34b; a reception process 33e which accepts the selection of a branch destination from the input unit 32b; and a second display process 33f which scrolls multiple images contained in the content file 34b in a predetermined order from the first image of the branch destination and displays them on the display unit 32a based on the branch destination selected in the reception process 33e.

[0056] This allows the reader (User 3) to immerse themselves in the story presented in the content and experience the world of the story.

[0057] Furthermore, the display device 30, which is a computer that displays multiple images contained in the content file 34b on the display unit 32a, includes a display step (first display process 33c, second display process 33f) that scrolls the multiple images in a predetermined order and displays them on the display unit 32a, and a reception step (reception process 33e) that stops scrolling and accepts the selection of a branch destination by the user 3 when a predetermined branch destination is displayed on the display unit 32a. The display step (second display process 33f) stores a content display program that, when a branch destination is selected in the reception step, scrolls multiple images in a predetermined order from the first image of the selected branch destination and displays them on the display unit 32a. The display processing unit 33 executes the content display method according to the recorded content display program.

[0058] The content display system 1 may also be configured in which the storage device 20 provided by the server 10 and the functions provided by the server processing unit 11 are implemented on the cloud.

[0059] Next, following the flow chart in Figures 8 and 9, a content display method will be described in which multiple images contained in the content file 34b, executed by the server 10 and display device 30 of the content display system 1, are displayed on the display unit 32a.

[0060] In Figure 8, first, the server processing unit 11 of the server 10 determines the content to recommend to user 3 (recommended content) based on the browsing record 21a and selection record 21b of the user information 21 stored in the storage device 20 and sends it to the display device 30 (ST1: recommendation data transmission process). The display processing unit 33 of the display device 30 displays the information regarding the received recommended content (recommendation data 34a) on the display unit 32a (ST2: recommendation information display process). In this way, in the recommendation display process (ST2), the information regarding the content recommended to user 3, which was created based on the information regarding the branch destination previously selected by any user 3 (selection record 21b), is displayed on the display unit 32a.

[0061] The display processing unit 33 displays a content selection screen on the display unit 32a, allowing the user 3 to select from multiple content items, including recommended content (ST3: Content Selection Screen Display Process). Next, the display processing unit 33 sends information (content request) regarding the content selected by the user 3 using the input unit 32b to the server 10 (ST4: Content Request Processing). The server processing unit 11 sends the requested content file 22, statistical data 34c obtained by statistical processing 15 regarding the content file 22, and point data 34e regarding the content file 22 to the display device 30 (ST5: Transmission Process). Here, the points in the point data 34e may be newly assigned for each selected content item, or they may be the sum of points assigned to the user 3 included in the point record 21c.

[0062] In Figure 9, the display processing unit 33 scrolls through multiple images contained in the received content file 34b in a predetermined order and displays them on the display unit 32a (ST6: display step). If the image displayed on the display unit 32a is not the final image (No in ST7) and is not a branching image (No in ST8), the display processing unit 33 repeats the display step (ST6) (see Figures 4 and 5). If the image displayed on the display unit 32a is a branching image (Yes in ST8), the display processing unit 33 overlays text information, buttons for selecting a branch destination, point information, etc., onto the branching image and displays it on the display unit 32a (ST9: branching image display step) (see Figure 6).

[0063] As shown in Figure 6, the display unit 32a displays statistical information (statistical data 34c) about branch destinations selected by other users 3, different from user 3, based on information about the selected branch destination (selection record 21b), in a text display field 40 superimposed on the branch image AAj. This allows user 3 to learn about the selections of other users 3. This enables user 3 to share the worldview of the story expressed in the content with other users 3, and to become deeply immersed in the worldview of the story.

[0064] Furthermore, the display unit 32a shown in Figure 6 displays information about the points (point data 34e) assigned to user 3 in a point display field 43 superimposed on the branching image AAj. By displaying points such as life on the display unit 32a and changing the points based on the branching path selected by user 3, user 3 can have a game-like experience. For example, if user 3 selects a negative branching path, points are deducted; if they select a positive branching path, points are maintained or increased; and if points reach zero, the content is restarted from the beginning, thereby providing user 3 with game elements.

[0065] In Figure 9, the display processing unit 33 then accepts the selection of a branch destination from the input unit 32b (ST10: acceptance process). That is, when a predetermined branch image is displayed on the display unit 32a (ST9), the user 3 accepts the selection of a branch destination in the acceptance process (ST10). If a branch destination is selected in the acceptance process (ST10) (Yes), the display processing unit 33 recalculates (changes) the points based on the selected branch destination (ST11: point change process). If the changed points are not zero (No in ST12), the process returns to the display process (ST6), and multiple images are scrolled in a predetermined order from the first image of the selected branch destination and displayed on the display unit 32a (see Figure 7).

[0066] In the display step (ST6) after branching, the display processing unit 33 scrolls multiple images in a predetermined order, or in the reverse order, and displays them on the display unit 32a, but it does not scroll from the first image of the branch destination back to the branch image of the branch source. This allows the worldview expressed by the content creator to be displayed appropriately. It also allows for proper management of content including branching.

[0067] In Figure 9, when the image displayed on the display unit 32a becomes the final image (Yes in ST7), the display processing unit 33 displays an end screen on the display unit 32a (ST13: End screen display step). The end screen displays a message indicating that the content has ended, along with buttons to select the next content or another content. Also, if the points after the change are zero (Yes in ST12), the display processing unit 33 displays an end screen on the display unit 32a (ST13: End screen display step). In this case, the end screen displays a message indicating that the points have become zero, along with buttons to restart the content from the beginning.

[0068] Next, the display processing unit 33 sends the results, including the selection data 34d and point data 34e containing information about the selected branch destination, to the server 10 (ST14: results reporting process). Note that the end screen display process (ST13) and the results reporting process (ST14) are executed in parallel. Next, the server processing unit 11 updates the user information 21's viewing record 21a, selection record 21b, and point record 21c based on the received results report (ST15: record update process).

[0069] Next, other embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 10 to 12. In the content display system 1A and content display method (content display program) of the other embodiments, the server 10A transmits a portion of the content file 22 stored in the storage device 20 to the display device 30A as temporary data in sequence, the display device 30A displays multiple images contained in the received temporary data on the display unit 32a, and the content file 22 is not stored in the display device 30A. This differs from the content display system 1 shown in Figure 2 and the content display method (content display program) shown in Figures 8 and 9, in that the display device 30 downloads and stores the content file 34b. Hereinafter, parts and processes similar to those of the content display system 1 shown in Figure 2 and the content display method shown in Figures 8 and 9 will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions will be omitted.

[0070] First, with reference to Figure 10, the configuration of the information processing system of the content display system 1A will be explained. The content display system 1A consists of a server 10A to which a storage device 20 is connected, and display devices 30A such as personal computers, smartphones, and tablets, which are connected via a communication network 2 such as the internet or a mobile communication network. The user information 21 and content files 22 stored in the storage device 20 are the same as the user information 21 and content files 22 stored in the storage device 20 of the content display system 1, so a detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0071] Server 10A comprises a server processing unit 11A and a server communication unit 17. The server processing unit 11A performs internal processing such as recording processing 13, recommendation processing 14, statistical processing 15, management processing 16, temporary data transmission processing 50, and point processing 51.

[0072] Specifically, the server processing unit 11A determines the content to recommend to user 3 (recommended content) based on the browsing record 21a and selection record 21b of user information 21, displays a list of content that user 3 can subscribe to, including the recommended content, on the display unit 32a, creates a content selection screen for user 3 to request content from the input unit 32b, and executes a recommendation process 14 which is transmitted to the display device 30A used by user 3 via the server communication unit 17.

[0073] In Figure 10, the server processing unit 11A, in response to a request from the display device 30A, executes a temporary data transmission process 50, which sends a portion of the content file 22 stored in the storage device 20 and the points corresponding to that portion of the content file 22 as temporary data 53 to the display device 30A that sent the request via the server communication unit 17. The server processing unit 11A also executes a point processing 51 to change the points based on the branch destination selected by user 3 transmitted from the display device 30A and the increase / decrease values ​​of the points corresponding to the branch destination contained in the content file 22, and executes a recording process 13 to store (update) this as a point record 21c of user information 21 in the storage device 20.

[0074] Here, an example of temporary data 53 will be explained with reference to Figure 3. The following explanation will refer to content file CA. In temporary data transmission processing 50, the server processing unit 11A creates branch image AAj, and temporary data ATA is created, which includes the initial image AA0 to image AA8, branch image AAj, music AMA, music AMj, and the changed points. Also in temporary data transmission processing 50, the server processing unit 11A creates branch image ABj, and temporary data ATB is created, which includes the initial image AB0 to image AB6, branch image ABj, music AMB, music AMj, and the changed points.

[0075] In Figure 10, the display device 30A includes a display communication unit 31, a touch panel 32, a display processing unit 33A, a display storage unit 34A, and a speaker 35. The display processing unit 33A performs internal processing such as request processing 33b, reception processing 33e, music playback processing 33g, and display processing 52. The display storage unit 34A stores various information such as statistical data 34c, selected data 34d, and temporary data 53.

[0076] The display processing unit 33A displays a list of content that user 3 can subscribe to on the display unit 32a, sends information regarding the content request received by the input unit 32b to the server 10A, and executes request processing 33b to receive temporary data 53 sent from the server 10 and store it in the display storage unit 34A. The display processing unit 33A also accepts the selection of a branch destination from the input unit 32b by user 3 and executes acceptance processing 33e to send information regarding the selected branch destination to the server 10A.

[0077] In Figure 10, the display processing unit 33A executes a music playback process 33g based on the music data 22c contained in the temporary data 53, playing music, sound effects, and voices from the speaker 35 in accordance with the display of the image. The display processing unit 33A also executes a display process 52 based on the temporary data 53 stored in the display storage unit 34A, scrolling multiple images contained in the temporary data 53 in a predetermined order and displaying them on the display unit 32a.

[0078] Furthermore, if the temporary data 53 created by the server processing unit 11A through the temporary data transmission process 50 does not include the branch image of the branch source, the display process 52 will not scroll the screen in the direction back from the first image of the branch destination, and the branch image of the branch source will not be displayed on the display unit 32a. For example, by not including the branch image AAj of the branch source in the temporary data ATB, the screen will not scroll from the first image AB0 of the branch destination to the branch image AAj of the branch source. When the display processing unit 33A receives new temporary data 53 from the server 10A, it deletes the old temporary data 53 that was stored from the display storage unit 34A.

[0079] Next, following the flow chart in Figures 11 and 12, a content display method will be described in which multiple images contained in a content file 22, executed by the server 10A and display device 30A of the content display system 1A, are displayed on the display unit 32a.

[0080] In Figure 11, first, the server processing unit 11A of the server 10 creates a content selection screen and sends it to the display device 30A (ST21: Content Selection Screen Transmission Process). The display processing unit 33A of the display device 30A displays the received content selection screen on the display unit 32a (ST3: Content Selection Screen Display Process). Next, the display processing unit 33A sends information (content request) regarding the content selected by the user 3 by operating the input unit 32b to the server 10A (ST4: Content Request Processing). The server processing unit 11A creates temporary data 53 (e.g., temporary data ATA) including the first screen of the requested content file 22 (e.g., first image AA0) and sends it to the display device 30A (ST22: Temporary Data Transmission Process).

[0081] In Figure 12, the display processing unit 33A scrolls through multiple images contained in the received temporary data 53 in a predetermined order and displays them on the display unit 32a (ST6: display step). If the image displayed on the display unit 32a is not the final image (No in ST7) and is not a branching image (No in ST8), the display processing unit 33A repeats the display step (ST6) (see Figures 4 and 5). If the image displayed on the display unit 32a is a branching image (for example, branching image AAj) (Yes in ST8), the display processing unit 33A overlays text information, buttons for selecting a branch destination, point information, etc., onto the branching image and displays it on the display unit 32a (ST9: branching image display step) (see Figure 6).

[0082] Next, the display processing unit 33A receives the branch destination selection via the input unit 32b and transmits information regarding the branch destination to the server 10A (ST10: reception process). Upon receiving the branch destination information, the server processing unit 11A recalculates (changes) the points based on the selected branch destination (ST23: point change process). Next, the server processing unit 11A updates the selection record 21b and point record 21c of the user information 21 based on the received branch destination information (ST24: selection record update process).

[0083] In Figure 12, if the changed points are not zero (No in ST25), the server processing unit 11A creates new temporary data 53 (e.g., temporary data ATB) containing the first screen of the selected branch destination (e.g., Yes) (e.g., first image AB0) and sends it to the display device 30A (ST26: temporary data transmission process). The display device 30A performs a display process (ST6) and displays the multiple images contained in the received new temporary data 53 on the display unit 32a (see Figure 7). The old temporary data 53 is also deleted from the display storage unit 34A.

[0084] When the display unit 32a displays an image that is the final image (Yes in ST7), the display processing unit 33A sends a message to the server 10A indicating that the final image has been displayed. When the server processing unit 11A receives a message from the display device 30A indicating that the final screen has been displayed, it creates an end screen and sends it to the display device 30A (ST27: End screen transmission step). Also, if the changed points are zero (Yes in ST25), the server processing unit 11A executes the end screen transmission step (ST27). When the display processing unit 33A receives the end screen, it displays the end screen on the display unit 32a (ST13: End screen display step). The server processing unit 11A also updates the browsing record 21a of the user information 21 (ST28: Record update step). [Industrial applicability]

[0085] This invention provides a content display method, content display program, content display system, and content files that allow readers to immerse themselves in the story presented in the content and experience the world of the story. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0086] 1. 1A Content Display System 3 users 10, 10A Server 20 Storage device 30, 30A display device

Claims

1. A content display method that displays multiple images contained in a content file on a display unit, A display step of scrolling multiple images in a predetermined order and displaying them on the display unit, The process includes, when a predetermined branching image is displayed on the display unit, an acceptance step of accepting the selection of a branching destination from multiple options, The display step is a content display method in which, when a branch destination is selected in the reception step, the first image of the selected branch destination is displayed on the display unit, and a plurality of images are scrolled in a predetermined order from the first image of the branch destination and displayed on the display unit.

2. The content display method according to claim 1, wherein the display step involves scrolling a plurality of images in a predetermined order or in the reverse order of the predetermined order to display them on the display unit, but does not scroll from the first image of the branch destination to the branch image of the branch source.

3. The content display method according to claim 1, further comprising a recommendation information display step of displaying information about content recommended to the user on the display unit based on the selected branch destination information.

4. The content display method according to claim 1, wherein statistical information regarding the branch destination selected by another user is displayed on the display unit overlaid on the branch image.

5. The process further includes a point modification step that modifies the points awarded to the user based on the selected branch destination, The content display method according to claim 1, wherein information relating to the aforementioned points is displayed on the display unit superimposed on the branching image.

6. A content display program that causes a computer to execute a content display method that displays multiple images contained in a content file on a display unit, A display step of scrolling multiple images in a predetermined order and displaying them on the display unit, The process includes a reception step in which, when a predetermined branching image is displayed on the display unit, the selection of a branching destination from multiple options is accepted. The display step is a content display program that, when a branch destination is selected in the reception step, displays the first image of the selected branch destination on the display unit, and scrolls a plurality of images from the first image of the branch destination in a predetermined order and displays them on the display unit.

7. The content display program according to claim 6, wherein the display step scrolls a plurality of the images in the predetermined order or in the reverse order of the predetermined order and displays them on the display unit, but does not scroll from the first image of the branch destination to the branching image of the branch source.

8. A content display system that displays multiple images contained in a content file on a display unit, A storage device that stores the content file, which includes a plurality of images, the order in which the plurality of images are scrolled and displayed, and information about a branch that allows the user to select a branch destination. A server that, upon request, transmits the content file stored in the storage device, or a portion of the content file, A display device comprising a display unit, an input unit, and a display processing unit, The display processing unit, A first display process that scrolls the content file received from the server, or a plurality of images included in a part of the content file, in a predetermined order and displays them on the display unit; A branch image display process that displays a branch image on the display unit that allows the user to select a branch destination from multiple options based on the branch information contained in the content file or a part of the content file, A reception process that accepts the selection of the branch destination from the input unit, A content display system that performs a second display process, which, based on the branch destination selected in the reception process, displays the first image of the branch destination included in the content file or a part of the content file on the display unit, and scrolls a plurality of images from the first image of the branch destination in a predetermined order and displays them on the display unit.

9. The display processing unit, The content display system according to claim 8, wherein in the second display process, a plurality of the images are scrolled in the predetermined order or in the reverse order of the predetermined order and displayed on the display unit, but the scroll is not performed from the first image of the branch destination to the branch image of the branch source.

10. A content file including a plurality of images displayed on a display unit by the content display program of claim 6 or 7, Multiple images and, The order in which multiple images are scrolled and displayed on the display unit, A content file containing information about branching, which allows the user to choose a branching path from multiple options.

Images