Information processing system, information processing program, information processing device, and information processing method

Abstract

The present invention provides an information processing system comprising: an operation input unit that receives operation input of a player; a game processing execution unit that executes game processing corresponding to the operation input received by the operation input unit; an image generation unit that generates an electronic-watermarked game image obtained by embedding, through use of an electronic watermark, at least information relating to the game processing corresponding to the operation input into the game image based on the game processing; and an output unit that outputs the electronic-watermarked game image.

Description

Information processing system, information processing program, information processing device, and information processing method

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing system, and more particularly to a technique for digitally watermarking game images.

[0002] Digital watermarking has been used for game images for some time. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-48825 discloses a technology that enables the creation of snapshots of a virtual environment and uses digital watermarking to include information such as a timestamp, a user ID, and a device serial number in the snapshots.

[0003] JP 2011-48825 A

[0004] On the other hand, with the above prior art, it is not possible to know what kind of game processing has been performed based on the information embedded in the game image using a digital watermark.

[0005] According to one example of the present disclosure, an information processing system includes an operation input unit that accepts operation input from a player, a game processing execution unit that executes game processing corresponding to the operation input accepted by the operation input unit, an image generation unit that generates a watermarked game image by embedding, into a game image based on the game processing, information related to at least the game processing corresponding to the operation input using a watermark, and an output unit that outputs the watermarked game image. With this configuration, because a watermarked game image is generated in which information related to the game processing is embedded using a watermark, it is possible to understand what kind of game processing was performed from the watermarked game image.

[0006] For example, the information about the game processing does not include information that identifies the player. With this configuration, information about the game processing is extracted from the game image, rather than information that identifies the player, so it is possible to understand what kind of game processing was being performed from the digital watermark game image.

[0007] As an example, the information processing system further includes a server and a communication unit that communicates with the server. The game processing includes predetermined game processing that is associated with a different identifier each time it is executed. The image generation unit generates a watermarked game image by embedding the identifier in a game image based on the predetermined game processing using a digital watermark, and the communication unit transmits information about the predetermined game processing corresponding to the identifier to the server. With this configuration, a watermarked game image is generated by embedding the identifier using a digital watermark, and information about a game event corresponding to the identifier is transmitted to the server. Therefore, if the identifier can be read from the watermarked game image, information about the game event can be obtained, and it is possible to understand what kind of game processing was performed from the watermarked game image.

[0008] For example, the information about the game event includes information for reproducing the game event. With this configuration, it is possible to reproduce the game event.

[0009] As an example, the information relating to the game processing corresponding to the operation input includes information relating to the operation input by the player. With this configuration, since the information relating to the operation input by the player can be obtained, it is possible to understand the operation input that led to the game image and to understand what kind of game processing was being performed from the digital watermark game image.

[0010] As an example, the information about the game processing corresponding to the operation input includes at least one of information about the flag of the game processing, a seed value of the game processing, information used for collision detection of objects controlled by the game processing, and information about the memory of the device that executes the game processing. With this configuration, it is possible to determine what kind of game processing was being performed from the digital watermark game image based on the information about the flag of the game processing, the seed value of the game processing, information used for collision detection of objects controlled by the game processing, and information about the memory of the device that executes the game processing.

[0011] As an example, the information processing system further includes a storage unit that stores a watermarked game image in accordance with a game image storage instruction from a player. When a game image storage instruction is received, the image generation unit generates a watermarked game image in which at least information related to the game processing corresponding to the operation input is embedded in a game image based on the game processing using a watermark, and when no game image storage instruction is received, the image generation unit does not generate a watermarked game image in which at least information related to the game processing corresponding to the operation input is embedded in a game image based on the game processing using a watermark. With this configuration, when no game image storage instruction is received, a watermarked game image is not generated, making it possible to reduce the processing load on the system.

[0012] According to another example of the present disclosure, a program for causing a computer to execute a game causes the computer to function as an operation input unit that accepts operation input from a player, a game processing execution unit that executes game processing corresponding to the operation input accepted by the operation input unit, an image generation unit that generates a watermarked game image by embedding, into a game image based on the game processing, information related to at least the game processing corresponding to the operation input using a watermark, and an output unit that outputs the watermarked game image. With this configuration, because a watermarked game image is generated in which information related to the game processing is embedded using a watermark, it is possible to understand what kind of game processing was performed from the watermarked game image.

[0013] According to yet another example of the present disclosure, an information processing device includes an operation input unit that accepts operation input from a player, a game processing execution unit that executes game processing corresponding to the operation input accepted by the operation input unit, an image generation unit that generates a watermarked game image by embedding, into a game image based on the game processing, information related to at least the game processing corresponding to the operation input using a watermark, and an output unit that outputs the watermarked game image. With this configuration, it is possible to understand what kind of game processing was performed from the watermarked game image because the watermarked game image is generated by embedding information related to the game processing using a watermark.

[0014] According to yet another example of the present disclosure, an information processing method includes the steps of accepting a player's operation input, executing game processing corresponding to the accepted operation input, generating a watermarked game image by embedding, into a game image based on the game processing, information related to at least the game processing corresponding to the operation input using a digital watermark, and outputting the watermarked game image. With this configuration, since a watermarked game image is generated in which information related to the game processing is embedded using a digital watermark, it is possible to understand what kind of game processing was performed from the watermarked game image.

[0015] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an outline of the configuration of an information processing system 1 according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating functional blocks of an information processing device 10 according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating functional blocks of a server 30 according to an embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating game images of an online competitive game according to an embodiment. FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating processing of an information processing device 10A according to an embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating transmission processing of an information processing device 10A according to an embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation data associated with an identifier and time information, transmitted to a server 30.

[0016] [A. Configuration of Information Processing System] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an outline of the configuration of an information processing system 1 according to an embodiment.

[0017] Referring to FIG. 1, information processing system 1 includes a server 30 and a plurality of information processing devices 10A to 10C (hereinafter also collectively referred to as information processing devices 10) that are communicable with server 30.

[0018] The multiple information processing devices 10A to 10C each have the same configuration, and in this example, the information processing device 10A will be mainly described as a representative. Note that the number of multiple information processing devices 10A to 10C is not limited to the above, and it is also possible to have a configuration in which multiple devices are provided.

[0019] As an example, a configuration in which information processing device 10A according to the embodiment is implemented as a game device will be described.

[0020] The information processing device 10A is any computer. The information processing device 10A may be, for example, a portable (also called transportable) device such as a handheld game device, a mobile phone, or a smartphone, a stationary device such as a personal computer or a home game console, or a large device such as an arcade game device for commercial use.

[0021] The hardware configuration of the information processing device 10A will be outlined below. The information processing device 10A has a CPU 12 and a main memory 18. The CPU 12 is an information processing unit for executing various types of information processing executed by the information processing device 10. The CPU 12 executes the various types of information processing using the main memory 18.

[0022] The information processing device 10A has a storage unit 13. The storage unit 13 stores a game program 17 to be executed on the information processing device 10A.

[0023] The storage unit 13 may be a storage unit built into the information processing device 10A, such as a hard disk or memory, or a storage medium that is detachable from the information processing device 10A, such as an optical disk or cartridge, or may be both a storage unit and a storage medium. In such a case, the information processing device 10A may be configured as an information processing system including the information processing device 10A and any storage medium.

[0024] The game program 17 includes computer-readable instructions for implementing information processing as described below. It may also include a program for executing data communication with the server 30 as part of the processing, and a program for executing data communication with other information processing devices. Details of the game program 17 will be described later. The game program 17 may include an operating system, a communication program, etc., in addition to a program for executing game processing.

[0025] The information processing device 10A has an input unit 11, such as an analog stick, buttons, or a touch panel, that accepts instructions from a user (player). The information processing device 10A also has a display unit 14 that displays images generated by the information processing. Although not shown, the input unit 11 may also include a button for issuing an instruction to execute a screenshot function that saves a game image. It should be noted that this configuration is not limited to this, and various input and display forms can be employed. For example, the input unit 11 may employ a form that captures a user's gestures or motions and accepts the gestures or motions as operation input.

[0026] The information processing device 10A includes a network communication unit 16. The network communication unit 16 may be connected to a network (not shown) and may execute data communication processing with an external device (e.g., a server 30 or another information processing device).

[0027] The information processing device 10A may be composed of multiple devices. For example, the information processing device 10A may be configured such that a main device having a CPU 12 and a device having an input unit 11 and / or a display unit 14 are separate entities. For example, in another embodiment, the information processing device 10A may be configured such that a main device and a terminal device having the input unit 11 and the display unit 14 are separate entities, or such that the information processing device 10A is configured such that a main device and an operating device having the input unit 11 are separate entities. The information processing device 10A may not have a display unit 14 and may use a television as a display device.

[0028] In another embodiment, at least a part of the information processing executed by the information processing device 10A may be distributed and executed by a plurality of devices that can communicate via a network (wide area network and / or local network). Specifically, at least a part of the information processing executed by the information processing device 10 may be executed by the server 30.

[0029] The following is an outline of the hardware configuration of the server 30. The server 30 has a CPU 120 and a main memory 180. The CPU 120 is an information processing unit for executing various types of information processing executed by the server 30. The CPU 120 uses the main memory 180 to execute various types of information processing.

[0030] The server 30 includes a storage unit 130. The storage unit 130 stores a game management program 150 that is executed on the server 30.

[0031] The storage unit 130 may be a storage unit built into the server 30, such as a hard disk or memory, or a storage medium that is detachable from the server 30, such as an optical disk or cartridge, or may be both a storage unit and a storage medium. In such a case, the system may be configured as a game system, which is an example of an information processing system that includes the server 30 and any storage medium.

[0032] The game management program 150 includes computer-readable instructions for implementing information processing as described below. It may also include a program for executing data communication with the information processing devices 10A-10C as part of the processing, and a program for executing data communication with other information processing devices. The game management program 150 may include an operating system, a communication program, and the like, in addition to a matching processing program for executing a process for matching users to compete against each other in order to execute online competitive game processing. The storage unit 130 is any storage device (storage medium) accessible by the CPU 120. The storage unit 130 may be a storage unit built into the server 30, such as a hard disk or memory, or a storage medium removable from the server 30, such as an optical disk or cartridge, or may be both a storage unit and a storage medium.

[0033] The server 30 includes a network communication unit 160. The network communication unit 160 may be connected to a network (not shown) and may execute data communication processing between the server 30 and the information processing devices 10A to 10C.

[0034] The server 30 may be configured by a plurality of devices. In another embodiment, at least a part of the information processing executed by the server 30 may be distributed and executed by a plurality of other servers that can communicate via a network (wide area network and / or local network).

[0035] [B. Functional Configuration of Information Processing Device 10] Fig. 2 is a diagram illustrating functional blocks of information processing device 10 according to an embodiment. Referring to Fig. 2, CPU 12 of information processing device 10 realizes various functional blocks by reading game program 17.

[0036] The CPU 12 includes an acquisition unit 200 , a game processing execution unit 201 , a storage unit 204 , a digitally watermarked image generation unit 206 , and a communication control unit 208 .

[0037] The acquisition unit 200 acquires operation data indicating operation input by a user (player) via the input unit 11. The acquisition unit 200 acquires operation data, etc. input by a user (another player) to another information processing device 10 via the communication control unit 208.

[0038] The game processing execution unit 201 executes game processing. In this example, as an example, it executes processing for an online competitive game with other users. Specifically, it executes game processing based on the operation data acquired by the acquisition unit 200 and operation data from other users. The game processing execution unit 201 generates a game image based on the game processing and outputs it to the display unit 14.

[0039] When the saving unit 204 receives an instruction for a predetermined operation from the user, it uses the screenshot function to save the game image in the storage unit 13. In this example, the saving unit 204 saves the game image in the storage unit 13 when a button for instructing execution of the screenshot function is pressed, as an example of the predetermined operation by the user.

[0040] In this example, we will explain the case where a button to instruct the execution of the screenshot function is pressed as an example, but this is not limited to pressing this button.For example, the screenshot function may be executed by displaying a menu in response to user operation and selecting an item corresponding to the screenshot included in the menu.

[0041] Specifically, the saving unit 204 instructs the digitally watermarked image generating unit 206 to generate a digitally watermarked game image, and saves the digitally watermarked game image in the memory unit 13 .

[0042] The watermarked image generation unit 206 generates a watermarked game image in which information regarding the game processing corresponding to at least the user's operation input via the input unit 11 is embedded in the game image based on the game processing in accordance with the instructions of the storage unit 204.

[0043] The saving unit 204 saves the watermarked game image generated by the watermarked image generating unit 206 in the memory unit 13 .

[0044] The communication control unit 208 exchanges data such as operation data with the server 30 via the network communication unit 16, and transmits watermarked game images stored in the memory unit 13 by the storage unit 204 to the server 30.

[0045] [C. Functional Configuration of Server 30] Fig. 3 is a diagram illustrating functional blocks of server 30 according to an embodiment. Referring to Fig. 3, CPU 120 of server 30 implements various functional blocks by reading game management program 150.

[0046] The CPU 120 includes a game management unit 122 and a data storage unit 124. The game management unit 122 executes a matching process that matches users who will execute online competitive game processing. The game management unit 122 also launches a game event for executing the online competitive game processing, and transmits an identifier issued for each game event along with the matching result to the corresponding information processing device 10. For example, when user A of information processing device 10A and user B of information processing device 10B execute online competitive game processing, the game management unit 122 transmits the identifier issued for the launched game event to each of information processing devices 10A and 10B.

[0047] The game event can be identified by the identifier, and data such as operation data is exchanged using the identifier.

[0048] The game management unit 122 also instructs the data storage unit 124 to store the digitally watermarked game images acquired from the information processing devices 10A to 10C. The data storage unit 124 stores the digitally watermarked game images in the memory unit 130 in accordance with the instruction from the game management unit 122.

[0049] D. Processing of Online Battle Game FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating game images of an online battle game according to an embodiment.

[0050] 4, game program 17 according to the embodiment provides a type of online competitive game in which multiple users can participate. The multiple users may be composed of one real user and a virtual user provided on a computer. The number of users is not limited to two, but may be three or more, and the multiple users may form a team and compete in a team battle.

[0051] As an example, in an online competitive game provided by the game program 17, a plurality of users compete against each other in a game field by operating characters corresponding to the users.

[0052] In processing an online competitive game, a game image is generated based on the user's operation data acquired by the acquisition unit 200 and the operation data of other users received via the communication control unit 208, and the generated game image is output to the display unit 14.

[0053] [E. Process for generating a watermarked game image] In this example, in response to a user operation, a watermarked game image is generated in which information related to at least the game processing corresponding to the operation input is embedded in the game image by a watermark, and the watermarked game image is stored in the storage unit 13. The stored watermarked game image may be displayed on the display unit 14 in response to a user operation.

[0054] The digitally watermarked game image stored in the storage unit 13 is transmitted to the server 30 in response to further operation by the user. Note that the stored digitally watermarked game image may also be transmitted to the server 30 automatically without further operation by the user.

[0055] The digitally watermarked game image transmitted to the server 30 may be made public to, for example, users who have a predetermined relationship with the user or an unspecified number of users without any operation by the user. Note that the digitally watermarked game image transmitted to the server 30 may be made public to, for example, users who have a predetermined relationship with the user or an unspecified number of users in response to an operation by the user.

[0056] The information about the game process embedded by the digital watermark may be, for example, information indicating the cause of the execution of the game process. Specifically, the information includes user operation input information, parameter information of the character being operated by the user, flag information, a seed value used to generate a world (stage), and information used for object collision detection (collision detection).

[0057] Furthermore, the information about the game process embedded by the digital watermark may be information indicating what game process was executed, specifically including an identifier indicating the game mode that was executed and an identifier that can identify the matching performed in the game process of an online competitive game.

[0058] The identifier indicating the mode of the executed game may be, for example, information indicating which type of game has been executed in an application that can execute multiple types of games with different rules. Specifically, it may be information indicating whether the game involves communication with other users, or whether the game is a competitive game or a cooperative game between users.

[0059] The identifier capable of identifying a match made in the game processing of an online competitive game may be, for example, an identifier that is issued each time a match is made in an online competitive game and that can uniquely identify the match.

[0060] Furthermore, the information about the game processing embedded by the digital watermark may be information indicating the state of the system during execution of the game processing, specifically, information about the memory usage status and communication speed of the information terminal executing the game processing.

[0061] In this example, the information relating to the game processing does not include information that identifies the user, specifically, information such as the user (player) ID and the serial number of the information processing device itself.

[0062] As an example, the image generation unit 206 generates a watermarked game image using LSB steganography. LSB steganography embeds information about the game process by changing the least significant bit (LSB) of the pixel data of the generated game image. For example, by embedding data in the least significant bit (LSB) of each RGB value of the game image, it is possible to embed 3 bits of information about the game process in one pixel.

[0063] Furthermore, information about the game processing embedded using LSB steganography is obtained by extracting the least significant bit (LSB) of each RGB value of the pixel data of the digitally watermarked game image.

[0064] In game images with digital watermarks using LSB steganography, only the least significant bit (LSB) of the RGB values ​​is changed, making it difficult for users to identify the changes in the image. Therefore, it is possible to embed information without affecting game processing.

[0065] Although LSB steganography has been described as an example, the present invention is not limited to this and other methods can also be used to generate a game image with a digital watermark.

[0066] According to this embodiment, by embedding information about game processing in game images using a digital watermark, a person with a means for reading the watermark, such as an application developer, can determine what game processing has been performed from the information embedded in the watermark and can also understand the game status from the game image itself, which can be seen with the naked eye. At the same time, it is possible to prevent information about game processing from being read by a person without a means for reading the watermark, while preventing the game image from becoming difficult to see.

[0067] [F. Processing Flow] A processing procedure provided by executing game program 17 according to the embodiment will be described. Each step is realized by CPU 12 executing game program 17.

[0068] 5 is a flow diagram illustrating processing of information processing device 10A according to an embodiment. Referring to FIG. 5, acquisition unit 200 acquires data (step S0). Specifically, acquisition unit 200 acquires operation data input by a user via input unit 11 and operation data from other users acquired via communication control unit 208.

[0069] Next, the communication control unit 208 determines whether or not there is data to be transmitted (step S1). For example, the communication control unit 208 determines whether or not there is operation data input by the user via the input unit 11.

[0070] Next, when the communication control unit 208 determines that there is transmission data (YES in step S1), it transmits the transmission data to the server 30. The server 30 receives the transmission data and transmits the information to the other matched information processing device 10. This makes it possible to execute the same processing in, for example, the other information processing device 10B.

[0071] On the other hand, if the communication control unit 208 determines that there is no data to be transmitted (NO in step S1), it skips step S2 and does not execute this process.

[0072] Next, the game processing execution unit 201 generates a game image based on the operation data acquired by the acquisition unit 200 and operation data from other users (step S4).

[0073] Next, the storage unit 204 determines whether or not a predetermined operation has been performed (step S6). As an example of the predetermined operation, the operation of a button for instructing execution of a screenshot function will be described. The storage unit 204 determines whether or not the button for instructing execution of the screenshot function provided on the input unit 11 has been pressed as a predetermined operation by the user.

[0074] In step S6, if the storage unit 204 determines that a predetermined operation has been performed (YES in step S6), it instructs the digital watermarked image generation unit 206 (step S7).

[0075] Next, the digitally watermarked image generating unit 206 generates a digitally watermarked game image in accordance with the instruction (step S8).

[0076] Next, the saving unit 204 saves the generated digitally watermarked game image in the memory unit 13 (step S9).

[0077] On the other hand, in step S6, if the storage unit 204 determines that the predetermined operation has not been performed (NO in step S6), steps S7 to S9 are skipped and the process is not executed.

[0078] Next, the game processing execution unit 201 outputs the generated image (step S11). Specifically, the game processing execution unit 201 outputs a game image based on the game processing or a game image with a digital watermark to the display unit 14.

[0079] Next, the game processing execution unit 201 determines whether the game has ended (step S12).

[0080] If the game processing execution unit 201 determines that the game has ended (YES in step S12), it ends the processing (END).

[0081] On the other hand, if the game processing execution unit 201 determines that the game is not over (NO in step S12), the process returns to step S0 and the above processing is repeated.

[0082] In this example, the above process is repeated every predetermined cycle to execute the online competitive game process.

[0083] Next, a description will be given of the case where a game image with a digital watermark is transmitted to the server 30. The communication control unit 208 transmits the game image with a digital watermark stored in the storage unit 13 when a predetermined operation instruction is received from the user.

[0084] The transmission function transmits the watermarked game image stored in the storage unit 13 to the server 30. In this example, the communication control unit 208 transmits the watermarked game image stored in the storage unit 13 to the server 30 when a button for issuing an instruction to execute the transmission function is pressed as an example of a predetermined user operation.

[0085] In this example, we will explain the case where a button to instruct the execution of the transmission function is pressed as an example, but this is not limited to pressing of this button.For example, the transmission function may be executed by displaying a menu in response to user operation and selecting an item corresponding to the transmission function included in the menu.

[0086] FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating a transmission process of information processing device 10A according to the embodiment.

[0087] 6, communication control unit 208 determines whether or not a transmission instruction has been received (step S21). If communication control unit 208 determines in step S21 that a transmission instruction has not been received (NO in step S21), the communication control unit 208 maintains the current state.

[0088] As an example of a transmission instruction, the operation of a button for issuing an instruction to execute a transmission function will be described. The communication control unit 208 determines whether or not the button for issuing an instruction to execute the transmission function provided on the input unit 11 has been pressed as a predetermined operation by the user.

[0089] Next, if the communication control unit 208 determines that a transmission instruction has been issued (YES in step S21), it acquires the watermarked game image from the storage unit 13 (step S22).

[0090] Next, the communication control unit 208 transmits the acquired digitally watermarked game image (step S24).

[0091] Then, the processing ends (END). Note that if multiple watermarked game images are stored in the storage unit 13, the multiple watermarked game images may be transmitted together to the server 30, or a watermarked game image selected by the user may be transmitted to the server 30.

[0092] The watermarked game image transmitted to the server 30 is stored in the storage unit 130. The watermarked game image stored in the storage unit 130 may be made publicly available so that it can be accessed and viewed by the user or another user. (Variation 1) In the above embodiment, an example was described in which a watermarked game image in which information related to game processing is embedded is generated and transmitted to the server 30. In this variation 1, an example will be described in which at least a portion of the information related to game processing is transmitted to the server 30 without being embedded in the game image, and information related to the information transmitted to the server 30 is embedded in the game image.

[0093] The basic processing in this modified example 1 is substantially the same as that in the above embodiment, and the processing that differs from the above embodiment will be described below.

[0094] In the present first modification, a different identifier is issued each time the game processing of the online competitive game is executed, and the information about the game processing and the identifier are associated with each other and transmitted to the server 30 and stored therein.

[0095] The information related to the game processing transmitted to the server 30 is, for example, information necessary to reproduce the executed online competitive game and information that allows understanding of what kind of game processing has been performed. Specifically, it includes operation data indicating operation inputs and parameter information of the character being operated by the user.

[0096] Furthermore, when operation data indicating an operation input is transmitted to the server 30, time information may be further associated with the operation data. The time information is, for example, data indicating how much time has passed since the game processing of the online competitive game started.

[0097] In response to a user's operation, an identifier is embedded in the game image by a digital watermark to generate a digitally watermarked game image.

[0098] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of operation data transmitted to the server 30, in which an identifier and time information are associated with each other.

[0099] Referring to Figure 7, it shows that the second operating unit is being operated one second after the start of the game processing, and that the first operating unit is being operated one minute and 23 seconds after the start of the game processing.

[0100] That is, anyone with a means for reading the watermark can extract the identifier embedded in the game image, and if that person has access to the server 30, they can obtain operation data associated with time information from the server 30 based on the extracted identifier.

[0101] In the present first modification, information relating to game processing that is not embedded in the game image can also be acquired from the server 30.

[0102] In the first modification, an example has been described in which information relating to game processing is transmitted to the server 30 without any user operation, but information relating to game processing may also be transmitted to the server 30 in response to a user operation.

[0103] In this variant example 1, as examples of information regarding game processing to be sent to server 30, we have explained information necessary to reproduce the online competitive game that was executed and information that allows us to understand what kind of game processing was performed, but the information regarding game processing to be sent to server 30 may also be information with a larger amount of data than the identifier embedded in the game image.

[0104] (Variation 2) In the above embodiment, when a game image is saved using a screenshot function in accordance with a user's operation, a watermarked game image in which information related to game processing is embedded using a watermark is generated and saved.

[0105] In this second modification, a method for always generating a game image with a digital watermark will be described.

[0106] For example, the process of determining whether or not a predetermined operation has been performed in step S6 of FIG. 5 may be omitted.

[0107] By this process, a game image with a digital watermark may always be generated without any specific operation.

[0108] (Additional Note) In the above, a case has been described in which the generated digitally watermarked game image is transmitted to the server 30, but the generated digitally watermarked game image may also be transmitted to another server.

[0109] For example, the other server may be a server for a system or service that allows sharing of images, or a server for an application developer. The watermarked game image sent to the server for the application developer may be viewable only by the application developer.

[0110] In the above, we have explained the case where the generated game image with electronic watermark is stored in the memory unit 13, but the generated game image with electronic watermark may also be sent to the server 30 and stored on the server 30 without being stored in the memory unit 13.

[0111] In the above, an example has been described in which information that identifies a user, such as a user (player) ID or the serial number of the information processing device itself, is not embedded, but this information may be embedded in the game image.

[0112] In the above, a case has been described in which operation data is embedded in a game image as information related to game processing. However, this is not limiting, and information related to flags for game processing can also be embedded in a game image. As an example of a flag, it is possible to embed flag information indicating whether a specific item is possessed. Alternatively, it is possible to embed flag information indicating whether there is an ability change that does not change the character's parameters and whose occurrence cannot be recognized from the game screen (e.g., an increase in the character's movement speed). Alternatively, it is possible to embed flag information indicating whether a special ability (e.g., an increase in the distance a character can throw items) has been granted.

[0113] In addition, in this example, we have described the case where information about game processing is embedded using a digital watermark in a still game image taken using the screenshot function, but information about the game processing may also be embedded using a digital watermark in a moving image, not just a still game image.

[0114] The information embedded may change for each frame (corresponding operation data may be embedded for each frame), or, if an identifier is embedded as in variant example 1, the information embedded for each frame may remain unchanged.

[0115] In this embodiment, a case has been described in which the application generates a game image containing a digital watermark in response to a button for issuing an instruction to execute the screenshot function, and stores the image in the storage unit 13 .

[0116] On the other hand, the operation system may generate a game image with a digital watermark in response to a button that instructs execution of the screenshot function, and store the image in the storage unit 13 .

[0117] Specifically, the application may generate a game image and pass it to an operating system (OS), and may also pass information related to game processing to the OS. The OS may generate a watermarked game image in which information related to game processing is embedded in the game image in response to a button that instructs execution of a screenshot function.

[0118] In addition, the application may pass information regarding game processing to the OS in addition to the game image only when the button to instruct execution of the screenshot function is pressed, or may pass information regarding game processing to the OS even when the button to instruct execution of the screenshot function is not pressed.

[0119] 1 Information processing system, 10A, 10B, 10C Information processing device, 11 Input unit, 13, 130 Storage unit, 14 Display unit, 16, 160 Network communication unit, 17 Game program, 18, 180 Main memory, 30 Server, 122 Game management unit, 124 Data storage unit, 150 Game management program, 200 Acquisition unit, 201 Game processing execution unit, 204 Storage unit, 206 Digital watermarked image generation unit, 208 Communication control unit.

Claims

1. An input unit that receives input from the player, A game processing execution unit that executes game processing corresponding to the operation input received by the aforementioned operation input unit, An image generation unit that generates a watermarked game image in which at least information related to the game processing corresponding to the operation input is embedded by digital watermarking in the game image based on the game processing, An information processing system comprising an output unit that outputs the aforementioned watermarked game image.

2. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the information relating to the game processing does not include information identifying the player.

3. Server and The system further comprises a communication unit that communicates with the aforementioned server, The aforementioned game process includes a predetermined game process to which a different identifier is associated each time it is executed, The image generation unit generates a watermarked game image by embedding the identifier using digital watermarking in the game image based on the predetermined game processing. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the communication unit transmits to the server information relating to the predetermined game processing corresponding to the identifier.

4. The information processing system according to claim 3, wherein the information relating to the predetermined game processing includes information for reproducing the predetermined game processing.

5. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the information relating to the game processing corresponding to the operation input includes information relating to the player's operation input.

6. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the information relating to the game processing corresponding to the operation input includes at least one of the following: information relating to the flags of the game processing, a seed value for the game processing, information used for collision detection of objects controlled by the game processing, and information relating to the memory of the device that executes the game processing.

7. The system further includes a storage unit that stores the watermarked game image in accordance with the player's instruction to save the game image, When the image generation unit receives the instruction to save the game image, it generates a watermarked game image in which at least information related to the game processing corresponding to the operation input is embedded in the game image based on the game processing by means of a digital watermark. The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, in the absence of the instruction to save the game image, a watermarked game image is not generated in which at least information relating to the game processing corresponding to the operation input is embedded by digital watermark in the game image based on the game processing.

8. A program that allows a computer to run a game, The aforementioned computer An input unit that receives input from the player, A game processing execution unit that executes game processing corresponding to the operation input received by the aforementioned operation input unit, An image generation unit that generates a watermarked game image in which at least information related to the game processing corresponding to the operation input is embedded by digital watermarking in the game image based on the game processing, An information processing program that functions as an output unit for outputting the aforementioned watermarked game image.

9. An input unit that receives input from the player, A game processing execution unit that executes game processing corresponding to the operation input received by the aforementioned operation input unit, An image generation unit that generates a watermarked game image in which at least information related to the game processing corresponding to the operation input is embedded by digital watermarking in the game image based on the game processing, An information processing device comprising an output unit that outputs the aforementioned watermarked game image.

10. A step to accept player input, The steps include: executing game processing corresponding to the received input; The steps include generating a watermarked game image in which at least information related to the game processing corresponding to the operation input is embedded in the game image based on the aforementioned game processing by means of a digital watermark, An information processing method comprising the step of outputting the aforementioned game image with a digital watermark.