JP7565898B2 - Information processing device and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to technology for information processing devices for children.

Examples of information processing devices or toys for children include devices and toys that imitate information processing devices such as PCs (personal computers) for adults. Children who are the users operate such devices and have fun while learning, etc. This can encourage them to step up to using devices such as PCs for adults. Examples of functions provided by application programs, etc. that are provided in such information processing devices for children include learning English, programming, etc., and creating videos, etc.

An example of prior art related to video creation using an information processing device for children is JP 2008-177996 A (Patent Document 1). Patent Document 1 describes a digital toy with a built-in camera that allows users to easily add effects to captured images.

JP 2008-177996 A

Patent Document 1 discloses that a user can create and edit videos with effects, such as video clips, by selecting a template and automatically adding effects to a captured video. Prior art examples such as Patent Document 1 are targeted at users of a relatively young age, and describe how such users can create and edit videos. However, there is room for improvement in making it easier and more fun for children to create and edit videos, and in stimulating children's motivation, etc.

The objective of the present invention is to provide a technology for information processing devices for children that can increase the interest, etc., of children in creating videos.

A representative embodiment of the present invention has the following configuration: An information processing device of the embodiment includes an input unit that inputs user operations, a moving image creation unit capable of creating a moving image with a combination including scene information as an element based on the user's operations via the input unit, a display unit that displays the moving image, and a control unit that controls the input, creation, and display, and the control unit controls the display unit to display a first moving image created by the moving image creation unit as the moving image when the information processing device is in a predetermined state, and the predetermined state is at least one of the states of the information processing device or program starting up, ending, processing, sleep, and a user-set time. In addition, an information processing device according to an embodiment includes an input unit for inputting user operations, a video creation unit capable of creating a video including a combination of at least two elements selected by a user based on the user's operation via the input unit, a display unit for displaying the video, and a control unit for controlling the input, creation, and display, and the control unit controls the display unit to display a list of multiple videos created by the video creation unit including the combination of elements selected when creating the video, and to select one of the displayed multiple videos based on the user's operation, thereby enabling a continuous video in which the multiple videos are connected in chronological order by combining the multiple videos.

A representative embodiment of the present invention provides a technology for information processing devices for children that can increase children's interest in creating videos.

1 shows a schematic external configuration of an information processing device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 1 shows a functional block configuration of an information processing device according to a first embodiment. 3 shows a flow of main processes of the information processing device according to the first embodiment. In the first embodiment, a standard screen and the like are shown. In the first embodiment, a scene selection screen and a first character selection screen are shown. In the first embodiment, a second character selection screen and a movement selection screen are shown. In the first embodiment, a production element selection screen is shown. In the first embodiment, an example of a scene configuration will be shown. In the first embodiment, an example of the configuration of a continuous scene video will be shown. In the first embodiment, a first example of a scene moving image display will be shown. In the first embodiment, a second example of the scene moving image display will be shown. In the first embodiment, a first example of a menu screen for creating a moving image is shown. In the first embodiment, a second example of the menu screen for creating a moving image is shown. In the first embodiment, a display example of a special effect image will be shown. In the first embodiment, a tutorial display example will be shown. In the first embodiment, a display example of a moving image-based editing format will be shown.

The following describes in detail an embodiment of the present invention with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same parts are generally given the same reference numerals, and repeated explanations are omitted. In the drawings, the representation of each component may not represent the actual position, size, shape, range, etc., in order to facilitate understanding of the invention, and the present invention is not limited to the position, size, shape, range, etc., disclosed in the drawings. In addition, for the purpose of explanation, various data and information may be described using expressions such as tables, but the present invention is not limited to such structures and formats. In addition, data and information for identifying various elements may be described using expressions such as identification information, identifiers, IDs, names, numbers, etc., but these expressions are mutually interchangeable.

For the purpose of explanation, when describing processing by a program, the program, functions, processing units, etc. may be described as the main components, but the main components of the hardware are the processor, or a controller, device, computer, system, etc. that are configured with the processor. The computer executes processing according to the program read into the memory by the processor, using resources such as memory appropriately. This realizes a specified function, processing unit, etc. The processor is configured with a semiconductor device such as a CPU, for example. The processor is configured with a device or circuit that can perform a specified calculation. The processing is not limited to software program processing, and can also be implemented with a dedicated circuit. The dedicated circuit can be an FPGA, ASIC, etc. The program may be installed as data in advance in the target computer, or may be distributed as data from a program source to the target computer and installed. The program source may be a program distribution server on a communication network, or a non-transient computer-readable storage medium. The program may be configured with multiple program modules.

<First embodiment>
An information processing device and the like according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 16. The program according to the first embodiment is a computer program that causes the information processing device according to the first embodiment to execute processing, in other words, a program that realizes each processing unit of the information processing device according to the first embodiment. The information processing device according to the first embodiment is a PC toy for children, and has a video creation function that is realized based on program processing.

The information processing device 1 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 etc. has a mechanism that allows a user who is a child to enjoyably and easily create videos by combining elements including fictional scenes and characters. The information processing device 1 controls the video created by the user (which may be referred to as a first video for the sake of explanation) so that it is displayed when the information processing device 1 is in a specified state. The specified state is at least one of the following states: when the information processing device 1 or a program running on the device is started (including immediately after starting), when it is terminated (including immediately before it is terminated), during processing (including during loading, etc.), in sleep (including power saving mode, etc.), and at a time set by the user (including a time set by, for example, an alarm function, etc.).

In addition, the information processing device 1 of the first embodiment also allows the user to set a function for displaying the first video created and selected by the user in a specified state. That is, the user can select and set a specified state in which the selected first video is to be displayed based on an operation on the screen. For example, the user can play the first video as an opening video when the information processing device 1 is started up.

In addition, the information processing device 1 of the first embodiment is initially set (e.g., at the time of shipment from the factory) to a predetermined display defined in advance by the operator. In the initial setting, the information processing device 1 of the first embodiment is set to play the predetermined display when the information processing device 1 is in a predetermined state defined in advance by the operator, for example, when the information processing device 1 is started up. The predetermined display is, for example, an opening video using a predetermined video. The predetermined video is a video with fixed content including predetermined fictional scene information and predetermined characters. The predetermined display is not limited to a fictional video, and may be an image of predetermined information (e.g., a product name, etc.). The information processing device 1 of the first embodiment is capable of being changed by the user to replace the predetermined display displayed in a predetermined state with a first video.

The information processing device 1 of the first embodiment provides a graphical user interface (GUI) including an element selection procedure on a display screen, which allows the user to create the first video in a fun and easy way. Furthermore, the information processing device 1 of the first embodiment also enables the user to create the first video in an editing format, for example by changing elements based on a predetermined display configuration, as a GUI when creating the first video.

[Information processing device (1)]
FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of the exterior of an information processing device 1 according to the first embodiment. The information processing device 1 according to the first embodiment includes a main body 1A and a mouse 1B. The mouse 1B, which is an input device, is connected to the main body 1A by wireless or wired communication. The main body 1A has a mechanism that allows it to be folded like a notebook PC, and includes a main body part 1A1 on the horizontal surface side and the other main body part 1A2 connected thereto. The main body part 1A1 on the horizontal surface side has a keyboard 1C, which is an input device, disposed thereon. The other main body part 1A2 has a display screen 1D disposed in a part thereof. Images of predetermined fictional characters or the like may be printed or formed by stickers or the like around the display screen 1D. A user who is a child operates and uses the information processing device 1. In the first embodiment, the exterior of the information processing device 1 is an exterior that imitates an adult notebook PC, but is not limited thereto, and may be an exterior that imitates other types of devices, such as a desktop PC or a tablet PC. The information processing device 1 is a toy for children, and therefore does not need to be equipped with advanced functions or resources like a PC for adults.

When the information processing device 1 is initially set, such as when shipped from the factory, certain programs including the program of embodiment 1 and related content and other data are pre-installed. Note that additional programs, content and other data may be installed later on the information processing device 1 in addition to the data in the initial settings. Data may be input and output to and from the information processing device 1 by using communication with an external device, or may be input and output by using a storage medium such as a memory card.

Content is a general term that includes text, images, audio, games, etc. Images include still images and videos. Videos include animations and effects. Effects are special effects for production purposes, including image processing and screen processing.

The information processing device 1 does not need to have a communication interface device or the like because a communication function with an external device is not essential, but if the information processing device 1 is to have a communication function with an external device, the information processing device 1 will be provided with a communication interface device or the like. Note that a child's parent or other person can operate the information processing device 1 to set functions, etc.

An external device may be connected to the information processing device 1 of the first embodiment. Examples of the external device include a server of an operator on a communication network, a mobile terminal device of a user, or a home device. For example, an application program or content data may be distributed from a server or the like to the information processing device 1 of the first embodiment. Data may be transferred from the information processing device 1 of the first embodiment to a server or the like and stored therein.

[Information processing device (2)]
2 shows an example of a functional block configuration of the information processing device 1 as a computer according to embodiment 1. The information processing device 1 includes a processor 101, a memory 102, a display device 103, a mouse 1B, a keyboard 1C, a speaker 105, an interface device 107, a battery 106, and the like, which are interconnected via a bus, an input/output interface, and the like.

The processor 101 is composed of a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc., and constitutes a controller that controls the entire information processing device 1 and each unit. The processor 101 realizes each processing unit by processing based on the program of embodiment 1. The information processing device 1 has, as its processing units, a control unit 11, a video creation unit 12, a storage unit 13, a display unit 14, and an input unit 15.

The memory 102 is composed of a non-volatile storage device or the like, and stores various data and information handled by the processor 101 and the like. The memory 102 stores, for example, a control program 51, setting information 52, video data 53, content data 54, and the like. The control program 51 corresponds to the program of embodiment 1 and various application programs. The setting information 52 is setting information by the control program 51, and includes user setting information. The video data 53 includes data on each video created and saved by the video creation function of the program of embodiment 1. The content data 54 includes data on various content used by the video creation function. This content includes data on materials such as images that are elements that make up the video.

The display device 103 has a display drive circuit and a display screen 1D of FIG. 1. In the first embodiment, the display device 103 is a liquid crystal display device. In a modified example, the display device 103 may be a touch panel. The mouse 1B receives input operations such as position and button presses, and generates corresponding input information. The keyboard 1C receives input operations of various keys, and generates corresponding input information. The speaker 105 is an audio output device. The battery 106 supplies power to each component. In addition, the information processing device 1 may be equipped with an interface device 107 to which a storage medium such as a memory card can be attached, a microphone, other sensors, etc.

[Video creation function]
The video creation function of the information processing device 1 is, in other words, a video programming learning function, and is a function that allows users to enjoyably learn how to create videos based on the concept of programming. The control unit 11 in FIG. 2 is a part that controls the video creation function and controls each part such as the video creation unit 12. The input unit 15 is a part that inputs operations by a user using the mouse 1B or the like. The video creation unit 12 is a part that can create a video by a combination including scene information as an element based on the user's operation. The video creation unit 12 creates the video using data of materials such as scenes and characters. The display unit 14 is a part that displays videos, GUI, etc. on the display screen 1D of the display device 103. The storage unit 13 is a part that stores (in other words, saves) videos and information in the memory 102 or the like. The control unit 11 controls the display unit 14 to display a predetermined display or a first video created by the video creation unit 12 when the information processing device 1 is in a predetermined state. The control unit 11 controls the video created by the video creation unit 12 to be stored in the storage unit 13 based on the user's operation. The control unit 11 controls the display unit 14 to display a video selected by a user from the videos stored in the storage unit 13 when the video is in a predetermined state.

[Processing flow]
FIG. 3 shows a flow of main processes related to the video creation function by the information processing device 1, and includes steps S0 to S13. In step S0, the information processing device 1 is started in response to, for example, the user pressing the power button. Immediately after starting up, the information processing device 1 automatically plays a defined opening video as a predetermined display. When, for example, the user performs an operation such as clicking after the end of the opening video is displayed, the information processing device 1 displays a standard screen (FIG. 4 described later). On the standard screen, menus of various functions of the information processing device 1 are displayed. The user selects and operates the video creation function ("video programming") from the menu on the standard screen. In response to the operation, the information processing device 1 executes a corresponding program, and the video creation function (corresponding application) is activated.

In step S1, the information processing device 1 displays a menu of video creation functions on the display screen 1D. On this screen, if there are videos that the user has already created and saved, they are displayed as a list (for example, FIG. 12 described below). Available commands are displayed as buttons, icons, etc. When the user wants to create a new scene video, the user presses, for example, a video creation button (not shown) (S1-Y). When creating a sequence of scenes as described below, the process proceeds to step S9.

When creating a scene video, the information processing device 1 sequentially displays a GUI for each element selection procedure on the display screen 1D. First, in step S2, the information processing device 1 displays a scene selection screen ((A) in FIG. 5). On this scene selection screen, a text image such as "Where?" is displayed to prompt the user to select a scene, and the user selects a desired scene from the candidates. The user selects a desired scene from multiple scene candidates displayed as a list at the bottom of the screen.

Next, in step S3, a first character selection screen is displayed (FIG. 5(B)). On the first character selection screen, text images such as "Who?" are displayed to prompt the user to select the first character to appear in the scene. In addition, information on the element that has already been selected (the "Where?" scene) is also displayed to the left of the central frame. The user similarly selects the first character from the candidates displayed as a list at the bottom of the screen.

Next, in step S4, a second character selection screen is displayed. On the second character selection screen, a text image such as "With whom?" is displayed to prompt the user to select a second character to appear in the scene together with the first character. The user similarly selects the second character from the candidates displayed as a list at the bottom of the screen.

Next, in step S5, a movement selection screen is displayed (FIG. 6B). On the movement selection screen, text images such as "What's wrong?" are displayed to prompt the user to select the movement (in other words, action, movement) of the characters (the first and second characters selected above) to appear in the scene. The user similarly selects a movement from candidates displayed as a list at the bottom of the screen. The movement selected may be a movement related to both the first and second characters, or a movement related to either the first or second character, but a more interesting video can be created by selecting a movement related to both characters.

Next, in step S6, a selection screen for "bonus" (production element) is displayed (FIG. 7). On the selection screen for "bonus" (production element), text images such as "bonus" are displayed to prompt the user to select the "bonus" production element to be included in the scene. The user similarly selects the "bonus" production element from the candidates displayed as a list at the bottom of the screen. The "bonus" production element here refers to a specific object such as an item (tool, weapon, etc.) that appears in fiction, or a creature or food, and is a production element that is one of the elements that make up the scene video, and is an element for expressing a production as a bonus or spice in the final part of the scene video. Once the production elements have been selected in step S6, all the combinations of elements that make up one scene video have been selected, and the content of the scene video has been decided.

In step S7, the user can display and check the scene video created by the above selection. The user presses a predetermined operation on the screen, for example the display confirmation button in FIG. 7 (the triangular "view" button). The information processing device 1 displays the scene video in response to the operation. The user watches the scene video and checks its contents. If the user likes the scene video, the user can save it by pressing a predetermined operation on the screen, for example the save button (the "save" button in FIG. 11). The storage unit 13 saves the data of the scene video together with the management information. If the user does not like the scene video, he or she can delete it without saving it (the "do not save" button).

Also, in step S8, the user can set the created or saved scene video or a desired scene video (first video) selected from the list as an opening video, which is a video to be displayed in a specified state, by performing a specified operation on the screen, for example by pressing the "Set as opening" button in FIG. 12. The control unit 11 sets the first video as the opening video. In this set state, the information processing device 1 displays the set first video as the opening video in a specified state, for example, at startup. When the specified state is, for example, termination due to power off of the information processing device 1, the specified display will be an ending video, not an opening video. The business operator may also provide a specified display (for example, an opening video and an ending video) with different content depending on the specified state.

The user can also check the display of the opening video by performing a specific operation on the screen, for example by pressing a display confirmation button. In response to this operation, the information processing device 1 displays the opening video (specific display or first video) that has been set, even if it is not at startup, and returns to the original screen state after displaying.

In step S9, the information processing device 1 returns to the menu screen of the video creation function. The user can create and save the above-mentioned scene video multiple times in the same way, and can create and save multiple scene videos. The list on the menu screen displays information on the multiple saved scene videos (Figure 12). In step S10, the user can select and instruct the creation of a continuous scene video on the menu screen. When creating a continuous scene video, the user can select the desired multiple scene videos from the list of scene videos on the screen (Figure 12) and create the continuous scene video.

In step S11, the user can display and check the scene sequence video created above. The user presses a predetermined operation on the screen, for example, a display confirmation button (the "view all" button in FIG. 12). The information processing device 1 displays the scene sequence video, and returns to the original screen state after display. The user watches the scene sequence video and checks its contents. If the user likes the scene sequence video, the user can save the scene sequence video by pressing a predetermined operation on the screen, for example, a save button (the "save" button in FIG. 12). The storage unit 13 saves the scene sequence video data together with management information. If the user does not like the scene sequence video, he or she can delete it without saving it (the "do not save" button).

In addition, in step S12, the user can set the created or saved scene sequence video or a desired scene sequence video selected from the list as the opening video by performing a predetermined operation on the menu screen, for example by pressing the "Set as opening" button in FIG. 12. The control unit 11 sets the scene sequence video as the opening video. When this setting has been made, the scene sequence video that has been set is displayed as the opening video when the information processing device 1 is in a predetermined state, for example, at startup.

In step S13, the information processing device 1 ends the processing by the video creation function in response to a predetermined operation on the menu screen by the user, for example, pressing the back button, and returns to the standard screen.

[Standard screen]
4A shows an example of a screen at the end of a predetermined opening video as a predetermined display at the start-up of the information processing device 1. The image on this screen displays the name of the fiction, the product name, logo, characters, etc. of the information processing device 1. The screen in (A) transitions to the standard screen in (B) in response to an operation such as a click by the user.

The standard screen in FIG. 4B displays a menu of functions available to the user. In this example, the functions include "Video Programming," "English," and "Math." The "Video Programming" button corresponds to the video creation function. The user operates the cursor or the like to select the function to be used.

[Scene selection screen]
FIG. 5A shows an example of a scene selection screen as one of the element selection procedures when creating a scene video. For example, in a list at the bottom of the screen, a plurality of scene candidates are displayed side by side in a card-like manner, and are displayed in a cyclical manner in response to a predetermined operation. A cursor (indicated by an arrow image) for operation is also displayed on the screen. The user moves the cursor by operating the mouse 1B or the like to select a card of a desired scene, slides it, and carries it into the central frame. This causes the scene to be in a selected state. Note that this is not limited to such an operation, and in a modified example, the card may be in a selected state simply by pressing the desired card. In addition, an image of the selected scene may be displayed in the background or a partial area of the scene selection screen. The element selection screen can be transitioned between by operating the "next" button or the "previous" button on the screen. The user can easily return to the previous element selection screen and redo the element selection. Examples of scenes include in front of the house, inside the house, in the city, in a park, the sea, the mountains, the sky, the universe, and various other scenes. Since it is a fictional scene, special scenes such as those in the past or future are also possible.

[First character selection screen]
FIG. 5B shows an example of a first character selection screen as one of the element selection procedures. In a list at the bottom of the screen, multiple first character candidates are displayed side by side in a card-like format. In the first embodiment, not only the character but also the pose of the character in that scene can be selected. On the character card, the name of the character is displayed as identification information such as "Character A1". Also, on the character card, the pose of the character is expressed by a picture. On the character card, information such as the name of the pose may be displayed together with the name. For example, "Character A1" represents the first pose of character A.

[Second character selection screen]
FIG. 6A shows an example of a second character selection screen as one of the element selection procedures. In a list at the bottom of the screen, multiple second character candidates are displayed side by side in a card-like format. The second character can be selected along with a pose, just like the first character. In the first embodiment, the second character can also be set to "none." This can be done, for example, by pressing a "none" button on the screen, or by selecting a "none" card. In a modified example, three or more characters can be selected in the same way.

[Movement selection screen]
FIG. 6B shows an example of a motion selection screen as one of the element selection procedures. In a list at the bottom of the screen, a plurality of motion candidates are displayed side by side in a card-like manner. In the first embodiment, the motion of the character in the scene is determined and prepared in advance as a plurality of types of motion. This motion specifies the motion of the character image in the scene image, with the entire area of the display screen 1D being the image of the scene. In the motion card, the rough motion of the character is represented by an arrow. For example, "motion 1" represents a motion of two people approaching each other with two arrows facing each other. The display of the identification information such as "motion 1" may actually be a name representing, for example, an action or movement. Examples of names representing actions or movements are "hello,""chasing," and "jump." In addition, in the motion card, the motion may be represented not only by an arrow but also by a picture of the character, an animation, or the like.

The definition of a movement is not limited to this, and various other definitions are possible. The movement may be an animation within a character image area, etc. For example, if the action is "greeting," the character's position within the scene may be fixed, and the character may be animated by moving its hand within the character image area at that position. Also, in the first embodiment, the movements of the first and second characters are selected as a set on the movement selection screen, but the invention is not limited to this, and a movement selection for each character is also possible.

[Extra (production element) selection screen]
7 shows an example of a bonus (performance element) selection screen as one of the element selection procedures. In a list at the bottom of the screen, multiple performance element candidates are displayed side by side in a card-like format. In this example, the performance element cards include items that appear in fiction, such as hammers and flying wings, creatures such as dogs and cats, and food such as rice balls.

[Video configuration example]
Fig. 8 shows an example of the configuration of a moving image. The configuration of the moving image may be set in advance in moving image configuration information such as a script. A plurality of scenes and a time schedule for configuring the moving image may be set in the script. In Fig. 8, the vertical direction represents a time series, and the connection of a plurality of parts (corresponding to so-called cuts, etc.) that configure the moving image is shown. An image according to a scene, etc. is assigned to each part.

Figure 8 (A) shows an example of the configuration of an opening video as a specified display. This specified display is composed of one main scene as scene information. Figure 8 (B) shows an example of the configuration of a scene video as a first video created by a user. This scene video is composed of one main scene as scene information. Note that the scene here refers to anything other than a scene in the start image or a scene in the end image, which are fixed content.

In the example of FIG. 8A, the predetermined display is roughly divided into four parts, from the first part to the fourth part. The predetermined display in the initial setting has contents that are predefined by the operator. The first part is a start image, and the fourth part is an end image. The second part and the third part are images that can be set between the first part and the fourth part, and the second part may be a scene image in a predetermined scene, and the third part may be a production image that is continuous with the second part and corresponds to a production element that appears in the scene. In the scene image, a predetermined character makes a predetermined movement in a predetermined scene, and a predetermined production element (such as a fictional item) appears. The production image is an image of contents corresponding to a predetermined character and a predetermined production element. Note that for the sake of explanation, the scene image and the production image are shown separately, but they may be regarded as a single scene image. Of the predetermined display, the start image and the end image are set as fixed contents and are fixed parts that cannot be changed by the user. The scene image of the second part and the production image of the third part are variable parts that can be changed by the user. That is, in the variable part, it is possible to assign an image created and edited by the user by combining elements (scenes, characters, movements, and production elements, etc.) selected by the user from candidates. In the script, each part is set to a predetermined time length in advance. In addition, the predetermined display is set to accompany the playback of predetermined music (BGM) from the start to the end. In the first embodiment, the second part and the third part are described as a scene image and a production image, but are not limited to such image form and can be any image. In addition, the predetermined display does not need to include all of the first part, the second part, the third part, and the fourth part, and may be a display that includes at least one of them. However, it is preferable to set the predetermined display to include fixed parts such as the first part and the fourth part, because it is possible to present information that is necessary to guide the user even if the predetermined display becomes the first video.

Immediately after the information processing device 1 is started, a specified display, for example a specified video, is automatically displayed. When the specified video is displayed, the display automatically transitions between the images of each part according to the configuration described above. The start image and end image may display the name of the fiction or the product name of the information processing device 1. The end image is connected to the standard screen displayed immediately after the information processing device 1 is started. For example, a transition to the standard screen occurs in response to an operation such as clicking. Alternatively, the end image itself may display the standard screen displayed immediately after the information processing device 1 is started. Furthermore, the fixed content part in the video is not limited to the start image and end image, and may be a part of an image in the middle.

In the example of FIG. 8B, the first video, like the specified display, is mainly composed of one scene. The start image of the first part and the end image of the fourth part have the same fixed content as those of the specified display. The user creates scene images and production images by selecting combinations of elements such as scenes, characters, movements, and production elements in the second and third parts. In addition, when creating them, it is also possible to create them by changing elements according to a GUI based on the original specified display. This allows the user to easily create his or her own video based on the specified video, which is the original specified display, and also allows the user to create videos with more complex content or longer duration than the original specified video, depending on the combination of elements such as one or more scenes.

As a variant, the user may be allowed to select and set the time length of each part of the video, or to set the number of times each scene is to be displayed repeatedly. The user may also be allowed to set the background music to be assigned to the video.

[Example of a continuous scene video]
Fig. 9 shows an example of a sequence of scene videos as an example of a first video and a predetermined display having more complex content than those in Fig. 8. (A) is an example of a predetermined display having multiple scene information, and (B) is an example of a first video having multiple scene information. A user can create a first video such as (B) by changing elements based on the predetermined display/prescribed video of (A).

The specified display in (A) has a start image in the first part to an end image in the eighth part, and the start image and end image parts are the same as those in FIG. 8. The second part is the first scene image, and the third part is the first performance image. The fourth part is the second scene image, and the fifth part is the second performance image. The sixth part is the third scene image, and the seventh part is the third performance image. Parts 2 to 7 are variable content.

The first video in (B) similarly has the start image of the first section through the end image of the eighth section, and the start and end images are the same as those in the specified display. In the first video, the second through seventh sections are images whose content the user has created by selecting and changing elements. The user can combine multiple scene videos like those in FIG. 8 to create a continuous scene video like that in FIG. 9, or can create a continuous scene video like that in FIG. 9 by changing elements based on a specified video that is a specified display.

In Figures 8 and 9, the number of parts of variable content that make up the specified display corresponds to the number of parts of variable content that make up the first video, but the number of parts of variable content that make up the first video does not need to correspond to the number of parts of variable content that make up the specified display, and the number of parts of variable content that make up the first video can be set appropriately by the user when creating the first video.

[Scene video display example]
10 and 11 show a display example of one scene video. Here, a display example relating to production elements will be particularly described. Note that the images are displayed, for example, by fading in and out. In this example, the scene video, which is the first video selected and created by the user, is composed of scene A, character A2, character B2, movement 5, and production element 2 (item 2). Scene A is in front of the house. Character A2 refers to the second pose of character A. Character B2 refers to the second pose of character B. Movement 5 is, for example, a jumping action. Production element 2 (item 2) is "flying wings."

Figure 10 (A) is a schematic diagram showing a scene image in which characters A2 and B2 perform movement 5 in scene A. In scene A, characters A2 and B2 use performance element 2 (item 2). After the scene image (A), the image transitions to performance image (B). (B) is first an image of performance element 2 (item 2) as part of the performance image. After image (B), the image transitions to image (A) in Figure 11.

11A is an image of character A2 and character B2 flying in the sky using item 2, "flying wings," as a continuation of the production image. The sky image here is part of the production and belongs to scene A as scene information for management purposes. After the production image such as (A) ends, the screen transitions to the end screen of (B). The end screen of (B) displays the image of (A) superimposed on the background, or is displayed in gray, etc. The screen of (B) has a "Don't save" button, a "Save" button, a "Watch from the beginning" button, and a "Make opening" button. If the "Don't save" button is pressed, the storage unit 12 of the information processing device 1 does not save this scene video. If the "Save" button is pressed, the storage unit 12 of the information processing device 1 saves this scene video. If the "Watch from the beginning" button is pressed, the information processing device 1 plays this scene video from the beginning. When the "Set as opening" button is pressed, the information processing device 1 sets this scene video as the opening video, which is a predetermined display in a predetermined state. By providing the "Set as opening" button together with the "Save" button in this way, the user can be guided to set the created scene video as the opening video in response to the creation of the scene video, which is preferable. In the first embodiment, an example is described in which the "Set as opening" button is displayed on the screen in an operable manner as a case where the created scene video is set as the opening video, but if there is another predetermined display in which the created scene video can be set, it is also possible to further display an image of an operable button corresponding to the settable predetermined display. By making the created scene video settable as in the first embodiment, it is preferable because the child who is the user will see it every time he or she starts using the PC toy of the information processing device 1 of the first embodiment.

The condition for generating the effect image may be a single element, for example, an "extra" effect element, or a combination of multiple elements, for example, a combination of the first character and an "extra" effect element. In the above example of the effect image, even if another character C is selected as the character, the content will be the same, with character C flying with item 2 attached against the background of the sky.

As a variant, the above-mentioned effects may be used to transition or change the scene itself. For example, when the first item is used in the first scene, a transition to the second scene occurs via a production image. In this case, from the perspective of creating a continuous scene video, it may be treated as if the user selected the second scene as an element.

[Menu screen (1)]
FIG. 12 shows an example of the configuration of a menu screen for the video creation function. The screen in FIG. 12 (A) includes a list of scene videos on the left and a GUI for creating a series of scene videos on the right. In the list of scene videos on the left, when a user has created a scene video, for example, each scene video is numbered and displayed. In this example, there are four scene videos numbered 1 to 4. Note that the user may be allowed to name each video. Each scene video is expressed by a combination of cards for each of the above-mentioned elements. The display of each scene video can be confirmed by pressing a triangular button. The menu screen also includes a trash can icon, etc., and the user can select and delete a scene video. The "Back" button allows the user to return to the standard screen in FIG. 4 (B).

In the menu screen, a guide message is displayed to encourage the user to create a continuous scene video, for example, "Connect scenes to create a video." The GUI for creating a continuous scene video on the right displays a large frame and multiple connections between smaller parts within the frame. The user selects the desired scene video (≒ scene) in order from the list on the left, slides it, and places it in the large frame on the right. In this example, two or more up to four scene videos can be selected. The state in which multiple scene videos with an order are selected in the large frame corresponds to the state in which a continuous scene video has been created. Note that the GUI on the screen does not display the start and end images that make up the video. When multiple scene videos are combined, the start and end images of each scene video are omitted, and the video is composed of one continuous scene video with only one start and end image.

The GUI for creating a continuous scene video is not limited to the example shown in the figure. As another example, multiple scene videos may be displayed as pieces, which can be freely arranged in the on-screen range area according to the user's operation, and connections between the multiple pieces may be created according to the arrangement. Alternatively, connections between scene videos (≒ scenes) may be displayed as line images, and the user may be able to operate the line images and create connections between multiple scene videos by operating them.

(B) of FIG. 12 shows an example of the display when the confirmation of the continuous scene video display (the "View all" button) is finished. In this screen, the "Don't save" button, the "Save" button, the "Watch from the beginning" button and the "Set as opening" button are displayed in a format superimposed on the last image of the continuous scene video or in a format with a gray background. When the "Don't save" button is pressed, the storage unit 12 of the information processing device 1 does not save this continuous scene video. When the "Save" button is pressed, the storage unit 12 of the information processing device 1 saves this continuous scene video. When the "Watch from the beginning" button is pressed, the information processing device 1 plays this continuous scene video from the beginning. When the "Set as opening" button is pressed, the information processing device 1 sets this continuous scene video as an opening video, which is a predetermined display in a predetermined state. It is preferable to provide the "Set as opening" button together with the "Save" button, etc., because it is possible to guide the user to set the continuous scene video created as the opening video in response to the creation of the continuous scene video. . In the first embodiment, an example is described in which a "Set as opening" button is displayed on the screen in an operable manner as an opening video, but if there is another predetermined display in which the created scene sequence can be set, it is also possible to further display an image of an operable button corresponding to the predetermined display that can be set. Making the scene sequence created as the opening video configurable as in the first embodiment is preferable because the user, a child, will see it every time he or she starts using the PC toy of the information processing device 1 of the first embodiment.

[Menu screen (2)]
Fig. 13 shows an example of the configuration of a menu screen related to a continuous scene video, as another example of the configuration of the menu screen of the video creation function. This screen displays a list of continuous scene videos when the user has already created a continuous scene video. In this example, multiple continuous scene videos are identified by numbers from the left, and two continuous scene videos, indicated by numbers 1 and 2, have been created and saved. In this example, the configuration of each scene video is illustrated by the continuous video number, but may be displayed as a combination of elements as in Fig. 12. The configuration of each video may be displayed on the GUI as a thumbnail or the like. The display of each continuous scene video can be checked by using a triangular button.

[Special production image]
FIG. 14 shows an example of a special effect image of a scene video. When the information processing device 1 of the first embodiment displays a scene video, if the combination of elements is a specific combination among all combinations, the special effect image is generated. The control unit 11 generates a special effect image prepared in advance corresponding to a specific combination only when the combination is, for example, a specific scene, a first character, a second character, a movement, and a production element. The example of (A) in FIG. 14 shows a scene image of scene D, character A2, character C2, movement 2, and production element 3 (creature 1) as a specific combination. In this case, the control unit 11 displays a special effect image unique to the specific combination, as shown in (B). In this example, the special effect image has contents such as creature 1 (e.g., a dog) barking, character A2 and character C2 running away, and another character X appearing. This allows the user to be entertained by the contents of accidents and surprises caused by the special effect image, and also arouses the user's enjoyment and motivation to search for specific combinations and create videos.

[Guides, tutorials]
Fig. 15 shows a display example in which the information processing device 1 provides a guide or tutorial on video creation as a GUI to the user on the display screen 1D. In the example of Fig. 15, a step-by-step guide is provided according to the user's level of understanding in a mission-type tutorial. This allows children to create videos more easily. The information processing device 1 may provide such guidance not only by GUI display but also by using audio output or the like.

Figure 15 (A) is an example of a screen displaying the mission theme. In this example, character X appears to tell the mission theme, and the theme message (e.g., "Say hello to character B in scene A") is displayed in the lower box. This example is for an easy mission, and scene A and character A1 are already displayed on the screen. The screen then transitions to a scene selection screen like (B). The (B) screen has a scene selection screen similar to that of Figure 5 (A) in the background, and further displays an image of a guide message (e.g., "Choose a scene from here and slide it into the center box") and the like. The user performs operations by following the guide. For example, if a card of scene A is selected in accordance with the theme, it is correct, and the screen moves to the next selection screen and guide. If a card of another scene is selected, it is incorrect, and the screen moves to the next selection screen and guide. If the user makes a mistake, a guide will be displayed to inform them of the mistake. Similarly, a guide will be displayed on the selection screen for each element. After selecting a combination of elements, if the theme is achieved, the mission is cleared. After that, more difficult missions become available. For the easier missions at the beginning, for example, if the scene and character (pose does not matter) match the theme, the answer is correct. For the more difficult missions, for example, if the scene, character and pose, movement, and production elements match the theme, the answer is correct. Users who are not familiar with video creation can learn how to create videos by following tutorials like the one above. After users become somewhat accustomed to the process by clearing missions, they can move on to creating videos in the normal format without guidance.

Similarly, a tutorial in the form of a mission or the like may be provided for creating a continuous scene video as in FIG. 12. For example, with the screen in FIG. 12 as the background, guide messages such as "Select scenes in the order you want to connect them and slide them into the frame" or "First, select scene A and put it in the frame" are displayed. The mission is correct when multiple scene videos are selected in the order specified by the theme.

[Video-based editing]
FIG. 16 shows an example of a GUI or the like display for creating a video in a format of editing elements based on an existing video, for example an opening video which is a specified display, when a user creates a first video, as one of the video creation functions of the information processing device 1.

The screen in FIG. 16 (A) is an example of a screen in the case of editing based on a predetermined video as a predetermined display set as an existing opening video, and first, the components in the script of the predetermined video are displayed. This example of the predetermined video corresponds to the example including three scene information in FIG. 9 (A). The elements shown in the first scene image to the third scene image, etc. may actually be displayed as scene images or thumbnails, etc. Also, a guide message such as "Which scene do you want to change?" is displayed on the screen. Also, since the start image and end image are fixed content, a display may be displayed to the effect that they cannot be changed. The user selects which part of the scene to change by operation. In this example, it is assumed that the part of the second scene image is selected. In response to this, the information processing device 1 displays a screen such as (B).

In the screen of (B), first, the element configuration of the selected part of the second scene image is displayed in the balloon. In this example, the scene, character, movement, and production elements that make up the part of the second scene image are displayed in the form of cards or the like. In addition, a guide message such as "What do you want to change?" is displayed. The user selects the element to be changed by operation. For example, assume that the second character "With whom?" is selected. The information processing device 1 displays an element selection list related to the selected element at the bottom (similar to (A) in FIG. 6). The user can select the changed element from the list. Through such a procedure, the user can easily create a video in a format in which elements are partially changed based on the configuration of an existing video. The above example is based on a specific video, but it is not limited to this. It is also possible to create a video in a similar format based on a first video that the user has already created and selected.

[User Settings]
In the information processing device 1, a specific state for displaying a desired first moving image can be set as one of the user settings by the user. In the GUI on the screen, the information processing device 1 displays items such as at startup, at shutdown, processing, sleep, and user-set time as candidate specific states, along with a selection field for the first moving image to be displayed. The user, such as a child or parent, can select the specific state to be displayed from these items and set it in association with the moving image to be displayed. Particularly effective when using an opening moving image

[Effects, etc.]
As described above, the information processing device 1 of the first embodiment can increase the interest, etc., of children in creating videos. Children who are users can easily create videos with more complex or longer content based on a given video, and can enjoy the created video. In addition, users can set the video they created as an opening video or the like and enjoy it. Therefore, according to the first embodiment, it is easy to arouse the motivation, etc., of children who are users in creating videos.

The present invention has been specifically described above based on the embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments and can be modified in various ways without departing from the gist of the invention.

1... Information processing device, 1A... Main body, 1B... Mouse, 1C... Keyboard, 1D... Display screen.

Claims (8)

an input unit for inputting user operations;
a moving image creation unit capable of creating a moving image including a combination of at least two elements selected by a user based on an operation of the user via the input unit;
A display unit for displaying the moving image;
A control unit for controlling the input, creation, and display;
Equipped with
The control unit controls the display unit to display a list of the multiple videos created by the video creation unit, including a combination of elements selected when creating the video, and to select one of the multiple displayed videos based on an operation by the user, thereby enabling a continuous video in which the multiple videos are connected in chronological order by combining the multiple videos.
Information processing device. 2. The information processing device according to claim 1,
The control unit controls the display unit to display each of the videos on a continuous video creation screen that displays a list of the multiple videos on the display unit based on an operation by the user. 3. The information processing device according to claim 1,
The control unit controls the information processing device to display a graphical user interface on the display unit, the graphical user interface including an element selection procedure for creating the video, and to combine elements including scene information selected based on the user's operation, thereby enabling each of the multiple videos to be created. In the information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
An information processing device capable of setting , as the elements, at least scene information and characters appearing in the scene information. 5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4 ,
An information processing device that is also capable of setting the movement of the character in the scene information. 5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4 ,
A production element appearing in the scene information can be set,
The control unit of the information processing device controls the display of a video in which the character and the production element are set in the scene information so that a production image including an image of the production element and an image of the character corresponding to the production element can be displayed when the video is displayed in which the character and the production element are set in the scene information. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 6 ,
The control unit is an information processing device that, when displaying the video, if the combination of elements that make up the video is a specific combination among all combinations, controls the information processing device so that a special effect image corresponding to the specific combination can be displayed. A program for causing an information processing device to execute a process,
The information processing device includes:
an input unit for inputting user operations;
a moving image creation unit capable of creating a moving image including a combination of at least two elements selected by a user based on an operation of the user via the input unit;
A display unit for displaying the moving image;
A control unit for controlling the input, creation, and display;
Equipped with
The control unit controls the display unit to display a list of the multiple videos created by the video creation unit, including a combination of elements selected when creating the video, and to select one of the multiple displayed videos based on an operation by the user, thereby enabling a continuous video in which the multiple videos are connected in chronological order by combining the multiple videos .
program.

Images