JP7696232B2 - Computer system, entertainment system and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a computer system that controls the progress of content that includes multiple progression parts.

In video games, a typical example of entertainment content, various play elements are given depending on the results of play. Play elements include items, in-game currency, ability improvements such as imparting skills to the player character, the right to play new content (for example, the right to play a new game stage), lottery rights, etc. The same is true not only for video games, but also for other entertainment content such as content that allows interactive operation. How to use play elements, and in particular how to use items, is considered to be one of the important interests of the entertainment content, and various ideas have been devised for it.

For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology that allows a user who is watching video content to use an item that they have purchased separately as a gift or congratulatory gift for the performers or actors in the content.

JP 2012-120098 A

Regardless of the genre of entertainment content, there is always a demand to create new ways to use play elements.

The problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide technology that realizes new ways of using gameplay elements that are added as entertainment content progresses.

A first invention for solving the above-mentioned problems is a computer system for controlling the progress of content including a plurality of progression parts and in which a plurality of characters appear, comprising:
A game part control means (e.g., the server system 1100 in FIG. 1, the server processing unit 200s in FIG. 15, the game part control unit 212, the game part management data 703 in FIG. 24, and step S8 in FIG. 28) controls the progress of a game part in which a user acquires a game element by participating in the game part as one of the progression parts;
a viewing part control means for controlling the progress of a viewing part in which the user views viewing content in which a character appears as one of the progression parts (e.g., the server system 1100 in FIG. 1, the server processing unit 200s in FIG. 15, the viewing part control unit 220, step S120 in FIG. 30, the user terminal 1500 in FIG. 1, the viewing part control unit 263 in FIG. 25, step S126 in FIG. 32, steps S190 to S198 and step S222 in FIG. 33),
The viewing part control means is a computer system having an interactive processing means (e.g., server system 1100 in Figure 1, server processing unit 200s in Figure 15, interactive processing unit 223s in Figure 15, user terminal 1500 in Figure 1, interactive processing unit 223t in Figure 25, interactive processing definition data 600 in Figure 16, steps S190 to S198 in Figure 33) which, when an action operation by the user is received during viewing, performs interactive processing in accordance with the action operation on the viewing content based on the relationship between the participating character and the characters appearing in the viewing content.

According to the first invention, the user can acquire play elements in the play part, and use the acquired play elements as viewer actions in the viewing part toward characters appearing in the viewing content. A participating character involved in the situation in which the play element was acquired is linked to the participating character of that play element, and an interactive change occurs in the viewing content based on the relationship between the participating character of the play element used in the action operation and the appearing character that is the target of the action operation.

Entertainment content that allows for this type of use of play elements and the interactive processing that results from using them is unprecedented, and offers a completely new user experience.

The second invention is a computer system according to the first invention, in which the viewing content includes viewing content in which different characters appear, and the viewing part control means selects the viewing content to be viewed by the user based on a selection operation by the user (e.g., steps S108 to S110 in FIG. 30).

According to the second invention, the user can watch the viewing content that he or she has selected in the viewing part. This improves the quality of the user experience.

A third invention is a computer system according to the first or second invention, in which the audiovisual content includes a plurality of characters, and when the interactive processing means receives an action operation that targets a specific one of the characters, the interactive processing means performs the interactive processing by making changes to any of the display mode, behavior, parameter values, and possessed items of the target character (e.g., steps S194 to S198 in FIG. 33).

According to the third invention, the computer system changes, as an interactive process, the display mode, behavior, parameter values, possessed items, etc., of the character selected by the user as the target of instruction. Thus, by selecting a preferred character, the user can enjoy watching the viewing content while changing the character in various ways.

The fourth invention is a computer system according to any one of the first to third inventions, in which the interactive processing means controls whether or not to accept the action operation based on the relationship (e.g., application requirement 610 in FIG. 21, instruction target character condition 620, character relationship condition 624, step S194 in FIG. 33).

According to the fourth invention, a game element acquired by a user can be used or not depending on the relationship between the command target character and the characters involved in that game element. This brings diversity to the way the game element can be used, and increases interest.

The fifth invention is a computer system according to any one of the first to fourth inventions, in which the viewing part control means has a first interactive processing content variable control means (e.g., the first interactive processing content variable control unit 224 in FIG. 25, step S196 in FIG. 33) that variably controls the content of the interactive processing based on the relationship.

According to the fifth invention, the content of the interactive processing changes depending on the relationship, which further increases the interest in using new play elements.

The sixth invention is a computer system according to any one of the second to fifth inventions, in which the game part control means controls the progress of the game part by executing training content for training the participating character based on the user's operation, and variably controls the game elements that the user can acquire based on the training status of the participating character.

According to the sixth aspect of the invention, the participating character can be trained in training content (e.g., a training game), and the game elements that the user can acquire change based on the training status of the participating character. This can further increase the interest in using new game elements.

The seventh invention is a computer system according to any one of the first to sixth inventions, in which the game part control means performs control to select the participating character based on the user's operation (e.g., steps S16 to S28 in FIG. 29).

According to the seventh invention, a participating character associated with a play element can be selected based on a user's operational input during a play part.

The eighth invention is a computer system according to any one of the first to seventh inventions, in which the game part control means performs control to acquire the game element based on the user's operational input to the participating character (e.g., steps S16 to S28 in FIG. 29).

According to the eighth invention, as a result of the user operating a play character in a play part, the situation in the play part changes, and the user can obtain various play elements according to the situation.

The ninth invention is a computer system according to any one of the first to fifth inventions, in which the game part control means controls the progress of the game part by executing game mission content in which the participating character presents a given game mission and the game element can be acquired by completing the game mission based on the user's operation (see, for example, FIG. 5).

According to the ninth invention, the user can play the play part as a game in which the aim is to complete a game mission.

The tenth invention is a computer system according to any one of the first to ninth inventions, in which the content includes one or more sets of the progression part, which includes one or more play parts, and one or more viewing parts.

According to the tenth aspect of the invention, in order to progress through the content, it is possible to realize a play that combines a play part and a viewing part.

An eleventh invention is a computer system according to the tenth invention, in which the play element is selected and operated by the user when performing the action operation, and the viewing part control means has a second interactive processing content variable control means (e.g., the second interactive processing content variable control unit 225 in FIG. 25, the application requirement 610 and the time condition 626 in FIG. 21) that variably controls the content of the interactive processing based on the time interval between the play part in which the play element used in the action operation was acquired and the viewing part in which the action operation was performed.

According to the eleventh invention, it is possible to realize entertainment content with a new interest, in which the time interval between the game part in which the game element used in the action operation is acquired and the viewing part in which the action operation is performed changes the content of the viewing content of the viewing part.

The twelfth invention is a computer system according to the tenth or eleventh invention, in which the play elements are associated with the viewing parts that can be selected by the user when performing the action operation (for example, the setting of available viewing parts by available situations 533 of the use restriction setting data 530 in FIG. 17, the acquired play element data 720 in FIG. 24, and the available situations in the use restriction setting 725), and the interactive processing means controls whether or not to accept an action operation using the play element based on whether or not the current viewing part is the viewing part associated with the play element (for example, step S194 in FIG. 33).

According to the twelfth aspect of the invention, game elements are associated with viewing parts in which action operations using the game elements are possible, and the game elements that can be used change depending on the current viewing part. This brings diversity to the way game elements can be used, and increases interest.

The thirteenth invention is an entertainment system comprising a server system that is a computer system according to any one of the first to twelfth inventions, and a user terminal of the user that communicates with the server system and performs the function of a man-machine interface.

According to the thirteenth aspect, an entertainment system can be realized that provides the same effects as the first aspect.

The fourteenth invention is a program for causing a computer system to control the progress of content that includes multiple progression parts and in which multiple characters appear, the program causing the computer system to function as a play part control means for controlling the progress of a play part in which a participating character is involved as one of the progression parts and the user acquires a play element, and a viewing part control means for controlling the progress of a viewing part in which the user views viewing content in which a featured character appears as one of the progression parts, the viewing part control means including an interactive processing means for, when an action operation by the user is received during viewing, performing interactive processing in response to the action operation on the viewing content based on the relationship between the participating character and the featured character of the viewing content.

According to the fourteenth aspect of the invention, it is possible to realize a program that allows a computer system to achieve the same effect as the first aspect of the invention.

FIG. 1 shows an example of the configuration of an entertainment system. FIG. 4 is a front view showing a configuration example of a user terminal. FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an example of a part structure of entertainment content. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the game part. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining an example of a game mission. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining game elements. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining an example of associating characters with game elements. 1 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between a user and characters appearing in video content. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining how to determine a viewer group of users who view the same viewing content. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a viewing part. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining manual interactive processing. 11A and 11B are diagrams for explaining the difference in the degree of influence on the content of the viewing content depending on the relationship between the participating character and the instruction target character. FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining automatic interactive processing (part 1). FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining automatic interactive processing (part 2). FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the server system according to the first embodiment. 5A and 5B are diagrams showing examples of programs and data stored in a server storage unit of the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of play element definition data. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of play part definition data. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of viewing part definition data. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of viewing content initial setting data. A diagram showing an example of the data structure of application requirements included in interactive processing definition data 5 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of processing content data included in interactive processing definition data; FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of entertainment management data. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of game part management data. FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a user terminal in the first embodiment. 5A and 5B are diagrams showing examples of programs and data stored in a terminal storage unit of the first embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of viewing part management data. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of processing executed by a server system and a user terminal for executing one entertainment content. 11 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of processing executed by the server system in a game part processing. 11 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of processing executed by the server system 1100 in viewing part processing. 31 is a flowchart continuing from FIG. 30 . 11 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of processing after selection of viewing content in the viewing part client processing executed by the user terminal. Flowchart continuing from FIG. 32 . FIG. 11 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a server system according to a second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of entertainment management data in the second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a user terminal according to the second embodiment. FIG. 13 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a server system according to a third embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of programs and data stored in a server storage unit according to the third embodiment. FIG. 13 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a user terminal according to the third embodiment. 13A and 13B are diagrams showing examples of programs and data stored in a terminal storage unit according to the third embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of synthesis definition data. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of evolution definition data.

The following describes examples of embodiments of the present invention, but it goes without saying that the forms to which the present invention can be applied are not limited to the following embodiments.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an entertainment system.
The entertainment system 1000 includes a server system 1100 and a user terminal 1500 of each user capable of communicating with the server system 1100, and is a system for enabling entertainment content to be played on the user terminal 1500. Although only two user terminals 1500 are illustrated in Fig. 1, in actual system operation, one or three or more user terminals 1500 can participate in the entertainment system 1000.

In the entertainment system 1000, the server system 1100 and the user terminals 1500 are connected to each other via the network 9 so that data can be communicated therebetween, and the user terminals 1500 are also connected to each other via the network 9 so that data can be communicated therebetween.

The network 9 refers to a communication path that allows data communication. In other words, the network 9 includes a LAN (Local Area Network) such as a dedicated line (dedicated cable) for direct connection or Ethernet (registered trademark), as well as a communication network such as a telephone communication network, a cable network, or the Internet, and the communication method can be either wired or wireless.

User 2 (2a, 2b, ...) uses user terminal 1500 (1500a, 1500b, ...) to access server system 1100 or a specific website managed by server system 1100, and becomes a registered user, i.e., a member, after going through a specific user registration procedure. Then, by going through a specific sign-in procedure using a unique user account (signature name) set at the time of registration, user terminal 1500 is incorporated into entertainment system 1000 and the system goes online. Also, by going through a specific sign-out procedure, user 2 leaves the system and the system goes offline.

The server system 1100 is a computer system having, for example, a main unit 1101, a keyboard 1106, a touch panel 1108, and storage 1140, and a control board 1150 mounted on the main unit 1101.

The control board 1150 is equipped with various microprocessors such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 1151, a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), and a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), various IC memories 1152 such as a VRAM, RAM, and ROM, and a communication device 1153. Note that a part or all of the control board 1150 may be realized by an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or a SoC (System on a Chip).

The server system 1100 realizes (1) a user management function that manages information related to user registration, etc., (2) an entertainment management function that allows users to play entertainment content, and (3) a membership service provision function that provides membership services other than playing entertainment content (for example, posting and viewing gameplay videos, providing chat spaces, online shopping for items to be used in entertainment content, etc.) by having the control board 1150 perform calculations based on predetermined programs and data.

Although the server system 1100 is depicted as if it were a single server device, it may be realized by a configuration of multiple devices. For example, the server system 1100 may be configured to include multiple blade servers each sharing a function, connected to each other via an internal bus so that data communication is possible. Furthermore, the location of the hardware that constitutes the server system 1100 does not matter. It may be configured so that multiple independent servers installed in remote locations communicate data via the network 9, and function as the server system 1100 as a whole.

The user terminal 1500 is a computer system that a user 2 who has completed the registration procedure uses to utilize the entertainment system 1000 of this embodiment, and is an electronic device that can access the server system 1100 and other user terminals 1500 via the network 9.

FIG. 2 is a front view showing an example of the configuration of the user terminal 1500. As shown in FIG.
The user terminal 1500 includes a directional input key 1502, a button switch 1504, a touch panel 1506 that functions as an image display device and a touch position input device, an internal battery 1509, a speaker 1510, a microphone 1512, a camera 1520, a control board 1550, and a memory card reader 1542 that can read and write data from a memory card 1540 that is a computer-readable storage medium. In addition, a power button, a volume control button, etc. that are not shown are provided. In addition, an IC card reader that can read and write data contactlessly from an IC card type credit card or prepaid card that can be used to pay for the use of the entertainment system 1000 may be provided.

The control board 1550 is equipped with (1) a CPU 1551 and various microprocessors such as a GPU and a DSP, (2) various IC memories 1552 such as a VRAM, a RAM, and a ROM, (3) a wireless communication module 1553 for wireless communication with a mobile phone base station or a wireless LAN base station connected to the network 9, and (4) an interface circuit 1557.

The interface circuit 1557 includes (1) a driver circuit for the touch panel 1506, (2) a circuit for receiving signals from the directional input keys 1502 and the button switches 1504, (3) an output amplifier circuit for outputting audio signals to the speaker 1510, (4) an input signal generation circuit for generating an audio signal collected by the microphone 1512, (5) a circuit for inputting image data of an image captured by the camera 1520, and (6) a signal input/output circuit for the memory card reader 1542.

These elements mounted on the control board 1550 are electrically connected via a bus circuit or the like, and are connected so that data can be read and written and signals can be sent and received. A part or all of the control board 1550 may be configured using an ASIC, FPGA, or SoC. The control board 1550 stores programs and various data for realizing the functions of a user terminal in the IC memory 1552.

In this embodiment, the user terminal 1500 is configured to download programs and various setting data from the server system 1100, but it may also be configured to read them from a storage medium such as a memory card 1540 obtained separately.

The user terminal 1500 shown in FIG. 2 is a device known as a smartphone, but may be a computer system such as a wearable computer, such as a smart watch or smart glasses, a portable game device, a home game device, a tablet computer, or a personal computer. When multiple electronic devices are communicatively connected to perform one function, such as a combination of a smartphone and a smart watch communicatively connected to the smartphone, these multiple electronic devices can be considered as one user terminal 1500.

Figure 3 is a diagram for explaining an example of part configuration of entertainment content. Entertainment content is composed of a series of multiple progression parts. The progression parts include a first progression part 11, which must be played, and a second progression part 12, which becomes executable after the first progression part 11. It is up to the player to decide whether or not to play the second progression part 12. Entertainment content is repeated in multiple sets, with the first progression part 11 and the subsequent second progression part 12 forming one set. Overall, the entertainment story progresses and unfolds along a timeline. Note that while only two sets are shown in Figure 3, it goes without saying that entertainment content may be composed of only one set, or three or more sets.

Each first progression part 11 has an executable period TA, TB (e.g., six days from Monday to Saturday) set therein, and has one or more play parts 13 in which the player, or user, plays the game using a character. The play parts 13 (13a, 13b, ...) may have a series of story flows as a whole, or each may have a complete situation. An example of the former would be a case where the play parts 13 are ordered as the first day of a story, the second day, .... An example of the latter would be a case where each play part 13 depicts a situation for a different training item or subject, or is prepared as a different game genre (the first is action, the second is shooting, the third is puzzle, etc.).

The second progression part 12 (12a, 12b, ...) is a viewing part 15 (15a, 15b, ...) in which one or more viewing contents 16 can be viewed.
The second progression part 12 can be executed within a predetermined period from the end of the period of the first progression part 11 of the same set. That is, viewing periods VA and VB are set for each second progression part 12. Note that, although one second progression part 12 is depicted as one viewing part 15 in the example of Fig. 3, it may be composed of a series of multiple viewing parts 15 with different executable periods.

One viewing part 15 has one or more viewing contents 16 (16a, 16b, . . . ).
Each viewing content 16 is a video content depicting a story that continues on the timeline from the story that unfolded in the play part 13 of the first progression part 11 that was set immediately before, and the user, who is the player, is set to be viewing the distribution of the video content as a viewer.

One or more characters appear in the viewing content 16. Among the characters, the main character is selected from among the candidate characters from which the user selects a player character (a character to be played) in the game part 13.

In each audiovisual content 16, the situations depicted using the characters may be the same or different.
For example, the viewing content 16 may have a common setting of a "live singing show in which the characters sing and dance to a specified song" as a place to demonstrate the singing and dancing abilities improved in the previous game part 13, and multiple viewing contents 16 may be prepared with different combinations of the characters.

Of course, viewing contents 16 with different situations may be mixed in one viewing part 15. For example, multiple viewing contents 16 with different combinations of characters depicting "a live singing show in which the characters sing and dance to a specific song" may be mixed with multiple viewing contents 16 with different combinations of characters depicting "characters appearing on a variety show and teaming up to compete in a team match."

Information about the part composition of such entertainment content is set in advance as progression part composition data 511.

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the game part 13. As shown in FIG.
In one play part 13, the game includes one or more sets of a selection phase 21 in which the user, who is the player, selects one or more play characters 60 from a number of candidate characters before starting play, a play phase 22 in which the game is played using the selected play characters 60, and an acquisition phase 23 in which play elements are acquired according to the results of playing the game.

The genre and content of the game in the play phase 22 can be set as appropriate. The game content can be selected as appropriate from various game genres such as action games, training games, puzzle games, role-playing games, and tactical simulation games. The game genre may differ for each play part 13.

For example, in a training game in which the playable character 60 aims to become an idol and the user takes on the role of the trainer, in play phase 22 the playable character 60 undergoes various training to improve the playable character's 60 abilities as an idol. The playable character 60 can also be trained by using items to eat, sometimes going shopping with the playable character 60, and giving presents to keep the playable character 60 in a good mood. Part of the play performance includes a relationship parameter value between the user and the playable character 60 (a value equivalent to intimacy in the case of a training game), and in addition to improving the playable character's 60 ability parameter values, one of the goals of the game is to improve this relationship parameter value.

Note that relationship parameter values are prepared not only when the content of the game part 13 is a training game, and depending on the game content, the names are not limited to intimacy equivalent values, but can also be trust, loyalty, friendship, hostility, similarity, etc.

The content of the game play includes content in the form of a game mission from the play target character 60 .
Fig. 5 is a diagram for explaining an example of a game mission. The game mission is in the form of a game. In the example of Fig. 5, the user inputs a predetermined operation in time with the rhythm of the music while referring to the score 17 displayed on the game screen W6 while the music is being played, and the playing result is determined by the matching of the timing. Then, the ability of the play target character 60 improves and the relationship parameter value changes according to the playing result, and the play element 8 can be acquired by accomplishing the game mission.

Returning to FIG. 4, when the play phase 22 ends, the game moves to the acquisition phase 23, in which game elements 8 are awarded to the user based on the gameplay performance in the play phase 22.

The way in which the play element 8 is acquired (the situation in which the play element 8 is acquired) can be set appropriately according to the game content. For example, after playing the game, the play character 60 may go shopping and acquire the play element 8 using a lottery machine at a store they visit. A lottery machine may appear and a lottery may be performed to acquire the play element 8. Alternatively, the play character 60 may present the play element 8 as a gift in return for the coaching in the play phase 22. In either case, the basis is the play performance in the play phase 22, and the user 2's operation input to the play character 60 is used to control the user's acquisition of the play element 8. Note that the play phase 22 and the acquisition phase 23 may appear to be one entity. In that case, the acquisition phase 23 may be included as an event included in the play phase 22.

The play elements 8 are elements that can be used in the play part 13 and the viewing part 15. As shown in FIG. 6, multiple types of play elements 8 (8a, 8b, ...) are prepared. Each type of play element 8 is associated with information such as the play element type, play element category, corresponding character, rarity, attributes, and usage restrictions.

For example, examples of categories of play elements 8 that can be used in the play part 13 include: (1) character items that can be used by the play character 60 in the play part 13; (2) ability improvement rights related to at least one of the player, the play character 60, and acquired items;
etc.

Character items can be set appropriately depending on the game genre of the play part 13. For example, in a training game, the play elements 8 may be items equipped or possessed by the character (e.g., costumes, weapons, etc.), food for the playable character, gifts that the playable character likes, support NPCs, etc.

The content of the ability improvement when the ability improvement right is activated/used may be, for example, level up, imparting a skill, leveling up an already imparted skill, imparting an ability, improving ability parameter values, allocating ability points, evolution, synthesis, etc., and the names and contents of these can be set appropriately according to the content of the play part 13. In the play part 13, it is preferable to set it so that new movement patterns are added to the play target character 60 or abilities are unlocked appropriately according to such ability improvements.

Further, for example, examples of categories of play elements 8 that can be used in the viewing content 16 of the viewing part 15 are as follows:
(1) Character items that can change the display mode of featured characters;
(2) Character items that can be carried by the characters; (3) Movement patterns that can change various actions of the characters, including their facial expressions;
(4) Ability improvement rights that allow the ability parameter values of the characters to be changed;
(5) Background objects, background images, and effects that can change the background of the audiovisual content 16;
(6) Items for viewing actions that can be used in viewer actions (actions taken with the intention of supporting characters appearing in the viewing content 16, such as “tipping,” “comments,” and “ratings”) performed by the user in the viewing part 15;
(7) Support goods used by the user avatar appearing in viewing part 15;
(8) A special cheering motion applied to the user avatar;
The way in which the play elements 8 are presented to the user can be set appropriately, but may be in the form of game cards, for example.

The corresponding character is a character that is linked to each game element 8, and is one or more characters that appear in the game part 13.
FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining an example of associating characters with play elements 8. In FIG.
7(1), for example, when a play element 8 is an item 5 dedicated to a certain character, the character associated with that play element 8 is a dedicated character 71. The item 5 and the dedicated character 71 are represented by a common visual (e.g., a game card design) relating to one play element 8. In contrast, an item 5 that can be used generically and is not limited to use with a specific character or situation is represented by the item alone, without the dedicated character 71, as the visual of one play element 8.

Also, as shown in FIG. 7(2) to FIG. 7(4), a general-purpose item is associated with a participating character 7 that participated in acquiring the item.
7(2), if item 5 (5d) of play element 8 (8d) is a gift from play target character 60, then play target character 60, who is the giver, is associated as participating character 7. Since play target character 60 is selected by the user at the start of play part 13, when attention is paid to the setting of participating character 7, participating character 7 (strictly speaking, a character that can become participating character 7) is selected based on the selection operation of play target character 60 by user 2.

For example, if the item is obtained when the user and the play character 60 go shopping together, such as item 5 (5f) of play element 8 (8f) in FIG. 7 (3) or item 5 (5g) of play element 8 (8g) in FIG. 7 (4), the accompanying play character 60 is associated as the participating character 7. As another example, there may be a situation in which the user purchases an exclusive item for each character 6 during a shopping event that occurs in play part 13. In this case, the character 6 corresponding to the purchased play element 8 becomes the character associated with that play element 8. In other words, the character with the highest involvement in the situation in which that play element 8 was acquired becomes the participating character 7.

The elements that describe the application requirements that must be met in order for the use restriction to apply and the content of the use restriction that applies when the application requirements are met are as follows:
(1) The date and time when the play element 8 was acquired (either the real world or the game world date and time is acceptable),
(2) A situation in which the eighth play element is acquired,
(3) the type and number of characters involved in acquiring the play element 8;
(4) The type of character in which the play element 8 is used;
(5) The relationship between the character in which the play element 8 is used and the participating characters;
(6) Skill and ability parameter values required for the character using the game element 8;
(7) Situations in which it can be used,
(8) Expiration date;
(9) The type, degree and duration of the effect;
(10) Setting a relationship between a character involved in acquiring a play element 8 and a character using the play element 8;
Any of the above can be appropriately selected and used. Note that the specific settings of these elements may be substantially "unlimited."

By appropriately setting the "date and time when the game element 8 was acquired," it is possible to set usage restrictions that are limited to game elements 8 acquired during a specific time period or during a specific period.

By appropriately setting the "situation in which game element 8 is acquired," it is possible to set different usage restrictions depending on the situation in which it is acquired.

By appropriately setting the "type and number of characters involved in the acquisition of the play element 8," it is possible to set different usage restrictions depending on which characters were involved in the situation in which the same play element 8 was acquired.

By appropriately setting the "type of character for which game element 8 is used," it is possible to set game element 8 that limits the target for which it can be used.

The "relationship between the character using the play element 8 and the participating character involved in the acquisition of the play element 8" can be, for example, unlimited, limited to the participating character, limited to when the friendship parameter value between the character used and the participating character is equal to or greater than a threshold, limited to when the character used and the participating character 7 belong to the same team, etc.

By appropriately combining and setting the "relationship between the character using the play element 8 and the participating characters involved in the acquisition of the play element 8" with the "type, degree, and duration of the effect," it becomes possible to set usage restrictions with different effects for the same play element 8 depending on the relationship between the character using the play element 8 and the participating characters involved in the acquisition of the play element.

The "usable situations" may be set to be limited to the play part 13, the viewing part 15, a specific period in the viewing part 15 (e.g., during an interlude in a song), or a category of viewing content 16.

Once the "usage period" has passed, the game element 8 cannot be used. The user may extend or renew the usage period by paying a separate fee (e.g., by charging, consuming an item, etc.). By appropriately combining the usage period with the settings of the type, level, and duration of the effect, it is possible to set the effect to be reduced or eliminated based on the amount of time that has passed since acquisition or after a certain date.

Figure 8 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the user and the playable character 60, i.e., the featured character 6 appearing in the viewing content 16.

The overall relationship between the user and the characters appearing in the viewing content 16 is represented by a relationship represented by a relationship parameter value based on the playing results in the play part 13, and a relationship determined from the acquisition status of the play elements 8. The acquisition status of the play elements 8 includes the character-specific acquisition status obtained by dividing the play elements 8 already acquired by the user 2 into associated characters (characters that can use the play elements 8). Then, as described below, a group of users who watch the same viewing content 16 in the viewing part 15 is determined based on this overall relationship.

FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining how a viewer group 3 of users viewing the same viewing content 16 is determined.
When the first progression part 11 ends, the second progression part 12 of the same set can be executed. The second progression part 12 is a viewing part 15, in which multiple types of viewing content 16 with different combinations of appearing characters are prepared, and the user selects at least one of them to view.

A specific viewing start date and time is set for each viewing part 15 by the operator of the entertainment system 1000. The viewing start date and time is notified to the user by publishing it on a specific website or by a specific schedule confirmation function realized by the entertainment content.

For example, "First Talk Show: May 5th, 18:00-19:00." The user selects the viewing preference for the viewing content 16 to be viewed in the viewing part 15 and reserves the play before the viewing start date and time. This can also be called a viewing application.

The viewing option is determined by selecting viewing content 16 in which the characters with the user's overall relationship that meets a given criterion appear as featured characters 6 (6a, 6b, ...) from among viewing content 16 available in the executable viewing part 15.

For example, multiple types of viewing content 16 are prepared for the "First Talk Show." These viewing contents 16 share the same genre of talk show and the same topic of childhood memories related to "Children's Day," but the number of performers and the characters 6 appearing as performers differ depending on the viewing content 16.

In the example of FIG. 9, in the example of the overall relationship of user 2 (2a), the overall relationship with character 6e out of the five types of characters 6 (6a, 6b, ...) satisfies the criteria. In other words, character 6e is the favorite character for that user, or the so-called "oshi" (favorite character).

Therefore, for the user 2 (2a), viewing content 16 (16a, 16b) that includes the featured character 6e as a main character is selected and becomes an option for the viewing preference selection. For the user 2 (2a), viewing content 16 in which the "favorite" featured character 6e appears is automatically presented as an option, so the user must select and input their viewing preference based on which characters other than the "favorite" featured character 6e appear and what the situation of the content is.

In this way, by presenting the viewing preferences of the user based on the overall relationship, the user composition of the viewer group 3 can be adjusted.
For example, when focusing on a certain viewing content 16, a viewer group 3 can be formed that is made up of users who are highly motivated to view the content and who "support" a character 6 that appears in the viewing content. Paradoxically speaking, it can be said that the viewer group 3 is essentially formed by extracting users who "support" the character 6, and matching is achieved.

Of course, viewer group 3 is not necessarily made up 100% of users who "favorite" a character. For example, like user 2 (2b), in cases where there is little difference in overall relationships and no particular favorite character, there is no superiority or inferiority due to differences in the characters appearing in the viewing content 16. Therefore, user 2 (2b) is presented with all available viewing content 16 (16a, 16b, ...) as options for viewing. The choice is up to the mood of user 2 (2b). Viewer group 3 may include a certain number of users who have become viewers of the viewing content 16 in this way.

Nevertheless, it is clear that the excitement when viewing viewing content 16 (as reflected in the number and content of viewer actions while viewing) is much greater than when viewer group 3 is formed with a majority of users who do not "favorite" character 6, or when users are randomly grouped together resulting in a minority of users who "favorite" a character.

It is also possible to omit the process of presenting options of viewing content 16 to be viewed to user 2 who wishes to play viewing part 15 and having user 2 select, and have server system 1100 essentially specify viewing content 16. Only one option of viewing content 16 may be selected, and user 2 may select and decide on viewing content 16 when requesting to play viewing part 15. From a perspective centered on viewing content 16, it can also be said that for each viewing content 16, users 2 who are likely to be interested in the content and have high viewing motivation are extracted based on overall relationships, and a viewer group 3 for that viewing content 16 is formed.

Furthermore, the viewing content 16 prepared in one viewing part 15 does not have to have the same situation. In other words, the viewing content 16 associated with one viewing part 15 may have different characters 6 and situations. For example, it may be "First Talk Show: May 5th 18:00-19:00" and "First Dance Competition: May 5th 18:00-19:00". The latter is a place to reveal the results of training in the previous play part 13.

In this case, even if it is the same viewing part 15, the content viewed by each user 2 will be different, and this will become a topic of conversation in the user community of user 2 after viewing. This will invigorate the user community and increase the appeal of the entertainment content. It is also possible to provide a so-called "replay value" element that will make user 2 want to play the entertainment content again.

FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the viewing part 15. As shown in FIG.
The viewing of the viewing content 16 in the viewing part 15 is performed in a format in which the user 2 of the viewer group 3 simultaneously views the same viewing content 16. That is, data (content data) for executing viewing of the desired viewing content 16 is distributed from the server system 1100 to the user terminal 1500 of the user 2 who wishes to view a certain viewing content 16. Then, at the arrival of the predicted viewing start date and time, a stage for the viewing content 16 is formed in a virtual three-dimensional space in each user terminal 1500, and the characters appearing there are arranged. The actions of the characters and other objects in the virtual three-dimensional space are controlled according to a predetermined scenario. The situation is photographed and rendered by a virtual camera arranged in the virtual three-dimensional space, and the image becomes the original image of the viewing screen W10 (W10a, W10b) of the viewing content 16.

When a viewer user 2 (user 2b in the example of FIG. 10) performs a viewer action such as "tipping," "commenting," or "rating" while watching, that information is shared within the same viewer group 3. Then, on each user terminal 1500, a display corresponding to that viewer action (for example, a display 30 corresponding to "comment" that displays the comment text, a display 31 corresponding to "tipping" that simulates the insertion of a coin, etc.) is displayed interactively. These are collectively referred to as "shared interactive processing." Through shared interactive processing, user 2 of the same viewer group 3 can obtain a user experience as if they were watching the same live broadcast together with other users (members of the viewer group).

On the other hand, the display mode, actions, ability parameter values, possessed items, etc. of the appearing characters 6 placed in the virtual three-dimensional space controlled by each user terminal 1500 change interactively locally (at each user terminal 1500). In other words, the basic content of the viewing content 16 is the same for all members of the viewer group 3, but the details, such as the display mode of the appearing characters 6, differ from user to user.

Local interactive changes are reflected in the content of the viewing content 16 as a result of manual interactive processing and automatic interactive processing being performed.

FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the manual interactive process.
Manual interactive processing is an interactive viewer action in which, while viewing viewing content 16, user 2 performs a specified operation in exchange for acquired play elements 8, thereby affecting the content of viewing content 16 in a manner that corresponds to the play elements 8 that have been acquired in exchange.

Specifically, when it is detected that the user 2 has performed a touch operation on one of the featured characters 6 on the viewing screen W11bf, that character is designated as the "target character 32." Alternatively, when a predetermined viewer action start operation is detected, a list of the featured characters 6 may be displayed and the target character 32 may be selected from the list by performing a touch operation.

Next, a list 34 of acquired play elements 8 that can be used by the instruction target character 32 is presented to the user 2, and a selection of which play element 8 to use is accepted.
The conditions for selecting the play elements 8 displayed in the list 34 are not limited to those that can be used for the command target character 32, and additional conditions can be added as appropriate. For example, the selection conditions may include that the participating character 7 is the same as the command target character 32, that the participating character 7 and the command target character 32 belong to the same idol production company or the same idol team in the imaginary world of the play part 13, and so on.

The acquired play elements 8 displayed in the list 34 are determined by a primary search of all acquired play elements owned by the user 2 for play elements 8 associated with the viewing content 16 being viewed or the viewing part 15 being performed, and then a secondary search of the results of the primary search for play elements 8 that can be used by the command target character 32. The play element 8 selected by the user from the list 34 is then considered to be a "command play element" that will be the compensation for the viewer action to be realized, and the content of the interactive processing determined based on the command play element is reflected in the content of the viewing content 16 being viewed.

For example, in the example of FIG. 11, on the viewing screen W11bf before reflection, the featured character 6e is selected as the command target character 32. When user 2 selects the play element 8 of "muffler" from the list 34 as the command target play element 80, on the viewing screen W11af after reflection, the featured character 6e is holding a "muffler" and the display mode is changed to one in which the character is wearing a "muffler" (indicated by the upper white arrow of the two white arrows in FIG. 11). In other words, the command target character 32 will be equipped with the play element 8 provided by user 2.

In addition, if the user avatar 36 of user 2 appears on the viewing screen W11bf before reflection, user 2 can select the user avatar 36 as the instruction target character 32. In this case, when a play element 8 available to the user avatar is selected from the list 34 as the instruction target play element 80, an interactive process associated with the selected play element 8 is executed on the viewing screen W11af after reflection. In the example of FIG. 11, the user avatar 36 is "holding and waving a penlight" (indicated by the lower white arrow of the two white arrows in FIG. 11).

Similarly, if the content of the acquired play element 8 selected from list 34 is an emote, the command target character 32 is reflected to perform that emote. If the acquired play element 8 selected from list 34 is an action (e.g., blowing a kiss while jumping), the command target character 32 is reflected to perform that action. If the acquired play element 8 selected from list 34 is a change in ability parameter value (e.g., improving dance ability level), the motion data applied to the movement control of the command target character 32 is changed from the initial state data to motion data for a better dance, and it is reflected as if the target character's dance level has improved.

However, even if an acquired game element 8 is presented in the list 34 as available for use by the command target character 32, the degree to which that game element affects the content of the viewing content 16 will vary depending on the relationship between the characters 7 involved in that game element and the command target character 32.

Figure 12 is a diagram to explain the difference in the degree of influence on the content of the viewing content 16 depending on the relationship between the participating character 7 and the instruction target character 32.

Figures 12 (1) and 12 (2) show examples of differences in the relationship between the participating character 7 and the instruction target character 32, depending on whether they are the same (same type). The play element 8 used in the examples is an item that improves the ability parameter value of the instruction target character 32, and it is assumed that the participating character 7 is set.

As shown in FIG. 12(1), if the instruction target character 32 and the participating character 7 are the same or of the same type, the two are considered to be compatible, and the action and effect of the play element 8 is exerted 100%.
As shown in FIG. 12 (2), if the instruction target character 32 and the participating character 7 are not the same or of the same type, the two are deemed incompatible, and the effect of the play element 8 is suppressed.

Figures 12 (2) and 12 (3) show examples of differences in the relationship between the participating character 7 and the instruction target character 32 as a connection between people in the imaginary world of the game part 13 and the viewing content 16.

The relationship parameter values (e.g., intimacy, attachment, friendship, etc.) between the instruction target character 32 and the participating character 7 in Fig. 12(2) are higher than those in Fig. 12(3). Alternatively, the instruction target characters 32 in Fig. 12(2) may belong to the same idol team in the imaginary world of the game part 13 or the viewing content 16, but the instruction target characters 32 in Fig. 12(3) may belong to a different team. Other relationships between people, such as friend or foe, parent-child relationship, or superior-subordinate relationship, may also be used.
The stronger the relationship, the greater the effect of the play element 8.

As another example of differences in the degree of influence, if the play element 8 is used to grant an item to the instruction target character 32, specific differences may be made in the grade of the granted item, the number of granted items, or the expiration date of the granted items. Also, differences may be made in the appearance of the items displayed on the screen.

13 and 14 are diagrams for explaining the automatic interactive processing.
While manual interactive processing requires manual operations by the user 2 such as selecting the target character 32 and selecting the instructed play element, automatic interactive processing is executed automatically without such user operations and affects the content of the viewing content 16 in accordance with the acquisition status of the play element 8.

The content of the automatic interactive processing is set in various ways depending on the acquisition status of game elements 8. The "acquisition status" is represented by (1) the current possession status, which indicates the combination of acquired game elements 8, and (2) the addition status, which indicates how many and what types of new game elements 8 have been acquired by playing the previous game part 13.

The content of the automatic interactive processing can be broadly divided into direct reflection on the content of the viewing content 16 as shown in FIG. 13 and indirect reflection as shown in FIG. 14.

13(1) and 13(2) show examples of the contents of automatic interactive processing in which differences in the currently owned and acquired status of acquired play elements 8 are directly reflected.
In the example of FIG. 13(1), the possession status indicates that "a predetermined number or more game elements 8 of different versions common to the participating characters 7 are possessed." The example of FIG. 13(1) shows an example in which the participating characters 7 share the same "eyebrow rabbit" and three game elements 8 of different versions of the "scarf" item exist in the acquired game elements 8. Then, as the content of the interactive processing, a "scarf" item 40 is additionally equipped to a character that matches the participating character 7 among the characters 6 appearing in the viewing content 16, and a new motion is automatically added. In the example of FIG. 13(1), it is a motion to jump high.

In the example of FIG. 13(2), the possession status is such that "a predetermined number or more of play elements 8 having a common item but different participating characters 7 are possessed." The example of FIG. 13(2) shows an example in which the five play elements 8 have a common "muffler" item, but the settings of the participating characters 7 are different. Then, as the content of the interactive processing, a new motion different from the example of FIG. 13(1) is automatically added to a character that matches the participating character 7 among the characters 6 appearing in the viewing content 16, and the common "muffler" item 41 is additionally equipped, and the jumping ability is further improved.

In both Figure 13 (1) and Figure 13 (2), the details of the motion may further change depending on the number of play elements 8 involved in the formation of the combination.

Furthermore, with regard to FIG. 13 (2), the acquisition status of each character other than the combination of characters (exclusive characters and participating characters 7) associated with the play element 8 can also be used to describe the application requirements for interactive processing.

For example, application requirements can be set to "acquisition ratio of game elements 8 by character," "type of character with maximum number of acquisitions," "all versions of game elements 8 of a certain character have been acquired," "a certain character has not acquired its associated game element 8," etc. Then, by varying the content of the interactive processing according to application requirements including such descriptions, it is possible to make the changes in the content of the viewing content 16 according to the acquisition status of each character more diverse.

Figures 13 (3) and 13 (4) are diagrams for explaining an example of automatic interactive processing in which the possession status and addition status are directly reflected, focusing on the rarity of the play element 8.

In FIG. 13 (3), the possession status indicates that "among the acquired game elements 8, there are two game elements 8 with the same character to be used and set to rarity "S rare" (in the example of FIG. 13 (3) the "full body tights" item and the "sparkly muffler" item)" and the addition status indicates that "at least one of these was newly acquired in the previous game part 13." The possession status and addition status of the game elements 8 viewed by rarity satisfy the application requirements for automatic interactive processing. Furthermore, the content of the interactive processing has been changed to the content of the viewing content 16 so that "the user avatar 36 performs the action of waving a cheering gate flag item 42 toward the associated featured character 6d."

In FIG. 13 (4), the possession status indicates that "among the acquired game elements 8, there are two game elements 8 of a specific type (e.g., a "full-body tights" item) with a rarity of "S rare" and a specific type (e.g., a "shining scarf" item) with a rarity of "A rare"," and the addition status indicates that "the latter was newly acquired in the previous game part 13." The possession status and addition status of game elements 8 by rarity satisfy application requirements different from those in FIG. 13 (3). In addition, the content of the interactive process has been changed so that "the user avatar 36 performs the action of waving a gate flag item 43 toward the associated featured character 6c."

In addition to the examples of Figures 13(3) and 13(4), the acquisition status of play elements 8 according to rarity can also be used to describe the application requirements for interactive processing.
For example, application requirements can be set to "acquisition ratio of game elements 8 by rarity,""type of rarity with maximum acquisition,""owning or acquiring a certain number or more of game elements 8 of the highest rarity related to a certain character,""not acquiring game elements 8 of the highest rarity," etc. If the content of the interactive processing is varied according to application requirements including such descriptions, the content of the viewing content 16 can be changed more diversified according to the acquisition status by rarity.

In FIG. 13(5), in the possession status, "among the acquired play elements 8, there is a specific type set to the attribute "light"," and in the addition status, "two play elements 8 with the attribute "light" have been acquired" are established. As the content of the interactive processing, the display mode of the display body 31 corresponding to the viewer action of "tipping" is changed. In the example of FIG. 13(5), the movement trajectory is changed, and a sparkling effect is added. The type of movement trajectory and the type of effect added are set in various ways depending on the specific type in the possession status, the number added in the addition status, the type and combination of attributes, and the like.
In other words, the content of the automatic interactive processing that is directly reflected changes in various ways depending on the acquisition status of the acquired play elements 8 according to their rarity.

In addition to the example shown in FIG. 13(5), the acquisition status of the play elements 8 by attributes can also be used as an application requirement for interactive processing.
For example, application requirements can be set to "acquisition ratio of play elements 8 by attribute,""acquisition number of play elements 8 of a specific attribute,""acquisition of play elements 8 of all attributes related to a certain character,""not acquiring play elements 8 of a specific attribute," etc. By varying the content of the interactive processing according to application requirements including such conditions, it is possible to make the content of the viewing content 16 change more diversified according to the acquisition status by attribute.

The content of the automatic interactive processing that is indirectly reflected includes replacing an acquired play element 8 with a different type of play element 8 that can be used in a manual interactive processing.

In the example of FIG. 14(1), the possession status indicates that "there is a predetermined number or more of the same type of play element 8" and the addition status indicates that "one of these has been acquired by playing the previous play part 13", and so the requirements for application of interactive processing are met. In the example of FIG. 14(1), three or more "carrot" items are possessed, one of which is newly added. As the content of the interactive processing, the play elements 8 related to these application requirements are replaced with a different type of play element 8 used in manual interactive processing (in the example of FIG. 14(1), a play element 8m of a "muffler" item that does not limit the character to be used). In other words, the play element 8 related to the application requirement is made non-possessed, and a different type of play element 8 is possessed instead.

In the example of FIG. 14(2), the possession status indicates that "there are 5 or more game elements 8 of the same type," and the addition status indicates that "more than half of these have been acquired by playing the previous game part 13," and the requirements for application of interactive processing are met. In the example of FIG. 14(2), seven or more "carrot" items are possessed, of which five have been newly added. And, as the content of interactive processing, instead of the game elements 8 related to these application requirements, the participating characters 7 are replaced with game elements 8 of a different type (game element 8n of the "bow tie" item, the use of which is restricted to featured character 6d) that are the same as the participating characters 7 of these game elements 8).

In addition, in replacements such as those in Figure 14 (1) and Figure 14 (2), the usage restrictions of the replaced play element 8 (8m, 8n) basically follow the definitions that are preset according to the type of play element, but it is also possible to inherit some or all of the usage restrictions set on the play element 8 before replacement.

In the example of FIG. 14(3), the possession status states "three or more different versions of game elements 8 are possessed" and the addition status states "three or more versions of game elements 8 have been acquired by playing the previous game part 13", so the requirements for application of interactive processing are met. In the example of FIG. 14(3), four different versions of the "carrot" item are possessed, three of which have been newly added and acquired. Then, in terms of the content of interactive processing, the game elements 8 related to these application requirements are replaced with a different type of game element 8 (game element 8p of the "spotlight effect" item).

The specific types of play elements 8 that are replaced (including differences in rarity settings and usage restriction settings) and the number of play elements 8 that are replaced, which are the contents of the automatic interactive processing that is indirectly reflected, can be changed as appropriate depending on the number in the possession status and addition status, and the combination of types of play elements 8. In addition, the way in which the replacement is shown may be the synthesis or strengthening of play elements 8.

Next, the functional configuration will be described.
FIG. 15 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the server system 1100.
The server system 1100 includes an operation input unit 100s, a server processing unit 200s, a sound output unit 390s, an image display unit 392s, a communication unit 394s, and a server storage unit 500s.

The operation input unit 100s is a means for inputting various operations for managing the server. This corresponds to the keyboard 1106 in FIG. 1.

The server processing unit 200s is realized by electronic components such as processors that are arithmetic circuits, such as a CPU, GPU, ASIC, FPGA, etc., as well as IC memory, and controls the input and output of data between each functional unit, including the operation input unit 100s and the server storage unit 500s. It performs various types of arithmetic processing based on predetermined programs and data, operation input signals from the operation input unit 100s, data received from the user terminal 1500, etc., and performs integrated control of the operation of the server system 1100.

The server processing unit 200s includes a user management unit 202, a member service providing unit 204, an entertainment management unit 210, a timing unit 280s, a sound generation unit 290s, an image generation unit 292s, and a communication control unit 294s. Of course, other functional units may also be included as appropriate.

The user management unit 202 handles processes related to user registration procedures and manages the storage of various information linked to user accounts. Specifically, the user management unit 202 (1) assigns unique user accounts to registered users, (2) manages the storage of personal information for each user account, (3) manages sign-in/sign-out, (4) manages the storage of save data related to playing entertainment content, and (5) manages points used as payment for online shopping and membership services.

The member service providing unit 204 controls the provision of member services other than entertainment (for example, posting and viewing gameplay videos, providing chat spaces, online shopping for items that can be used in playing entertainment content, etc.).

The entertainment management unit 210 performs various controls to play given entertainment content on the user terminal 1500. Specifically, the entertainment management unit 210 has a play part control unit 212 and a viewing part control unit 220.

The play part control unit 212 controls the play part 13 in which the user can acquire play elements 8 as one of the progression parts of the entertainment content including a plurality of progression parts. In this embodiment, the play part 13 includes gameplay, and therefore the play part control unit 212 has a play information management unit 214.

The play information management unit 214 manages the play information 705 (see FIG. 24) of each user, and updates the play information 705 of the user based on the game play of the user in the play part 13. Specifically, the play information management unit 214 manages information on play elements 8 acquired by each user by including it in the play information 705, and reduces information on play elements 8 used in action operations during viewing. In other words, it manages the play elements 8 as if they were consumed in response to action operations.

Since the participating character 7 can be the play target character 60 in the play part 13, focusing on the participating character 7, it can also be said that the play part control unit 212 controls the progress of the play part in which the participating character 7 is involved in the acquisition of play elements by the user 2.
Furthermore, if we focus on the development elements of the game in the play part 13, the play elements 8 granted to the user 2 change depending on the development status, so it can be said that the play part control unit 212 controls the acquisition of play elements 8 based on the user's operational input to the participating character 7, and variably controls the play elements that the user can acquire based on the development status of the participating character 7.

The viewing part control unit 220 controls the viewing part 15, in which the user views viewing content 16 in which a featured character 6 appears as one of the progression parts of entertainment content that includes multiple progression parts, based on the user's acquisition status of the play element 8. Specifically, the viewing part control unit 220 controls the progress of the viewing part 15 by distributing data of a given viewing content 16 to multiple user terminals 1500 and causing multiple users 2 to view a common viewing content 16.

The viewing part control unit 220 includes a viewing content variable control unit 221s, an interactive processing unit 223s, a viewing fee collection unit 226, and a matching processing unit 228.

The viewing content variable control unit 221s variably controls the viewing content 16 based on the acquisition status of the game elements 8. In this embodiment, the combination of featured characters 6 differs depending on the viewing content 16. Prior to the start of viewing in the viewing part 15, a "favorite" character is determined based on the play result of the game part 13 and the acquisition status of the game elements 8 of the user 2 (see FIG. 8), and viewing content 16 in which the "favorite" character appears as a featured character is selected and presented as an option to be viewed, thereby essentially variably controlling the viewing content 16 based on the acquisition status of the game elements 8 (see FIG. 9). It can also be said that the composition of the viewer group 3 that will be viewing the viewing content 16 is adjusted.

The interactive processing unit 223s accepts an action operation on the viewing content 16 by the user 2, and performs interactive processing according to the action operation on the viewing content 16. For example, this includes shared interactive processing (see FIG. 10), manual interactive processing using play elements 8 (see FIG. 11 and FIG. 12), and automatic interactive processing based on acquired play elements 8 (see FIG. 13 and FIG. 14). In particular, for shared interactive processing, information on shared viewer actions is shared within the viewer group 3, so the server system 1100 can be said to be responsible for part of the interactive processing according to the action operation on the viewing content 16. For manual interactive processing and automatic interactive processing, the server system 1100 can be said to be responsible for part of these interactive processes by managing definition data for the interactive processing and providing it to the user terminal 1500.

The viewing fee collection unit 226 accepts an operation to make any of the play elements 8 owned by the user 2 a value play element as a value for controlling the viewing of the viewing part 15, and de-owns the value play element.

The matching processing unit 228 matches users who will be viewing the viewing content 16 in the viewing part 15 based on the play information of the game play in the game play part 13, and creates multiple viewer groups 3 (see Figure 9).

The timing unit 280s uses the system clock to measure the current date and time, time limit, etc.

The sound generation unit 290s is realized by executing an IC or software that generates or decodes audio data, and generates or decodes audio data such as operation sounds, sound effects, background music, and voice calls related to system management of the server system 1100, provision of membership services, and provision of entertainment content. Audio signals related to system management are then output to the sound output unit 390s.

The sound output unit 390s emits an audio signal. In the example of FIG. 1, this corresponds to a speaker (not shown) provided on the main device or touch panel 1108.

The image generation unit 292s generates an image to be displayed on the image display unit 392s and outputs the image signal. This corresponds to some of the functions of generating various screens (or data for displaying them on the user terminal 1500) related to system management of the server system 1100, provision of membership services, and provision of entertainment content.

The image display unit 392s is realized by a device that displays images, such as a flat panel display, a head-mounted display, or a projector. In the example of FIG. 1, this corresponds to the touch panel 1108.

The communication control unit 294s executes data processing related to data communication and realizes data exchange with external devices via the communication unit 394s.

The communication unit 394s connects to the network 9 to realize communication. For example, it is realized by a wireless communication device, a modem, a TA (terminal adapter), a jack for a wired communication cable, a control circuit, etc. In the example of FIG. 1, it corresponds to the communication device 1153.

The server storage unit 500s stores programs and various data for implementing various functions that allow the server processing unit 200s to comprehensively control the server system 1100. It is also used as a working area for the server processing unit 200s, and temporarily stores the results of calculations that the server processing unit 200s executes according to various programs. This function is implemented, for example, by IC memory such as RAM or ROM, magnetic disks such as hard disks, optical disks such as CD-ROMs or DVDs, online storage, and the like. In the example of FIG. 1, this corresponds to storage media such as the IC memory 1152 and hard disk mounted on the main unit 1101, and the storage 1140.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of programs and data stored in the server storage unit 500s.
The server storage unit 500s in this embodiment stores a server program 501, a distribution client program 503, entertainment content initial setting data 510, user management data 650, entertainment management data 700, matching management data 770, and a current date and time 900. The server storage unit 500s also stores other programs and data (e.g., timers, counters, various flags, etc.) as appropriate.

The server program 501 is a program that is read and executed by the server processing unit 200s to realize the functions of the user management unit 202, the member service providing unit 204, and the entertainment management unit 210.

The distribution client program 503 is the original program that is provided to and executed by the user terminal 1500.

The entertainment content initial setting data 510 stores various initial setting data related to the entertainment content. For example, the entertainment content initial setting data 510 includes progress part configuration data 511 (see FIG. 3), play element definition data 520, play part definition data 540, viewing part definition data 560, viewing content initial setting data 570, additional content data 590, and interactive processing definition data 600. Of course, data other than these may also be included as appropriate.

The game element definition data 520 is prepared for each game element 8, and stores various initial setting data related to that game element 8. For example, as shown in FIG. 17, one game element definition data 520 includes a unique game element type 521, icon data 522, exclusive character type 523, rarity 524, attributes 525, game element category 526, game element content data 527, and usage restriction setting data 530. Of course, data other than these can also be included as appropriate.

The icon data 522 is data of an icon used when presenting the acquired play element 8 to the user 2 via the list 34 or the like. The image depicted by the icon includes an image explaining the play element 8, and may also include an image showing a featured character 6 (exclusive character) with which the play element 8 is used in a limited way.

The dedicated character type 523 is set when the game element 8 is used exclusively for a specific featured character 6. It indicates the type of character depicted in the icon.

The game element content data 527 stores data for realizing the content and effects of the game element 8. More specifically, it stores various data for realizing what will happen in relation to the viewing content 16.

For example, if the game element 8 is an item that changes the display mode of the character 6, the item's model data and texture data (or model data and texture data of the character 6 wearing a muffler) are stored.

For example, if the game element 8 is one that changes ability parameter values, the type of ability parameter value to be changed and the amount of change are stored.

For example, if the game element 8 changes the behavior of a featured character 6, additional motion data and motion change instruction data that specifies where in the initial setting motion script to insert or replace the additional motion data are stored.

For example, for a game element 8 that adds an effect, additional effect data and effect change instruction data that specifies where in the initial setting event script to insert or replace the effect are stored.

The usage restriction setting data 530 stores the content of the usage restriction in association with the application requirements for applying the restriction. In the example of FIG. 17, the application requirements are exemplified by acquisition situation 531, and the content of the usage restriction is exemplified by usage period 532, usable situation 533, and usable character 534.

Of course, the application requirements are not limited to the example in FIG. 17. They can be described using the date and time when the play element 8 was acquired, the type and number of participating characters involved in acquiring the play element 8, the type of character for which the play element 8 is used, and the relationship between the character for which the play element 8 is used and the participating characters.

The content of the usage restrictions is not limited to the example in FIG. 17. In addition to these, the restrictions may be described using skills and ability parameter values that are essential for the character using the play element 8, the type, degree, and duration of the action and effect, etc.

The acquisition situation 531 encompasses all situations in which there is a chance to acquire the play element 8 in the play part 13 .
The usage period 532 indicates a period of time that has elapsed since acquisition or a specific viewing part 15. In addition, "no setting", which means unlimited usage, may also be set.

The available situation 533 is set with identification information of a specific viewing part 15 in which the play element 8 can be used, identification information of a specific viewing content 16, or a category of the content of the specific viewing content 16. Of course, "no setting", which means unlimited use, can also be set.
The available characters 534 are data specifying the featured characters 6 that can be used by the game element 8. For example, "all types" meaning unlimited, or a dedicated character, a participating character 7, a user avatar 36, etc. can be set.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the play part definition data 540. As shown in FIG.
The play part definition data 540 is prepared for each play part 13, and stores various initial setting data related to the part. One play part definition data 540 includes a unique play part ID 541, usable requirements 542, play part content data 548, and lottery set definition data 550. Of course, data other than these may also be included as appropriate.

The availability requirement 542 is a condition that must be met in order for the game part 13 in question to become playable, and is written by combining one sub-condition or multiple sub-conditions with AND or OR.
The sub-conditions that can be used include a period condition 543, a play part history condition 544, and a viewing part history condition 545. Any of these conditions can be set to "not set."

The period condition 543 is a condition regarding the date and time or the time elapsed since a specific date. The play part history condition 544 is a condition regarding the play history of past play parts 13. The viewing part history condition 545 is a condition regarding the viewing history of past viewing parts 15.

The game part history conditions 544 are described by combining one or more of the following conditions with AND or OR: conditions 544a regarding the type of character to be played, conditions 544b regarding playing results, conditions 544c regarding the acquisition status of game elements 8, etc. Note that any of these conditions can be set to "not set."

The game part content data 548 stores various data for realizing the game part 13, such as game initial setting data for realizing game play, and relationship parameter value change definition data 549. The relationship parameter value change definition data 549 defines how the relationship parameter value is changed depending on the game progress status.

The lottery set definition data 550 is prepared for each lottery set used when determining the play elements 8 to be granted to the user 2 within the play part 13.
One lottery set definition data 550 includes, for example, a unique lottery set ID 551 and a set use permission condition 552. The set use permission condition 552 is described by combining one or more of a play character type condition 553, a relationship condition 554 regarding the relationship between the user and the play character 60, and a play performance condition 555 with AND or OR. Any of these conditions can be set to "not set."

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the viewing part definition data 560. As shown in FIG.
The viewing part definition data 560 is prepared for each viewing part 15, and stores various setting data related to the viewing part 15. One viewing part definition data 560 includes a unique viewing part ID 561, viewing possible requirements 562, a viewing content ID list 565, and a viewing start date and time 566. Of course, data other than these may also be included as appropriate.

The viewing requirement 562 includes a viewing period 563 and a list of pre-play required game part IDs 564. The viewing period 563 is described as a specific date and time on a calendar in the real world, a specific period, or the time elapsed from the play date and time of the game part 13 played immediately before. The pre-play required game part ID list 564 specifies the game part 13 that must be played in order to view the viewing part 15, but can be set to "not specified."

The viewing content ID list 565 indicates the viewing content 16 that can be used in the viewing part 15.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the audiovisual content initial setting data 570. As shown in FIG.
The viewing content initial setting data 570 is created for each viewing content 16, and stores various data for viewing the content. One viewing content initial setting data 570 includes a unique viewing content ID 571, a viewing content category 572, a featured character list 573, viewing enablement requirements 574, and viewing content data 580. Of course, data other than these may also be included as appropriate.

The viewing content ID 571 and viewing content category 572 are both information related to the setting of the type of viewing content 16.

The viewing content category 572 indicates the category of the content of the viewing content 16. The type of category can be set as appropriate, for example, live singing, musical instrument performance, theater, talk show, variety show, travelogue, food review, sports, etc.

The viewing availability requirements 574 describe the contents that must be met in order to view the viewing content 16. The viewing availability requirements 574 are described by combining one or more sub-conditions with AND or OR. Note that any of these sub-conditions can be set to "not set." The sub-conditions are described using relationship conditions 575 and play element acquisition status conditions 576, which are conditions regarding the possession status and addition status of acquired play elements 8.

The relationship condition 575 is a condition regarding the relationship between the user 2 and the featured characters 6. For example, it is described as the range of relationship parameter values with each featured character 6, a threshold value that should be reached, the number of featured characters 6 that meet the threshold value that should be reached, etc.

Viewing content data 580 defines the details of viewing content 16 and stores various data for enabling viewing of viewing content 16. For example, viewing content data 580 includes content script data 581, music data 582, appearing character initial setting data 583, initial effect data 585, initial background setting data 586, and initial acceptable viewer action type list 587. Of course, data other than these may also be included as appropriate.

Content script data 581 is the scenario data for the entirety of viewing content 16. It describes which data is to be used and when. Music data 582, character initial setting data 583, and initial effect data 585 correspond to the materials.

Appearing character initial setting data 583 is prepared for each appearing character 6 in the viewing content 16, and defines when and what actions the character will take within the viewing content 16. One appearing character initial setting data 583 includes an appearing character type 583a and character data 583b. Character data 583b includes initial display mode data, initial ability parameter value data, and initial action data. The initial action data includes a motion script and motion data.

The initial background setting data 586 defines the stage on which the content of the viewing content 16 unfolds. In other words, it includes data on various background objects that are placed in the virtual three-dimensional space.

The initially acceptable viewer action type list 587 indicates the types of viewer actions that user 2 can perform while viewing the viewing content 16.

Returning to FIG. 16, additional content data 590 is data of "bonus" content that can be viewed as part of the interactive processing in conjunction with viewing of viewing content 16. Additional content data 590 is basically video content prepared in advance, but may be other content.

The interactive processing definition data 600 is prepared for each interactive processing content, and stores various data for implementing the content of the interactive processing. One interactive processing definition data 600 includes a unique interactive ID 601, a type 602 (shared, automatic, or manual), application requirements 610, and processing content data 630. Of course, other data can also be included as appropriate.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the application requirement 610. As shown in FIG.
The application requirement 610 defines the content that must be satisfied in order for the interactive processing content to be executed, and is described by combining one or more sub-conditions with AND or OR. Note that any of these sub-conditions can be set to "not set."

Sub-conditions that can be used include a user relationship condition 611, a play element 8 ownership status condition 612, a play element 8 addition status condition 614, a command target character condition 620, a command game element designation condition 622, a character relationship condition 624, a time condition 626, and a shared viewer action type condition 628.

The user relationship condition 611 is a condition regarding the relationship between the user 2 and the featured characters 6. For example, it is described as the range of relationship parameter values with all featured characters 6, a threshold value that should be reached, the number of featured characters 6 that meet the threshold value that should be reached, etc.

The possession status condition 612 and the addition status condition 614 are sub-conditions for the possession status and addition status (the status of what and how many game elements 8 were acquired in the game part 13 played immediately before) of acquired game elements 8, respectively, and both are conditions for the acquisition status of acquired game elements 8.

The possession status condition 612 is written by combining one or more of the character-specific possession status condition 612a, rarity-specific possession status condition 612b, and attribute-specific possession status condition 612c with AND or OR. Note that any of these conditions can be set to "not set." The rarity-specific possession status condition 612b and attribute-specific possession status condition 612c may be possession status for the same character as the command target character 32, or may be possession status unrelated to the command target character 32.

The additional status condition 614 is written by combining one or more of the character-specific additional status condition 614a, rarity-specific additional status condition 614b, and attribute-specific additional status condition 614c with AND or OR. Any of these conditions can be set to "not set." The rarity-specific additional status condition 614b and attribute-specific additional status condition 614c may be additional status for the same character as the command target character 32, or may be additional status unrelated to the command target character 32.

The target character condition 620 is a condition related to manual interactive processing regarding which of the featured characters 6 the user 2 has designated as the target character 32. It can also be set to "no designation," which is effectively unlimited.

The instructed play element designation condition 622 is related to manual interactive processing and defines what must be met for the play element 8 that the user 2 selects and instructs as the play element 8 to be used from among the acquired play elements 8 presented in the list 34 (see FIG. 11).

For example, it is described by one or a combination of the play element type 521 (see FIG. 17) of a particular play element 8, rarity 524, attributes 525, type of associated character (exclusive character or participating character 7), use restriction settings, etc.

If the conditions are described using play element types 521, the instruction play element designation conditions 622 include a list of types. If the conditions are described using rarity 524, the instruction play element designation conditions 622 include a rarity range as a criterion for determining whether the play element is suitable or not suitable. If the conditions are described using attributes 525, the instruction play element designation conditions 622 include a list of attributes to be satisfied. If the conditions are described using character types, the instruction play element designation conditions 622 include a list of character types. If the conditions are described using usage restriction settings, the instruction play element designation conditions 622 include, as criteria for determining whether the play element is suitable or not suitable, (1) a list of available dates or days of the week corresponding to the usage period 532, (2) a list of viewing part IDs of viewing parts 15 or viewing content IDs of viewing content 16 corresponding to the available situations 533, and (3) a list of categories of viewing content 16.

The character relationship condition 624 is a condition regarding the relationship between the participating character 7 of the instruction play element and the instruction target character 32. For example, the condition is set to be that the two are either "same/same type," "different," or "not set." The condition may also be described in terms of the range or threshold of the relationship parameter value between the two, or the relationship between the characters 6 appearing in the game part 13 or the viewing content 16 as a person-to-person connection.

The time condition 626 is a condition regarding the time element related to the play element 8 (instruction play element) to be used. For example, it is described as the elapsed time from the date and time when the play element 8 is acquired to the date and time when it is used.

The shared viewer action type condition 628 is a condition regarding the type of viewer action (shared viewer action; "tipping," "comment," "rating") that is shared within viewer group 3 (see FIG. 9).

Depending on which of these sub-conditions are set and how, various application requirements 610 can be written for shared interactive processing, manual interactive processing, and automatic interactive processing. Incidentally, the application requirements 610 for shared interactive processing are written using only the shared viewer action type condition 628. The application requirements 610 for manual interactive processing are written using sub-conditions other than the shared viewer action type condition 628. The application requirements 610 for automatic interactive processing are written using the user relationship condition 611, the ownership status condition 612, and the addition status condition 614.

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the processing content data 630. As shown in FIG.
The processing content data 630 defines what is to be performed as the content of interactive processing in the situation described in the application requirement 610 .

For example, the processing content data 630 includes character-related change data 631, background change data 640, effect change data 641, acceptable viewer action type change data 642, service point award amount 643, and content change data 644. These define what and how to change from the initial settings of the viewing content 16.

The character-related change data 631 is prepared for each appearing character 6 to be changed.
One character-related change data 631 includes a change target character type 632 , display mode change data 633 , behavior change data 634 , and ability parameter value change data 635 .

In the case of manual interactive processing, the game element content data 527 of the game element 8 that is instructed to be used is necessarily applied, so there is no need to set the character-related change data 631, background change data 640, effect change data 641, or acceptable viewer action type change data 642. In automatic interactive processing, these settings are essential.

The service point amount 643 specifies the service points to be awarded to the user 2 who viewed the content. The service points are used as payment for receiving various member services.

The content change data 644 specifies the "bonus" content that can be added to the viewing content 16 and made viewable.

Returning to FIG. 16, user management data 650 is created for each registered user and stores various data associated with that user. For example, one user management data 650 stores a unique user account, service point balance, and various save data.

The entertainment management data 700 is created for each entertainment content provision, and stores various data relating to provision control.
23, one entertainment management data 700 includes a player account 701, game part management data 703, game part play history data 740, and viewing part history data 768. Of course, data other than these may also be included as appropriate.

The game part management data 703 stores various data related to the play of the game part 13.
As shown in FIG. 24, the game part management data 703 includes play information 705 and game element acquisition status data 730.

The play information 705 includes a play part ID 707 of the play part 13 being played, a play character type 709, play performance data 710, and acquired play element data 720. Of course, other data may also be included as appropriate.

The play performance data 710 includes development performance data 711 for each character being developed, and relationship data 713.

The training performance data 711 is prepared for each character to be trained in the game part 13, and stores the type of character to be trained, the training parameter values at the start of play, and the latest training parameter values. Of course, other data can also be included as appropriate. The training parameter values include the training level, the ability parameter values of the character to be trained, and the level for each skill.

Relationship data 713 is prepared for each character that can be played in game part 13, and stores the relationship parameter values between that character and the user who is the player.

Acquired game element data 720 is created each time user 2 acquires a new game element 8, and is deleted when the game element 8 is unowned and consumed. One acquired game element data 720 includes a unique game element ID 721, game element type 722, acquisition date and time 723, corresponding character type 724, and usage restriction setting 725. Of course, data other than these may also be included as appropriate.

The game element acquisition status data 730 is various statistical data that indicates the acquisition status of acquired game elements 8. For example, it includes character-specific acquisition status data 732, rarity-specific acquisition status data 734, and attribute-specific acquisition status data 736. It stores the number owned by character, rarity, and attribute, respectively, and the number newly acquired in the previous game part 13. The values indicated by these acquisition status data represent the acquisition status (ownership status/addition status) of acquired game elements 8.

FIG. 25 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the user terminal 1500.
The user terminal 1500 includes an operation input unit 100 , a device processing unit 200 , a sound output unit 390 , an image display unit 392 , a communication unit 394 , and a terminal storage unit 500 .

The operation input unit 100 outputs operation input signals corresponding to various operation inputs made by the player to the device processing unit 200. For example, this can be realized by a push switch, joystick, touch pad, track ball, acceleration sensor, gyro, CCD module, etc. Examples of this include the directional input keys 1502, button switches 1504, and touch panel 1506 in Figure 2.

The device processing unit 200 is realized by electronic components such as a microprocessor such as a CPU or GPU, and an IC memory, and controls the input and output of data between each functional unit including the operation input unit 100 and the terminal storage unit 500. It controls the operation of the user terminal 1500 by executing various arithmetic processing based on predetermined programs and data, operation input signals from the operation input unit 100, and various data received from the server system 1100. This corresponds to the control board 1550 in Figure 2.

In this embodiment, the device processing unit 200 has a client control unit 260, a timing unit 280, a sound generation unit 290, an image generation unit 292, and a communication control unit 294.

The client control unit 260 performs various controls for receiving member services of the entertainment system 1000 and for playing entertainment content. Specifically, the client control unit 260 includes a play part client control unit 261 that performs various controls for playing the play part 13, and a viewing part client control unit 262 that performs various controls for viewing in the viewing part 15.

The viewing part client control unit 262 generates a virtual three-dimensional space that is the source of the video of the viewing content 16, and controls the movements of the appearing character 6 within that space. An image taken by a virtual camera placed in the virtual three-dimensional space is rendered by the image generation unit 292, and various displays are added to this to create the viewing screen of the viewing content 16.

In other words, it performs part of the function of the viewing part control unit 263, which controls the viewing part 15 that allows the user to view viewing content 16 in which a featured character 6 appears as one of the progression parts of entertainment content that includes multiple progression parts, based on the user's acquisition status of the play element 8.

The viewing part client control unit 262 has a viewing content variable control unit 221t, a featured character control change unit 222, an interactive processing unit 223t, a first interactive processing content variable control unit 224, and a second interactive processing content variable control unit 225.

The character control change unit 222 variably controls the display mode, actions, parameter values, and possessed items of the character 6 based on the acquisition status of the play elements 8. The character control change unit 222 also controls the characters based on the acquisition status of each associated character of the play elements 8 already acquired by the user 2. This corresponds to changing the display mode, actions, ability parameter values, possessed items, etc. of the character 6 in the viewing content 16 as manual interactive processing (see FIG. 11) or automatic interactive processing (see FIG. 13, FIG. 14).

Therefore, in manual interactive processing, when the character control change unit 222 receives an action operation in which the character 6 is the target of instruction, it makes a change to any of the display mode, behavior, parameter values, and possessed items of the character 6 that is the target of instruction.

The interactive processing unit 223t accepts an action operation performed by the user 2 on the viewing content 16, and performs interactive processing according to the action operation on the viewing content 16. Examples of this include shared interactive processing (see FIG. 10), manual interactive processing using play elements 8 (see FIG. 11 and FIG. 12), and automatic interactive processing based on acquired play elements 8 (see FIG. 13 and FIG. 14).

Focusing on the character relationship condition 624 of the application requirement 610 of the interactive processing definition data 600, the following can be stated. In other words, when the interactive processing unit 223t receives an action operation using a play element 8 during viewing, it performs interactive processing according to the action operation based on the relationship between the participating character 7 related to the play element 8 used in the action operation and the appearing character 6 of the viewing content 16.

In addition, in manual interactive processing (see FIG. 11), usable play elements 8 are presented to the user 2 in a list 34. Therefore, it can be said that the interactive processing unit 223t controls whether or not to accept an action operation using a play element 8 based on the relationship between the participating character 7 related to the play element 8 used in the action operation and the character 6 appearing in the viewing content 16.

In addition, a play element 8 is associated with a viewing part 15 in which an action operation using the play element 8 is possible, depending on the setting of the available situation 533 in the usage restriction setting data 530. Therefore, it can be said that the interactive processing unit 223t controls whether or not to accept an action operation using the play element 8, based on whether or not the current viewing part 15 is a viewing part 15 associated with the play element 8.

The first interactive processing content variable control unit 224 variably controls the content of executable interactive processing based on the acquisition status of the play elements 8. Specifically, it variably controls the content of executable interactive processing based on the acquisition status of the play elements 8 associated with the same character as the featured character 6 (instruction target character 32) that is the instruction target of the action operation, among the play elements 8 already acquired by the user 2.

For example, this involves changing the content of the viewing content 16 provided by the play element 8 depending on whether or not the participating character 7 set in the play element 8 used in the manual interactive processing matches the target character 32 that uses that play element (see FIG. 12).

The first interactive processing content variable control unit 224 also variably controls the content of executable interactive processing based on the acquisition status by rarity of play elements 8 associated with the same character. For example, this includes reflecting the content of the automatic interactive processing in FIG. 13 (3).

The first interactive processing content variable control unit 224 also variably controls the content of executable interactive processing based on the character-by-character acquisition status of the play elements 8 already acquired by the user 2, divided into associated characters. Specifically, the application requirements for interactive processing (corresponding to activation conditions) include conditions regarding the overall relationship between the user 2 and the featured characters 6. The integrated relationship includes the character-by-character acquisition status, divided into characters associated with the play elements 8 (for example, specific characters that can use the play elements 8, and participating characters 7). Therefore, in effect, the content of interactive processing is variably controlled based on the character-by-character acquisition status.

The first interactive processing content variable control unit 224 also variably controls the content of the interactive processing that can be executed based on the attribute-specific acquisition status of the play elements 8 that the user 2 has acquired, divided into associated attributes. Specifically, the requirements for applying the interactive processing include conditions regarding the overall relationship between the user 2 and the featured characters 6. The integrated relationship includes the acquisition status of the play elements 8 divided into attributes. Therefore, in effect, the content of the interactive processing is variably controlled based on the acquisition status by attribute.

The first interactive processing content variable control unit 224 also controls the content of the interactive processing that can be executed by changing the type of action operation that can be accepted. For example, in manual interactive processing, when the user selects a target character 32, play elements 8 that can be used for that character are selected and presented in a list 34, and the user selects a reward play element from there. This also essentially corresponds to changing the type of action operation that can be accepted (see FIG. 11).

The first interactive processing content variable control unit 224 also changes the type of action operation that can be accepted as the action operation based on the acquisition status of play elements 8 that have been acquired by the user 2 and that are associated with the same character as the featured character that is the target of the action operation. This controls the content of the executable interactive processing. For example, this corresponds to selecting play elements 8 that can be used for the target character 32 from the list 34 (see FIG. 11) and having the user 2 select one. Note that it is also possible to configure the conditions for selecting the play elements 8 to be displayed on the list 34 to include the fact that the participating character 7 is the same as the target character 32.

Furthermore, if we focus on the character relationship condition 624 of the application requirement 610 of the interactive processing definition data 600, it can also be said that the first interactive processing content variable control unit 224 variably controls the content of the interactive processing based on the relationship between the participating character 7 related to the play element 8 used in the action operation and the appearing character 6 of the viewing content 16.

The second interactive processing content variable control unit 225 variably controls the content of the interactive processing based on the time interval between the play part 13 in which the play element 8 used in the action operation was acquired and the viewing part 15 in which the action operation was performed.

The timing unit 280 uses the system clock to measure the current date and time, time limits, etc.

The sound generation unit 290 is realized by, for example, a digital signal processor (DSP), a processor such as a voice synthesis IC, an audio codec capable of playing audio files, etc., and generates sound signals for music, sound effects, and various operation sounds, and outputs them to the sound output unit 390.

The sound output unit 390 is realized by a device that outputs (emits) sound based on the sound signal input from the sound generation unit 290. This corresponds to the speaker 1510 in FIG. 2.

The image generation unit 292 generates various images based on the control of the client control unit 260, and generates the play screen in the game part 13 and the viewing screen in the viewing part 15 based on these images. It then outputs image signals to display these on the image display unit 392. In the example of Figure 2, this corresponds to the GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) and graphics controller mounted on the control board 1550.

The image display unit 392 is realized by a device that displays images, such as a flat panel display, a head-mounted display, or a projector. In the example of FIG. 2, this corresponds to the touch panel 1506.

The communication control unit 294 executes data processing related to data communication and realizes data exchange with external devices via the communication unit 394.

The communication unit 394 connects to the network 9 to realize communication. For example, this is realized by a wireless communication device, a modem, a TA (terminal adapter), a jack for a wired communication cable, a control circuit, etc. In the example of FIG. 2, this corresponds to the wireless communication module 1553.

FIG. 26 is a diagram showing an example of programs and data stored in the terminal storage unit 500. As shown in FIG.
The terminal storage unit 500 stores programs for causing the terminal processing unit 200 to realize given functions, various data, etc. It is also used as a working area for the terminal processing unit 200, and temporarily stores the results of calculations executed by the terminal processing unit 200 according to various programs, input data input from the operation input unit 100, etc. These functions are realized by, for example, IC memories such as RAM and ROM, magnetic disks such as hard disks, optical disks such as CD-ROMs and DVDs, etc. In the example of FIG. 2, these correspond to the IC memory 1552 and memory card 1540 mounted on the control board 1550. A configuration using online storage is also possible.

Specifically, the device storage unit 500 stores a client program 502 (application program) for causing the device processing unit 200 to function as the client control unit 260, client control data 790, and the current date and time 900. Of course, other data can also be stored as appropriate.

The client control data 790 includes viewing part management data 800, viewing content data (copy) 840, play performance data (copy) 842, acquired game element data (copy) 844, game element acquisition status data (copy) 846, interactive processing definition data (copy) 848, viewing start date and time (copy) 850, and additional content data (copy) 852. Of course, data other than these may also be included as appropriate.

Viewing content data (copy) 840, play performance data (copy) 842, acquired game element data (copy) 844, game element acquisition status data (copy) 846, interactive processing definition data (copy) 848, and viewing start date and time (copy) 850 are data provided by server system 1100 before the user starts viewing the viewing content 16 that he or she wishes to view as viewing part 15. They are copies of viewing content data 580 (see FIG. 20), play performance data 710 (see FIG. 24), acquired game element data 720, game element acquisition status data 730, interactive processing definition data 600 (see FIG. 16), and viewing start date and time 566 (see FIG. 19), which are stored and managed by server system 1100.

The additional content data (copy) 852 is a copy of the additional content data 590 (see FIG. 16) that was requested by the user terminal 1500 from the server system 1100 and provided as a result of interactive processing.

FIG. 27 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the viewing part management data 800. As shown in FIG.
The viewing part management data 800 stores various data for realizing viewing of the viewing content 16. Specifically, the viewing part management data 800 includes a viewing content ID 801 of the viewing content 16 to be viewed, applied content script data 802, virtual three-dimensional space control data 803, effect control data 804, featured character management data 810, an acceptable viewer action type list 820, an instruction target character type 822, a compensation designation operation 824, an additional content ID 826, and a service point to be awarded 828. Of course, data other than these may also be included as appropriate.

The applied content script data 802 is a copy of the initial setting content script data 581 of the viewing content 16 indicated by the viewing content ID 801, and is changed by interactive processing.

The virtual three-dimensional space control data 803 stores various data describing the placement and state of various objects such as background objects, character objects of the appearing characters 6, and virtual cameras. If the interactive processing involves making changes to the background, the control data is changed.

Character management data 810 is prepared for each character 6 and stores the latest settings data related to the control of that character. One character management data 810 includes, for example, character type 811, display mode management data 812, behavior management data 813, and ability management data 818.

The display mode management data 812 is added by interactive processing that changes the display mode of the character. For example, when a play element 8 of an item worn by the character 6, such as equipment, is used in manual interactive processing, the display mode management data 812 stores the item data and the state parameter value of the item data. When a play element 8 that changes the color scheme of the character 6 is used, the display mode management data 812 stores the color scheme pattern data after the change.

The behavior management data 813 stores setting data for the behavior of the featured character 6. For example, it includes applied motion script data 814 (which may be included in the applied content script data 802) and motion data 815.

The applied motion script data 814 is a copy of the initial setting motion script data in the audiovisual content 16, and is changed by interactive processing.
The motion data 815 stores the initial setting motion data in the audiovisual content 16 as data in the initial state, but is replaced or added by interactive processing.

The ability management data 818 stores setting data regarding the abilities of the featured character 6. The initial setting ability parameter values of the featured character 6 in the viewing content 16 are copied and set to the initial state, but each time the abilities are changed by interactive processing, the stored ability parameter values are changed.

Next, the operation of the entertainment system 1000 will be described.
28 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of processing executed by the server system 1100 and the user terminal 1500 for executing one entertainment content. The dashed arrows in the figure represent communication between the server system 1100 and the user terminal 1500. In the following explanation of the operation, for ease of understanding, an explanation will be given for one user playing the entertainment content, but in reality, many users play the entertainment content simultaneously in parallel, so that the same processing will be executed in parallel for the number of users.

As shown in FIG. 28, the server system 1100 executes a game part process (step S8). In response to this, the user terminal 1500 executes a game part client process, and executes processing related to game play in the game part 13 in the same manner as in a client-server type online game (step S10).

FIG. 29 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of processing executed by the server system 1100 in the game part processing.
In the game part processing, the server system 1100 initializes the game part management data 703 (see FIG. 24) and selects the game part 13 to be played (step S12) in accordance with the progress part configuration data 511. The selection result is saved as the game part ID 707 of the game part management data 703 (see FIG. 24).

Next, the server system 1100 accepts a selection operation to select a playable character 60 (a character to be trained; player character, since this embodiment is a training game) from among the characters 6 (step S14).

The server system 1100 starts controlling the game progress based on the game part content data 548 (see FIG. 18) (step S16). The play performance data 710 is changed according to the play results (see FIG. 24). The relationship data 713 is increased or decreased by a predetermined value when a predetermined game progress state is reached according to the relationship parameter value change definition data 549. Note that the development element can be realized in the same way as before, so a description thereof will be omitted here.

If a chance to acquire a play element 8 arises during the game (YES in step S20), the server system 1100 selects a lottery set that satisfies the set use permission condition 552 from the lottery set definition data 550 (step S22), and executes the lottery a number of times according to the playing results (step S24). It is preferable to set the number of times to be higher the better the playing results up to that point.

Next, the server system 1100 determines a corresponding character (such as the participating character 7; see FIG. 7) that is associated with the new game element 8 that is the result of the lottery, and determines usage restrictions for the character in accordance with the game element definition data 520 (see FIG. 17) for the new game element 8 (step S26). The new game element 8 is then granted to the user 2 (step S28). As a result, new acquired game element data 720 is added to the play information 705 (see FIG. 24).

Steps S20 to S28 are repeated until game play is completed.
When the game play ends (YES in step S30), the server system 1100 grants the user new play elements 8 according to the current play result and play score (step S32). The selection and granting of the new play elements 8 here may be determined and granted by lottery in the same manner as in steps S22 to S28.

Then, the server system 1100 adds the current game part play history data 740 to the entertainment management data 700 (see FIG. 23) (step S34). It also saves the save data in the user management data 650.

When the server system 1100 detects a user's selection operation to continue playing the game part 13 (continue in step S36) and there is still time remaining for the currently played game part 13 to be executable (NO in step S38; see FIG. 3), the server system 1100 returns to step S12 and transitions to processing related to playing the next game part 13.

On the other hand, when the server system 1100 detects an operation by user 2 to end play of the game part 13 (end of step S36) or the playable period of the currently played game part 13 ends (YES in step S38), the server system 1100 ends the game part processing.

Returning to FIG. 28, the server system 1100 extracts from the acquired play elements 8 those whose expiration date has expired, displays them in a list on the user terminal 1500, and asks the user to select whether to extend the expiration date or delete each one (step S50).

The server system 1100 then collects the extension fee for the play elements 8 for which the extension was selected (step S52), and deletes the play elements 8 for which the extension was not selected (step S54). The fee for the extension may be collected, for example, by charging virtual currency or a credit card, or by consuming items or game points previously purchased online.

The start date and time of the viewing part 15 (corresponding to the start date and time of the live distribution of the simulated live) is disclosed to the user 2 via an information providing function on a website or within the game.
Based on the disclosed information, if User 2 finds that there is a viewing part 15 whose expiration date and time will come in a predetermined time and wishes to view it, he or she inputs a viewing request operation on the user terminal 1500. When the user terminal 1500 detects this (YES in step S60), it transmits a predetermined viewing request to the server system 1100 (step S62).

When the server system 1100 receives a viewing request for viewing part 15 whose viewing period will begin in a predetermined time (YES in step S64), it executes viewing part processing (step S66). In response to this, the user terminal 1500 executes viewing part client processing (step S68).

30 and 31 are flowcharts for explaining the flow of the process executed by server system 1100 in the viewing part process.
In the viewing part processing, the server system 1100 updates the game element acquisition status data 730 (see FIG. 24) relating to the game part 13 executed most recently for the user of the user terminal 1500 that made the viewing request (step S100).

Next, the server system 1100 accepts the user 2's desire to view which viewing content 16 (e.g., a simulated singing live performance) to view in that viewing part 15 (steps S102 to S110). From the server system 1100's perspective, this process can also be said to be a process of extracting and matching users who will be viewing the same viewing content.

Specifically, the server system 1100 performs a primary extraction of viewing content 16 that satisfies the viewing requirement (step S102). More specifically, the server system 1100 searches for viewing parts 15 that satisfy the viewing requirement 562 in the viewing part definition data 560 (see FIG. 19), and sets the viewing content 16 registered in the viewing content ID list 565 as the population for viewing request acceptance. The server system 1100 then performs a primary extraction of viewing content that satisfies the viewing requirement 574 (see FIG. 20) from the viewing contents 16 that constitute the population.

Next, the server system 1100 secondarily extracts, from the primarily extracted viewing content, viewing content 16 in which a featured character 6 appears whose relationship with the user meets a given criterion (step S104). Specifically, it references the relationship data 713 for each character type stored in the play information 705 of the game part management data 703 (see FIG. 24). It then searches for characters whose relationship parameter value has reached a given criterion (for example, a high value that is considered to have a sufficiently high intimacy level, since the game of this embodiment is a training game), and secondarily extracts viewing content 16 in which the character is included in the featured character list 573 of the viewing content initial setting data 570 (see FIG. 20).

The secondarily extracted viewing content 16 is content in which the so-called "favorite character" of user 2 appears. Therefore, if user 2 views the viewing content 16, there is no doubt that he or she will actively take viewing action.

Then, the server system 1100 displays a list of the secondarily extracted viewing contents 16 on the user terminal 1500 (step S106) and accepts a viewing request from the list (step S108; see FIG. 9).

The user terminal 1500 transmits the selection result of the viewing content 16 that the user wishes to view to the server system 1100. Based on the selection result, the server system 1100 sets the user 2 to the viewer group 3 of the selected viewing content 16, and stores and manages the result as matching management data 770 (step S110; see FIG. 16).

If the content of the viewing content 16 is, for example, a simulated live singing stage that proceeds according to a script, the content will of course include the appearing character 6 dancing and singing, as well as the appearing character 6 acting as an MC and entertaining the audience. Of course, the content of the viewing content 16 is not limited to a live singing stage. It can be set appropriately to be a talk show style content, a variety show style content, a travel show style content in which the appearing character 6 goes on a fictional journey, an action show style content in which the appearing character 6 challenges the limits of his physical strength, and so on. Although the content may differ, the appearing character 6 is fixed, and it is also decided in advance what the appearing character 6 will do.

The viewing part 15 is provided in a live-streaming style. That is, the content data of the same viewing content 16 is provided to the user terminals 1500 of multiple users 2, who start viewing at the same time and share some of the information on each other's viewer actions, providing a simulated experience as if multiple users were simultaneously viewing a live stream.

To put it another way from the user's perspective, that is, the viewer, steps S102 to S106 essentially variably set the character 6 appearing in the viewing content 16. Furthermore, since steps S102 to S110 are executed for each user before the start date and time of the viewing part 15, it can also be said that users 2 who will be viewing the same viewing content are matched in advance.

Now, the server system 1100 provides data for realizing viewing to the user terminal 1500 of the user who has accepted the selection of the viewing content 16 that the user wishes to view (step S120). That is, (1) viewing content data 580 (see FIG. 20) of the viewing content 16 that the user wishes to view, (2) three pieces of data relating to the game part 13 played immediately before the user who accepted the selection, namely, play performance data 710 (see FIG. 24), acquired game element data 720, and game element acquisition status data 730, (3) interactive processing definition data 600 (see FIG. 16), and (4) viewing start date and time 566 (see FIG. 19) are transmitted and provided in advance before the start of viewing.

32 and 33 are flowcharts for explaining the flow of processing after the selection of the viewing content 16 in the viewing part client processing executed by the user terminal 1500. FIG.
When the user terminal 1500 receives the data for realizing viewing of the desired viewing content 16 from the server system 1100, it stores the data (step S122). This data is viewing content data (copy) 840, play result data (copy) 842, acquired play element data (copy) 844, play element acquisition status data (copy) 846, interactive processing definition data (copy) 848, and viewing start date and time (copy) 850 (see FIG. 26).

Next, the user terminal 1500 creates and initializes a virtual three-dimensional space that will be the background and stage of the video of the viewing content 16 in accordance with the saved viewing content data (photo) 840 (step S124). That is, various background objects are placed in the virtual three-dimensional space in accordance with the initial background setting data 586 to form the stage of the viewing content 16, and an object of the appearing character 6 and a virtual camera are placed there and initialized.

Next, the user terminal 1500 executes automatic interactive processing (step S126). That is, a primary search is performed for definition data in which the type 602 is set to "automatic" among the interactive processing definition data (copy) 848 (600; see FIG. 16), and a secondary search is performed for those whose application requirements 610 are satisfied. The contents of the processing content data 630 of the secondary searched interactive processing definition data (copy) 848 are then applied to the initialized virtual three-dimensional space. Also, the acceptable viewer action type list 820, the additional content ID 826, and the service points to be granted 828 are changed.

In the application requirements 610 of the "automatic" type interactive processing definition data (copy) 848 (600), the command target character condition 620, command play element designation condition 622, character relationship condition 624, and time condition 626 are not set, so the contents of the processing content data 630 according to the relationship between the user and the appearing character 6 and the acquisition status of the play element 8 are applied to the initialized virtual three-dimensional space, etc.

The user terminal 1500 then displays a list of predetermined types of game elements 8 that can be paid for as a viewing fee for the viewing content 16, among the acquired game elements 8, and accepts a selection input by the user for the game elements 8 to be paid for as the value game elements. The selection result is then transmitted to the server system 1100 (step S130). Then, a process for collecting the value game elements is performed (step S132). Specifically, the data of the value game elements is erased from the acquired game element data 844, and the game element acquisition status data 846 is updated.

Moreover, moving to FIG. 30, when the server system 1100 receives the selection result of the reward play element, it performs a process of collecting the reward play element from the user using the user terminal 1500 that sent the selection (step S134). That is, the data of the reward play element is deleted from the acquired play element data 720 of the play part management data 703 (see FIG. 24), and the play element acquisition status data 730 is updated.

Returning to FIG. 32, when the viewing start date and time 850 (corresponding to the simulated live streaming start date and time) of the viewing content 16 desired to be viewed arrives (YES in step S150), the user terminal 1500 starts viewing control (step S152). That is, an image of the appearing character 6 captured by a virtual camera placed in virtual three-dimensional space is rendered, and viewing video based on the image and viewing content 16 is generated and displayed. If there is music data or voice data of a registered character, this is also played back at a predetermined timing.

When the user terminal 1500 detects an operation to start a shared viewer action after viewing control has started, i.e. while user 2 is viewing viewing content 16 (YES in step S154), it presents a selection of acceptable shared viewer actions based on the settings in the acceptable viewer action type list 820 (see FIG. 27), and accepts the selection and setting of the desired shared viewer action (such as "post," "comment," or "rating") from the presented options (step S156). It then transmits a shared viewer action request to the server system 1100 (step S158).

Moving on to FIG. 31, when the server system 1100 receives a shared viewer action request from the user terminal 1500 (YES in step S160), it distributes an execution instruction (including information such as the type of viewer action and the content of the comment) to execute the requested shared viewer action to the user terminals 1500 of other users who belong to the same viewer group 3 as the user of the sender user terminal 1500 (step S162). The server system 1100 then performs a process to collect the fee for the requested shared viewer action (step S164). For example, it performs a charging process for the amount of the "tip". That is, through steps S162 to S164, the server system 1100 is responsible for part of the shared interactive process.

Returning to FIG. 32, when the user terminal 1500 receives an instruction to execute a shared viewer action (YES in step S170), it reflects and displays the displays (the "comment" display 30, the "tipping" display 31, the notification display of the number of ratings, etc.; see FIG. 10) corresponding to the shared viewing content that has been instructed to be executed (step S172). That is, in step S172, the user terminal 1500 takes on part of the shared interactive processing.

Moving on to FIG. 33, when the user terminal 1500 detects a pointing operation of the target character 32 (YES in step S190; see FIG. 11), it sets the target character type 822 (step S192; see FIG. 27), searches for acquired play elements 8 that can be used for the target character 32, presents the search results to the user 2 in a list 34 as candidates for the pointing play elements, and accepts the selection of the pointing play element (the play element 8 to be used) (step S194).

Specifically, when searching for usable acquired play elements 8, acquired play element data 720 that matches the character indicated by the target character type 822 in the usable character setting in the use restriction setting 725 of acquired play element data 720 is searched for. Note that when searching, it is also necessary to ensure that other use restrictions in the use restriction setting 725, such as the use period and usable situation settings, do not conflict with the use restrictions indicated by them.

Once the instruction target character 32 and the instruction play element are determined, manual interactive processing is executed.
That is, the user terminal 1500 searches for definition data in which the type 602 of the interactive process definition data (copy) 848 (600) is "manual" and the application requirements 610 (see FIG. 21) are satisfied (step S196), and applies the contents set in the process contents data 630 (see FIG. 22) (step S198). The user terminal 1500 then de-possesses (e.g., consumes) the instruction play element (step S200). De-possesses can be achieved by deleting the data of the instruction play element, setting a flag indicating that it is de-possessed or used, or the like.

During viewing, the user terminal 1500 monitors whether the application requirements 610 of the interactive processing definition data (copy) 848 (600) whose type 602 is "automatic" are satisfied. If there is corresponding interactive processing definition data (copy) 848 (YES in step S220), the user terminal 1500 executes automatic interactive processing and applies the content indicated by the processing content data 630 of the definition data (step S222).

In other words, steps S190 to S222 variably control the content of the viewing content 16 being viewed in a manner that is completely different from the additional display of displays caused by shared viewer actions such as "tipping," "comments," and "ratings." Furthermore, shared viewer actions such as "tipping," "comments," and "ratings," i.e., shared interactive processing, are shared by the user terminals 1500 of users 2 who belong to the same viewer group 3, but manual interactive processing and automatic interactive processing only affect changes to the virtual three-dimensional space and management data of the viewing content 16 that are managed and controlled by each user terminal 1500, and therefore the content of the interactive processing is reflected locally.

Therefore, while there is a sense of unity among viewers watching a live broadcast with multiple users 2, a new entertainment experience is provided in which viewers can enjoy various changes in response to the efforts of each user 2 in the game part 13, and changes in the support for the characters 6 that each user 2 shows using the game elements 8 that they have acquired.

If the server system 1100 were to attempt to reflect the contents of the three types of interactive processing in exactly the same way to the user terminals 1500 of all users 2 belonging to the same viewer group 3, the interactive processing by all users 2 belonging to the same viewer group 3 would be reflected. In this case, a considerable processing load would be placed on the server system 1100. Also, since items and the like of the play elements 8 used by multiple users 2 would be applied to the featured character 6, there is a risk of inconsistencies in the application processing. However, in this embodiment, such a situation does not occur.

Now, when the viewing content ends (YES in step S240), if the viewing part management data 800 (see FIG. 27) has an additional content ID 826 set as bonus content (step S242), the user terminal 1500 transmits the additional content ID 826 together with an additional content request to the server system 1100 (step S244).

Moving on to FIG. 31, when the server system 1100 receives an additional content request (YES in step S246), it transmits the viewing content data 580 of the viewing content initial setting data 570 (see FIG. 20) that matches the received additional content ID 826 to the requesting user terminal 1500 as additional content data (step S248).

Returning to FIG. 33, when the user terminal 1500 receives this additional content data, it stores it and executes the additional content based on that data (step S250).
The audiovisual content 16 is the "main content," and the additional content added as interactive processing is positioned as an "extra," and is basically a video that has been prepared in advance.

Next, the user terminal 1500 transmits the service points to be awarded 828 (see FIG. 27) along with a request to award the specified service points to the server system 1100 (step S252), and transmits a specified end-of-viewing signal to the server system 1100 (step S254).

Moving on to FIG. 31, when the server system 1100 receives a service point granting request (step S260), it grants service points to user 2 of the user terminal 1500 that made the request, up to the value indicated by the received service points to be granted 828 (step S262).

In addition, when the server system 1100 receives a signal indicating the end of viewing (YES in step S264), it generates and stores new viewing part history data 768 in the entertainment management data 700 (see FIG. 23) relating to user 2 who has finished viewing (step S266).

When all users belonging to the group have finished watching (YES in step S270), the viewing part processing ends.

Returning to FIG. 28, the server system 1100 then determines whether the entertainment content has ended. If it has not ended (NO in step S290), the process returns to step S8 to enable playing of the remaining game part 13. If it has ended (YES in step S290), the process ends. Similarly, if the entertainment content has ended in the user terminal 1500 (YES in step S292), the process ends.

As described above, according to this embodiment, user 2 can acquire play elements 8 in play part 13, and can use the acquired play elements 8 as a viewer action in viewing part 15 toward a character 6 appearing in viewing content 16. The play elements 8 are linked to participating characters 7 involved in acquiring the play elements 8. Interactive processing based on the relationship between the participating characters 7 of the play elements 8 used in the action operation and the participating characters 6 for which they were used is executed in the viewing content. Entertainment content that realizes this way of using play elements 8 and the interactive processing that results from their use is unprecedented, and provides a completely new user experience.

Furthermore, the entertainment system 1000 can grant play elements 8 to the user 2 in the play part 13, and control the viewing part 15 according to the acquisition status of the play elements 8. In other words, from the user 2's perspective, if he or she succeeds in acquiring play elements 8 in the play part 13, he or she can experience various changes in the viewing content 16 in the viewing part 15. This can provide new interest in the play elements 8 that are granted according to the progress of the entertainment content. This can also increase the user 2's motivation for the play elements 8, and improve the quality of the user experience when playing the play part 13. This can increase the overall appeal of the entertainment content.

The entertainment system 1000 can also provide users 2 with a place to play games in the play part 13, and manage the play information 705 for each user. The composition of the viewer group can then be adjusted by matching users who watch the same viewing content 16 based on the play information 705. The interactive effects of the action operations performed by the viewers on the viewing content can then be shared within the same viewer group.

By making appropriate adjustments, it becomes possible to match users who are highly motivated to view the viewing content 16 with the same viewer group. In addition, by making adjustments, viewer groups can be created according to the tendency to take or not take viewer action, which can prevent situations in which viewer action is refrained from and the viewing atmosphere is not lively. In addition, the ability to adjust the groups of users who will become viewers also helps analyze each viewer's evaluation of the viewing content.

Second Embodiment
Next, a second embodiment will be described. The second embodiment has a common configuration with the first embodiment, but differs in that the functions of the entertainment management data 700 are realized only by the server system 1100. Note that the differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described, and the same components as those in the first embodiment will be given the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment, and duplicated explanations will be omitted.

Fig. 34 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a server system 1100B in the second embodiment. The viewing part control unit 220B of the server system 1100B has a viewing content variable control unit 221, a character control change unit 222, an interactive processing unit 223, a first interactive processing content variable control unit 224, a second interactive processing content variable control unit 225, a viewing fee collection unit 226, and a matching processing unit 228.

The viewing content variable control unit 221 performs the functions of both the viewing content variable control unit 221s of the server system 1100 in the first embodiment and the viewing content variable control unit 221t in the first embodiment.

The interactive processing unit 223 performs the functions of both the interactive processing unit 223s of the server system 1100 in the first embodiment and the interactive processing unit 223t in the first embodiment.

In other words, the server system 1100B centrally controls the virtual three-dimensional space for realizing the viewing of the viewing content 16, which was controlled by the user terminal 1500 in the first embodiment, and controls changing the content of the viewing content 16 depending on the acquisition status of the play elements 8.

The programs and data stored in the server storage unit 500s of the server system 1100B are basically the same as those in the first embodiment (see FIG. 16), but as shown in FIG. 35, in this embodiment, the entertainment management data 700B includes the viewing part management data 800 that was stored and managed by the user terminal 1500 in the first embodiment.

Fig. 36 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a user terminal 1500B in the second embodiment. The viewing part client control unit 262B of the user terminal 1500B omits the viewing content variable control unit 221t, the character control change unit 222, the interactive processing unit 223t, the first interactive processing content variable control unit 224, and the second interactive processing content variable control unit 225 in the viewing part client control unit 2262. Accordingly, the terminal storage unit 500 of the user terminal 1500B does not store the client control data 790 (see Fig. 25).

The operation of the entertainment system 1000 in this embodiment is realized by the server system 1100B executing the control related to viewing of the viewing content 16 that was executed by the user terminal 1500 in the first embodiment.

According to this embodiment, the processing load on the server system 1100B is greater than that of the first embodiment, but the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained.
On the other hand, since the processing load borne by the user terminal 1500B is lighter than that in the first embodiment, the hardware specifications required for the user terminal 1500B can be kept significantly lower than those in the first embodiment. Therefore, even a user who uses a computer that is inevitably required to have relatively low specifications for the user terminal 1500B (for example, a low-performance smartphone) can use the entertainment system 1000.

Third Embodiment
Next, a third embodiment will be described. The third embodiment has a common configuration with the first embodiment, but differs in that the control related to the play part 13 is executed by the user terminal 1500. Note that the differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described, and the same components as the first and second embodiments will be given the same reference numerals as the first and second embodiments, and duplicated explanations will be omitted.

Figure 37 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a server system 1100C in the third embodiment. The viewing part control unit 220C of the server system 1100C has a viewing content variable control unit 221s, a viewing fee collection unit 226, and a matching processing unit 228.

FIG. 38 is a diagram showing an example of programs and data stored in the server storage unit 500s of the server system 1100C.
The server storage unit 500s stores a server program 501C. The program causes the server processing unit 200s to realize a function as a viewing part control unit 220C.
The entertainment management data 700 is omitted and is managed by the user terminal 1500C.

Fig. 39 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a user terminal 1500C in the third embodiment. In the user terminal 1500C, the viewing part client control unit 262C has a viewing content variable control unit 221, a character control change unit 222, an interactive processing unit 223, a first interactive processing content variable control unit 224, and a second interactive processing content variable control unit 225.

FIG. 40 is a diagram showing an example of programs and data stored in the terminal storage unit 500 of the user terminal 1500C.
The client program 502C is a program for enabling the terminal processing unit 200 to realize the functions of a viewing content variable control unit 221, a character control change unit 222, an interactive processing unit 223, a first interactive processing content variable control unit 224, and a second interactive processing content variable control unit 225.

The entertainment content initial setting data 510C is stored by previously downloading the original entertainment content initial setting data 510 held by the server system 1100.

The entertainment management data 700B includes both the play part management data 703 and the viewing part management data 800, similar to that of the second embodiment (see FIG. 35).

The third embodiment also provides the same effects as the first embodiment.

[Modifications]
Although examples of embodiments to which the present invention is applied have been described above, the forms to which the present invention can be applied are not limited to the above forms, and components can be added, omitted, or modified as appropriate.

(Variation 1)
For example, the above embodiment may include a process of dividing a viewer group into a plurality of groups according to the number of viewers or the like.
For example, if there are too many users who watch the same viewing content 16, the display of viewer actions may fill up the viewing screen and hinder viewing. Viewer actions may also be concentrated on a specific character 6, causing a feeling of disappointment for some viewers. In such a case, it is possible to divide the viewer group 3 into multiple groups, limit the sharing of information on viewer actions to within the divided groups, and allocate viewers based on their substantial overall relationships.

When allocating the characters, for example, if there are two characters 6, the characters may be grouped in such a way that the ratio of users who "favorite" each character within a group is adjusted.
Specifically, groups may be created from users selected so that the ratio of users who "support" each of the characters 6 is as close as possible, and the remaining users may create groups. In this case, in the former group, users who "support" each of the characters compete with each other in a cheering battle to not lose, which induces viewer action and makes the user experience of viewing more exciting.

(Variation 2)
In the above embodiment, the play elements 8 acquired by the user 2 are treated as instruction-responsive play elements in manual interactive processing, and are managed as if they were unowned in response to a viewer action operation and consumed by executing the action operation. The other acquired play elements 8 are left after the viewing part 15 ends, and can be carried over to play the next play element 8.

This may be done by resetting all information on play elements 8 owned by each user 2 when the second progression part 12 ends. Specifically, a resetting step is added between step S66 and step S290. Alternatively, a resetting step is added after a negative determination is made in step S290.

In this configuration, user 2 cannot carry over acquired play elements 8 across sets of progression parts. Each time the next set begins, user 2 must reacquire play elements 8 in play part 13 from "0." This encourages user 2 to always approach gameplay with a proactive and goal-oriented attitude, and user 2's motivation can be maintained at a high level.

(Variation 3)
In addition, the contents of the shared interactive process are not limited to the above embodiment and can be set as appropriate. For example, the total amount of money or items "tipped" from the start of the viewing part is counted. The display 31 is displayed every time "tipping" is made, and when the count value reaches a predetermined value, the character 6 may take some action to show his/her intention to thank the viewer (for example, wink, bow and say thank you), and a special shared interactive process may be executed. Of course, the contents of the special shared interactive process can be set as appropriate. For example, a display celebrating the achievement of a predetermined value may be displayed on the viewing screen, or an effect such as a flurry of cherry blossoms may be displayed. Additional content that dances as a thank-you may become available for viewing, or a special item may be given to the character.

(Variation 4)
Furthermore, elements of synthesis and evolution of play elements 8 may be added to the above embodiment and modified examples as appropriate. Synthesis is a mechanism for replacing multiple play elements 8 that are synthesis materials with one synthesized play element 8. Basically, the synthesized play element 8 has higher performance than the synthesis material play element 8. Evolution is a mechanism for consuming one or more play elements 8 that are evolution materials to replace the play element 8 to be evolved so as to gradually improve its ability or appearance according to a predetermined ability improvement lineage setting.

When adding a synthesis element based on the first embodiment, synthesis definition data 860 as shown in FIG. 41 is prepared and stored in the server system 1100. When a predetermined synthesis operation (including, for example, a synthesis material selection operation and an execution operation) is performed by the user, who is the player, on the user terminal 1500, the server system 1100 changes the acquired play element data 720 (see FIG. 24) associated with the user's account according to the synthesis definition data 860.

The synthesis definition data 860 includes a synthesis material play element type combination 861, a synthesised play element type 862, and a use limit change setting 863. The synthesis material play element type combination 861 and the synthesised play element type 862 determine the synthesis pattern defined by the synthesis definition data 860. The use limit change setting 863 is set in place of the use limit setting data 530 when the use limit set for the synthesised play element 8 is changed to a definition other than that of the use limit setting data 530 (see FIG. 17).

The usage restriction change settings 863 are prepared for each change pattern. Each usage restriction change setting 863 includes the change requirements and the post-change usage restriction contents.

The change requirements may be described using combinations of the types of participating characters 7 in the synthesis material play elements 8, and combinations of usage restriction settings. In addition, if the synthesis material play elements 8 have level and rarity settings, these combinations may also be included in the description of the change requirements.

Specifically, for example, in an example of synthesis using play elements 8 of two synthesis materials, the change requirements may be a usage restriction for the play element 8 of the first synthesis material being "usable character = character A" and a usage restriction for the play element 8 of the second synthesis material being "usable character = character B." Then, the usage restriction for the play element 8 after synthesis may be "usable character = character A or character B."

As another example, the change requirements can be set so that the usage restrictions for all synthesis materials are common to "usable characters = character A." The usage restrictions for the game element 8 after synthesis can then be maintained as "usable characters = character A," and the usage limit can be changed to be relaxed by making the usage period X times that of the synthesis materials (X is a number determined by a given function that is positively related to the number of synthesis materials) or by increasing the number of situations in which the materials can be used.

When adding an evolutionary element, the pre-evolution play element 8 and the evolved play element 8 are set to have a relationship in the design, abilities, etc. to give the impression of an evolutionary lineage, but it is preferable to treat them as different types of play elements 8 in terms of the data.

Then, evolution definition data 870 as shown in FIG. 42 is prepared and stored in the server system 1100. When a predetermined evolution operation (including, for example, an operation to select evolution materials and an evolution target, and an operation to execute evolution) is performed by the user, who is the player, on the user terminal 1500, the server system 1100 changes the acquired play element data 720 (see FIG. 24) associated with the user's account in accordance with the evolution definition data 870.

The evolution definition data 870 includes evolution material play element type 871, evolution target play element type 872, evolved play element type 873, and post-evolution use restriction setting 874. The evolution pattern defined in the definition data is determined by the evolution material play element type 871, evolution target play element type 872, and evolved play element type 873. The post-evolution use restriction setting 874 is set as appropriate when changing the use restriction of evolved play elements 8 to a definition other than that in the use restriction setting data 530 (see FIG. 17).

The post-evolution use restriction settings 874 are prepared for each change pattern. One post-evolution use restriction setting 874 includes change requirements and post-change use restriction contents. The change requirements and post-change use restriction contents can be set in the same way as the use restriction change settings 863.

(Variation 5)
In the above embodiment, the progress part configuration data 511 is exemplified as a straight part configuration as if the story were a single road without any branching, but it may be a part configuration with branches.

For example, when a branch is provided at the end of the second progress part 12, the viewer actions and the execution record of the interactive processes in the viewing part 15 are recorded and managed by the server system 1100 or the user terminal 1500. Specifically, the number of each type of viewing action, the total amount of tips, the type of interactive processes executed, the number of interactive processes executed, etc. are recorded and managed.
In addition, for the second progression part 12 which has a branch after the end of the part, a branching condition using a viewer action or an execution record of an interactive process and which game part 13 of the first progression part 11 to be executed next depending on whether the branching condition is satisfied or not are set in advance and associated with each other.

Then, after the second progression part 12, which has a branch after the end of the part, is completed, a branch judgment is made based on the corresponding branching condition, and it is determined which game part 13 in the first progression part 11 to be executed next. There may be multiple endings as a result of the branching, which means there may be multiple different endings.

Depending on the story structure and the settings of the viewing period VA of the second progression part, the branch destination may be the play part 13 of the first progression part 11 that is executed before the second progression part 12, which has a branch after the end of that part.

In this case, based on the results of a certain second progression part 12 (such as the amount of posts or the status of actions), a different game part 13 from the previous one can be matched again in the first progression part 11 that is created before that second progression part 12, and the game can be played repeatedly, making the story development more complex and profound, increasing interest.

2...User 3...Viewer group 5...Item 6...Appearing character 7...Participating character 8...Game element 11...First progression part 12...Second progression part 13...Game part 15...Viewing part 16...Viewing content 32...Instruction target character 60...Play target character 71...Dedicated character 80...Reward game element 200s...Server processing unit 210...Entertainment management unit 212...Game part control unit 214...Play information management unit 220, 220B, 220C...Viewing part control unit 221, 221s, 221t...Viewing content variable control unit 222...Appearing character control change unit 223, 223s, 223t...Interactive processing unit 224...First interactive processing content variable control unit 225...Second interactive processing content variable control unit 226...Viewing fee collection unit 228...Matching processing unit 260...Client control unit 261...Play part client control unit 262, 262B, 262C...Viewing part client control unit 263...Viewing part control unit 500...Terminal memory unit 500s...Server memory unit 501, 501C...Server program 502, 502C...Client program 510, 510C...Entertainment content initial setting data 511...Progress part configuration data 520...Play element definition data 521...Play element type 524...Rarity 525...Attributes 527...Play element content data 530...Use restriction setting data 532...Usage expiration date 533...Usable situation 534...Usable character 540...Play part definition data 560...Viewing part definition data 562...Viewing possible requirements 570...Viewing content initial setting data 572...Viewing content category 573...Appearing character list 574...Viewing possible requirements 575...Relationship conditions 576...Game element acquisition status condition 580...Viewing content data 583...Appearing character initial setting data 587...Initial acceptable viewer action type list 600...Interactive processing definition data 602...Type 610...Application requirement 611...User relationship condition 612...Owned status condition 614...Additional status condition 620...Instruction target character condition 622...Instruction game element designation condition 624...Character relationship condition 626...Time condition 630...Processing content data 633...Display mode change data 634...Action change data 635...Ability parameter value change data 642...Acceptable viewer action type change data 643...Amount of service points granted 644...Content change data 700, 700B...Entertainment management data 703...Game part management data 705...Play information 709...Play target character type 710...Play performance data 711...Development performance data 713: Relationship data 720: Acquired game element data 722: Game element type 724: Corresponding character type 725: Use restriction setting 730: Game element acquisition status data 732: Acquisition status data by character 734: Acquisition status data by rarity 736: Acquisition status data by attribute 770: Matching management data 800: Viewing part management data 810: Appearing character management data 812: Display mode management data 813: Action management data 818: Ability management data 820: Acceptable viewer action type list 822: Target character type 824: Instructed game element type 840: Viewing content data (copy)
852...Additional content data (copy)
1000: Entertainment system 1100, 1100B, 1100C: Server system 1500, 1500B, 1500C: User terminal TA: Executable period VA: Viewable period

Claims (13)

A computer system for controlling the progress of content including a plurality of progression parts and in which a plurality of characters appear, comprising:
A game part control means for controlling the progress of a game part in which a participating character participates and a user acquires a game element as one of the progression parts;
a viewing part control means for controlling the progress of a viewing part in which the user views viewing content in which a character appears as one of the progression parts;
Equipped with
The game part control means performs control for selecting the participating character based on an operation of the user,
The viewing part control means
an interactive processing means for, when an action operation by the user is received during viewing, performing interactive processing according to the action operation on the viewing content based on a relationship between the participating character and the appearing characters of the viewing content;
having
Computer system. The audiovisual content includes audiovisual content having different characters;
The viewing part control means selects the viewing content to be viewed by the user based on a selection operation by the user.
2. The computer system of claim 1. A plurality of characters appear in the audiovisual content,
the interactive processing means, when receiving the action operation with a specific one of the character being the instruction target, performs the interactive processing by making a change to any one of a display mode, a behavior, a parameter value, and a possessed item of the character being the instruction target;
3. A computer system according to claim 1 or 2. the interactive processing means controls whether or not to accept the action operation based on the relationship.
A computer system according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The viewing part control means
a first interactive processing content variable control means for variably controlling the content of the interactive processing based on the relationship;
having
A computer system according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The game part control means executes a development content for developing the participating character based on an operation of the user to control the progress of the game part, and variably controls the game elements that the user can acquire based on the development status of the participating character.
A computer system according to any one of claims 1 to 5. The game part control means performs control to acquire the game element based on an operation input by the user to the participating character.
The computer system according to any one of claims 1 to 6 . A computer system for controlling the progress of content including a plurality of progression parts and in which a plurality of characters appear, comprising:
A game part control means for controlling the progress of a game part in which a participating character participates and a user acquires a game element as one of the progression parts;
a viewing part control means for controlling the progress of a viewing part in which the user views viewing content in which a character appears as one of the progression parts;
Equipped with
The viewing part control means
an interactive processing means for, when an action operation by the user is received during viewing, performing interactive processing according to the action operation on the viewing content based on a relationship between the participating character and the appearing characters of the viewing content;
having
The content includes one or more sets of the progression part including one or more of the play parts and the progression part including one or more of the viewing parts.
Computer system. the game element is selected and operated by the user when performing the action operation;
The viewing part control means
a second interactive processing content variable control means for variably controlling the content of the interactive processing based on a time interval between the play part in which the play element used in the action operation was acquired and the viewing part in which the action operation was performed;
having
9. The computer system of claim 8 . The play element is associated with the viewing part that can be selected by the user when performing the action operation,
the interactive processing means controls whether or not to accept an action operation using the play element based on whether or not the current viewing part is the viewing part associated with the play element;
10. A computer system according to claim 8 or 9 . A server system which is the computer system according to any one of claims 1 to 10 ;
a user terminal of the user that communicates with the server system and functions as a man-machine interface;
Equipped with an entertainment system. A program for causing a computer system to control the progress of content including a plurality of progression parts and in which a plurality of characters appear, comprising:
a game part control means for controlling the progress of a game part in which a participating character participates and a user acquires a game element as one of the progression parts;
a viewing part control means for controlling the progress of a viewing part in which the user views viewing content in which a character appears as one of the progression parts;
and causing the computer system to function as
The game part control means performs control for selecting the participating character based on an operation of the user,
The viewing part control means
an interactive processing means for, when an action operation by the user is received during viewing, performing interactive processing according to the action operation on the viewing content based on a relationship between the participating character and the appearing characters of the viewing content;
having
program. A program for causing a computer system to control the progress of content including a plurality of progression parts and in which a plurality of characters appear, comprising:
a game part control means for controlling the progress of a game part in which a participating character participates and a user acquires a game element as one of the progression parts;
a viewing part control means for controlling the progress of a viewing part in which the user views viewing content in which a character appears as one of the progression parts;
and causing the computer system to function as
The viewing part control means
an interactive processing means for, when an action operation by the user is received during viewing, performing interactive processing according to the action operation on the viewing content based on a relationship between the participating character and the appearing characters of the viewing content;
having
The content includes one or more sets of the progression part including one or more of the play parts and the progression part including one or more of the viewing parts.
program.

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