JP7728070B2 - program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a program, an information processing system, and an information processing device.

For example, information processing systems and information processing devices that provide games have traditionally provided functions that allow players to create and edit images that can be used in various situations, such as character images used in the game and profile images used on the profile screen, and functions that allow players to display the created images (see Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-223501

However, because the above-mentioned conventional functions allow players a high degree of freedom in editing, there is a risk that images that cause discomfort or discomfort to others may be displayed, such as an image in which the character is completely missing from the neck up, or an image that shows only a close-up of a specific part of the character.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has as its object to provide a program that can impose certain restrictions on the display of images.

To achieve the above objectives, the present invention is configured as follows:

The program of the present invention causes a computer to function as a display control unit that controls the display of objects in a display area and a specific range setting unit that sets a specific range that determines the range within which the objects can be placed in the display area, and the objects can be placed so that a reference point set for the object is located within the specific range, and the display control unit displays the part of the placed object that is located within the display area in the display area but does not display the part that is located outside the display area in the display area, and can display at least a specific part of the object in the display area regardless of where the reference point is within the specific range .

The display control unit may be capable of displaying the objects at any display magnification, and the upper limit of the display magnification may vary depending on the number of objects displayed in the display area.

According to the program of the present invention, it is possible to impose certain restrictions on the display of images.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of the overall configuration of an information processing system. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a hardware configuration of a server. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of the hardware configuration of a user terminal. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a home screen. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an image creation menu screen. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an initial setting screen. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an image creation screen. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an image creation screen. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an image creation screen. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an object display on an image creation screen. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an object display on an image creation screen. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an object display on an image creation screen. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an object display on an image creation screen. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an object display on an image creation screen. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an object display on an image creation screen. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an object display on an image creation screen. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a home screen on which an image is displayed. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of the functional configuration of a server and a user terminal. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process performed when an application is started. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing at the time of starting up an image creation function. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a new creation start process. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a re-editing start process. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a setting information determination process. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process performed during a swipe operation. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing during a pinch operation. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a termination process.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the following embodiment is merely one aspect for explaining the present invention, and the numerical values and other information shown in the embodiment are merely examples and do not limit the present invention. Furthermore, not all of the configurations described in the present embodiment are necessarily essential components of the present invention. Furthermore, in this specification and drawings, elements having substantially the same functions and configurations will be assigned the same reference numerals wherever possible, and redundant explanations will be omitted, and elements not directly related to the present invention will not be illustrated.

(Configuration of information processing system S)
1, the information processing system S according to this embodiment is a so-called client-server system constructed by connecting a server 100 and a user terminal 200 via a network 300. In this embodiment, a case will be described in which a game is provided by the information processing system S.

The information processing system S according to this embodiment functions as an information processing device that provides a game through the cooperation of a server 100 and a user terminal 200. The server 100 and the user terminal 200 are responsible for executing various game functions and controlling the game's progress, and the various functions and games described above are executed through the cooperation of the server 100 and the user terminal 200.

The server 100 is connected to multiple user terminals 200 via a network 300 so that they can communicate with each other. Each user terminal 200 can send and receive various information to and from the server 100 via the network 300. Each user terminal 200 can also send and receive various information to and from other user terminals 200 via the network 300 and the server 100. The server 100 stores various information (e.g., player information) for each user (hereinafter referred to as a player) playing a game using a user terminal 200, and can also store various information related to the game. Based on input operations from the user terminal 200, the server 100 can perform processes such as updating the stored information and transmitting (downloading) images and various information to the user terminal 200. Note that each user terminal 200 may be able to send and receive various information directly between user terminals 200 without going through the network 300 or the server 100, using its own wireless communication capabilities.

The network 300 is composed of the Internet, a mobile phone network, a LAN (Local Area Network), a WAN (Wide Area Network), a dedicated line, etc. The server 100 and the user terminal 200 are connected wirelessly or by wire via the network 300.

(Hardware configuration of server 100)
2, the server 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 110, memory 120, storage unit 130, communication unit 140, input unit 150, output unit 160, internal bus 170, and input/output interface 180. Hereinafter, the CPU 110, memory 120, storage unit 130, communication unit 140, input unit 150, output unit 160, internal bus 170, and input interface 180 of the server 100 will also be referred to as the server CPU 110, server memory 120, server storage unit 130, server communication unit 140, server input unit 150, server output unit 160, server internal bus 170, and server input/output interface 180, respectively.

The server CPU 110 performs various processes, such as executing various game functions and progressing the game, in accordance with the programs and data stored in the server memory 120.

The server memory 120 is composed of ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), etc., and stores various programs and data used to execute various game functions and process game progress. The server CPU 110 and server memory 120 are connected to each other via the server internal bus 170.

The server storage unit 130 is composed of a hard disk drive (HDD), solid state drive (SSD), etc., and stores various programs and data. The programs and data stored in the server storage unit 130 are read (loaded) into the server memory 120 by the server CPU 110.

The server communication unit 140 is composed of a communication interface, etc., and transmits and receives information such as various data and programs to and from the user terminal 200 via the network 300. In the server 100, the server communication unit 140 receives various information from the user terminal 200, and the received information is stored in the server memory 120 or the server storage unit 130. In addition, information regarding the results of various processes executed by the server CPU 110 is transmitted to the user terminal 200 by the server communication unit 140.

The server input unit 150 is composed of a keyboard, mouse, etc. Based on input operations using the server input unit 150, various processes are executed, such as storing various programs and data in the server memory 120 and server storage unit 130, and updating the various stored programs and data.

The server output unit 160 is composed of a display capable of displaying text, images, etc., a speaker capable of outputting sound, etc. The contents of various processes executed based on input operations by the server input unit 150 are output by the server output unit 160.

The server storage unit 130, server communication unit 140, server input unit 150, and server output unit 160 are connected to the server input/output interface 180, which is connected to the server internal bus 170.

(Hardware configuration of user terminal 200)
Examples of the user terminal 200 include a smartphone, a tablet, a mobile phone, a personal computer, a portable game console, a stationary game console installed in a store or at home, etc. In this embodiment, a case where a smartphone is used as the user terminal 200 will be described.

As shown in FIG. 3, the user terminal 200 has a CPU 210, memory 220, storage unit 230, communication unit 240, input unit 250, output unit 260, internal bus 270, input/output interface 280, etc. Hereinafter, the CPU 210, memory 220, storage unit 230, communication unit 240, input unit 250, output unit 260, internal bus 270, and input interface 280 of the user terminal 200 will also be referred to as the terminal CPU 210, terminal memory 220, terminal storage unit 230, terminal communication unit 240, terminal input unit 250, terminal output unit 260, terminal internal bus 270, and terminal input/output interface 280, respectively.

Note that the terminal CPU 210, terminal memory 220, terminal storage unit 230, terminal communication unit 240, terminal input unit 250, terminal output unit 260, terminal internal bus 270, and terminal input/output interface 280 have substantially the same configurations and functions as the server CPU 110, server memory 120, server storage unit 130, server communication unit 140, server input unit 150, server output unit 160, server internal bus 170, and server input/output interface 180, respectively, and therefore detailed explanations will be omitted with some exceptions.

In the user terminal 200, the terminal CPU 210 and terminal memory 220 are connected to each other via the terminal internal bus 270, and the terminal storage unit 230, terminal communication unit 240, terminal input unit 250, and terminal output unit 260 are connected to the terminal input/output interface 280, which is connected to the terminal internal bus 270. The user terminal 200 also performs various processes, such as executing various game functions and progressing through the game, in accordance with the programs and data stored in the terminal memory 220. The user terminal 200 also receives various information from the server 100 via the terminal communication unit 240, and the received information is stored in the terminal memory 220 or the terminal storage unit 230. Information regarding the results of the various processes executed by the terminal CPU 210 is also transmitted to the server 100 by the terminal communication unit 240.

The terminal input unit 250 may be configured, for example, with a touch panel, keyboard, mouse, controller, physical buttons, etc., which can input operations to the user terminal 200, and may be mounted on the user terminal 200 itself, or may be provided separately from the user terminal 200 and connected to the user terminal 200 via a connection cable, etc. The terminal input unit 250 may also be a microphone capable of voice input, or an acceleration sensor capable of detecting the tilt, movement, vibration, etc. of the user terminal 200 and inputting the detected information. In this embodiment, the user terminal 200 is equipped with a touch panel 262 which functions as both the terminal input unit 250 and the terminal output unit 260.

(Outline of functions provided by information processing system S)
The game provided by the information processing system S according to this embodiment includes an image creation function that enables a player to create and edit various images to be displayed on various screens, such as the profile screen PS and a result screen showing the game results. This image creation function allows a player to create an image displaying a single object PO or an image displaying multiple objects PO side by side using one or more of a plurality of types of objects PO prepared in advance. Furthermore, the object PO can be enlarged, reduced, or otherwise processed, allowing the object O to be displayed within the image at various display magnifications (sizes). The image creation function will be described below using the example of creating an image P to be displayed on the profile screen PS using the user terminal 200.

To use the image creation function, the player installs a dedicated application for playing the game on the user terminal 200 in advance and registers the player with the server 100 (e.g., registering information such as the player ID, player name, and team name to be used in the game). When the application is launched, the user terminal 200 receives various data stored on the server 100, such as the player name, team name, and image P created by the player, and displays a home screen HS on the touch panel 262. As described below, the image P created by the player is stored in the server storage unit 130 of the server 100. However, before creation, the image P is not stored in the server storage unit 130, and the user terminal 200 does not receive the image P.

The home screen HS is the initial screen when the application is launched. As shown in FIG. 4, the home screen HS includes a profile screen PS that displays the player name, team name, image P, etc. received from the server 100, as well as an icon I1 for starting the game and an icon I2 for activating the image creation function. When no image P is stored in the server storage unit 130 (before image P has been created), no image P is displayed on the profile screen PS. When icon I1 is tapped, the user terminal 200 displays a game screen (not specifically shown) on the touch panel 262 and starts the game, and when icon I2 is tapped, an image creation menu screen IS is displayed on the touch panel 262 and activates the image creation function.

The image creation menu screen IS is the initial screen when the image creation function is activated. As shown in FIG. 5, the image creation menu screen IS displays an icon I3 for creating a new image P and an icon I4 for re-editing a created image P. When icon I3 is tapped, the user terminal 200 displays the initial setting screen NS on the touch panel 262. When icon I4 is tapped, the user terminal 200 displays the image creation screen CS on the touch panel 262 and also displays the image P received from the server 100. This makes it possible to re-edit an image P that has already been created.

The initial setting screen NS is a screen for making various settings when creating a new image P. As shown in Figure 6(a) or (b), the initial setting screen NS displays a select button B1 for selecting the number of objects PO to display in the image P. Tapping the select button B1 displays values ranging from 1 to the maximum selectable number (4 in this embodiment). By tapping one of the values, the player can select the number of objects PO to display in the image P.

Also, as shown in Figure 6(a) or (b), the initial setting screen NS displays a select button B2 for selecting the type of object PO to be displayed in the image P, and a select button B3 for selecting the layer on which the selected object PO will be placed.

The server storage unit 130 of the server 100 stores, as objects PO that can be displayed in the image P, multiple types of planar objects (planar images) of the entire body of a character, each with a head and torso and all set to have approximately the same overall length and width. Furthermore, although not specifically shown, the image P is composed of multiple display layers (four in this embodiment) that are virtually stacked at a predetermined distance, and an object PO can be placed on any of the display layers. As will be described later, the multiple objects PO displayed in the image P may partially overlap each other, but in the overlapping portions, higher-level objects PO are displayed preferentially over lower-level objects PO. In other words, in the image P, the overlapping portions of the lower-level objects PO are not displayed because they are covered by the higher-level objects PO.

Tapping the select button B2 displayed on the initial setup screen NS displays a list of thumbnails (not specifically shown) of multiple types of object PO stored in the server storage unit 130. By tapping one of the thumbnails, the player can select the type of object PO to display in the image P. Tapping the select button B3 displayed on the initial setup screen NS also displays the layer numbers from the top display layer (the display layer located at the forefront of the image P) to the bottom display layer (the display layer located at the backmost of the image P). The layer numbers are assigned in order from "1" to "4" starting from the top display layer, and the player can select the display layer on which to place the target object PO by tapping one of the layer numbers.

Furthermore, as described above, when there are multiple objects PO, the objects PO are displayed side by side in the image P. As shown in FIG. 6(a) or (b), when two or more objects PO are selected on the initial setting screen NS, a select button B2 and a select button B3 are displayed at each display position of each object PO in the image P. This allows the player to select the type of object PO and display layer for each display position. For example, when two objects PO are selected, as shown in FIG. 6(a), the player can select the type of object PO and display layer to display for each of the two objects PO displayed side by side in the image P. Furthermore, when four objects PO are selected, as shown in FIG. 6(b), the player can select the type of object PO and display layer to display for each of the four objects PO displayed side by side in the image P.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 6(a) or (b), the initial setting screen NS displays an icon I5 for confirming the type of object PO selected by the player and the contents of the display layer. When icon I5 is tapped, the user terminal 200 receives data for the object PO selected on the initial setting screen NS from the server storage unit 130 and displays an image creation screen CS on the touch panel 262. This makes it possible to create a new image P.

The image creation screen CS is a screen for performing various edits on new or previously created images P. As shown in Figures 7 to 9, the image creation screen CS displays a rectangular display frame DF that constitutes the outer frame of the image P to be created and in which each selected object PO is displayed. It also displays a rectangular movement range frame that is set according to the display position of each selected object PO and indicates the range within which the corresponding object PO can be placed (the range within which each object PO can be moved). The corresponding object PO is also displayed within each movement range frame. Furthermore, the image creation screen CS displays the created image P on the profile screen PS and also displays an icon I6 for storing the object PO in the server storage unit 130. By swiping the object PO, the player can move the object PO and place it anywhere within the movement range frame. Furthermore, by pinching out or in on the object PO, the player can enlarge or reduce the object PO. The set movement range frame may or may not be displayed on the image creation screen CS to allow the player to easily confirm the movement range of the object PO.

As mentioned above, the display frame DF constitutes the outer frame of the image P, so the content displayed within the display frame DF becomes the image P as is. In this embodiment, depending on the size when enlarged and the placement position within the movement range frame, part of the object PO may extend outside the display frame DF, but this extending part will not be displayed within the display frame DF. Therefore, in the image P, the part of the object PO that extends outside the display frame DF will not be displayed, and only the part that fits within the display frame DF will be displayed.

In addition, in this embodiment, the number of movement range frames to be set, the size of each movement range frame, and the changeable range of the display magnification by which the objects PO can be enlarged or reduced are set according to the number of objects PO displayed in the image P (the number of objects PO selected on the initial setting screen NS).

As shown in Figure 8(a), when the number of displayed objects PO is one, one movement range frame MF1 is set for the display frame DF. This movement range frame MF1 is set to cross the display frame DF, with its left and right edges positioned outside the left and right edges of the display frame DF, respectively, and its top and bottom edges positioned inside the top and bottom edges of the display frame DF, respectively. In addition, the range in which the display magnification of the object PO can be changed is set to between 1x and 6x.

As shown in Figure 8 (b), when the number of objects PO displayed is two, two movement range frames MF21 and MF22 are set side by side with a predetermined distance between them relative to the display frame DF. The movement range frame MF21 on the left side is set so that its left edge is positioned outside the left edge of the display frame DF, and the movement range frame MF22 on the right side is set so that its right edge is positioned outside the right edge of the display frame DF. The upper and lower edges of both movement range frames MF21 and MF22 are set so that they are positioned inside the upper and lower edges of the display frame DF, respectively. The widths of both movement range frames MF21 and MF22 are set to be the same. The display magnification of the objects PO displayed within the movement range frames MF21 and MF22 can be changed within a range from 1x to 4x.

As shown in Figure 9(a), when the number of displayed objects PO is three, three movement range frames MF31, MF32, and MF33 are set side by side at a predetermined interval relative to the display frame DF. The leftmost movement range frame MF31 is set so that its left edge is positioned outside the left edge of the display frame DF, while the rightmost movement range frame MF33 is set so that its right edge is positioned outside the right edge of the display frame DF. The upper and lower edges of the movement range frames MF31, MF32, and MF33 are all set so that they are positioned inside the upper and lower edges of the display frame DF, respectively. While the movement range frames MF31 and MF33 are all set to have the same width, the movement range frame MF32 is set to be narrower than the movement range frames MF31 and MF33. Additionally, the range in which the display magnification of the objects PO displayed within the movement range frames MF31, MF32, and MF33 can be changed is set to between 1x and 3x.

As shown in Figure 9(b), when the number of displayed objects PO is three, four movement range frames MF41, MF42, MF43, and MF44 are set horizontally at a predetermined interval relative to the display frame DF. The leftmost movement range frame MF41 is set so that its left edge is positioned outside the left edge of the display frame DF, while the rightmost movement range frame MF44 is set so that its right edge is positioned outside the right edge of the display frame DF. The upper and lower edges of the movement range frames MF41, MF42, MF43, and MF44 are all set so that they are positioned inside the upper and lower edges of the display frame DF, respectively. The movement range frames MF41 and MF44 are all set to have the same width, and although the movement range frames MF42 and MF43 are all set to have the same width, the movement range frames MF42 and MF43 are set to have a narrower width than the movement range frames MF41 and MF44. Additionally, the range in which the display magnification of the objects PO displayed within the movement range frames MF41, MF42, MF43, and MF44 can be changed is set to between 1x and 2.5x.

The image creation screen CS also displays the corresponding objects PO within the movement range frames set as described above. For example, if, on the initial setting screen NS, two objects PO are selected as the number of objects PO to be displayed in the image P, object PO1 displayed on the left side is selected, and object PO2 displayed on the right side is selected, as shown in FIG. 10, a display frame DF is displayed on the image creation screen CS, and movement range frames MF21 and MF22 are set side-by-side at a predetermined distance from the display frame DF. Object PO1 is then displayed within movement range frame MF21, and object PO2 is displayed within movement range frame MF22. At this time, neither object PO1 nor PO2 is enlarged or reduced, and objects PO1 and PO2 are displayed at the same magnification (their original sizes). The player can move and position object PO1 within movement range frame MF21, and can also enlarge or reduce object PO1 within the display magnification range (from 1x to 4x). Additionally, the player can move and position the object PO2 within the movement range frame MF22, and can also enlarge or reduce the object PO2 within the changeable range of the display magnification.

Furthermore, when icon I6 displayed on the image creation screen CS is tapped, the user terminal 200 displays the home screen HS on the touch panel 262, and also displays the content displayed in the display frame DF as an image P on the profile screen PS (see FIG. 17), and transmits this image P to the server 100. As a result, the created image P is stored in the server storage unit 130 of the server 100.

(Outline of display of object PO)
As shown in FIGS. 10 to 16 , each object PO in this embodiment has a reference point R set thereon, which serves as a reference for the above-mentioned movement, enlargement, and reduction. The player can use this reference point R as a reference to move, position, and enlarge or reduce the object PO within the movement range frame. Specifically, the object PO can be moved left and right within a range from the left edge of the movement range frame to the right edge of the reference point R, and can be moved up and down within a range from the top edge of the movement range frame to the bottom edge of the reference point R. The object PO can also be enlarged or reduced around the reference point R. The reference point R may or may not be displayed on the object PO to allow the player to easily confirm the position of the reference point R.

In this embodiment, the position of the reference point R on the object PO, the distance between the outer edge of the movement range frame and the outer edge of the display frame DF, and the distance between adjacent movement range frames are predetermined so that at any display magnification the object PO is displayed and at any position within the movement range frame, at least a predetermined area of the head of the object PO is displayed in the image P, and at least approximately the left half or approximately half of the object PO is displayed in the image P.

Specifically, in this embodiment, the above-mentioned contents are defined so that, regardless of the display magnification at which the object PO is displayed, when the reference point R is located at the upper edge of the movement range frame, at least approximately the lower half of the object PO's head fits within the display frame DF; and when the reference point R is located at the lower edge of the movement range frame, the entire head of the object PO fits within the display frame DF from the bottom to the top. Furthermore, regardless of the display magnification at which the object PO is displayed, when the reference point R is located at the left edge of the leftmost movement range frame, at least approximately the right half of the object PO fits within the display frame DF; and when the reference point R is located at the right edge of the rightmost movement range frame, at least approximately the left half of the object PO fits within the display frame DF. Furthermore, regardless of the display magnification at which the object PO is displayed, when the reference point R is located on the right edge of the left movement range frame of two adjacent movement range frames, and the reference point R is located on the left edge of the right movement range frame, the above contents are defined so that the object PO displayed in the left movement range frame and the object PO displayed in the right movement range frame do not overlap each other by more than approximately half.

In this embodiment, a reference point R is preset at approximately the center (neck) of the boundary between the head and torso of each object PO (see Figures 10 to 16, etc.). The distance from the top edge of the movement range frame to the top edge of the display frame DF is set to be approximately half the length from the bottom to the top of the head of the object PO enlarged to the upper limit of the display magnification range. The distance from the left edge of the leftmost movement range frame to the left edge of the display frame DF, and the distance from the right edge of the rightmost movement range frame to the right edge of the display frame DF, are both set to be approximately half the total width of the object PO reduced to the lower limit of the display magnification range (1x in this embodiment). Furthermore, for two adjacent movement range frames, the distance from the right edge of the left movement range frame to the left edge of the right movement range frame is set to be approximately half the total width of the object PO enlarged to the upper limit of the display magnification range. This setting enables the display control described above.

Next, the display mode of the object PO according to the position of the reference point R within the movement range frame will be explained using specific examples with reference to Figures 10 to 16. Note that for ease of explanation, the object PO2 displayed within the movement range frame MF22 has been omitted from Figures 11 to 14.

As shown in Figure 10(a), for example, if the number of objects PO displayed in image P is two and objects PO1 and PO2 are displayed in moving range frame MF21 (the leftmost moving range frame) and moving range frame MF22 (the rightmost moving range frame), respectively, and the display magnification of objects PO1 and PO2 is both 1x, and the reference point R of object PO1 is located slightly to the right and above the center of moving range frame MF21, and the reference point R of object PO2 is located slightly to the left and above the center of moving range frame MF22, then objects PO1 and PO2 will be positioned side-by-side with a gap between them, and both objects will fit entirely within the display frame DF. As a result, the created image P will display objects PO1 and PO2 side-by-side with a predetermined gap between them, with the entire object visible.

As shown in Figure 10(b), for example, in the above case, when the display magnification of objects PO1 and PO2 is both 2x and the reference point R of object PO1 and the reference point R of object PO2 are both in the same positions as above (slightly to the right and above the center of movement range frame MF21, and slightly to the left and above the center of movement range frame MF22), objects PO1 and PO2 are positioned side by side with a narrower gap than when the display magnification is 1x, with roughly the lower half of both objects extending outside the display frame DF and only the upper parts of their torsos from the waist down being within the display frame DF. As a result, the created image P displays objects PO1 and PO2 side by side with a predetermined gap (narrower gap than when the display magnification of both objects is 1x), with the upper parts from the waist down visible.

As shown in Figure 11, for example, when the display magnification of object PO1 displayed in movement range frame MF21 is 1x and the reference point R of object PO1 is located in the lower left corner of movement range frame MF21, which is the limit of movement in the lower left direction, approximately the left half of object PO1 and the area below the shoulders of the torso protrude outside the display frame DF, while only the area above the shoulders of approximately the right half of object PO1 (approximately the upper right quarter of the entire object PO1) fits within the display frame DF. As a result, the created image P displays object PO1 in such a way that approximately the upper right quarter of the entire object PO1 is visible.

Also, although not specifically shown, for example, when the display magnification of object PO2 displayed in movement range frame MF22 is 1x and the reference point R of object PO2 is located at the bottom right corner of movement range frame MF22, which is the limit of movement in the bottom right direction, roughly the right half of object PO2 and the area below the shoulders of the torso protrude outside the display frame DF, and only the area above the shoulders of roughly the left half of object PO2 (approximately 1/4 of the upper left corner of the entire object PO2) fits within the display frame DF. As a result, the created image P displays object PO2 in such a way that approximately the upper left corner of the entire object PO2 is visible.

As shown in Figure 12(a), for example, when the display magnification of object PO1 displayed in movement range frame MF21 is 2x and the reference point R of object PO1 is located in the lower left corner of movement range frame MF21, a wider range of the upper right part of the entire object PO1 fits within the display frame DF than when the display magnification is 1x. As a result, the created image P displays object PO1 in a state where the above range is visible.

As shown in Figure 12(b), for example, when the display magnification of object PO1 displayed in movement range frame MF21 is 2x and the reference point R of object PO1 is located in the lower right corner of movement range frame MF21, which is the limit of movement in the lower right direction, the lower part of the torso of object PO1 from the area around the shoulders extends outside the display frame DF, and only the upper part of object PO1 (approximately the upper 1/3 of the entire object PO1) fits within the display frame DF. As a result, the created image P displays object PO1 in such a way that approximately the upper 1/3 of the entire object is visible.

Also, although not specifically shown, for example, when the display magnification of object PO2 displayed in movement range frame MF22 is 2x and the reference point R of object PO2 is located in the lower left corner of movement range frame MF22, which is the limit of movement in the lower left direction, the lower part of the torso of object PO2 from the area around the shoulders will extend outside the display frame DF, and only the upper part of object PO2 (approximately the upper 1/3 of the entire object PO2) will fit within the display frame DF. As a result, the created image P will display object PO2 in a state where approximately the upper 1/3 of the entire object is visible.

As shown in Figure 13(a), for example, when the display magnification of object PO1 displayed in movement range frame MF21 is 2x and the reference point R of object PO1 is located in the upper left corner of movement range frame MF21, which is the limit of movement in the upper left direction, roughly the left half of object PO1, about the upper third of the head, and the area below the knees on the torso protrude outside the display frame DF, while roughly the right half of object PO1, excluding about the upper third of the head and the area below the knees on the torso, fits within the display frame DF. As a result, object PO1 is displayed in a state where the above range is visible in the created image P.

Also, although not specifically shown, for example, when the display magnification of object PO2 displayed in movement range frame MF22 is 2x and the reference point R of object PO2 is located at the upper right corner of movement range frame MF22, which is the limit of movement in the upper right direction, roughly the right half of object PO2, about the upper third of the head, and the area below the knees on the torso will extend outside the display frame DF, while roughly the left half of object PO2, excluding about the upper third of the head and the area below the knees on the torso, will fit within the display frame DF. As a result, the created image P will display object PO2 in a state where the above range is visible.

As shown in Figure 13(b), for example, when the display magnification of object PO1 displayed in movement range frame MF21 is 2x and the reference point R of object PO1 is located in the upper right corner of movement range frame MF21, which is the limit of movement in the upper right direction, approximately the upper third of object PO1's head and the area below the knees on the torso protrude outside the display frame DF, while the entire body of object PO1, excluding approximately the upper third of the head and the area below the knees on the torso, fits within the display frame DF. As a result, object PO1 is displayed in a state in which the above range is visible in the created image P.

Furthermore, for example, when the display magnification of object PO2 displayed in movement range frame MF22 is 2x and the reference point R of object PO2 is located in the upper left corner of movement range frame MF22, which is the limit of movement in the upper left direction, approximately the upper third of object PO2's head and the area below the knees on the torso will extend outside the display frame DF, while the entire body of object PO1, excluding approximately the upper third of the head and the area below the knees on the torso, will fit within the display frame DF (see Figure 15). As a result, object PO2 will be displayed in a state where the above range is visible in the created image P.

As shown in Figure 14, for example, when the display magnification of object PO1 displayed in movement range frame MF21 is 4x (the upper limit of the changeable range) and the reference point R of object PO1 is located in the upper right corner of movement range frame MF21, approximately half of the top of object PO1's head and the area below the thighs of the torso extend outside the display frame DF, while the entire area of object PO1 excluding approximately half of the top of the head and the area below the thighs of the torso fits within the display frame DF. As a result, object PO1 is displayed in a state where the above area is visible in the created image P.

As shown in FIG. 15, for example, when the display magnification of object PO1 displayed in moving range frame MF21 and object PO2 displayed in moving range frame MF22 are both 2x, and the reference point R of object PO1 is located in the upper right corner of moving range frame MF21 and the reference point R of object PO2 is located in the upper left corner of moving range frame MF22, approximately the right 1/3 of object PO1 overlaps with approximately the left 1/3 of object PO2. Furthermore, when the layer on which object PO2 is displayed is higher than the layer on which object PO1 is displayed, the created image P displays objects PO1 and PO2 with approximately the right 1/3 of object PO1 covered by approximately the left 1/3 of object PO2. In other words, approximately the right 1/3 of object PO1 is not displayed in image P.

Although not specifically shown, for example, when the display magnification of object PO1 displayed in moving range frame MF21 and object PO2 displayed in moving range frame MF22 are both 4x, and the reference point R of object PO1 is located in the upper right corner of moving range frame MF21 and the reference point R of object PO2 is located in the upper left corner of moving range frame MF22, approximately half of the right side of object PO1 and approximately half of the left side of object PO2 overlap. Furthermore, when the layer in which object PO2 is displayed is higher than the layer in which object PO1 is displayed, the created image P displays objects PO1 and PO2 with approximately half of the right side of object PO1 obscured by approximately half of the left side of object PO2. In other words, object PO2 is displayed in image P without being obscured by other objects PO, but approximately half of the right side of object PO1 is not displayed.

As shown in Figure 16 (a), for example, when the number of objects PO to be displayed in image P is three and objects PO1, PO2, and PO3 are displayed in moving range frame MF31 (the leftmost moving range frame), moving range frame MF32 (the central moving range frame), and moving range frame MF33 (the rightmost moving range frame), respectively, and the display magnification of objects PO1, PO2, and PO3 is all 3x (the upper limit of the changeable range), and the reference point R of object PO1 is located in the upper right corner of moving range frame MF31, the reference point R of object PO2 is located in the upper right corner of moving range frame MF32, and the reference point R of object PO3 is located in the upper left corner of moving range frame MF33, approximately half of the right side of object PO2 and approximately half of the left side of object PO3 overlap, and objects PO1 and PO2 do not overlap. When the layer in which object PO2 is displayed is higher than the layer in which object PO3 is displayed, the created image P will have approximately half of the left side of object PO3 covered by approximately half of the right side of object PO2, but object PO1 will not be covered by object PO2, and objects PO1, PO2, and PO3 will be displayed. In other words, in image P, objects PO1 and PO2 are displayed without being covered by other objects PO, but approximately half of the left side of object PO3 will not be displayed.

As shown in Figure 16(b), for example, in the above case, when the display magnification of objects PO1, PO2, and PO3 is all 3x (the upper limit of the changeable range), the reference point R of object PO1 is located in the upper right corner of movement range frame MF31, the reference point R of object PO2 is located in the upper left corner of movement range frame MF32, and the reference point R of object PO3 is located in the upper left corner of movement range frame MF33, approximately half of the right side of object PO1 overlaps with approximately half of the left side of object PO2, while objects PO2 and PO3 do not overlap. Furthermore, when the layer on which object PO2 is displayed is higher than the layer on which object PO1 is displayed, the created image P will have approximately half of the right side of object PO1 covered by approximately half of the left side of object PO2, but object PO3 will not be covered by object PO2, and objects PO1, PO2, and PO3 will be displayed. That is, in image P, objects PO2 and PO3 are displayed without being covered by other objects PO, but approximately half of the right side of object PO1 is not displayed.

(Functional configuration of information processing system S)
Next, the functional configuration of the information processing system S for executing the image creation function described above will be described with reference to Fig. 18. Programs for executing the image creation function described above are stored in the server memory 120 of the server 100 and the terminal memory 220 of the user terminal 200. The server CPU 110 of the server 100 executes the stored programs to cause the server 100 to function as a data transmission/reception unit 182 and a storage processing unit 184. The terminal CPU 210 of the user terminal 200 executes the stored programs to cause the user terminal 200 to function as a data transmission/reception unit 282, a storage processing unit 284, a screen control unit 286, and an object control unit 288.

Note that these are just examples of functional units, and the server 100 and user terminal 200 have various other functional units in addition to those listed above. Furthermore, each functional unit may be provided on either the server 100 or the user terminal, and functional units that perform the same role may be provided in both the server 100 and the user terminal 200.

The data transmission/reception units 182 and 282 both transmit and receive various information and data between the server 100 and the user terminal 200.

The storage processing unit 184 of the server 100 stores information about the player received from the user terminal 200, data of the image P created by the player, setting information related to the creation of the image P, etc. in the server storage unit 130. Information about the player includes, for example, the player ID, player name, team name, etc. Furthermore, setting information related to the creation of the image P includes, for example, the number of selected objects PO, the type of selected object PO, the layer on which each object PO is displayed, the display magnification (size) of each object PO, the current position of the reference point R of each object PO within the movement range frame, etc.

In addition to the information and data described above, the server storage unit 130 also stores data on objects PO used to create the image P, information on the position of the reference point R set for each object PO, and the like. In this embodiment, the objects PO used to create the image P are created in advance by the operator of the information processing system S and stored in the server storage unit 130. Furthermore, when creating the object PO, the reference point R is also set, and information on the position of the set reference point R is also stored in the server storage unit 130. The storage processing unit 184 also stores this information and data in the server storage unit 130.

The storage processing unit 284 of the user terminal 200 stores various information and data received from the server 100 in the terminal memory 220 and the terminal storage unit 230. The various information and data include, for example, the player name and team name displayed on the home screen HS when the application is launched, and data on the image P displayed on the profile screen PS (an image P that has already been created and stored in the server storage unit 130).

In addition, the storage processing unit 284 stores setting information related to the creation of the image P, such as the number of objects PO selected when creating a new image P, the type of selected object PO, and the layer on which each object PO is displayed, in the device memory 220 or the device storage unit 230.

In addition to the information and data described above, the device memory 220 and the device storage unit 230 also store screen data for displaying various screens such as the home screen HS, image creation menu screen IS, initial settings screen NS, and image creation screen CS on the touch panel 262, display frame data for displaying the display frame DF on the image creation screen CS, and movement range frame data for setting a movement range frame according to the number of selected objects PO. In this embodiment, this data is created in advance by the operator of the information processing system S and is stored in the device memory 220 and the device storage unit 230 when an application is installed on the user terminal 200. The storage processing unit 284 also stores this data in the terminal memory 220 and the device storage unit 230.

The screen control unit 286 controls various screens displayed on the touch panel 262 based on various data stored in the device memory 220 and the device storage unit 230. For example, the screen control unit 286 performs processes such as displaying the home screen HS when an application is launched, displaying an image P on the profile screen PS when an image P is stored, displaying the image creation menu screen IS when the image creation function is launched (tapping icon I2), displaying the initial settings screen NS when a new image P is created (tapping icon I3), displaying the image creation screen CS and image P when an already created image P is re-edited (tapping icon I4), displaying the image creation screen CS and object PO when setting information selected for creating a new image P is confirmed (tapping icon I5), setting the display frame DF and the display and movement range frame on the image creation screen CS, and displaying the image P on the profile screen PS when creation (editing) of the image P is completed (tapping icon I6).

The object control unit 288 controls the display of the object PO displayed on the image creation screen CS based on various operations by the player. For example, the object control unit 288 displays the object PO by moving it in response to a swipe operation on the object PO. Then, when the swipe operation on the object PO is released, if the position of the reference point R of the object PO at this time is within the corresponding movement range frame, the object control unit 288 displays the portion of the object PO that fits within the display frame DF at this time position, whereas if the position of the reference point R of the object PO at this time is outside the corresponding movement range frame, the object PO is returned to the position at the start of the swipe and displayed in its original state. Furthermore, the object control unit 288 displays the object PO by enlarging or shrinking it in response to a pinch-out or pinch-in operation on the object PO. Then, when the pinch out or pinch in operation on the object PO is released, if the display magnification of the object PO at this time is within the changeable range, the object control unit 288 displays the part of the object PO to which this display magnification has been applied that fits within the display frame DF, whereas if the display magnification of the object PO at this time is outside the changeable range, the object PO is displayed in the state it was in when the pinch out or pinch in operation began.

Note that when the reference point R of the object PO is located on the outer edge of the movement range frame and a swipe operation is performed to move the reference point R outside the movement range frame, the object PO may continue to be displayed in the above state while the swipe operation is being performed. In other words, even though a swipe operation is being performed, the object PO may be displayed so that the reference point R remains stationary at the outer edge of the movement range frame. Then, when the swipe operation is released, the object PO may be displayed in this position.

Furthermore, if a pinch-out operation is performed when the display magnification of the object PO is at its maximum, the object PO may continue to be displayed at its maximum display magnification while the pinch-out operation is being performed. In other words, even though a pinch-out operation is being performed, the object PO may be displayed at its maximum display magnification without changing. Then, when the pinch-out operation is released, the object PO may be displayed at its maximum display magnification.

Similarly, if a pinch-in operation is performed when the display magnification of the object PO is at the lowest limit, the object PO may continue to be displayed at the lowest limit while the pinch-in operation is being performed. In other words, even though a pinch-in operation is being performed, the object PO may be displayed at the lowest limit display magnification without changing. Then, when the pinch-in operation is released, the object PO may be displayed at the lowest limit display magnification.

(Processing of information processing system S)
Next, a description will be given of an example of processing of the information processing system S. Here, the description will focus on processing related to the image creation function described above, and a description of processing other than the image creation function will be omitted.

First, the application startup process executed when an application is launched will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 19 . Although not specifically illustrated, when an application is launched on the user terminal 200, the data transmission/reception unit 282 of the user terminal 200 executes a process to request information about the player, data about the image P created by the player, and setting information related to the creation of the image P from the server 100. Based on this process, the data transmission/reception unit 282 receives the information and data transmitted by the data transmission/reception unit 182 of the server 100 (step 100). The storage processing unit 284 of the user terminal 200 stores the received information and data in the terminal memory 220 or the terminal storage unit 230, and the screen control unit 286 displays a home screen HS on the touch panel 262 (step 101). Furthermore, if the data transmission/reception unit 282 has received an image P from the server 100 (Y in step 102), the screen control unit 286 displays the received image P on the profile screen PS included in the home screen HS (step 103), and the application startup process ends. On the other hand, if the data transmission/reception unit 282 has not received image P from the server 100 (N in step 102), the application startup process ends.

Next, the image creation function startup process that is executed when the image creation function is started will be described with reference to the flowchart in Figure 20. If icon I2 displayed on the home screen HS is tapped (Y in step 200), the screen control unit 286 displays the image creation menu screen IS on the touch panel 262 (step 201), and the image creation function startup process ends. On the other hand, if icon I2 is not tapped (N in step 200), the image creation function startup process ends.

Next, the new creation start processing executed when starting to create a new image P will be described with reference to the flowchart in Figure 21. When icon I3 displayed on the image creation menu screen IS is tapped (Y in step 300), the data transmission/reception unit 282 executes a process (not shown) to request thumbnail image data of the object PO stored in the server storage unit 130 from the server 100. Based on this process, the data transmission/reception unit 282 receives the data transmitted by the data transmission/reception unit 182 of the server 100 (step 301). The storage processing unit 284 of the user terminal 200 stores the received data in the terminal memory 220 or the terminal storage unit 230, and the screen control unit 286 displays the initial setting screen NS on the touch panel 262 (step 302), thereby ending the new creation start processing. On the other hand, if icon I3 is not tapped (N in step 300), the new creation start processing ends.

Next, the re-editing start processing executed when re-editing of an already created image P is initiated will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 22. When icon I4 displayed on the image creation menu screen IS is tapped (Y in step 400), the data transmission/reception unit 282 executes a process (not shown) to request setting information related to the creation of image P stored in the server storage unit 130 from the server 100. Based on this process, the data transmission/reception unit 282 receives the information transmitted by the data transmission/reception unit 182 of the server 100 (step 401). The storage processing unit 284 of the user terminal 200 stores the received information in the terminal memory 220 or the terminal storage unit 230. The screen control unit 286 displays the image creation screen CS on the touch panel 262, displays the display frame DF, sets the movement range frame, and further displays the image P on the image creation screen CS (step 402), thereby completing the re-editing start processing. On the other hand, when icon I4 is not tapped (N in step 400), the re-editing start processing ends.

Next, the setting information confirmation process executed when the setting information selected for creating a new image P is confirmed and editing of the new image P is started will be described with reference to the flowchart in Figure 23. When icon I5 displayed on the initial setting screen NS is tapped (Y in step 500), the storage processing unit 284 stores the setting information related to the creation of the image P selected by the player on the initial setting screen NS (information such as the number of objects PO, the type of object PO, and the layer on which each object PO is displayed) in the device memory 220 or the device storage unit 230 (step 501). Furthermore, although not specifically shown, the data transmission/reception unit 282 executes a process to request the server 100 to provide data for the object PO selected on the initial setting screen NS (stored in the server storage unit 130). Based on this process, the data transmission/reception unit 282 receives the data transmitted by the data transmission/reception unit 182 of the server 100 (step 502). The image control unit 286 displays the image creation screen CS on the touch panel 262, displays the display frame DF, sets the movement range frame, and then displays the received object PO on the image creation screen CS (step 503), ending the setting information confirmation process. On the other hand, if the icon I5 has not been tapped (N in step 500), the setting information confirmation process ends.

Next, the swipe operation processing executed when an object PO is swiped on the image creation screen CS will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 24. The object control unit 288 executes a display that moves the object PO in response to the swipe operation on the object PO (step 600). Then, when the swipe operation is released (Y in step 601), if the position of the reference point R of the object PO at this time is within the corresponding movement range frame (Y in step 602), the object control unit 288 displays the portion of the object PO that fits within the display frame DF at the current position (step 603), and the swipe operation processing ends. On the other hand, if the position of the reference point R of the object PO at the time is outside the corresponding movement range frame (N in step 602), the object control unit 288 returns the object PO to the position at the start of the swipe operation and displays it in its original state (step 604), and the swipe operation processing ends. On the other hand, if the swipe operation has not been released (N in step 601), the object control unit 288 continues to display the object PO moving in accordance with the swipe operation (step 600).

Next, the pinch operation processing executed when a pinch-out or pinch-in operation is performed on an object PO on the image creation screen CS will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 25. The object control unit 288 enlarges or reduces the display of the object PO in response to a pinch-out or pinch-in operation on the object PO (step 700). When the pinch-out or pinch-in operation is released (Y in step 701), if the display magnification of the object PO at this time is within the changeable range (Y in step 702), the object control unit 288 displays the portion of the object PO that fits within the display frame DF at the current display magnification (step 703), and the pinch operation processing ends. On the other hand, if the display magnification of the object PO at this time is outside the changeable range (N in step 702), the object control unit 288 displays the object PO in the state it was in when the pinch-out or pinch-in operation began (step 704), and the pinch operation processing ends. On the other hand, if the pinch out or pinch in operation has not been released (N in step 701), the object control unit 288 continues to display the object PO by enlarging or shrinking it in accordance with the pinch out or pinch in operation (step 700).

Next, the termination process executed upon completion of creation of a new image P or re-editing of an already created image P will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 26 . When icon I6 displayed on the image creation screen CS is tapped (Y in step 800), the storage processing unit 284 stores data for the created or re-edited image P (the display content displayed within the display frame DF) and setting information related to the creation of the image P in the device memory 220 or the device storage unit 230, and the data transmission/reception unit 282 transmits the data for the image P and setting information to the server 100 (step 801). This causes the data and setting information for the image P to be stored in the server storage unit 130. Furthermore, the screen control unit 286 displays a home screen HS on the touch panel 262 (step 802) and displays the image P on a profile screen PS included in the home screen HS (step 803), thereby completing the termination process. On the other hand, when icon I6 is not tapped (N in step 800), the termination process completes.

As described above, in this embodiment, a reference point R serving as a reference for movement, enlargement, reduction, etc. is preset for the object PO displayed within the display frame DF (image P), and a movement range frame is set corresponding to the display frame DF. Furthermore, the reference point R can be moved within the movement range frame, thereby moving the object PO in conjunction with the movement of the reference point R, allowing the object PO to be positioned within the movement range frame at a location corresponding to the reference point R. Furthermore, when the object PO is positioned at a location corresponding to the reference point R, the range that fits within the display frame DF is displayed in a visible manner, and the range that extends beyond the display frame DF is not displayed. Since the display content within the display frame DF becomes the image P, only the range that fits within the display frame DF is displayed in the created image P. In other words, the object PO is displayed in a manner that corresponds to the position of the reference point R within the movement range frame. This allows certain restrictions to be placed on the display of the object PO. For example, by setting elements such as the position and size of the movement range frame so that a predetermined portion of the object PO (e.g., the head) always fits within the display frame DF regardless of the position of the reference point R within the movement range frame, it is possible to prevent situations in which nothing other than the predetermined portion of the image P is displayed, or where only the predetermined portion is displayed in close-up. As a result, it is possible to prevent situations in which others feel uncomfortable or uncomfortable when viewing the image P. It is also possible to reduce the number of players who are prohibited from using the information processing system S due to the display of an image P that causes discomfort or discomfort to others. Furthermore, even if the image P created as described above is enlarged or used on another screen, the above-mentioned situations do not occur, and it is similarly possible to prevent situations in which others feel uncomfortable or uncomfortable.

In addition, in this embodiment, the upper limit of the display magnification at which the objects PO can be enlarged or reduced is set to vary depending on the number of objects PO displayed in the display frame DF (image P). This makes it possible to prevent, for example, situations in which the objects PO are displayed with excessive overlap, which may cause discomfort to others, even when multiple objects PO are displayed within the display frame DF.

In addition, in this embodiment, the position of the reference point R on the object PO, the distance between the outer edge of the movement range frame and the outer edge of the display frame DF, and the distance between adjacent movement range frames are predetermined so that at least a predetermined area of the head of the object PO is displayed in the image P, and at least approximately the left half or approximately half of the object PO is displayed in the image P, regardless of the display magnification at which the object PO is displayed and at any position within the movement range frame. This makes it possible to prevent a situation where the head of an object PO placed in the image P is not displayed at all, thereby preventing a situation that may cause discomfort to others.

The above describes one aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention.

In the above embodiment, the server 100 stores data for the object PO, and the user terminal 200 receives this data and is then able to create and edit the image P. However, the division of processing between the server 100 and the user terminal 200 is not limited to this. For example, the server 100 may have the functionality to create and edit the image P, and the player may access the server 100 and create and edit the image P using the functionality provided by the server 100. In other words, each process in the above embodiment may be executed by at least one of the server 100 and the user terminal 200, and the timing and device by which it is executed are not particularly limited. Furthermore, the functions of the server 100 may be entirely provided by a single server 100, or may be distributed across multiple servers 100. Even in this case, the same effects as those of the above embodiment are achieved.

In the above embodiment, a smartphone was used as the user terminal 200, and images P could be created and edited using a dedicated application installed on the user terminal 200, but the type of user terminal 200 and the tools used to create and edit images P are not limited to this. For example, a personal computer may be used as the user terminal 200, or images P may be created and edited using a general web browser. In this case, the same effects as those of the above embodiment can be achieved.

In the above embodiment, various information can be input or selected, and images P can be moved, enlarged, or reduced by tapping, swiping, pinching, or other operations on the smartphone's touch panel 262; however, the manner of operation for performing these operations is not limited to the above. For example, if a personal computer is used as the user terminal 200, the above operations may be performed by clicking, dragging, dropping, or other operations with a mouse. Also, for example, in the above embodiment, the number of objects PO to be displayed can be selected by tapping the select button B1; however, the number of objects PO may be selected by directly entering the number of objects PO. When doing so, the same effects as in the above embodiment can be achieved.

In the above embodiment, the objects PO that can be displayed in the image P are planar objects (planar images), but the types of objects PO that can be displayed are not limited to this. For example, three-dimensional objects (three-dimensional images), planar objects that move with a predetermined action, and three-dimensional objects may also be displayed. Furthermore, the created image P may be a still image or a video. When doing so, the same effects as those of the above embodiment are achieved.

In the above embodiment, when there are multiple objects PO to be displayed, the objects PO are arranged side by side, but as long as it is possible to set up the image P so that a specific portion of the object PO is displayed, as in the above embodiment, the arrangement of the objects PO (i.e., the arrangement of the movement range frames in which each object PO is displayed) is not limited to this. For example, the objects may be arranged vertically, or may be displayed in the four corners of the image P. The size and installation range of the movement range frames are also not particularly limited; for example, all movement range frames may be arranged to fit within the display frame DF. When doing so, the same effects as in the above embodiment are achieved.

In the above embodiment, the range in which the display magnification of the object PO can be changed differs depending on the number of objects PO displayed (the lower limit is the same, but the upper limit is different). However, the display magnification setting is not limited to this, as long as it is possible to set it so that a specific portion of the object PO is always displayed in the image P as in the above embodiment. For example, the lower limit of the display magnification may also be different. Furthermore, no specific threshold may be set for the lower limit of the display magnification, allowing the object PO to be reduced without any restrictions. When doing so, the same effects as in the above embodiment are achieved.

In the above embodiment, regardless of the display magnification at which the object PO is displayed and regardless of the position within the movement range frame, at least a predetermined range of the object PO's head is displayed in the image P, and at least approximately the left half or approximately half of the object PO is displayed in the image P. However, the range of the object PO that is always displayed is not limited to this, and various ranges may be determined according to the intentions of the administrator, etc. Then, depending on this range, various contents such as the position of the reference point R on the object PO, the distance between the outer edge of the movement range frame and the outer edge of the display frame DF, and the distance between adjacent movement range frames may be set. When done in this way, the same effects as those of the above embodiment can be achieved.

In the above embodiment, image P can be created using data for objects PO pre-stored on the server 100, but the data that can be used to create image P is not limited to this. For example, objects created separately by the player or objects that are available for free use may also be used to create image P. However, because such objects do not have a reference point R set, when they are used, they must be sent to the server 100 and the administrator must set the reference point R. Note that, for example, a dedicated application may be provided with a function that determines the size of the object and automatically sets the reference point R, and this function may be used to set the reference point R without the administrator's intervention. When doing so, the same effects as in the above embodiment can be achieved.

In the above embodiment, we have used an image creation function in a game as an example, and explained that this function executes control to impose certain display restrictions on the image P created. However, this control can be executed in any situation where an image is displayed. For example, when an image without the above-mentioned display restrictions is displayed on a specified screen, the number and size of objects displayed in the image may be determined, a reference point R may be set, a movement range frame may be set, and the above-mentioned control may be executed before the image is displayed on the specified screen.

In the above embodiment, the information processing system S provides games, but, for example, control similar to that of the above embodiment may also be performed in an information processing system S that provides an image distribution service. In other words, control similar to that of the above embodiment may be performed to impose certain display restrictions on images displayed in the image distribution service.

The program for executing the processing in the above embodiment may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium and provided as a storage medium. Furthermore, the above embodiment may be implemented not as a client-server information processing system S, but as an information processing device that stores the above program and is capable of standalone execution of processing similar to that of the information processing system S, or as an information processing method that realizes each function and step shown in the flowchart.

The display frame DF in the above embodiment corresponds to an example of a display area in the present invention. The object control unit 288 in the above embodiment corresponds to an example of a display control unit in the present invention. The movement range frame in the above embodiment corresponds to an example of a specific range in the present invention. The screen control unit 286 in the above embodiment corresponds to an example of a specific range setting unit in the present invention. The specified range at the head of the object PO in the above embodiment corresponds to an example of a specific part of the object in the present invention.

S Information processing system 100 Server 200 User terminal 286 Screen control unit 288 Object control unit DF Display frame P Image PO Object

Claims (2)

a display control unit that controls display of objects in a display area;
causing a computer to function as a specific range setting unit that sets a specific range that determines a range in which the object can be placed within the display area;
the object can be placed so that a reference point set on the object is located within the specific range;
The display control unit
With respect to the arranged object, a portion located within the display area is displayed in the display area, but a portion located outside the display area is not displayed in the display area;
A program capable of displaying at least a specific portion of the object in the display area regardless of the position of the reference point within the specific range . the display control unit is capable of displaying the object at any one of the display magnifications,
2. The program according to claim 1, wherein the upper limit of the display magnification varies depending on the number of the objects displayed in the display area.