JP7769321B2 - Information processing system, control method, and server device - Google Patents

Description

The embodiments disclosed in this specification relate to an information processing system, a control method, and a server device.

Instant messengers have long been known that provide a function for transmitting input information, such as text information or image information, entered by a user operating a terminal device to the terminal device of another user. In recent instant messengers, image information using a character object, such as an avatar, corresponding to the user can be transmitted as input information from the user's terminal device to the terminal device of another user.

For example, Patent Document 1 describes an information processing system in which avatar stamps are used as an example of image information that can be sent from a user's terminal device to the terminal devices of other users. In the information processing system described in Patent Document 1, users can use image information (such as self-made avatar stamps) that correspond to objects such as avatars that they have created and registered. In this way, in the information processing system described in Patent Document 1, users can communicate with other users using images that correspond to objects that represent them, thereby highlighting the objects that correspond to them to other users.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2019-91363

The information processing system described in Patent Document 1 requires users to perform the cumbersome operation of generating information themselves in order to enrich the information candidates corresponding to the user, which poses a problem of not encouraging users to use the information processing system more effectively. Furthermore, the information processing system described in Patent Document 1 also poses a problem of not encouraging users to use the information processing system more effectively when there are many information candidates corresponding to the user, which poses a problem of not encouraging users to use the information processing system more effectively.

The information processing system, control method, and server device disclosed in this specification enable an improved user interface for determining the information to be provided to other users without requiring the user to perform complicated operations.

The disclosed information processing system is an information processing system including one or more computer processors, in which the one or more computer processors transmit information regarding the display of a first image including a first object representing a first user to a second terminal device of a second user, transmit information regarding the display of a second image selected by the first user from a group of multiple second images, each of which includes an image related to the first object, to the second terminal device, determine whether a predetermined condition related to the first user is met, and if it is determined that the predetermined condition is met, add a new second image including an image related to the first object to the group.

Furthermore, in the disclosed information processing system, when first input information is input by a first user, one or more computer processors transmit information regarding the display of the first input information to a second terminal device, display the first input information input by the first user in the order of transmission, and preferably the selected second image is one of the first input information displayed in the order of transmission.

Furthermore, in the disclosed information processing system, when one or more computer processors receive information regarding the display of second input information input by a second user, it is preferable that the one or more computer processors display the first input information input by the first user and the received second input information in the order in which they were sent.

Furthermore, in the disclosed information processing system, it is preferable that one or more computer processors change at least a portion of the first object included in the first image when an instruction to change the first object is input by the first user, and change at least a portion of the first object in each of the multiple second images belonging to the group when at least a portion of the first object is changed.

Furthermore, in the disclosed information processing system, it is preferable that the addition of the second image to the group and/or the modification of at least a portion of the first object is performed by a predetermined operation performed by the first user.

Furthermore, in the disclosed information processing system, it is preferable that the specified condition is that the number of first input information items displayed in the order of transmission exceeds a first specified number.

Furthermore, in the disclosed information processing system, when one or more computer processors receive information regarding the display of an object transmitted from a second terminal device displaying a first image, the object is displayed, and it is preferable that the predetermined condition is a condition related to the object.

Furthermore, in the disclosed information processing system, when one or more computer processors receive information regarding the display of a specific object transmitted from a second terminal device displaying a first image, the specific object is displayed, the predetermined condition is a condition regarding the specific object, and it is preferable that the new second image added when the condition regarding the specific object is satisfied includes information regarding the specific object.

Furthermore, in the disclosed information processing system, it is preferable that the specified condition is that the number of second users having a specified relationship with the first user is equal to or greater than a second specified number.

Furthermore, in the disclosed information processing system, it is preferable that the specified condition is that the number of days since information regarding the display of the first image was transmitted is equal to or greater than a specified number of days.

Furthermore, in the disclosed information processing system, it is preferable that the predetermined condition is a condition related to the date on which the first object was created.

Furthermore, in the disclosed information processing system, it is preferable that the new second image is an image corresponding to an event in which the first user is participating.

Furthermore, in the disclosed information processing system, it is preferable that the new second image is an image that can only be used for a specified period of time, and that the specified period of time is a period corresponding to the fee paid by the first user.

The disclosed control method is a control method for an information processing system including one or more computer processors, and includes the steps of: sending information regarding the display of a first image including a first object representing a first user to a second terminal device of a second user; sending information regarding the display of a second image selected by the first user from a group of multiple second images, each including an image related to the first object, to the second terminal device; determining whether a predetermined condition related to the first user is satisfied; and, if it is determined that the predetermined condition is satisfied, adding a new second image including an image related to the first object to the group.

The disclosed server device communicates with a first terminal device of a first user and a second terminal device of a second user, and includes a processing unit that receives information related to the display of a first image including a first object representing the first user, receives information related to the display of a second image selected by the first user from a group of multiple second images each including an image related to the first object, and transmits the information related to the display of the first image and the information related to the display of the second image received from the first terminal device to the second terminal device. When it is determined that a predetermined condition related to the first user is satisfied, a new second image including an image related to the first object is added to the group.

The disclosed information processing system, control method, and server device make it possible to improve the user interface that determines the information to be provided to other users without requiring the user to perform complicated operations.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an overview of an information processing system. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of an information processing system. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of a terminal device. 3A to 3C are diagrams illustrating examples of data structures of various tables. FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a schematic configuration of a server device. 3A to 3C are diagrams illustrating examples of various screens displayed on a terminal device. 3A to 3C are diagrams illustrating examples of various screens displayed on a terminal device. 3A to 3C are diagrams illustrating examples of various screens displayed on a terminal device. 3A to 3C are diagrams illustrating examples of various screens displayed on a terminal device. 3A to 3C are diagrams illustrating examples of various screens displayed on a terminal device. 3A to 3C are diagrams illustrating examples of various screens displayed on a terminal device. 3A to 3C are diagrams illustrating examples of various screens displayed on a terminal device. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on a terminal device. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation sequence of the information processing system. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation flow of a candidate information display process. 3A to 3C are diagrams illustrating examples of various screens displayed on a terminal device.

Various embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, please note that the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, but extends to the inventions set forth in the claims and their equivalents.

(Outline of the information processing system)
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an overview of an information processing system. The information processing system includes a terminal device operated by each of multiple users and a server device. For example, the terminal device is an information processing device such as a multi-function mobile phone (a so-called "smartphone") owned by the user. For example, the server device is a computer for providing a video distribution service and an information exchange service to the terminal device via a communication network. The server device may provide services (such as online games) other than the video distribution service and the information exchange service to the terminal device.

A video distribution service is a service in which an image showing a user operating a specific terminal device (such as a distribution image including a character object showing the user, as described below) is distributed from a specific terminal device to one or more other users' terminal devices. An information exchange service is a service in which various information, such as text information and image information, is sent from one terminal device to another between the terminal devices of multiple users running instant messengers, etc. The information exchange service may also be a service implemented using a so-called chat function.

A character object representing each user may be used in conjunction with at least two or more of the video distribution service, information exchange service, and other services. The use of character objects in conjunction with each other means, for example, that a character object whose appearance has been changed in the video distribution service is also displayed with the changed appearance in the information exchange service. The use of character objects in conjunction with each other may also mean, for example, that a character object whose use is permitted in the information exchange service can also be used in the video distribution service. The use of character objects in conjunction with each other may also mean, for example, that a character object whose use is no longer permitted in the information exchange service can no longer be used in the video distribution service.

The terminal device stores control programs such as application programs and loads the control programs into memory in response to a user's start operation. The terminal device starts at least one of a video distribution service and an information exchange service in response to user input and execution of instructions contained in the loaded control program. When the video distribution service starts, the terminal device executes instructions contained in the control program to realize multiple functions related to the video distribution service. When the information exchange service starts, the terminal device executes instructions contained in the control program to realize multiple functions related to the information exchange service. When a user wishes to use various services provided by a server device, the user uses a terminal device that can communicate with the server device to perform well-known login operations related to the various services, thereby starting a session between the server device and the terminal device related to the various services. This allows the user to participate in and use various services.

When a video distribution service is launched, for example, the user's terminal device realizes a generation function that generates character video data including motion data based on various input data entered by the user. For example, the input data is a plurality of image data acquired at predetermined sampling time intervals by an imaging device provided on the user's terminal device, and in this case, each image data shows the user. The character video data is an example of information related to the display of a distribution image including a character object representing the user. The character video data is generated at predetermined time intervals during the video distribution service.

Furthermore, for example, the user's terminal device displays a distributed image based on the character video data. In addition to displaying the distributed image, the user's terminal device transmits the generated character video data to the terminal devices of other users via the server device, thereby realizing an output function that transmits the generated character video data to the server device at predetermined intervals. Further, for example, the user's terminal device realizes a function that displays a distributed image including a specific object based on information indicating predetermined instructions from other users transmitted from the server device at predetermined intervals.

Hereinafter, a user who uses at least the function of a terminal device to send character video data to a server device may be referred to as a broadcasting user. A terminal device operated by a broadcasting user may be referred to as a broadcasting terminal device. Furthermore, a user who uses at least the function of a terminal device to receive character video data from a broadcasting terminal device and display the broadcast image of the broadcasting user may be referred to as a viewing user. A terminal device operated by a viewing user may be referred to as a viewing terminal device. Note that a single terminal device may have the functions of both a broadcasting terminal device and a viewing terminal device.

When the video distribution service starts, as shown in FIG. 1(a), the distribution terminal device displays a distribution screen including a distribution image related to the broadcast user's broadcast event. One or more viewing terminal devices receive character video data from the distribution terminal device via the server device, and display a distribution screen including a distribution image related to the broadcast user's broadcast event based on the character video data. The broadcast user's broadcast image includes a character object representing the broadcast user. The character object is displayed to move in accordance with the broadcast user's motion data included in the character video data.

If the broadcast terminal device is equipped with a microphone, the broadcast terminal device can capture audio uttered by the broadcast user and transmit the captured broadcast user audio data to one or more viewing terminal devices. In this case, the broadcast terminal device transmits the broadcast user's character video data and audio data to the server device in order to transmit the broadcast user's audio data, along with the character video data, to one or more viewing terminal devices via the server device. In addition, the one or more viewing terminal devices receive the broadcast user's character video data and audio data transmitted to the server device by the broadcast terminal device from the server device.

When the voice produced by the broadcast user is acquired by the broadcast terminal device, the broadcast user's motion data included in the character video data includes face motion data indicating the movement of the broadcast user's lips. In this case, the broadcast terminal device displays a broadcast image including a character object representing the broadcast user whose lips move in approximate synchronization with the voice produced by the broadcast user. When one or more viewing terminal devices receive the broadcast user's voice data along with the broadcast user's character video data, they output the broadcast user's voice and display a broadcast image including a character object representing the broadcast user whose lips move in approximate synchronization with the output voice.

In response to instructions from the broadcasting user, the broadcasting terminal device generates a character-related image including a character object representing the broadcasting user. For example, the character-related image is a so-called "stamp image" that can be sent by the broadcasting terminal device to one or more other users' terminal devices in an information exchange service. The character-related image is not limited to stamp images and can be any image that is usable in the service provided by the server device. The other users may be limited to viewing users, or may be users other than the broadcasting user, including the viewing user. The other users may also be users other than the broadcasting user, but not including the viewing user.

Character-related images may be used in services other than information exchange services provided by a server device. For example, in a video distribution service, a distribution terminal device that generates a character-related image may be configured to transmit the character-related image to one or more viewing terminal devices. Also, in an online game, a distribution terminal device that generates a character-related image may be configured to transmit the character-related image to the terminal devices of one or more other users participating in the online game.

In the example shown in FIG. 1(a), the distribution terminal device generates three types of character-related images. The character-related images generated by the distribution terminal device are not limited to the three types shown in FIG. 1(a), and two types of character-related images may be generated, or four or more types of character-related images may be generated.

Next, the distribution terminal device sets an available group containing character-related images that can be used in at least one service provided by the server device. The character-related images that belong to (are included in) the available group set by the distribution terminal device are not limited to the two types shown in FIG. 1(a). The available group may be set so that one type of character-related image belongs to the available group, or the available group may be set so that three or more types of character-related images belong to the available group.

The character-related images that do not belong to (are not included in) the available group set by the distribution terminal device are not limited to the one type shown in Figure 1(a). There may be two or more types of character-related images that do not belong to the available group. There may not be any character-related images that do not belong to the available group, in which case the available group may be set each time a character-related image is generated so that the generated character-related image belongs to the available group.

Below, with reference to Figures 1(b) and (c), an example of the use of character-related images in an information exchange service will be described. Figures 1(b) and (c) are diagrams showing an example of an information exchange screen displayed by a broadcasting terminal device using the information exchange service. In the example shown in Figures 1(b) and (c), input information entered by the broadcasting user is displayed chronologically from top to bottom of the screen in the user display area of the information exchange screen, starting with the oldest input information. For example, the user display area is an area near the right side of the information exchange screen. Input information includes text information, still image information, moving image information, stamp images, etc. Furthermore, input information of other users transmitted from one or more terminal devices of other users is displayed chronologically from top to bottom of the screen in the other user display area of the information exchange screen, starting with the oldest input information. For example, the other user display area is an area near the left side of the information exchange screen.

As shown in FIG. 1(b), in response to an instruction from the broadcasting user, the broadcasting terminal device selectably displays candidate information indicating all or some of the character-related images belonging to the broadcasting user's available group. The candidate information may be an image identical to the character-related image, a thumbnail image that is a reduced version of the character-related image, or a simplified image that is a deformed version of the character-related image. The candidate information may also include text information indicating the character-related image, a mark image, etc.

The broadcasting terminal device displays a character-related image corresponding to candidate information selected by the broadcasting user from the displayed candidate information, below the most recently entered information in the user display area of the information exchange screen (Figures 1(b) and (c)). Along with displaying the character-related image, the broadcasting terminal device transmits information relating to the display of the character-related image to one or more other users' terminal devices via the server device. In this case, the one or more other users' terminal devices that receive the information relating to the display of the character-related image display the character-related image below the most recently entered information in the other users' display area of the information exchange screen. The information relating to the display of the character-related image is identification information for identifying the character-related image. The information relating to the display of the character-related image may be the character-related image itself.

The broadcast terminal device determines whether the candidate change conditions for the broadcast user are met, either automatically at a predetermined timing or in response to instructions from the broadcast user. As shown in FIG. 1(c), if the broadcast terminal device determines that the candidate change conditions are met, it automatically adds a new character-related image to the available group. The new character-related image is a character-related image of a type that did not belong to the available group before it was determined that the candidate change conditions were met. The candidate change conditions are conditions related to the broadcast user's use of the information exchange service, conditions related to parameters associated with the broadcast user, conditions related to the broadcast user's character object, and/or conditions set by the broadcast user. These conditions will be described in more detail below.

When the distribution terminal device determines that the candidate change conditions are met, it may automatically delete at least one of the character-related images belonging to the available group from the available group.When the distribution terminal device determines that the candidate change conditions are met, it may replace at least one of the character-related images belonging to the available group with a new character-related image and set a new available group.

The terminal device that generates the character-related image is not limited to a distribution terminal device. Any terminal device that can use a character object representing a user may generate a character-related image that includes that character object.

As explained above with reference to Figure 1, the information processing system, terminal device, and server device increase the types of character-related images that can be used when the candidate change conditions for the broadcasting user are met. In this way, the information processing system, terminal device, and server device make it possible to improve the user interface for determining the information to be provided to other users without requiring the user to perform complicated operations.

In addition, the information processing system, terminal device, and server device reduce the types of character-related images that are available when the candidate change conditions for the broadcasting user are met. In this way, the information processing system, terminal device, and server device make it easy for users to select information to be provided to other users without requiring the user to perform complicated operations.

Furthermore, when the candidate change conditions for the broadcasting user are met, the information processing system, terminal device, and server device change the type of at least one of the character-related images that are available. In this way, the information processing system, terminal device, and server device make it possible to change the information provided to other users without requiring the user to perform complicated operations, thereby preventing the user from becoming bored with their choices.

Furthermore, in conventional information processing systems, in order for a user to perform an operation or give an instruction to increase or decrease the number of character-related image candidates, the user had to interrupt or terminate the service that uses the character-related image. As such, in conventional information processing systems, when a user performs an operation or gives an instruction to increase or decrease the number of character-related image candidates, multiple communications are generated regarding the interruption or termination of the service and the resumption of the interrupted service, which can result in problems such as an increase in the processing load on the terminal device and/or the communication load between the terminal device and the server device.

In contrast, the information processing system, terminal device, and server device disclosed in this embodiment can diversify the information provided to other users, make it easier to select information provided to other users, and/or vary the information provided to other users to prevent users from becoming bored of their choices, by determining whether the candidate change conditions are met, thereby reducing the processing load on the terminal device and/or the communication load between the terminal device and the server device. Furthermore, the information processing system, terminal device, and server device disclosed in this embodiment can automatically change character-related images using a simple interface while continuing to run the service.

In the example shown in FIG. 1, the user and other users using the information exchange service may be users who have a predetermined relationship. For example, other users who have a predetermined relationship with a user are mutual followers of the user. Note that if a user follows another user and that other user also follows the user (the user and other users are mutually following each other), the user and other users become mutual followers. Furthermore, other users who have a predetermined relationship with a user may also be other users who have a mutual follow relationship with a predetermined user who is a mutual follower of the user. Furthermore, other users who have a predetermined relationship with a user may be other users who are friends with the user, or other users whose specific information (such as a phone number, email address, or a predetermined ID (identification)) is stored in the user's terminal device. Furthermore, if the user is a broadcasting user, other users who have a predetermined relationship with the user may be viewing users who have viewed broadcast images broadcast by the user. In this case, when a user and other users who have a predetermined relationship use an information exchange service such as that shown in FIG. 1, a predetermined information exchange group consisting of the user and other users may be temporarily created by the user's or other users' terminal device or a server device.

The above description of FIG. 1 is merely provided to deepen understanding of the present invention. Specifically, the present invention is embodied in the following embodiments, and may be implemented in various modified forms without substantially departing from the principles of the present invention. All such modifications are within the scope of the present invention and the disclosure of this specification.

(Information Processing System 1)
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of an information processing system 1. The information processing system 1 includes a terminal device 2 operated by each of multiple users and a server device 3. The terminal device 2 and the server device 3 are connected to each other via a communication network, such as a base station 4, a mobile communication network 5, a gateway 6, and the Internet 7. Communication between the terminal device 2 and the server device 3 is performed based on a communication protocol such as Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP). Alternatively, a connection may be initially established between the terminal device 2 and the server device 3 using HTTP communication, and thereafter communication may be performed based on WebSocket, which provides bidirectional communication with lower cost (lower communication load and processing load) than HTTP communication. Note that the communication method between the terminal device 2 and the server device 3 is not limited to the above-described method, and any communication method technology may be used between the terminal device 2 and the server device 3 as long as it can realize this embodiment.

The communication network may be a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or any combination of LANs and WANs. The communication network may include a public switched telephone network (PSTN), an integrated services digital network (ISDN), and/or a subnetwork. The communication network may be a wired communication network, such as an Ethernet network cable or a Universal Serial Bus (USB) cable. The communication network may be a wireless communication network, such as a cellular network, including EDGE, 3G, 4G, and/or 5G wireless cellular systems. The wireless communication network may include Wi-Fi (registered trademark), wireless LAN, Bluetooth (registered trademark), or other known wireless forms of communication.

The terminal device 2 is an information processing device such as a smartphone. The terminal device 2 may also be a mobile phone, notebook PC, tablet device, tablet PC, head mounted display (HMD), e-book reader, or wearable computer. The terminal device 2 may also be a portable game device or game console. The terminal device 2 may be any information processing device as long as it is capable of displaying and outputting character objects representing the user and other users, outputting the voices of other users, and exchanging information with other users.

In the example shown in FIG. 2, one server device 3 is illustrated as a component of the information processing system 1, but the server device 3 may be a collection of multiple physically separate server devices 3. In this case, each of the multiple server devices 3 may have the same functions, or may have the functions of a single server device 3 in a distributed manner. For example, a server device 3a for realizing a video distribution service and a server device 3b for realizing an information exchange service may be components of the information processing system 1.

(Terminal device 2)
3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of the terminal device 2. The terminal device 2 connects to the server device 3 via a communication network such as a base station 4, a mobile communication network 5, a gateway 6, and the Internet 7, and communicates with the server device 3. The terminal device 2 generates character video data including motion data according to various data (e.g., image data) input by the user, and transmits the generated character video data and/or the user's voice data to the server device 3. The terminal device 2 also receives character video data and/or voice data of other users transmitted from the server device 3, and displays character objects of other users and/or outputs the voices of other users based on the received character video data and/or voice data. The terminal device 2 also chronologically displays input information, such as text information, still image information, video information, and stamp images, input by the user, and input information input by other users transmitted from their terminal devices 2. To realize such functions, the terminal device 2 includes a terminal communication I/F 21 , a terminal storage device 22 , a display device 23 , an input device 24 , an imaging device 25 , a microphone 26 , and a terminal processing device 27 .

The terminal communication I/F 21 is implemented as hardware, firmware, or communications software such as a TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) driver or a PPP (Point-to-Point Protocol) driver, or a combination of these. The terminal device 2 can transmit data to and receive data from other devices, such as the server device 3, via the terminal communication I/F 21. The terminal communication I/F 21 may include a network controller, such as an Ethernet PRO network interface card, for interfacing with a communications network. The network controller may also be compliant with other direct wireless communications standards, such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), Near Field Communication (NFC), or infrared.

The terminal storage device 22 is a semiconductor memory device such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) or RAM (Random Access Memory). The terminal storage device 22 stores operating system programs, driver programs, control programs, data, etc. used for processing in the terminal processing device 27. The driver programs stored in the terminal storage device 22 include an output device driver program that controls the display device 23 and an input device driver program that controls the input device 24. The control programs stored in the terminal storage device 22 are application programs for implementing various functions related to various services, including video distribution services and information exchange services, for example. Note that the control programs may be transmitted from the server device 3 or other devices.

The terminal storage device 22 stores data such as identification information (e.g., a user ID) for uniquely identifying the user operating the terminal device 2. The terminal storage device 22 also stores data such as background data and model data. The terminal storage device 22 also stores data such as a user table T1, an object table T2, and a group table T3. The terminal storage device 22 may also temporarily store data related to predetermined processing.

Background data is asset data used to construct a virtual space in which the user's character object exists in the distributed image. Background data includes data for drawing the background of the virtual space, data for drawing various objects included in the distributed image, and data for drawing various other background objects displayed in the distributed image. Background data may also include object position information that indicates the position of various background objects in the virtual space.

The terminal storage device 22 also stores multiple types of motion data for character-related images. The motion data for character-related images includes body motion data, which is a digital representation of the position and orientation of each part (head, arms, hands (including fingers), chest, torso, legs, or other parts) that causes the character object to perform a predetermined action. The motion data for character-related images may also include face motion data that causes the character object to have a predetermined facial expression.

Motion data for a character-related image may be a collection of multiple consecutive motion data to represent a character object moving for a predetermined period of time (e.g., 3 seconds). The motion data for a character-related image may be a single piece of motion data. If the motion data for a character-related image is a single piece of motion data, the character object included in the character-related image generated using the motion data for that character-related image will not move.

The terminal storage device 22 may also store object data for character-related images, such as object data for representing various background objects, gift objects, and text, along with motion data for character-related images. The use of object data for character-related images related to the design of such character-related images allows for a greater variety in the expression of the character-related images. In this case, the terminal storage device 22 may also store object IDs associated with the object data for character-related images.

The display device 23 is a liquid crystal display. The display device 23 may also be an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display or the like. The display device 23 displays on a display screen moving images corresponding to moving image data and/or still images corresponding to still image data supplied from the terminal processing device 27. The display device 23 does not have to be a component of the terminal device 2. In this case, the display device 23 may be a display of an HMD capable of communicating with the server device 3, a projection device for projection mapping capable of communicating with the terminal device 2 via wired or wireless communication, a retinal projection type projection device, or the like. The terminal device 2 may also be equipped with a display controller such as a graphics card or graphics adapter for interfacing with the display device 23.

The input device 24 is a pointing device such as a touch panel. If the input device 24 is a touch panel, it can detect various touch operations by the user, such as tapping, double-tapping, and dragging. The touch panel may be equipped with a capacitance-type proximity sensor and configured to detect non-contact operations by the user. The input device 24 may also be input keys, etc. The user can use the input device 24 to input letters, numbers, symbols, or positions on the display screen of the display device 23. When operated by the user, the input device 24 generates a signal corresponding to the operation. The input device 24 then supplies the generated signal to the terminal processing device 27 as a user instruction. The terminal device 2 may also be equipped with an I/O interface for interfacing with the input device 24. The I/O interface may be connected to various peripheral devices other than the input device 24.

The imaging device 25 is a camera that has an imaging optical system, an imaging element, an image processing unit, etc. The imaging optical system is, for example, an optical lens, and focuses light from the subject on the imaging surface of the imaging element. The imaging element is, for example, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor), and outputs an image of the subject imaged on the imaging surface. The image processing unit creates moving image data in a predetermined file format at predetermined intervals from images continuously generated by the imaging element, and outputs this as imaging data. Alternatively, the image processing unit creates still image data in a predetermined file format from images generated by the imaging element, and outputs this as imaging data.

The microphone 26 is a sound collection device configured to acquire voice uttered by the user and convert it into voice data. The microphone 26 is configured to acquire voice input from the user, convert the user's voice input acquired by the microphone 26 into voice data, and output the voice data to the terminal processing device 27.

The terminal processing device 27 is a processor that loads the operating system program, driver program, and control program stored in the terminal storage device 22 into memory and executes the instructions contained in the loaded programs. The terminal processing device 27 is, for example, an electronic circuit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), MPU (Micro Processing Unit), DSP (Digital Signal Processor), or GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or a combination of various electronic circuits. The terminal processing device 27 may also be implemented using integrated circuits such as ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), PLDs (Programmable Logic Devices), FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays), and MCUs (Micro Controller Units). While FIG. 3 illustrates the terminal processing device 27 as a single component, the terminal processing device 27 may also be a collection of multiple physically separate processors. For example, multiple processors operating cooperatively in parallel to execute instructions may be implemented.

Note that the functions performed by the components disclosed herein (e.g., the terminal processing device 27 and/or the server processing device 33 (described below)) may be implemented in "circuitry" or "processing circuitry," including general-purpose processors, application-specific processors, integrated circuits, ASICs, CPUs, conventional circuits, and/or combinations thereof, programmed to perform the described functions. Processors include transistors and other circuits and are considered "circuitry" or "processing circuitry." A processor may also be a "programmed processor" that executes programs stored in memory.

As used herein, "circuitry," "unit," or "means" refers to hardware that is programmed to implement or performs a described function. Such hardware may be any hardware disclosed herein or any hardware known to be programmed to implement or perform the described function.

If the hardware is a processor that is considered to be a type of "Circuitry," the "Circuitry," "Unit," or "Means" is the combination of the hardware and the software used to configure the hardware and/or processor.

"Processing Circuitry" may be used to control any computer-based and cloud-based control process. Descriptions or blocks in the operational sequences, operational flows, and flowcharts described below may be understood to represent modules, segments, or portions of code that include one or more executable instructions for implementing specific logical functions or steps of the control process. These alternative implementations are also within the scope of exemplary embodiments of the present invention. For example, specific logical functions or steps of the control process may be performed in an order different from that disclosed, e.g., substantially simultaneously, or in the reverse order from that disclosed.

"Processing Circuitry" may include a CPU that executes one or more of the control processes disclosed herein. Process data and instructions may be stored in memory. Process data and instructions may be stored on a storage medium disk, such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or portable storage medium. Process data and instructions may be stored remotely.

The claimed advancements are not limited by the type of computer-readable medium on which the instructions for the processes of the present invention are stored. For example, the instructions may be stored on a CD, DVD, FLASH memory, RAM, ROM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, hard disk, or any other non-volatile computer-readable medium of an information processing device (such as another server device or computer) with which the "Processing Circuitry" communicates. The instructions may also be stored in network-based storage, cloud-based storage, or other mobile-accessible storage, provided that the instructions are executable by the "Processing Circuitry."

The claimed advancements may be provided as a utility application, a background daemon, a component of an operating system, or any combination thereof. They may also execute in conjunction with a CPU and an operating system, including Microsoft Windows®, UNIX®, Solaris®, LINUX®, Apple MAC-OS, Apple iOS, and other systems known to those skilled in the art.

The functions and features disclosed herein may be performed by various distributed components of the information processing system 1. For example, one or more processors may perform these system functions, and each processor may be distributed across multiple components that can communicate within a network. Distributed components may include various human interfaces, communication devices (display monitors, smartphones, tablets, personal digital assistants (PDAs), etc.), and one or more client and server devices that share processing. Input to the information processing system 1 may be received directly from a user or remotely via real-time or batch processes. Furthermore, parts of the implementation may be performed in modules or hardware that are not identical to those disclosed herein, in which case other implementations are intended to be within the scope of the claims.

By executing various commands included in the control program, the terminal processing device 27 functions as a generation unit 271, a transmission unit 272, a reception unit 273, a display processing unit 274, and an audio output unit 275. The functions of the generation unit 271, the transmission unit 272, the reception unit 273, the display processing unit 274, and the audio output unit 275 will be described later.

(various tables)
4 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the user table T1, object table T2, and group table T3 stored in the terminal storage device 22. At least one of the user table T1, object table T2, and group table T3 may be stored in the server storage device 32 of the server device 3. In this case, the terminal device 2 may receive the latest table stored in the server storage device 32 at a predetermined timing and store it in the terminal storage device 22.

(User Table T1)
FIG. 4( a) is an example of the data structure of a user table T1 that manages users who use services provided by the server device 3. The users managed in the user table T1 are broadcast users, but users other than broadcast users may also be managed. In the user table T1, for each user, a user ID, the user's name, the user's character object, the user's owned objects, and the user's used objects are stored in association with one another. In the user table T1, the user's owned coins (information indicating the total amount of virtual monetary value "coins" held by the user) and/or user points may be stored in association with the user's user ID. The user ID is an example of identification data for uniquely identifying each user. The name is an example of data indicating the name of each user.

For example, a character object is a model ID for identifying model data used to generate animation of the character object. The model data is associated with the model ID and stored in the terminal storage device 22. The model data may be three-dimensional model data for generating three-dimensional animation, or two-dimensional model data for generating two-dimensional model data. The model data includes, for example, rig data (so-called "skeleton data") indicating the face and skeleton of the character object's non-facial parts, and surface data indicating the shape and texture of the character object's surface. The model data may include multiple different model data. Each of the multiple model data may have different rig data or the same rig data. Each of the multiple model data may have different surface data or the same surface data. Note that multiple object IDs associated with multiple partial objects constituting the character object may be associated with the model ID. In this case, three-dimensional model data for generating three-dimensional animation may be stored in the terminal storage device 22 and the server storage device 32 for each object ID of the multiple partial objects. In this case, in the character object display process, the object IDs of multiple partial objects associated with the model ID may be extracted, the three-dimensional model data (for each partial object) corresponding to each object ID may be identified, and the character object may be displayed based on the identified three-dimensional model data (for each partial object). Image information corresponding to each three-dimensional model data may also be stored.

Owned objects are object IDs that indicate objects owned by each user. Owned objects include wearable objects that can be associated with specific parts of a character object, and wallpaper objects that are placed behind the user's character object in the distributed image. Details of wearable objects and wallpaper objects will be described later. Owned objects are not limited to the above examples and can be any object that can be displayed on the distribution screen. Owned objects may be objects that a user has acquired based on the results of an event in which the user has participated, or the results of a selection game (e.g., a lottery game) played by the user. Owned objects may also be objects that a user has acquired by spending virtual monetary value "coins" using the purchase function of information processing system 1.

A used object is an object ID that indicates an object used in a distributed image currently being displayed on the user's terminal device 2. For example, if a user inputs a change instruction during a video distribution service, an attachment object held by the user as one of the user's owned objects is attached to the user's character object included in the distributed image currently being displayed. In this case, the object ID of the attachment object attached to the user's character object is stored in the user table T1 as a used object in association with the user ID. Also, for example, if a user inputs a change instruction during a video distribution service, a wallpaper object held by the user as one of the user's owned objects is placed behind the user's character object in the distributed image currently being displayed. In this case, the object ID of the wallpaper object placed in the distributed image is stored in the user table T1 as a used object in association with the user ID.

(Object table T2)
4(b) shows an example of the data structure of an object table T2 that manages objects selected as additional objects. An additional object is, for example, a gift object given to a broadcasting user by a viewing user. In the object table T2, the object ID, name, image information, rarity, placement location, etc. are stored for each additional object in association with one another.

The object ID is an example of identification data for uniquely identifying each additional object. The image information is one or more still images corresponding to each additional object. The image information may be one or more types of moving images corresponding to each additional object. The rarity is information indicating the rarity of each additional object. The placement location is information indicating the location where the image information of each additional object is displayed. Note that if the display position and display range of a character object are determined, information indicating the position relative to the character object may be stored as the placement location. Model data of the additional object may be stored instead of image information. The model data of the additional object includes rig data and surface data indicating the three-dimensional shape, and an image of the additional object viewed from a specified viewpoint is drawn based on the model data.

Additional objects are classified into multiple types (categories). For example, additional objects include effect objects used as effect gifts, normal objects used as normal gifts, wearable objects used as wearable gifts, and message objects used as message gifts. Additional objects may also include wallpaper objects that are placed behind character objects in the distribution image. Information indicating the type (category) of an additional object may be stored in object table T2 in association with the object ID of the additional object. Below, image information and placement locations are explained according to the type of additional object.

An effect object is an object that affects the overall impression of the distributed image. An effect object is, for example, an object that resembles confetti. When the effect object is an object that resembles confetti, an image showing multiple pieces of paper is stored as image information.

Information indicating "space" is stored as the placement location of the effect object. For example, an object resembling confetti is displayed across the entire broadcast image. The effect object may be displayed across the entire broadcast screen, including the broadcast user's broadcast image, in accordance with the viewing user's instructions. The effect object may be displayed so that it overlaps with a character object included in the broadcast image. Unlike wearable objects, which will be described later, effect objects are displayed without being associated with a specific part of the character. In this way, by displaying an effect object on the broadcast user's broadcast image in accordance with the viewing user's instructions, the terminal device 2 of the information processing system 1 can change the overall impression of the broadcast user's broadcast image compared to before the effect object was displayed.

Normal objects are objects that resemble, for example, stuffed toys, bouquets, accessories, or items suitable for gifts or presents. Information indicating a "space" is stored as the placement location of the normal object. For example, information regarding a predetermined movement route is associated with the normal object, and the normal object is displayed moving along the predetermined movement route within the delivered image. The "space" information stored as the placement location of the "normal object" may be classified into multiple types. The multiple types of "space" include, for example, "center space" (the central area of the image when the delivered image is divided into three parts horizontally), "left space" (the left area of the image when the delivered image is divided into three parts horizontally), and "right space" (the right area of the image when the delivered image is divided into three parts horizontally). The multiple types of "space" may also include "center space" (the central area of the image when the delivered image is divided into three parts vertically), "upper space" (the upper area of the image when the delivered image is divided into three parts vertically), and "lower space" (the lower area of the image when the delivered image is divided into three parts vertically). In this case, the movement route associated with the normal object is set within the "space" type associated as the placement location of the normal object. For example, if information indicating "the space on the right" is stored in a normal object, information regarding a movement route for moving within the area on the right side of the image when the delivered image is divided into thirds horizontally is associated with the normal object. Furthermore, normal objects may be displayed moving according to a predetermined movement rule from a position set for each normal object in the delivered image or a position automatically and randomly determined. The predetermined movement rule is, for example, a movement rule set so that the normal object moves as if it were free falling. Note that normal objects may be displayed so as to overlap with character objects. In this case, unlike wearable objects described below, normal objects are displayed without being associated with any specific part of the character object. Furthermore, normal objects may be displayed so as to bounce back when they come into contact with a character object.

When a normal object is displayed overlapping with a character object included in the distributed image, for example, the normal object may be displayed so as to overlap with "portions other than the 'head', including the 'face', of the character object." In this case, the normal object is displayed so as not to overlap with the "head" of the character object. Also, the normal object may be displayed so as to overlap with "portions other than the 'upper body', including the 'face', of the character object." In this case, the normal object is displayed so as not to overlap with the "upper body" of the character object.

An attachment object is an object that is displayed in a distributed image in association with a specific part (attachment location) of a character object. For example, specific parts include the front left, front right, rear left, rear right, front center, rear center, left eye, right eye, left ear, right ear, and all of the hair on the character object's head. Specific parts may also include the thumb, ring finger, wrist, elbow, shoulder, upper arm, entire hand, entire arm, torso, upper body, lower body, etc.

An attachment object associated with a specific part of a character object is displayed in the distributed image so as to be in contact with the specific part of the character object. Furthermore, an attachment object associated with a specific part of a character object may be displayed in the distributed image so as to cover part or all of the specific part of the character object. The specific part may be identified by three-dimensional position information indicating a position in three-dimensional coordinate space, or may be associated with position information in three-dimensional coordinate space.

Image information of an attachment object is, for example, image information that simulates accessories (headbands, necklaces, earrings, etc.) that can be attached to a character object, clothing (T-shirts, dresses, etc.), costumes, and other items that can be worn by a character object.

As the placement location of an attachment object, information indicating the attachment part, which indicates which part of the character object the attachment object is associated with, is stored. For example, if the attachment object is a "headband," information indicating the "head" of the character object is stored as the placement location of the attachment object. Also, if the attachment object is a "T-shirt," information indicating the "torso" of the character object is stored as the placement location of the attachment object.

Information indicating multiple attachment locations in three-dimensional coordinate space may be stored as the placement location of the attachment object. For example, if the attachment object is a "headband," information indicating two locations on the character object's "rear left side of the head" and "rear right side of the head" may be stored as the placement location of the attachment object. As a result, an attachment object modeled after a "headband" will be displayed as being attached to both the character object's "rear left side of the head" and "rear right side of the head."

When a character object is equipped with multiple types of attachment objects that share the same attachment location, the multiple types of attachment objects are attached to the character object at different times. As a result, multiple types of attachment objects that share the same attachment location will not be attached to the character object at the same time. For example, if the attachment location of an attachment object representing a "headband" and an attachment object representing a "hat" are both stored as "head," the attachment object representing the "headband" and the attachment object representing the "hat" will not be displayed on the character object's head at the same time.

In object table T2, a display time according to the type of additional object may be stored in association with the object ID of the additional object. For example, the display time of an attached object may be stored as a time longer than the display time of an effect object and the display time of a normal object. For example, if "60 seconds" is stored as the display time of an attached object, "5 seconds" may be stored as the display time of an effect object, and "10 seconds" may be stored as the display time of a normal object.

(Group table T3)
4(c) shows an example of the data structure of a group table T3 that manages information exchange groups to which users belong. A group table T3 is provided for each user, and the group table T3 shown in FIG. 4(c) is the group table T3 of the user who operates the terminal device 2 that stores the group table T3.

In the group table T3, for each information exchange group, the group ID of the information exchange group, the name of the information exchange group, the users belonging to the information exchange group, etc. are stored in association with each other. The group ID is an example of identification data for uniquely identifying each information exchange group. The name is an example of data indicating the name of each information exchange group. The users belonging to the information exchange group are the user IDs of each user belonging to the information exchange group.

When the group table T3 is stored in the server storage device 32, the user ID of the corresponding user (the user who operates the terminal device 2 storing the group table T3) is associated with each group table T3 and stored.

Returning to Figure 3, the functions of the generation unit 271, transmission unit 272, reception unit 273, display processing unit 274, and audio output unit 275 will be explained.

(Generation unit 271)
The generation unit 271 functions when the terminal device 2 is used as a broadcasting terminal device operated by a broadcasting user. The generation unit 271 acquires, from the imaging device 25, imaging data continuously output by the imaging device 25. For example, the imaging device 25 of the terminal device 2 (broadcasting terminal device) held by the broadcasting user is provided on the terminal device 2 so that the face of the broadcasting user looking at the display screen of the display device 23 is the imaging direction. The imaging device 25 continuously captures images of the broadcasting user's face in the imaging direction, acquires imaging data of the broadcasting user's face, and outputs the image data to the generation unit 271 of the terminal processing device 27. The imaging device 25 may acquire imaging data by capturing images of parts of the broadcasting user other than their face, such as the head, arms, hands (including fingers), chest, torso, legs, or other parts. The imaging device 25 may also be a 3D camera capable of detecting the depth of a person's face.

The generation unit 271 generates face motion data, which is a digital representation of the broadcast user's facial movements, as time passes, based on continuously acquired imaging data. The face motion data may be generated at predetermined sampling time intervals. In this way, the face motion data generated by the generation unit 271 can digitally represent the broadcast user's facial movements (changes in facial expressions) over time.

The generation unit 271 may generate body motion data, which is a digital representation of the position and orientation of each part of the distribution user (head, arms, hands (including fingers), chest, torso, legs, or other parts), together with or separately from the facial motion data, based on continuously acquired imaging data.

The body motion data may be generated based on detection information from a known motion sensor worn by the broadcasting user. In this case, the terminal communication I/F 21 of the terminal device 2 (broadcasting terminal device) has a predetermined communication circuit for wirelessly acquiring detection information from the motion sensor worn by the broadcasting user. The generation unit 271 then generates body motion data based on the detection information acquired by the terminal communication I/F 21. The body motion data may be generated at predetermined sampling time intervals. In this way, the body motion data generated by the generation unit 271 can digitally represent the body movements of the broadcasting user in chronological order.

Generation of body motion data based on detection information from a motion sensor worn by the broadcasting user may be performed, for example, in a filming studio. In this case, the filming studio may be equipped with a base station, a tracking sensor, and a display. The base station may be, for example, a multi-axis laser emitter. The motion sensor worn by the broadcasting user may be, for example, a Vive Tracker provided by HTC CORPORATION, and the base station may be, for example, a base station provided by HTC CORPORATION.

Also, a supporter computer may be installed in a separate room adjacent to the photography studio. The display of the photography studio may be configured to display information received from the supporter computer. The server device 3 may be installed in the same room as the supporter computer. The room where the supporter computer is installed may be separated from the photography studio by a glass window. In this case, the operator of the supporter computer can see the broadcasting user. The supporter computer may be configured to be able to change the settings of various devices installed in the photography studio in response to operation by the supporter. The supporter computer can, for example, set the scanning interval by the base station, set the tracking sensor, and change various settings of various other devices. The operator may input a message into the supporter computer, and the input message may be displayed on the display of the photography studio.

The generation unit 271 generates character video data including facial motion data and/or body motion data generated as needed, and outputs the generated character video data to the display processing unit 274. Hereinafter, facial motion data and body motion data may be collectively referred to as motion data. The generation unit 271 also outputs the generated character video data and the broadcast user's user ID stored in the terminal storage device 22 to the transmission unit 272. When the generation unit 271 acquires audio data of the broadcast user output from the microphone 26, it outputs the generated character video data, the acquired audio data, and the broadcast user's user ID stored in the terminal storage device 22 to the transmission unit 272.

(Transmitter 272)
In response to a broadcast user's instruction to start a broadcast, the transmitter 272 of the broadcast user's terminal device 2 (broadcast terminal device) transmits information regarding a broadcast start instruction for instructing the broadcast user to start a broadcast event, together with the broadcast user's user ID stored in the terminal storage device 22, to the server device 3 via the terminal communication I/F 21. Hereinafter, the broadcast user's user ID may be referred to as the broadcast user ID.

In addition, the transmission unit 272 of the broadcast user's terminal device 2 (broadcast terminal device) transmits the broadcast user's character video data output from the generation unit 271 to the server device 3 via the terminal communication I/F 21, along with the broadcast user ID stored in the terminal storage device 22, as information for displaying the broadcast user's broadcast image in the broadcast event. When the broadcast user's voice data is output from the generation unit 271 along with the broadcast user's character video data, the transmission unit 272 transmits the broadcast user's character video data and voice data, along with the broadcast user ID, to the server device 3 via the terminal communication I/F 21.

In addition, in response to an instruction to end the broadcast by the broadcast user, the transmission unit 272 of the broadcast user's terminal device 2 (broadcast terminal device) transmits information regarding the broadcast end instruction to instruct the broadcast user to end the broadcast event, along with the broadcast user ID stored in the terminal storage device 22, to the server device 3 via the terminal communication I/F 21.

Furthermore, in response to an instruction from the viewing user to start viewing a distributed image, the transmission unit 272 of the viewing user's terminal device 2 (viewing terminal device) transmits information regarding the viewing start instruction to the server device 3 via the terminal communication I/F 21, together with information regarding the distributed image and the viewing user's user ID stored in the terminal storage device 22. The information regarding the distributed image is information for identifying the distributed image that the distribution user has instructed to start viewing, and is, for example, identification information for the distributed image (distributed image ID) or the broadcast user ID of the broadcast user broadcasting the distributed image. Hereinafter, the user ID of the viewing user may be referred to as the viewing user ID.

The transmission unit 272 also transmits information indicating various instructions input by the user by operating the input device 24, together with the user ID stored in the terminal storage device 22, to the server device 3 via the terminal communication I/F 21. Various instructions from the user include, for example, addition instructions, modification instructions, and generation instructions. The information indicating the addition instructions is transmitted to the server device 3 together with the object ID of the additional object to be included in the broadcast user's broadcast image, the broadcast user ID, and the viewing user ID stored in the terminal storage device 22 of the viewing user's terminal device 2 (viewing terminal device).

When a broadcasting user selects partial objects and issues instructions regarding the creation of a character object composed of the selected partial objects, a model ID for identifying the model data of the character object and the object IDs of the multiple partial objects that make up the character object may be transmitted to the server device 3 via the terminal communication I/F 21 along with a user ID and the like stored in the terminal storage device 22 of the broadcasting user's terminal device 2 (broadcasting terminal device). In this case, the server device 3 may store the user ID, model ID, and object IDs of the multiple partial objects that make up the character object in the server storage device 32, associating them with one another.

Furthermore, the viewing user's terminal device 2 (viewing terminal device) that receives, via server device 3, a model ID for identifying model data of the broadcasting user's character object, the object IDs of multiple partial objects that make up the user's character object, and the user's user ID, may associate the received user ID, model ID, and object IDs of the multiple partial objects that make up the character object with each other and store them in terminal storage device 22. In this way, by simply transmitting the broadcasting user's user ID (or model ID) to the viewing user's terminal device 2 (viewing terminal device) via server device 3, the viewing user's terminal device 2 (viewing terminal device) can extract the object IDs of the multiple partial objects associated with the received user ID (or model ID). The viewing user's terminal device 2 (viewing terminal device) can then display a broadcast image including the broadcasting user's character object based on the three-dimensional model data (of each partial object) that corresponds to each extracted object ID.

In response to a user's instruction to start a new information exchange, the transmitting unit 272 of the user's terminal device 2 transmits information regarding the new start instruction to the server device 3 via the terminal communication I/F 21. The information regarding the new start instruction is transmitted to the server device 3 along with the user ID of the other user designated by the user and the user ID stored in the terminal storage device 22 of the terminal device 2. The other users designated by the user are one or more users designated by the user as partners with whom the user will exchange information. Hereinafter, a group to which the user and one or more other users belong may be referred to as an information exchange group.

In response to an instruction from the user to start information exchange (e.g., text chat) within the information exchange group, the transmitting unit 272 of the terminal device 2 of a user belonging to the information exchange group transmits information related to the information exchange start instruction to the server device 3 via the terminal communication I/F 21. The group ID of the information exchange group to which the user belongs, which is stored in the terminal storage device 22 of the terminal device 2, is transmitted as destination information along with the information related to the information exchange start instruction to the server device 3. Note that if the server device 3 does not store the user IDs of each user belonging to the information exchange group, destination information including the group ID indicating the information exchange group or the user IDs of other users belonging to the information exchange group may be transmitted to the server device 3 along with the information related to the information exchange start instruction.

When the user enters information while the information exchange screen is displayed, the transmitter 272 of the terminal device 2 of a user who belongs to the information exchange group transmits the input information to the server device 3 via the terminal communication I/F 21. Along with the input information, the user ID and destination information stored in the terminal storage device 22 of the terminal device 2 of the user who belongs to the information exchange group are transmitted to the server device 3. The destination information is the group ID indicating the information exchange group, or the user ID of another user who belongs to the information exchange group.

(Receiving unit 273)
The receiving unit 273 of the viewing user's terminal device 2 (viewing terminal device) receives the character video data and user ID of the broadcast user transmitted from the server device 3 via the terminal communication I/F 21. The receiving unit 273 of the viewing user's terminal device 2 (viewing terminal device) receives the character video data, audio data, and user ID of the broadcast user transmitted from the server device 3 via the terminal communication I/F 21. The receiving unit 273 of the viewing user's terminal device 2 (viewing terminal device) receives the audio data and user ID of the broadcast user transmitted from the server device 3 via the terminal communication I/F 21. The receiving unit 273 also receives information indicating various instructions from other users, etc., transmitted from the server device 3 via the terminal communication I/F 21. The receiving unit 273 passes the received information to the terminal processing device 27.

The broadcast user's character video data and user ID transmitted from server device 3 were transmitted to server device 3 by the transmitting unit 272 of the broadcast user's terminal device 2 (broadcast terminal device). Furthermore, the broadcast user's character video data, audio data, and user ID transmitted from server device 3 were transmitted to server device 3 by the transmitting unit 272 of the broadcast user's terminal device 2 (broadcast terminal device). Furthermore, the broadcast user's audio data and user ID transmitted from server device 3 were transmitted to server device 3 by the transmitting unit 272 of the broadcast user's terminal device 2 (broadcast terminal device).

The receiving unit 273 of the terminal device 2 of a user belonging to the information exchange group receives information related to the new start instruction sent from the server device 3 and the user ID of the user belonging to the information exchange group in response to information related to the new start instruction sent from the terminal device 2 of another user belonging to the information exchange group.

The receiving unit 273 of the terminal device 2 of a user belonging to the information exchange group receives the input information and user IDs of other users belonging to the information exchange group sent from the server device 3 via the terminal communication I/F 21.

(Display processing unit 274)
In response to an instruction to start a distribution event, the display processing unit 274 of the distribution user's terminal device 2 (distribution terminal device) displays, on the display device 23, an image drawn based on the character video data including the motion data generated by the generation unit 271 as a distribution image of the distribution user. The motion data is transmitted to the viewing user's terminal device 2 (viewing terminal device) as character video data. The display processing unit 274 of the viewing user's terminal device 2 (viewing terminal device) also displays, on the display device 23, an image drawn based on the distribution user's character video data (motion data) received by the reception unit 273 as a distribution image of the distribution user.

The following describes the process of drawing a distributed image based on motion data. In the following description, the process of drawing a distributed image based on motion data in the distribution terminal device uses the user ID stored in the terminal storage device 22, and the process of drawing a distributed image based on motion data in the viewing terminal device uses the user ID received from the server device 3.

First, the display processing unit 274 extracts the model ID of the character object associated with the user ID and the object ID of the used object from the user table T1. Next, the display processing unit 274 reads from the terminal storage device 22 the model data associated with the extracted model ID and the image information and placement location associated with the extracted object ID of the used object. Next, the display processing unit 274 generates an animation of the character object in which the used object is attached to the placement location based on the read model data and the image information, placement location, and motion data of the used object. Note that if the model ID of the character object is associated with the object IDs of multiple partial objects that make up the character object, the display processing unit 274 extracts model data corresponding to the object IDs of the multiple partial objects associated with the extracted model ID. Next, the display processing unit 274 generates an animation of the character object in which the used object is attached to the placement location based on the read model data of the multiple partial objects and the image information, placement location, and motion data of the used object. Note that the used object may be included among multiple partial objects.

When the motion data includes facial motion data, the display processing unit 274 generates animation of the character object so that the character object's facial expression changes based on the facial motion data. This allows the display processing unit 274 to generate animation of the character object that moves in synchronization with the facial movements of the broadcast user based on the read model data and facial motion data. When the motion data includes facial motion data and body motion data, the display processing unit 274 generates animation of the character object that moves in synchronization with the facial movements and body movements of the broadcast user based on the read model data, facial motion data, and body motion data. Next, the display processing unit 274 draws a broadcast image that includes the generated animation (moving image) of the character object and a background image that shows the background generated using background data stored in the terminal storage device 22. The display processing unit 274 then outputs drawing data that shows the drawn broadcast image, thereby completing the drawing process of the broadcast image based on the motion data. Below, we will mainly describe broadcast images that include animation (moving image) of the character object, but the broadcast image is not limited to images that include animation (moving image) of the character object. The broadcast image may also include a still image of the character object. Additionally, the distributed image may be a new still image of the character object displayed at predetermined intervals.

Furthermore, in response to a change instruction from the broadcasting user, the display processing unit 274 may execute a change process to display on the display device 23 a character object to which an attachment object that is an object owned by the broadcasting user or an attachment object sent by a viewing user as an attachment gift has been applied. For example, if the attachment object instructed to be changed by the broadcasting user is a "headband," the display processing unit 274 extracts the object ID of the attachment object ("headband") from the owned objects associated with the broadcasting user's user ID in the user table T1, and stores it as an object used by the broadcasting user. The display processing unit 274 extracts image information and a placement location associated with the object ID stored as an object used by the broadcasting user from the object table T2. Next, based on the extracted image information and placement location, the display processing unit 274 generates a broadcast image including a character object of the broadcasting user wearing the attachment object ("headband") on their head (the placement location associated with the object ID of the "headband"). Note that the display processing unit 274 may also generate a broadcast image including a character object wearing an attachment object that moves in conjunction with the movement of the character object's attachment location (placement location). For example, in the distributed image, the wearable object "headband" is displayed as moving in conjunction with the movement of the character object's head.

Furthermore, the display processing unit 274 of the viewing user's terminal device 2 (viewing terminal device) displays a distributed image including the additional object in response to an instruction to add the additional object from the viewing user. Further, the display processing unit 274 of the broadcasting user's terminal device 2 (broadcast terminal device) displays a distributed image including the additional object in response to information indicating an instruction to add the additional object received from the viewing user's terminal device 2.

When the object ID received from the viewing user's terminal device 2 (viewing terminal device) along with information indicating an instruction to add an additional object is the object ID of one of the effect objects, the display processing unit 274 of the broadcasting user's terminal device 2 (broadcast terminal device) references the object table T2 and extracts from the terminal storage device 22 a still image or video image (image information) of the effect object associated with the object ID received along with the information indicating the instruction to add, and generates a broadcast image for the viewing user that includes the extracted still image or video image. For example, when an instruction to add an effect object representing confetti or fireworks is given, the display processing unit 274 of the broadcasting user's terminal device 2 (broadcast terminal device) generates a broadcast image that includes a video image of an effect object (not shown) that resembles confetti or fireworks. When the object ID received from the viewing user's terminal device 2 (viewing terminal device) along with information indicating an instruction to add an additional object is the object ID of one of the effect objects, the display processing unit 274 of the viewing user's terminal device 2 (viewing terminal device) similarly references the object table T2 and extracts from the terminal storage device 22 a still image or video image (image information) of the effect object associated with the object ID received along with the information indicating the instruction to add, and generates a broadcast image for the viewing user that includes the extracted still image or video image.

When the object ID received from the viewing user's terminal device 2 (viewing terminal device) along with the information indicating an instruction to add an additional object is the object ID of a normal object, the display processing unit 274 of the broadcasting user's terminal device 2 (viewing terminal device) refers to the object table T2 and extracts a still image or video (image information) of the normal object and its placement location associated with the object ID of the normal object. Next, the display processing unit 274 of the broadcasting user's terminal device 2 (distribution terminal device) generates a broadcast image of the viewing user that includes a still image or video of the normal object placed at the position indicated by the placement location. Furthermore, when the object ID received from the viewing user along with the information indicating an instruction to add an additional object is the object ID of a normal object, the display processing unit 274 of the viewing user's terminal device 2 (viewing terminal device) similarly refers to the object table T2 and extracts a still image or video (image information) of the normal object and its placement location associated with the object ID of the normal object, and generates a broadcast image of the viewing user that includes a still image or video of the normal object placed at the position indicated by the placement location.

The display processing unit 274 may generate a distribution image including a moving image of a normal object moving within the display area of the distribution image. For example, the display processing unit 274 may generate a distribution image including a moving image of a normal object moving as if falling from top to bottom of the distribution image. In this case, the normal object may be displayed within the display area of the distribution image from the start of its fall until it falls to the bottom edge of the output image, and may disappear from the distribution image after it has reached the bottom edge of the distribution image. Note that the movement route of the normal object may be from left to right, from right to left, or from top left to bottom left of the distribution image, or a route in any other direction, and may also be a route along a linear trajectory, a circular trajectory, an elliptical trajectory, a spiral trajectory, or any other trajectory.

When the object ID received together with the information indicating an instruction to add an additional object from the viewing user is the object ID of a worn object, the display processing unit 274 of the broadcasting user's terminal device 2 (broadcasting terminal device) displays notification information regarding the wearing instruction within the broadcast image. Next, the display processing unit 274 references the object table T2 to extract image information and a placement location of the worn object associated with the object ID received together with the information indicating the addition instruction. Next, the display processing unit 274 generates a broadcast image including the broadcasting user's character object wearing the worn object at the attachment location indicated by the placement location based on the extracted image information and placement location. Furthermore, when the object ID received together with the information indicating an instruction to add an additional object from the viewing user is the object ID of a worn object, the display processing unit 274 displays notification information regarding the wearing instruction within the broadcast image. Next, the display processing unit 274 references the object table T2 to extract image information and a placement location of the worn object associated with the object ID received together with the information indicating the addition instruction. Next, based on the extracted image information and placement location, the display processing unit 274 generates a distribution image including the broadcast user's character object wearing the attachment object at the attachment location indicated by the placement location.

In addition, in response to an instruction from the user to start a new information exchange, the display processing unit 274 of the user's terminal device 2 displays an information exchange screen related to a new information exchange group to which the user and all other users specified by the user belong.In addition, when the receiving unit 273 receives information related to another user's instruction to start a new information exchange and the user IDs of each user belonging to the new information exchange group, the display processing unit 274 of the user's terminal device 2 displays an information exchange screen related to the information exchange group.

In addition, the display processing unit 274 of the terminal device 2 of a user belonging to an information exchange group displays an information exchange screen related to the information exchange group in response to an instruction from the user to start information exchange (e.g., text chat, etc.) within the information exchange group. In addition, when the receiving unit 273 receives information related to an instruction to start information exchange from other users belonging to the information exchange group and the user IDs of each user belonging to the information exchange group, the display processing unit 274 of the terminal device 2 of a user belonging to the information exchange group displays an information exchange screen related to the information exchange group.

In addition, when input information is entered by the user while the information exchange screen is displayed, the display processing unit 274 of the terminal device 2 of a user belonging to the information exchange group displays the entered input information below the most recently entered information in the user display area of the information exchange screen.In addition, when input information by another user is received by the receiving unit 273 while the information exchange screen is displayed, the display processing unit 274 of the terminal device 2 of a user belonging to the information exchange group displays the received input information below the most recently entered information in the other user display area of the information exchange screen.

(Audio output unit 275)
When the audio output unit 275 of the viewing user's terminal device 2 (viewing terminal device) receives the broadcast user's audio data via the receiving unit 273, it outputs the broadcast user's audio, generated based on the audio data, from a speaker (not shown). Furthermore, when the audio output unit 275 of the viewing terminal device receives the broadcast user's character video data and audio data, it outputs the broadcast user's audio, based on the audio data, from a speaker along with the display of the broadcast user's broadcast image via the display processing unit 274. This allows the broadcast user's audio to be output while the broadcast user's character object included in the broadcast image is moving its lips, allowing the viewing user to view a broadcast image including the broadcast user's character object that appears to be making an audio sound.

(Server device 3)
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the schematic configuration of a server device 3. The server device 3 provides various services, such as video distribution services and information exchange services, to the terminal devices 2 of multiple users. The server device 3 transmits the broadcast user's character video data and information indicating various instructions transmitted from the broadcast user's terminal device 2 to the terminal devices 2 of one or more viewing users. The server device 3 also transmits input information (text information, stamp images, etc.) received from one user's terminal device to one or more other users' terminal devices 2 belonging to the same information exchange group as the first user. The server device 3 may also transmit information received from one user's terminal device 2 to the terminal device 2 of a user identified by the user ID included in the destination information received simultaneously with the information. To this end, the server device 3 includes a server communication I/F 31, a server storage device 32, and a server processing device 33.

The server communication I/F 31 is implemented as hardware, firmware, or communication software such as a TCP/IP driver or PPP driver, or a combination of these. The server device 3 can send information to and receive information from other devices via the server communication I/F 31.

The server storage device 32 is, for example, a semiconductor memory device such as ROM or RAM. The server storage device 32 may also be, for example, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, or any other type of storage device capable of storing data. The server storage device 32 stores operating system programs, driver programs, application programs, data, etc. used for processing by the server processing device 33. The server storage device 32 may also store, as data, a user table T1, an object table T2, and a group table T3. The server storage device 32 also stores, as data, the broadcast user ID of the broadcast user currently broadcasting, and stores, in association with the broadcast user ID, the user ID of the viewing user currently viewing the broadcast image of that broadcast user. The broadcast user ID is a type of information related to the broadcast image. The information related to the broadcast image may also be identification information for the broadcast image (distributed image ID). For example, the broadcast image ID, broadcast user ID, and viewing user ID may be stored in association with each other.

The server processing device 33 is a processor that loads the operating system program, driver program, and control program stored in the server storage device 32 into memory and executes the instructions contained in the loaded programs. The server processing device 33 is, for example, an electronic circuit such as a CPU, MPU, DSP, or GPU, or a combination of various electronic circuits. The server processing device 33 may also be implemented as an integrated circuit such as an ASIC, PLD, FPGA, or MCU. While FIG. 5 illustrates the server processing device 33 as a single component, the server processing device 33 may also be a collection of multiple physically separate processors. For example, multiple processors that operate cooperatively in parallel to execute instructions may be implemented. The server processing device 33 functions as a server receiving unit 331 and a server transmitting unit 332 by executing various instructions contained in the control program.

(Server Receiving Unit 331)
The server receiving unit 331 receives information regarding a broadcast start instruction sent from the broadcast user's terminal device 2 (broadcast terminal device) along with the broadcast user ID via the server communication I/F 31. The server receiving unit 331 receives information regarding a broadcast end instruction sent from the broadcast user's terminal device 2 (broadcast terminal device) along with the broadcast user ID via the server communication I/F 31. The server receiving unit 331 also receives information for displaying the broadcast user's broadcast image sent from the broadcast user's terminal device 2 (broadcast terminal device) along with the broadcast user ID via the server communication I/F 31.

The server receiving unit 331 also receives information regarding a viewing start instruction sent from the viewing user's terminal device 2 (viewing terminal device) via the server communication I/F 31, along with information regarding the distributed image and the viewing user ID. The server receiving unit 331 also receives information indicating an additional instruction sent from the viewing user's terminal device 2 (viewing terminal device), along with the object ID, distribution user ID, and viewing user ID, via the server communication I/F 31.

The server receiving unit 331 also receives, via the server communication I/F 31, from the terminal device 2 of the user who wishes to start a new information exchange, information regarding a new start instruction, the user ID of the user, and the user IDs of other users selected as partners in the information exchange. In this case, the server receiving unit 331 sets the group ID of the new information exchange group. The server receiving unit 331 then stores the received user ID of the user and the user IDs of the other users as user IDs belonging to the new information exchange group in the server storage device 32, associated with the group ID of the new information exchange group.

The server receiving unit 331 also receives, via the server communication I/F 31, information related to the information exchange start instruction, the user ID of the user, and destination information from the terminal device 2 of a user belonging to the information exchange group. If the received destination information is a group ID indicating the information exchange group, the server receiving unit 331 references the server storage device 32 and extracts the user ID of the user associated with the group ID received as destination information. The server receiving unit 331 then identifies the extracted user ID as the user ID of the user of the destination terminal device 2. If the received destination information is a user ID, the server receiving unit 331 identifies the user ID received as destination information as the user ID of the user of the destination terminal device 2. The server receiving unit 331 then passes the received information related to the information exchange start instruction and the user ID of the user of the destination terminal device 2 to the server transmitting unit 332.

The server receiving unit 331 also receives, via the server communication I/F 31, input information entered by a user, the user's user ID, and destination information from the terminal device 2 of a user belonging to the information exchange group. Next, the server receiving unit 331 extracts the user ID of the user of the destination terminal device 2 based on the received destination information. The server receiving unit 331 passes the received input information, the user ID of the user who entered the input information, and the user ID of the user of the destination terminal device 2 to the server transmitting unit 332.

(Server transmission unit 332)
The server transmitting unit 332 transmits the broadcast user's character video data and user ID received by the server receiving unit 331 via the server communication I/F 31 to the viewing user's terminal device 2 (viewing terminal device) indicated by the viewing user ID associated with the broadcast user's broadcast user ID stored in the server storage device 32. The server transmitting unit 332 transmits the broadcast user's character video data, audio data, and user ID received by the server receiving unit 331 via the server communication I/F 31 to the viewing user's terminal device 2 (viewing terminal device) indicated by the viewing user ID associated with the broadcast user's broadcast user ID stored in the server storage device 32.

The server transmitting unit 332 also transmits information indicating various instructions from the broadcast user received by the server receiving unit 331 via the server communication I/F 31 to the terminal device 2 (viewing terminal device) of the viewing user identified by the viewing user ID associated with the broadcast user ID of that broadcast user, stored in the server storage device 32. The server transmitting unit 332 also transmits information indicating various instructions from the viewing user received by the server receiving unit 331 via the server communication I/F 31 to the terminal device 2 of the broadcast user identified by the broadcast user ID associated with the user ID of that viewing user, and to the terminal devices 2 of other viewing users identified by the user IDs of those other viewing users associated with that broadcast user ID.

In addition, in response to the setting of the group ID of the new information exchange group by the server receiving unit 331, the server transmitting unit 332 extracts from the server storage device 32 the user IDs belonging to the new information exchange group that are associated with the group ID of the new information exchange group. The server transmitting unit 332 then transmits information regarding a display instruction for the information exchange screen for the new information exchange group to the terminal device 2 of the user identified by the extracted user ID via the server communication I/F 31.

In addition, when the server transmitting unit 332 receives information regarding an information exchange start instruction and destination information from the server receiving unit 331, it transmits information regarding an instruction to display an information exchange screen related to the received information exchange start instruction to the terminal device 2 of the user identified by the user ID associated with the destination information via the server communication I/F 31.

In addition, when the server transmitting unit 332 receives input information, the user ID of the user who input the input information, and the user ID of the user of the destination terminal device 2 from the server receiving unit 331, it transmits the received input information via the server communication I/F 31 to the terminal device 2 of the user identified by the user ID of the user of the destination terminal device 2 other than the user ID of the user who input the input information.

(Examples of various screens)
6 to 13, examples of various screens displayed on the display device 23 of the user's terminal device 2 will be described below. In Figures 6 to 13, multiple components denoted by the same reference numerals have equivalent functions.

Figure 6(a) is a diagram showing an example of a distribution screen 600 displayed on the display device 23 of the distribution user's terminal device 2 (distribution terminal device). The distribution screen 600 includes a distribution image 602 including a character object 601, a response information display area 603, and an end distribution button 604. Figure 6(b) is a diagram showing an example of a distribution screen 610 displayed on the display device 23 of the viewing user's terminal device 2 (viewing terminal device). The distribution screen 610 includes a distribution image 612 including a character object 611, a rating button 613, an add button 614, a comment button 615, a response information display area 616, and an end viewing button 617.

In response to the start of a distribution event, the broadcasting user's terminal device 2 (broadcasting terminal device) executes a process of transmitting information related to a distribution start instruction to the server device 3 by the transmission unit 272. The distribution event starts when the broadcasting user inputs a broadcasting event start instruction from the input device 24 to the terminal processing device 27 in response to an operation by the broadcasting user on a predetermined screen (not shown), such as a home screen, displayed on the display device 23. Next, the terminal device 2 (broadcasting terminal device) simultaneously (in parallel) executes a process of transmitting character video data, etc. by the transmission unit 272 and a process of displaying the distribution screen 600 by the display processing unit 274.

When the receiving unit 273 of the viewing user's terminal device 2 (viewing terminal device) receives information indicating one or more broadcast users currently broadcasting, the display processing unit 274 of the terminal device 2 (viewing terminal device) displays a broadcast event selection screen (not shown) on the display device 23. The broadcast event selection screen includes option objects for selecting one or more broadcast users currently broadcasting. Next, the transmitting unit 272 of the terminal device 2 (viewing terminal device) acquires from the input device 24 information indicating a broadcast user selected from the one or more broadcast users included in the broadcast event selection screen in response to the viewing user's operation of the input device 24. In this way, the transmitting unit 272 receives from the input device 24 an instruction from the viewing user to start viewing the broadcast image. The transmitting unit 272 then transmits information regarding the viewing start instruction, including information indicating the selected broadcast user, information regarding the broadcast image, and the viewing user's user ID stored in the terminal storage device 22, to the server device 3 via the terminal communication I/F 21.

The server receiving unit 331 of the server device 3 receives information regarding the viewing start instruction, information regarding the distributed image, and the user ID of the viewing user transmitted from the terminal device 2 (viewing terminal device) via the server communication I/F 31. Next, the server transmitting unit 332 of the server device 3 identifies the terminal device 2 (viewing terminal device) of the viewing user identified by the user ID received along with the information regarding the viewing start instruction. Next, the server transmitting unit 332 transmits, via the server communication I/F 31, to the identified terminal device 2 (viewing terminal device) information for displaying the distributed image identified by the information regarding the distributed image received along with the information regarding the viewing start instruction. Note that the information for displaying the distributed image is the character video data of the broadcasting user, or the character video data and audio data of the broadcasting user.

When character video data is received by the receiving unit 273 of the terminal device 2 (viewing terminal device), the display processing unit 274 of the terminal device 2 (viewing terminal device) displays the distribution screen 610 based on the received character video data. When character video data and audio data are received by the receiving unit 273 of the terminal device 2 (viewing terminal device), the display processing unit 274 of the terminal device 2 (viewing terminal device) displays the distribution screen 610 based on the received character video data, and the audio output unit 275 of the terminal device 2 (viewing terminal device) outputs the audio of the distribution user generated based on the audio data from a speaker (not shown). The server receiving unit 331 of the server device 3 registers (stores in the server storage device 32) the viewing user ID of the viewing user of the terminal device 2 (viewing terminal device) that sent information regarding the viewing start instruction as the viewing user ID of the viewing user currently viewing.

The following describes each display element included in the distribution screen 600.

The character object 601 included in the broadcast screen 600 is an animation (moving image) of the broadcast user's character object generated by the display processing unit 274. The display processing unit 274 generates animation of the broadcast user's character object based on the generated motion data of the broadcast user and the character object associated with the broadcast user's user ID stored in the user table T1. If the motion data includes face motion data, the display processing unit 274 changes the facial expression of the character object 601 to synchronize with the broadcast user's facial movements. If the motion data includes body motion data, the display processing unit 274 moves the corresponding part of the character object 601 to synchronize with the broadcast user's body movements. The display processing unit 274 displays a broadcast image 602 including the generated character object 601 on the display device 23.

The response information display area 603 included in the distribution screen 600 includes response information (comment information, rating information, and/or information related to additional objects) sent from each terminal device 2 (viewing terminal device) displaying the distribution screen 610.

The example of the response information display area 603 shown in Figure 6(a) shows that comment information indicating the comment "Cool" was sent from the terminal device 2 (viewing terminal device) of a viewing user named "User R." Next, it shows that rating information was sent from the terminal device 2 (viewing terminal device) of a viewing user named "User F." And it shows that rating information was most recently sent from the terminal device 2 (viewing terminal device) of a viewing user named "User A."

The broadcast end button 604 included in the broadcast screen 600 is an object image, such as a button object, for ending the display of the broadcast screen 600 and ending the broadcast of the broadcast image 612. When the broadcast user selects the broadcast end button 604 by operating the input device 24, the display processing unit 274 of the broadcast user's terminal device 2 (broadcast terminal device) ends the display of the broadcast screen 600. The transmission unit 272 of the terminal device 2 (broadcast terminal device) then transmits information regarding the broadcast end instruction, along with the broadcast user ID stored in the terminal storage device 22, to the server device 3 via the terminal communication I/F 21. When the server receiving unit 331 of the server device 3 receives the information regarding the broadcast end instruction transmitted from the broadcast user's terminal device 2 (broadcast terminal device), it deletes the broadcast user ID received along with the information regarding the broadcast end instruction from the server storage device 32. Furthermore, the server receiving unit 331 deletes the viewing user ID associated with the deleted broadcast user ID from the server storage device 32. This ends the broadcast image broadcast of the broadcast user who selected the broadcast end button 604. Note that the broadcast user ID of a broadcast user who has ended their broadcast does not need to be deleted from the server storage device 32. In this case, the broadcast user ID of a broadcast user who has ended their broadcast may be stored in the server storage device 32 as a broadcast ended user ID. Also, the viewing user ID associated with the broadcast user ID of a broadcast user who has ended their broadcast does not need to be deleted from the server storage device 32. In this case, the viewing user ID associated with the broadcast user ID of a broadcast user who has ended their broadcast may be stored in the server storage device 32 as a viewing ended user ID. Also, the server transmission unit 332 may send information regarding a broadcast end instruction to the viewing user's terminal device 2 (viewing terminal device) identified by the viewing user ID associated with the broadcast user ID of the broadcast user who has ended their broadcast. In this case, the viewing user's terminal device 2 (viewing terminal device) displaying the broadcast image of the broadcast user will also end displaying the broadcast screen 610 in response to receiving information regarding the broadcast end instruction.

The following describes each display element included in the distribution screen 610.

The character object 611 included in the distribution screen 610 is an animation (moving image) of the broadcast user's character object generated by the display processing unit 274. The display processing unit 274 generates the animation of the broadcast user's character object based on the broadcast user's character moving image data (motion data) received by the receiving unit 273 and the character object associated with the broadcast user's user ID stored in the user table T1. An example of the display process for the distribution image 612 including the character object 611 is described below.

When the server device 3 receives information regarding the broadcast user's instruction to start viewing the broadcast image, information regarding the broadcast image (broadcast user ID of the broadcast image), and the viewing user's user ID from the viewing user's terminal device 2 (viewing terminal device), it stores the received viewing user ID of the viewing user in association with the broadcast user ID of the received broadcast image.

If the broadcast user's character video data (motion data) received by the receiving unit 273 of the viewing user's terminal device 2 (viewing terminal device) includes the broadcast user's facial motion data, a broadcast image 612 is displayed, including a character object 611 whose facial expression changes in sync with the broadcast user's facial movements. For example, if the broadcast user makes a sound, a broadcast image 612 is displayed, including a character object 611 whose lips are moving. Furthermore, if the broadcast user's motion data received by the receiving unit 273 includes the broadcast user's body motion data, a broadcast image 612 is displayed, including a character object 611 whose corresponding body part moves in sync with the broadcast user's body movements. When the broadcast user's character video data and audio data are received, a broadcast image 612 based on the received character video data is displayed by the display processing unit 274, and the broadcast user's audio, generated based on the received broadcast user's audio data, is output as audio by the audio output unit 275. This allows user A to hear the broadcast user's audio while watching the broadcast user's character object 611, which is moving as if making a sound. This completes the display process for the distribution image 612. The display process for the distribution image 612 is executed every time the distribution user's output information is received at a predetermined time interval (e.g., every two seconds).

The rating button 613 included on the distribution screen 610 is an object image for instructing the transmission of rating information regarding the character object 611 included on the distribution screen 610, or the transmission of rating information regarding the broadcast user associated with the character object 611. When the rating button 613 is selected in response to a viewing user's operation of the input device 24, the transmission unit 272 of the terminal device 2 (viewing terminal device) transmits rating information indicating that a "positive rating has been given to the character object 611 included on the distribution screen 610" or a "positive rating has been given to the broadcast user associated with the character object 611 included on the distribution screen 610" to the server device 3 via the terminal communication I/F 21. The server receiving unit 331 of the server device 3 may store the received rating information in the server storage device 32, and the server transmitting unit 332 of the server device 3 may transmit the received rating information to the broadcast user's terminal device 2 (broadcast terminal device).

The rating button 613 may be an object image for instructing the transmission of rating information indicating that a "negative rating has been given to the character object 611 included in the distribution screen 600" or rating information indicating that a "negative rating has been given to the broadcast user related to the character object 611 included in the distribution screen 600." The distribution screen 610 may also include multiple types of rating buttons 613 (for example, two types of rating buttons: a rating button for sending positive rating information and a rating button for sending negative rating information).

If the distribution screen 610 is displayed on multiple terminal devices 2 (viewing terminal devices), aggregated information that aggregates the evaluation information transmitted from each terminal device 2 (viewing terminal device) may be included on the distribution screen 600 and/or distribution screen 610. For example, the server device 3 may count the number of evaluation information transmitted from each of the multiple terminal devices 2 (viewing terminal devices) and generate display information for including the number of evaluation information on the distribution screen 600 and/or distribution screen 610. The aggregated information is not limited to the number of evaluation information, but may also include information regarding the time period in which the evaluation information was transmitted. The aggregation period may be the period from the start of the distribution event to the current time, the period from the start of the display of the distribution screen 600 to the current time, the period from the start of the distribution screen 610 to the current time, or a predetermined period (e.g., from 9:00 PM to midnight). Multiple aggregation periods may also be set. If the server device 3 can transmit evaluation information to the terminal device 2 (distribution terminal device) of the distribution user, the aggregation process of the evaluation information may be performed by the terminal device 2 (distribution terminal device). In this case, the process of including the tally information on the distribution screen 600 may be performed by the terminal device 2 (distribution terminal device), and the process of including the tally information on the distribution screen 610 may be performed by the terminal device 2 (viewing terminal device) that is displaying the distribution screen 610.

The add button 614 included in the distribution screen 610 is an object image for instructing the display of a selection screen 700 for selecting the distribution screen 600 and an additional object to be displayed on the distribution screen 610. When the add button 614 is selected in response to an operation of the input device 24 by the viewing user, the selection screen 700 is displayed on the terminal device 2 (viewing terminal device) of that viewing user. Details of the selection screen 700 will be described later.

The comment button 615 included in the distribution screen 610 is an object image for instructing the display of a comment input window (not shown) for inputting a comment (character string) to be displayed on the distribution screen 600 and the distribution screen 610. When the comment button 615 is selected in response to an operation of the input device 24 by the viewing user, the comment input window (not shown) is superimposed on the distribution screen 610.

The comment input window is displayed only on the display device 23 of the terminal device 2 of the viewing user who selected the comment button 615, and the character string being entered in the comment input window is not displayed on the display device 23 of other terminal devices 2. For example, the display processing unit 274 of the viewing user's terminal device 2 creates comment information indicating the comment (character string) entered in the comment input window in response to the viewing user's operation of the input device 24. Comment information is a type of response information.

The response information display area 616 included in the distribution screen 610 includes response information (comment information, rating information, and/or information regarding additional objects (described below)) created in response to operations by the viewing user, as well as response information sent from the terminal devices 2 of other viewing users who are viewing the distribution image 612 of the same distribution user.

The example of the response information display area 616 shown in FIG. 6(b) shows that comment information indicating the comment (character string) "Cool" was sent from the terminal device 2 of a viewing user named "User R." It also shows that evaluation information was sent from the terminal device 2 of a viewing user named "User F." It also shows that evaluation information created by the terminal device 2 of User A, who operates this terminal device 2, was sent.

When response information is created by the viewing user of the terminal device 2 and a transmission instruction is input, the transmitting unit 272 of the terminal device 2 displaying the distribution screen 610 transmits the created response information along with information regarding an instruction to display the response information to the server device 3 via the terminal communication I/F 21. The viewing user ID of the viewing user stored in the terminal storage device 22 is also transmitted along with the information regarding the instruction to display the response information.

The server receiving unit 331 of the server device 3 receives information regarding a display instruction for response information transmitted from the terminal device 2 displaying the distribution screen 610, along with the response information and the viewing user ID. The server transmitting unit 332 of the server device 3 extracts the broadcast user ID stored in association with the received viewing user ID from the server storage device 32. The server transmitting unit 332 then transmits the received response information and viewing user ID to the terminal device 2 of the broadcast user indicated by the extracted broadcast user ID and the terminal device 2 of the viewing user indicated by the extracted viewing user ID. The receiving unit 273 of each terminal device 2 displaying the distribution screen 610 receives the response information and viewing user ID transmitted from the server device 3 via the terminal communication I/F 21. The display processing unit 274 of each terminal device 2 displaying the distribution screen 610 displays the distribution screen 610 in which the response information and the names of the viewing users who input the response information are arranged in chronological order in the response information display area 616, based on the received response information and the names associated with the received viewing user ID. The name associated with the received user ID is information extracted by the display processing unit 274 by referencing the user table T1. In this way, each time response information is received, the display processing unit 274 of each terminal device 2 displaying the distribution screen 610 displays the received response information and the name of the viewing user who entered the response information in chronological order in the response information display area 616.

An upper limit may be set for the number of pieces of response information that can be displayed in the response information display area 603 and/or the response information display area 616. In the example of the response information display area 603 shown in FIG. 6(a) and the response information display area 616 shown in FIG. 6(b), the upper limit for the number of pieces of response information that can be displayed is "3." If the number of pieces of response information displayed on each terminal device 2 exceeds the set upper limit, the display processing unit 274 of each terminal device 2 displays the distribution screen 600 that includes the three newly received pieces of response information in the response information display area 603, or the distribution screen 610 that includes the three newly received pieces of response information in the response information display area 616, in order.

The response information in the response information display area 616 may be displayed in a scrollable manner. In this case, response information that is not currently included in the response information display area 616 is scrolled and displayed within the response information display area 616 in response to a swipe operation by the user (for example, an operation in which a finger touches the screen and moves from the bottom to the top of the screen). The response information in the response information display area 603 included in the distribution screen 600 may also be displayed in a scrollable manner, similar to the response information display area 616.

The end viewing button 617 is an object image, such as a button object, for ending the display of the distribution screen 610 and ending viewing of the distribution image 612. When the viewing user selects the end viewing button 617 by operating the input device 24, the display processing unit 274 of the viewing user's terminal device 2 ends the display of the distribution screen 610. The transmission unit 272 of the terminal device 2 then transmits information regarding the end viewing instruction, along with the viewing user ID and destination information stored in the terminal storage device 22, to the server device 3 via the terminal communication I/F 21. When the server receiving unit 331 of the server device 3 receives the information regarding the end viewing instruction and the viewing user ID transmitted from the user's terminal device 2, it stores the viewing user ID, which is identical to the received viewing user ID and is associated with the broadcast user ID of the broadcast user associated with the ended distribution screen 610, as the viewing end user ID in the server storage device 32. Note that the viewing end user ID is stored in association with the broadcast user ID of the broadcast user associated with the ended distribution screen 610. This ends viewing of the distributed image for the viewing user who selected the end viewing button 617.

Figure 7(a) is a diagram showing an example of a selection screen 700 displayed on the display device 23 of the viewing user's terminal device 2 (viewing terminal device). As shown in Figure 7(a), the selection screen 700 is displayed so as to be superimposed on the distribution screen 610. The selection screen 700 may be displayed later while the display of the distribution screen 610 is temporarily suspended, and the distribution screen 610 may be redisplayed when the display of the selection screen 700 ends.

In the example shown in FIG. 7(a), images representing eight types of candidate objects for addition are included within the display area of the selection screen 700. Names representing the candidate objects for addition may be placed near the images representing the candidate objects for addition. The number of candidate objects for addition included within the display area of the selection screen 700 is not limited to eight, and may be seven or fewer, or nine or more. If the display processing unit 274 of the terminal device 2 cannot include all of the images representing multiple candidate objects for addition within the display area of the selection screen 700, the display processing unit 274 may display the images representing the candidate objects for addition in a scrollable manner. In this case, in response to a swipe operation by the viewing user (for example, an operation in which a finger is moved from right to left while touching the screen), images representing candidate objects for addition that are not currently included within the display area of the selection screen 700 are scrolled and displayed within the display area of the selection screen 700.

Each of the additional candidate objects represents an additional object. Images representing additional candidate objects are, for example, icon images, thumbnail images, etc., that represent gift objects, which are a type of additional object. On the selection screen 700, images of each additional candidate object may be displayed categorized by type of additional object (free gifts, paid gifts, accessories, support goods, appealing gifts, variety gifts, cooperation gifts that require the cooperation of users belonging to a group, etc.). Paid gifts are additional objects that users can purchase by spending virtual currency "coins." Free gifts are additional objects that can be obtained without spending currency, by spending points that can be earned by watching broadcasts, etc. An additional object may be an object that a viewing user can send to a broadcasting user by playing and clearing a specified mission executed on the terminal device 2. An additional object may be an object that a viewing user can send to a broadcasting user by playing a known lottery game executed on the terminal device 2 and winning the lottery game. An additional object may also be managed (stored) as an object owned by the viewing user.

When a candidate object for addition is selected in response to the viewing user's operation of the input device 24, the input device 24 inputs an addition instruction to the terminal processing device 27 together with the object ID corresponding to the selected candidate object for addition. An example of the addition process in response to the addition instruction is described below.

First, when the display processing unit 274 acquires the input addition instruction and object ID, it references the object table T2 and extracts a still image or video image (image information) of the added object associated with the acquired object ID from the terminal storage device 22. Next, the display processing unit 274 generates a new distribution image 612 that includes the extracted still image or video image in the distribution image 612 that includes the broadcast user's character object 611.

Next, upon acquiring the input addition instruction and object ID, the transmission unit 272 transmits information indicating the addition instruction, together with the acquired object ID, the viewing user ID of the viewing user stored in the terminal storage device 22, and information related to the distributed image (distributor user ID of the distributed image), to the server device 3 via the terminal communication I/F 21. Next, the server receiving unit 331 of the server device 3 receives the information indicating the addition instruction, the object ID, the viewing user ID, and information related to the distributed image (distributor user ID of the distributed image) via the server communication I/F 31. Note that if information related to the distributed image (distributor user ID of the distributed image) is not transmitted, the server transmission unit 332 of the server device 3 extracts the broadcast user ID stored in association with the received viewing user ID from the server storage device 32. The server transmission unit 332 extracts viewing user IDs other than the received viewing user ID from the information related to the distributed image (distributor user ID of the distributed image) or viewing user IDs associated with the extracted broadcast user ID. The server transmission unit 332 then transmits information indicating the received addition instruction, the object ID, and the received user ID (the user ID of the viewing user who issued the addition instruction) to the terminal device 2 of the viewing user indicated by the extracted viewing user ID via the server communication I/F 31. The server transmission unit 332 also transmits information regarding the distributed image (distributor user ID of the distributed image) or information indicating the received addition instruction, the object ID, and the received viewing user ID to the terminal device 2 of the broadcast user indicated by the extracted broadcast user ID via the server communication I/F 31.

Then, the receiving units 273 of the terminal devices 2 of the viewing users (excluding the viewing user who issued the addition instruction) and the broadcasting user receive information indicating the addition instruction, the user ID of the viewing user who issued the addition instruction, and the object ID via the terminal communication I/F 21. Next, the display processing unit 274 of the terminal device 2 references the object table T2 and extracts a still image or video image (image information) of the additional object associated with the received object ID from the terminal storage device 22. Next, the display processing unit 274 generates a new broadcasting image 612 that includes the extracted still image or video image in the broadcasting images 602, 612, which include the broadcasting user's character objects 601, 611. Note that the new broadcasting images 602, 612 may also display new response information including the name of the viewing user who issued the addition instruction and the name of the additional object associated with the received object ID. This completes the addition process.

Figure 7(b) is a diagram showing another example of a distribution screen 710 displayed on the display device 23 of the terminal device 2. Similar to the distribution screen 610, the distribution screen 710 includes a distribution image 612 including a character object 611, a rating button 613, an add button 614, a comment button 615, a response information display area 616, and an end viewing button 617.

Distribution screen 710 differs from distribution screen 610 in that it includes additional objects 711 and 712. Both additional objects 711 and 712 are still images or moving images showing the additional objects. Below, an example of the display process for additional object 712 will be described, using the example where the viewing user who instructed to add additional object 712 is user A.

When a candidate object for addition (corresponding to the additional object 712) is selected in response to user A's operation of the input device 24, the input device 24 of user A's terminal device 2 inputs an addition instruction to the terminal processing device 27 along with the object ID corresponding to the selected candidate object for addition. Upon receiving the input addition instruction and object ID, the display processing unit 274 of user A's terminal device 2 references the object table T2 and extracts a still image or video image (image information) of the additional object associated with the obtained object ID from the terminal storage device 22. The display processing unit 274 of user A's terminal device 2 then generates a new distribution image 612 that includes the broadcast user's character object 611 and the additional object 712 based on the extracted still image or video image.

The transmitting unit 272 of user A's terminal device 2 transmits information indicating the addition instruction for the additional object 712, the acquired object ID, and user A's viewing user ID stored in the terminal storage device 22 to the viewing users (excluding the viewing user who issued the addition instruction) and the broadcast user's terminal device 2 via the server device 3. When the information indicating the addition instruction for the additional object 712, user A's viewing user ID, and object ID are received by the receiving units 273 of the viewing users (excluding user A) and the broadcast user's terminal device 2, the display processing unit 274 of the viewing users (excluding user A) and the broadcast user's terminal device 2 references object table T2 and extracts a still image or video image (image information) of the additional object associated with the received object ID from the terminal storage device 22. The display processing unit 274 of the terminal device 2 then generates a new broadcast image 612 based on the extracted still image or video image in the broadcast image 612 including the broadcast user's character object 611. This completes the display processing for the additional object 712.

When a predetermined change condition is met, the shape, size, placement, color, brightness, and/or design of an additional object added to the distribution screen may change while the distribution screen is being displayed. The predetermined change condition may be a condition related to information indicating an instruction to add an additional object. For example, the predetermined change condition may be that a condition related to the timing of an instruction to add an additional object by any of all viewing users viewing the same distribution screen is met, and/or that at least two of all viewing users viewing the same distribution screen have issued instructions to add multiple specific types of additional objects that are different from each other. Satisfying a condition related to the timing of an instruction to add an additional object means, for example, that the difference in the timing of instructions to add an additional object by multiple viewing users is within a predetermined period of time. In response to an instruction to add an additional object by a viewing user, the server device 3 awards the viewing user a predetermined number of points. When the predetermined change condition is met, the viewing user who issued the instruction to add an additional object that satisfies the predetermined change condition may be awarded more points than the predetermined number of points. The specified change condition may be that a condition related to the timing of an additional instruction from one of multiple viewing users who have a specified relationship is satisfied, and/or that multiple viewing users who have a specified relationship have issued additional instructions for multiple specific types of additional objects that are different from one another. In this case, the specified change condition is not satisfied even if a condition related to the timing of an additional instruction from a viewing user who does not have a specified relationship is satisfied.

A predetermined relationship among multiple viewing users means, for example, that one of the multiple viewing users is a mutual follower of another of the multiple viewing users. Note that if one user follows another user and the other user also follows the one user (the one user and the other user are mutually following each other), the one user and the other user are mutual followers. Furthermore, a predetermined relationship among multiple viewing users may mean that one of the multiple viewing users is in a mutual follow relationship with a predetermined viewing user who is mutually following another of the multiple viewing users.

The predetermined relationship between multiple viewing users may also mean that the multiple viewing users are friends. The predetermined relationship between multiple viewing users may also mean that the terminal device of one of the multiple viewing users stores specific information (such as a phone number, email address, or predetermined ID (identification)) of another of the multiple viewing users. The predetermined relationship between multiple viewing users may also mean that the number of times the multiple viewing users have exchanged information using the same information exchange service is equal to or greater than a predetermined number. The predetermined relationship between multiple viewing users may also mean that the number of times each of the multiple viewing users has participated in the same and/or different information exchange services is equal to or greater than a predetermined number.

Furthermore, a predetermined relationship between multiple viewing users may be a relationship regarding the operations of other viewing users among the multiple viewing users when one of the multiple viewing users distributes a distribution image as a distribution user. Here, the relationship regarding the operations of other viewing users is a relationship in which the number of times the other viewing users have viewed the distribution image distributed by the one viewing user is equal to or greater than a predetermined number of views. Also, a relationship regarding the operations of other viewing users may be a relationship in which the other viewing users have sent comment information about the distribution image distributed by the one viewing user equal to or greater than a predetermined number of transmissions.

Furthermore, a predetermined relationship between multiple viewing users may be a relationship regarding a predetermined event in which each of the multiple viewing users is participating. Here, a relationship regarding a predetermined event is a relationship in which each of the multiple viewing users is currently participating in the same event. A relationship regarding a predetermined event may also be a relationship in which each of the multiple viewing users has participated in the same event in the past. A relationship regarding a predetermined event may also be a relationship in which another of the multiple viewing users has participated in an event in which one or more of the multiple viewing users are participating.

When the broadcasting user operates the input device 24 to select a change button (not shown) on the broadcast image 602, a selection screen 800 is displayed. For example, the change button is included in the broadcasting screen 600. The change button may also be included in a specific screen, such as a home screen, displayed on the display device 23. Figure 8(a) is a diagram showing an example of the selection screen 800 displayed on the display device 23 of the broadcasting user's terminal device 2 (broadcasting terminal device). The selection screen 800 shown in Figure 8(a) is displayed superimposed on the broadcasting screen 600. The selection screen 800 may also be displayed after the display of the broadcasting screen 600 has ended.

The selection screen 800 includes a plurality of placement candidate objects 801 indicating each of a plurality of placement locations, and attachment candidate objects 802 that are candidates for attachment objects to be newly attached to the character object 601. When the broadcasting user selects one of the plurality of placement candidate objects 801 by operating the input device 24, the attachment candidate object 802 corresponding to the object ID of the broadcasting user's owned object associated with the placement candidate corresponding to the selected placement candidate object 801 is displayed on the selection screen 800. When the broadcasting user selects one of the plurality of attachment candidate objects 802 by operating the input device 24, the input device 24 inputs a change instruction to the terminal processing device 27, and the display processing unit 274 executes the change process described above. The display processing unit 274 then displays a distribution screen 810 ( FIG. 8(b) ) that includes a distribution image 812 that includes a character object 811 wearing the new attachment object.

Figure 8(b) is a diagram showing another example of a broadcast screen 810 displayed on the display device 23 of the broadcast user's terminal device 2 (broadcast terminal device). The broadcast screen 810 includes at least a broadcast image 812 including the broadcast user's character object 811 wearing a new attachment object. In the example shown in Figure 8(b), a character object 811 is displayed in which the clothing worn by the broadcast user's character object 601 has been changed.

Information regarding change instructions input by a broadcasting user who has started a video broadcasting service is sent via server device 3 to the terminal device 2 (viewing terminal device) of the viewing user who is viewing the broadcast image of that broadcasting user. As a result, change processing in accordance with the change instructions input by the broadcasting user is also executed on the viewing user's terminal device 2 (viewing terminal device). As a result, a broadcast image including the broadcasting user's character object equipped with the new attachment object is displayed on the viewing user's terminal device 2 (viewing terminal device).

As described with reference to Figures 7 and 8, at least a portion of the broadcast image including the broadcaster's character object is changed in response to an additional instruction from the viewing user, and at least a portion of the broadcaster's character object is changed in response to a change instruction from the broadcaster. This prevents viewing users from becoming bored during the broadcast event and increases users' motivation to continue using the video broadcast service.

In addition, in conventional information processing systems, after starting a broadcast event for viewing users via a character object, a broadcast user had to interrupt the broadcast event in order to change the broadcast image including the character object. After the broadcast event was interrupted, the broadcast user had to activate a function to change the character object's appearance and/or the background image in the broadcast image including the character object. The broadcast user then had to use the change function to change the character object and/or the broadcast image, and then resume the broadcast event, a cumbersome process. In contrast, the information processing system 1 of this embodiment allows the broadcast user to change the character object without interrupting the broadcast event and resetting the broadcast user's character object. As a result, the information processing system 1 of this embodiment does not require a complex user interface for changing the broadcast user's character object during a broadcast event, thereby improving usability compared to conventional information processing systems. Furthermore, because the information processing system 1 of this embodiment allows the user's character object to be changed without interrupting the broadcast event, the number of communications and the amount of communication between the server device 3 and the terminal device 2 can be reduced. In this way, the information processing system 1 of this embodiment can improve communication between the server device 3 and the terminal device 2.

Figure 9(a) is a diagram showing an example of a group setting screen 900 displayed on the display device 23 of a user's terminal device 2. The group setting screen 900 is displayed in response to a user's operation on a predetermined screen, such as a home screen, displayed on the display device 23. A user who can operate a terminal device 2 capable of displaying the group setting screen 900 is a broadcasting user or a viewing user. A user who can operate a terminal device 2 capable of displaying the group setting screen 900 is not limited to a broadcasting user or a viewing user, and can be any user who is able to receive services provided by the server device 3. A new information exchange group is set in response to a user's operation on the group setting screen 900.

As shown in FIG. 9(a), the group setting screen 900 includes a candidate display area 901, a selection object 902, and a start button 903. The candidate display area 901 displays information indicating one or more candidate users who can belong to the information exchange group. For example, the candidate users who can belong to the information exchange group are users who are mutual followers of the user operating the terminal device 2 that displayed the group setting screen 900. Alternatively, the candidate users who can belong to the information exchange group may be users who are friends with the user operating the terminal device 2 that displayed the group setting screen 900. The candidate users who can belong to the information exchange group are not limited to the above, and may be any users who have a predetermined relationship with the user operating the terminal device 2 that displayed the group setting screen 900. In the example shown in FIG. 9(a), the display processing unit 274 of the user's terminal device 2 displays thumbnail images and names of the character objects of the multiple users who can belong to the information exchange group in the candidate display area 901 as information indicating the candidate users.

The selection object 902 is an operation object for selecting each candidate user displayed in the candidate display area 901. In the example shown in FIG. 9(a), the display processing unit 274 of the user's terminal device 2 displays check box objects corresponding to each candidate user as selection objects 902. For example, when a selection object 902 is selected by the user's operation of the input device 24, the selection object 902 is displayed with a "check" mark. In this case, the candidate user corresponding to the selection object 902 displayed with a "check" mark is selected. Furthermore, when a selection object 902 displayed with a "check" mark is selected by the user's operation of the input device 24, the selection object 902 is displayed without a "check" mark. In this case, the candidate user corresponding to the selection object 902 displayed without a "check" mark is not selected. Each selection object 902 is associated with the user ID of the corresponding candidate user.

The start button 903 is a button object or the like that allows the user to create a new information exchange group and begin exchanging information with other users who belong to the newly created information exchange group. When the user selects the start button 903 by operating the input device 24, a new information exchange group is created to which the user operating the terminal device 2 and the candidate user selected by the selection object 902 belong as members. For example, the display processing unit 274 of the user's terminal device 2 identifies the user ID of the user stored in the terminal storage device 22 and the user ID of the candidate user associated with the selection object 902 selected by the selection object 902. The display processing unit 274 then associates the user ID of the identified user and the user ID of the candidate user with the newly created group ID as members and stores them in the group table T3. At this time, the display processing unit 274 may automatically associate the name of the created information exchange group with the newly created group ID, or it may associate the name of the information exchange group entered by the user with the newly created group ID. When a new information exchange group is created in response to selection of the start button 903, the display processing unit 274 displays an information exchange screen 1000 for users belonging to the new information exchange group.

Figure 9(b) is a diagram showing an example of an information exchange start screen 910 displayed on the display device 23 of the user's terminal device 2. The information exchange start screen 910 is displayed in response to a user's operation on a predetermined screen, such as a home screen, displayed on the display device 23. A user who can operate a terminal device 2 capable of displaying the information exchange start screen 910 is a broadcasting user or a viewing user. A user who can operate a terminal device 2 capable of displaying the information exchange start screen 910 is not limited to a broadcasting user or a viewing user, and can be any user who is able to receive services provided by the server device 3. In response to a user's operation on the information exchange start screen 910, information exchange with the selected information exchange group begins.

As shown in FIG. 9(b), the information exchange start screen 910 includes a candidate group area 911. The candidate group area 911 displays information indicating the information exchange group to which the user operating the terminal device 2 displaying the information exchange start screen 910 belongs. The information indicating the information exchange group can be selected by the user, and the information indicating the information exchange group is associated with the group ID of the corresponding information exchange group.

When the user operates the input device 24 to select information indicating one of the information exchange groups included in the information exchange start screen 910, the group ID associated with the information indicating the selected information exchange group is identified. The display processing unit 274 displays the information exchange screen 1000 for each user identified by the user ID associated with the identified group ID (each user belonging to the information exchange group indicated by the identified group ID).

Figure 10(a) is a diagram showing an example of an information exchange screen 1000 displayed on the display device 23 of a user's terminal device 2. On the information exchange screen 1000, information is exchanged between multiple users belonging to an information exchange group newly set up by the user selecting the start button 903 included in the group setting screen 900. Alternatively, on the information exchange screen 1000, information is exchanged between multiple users belonging to an information exchange group selected by the user on the information exchange start screen 910. Hereinafter, users other than the user operating the terminal device 2 displaying the information exchange screen 1000, among the multiple users belonging to the information exchange group exchanging information, may be referred to as "other users." The information exchange screen 1000 (and each information exchange screen described below) may be realized as a so-called chat screen or the like that realizes text chat, etc.

The information exchange screen 1000 includes other user input information 1001, other user information 1002, a text input object 1003, a candidate display button 1004, and user input information 1005. The other user input information 1001 is input information entered by another user. The other user information 1002 is information indicating the other user (such as an icon image of a character object) that is displayed in association with each other user input information 1001. The text input object 1003 is an operation object that allows the user to input text information as input information. The candidate display button 1004 is an operation object that displays candidate information 1101, 1211, and 1303 corresponding to character-related images so that the user can select from them. The user input information 1005 is input information entered by the user.

Each time input information of another user transmitted from the terminal device 2 of the other user is received via the server device 3, the display processing unit 274 displays other user input information 1001 indicating the received input information of the other user in the other user display area of the information exchange screen 1000. For example, the other user display area is an area near the left side of the information exchange screen 1000, and the other user input information 1001 is displayed in the other user display area in chronological order from the oldest to the newest, from top to bottom of the screen. Each time user input information is input by the user's input operation on the text input object 1003, the display processing unit 274 displays user input information 1005 indicating the input user input information in the user display area of the information exchange screen 1000. For example, the user display area is an area near the right side of the information exchange screen 1000, and the user input information 1005 is displayed in the user display area in chronological order from the oldest to the newest, from top to bottom of the screen.

When the information exchange screen 1000 related to the newly set information exchange group is displayed, the transmission unit 272 of the user's terminal device 2 transmits information related to the new information exchange group to the server device 3 via the terminal communication I/F 21. The information related to the new information exchange group includes the group ID of the new information exchange group, the name of the new information exchange group, and the user IDs of the users belonging to the new information exchange group.

The server receiving unit 331 of the server device 3 receives information about the information exchange group via the server communication I/F 31. The server receiving unit 331 stores the received information about the new information exchange group in the server storage device 32. For example, the server receiving unit 331 associates the name of the new information exchange group and the user IDs of the users belonging to the new information exchange group with the group ID of the new information exchange group and stores them in the server storage device 32.

The server transmission unit 332 of the server device 3 transmits information about the new information exchange group via the server communication I/F 31 to the terminal devices 2 of other users who belong to the new information exchange group and are identified by the user IDs of users other than the user who transmitted the information about the new information exchange group.

When the receiving unit 273 of the other user's terminal device 2 receives information about a new information exchange group sent from the user's terminal device 2 via the server device 3, it stores the name of the new information exchange group and the user IDs of the users belonging to the new information exchange group in association with the group ID of the new information exchange group in the group table T3. Note that when the display processing unit 274 of the other user's terminal device 2 receives information about the new information exchange group, it may automatically display the information exchange screen 1000 related to the new information exchange group.

When new text information is input as input information into the text input object 1003 by a user operation on the information exchange screen 1000, the display processing unit 274 displays the new input text information in the user display area as user input information 1005. When image information, video information, etc. is input as input information on the information exchange screen 1000 by a user operation, the display processing unit 274 displays the input image information, video information, etc. in the user display area as user input information 1005. The information input as input information is not limited to text information, image information, and video information, and may be information in a format usable by a specified application program.

When input information entered by another user's operation on the information exchange screen 1000 displayed on the other user's terminal device 2 is received via the server device 3 along with the other user's user ID, the received input information is displayed in the other user display area as other user input information. In this case, images etc. related to the received user ID of the other user are displayed as other user information 1002.

The sending unit 272 of the user's terminal device 2 sends the newly entered text information and the user's user ID to the other user's terminal device 2 via the server device 3. As a result, the newly entered text information is also displayed as other user's input information 1001 on the information exchange screen 1000 displayed on the terminal device 2 of the other user, who is a user belonging to a group other than the user who entered the text information.

When the user selects the candidate display button 1004 on the information exchange screen 1000 by operating the input device 24, the input device 24 sends an instruction to the terminal processing device 27 to display candidate information for selecting a character-related image. Next, the display processing unit 274 determines whether a character-related image including the user's character object has been previously generated and stored in the terminal storage device 22. If a character-related image including the user's character object has not been stored, the display processing unit 274 displays a generation instruction object 1006 for instructing the generation of a character-related image. Furthermore, if a character-related image including the user's character object has been stored, for example, the display processing unit 274 displays the information exchange screen 1100 including the four types of stored candidate information 1101.

Figure 10(b) is a diagram showing an example of an information exchange screen 1010 displayed on the display device 23 of the user's terminal device 2. The information exchange screen 1010 is a screen that is displayed when the candidate display button 1004 included in the information exchange screen 1000 is selected by the user and it is determined that no character-related images including the user's character object are stored in the terminal storage device 22.

Like the information exchange screen 1000, the information exchange screen 1010 includes other user input information 1001, other user information 1002, a text input object 1003, a candidate display button 1004, and user input information 1005. Furthermore, the information exchange screen 1010 includes a generation instruction object 1006. In the example shown in FIG. 10(b), the information exchange screen 1010 displays information prompting the user to generate a character-related image along with the generation instruction object 1006.

When the user selects the generation instruction object 1006 on the information exchange screen 1010 by operating the input device 24, the input device 24 sends an instruction to generate a character-related image to the terminal processing device 27. When the generation unit 271 receives an instruction to generate a character-related image from the input device 24, it executes processing to generate the character-related image. An example of the processing to generate a character-related image is described below.

First, the generation unit 271 extracts from the user table T1 the model ID of the character object associated with the user ID stored in the terminal storage device 22 and the object ID of the used object. Next, the generation unit 271 reads from the terminal storage device 22 the model data associated with the extracted model ID and the image information and placement location associated with the extracted object ID of the used object. Next, the generation unit 271 reads from the terminal storage device 22 the motion data for the character-related image and the object data for the character-related image. Next, the generation unit 271 generates a character-related image including a character object with a predetermined motion and facial expression, and object data such as a background and text, based on the read model data, the image information and placement location of the used object, and the motion data for the character-related image and the object data for the character-related image. Then, the generation unit 271 associates the generated character-related image with a related image ID for uniquely identifying the character-related image and stores the associated image in the terminal storage device 22. The generation unit 271 also generates candidate information indicating the generated character-related image, associates the generated candidate information with a related image ID for identifying the character-related image, and stores the associated information in the terminal storage device 22. The generation unit 271 also associates the object ID of the object used when generating the character-related image with the related image ID and stores the associated image ID in the terminal storage device 22, thereby completing the character-related image generation process. Note that some or all of the generated character-related images may be set so that they cannot be used in the information exchange service. In this case, a usable group may be set that is made up of character-related images that can be used in the information exchange service. Then, when a new character-related image that can be used in the information exchange service is generated, the new character-related image is set to be included in the usable group.

An example of the character-related image transmission process is described below. First, the transmission unit 272 of the terminal device 2 that generated the character-related image transmits the character-related image, candidate information, and object ID of the used object associated with the related image ID stored in the terminal storage device 22 to the server device 3 via the terminal communication I/F 21. The user ID stored in the terminal storage device 22 is transmitted to the server device 3 together with the character-related image, candidate information, and object ID of the used object associated with the related image ID. When the server receiving unit 331 of the server device 3 receives the character-related image, candidate information, and object ID of the used object associated with the related image ID, as well as the user ID, it associates the related image ID with the user ID and stores them, and also stores the character-related image, candidate information, and object ID of the used object associated with the related image ID in the server storage device 32. The server transmitting unit 332 then transmits the received related image ID associated with the user's user ID, the character-related image associated with the related image ID, the candidate information, and the object ID of the used object associated with the related image ID, via the server communication I/F 31, to the terminal devices 2 of other users who belong to the information exchange group to which the user of the terminal device 2 that transmitted the character-related image, etc., belongs. The terminal devices 2 of the other users store the transmitted related image ID associated with the user ID, the character-related image associated with the related image ID, the candidate information, and the object ID of the used object associated with the related image ID in the terminal storage device 22. This completes the character-related image transmission process. Note that the transmitting unit 272 of the terminal device 2 that generated the character-related image does not need to transmit the candidate information associated with the related image ID and the object ID of the used object stored in the terminal storage device 22 to the server device 3. Furthermore, the candidate information and the object ID of the used object associated with the user ID of a user who belongs to the same information exchange group do not need to be transmitted to the terminal devices 2 of the other users who belong to the same information exchange group. Furthermore, the timing at which a character-related image associated with the user ID of a user belonging to the same information exchange group is transmitted to the terminal devices 2 of other users belonging to the same information exchange group may be the timing at which the user selects the character-related image as input information. The character-related image transmission process may be performed each time the character-related image generation process is performed.

The display processing unit 274 reads out the candidate information generated by the generation unit 271 from the terminal storage device 22 and displays it. Figure 11(a) is a diagram showing an example of an information exchange screen 1100 displayed on the display device 23 of the user's terminal device 2. The information exchange screen 1100 is a screen that is displayed when the generation instruction object 1006 included in the information exchange screen 1010 is selected by the user.

Similar to the information exchange screen 1000, the information exchange screen 1100 includes other user input information 1001, other user information 1002, a text input object 1003, a candidate display button 1004, and user input information 1005. Furthermore, the information exchange screen 1010 includes four types of generated candidate information 1101 and an update button 1102. The number of types of candidate information 1101 included in the information exchange screen 1100 is not limited to four, and may be three or fewer, or five or more. If some of the multiple types of candidate information 1101 cannot be included within the display area of the information exchange screen 1100, the display processing unit 274 of the terminal device 2 may display the candidate information 1101 in a scrollable manner. In this case, in response to a swipe operation by the user (for example, an operation in which a finger is moved from right to left while touching the screen), candidate information 1101 that is not currently included within the display area of the information exchange screen 1100 is scrolled and displayed within the display area of the information exchange screen 1100.

When one piece of candidate information is selected from the four types of candidate information 1101 in response to the user's operation of the input device 24 (FIG. 11(b)), the input device 24 sends the related image ID associated with the selected candidate information to the terminal processing device 27. Next, the display processing unit 274 extracts from the terminal storage device 22 the character-related image identified by the related image ID received from the input device 24, and displays the extracted character-related image in the user display area of the distribution screen 1200 as user input information 1201 (FIG. 12(a)).

As the display processing unit 274 displays the user input information 1201, the transmission unit 272 transmits the related image ID received from the input device 24 and the user ID stored in the terminal storage device 22 to the server device 3 via the terminal communication I/F 21. The server transmission unit 332 of the server device 3 extracts from the server storage device 32 the user IDs of other users associated with the same information exchange group as the user ID received by the server receiving unit 331. The server transmission unit 332 also transmits the related image ID and user ID received by the server receiving unit 331 via the server communication I/F 31 to the terminal device 2 of the other user identified by the extracted user ID.

Then, the receiving unit 273 of the other user's terminal device 2 receives the related image ID and user ID transmitted from the server device 3 via the device communication I/F 21. Next, the display processing unit 274 of the other user's terminal device 2 extracts from the terminal storage device 22 the character-related image identified by the related image ID received by the receiving unit 273, and displays the extracted character-related image in the other user display area of the distribution screen as other user input information. In this way, the same image as the character-related image used by the user is also displayed on the terminal device 2 of the other user associated with the information exchange group to which the user belongs. Note that if the display processing unit 274 of the other user's terminal device 2 determines that the character-related image identified by the received related image ID is not stored in the terminal storage device 22, the transmitting unit 272 of the other user's terminal device 2 transmits an image transmission request to the server device 3. The image transmission request is transmitted together with the received related image ID and/or user ID, and the other user's user ID. When the server receiving unit 331 receives an image transmission request, the server transmitting unit 332 of the server device 3 extracts from the server storage device 32 a character-related image associated with the related image ID received along with the image transmission request. Next, the server transmitting unit 332 transmits the extracted character-related image to the other user's terminal device 2 along with the received related image ID and user ID. The receiving unit 273 of the other user's terminal device 2 receives the related image ID, character-related image, and user ID transmitted from the server device 3 via the terminal communication I/F 21, associates them with each other, and stores them in the terminal storage device 22. The display processing unit 274 of the other user's terminal device 2 then displays the stored character-related image in the other user display area of the distribution screen as other user input information.

Returning to FIG. 11(a), when the update button 1102 is selected in response to a user's operation on the input device 24, the display processing unit 274 of the user's terminal device 2 extracts the object ID of the user's used object from the user table T1. Next, the display processing unit 274 of the user's terminal device 2 reads the related image ID associated with the user's user ID from the terminal storage device 22, and reads the object ID of the used object associated with the read related image ID from the terminal storage device 22. Then, if the object ID extracted from the user table T1 differs from the object ID associated with the related image ID, the display processing unit 274 instructs the generation unit 271 to execute processing to generate a character-related image. Note that when processing to change the character object is executed, the object ID extracted from the user table T1 will differ from the object ID associated with the related image ID. Then, when the generation unit 271 is instructed by the display processing unit 274 to execute processing to generate a character-related image, it re-executes the processing to generate a character-related image.

When the re-executed character-related image generation process is completed, the transmission unit 272 executes a process of transmitting the character-related image associated with the related image ID, candidate information, and the object ID of the used object. The character-related image and candidate information transmitted have been generated by the re-executed generation process. Along with the transmission process of the character-related image, etc., the display processing unit 274 executes a process of displaying the candidate information. The displayed candidate information has been generated by the re-executed generation process.

Figure 12(b) is a diagram showing an example of an information exchange screen 1210 displayed on the display device 23 of the user's terminal device 2. The information exchange screen 1210 is a screen that is displayed when the update button 1102 included in the information exchange screen 1100 is selected by the user and the object used by the user's character object differs from the object used by the character-related image.

Like the information exchange screen 1100, the information exchange screen 1210 includes other user input information 1001, other user information 1002, text input object 1003, candidate display button 1004, user input information 1005, and update button 1102. The objects used in the candidate information 1211 on the information exchange screen 1210 differ from the objects used in the candidate information 1101 on the information exchange screen 1100 in that they reflect the clothing that is the object used by the current character object.

Note that changes to the candidate information 1211 on the information exchange screen 1210 are not limited to those made in response to the selection of the update button 1102. For example, the display processing unit 274 may re-execute the character-related image generation process in conjunction with the execution of a character object change process in response to a user operation on the selection screen 800. In this case, in response to the user selecting the candidate display button 1004, the information exchange screen 1210 may be displayed, including the changed candidate information 1211 generated by the re-executed generation process.

Returning to FIG. 11(a), when the update button 1102 included in the information exchange screen 1100 is selected in response to a user's operation of the input device 24, the display processing unit 274 determines whether the candidate change condition is met. If the display processing unit 274 determines that the candidate change condition is met, the generation unit 271 executes processing to generate a new character-related image, and the display processing unit 274 displays candidate information corresponding to the new character-related image. In the processing to generate the new character-related image, motion data for the new character-related image stored in the terminal storage device 22 is used. In the processing to generate the new character-related image, object data for the new character-related image stored in the terminal storage device 22 may also be used.

For example, the candidate change condition is a condition related to the information exchange service provided by the user. For example, the condition related to the information exchange service provided by the user is that the number of pieces of input information input in response to the user's operation of the input device 24 is greater than or equal to a predetermined number. The number of pieces of input information is the number of pieces of input information of all types (text information, stamp images, etc.). The number of pieces of input information may also be the number of pieces of input information of a specific type. For example, the candidate change condition may be a condition that the number of pieces of text information input as input information is greater than or equal to a predetermined number, or a condition that the number of character-related images input as input information is greater than or equal to a predetermined number. The candidate change condition may also be a condition that the number of stamp images input as input information is greater than or equal to a predetermined number, or a condition that the number of moving images input as input information is greater than or equal to a predetermined number.

The condition regarding the information exchange service provided by the user may be that the number of other users (information exchange partners) operating terminal devices 2 who received input information input in response to the user's operation of the input device 24 is a predetermined number or more. The input information sent to the predetermined number or more of other users (their terminal devices 2) is the number of input information of all types (text information, stamp images, etc.). The input information sent to the predetermined number or more of other users (their terminal devices 2) may also be the number of input information of a specific type. For example, the candidate change condition may be that the number of terminal devices 2 that received the stamp image input as input information (the number of users that received the stamp image) is a predetermined number or more. Alternatively, the candidate change condition may be that the number of terminal devices 2 that received the character-related image input as input information (the number of users that received the stamp image) is a predetermined number or more. The condition regarding the information exchange service provided by the user may be, for example, that the user has engaged in so-called video chats a predetermined number of times or more.

The candidate change condition may also be a condition related to the user's parameters for a stream event performed by the user who selected the update button 1102 as the broadcast user. For example, the condition related to the user's parameters for a stream event may be a condition related to the number of viewing users who issued a request to add a specific additional object in a stream event performed by the user as the broadcast user. For example, a parameter indicating a "rank" is associated with the user based on the number of viewing users who issued a request to add a specific additional object in a stream event performed by the user who selected the update button 1102 as the broadcast user, and is stored in the terminal storage device 22. In this case, for example, the specific additional object may be an additional object such as a point gift or a coin gift. For example, a parameter indicating a "rank A" is associated with a broadcast user for whom the number of viewing users who issued a request to add a specific additional object is 1,000 or more, and is stored in the terminal storage device 22, and a parameter indicating a "rank B" is associated with a broadcast user for whom the number of viewing users who issued a request to add a specific additional object is less than 1,000, and is stored in the terminal storage device 22. The parameter indicating a "rank" may be information indicating a numerical value or information indicating a character string.

The parameter indicating the "rank" may be a parameter indicating the "rank" based on the number of viewing users who have issued instructions to add multiple types of specific additional objects, calculated for each type.

Furthermore, the condition regarding the user's parameters for a stream event may be a condition regarding the ranking of the stream user based on the number of viewing users who gave a command to add a specific additional object in a stream event that the user performed as a stream user. For example, the number of viewing users who gave a command to add a "bear" additional object (e.g., a gift object with the appearance of a bear) in a stream event that the user performed as a stream user may be calculated for each stream user, and the candidate change condition may be determined to be met for the top five stream users who gave the most viewing users who gave a command to add the "bear" additional object. Note that the new character-related images of the five stream users for whom the candidate change condition is met may include the "bear" additional object. Further, the condition regarding the user's parameters for a stream event may be a condition that the number of days in which the user performed a stream event as a stream user is greater than or equal to a predetermined number of days.

The candidate change condition may also be a condition regarding other users related to the user. For example, the candidate change condition is a condition that the number of other users who have a predetermined relationship with the user is a predetermined number or more. For example, the candidate change condition is a condition that, in a streaming event held by the user as a streaming user, the number of other users who have a predetermined relationship with the user and who watched the streaming event is a predetermined number or more. For example, other users who have a predetermined relationship with the user are mutual followers of the user. Other users who have a predetermined relationship with the user may also be other users who have a mutual follow relationship with a predetermined user who is a mutual follower of the user. Other users who have a predetermined relationship with the user may also be other users who are friends with the user, or other users whose specific information (such as a phone number, email address, or a predetermined ID (identification)) is stored on the user's terminal device. The predetermined relationship between the user and other users may also be a relationship in which the user and other users have exchanged information using the same information exchange service a predetermined number of times or more. Furthermore, the predetermined relationship between a user and another user may be a relationship in which the number of times the user and the other user have each participated in the same and/or different information exchange services is equal to or greater than a predetermined number. Furthermore, the predetermined relationship between a user and another user may be a relationship regarding the operations of another viewing user among a plurality of viewing users, when one of the viewing users distributes a distribution image as a distribution user. Here, the relationship regarding the operations of the other viewing user may be a relationship in which the other viewing user has viewed a distribution image distributed by the one viewing user a predetermined number of times or more. Furthermore, the relationship regarding the operations of the other viewing user may be a relationship in which the other viewing user has sent comment information on a distribution image distributed by the one viewing user a predetermined number of times or more. Furthermore, the predetermined relationship between a user and another user may be a relationship regarding a predetermined event in which the user and the other user are each participating. Here, the relationship regarding the predetermined event may be a relationship in which the user and the other user are currently participating in the same event. Furthermore, the relationship regarding the predetermined event may be a relationship in which the user and the other user have participated in the same event in the past. Furthermore, a relationship regarding a specific event may be a relationship in which one or more viewing users of the user and the other users have previously participated in an event in which the other viewing users have participated.

The candidate change condition may also be a condition related to the user's character object. For example, the candidate change condition is a condition that the date is N years after the date on which the user created the character object. In this case, "N" is a natural number. For example, the candidate change condition may be determined to be satisfied only on the date N years after the date on which the user created the character object. For example, if "N" is 1 and the character object was created on January 1, 2020, the candidate change condition is determined to be satisfied for one day, January 1, 2021. The candidate change condition may also be a condition related to a predetermined period related to the date on which the user created the character object. For example, the candidate change condition may be determined to be satisfied for a two-day period starting from 10 days after the date on which the user created the character object. For example, if the character object was created on January 1, 2020, the candidate change condition is determined to be satisfied for two days, January 11 and 12, 2020.

The candidate change condition may also be a condition related to a specified event in which the user is participating. For example, the candidate change condition may be determined to be met if the user is participating in a specific event. For example, the specific event may be an event in which multiple broadcast users are classified into two or more event groups, and each event group competes for the highest total score based on the broadcast users' activities. In this case, the new character-related image when the candidate change condition is met is an image related to the event group to which the user belongs. The character-related image related to the event group may be an image including a background image in a color associated with the event group, an image including an item image in a color associated with the event group, etc. In this way, the new character-related image when the user belongs to one of multiple event groups is different from the new character-related image when the user belongs to another event group. If the candidate change condition is a condition related to a specified event in which the user is participating, when the specified event ends, the character-related image newly generated due to the condition related to the specified event in which the user is participating being met may be deleted.

The candidate change condition may also be a condition related to the consideration paid by the user. Consideration may be real or virtual monetary value, or objects or game media, that can be used in various services. For example, if a user pays a specific monetary value at predetermined intervals, the candidate change condition may be determined to be met within the predetermined period corresponding to the monetary value paid. For example, if a user pays 1,000 yen once every 10 days, new character-related images will be added for only 10 days from the date of payment. The monetary value paid by the user may be consideration for an information exchange service and/or a video distribution service, or consideration for a service other than the information exchange service and video distribution service.

Figure 13 is a diagram showing an example of an information exchange screen 1300 displayed on the display device 23 of the user's terminal device 2. The information exchange screen 1300 is a screen that is displayed if the candidate change conditions are met when the user selects the update button 1102 included in the information exchange screen 1100. As long as the candidate change conditions are met, the information exchange screen 1300 may be displayed regardless of whether the user selects the update button 1102. For example, along with the process of generating a character-related image in response to the user's selection of the generation instruction object 1006, a determination of the candidate change conditions may be performed, and a process of generating a new character-related image may be performed. Furthermore, if the candidate change conditions are met while the information exchange screen 1100 is displayed, the candidate information 1101 may be automatically changed to candidate information 1303 that includes candidate information corresponding to the new character-related image.

Like the information exchange screen 1100, the information exchange screen 1300 includes other user input information 1301, other user information 1302, a text input object 1003, a candidate display button 1004, user input information 1304, and an update button 1102. The candidate information 1303 on the information exchange screen 1300 includes the four types of candidate information 1101 on the information exchange screen 1100 and candidate information corresponding to two new types of character-related images. Note that if candidate information 1303 includes candidate information corresponding to two new types of character-related images, one or more types of candidate information from the four types of candidate information 1101 previously included may be deleted from the candidate information 1303. For example, deleting three or more types of candidate information reduces the number of candidate information options, making it easier for the user to select information.

When one piece of candidate information is selected from the six types of candidate information 1303 in response to the user's operation of the input device 24, the input device 24 sends the related image ID associated with the selected candidate information to the terminal processing device 27. Next, the display processing unit 274 extracts from the terminal storage device 22 the character-related image identified by the related image ID received from the input device 24, and displays the extracted character-related image in the user display area of the information exchange screen 1300 as user input information 1304 (Figure 13).

As the display processing unit 274 displays the user input information 1304, the transmission unit 272 transmits the related image ID received from the input device 24 and the user ID stored in the terminal storage device 22 to the server device 3 via the terminal communication I/F 21. The server transmission unit 332 of the server device 3 extracts from the server storage device 32 the user IDs of other users associated with the same information exchange group as the user ID received by the server receiving unit 331. The server transmission unit 332 also transmits the related image ID and user ID received by the server receiving unit 331 via the server communication I/F 31 to the terminal device 2 of the other user identified by the extracted user ID.

Then, the receiving unit 273 of the other user's terminal device 2 receives the related image ID and user ID transmitted from the server device 3 via the device communication I/F 21. Next, the display processing unit 274 of the other user's terminal device 2 extracts from the terminal storage device 22 the character-related image identified by the related image ID received by the receiving unit 273, and displays the extracted character-related image in the other user display area of the distribution screen as other user input information. In this way, the same image as the character-related image used by the user is also displayed on the terminal device 2 of the other user associated with the information exchange group to which the user belongs. Note that if the display processing unit 274 of the other user's terminal device 2 determines that the character-related image identified by the received related image ID is not stored in the terminal storage device 22, the transmitting unit 272 of the other user's terminal device 2 transmits an image transmission request to the server device 3. The image transmission request is transmitted together with the received related image ID and/or user ID, and the other user's user ID. When the server receiving unit 331 receives an image transmission request, the server transmitting unit 332 of the server device 3 extracts from the server storage device 32 a character-related image associated with the related image ID received along with the image transmission request. Next, the server transmitting unit 332 transmits the extracted character-related image to the other user's terminal device 2 along with the received related image ID and user ID. The receiving unit 273 of the other user's terminal device 2 receives the related image ID, character-related image, and user ID transmitted from the server device 3 via the terminal communication I/F 21, associates them with each other, and stores them in the terminal storage device 22. The display processing unit 274 of the other user's terminal device 2 then displays the stored character-related image in the other user display area of the distribution screen as other user input information.

(Operation sequence of information processing system 1)
14 is a diagram showing an example of an operation sequence of the information processing system 1. This operation sequence is executed mainly by the terminal processing device 27 and the server processing device 33 in cooperation with each element of the two terminal devices 2 and the server device 3, based on control programs previously stored in the terminal storage device 22 and the server storage device 32, respectively. Hereinafter, of the two terminal devices 2, the distribution terminal device 2a will be referred to as the terminal device 2 operated by the distribution user, and the viewing terminal device 2b will be referred to as the terminal device 2 operated by the viewing user.

First, the transmission unit 272 of the broadcast terminal device 2a transmits the character video data generated by the generation unit 271 and the broadcast user ID of the broadcast user to the server device 3 via the terminal communication I/F 21 (step S101). The transmission unit 272 may also transmit the broadcast user's voice data along with the character video data to the server device 3. From the start to the end of the video broadcast service, the processing of step S101 is executed continuously at predetermined time intervals (e.g., every two seconds). Then, the processing of steps S102 to S104 is executed intermittently in accordance with the execution of the processing of step S101.

Each time character video data is received by the server receiving unit 331, the server transmitting unit 332 of the server device 3 distributes the received character video data to the viewing terminal device 2b via the server communication I/F 31 (step S102). The display processing unit 274 of the distribution terminal device 2a generates drawing data for displaying a distribution image based on the character video data generated by the generation unit 271, and displays a distribution screen on the display device 23 based on the generated drawing data (step S103). The display processing unit 274 of the viewing terminal device 2b generates drawing data for displaying a distribution image based on the character video data received by the receiving unit 273, and displays a distribution screen on the display device 23 based on the generated drawing data (step S104).

Next, the transmitting unit 272 of the viewing terminal device 2b transmits information regarding a display instruction for displaying the response information on the distribution screen and/or information indicating an additional instruction for displaying the additional object on the distribution screen, which information was input in response to operation of the input device 24 by the viewing user, to the server device 3 via the terminal communication I/F 21 (step S105). Each time the server receiving unit 331 receives information regarding various instructions (display instructions, additional instructions, etc.), the server transmitting unit 332 of the server device 3 distributes the received information regarding the various instructions to the distribution terminal device 2a via the server communication I/F 31 (step S106). The display processing unit 274 of the viewing terminal device 2b generates drawing data for displaying the response information and/or the additional object based on the various instructions input in response to operation of the input device 24 by the viewing user, and displays the distribution screen on the display device 23 based on the generated drawing data (step S107). The display processing unit 274 of the distribution terminal device 2a generates drawing data for displaying the response information and/or additional objects based on the information regarding the various instructions received by the receiving unit 273, and displays the distribution screen on the display device 23 based on the generated drawing data (step S108).

Next, the display processing unit 274 of the distribution terminal device 2a executes candidate information display processing (step S109). Details of the candidate information display processing will be described later. Note that the candidate information display processing is not limited to processing that can be executed only by the distribution terminal device 2a. For example, the candidate information display processing may be executed by the viewing terminal device 2b, which has access to a character object representing the user.

Next, the transmitting unit 272 of the distribution terminal device 2a transmits the input information entered in response to the distribution user's operation of the input device 24 to the server device 3 via the terminal communication I/F 21 (step S110). Next, each time the server receiving unit 331 receives input information, the server transmitting unit 332 of the server device 3 distributes the received input information to the viewing terminal device 2b via the server communication I/F 31 (step S111). The generating unit 271 of the distribution terminal device 2a generates drawing data for displaying the input information entered in response to the distribution user's operation of the input device 24, and the display processing unit 274 displays an information exchange screen on the display device 23 based on the generated drawing data (step S112). The generating unit 271 of the viewing terminal device 2b generates drawing data for displaying the input information received by the receiving unit 273, and the display processing unit 274 displays an information exchange screen on the display device 23 based on the generated drawing data (step S113).

Figure 15 shows an example of the operational flow of the candidate information display process. The candidate information display process shown in Figure 15 is executed in step S109 of Figure 14.

First, the display processing unit 274 determines whether an instruction to display candidate information has been acquired (step S201). If an instruction to display candidate information has not been acquired (step S201—No), the process returns to step S201 (waiting until an instruction to display candidate information has been acquired).

When an instruction to display candidate information is received (step S201—Yes), the display processing unit 274 determines whether a character-related image has been generated in the past and stored in the terminal storage device 22 (step S202). If a character-related image has not been stored (step S202—No), the generation unit 271 generates a character-related image (step S203) and proceeds to step S205.

If a character-related image has been generated in the past and stored in the terminal storage device 22 (step S202—Yes), the display processing unit 274 determines whether the object used by the user's character object has been changed from the object used when the character-related image was generated (step S204). If the object used by the user's character object has been changed (step S204—Yes), the display processing unit 274 proceeds to step S203.

If the object used by the user's character object has not been changed (step S204—No), or if the processing of step S203 has ended, the display processing unit 274 determines whether the candidate change conditions are met (step S205). If the display processing unit 274 determines that the candidate change conditions are not met (step S205—No), the processing proceeds to step S207.

If the display processing unit 274 determines that the candidate change condition is met (step S205—Yes), the generation unit 271 generates a new character-related image (step S206). Next, the generation unit 271 generates candidate information corresponding to the character-related image, and the display processing unit 274 displays the generated candidate information (step S207), terminating the candidate information display process.

As described above in detail, the information processing system 1 of this embodiment can increase the types of character-related images that can be used in accordance with the candidate change conditions. In this way, the information processing system 1 of this embodiment can improve the user interface for determining information to be provided to other users without requiring the user to perform complicated operations. Furthermore, the information processing system 1 of this embodiment can reduce the types of character-related images that can be used in accordance with the candidate change conditions. In this way, the information processing system 1 of this embodiment can facilitate the user's selection of information to be provided to other users without requiring the user to perform complicated operations. Furthermore, the information processing system 1 of this embodiment can change the types of character-related images that can be used in accordance with the candidate change conditions. In this way, the information processing system 1 of this embodiment can change the information that can be provided to other users by the user, without requiring the user to perform complicated operations, preventing the user from becoming bored with their selections.

(Variation 1)
It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. For example, stamp images may be categorized by type and displayed on the information exchange screen. For example, stamp images include stamp images for conveying "OK," stamp images for conveying "NO," stamp images with a "laughing" expression, etc. Furthermore, stamp images may include stamp images generated as character-related images, stamp images generated as new character-related images, etc.

Figure 16 shows examples of information exchange screens 1400, 1410, and 1420 that include stamp images generated as character-related images. Information exchange screens 1400, 1410, and 1420 include type selection buttons 1401 for selecting the type of stamp image. When one of the type selection buttons 1401 is selected in response to a user's operation of the input device 24, candidate information for stamp images of the type corresponding to the selected type selection button 1401 is displayed in the display area below the type selection button 1401. While Figure 16 shows an example of a button as a widget for selecting the type of stamp image, the widget for selecting the type of stamp image may also be a tab. In this way, on information exchange screens 1400, 1410, and 1420, multiple stamp images are displayed by switching between types.

Figure 16 (a) is a diagram showing an example of the information exchange screen 1400 when a type selection button 1401 corresponding to a stamp image generated as a character-related image is selected. On the information exchange screen 1400, candidate information 1101 corresponding to the stamp image generated as a character-related image is displayed. Note that when the type selection button 1401 corresponding to the stamp image for conveying "OK" is selected, candidate information corresponding to the stamp image for conveying "OK" is displayed on the information exchange screen 1400.

Figure 16(b) is a diagram showing an example of the information exchange screen 1410 when the type selection button 1401 corresponding to the stamp image generated as a new character-related image is selected. On the information exchange screen 1410, the type selection button 1401 corresponding to the stamp image generated as a new character-related image is selected, and in response to this selection, candidate information 1411 corresponding to the stamp image generated as a new character-related image is displayed. In the example shown in Figure 16(b), the type selection button 1401 corresponding to the stamp image generated as a new character-related image is a button object labeled "Add."

Figure 16 (c) is a diagram showing an example of the information exchange screen 1410 when there is no stamp image corresponding to the selected type selection button 1401. On the information exchange screen 1420, the type selection button 1401 corresponding to the stamp image generated as a new character-related image is selected by the user, but information 1421 is displayed indicating that there is no stamp image generated as a new character-related image. The information indicating that there is no stamp image generated as a new character-related image is displayed in the display area below the type selection button 1401.

In this way, by configuring the information exchange screen to display stamp images categorized by type, it is possible to improve the user interface. Such information exchange screens make it possible to improve the visibility of multiple stamp images, even if the size of the display screen of the terminal device 2 is limited. Furthermore, such information exchange screens 1400, 1410, and 1420 allow users to intuitively and/or easily find the stamp image they wish to use. Furthermore, such information exchange screens 1400, 1410, and 1420 allow users to see at a glance whether or not there are any stamp images that have been generated as new character-related images.

(Variation 2)
At least some of the functions implemented by the terminal processing device 27 of the terminal device 2 may be implemented by a processor other than the terminal processing device 27 of the terminal device 2. At least some of the functions implemented by the terminal processing device 27 may be implemented, for example, by the server processing device 33 of the server device 3. Specifically, some of the functions of the generation unit 271 and the display processing unit 274 may be executed by the server device 3. For example, the terminal device 2 transmits continuously acquired image data and audio data to the server device 3 along with the user ID of the user operating the terminal device 2. The server device 3 then generates character video data using the functions of the generation unit 271 and the display processing unit 274, and generates display information for displaying a communication screen including the distributed images of all users on the display device 23. The server device 3 then transmits the display information, along with audio information (audio data), to each of the terminal devices 2 of all users. Each terminal device 2 outputs the information received from the server device 3 (so-called "server rendering").

(Variation 3)
The terminal device 2 has the function of displaying communication screens and the like by executing various commands contained in a control program stored in the terminal device 2. However, to provide information exchange services and/or video distribution services, the terminal device 2 may also invoke a browser function incorporated in a web application, use this browser function to receive web pages (documents written in a markup language such as HTML (HyperText Markup Language)) from a server device, and execute the control program incorporated in the web pages (so-called "browser rendering"). For example, by using HTML 5 as the markup language, the terminal device 2 can easily execute new information processing. By employing such a web application to provide information exchange services and/or video distribution services on the terminal device 2, a program creator can provide new information processing to the client side (terminal device side) simply by incorporating a new program into a web page transmitted by the server device, thereby significantly reducing the man-hours required to create a new program. Furthermore, on the client side, new services can be provided simply by receiving a web page without downloading a new control program, which reduces the load on the communication network, communication costs and/or communication time compared to downloading a control program, and also simplifies the user interface.

(Variation 4)
The generation unit 271 of user A's terminal device 2 may generate output information including facial motion data without using imaging data. For example, facial motion data corresponding to audio data may be stored in the terminal storage device 22 of the terminal device 2, and the generation unit 271 may extract facial motion data corresponding to acquired audio data of user A from the terminal storage device 22 and generate output information including the extracted facial motion data, the audio data, and user A's user ID. Alternatively, the generation unit 271 of user A's terminal device 2 may generate output information including audio data of user A output from the microphone 26 and the user ID stored in the terminal storage device 22, without including facial motion data. In this case, the display processing unit 274 of user B's terminal device 2 may extract facial motion data corresponding to user A's audio data included in the output information received via the server device 3, and generate animation of user A's character object. Note that the process of generating facial motion data corresponding to user A's audio data may be a process using a known lip synchronization algorithm.

For example, if user A's terminal device 2 uses an HMD as the display device 23, it will be possible to communicate with user B via a character object without acquiring image data of user A.

(Variation 5)
The broadcast images 602, 612, 812 displayed on each terminal device 2 are not limited to moving images or still images including animations of three-dimensional or two-dimensional character objects generated based on the broadcast user's actions. The broadcast images 602, 612, 812 may also include animations of character objects generated in response to the broadcast user's operations, and may also include moving images or still images of the broadcast user himself. Note that during the video broadcast service, each terminal device 2 does not have to display these character object animations or moving images or still images of the broadcast user himself. In this case, each terminal device 2 may output only the broadcast user's voice from its speaker.

As such, the "broadcast user" disclosed in this embodiment is not limited to a user who at least uses the function of a terminal device to send character video data to a server device, but may also be a user who sends information and/or audio data for displaying various broadcast images. Information for displaying various broadcast images is, for example, character video data, video data of the broadcast user themselves, etc.

(Variation 6)
Furthermore, the "broadcasting user" disclosed in this embodiment is not limited to a user who hosts or hosts a single video distribution service. The "broadcasting user" may also be a user who hosts or hosts a collaborative distribution service in which multiple people can participate, or a video chat service or voice chat service in which multiple people can participate and/or watch. Alternatively, the "broadcasting user" may be a user who hosts or hosts an event (such as a party) service in a virtual space in which multiple people can participate and/or watch. In this way, the "broadcasting user" may be a user who primarily performs these services, and may be referred to as a host user, organizer user, or organizer user.

The "viewing user" disclosed in this embodiment is not limited to a user who at least uses the functions of a terminal device to receive character video data from a distribution terminal device and display images distributed by the distribution user. The "viewing user" may also be a user who receives information and/or audio data for displaying various distributed images.

"Viewing users" may refer not only to users who receive information and/or audio data for displaying various distributed images, but also to users who are capable of reacting. For example, "viewing users" may be users who watch a video distribution service or collaboration distribution service, or users who participate in a video chat service, voice chat service, or event service and/or users who watch these services. Therefore, "viewing users" in this disclosure may also be referred to as guest users, participating users, listeners, spectator users, or support users.

(Variation 7)
Furthermore, the information processing system 1 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may provide a digital world in which multiple people can simultaneously participate and interact, work, and/or play freely through character objects (e.g., avatars) at a level similar to that of the real world, such as a next-generation internet space (metaverse) where social activities can take place beyond the gap between reality and virtuality. In such a space, users' avatars can freely roam within the world and communicate with each other.

The information processing system 1 may distribute a distribution image that includes one avatar (character object) among multiple avatars in the space as the character object of the distribution user. In other words, one-to-many video distribution may be performed in a many-to-many metaverse space. In such a space, there may be no particular distinction between distribution users and viewing users.

Although the present embodiment and its variations have been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to the specific examples. Furthermore, various changes, substitutions, and modifications can be made to the present invention without departing from the scope of the present invention.

1 Information processing system 2 Terminal device 21 Terminal communication I/F
22 Terminal storage device 23 Display device 24 Input device 25 Imaging device 26 Microphone 27 Terminal processing device 271 Generation unit 272 Transmission unit 273 Reception unit 274 Display processing unit 275 Audio output unit 3 Server device 31 Server communication I/F
32 Server storage device 33 Server processing device 331 Server receiving unit 332 Server transmitting unit 4 Base station 5 Mobile communication network 6 Gateway 7 Internet

Claims (20)

1. An information processing system comprising one or more computer processors,
the one or more computer processors:
transmitting information regarding the display of a first image including a first character object of the first user, the first character object being movable in a virtual space, to a second terminal device of a second user;
generating one or more second images including an image relating to the first character object based on information for displaying the first character object in response to an instruction from the first user;
transmitting to the second terminal device information regarding the display of the second image selected by the first user from the group of one or more second images;
An information processing system comprising: The information processing system according to claim 1 , wherein the first image further includes a second character object of the second user that is movable in the virtual space. The information processing system described in claim 1, characterized in that the first user and the second user are users participating in a common online game. The one or more computer processors further:
determining whether a predetermined condition related to the first user is satisfied;
2. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein, when it is determined that the predetermined condition is satisfied, a new second image including an image relating to the first character object is added to the group. the one or more computer processors:
When first input information is input by the first user, transmitting information regarding display of the first input information to the second terminal device;
displaying the first input information input by the first user in the order of transmission;
The information processing system according to claim 1 , wherein the selected second image is one of the first input information items displayed in the order of transmission. the one or more computer processors:
6. The information processing system according to claim 5, wherein when information regarding the display of second input information input by the second user is received, the first input information input by the first user and the received second input information are displayed in the order of transmission. the one or more computer processors:
When an instruction to change the first character object is input by the first user, at least a part of the first character object included in the first image is changed;
The information processing system according to claim 1 , wherein when at least a portion of the first character object is changed, the at least a portion of the first character object in each of the plurality of second images belonging to the group is changed. The information processing system according to claim 7 , wherein the addition of the second image to the group and/or the change of at least a portion of the first character object is performed by the first user performing a predetermined operation. The information processing system of claim 1, wherein the second image selected by the first user is the second image selected from the group of multiple second images by the first user operating an information exchange screen. The information processing system of claim 4, wherein the predetermined condition is a condition related to parameters of the first user. The one or more computer processors further:
determining whether a predetermined condition related to the first user is satisfied;
If it is determined that the predetermined condition is satisfied, a new second image including an image related to the first character object is added to the group;
6. The information processing system according to claim 5, wherein the predetermined condition is that the number of the first input information displayed in the order of transmission exceeds a first predetermined number. When the one or more computer processors receive information regarding the display of an object transmitted from the second terminal device displaying the first image, the one or more computer processors display the object;
The information processing system according to claim 4 , wherein the predetermined condition is a condition related to the object. The one or more computer processors further:
determining whether a predetermined condition related to the first user is satisfied;
If it is determined that the predetermined condition is satisfied, a new second image including an image related to the first character object is added to the group;
When the one or more computer processors receive information regarding the display of a specific object transmitted from the second terminal device displaying the first image, the one or more computer processors display the specific object;
the predetermined condition is a condition related to the specific object,
The information processing system according to claim 8 , wherein the new second image that is added when the condition regarding the specific object is satisfied includes information regarding the specific object. The information processing system described in claim 4, wherein the predetermined condition is that the number of second users having a predetermined relationship with the first user is equal to or greater than a second predetermined number. The information processing system described in claim 4, wherein the predetermined condition is that the number of days since information regarding the display of the first image was transmitted is equal to or greater than a predetermined number of days. The information processing system according to claim 4 , wherein the predetermined condition is a condition relating to a date on which the first character object was generated. The information processing system of claim 4, wherein the new second image is an image corresponding to an event in which the first user is participating. the new second image is an image that can be used only during a predetermined period of time;
The information processing system according to claim 4 , wherein the predetermined period is a period according to a price paid by the first user. A method for controlling an information processing system having one or more computer processors, comprising:
the one or more computer processors:
transmitting information regarding the display of a first image including a first character object of the first user, the first character object being movable in a virtual space, to a second terminal device of a second user;
generating one or more second images including an image relating to the first character object based on information for displaying the first character object in response to an instruction from the first user;
transmitting to the second terminal device information regarding the display of the second image selected by the first user from the group of one or more second images;
A control method comprising: A server device that communicates with a first terminal device of a first user and a second terminal device of a second user,
receiving information regarding a display of a first image including a first character object of the first user that is movable in a virtual space, the first image being transmitted from the first terminal device;
receiving information regarding display of the one or more second images selected by the first user from a group of one or more second images each including an image related to the first character object, the group being generated based on information for displaying the first character object in response to an instruction from the first user and transmitted from the first terminal device;
a processing unit that transmits, to the second terminal device, information regarding the display of the first image and information regarding the display of the second image received from the first terminal device,
A server device characterized by: