JP7775248B2 - program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a program.

Online games in which players form parties and play cooperatively have been known for some time. In these online games, a method is provided in which players can form a party by selecting players with similar goals, interests, and levels (proficiency) from a list of profiles.

Profile images displayed in profile lists are becoming increasingly important as a means of succinctly expressing a player's goals and preferences. Patent Document 1 therefore discloses technology for customizing the appearance of a 3D avatar in accordance with the player's operations.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-035550

One method for customizing the appearance of an avatar on a touch-panel monitor is to customize the avatar on the monitor (e.g., slide, rotate, zoom in, zoom out, etc.) in response to various touch operations on the avatar's display area (e.g., one-finger swipe, two-finger swipe, pinch out, pinch in, etc.). This allows for intuitive customization of the avatar.

However, compared to 2D images, 3D avatars offer a wider variety of customization methods, so if you try to achieve everything just by touching the display area, the operation becomes complicated. This issue is not limited to customizing the appearance of the avatar. Furthermore, this issue applies not only to profile images, but also to thumbnail images for streaming videos, etc.

The present invention was made in light of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a program that allows players to intuitively and simply customize 3D objects to suit their preferences.

In order to solve the above problem, the program of the present invention causes a computer having a touch panel display unit to function as a display means for displaying, in an editing area of the display unit , a 2D image generated by capturing an image of a 3D object with a virtual camera, and a change means for changing a positional relationship between the 3D object and the virtual camera, wherein the change means changes the positional relationship between the 3D object and the virtual camera using a first method in accordance with a touch operation performed on the editing area, and changes the positional relationship between the 3D object and the virtual camera using a second method different from the first method in accordance with a touch operation performed on an area different from the editing area, and the display means displays a new 2D image on the display unit each time the positional relationship between the 3D object and the virtual camera is changed, and the change means rotates one of the 3D object and the virtual camera around a first axis as the first method, and rotates one of the 3D object and the virtual camera around a second axis intersecting the first axis as the second method .

This invention allows players to intuitively and simply customize 3D objects to suit their preferences.

1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of a system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of a user terminal. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a profile image. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of a user terminal. A conceptual diagram of generating a 2D image from a 3D character. 10A shows an example of a profile selection screen and FIG. 10B shows an example of a profile editing screen. 10 is a screen example of an editing screen for creating a new profile image. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an editing screen for editing a 2D character. This is an example of a screen for selecting a 3D character (A) and lighting (B). This is an example of a screen for selecting the skin (A) and facial expression (B) of a 3D character. This is an example of a screen for selecting a pose (A) and outline (B) of a 3D character. 10 is a table showing the correspondence between change operations and change methods. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of enlarging and translating a 3D character. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example in which a 3D character is rotated around the Y axis and directed toward the virtual camera. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example in which a 3D character is rotated around the X axis and directed toward the virtual camera. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of rotating a 3D character around the Z axis. 10 is a flowchart of a camera gaze process. 10 is another example of an interface for changing the positional relationship between a 3D character and a virtual camera. This is an example of an interface for placing multiple 3D characters in an editing area. This is an example of a screen for manipulating the layers of materials that make up a profile image.

The following describes a system 1 according to an embodiment, with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiment of the present invention described below is merely an example of how the present invention can be realized, and does not limit the scope of the present invention to the scope of the described embodiment. Therefore, the present invention can be implemented by making various modifications to the embodiment.

[System 1 Overview]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overview of a system 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the system 1 mainly includes a server 10 and a plurality of user terminals 20. Although three user terminals 20 are shown in FIG. 1, the number of user terminals 20 included in the system 1 is not limited to this. The server 10 and the user terminals 20 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other via a communication network 2. Specific examples of the communication network 2 are not particularly limited, and may include, for example, the Internet, a mobile communication system (e.g., 4G, 5G, etc.), a wireless network such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark), or a combination of these.

As one example, system 1 realizes an online game in which users (players) of multiple user terminals 20A, 20B, and 20C form a party and play cooperatively. As another example, it realizes a virtual space in which users of multiple user terminals 20A, 20B, and 20C communicate via avatars. As yet another example, system 1 realizes a video distribution service in which video data uploaded by a user of user terminal 20A can be viewed by users of other user terminals 20B and 20C. These systems 1 are already well known, so detailed explanations will be omitted.

[Configuration of server 10]
The server 10 is realized by, for example, a general-purpose computer such as a workstation or a personal computer. As one example, the server 10 that provides an online game synchronizes the game data of each of the multiple user terminals 20. As another example, the server 10 that provides a virtual space synchronizes the virtual space data of each of the multiple user terminals 20. As yet another example, the server 10 that provides a video distribution service downloads video data uploaded from user terminal 20A to user terminals 20B and 20C.

[Configuration of user terminal 20]
The user terminal 20 is realized as, for example, an HMD set, a tablet terminal, a smartphone, a feature phone, a laptop computer, a desktop computer, etc. In this embodiment, an example of the user terminal 20 as a tablet terminal will be described as shown in FIG.

Figure 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of the user terminal 20. As shown in Figure 2, the user terminal 20 mainly comprises a processor 21, memory 22, storage 23, a communication interface 25, a monitor 31, cameras 33 and 34, a microphone 35, a speaker 36, a motion sensor 41, and an operation device 42 (operation unit). Each component of the user terminal 20 is connected to a communication bus 29.

The processor 21 performs the processing described below by executing a series of instructions contained in the terminal program 23P stored in the memory 22 or storage 23. The processor 21 may be realized, for example, as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), MPU (Micro Processor Unit), FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or other device.

Memory 22 temporarily stores terminal program 23P and data. Terminal program 23P is loaded, for example, from storage 23. The data includes data input to the user terminal 20 and data generated by the processor 21. For example, memory 22 is realized as RAM (Random Access Memory) or other volatile memory.

Storage 23 permanently stores terminal program 23P and data. Storage 23 is realized, for example, as ROM (Read-Only Memory), a hard disk drive, flash memory, or other non-volatile storage device. Storage 23 may also be realized as a removable storage device such as a memory card. As another example, instead of being built into the user terminal 20, storage 23 may be connected to the user terminal 20 as an external storage device. With this configuration, for example, in situations where multiple user terminals 20 are used, such as in an amusement facility, it becomes possible to collectively update terminal program 23P and data.

The communication interface 25 communicates with other devices (e.g., server 10) connected to the communication network 2. The communication interface 25 may be implemented as a wired communication interface such as a LAN (Local Area Network), or a wireless communication interface such as Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity), Bluetooth (registered trademark), or NFC (Near Field Communication).

As shown in FIG. 1, for example, monitor 31 is provided on the surface of a flat housing. Monitor 31 is a display device (display unit) that displays images or videos. Camera 33 is attached to the surface of the flat housing and is a so-called in-camera that captures an image of the face of a user viewing monitor 31. Camera 34 is attached to the back surface of the flat housing (the surface opposite monitor 31) and is a so-called out-camera that captures images of the surroundings.

The microphone 35 converts the user's speech into an audio signal (electrical signal) and outputs it to the computer 26. The speaker 36 converts the audio signal output from the computer 26 into sound and outputs it to the user. Note that the user terminal 20 may include earphones instead of the speaker 36.

The motion sensor 41 detects the movement of the housing (e.g., rotation around three mutually perpendicular axes). The motion sensor 41 may be realized, for example, by an angular velocity sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, or an acceleration sensor.

The operation device 42 accepts command input (operations) by the user to the user terminal 20. The operation device 42 is, for example, a touch panel that is superimposed on the monitor 31 and accepts various touch operations by the user. In other words, the monitor 31 in this embodiment is a touch panel display unit.

Touch operations are a general term for various operations (e.g., tapping, swiping, flicking, pinching in, and pinching out) performed with a touch element on a touch panel superimposed on the monitor 31. Below, a user's finger will be used as a specific example of a touch element, but a touch pen or the like may also be used. Touch operations on a touch panel are already well known, so a detailed explanation will be omitted, but examples include the following operations:

A tap operation is an operation in which a finger that has been touching the touch panel (i.e., the monitor 31) is removed within a predetermined period of time. At this time, the operation device 42 outputs, for example, the coordinates of the position on the touch panel where the finger has touched (hereinafter referred to as the "touch position") to the processor 21. Hereinafter, a tap operation on the position of an icon on the monitor 31 may be referred to as "tapping an icon" or "selecting an icon."

A swipe operation is an operation in which a finger touching the touch panel is slid along the surface of the touch panel. Note that swipe operations include a one-finger swipe, in which one finger is slid, and a two-finger swipe, in which two fingers are slid in the same direction. In this case, the operation device 42 outputs to the processor 21 the initial touch position, the direction in which the finger is slid on the touch panel (hereinafter referred to as the "swipe direction"), and the distance the finger is slid on the touch panel (hereinafter referred to as the "swipe distance").

A pinch-in operation is an operation in which two fingers touching the touch panel are brought closer together. A pinch-out operation is an operation in which two fingers touching the touch panel are moved apart. In this case, the operation device 42 outputs to the processor 21 the initial touch position and the swipe direction and swipe distance of each of the two fingers.

[Profile image summary]
A profile image is an image used to introduce the user of the user terminal 20 to other users in an online game realized by the system 1. Furthermore, a profile image is an image that is displayed as a list on a party recruitment screen of an online game. However, the use of an image generated by the user terminal 20 is not limited to a profile image. As another example, the profile image may be used to introduce an avatar of the user terminal 20 in a virtual space realized by the system 1. As yet another example, the profile image may be a thumbnail image used to introduce an image uploaded by the user terminal 20 in a video distribution service realized by the system 1.

Figure 3 shows a profile image. As shown in Figure 3(A), a profile image is an image constructed by combining, for example, a background M1, a 2D character (not shown), a 3D character M2, text M3, a sticker (not shown), a frame (not shown), etc. (hereinafter, these will be collectively referred to as "materials"). Materials M1 to M3 are all two-dimensional images. Then, by overlaying materials M1, M2, and M3 selected and edited by the user in a predetermined order, the profile image shown in Figure 3(B) is generated.

[Functional block diagram of user terminal 20]
Fig. 4 is a functional block diagram of the user terminal 20. As shown in Fig. 4, the terminal program 23P loaded into the memory 22 causes the user terminal 20 (computer) to function as a display unit 210, an editing unit 220, and an output unit 230. Note that Fig. 4 mainly illustrates the functional block for creating a profile image, but the user terminal 20 also has functions for online games, virtual spaces, and editing and uploading videos.

The display means 210 displays an image on the monitor 31. More specifically, the display means 210 displays various screens shown in Figures 6 to 11, 13 to 16, and 18 to 20 on the monitor 31. The display means 210 also switches the screen displayed on the monitor 31 in accordance with the user's operation on the operation device 42. Furthermore, each time the profile image is edited by the editing means 220, the display means 210 displays the edited profile image in the editing area A3 (see Figure 7).

The editing means 220 edits the profile image displayed in the editing area A3 in accordance with user operations on the operating device 42. As one example, the editing means 220 adds and deletes material from the profile image. As another example, the editing means 220 changes the position, size, angle, etc. of the material included in the profile image. As yet another example, the editing means 220 applies special effects (e.g., lighting, skin, emote) to the material included in the profile image. The editing means 220 according to this embodiment includes a modification means 221 and a facing means 222.

The output means 230 outputs the profile image edited by the editing means 220. As one example, the output means 230 stores profile image data representing the profile image in the storage 23 (an example of output). As another example, the output means 230 uploads the profile image data representing the profile image to the server 10 via the communication IF 25 (another example of output).

The user terminal 20 according to this embodiment has various functions for editing 3D objects included in profile pictures, in particular. A 3D object refers to data of a shape drawn in three dimensions. In other words, a 3D object refers to a three-dimensional shape with three-dimensional coordinates. As an example, a 3D object is not limited to characters such as people, animals, monsters, and robots (hereinafter referred to as "3D characters"), but may also be equipment (e.g., weapons, armor, accessories), vehicles (e.g., automobiles, ships, aircraft, spaceships), etc. A 3D object includes multiple parts. Furthermore, the multiple parts may operate independently of each other, or may operate in conjunction with each other.

The following describes an "avatar," which represents the user of the user terminal 20, as a specific example of a 3D object. The multiple parts that make up an avatar include, for example, the face (head), moving body, arms, and legs. Parts that make up a face include the eyes, nose, mouth, and ears. Parts that make up the eyes include the eyeballs and pupils. The face can move (rotate) independently of the moving body, arms, and legs. The eyes move in conjunction with the face. The pupils move in conjunction with the eyeballs. In other words, when moving the pupils, the eyeballs may be rotated while the face is fixed, or the face may be rotated while the pupils are held directly in front of the eyes (i.e., the eyeballs are fixed).

Figure 5 is a conceptual diagram of generating a 2D image from a 3D character 50, an example of a 3D object. As shown in Figure 5, the 3D character 50 is placed in a hemispherical virtual space 51. The 3D character 50 is movable within the virtual space 51. A virtual camera 52 is placed (fixed) on the surface of the virtual space 51 to capture images of the 3D character 50. The virtual space 51 also defines mutually orthogonal X, Y, and Z axes. The X, Y, and Z axes intersect at the center of the 3D character 50. The X, Y, and Z axes move in accordance with the movement of the 3D character 50. The Z axis passes through the center of the 3D character 50 and is parallel to the optical axis of the virtual camera 52. The X axis is a horizontal axis that passes through the center of the 3D character 50 and is perpendicular to the Z axis (i.e., the optical axis of the virtual camera 52). The Y axis is a vertical axis that passes through the center of the 3D character 50 and is perpendicular to the Z axis.

The display means 210 captures an image of a 3D character 50 placed in a virtual space 51 with a virtual camera 52 to generate a 2D image. The 2D image is an image of the 3D character 50 projected onto the X-Y plane. The 2D image is also an image of the portion of the 3D character 50 that is included in the imaging range 53 (angle of view) of the virtual camera 52. The display means 210 then displays the generated 2D image in the editing area A3. Furthermore, each time the 2D image is edited by the editing means 220, the display means 210 displays the edited 2D image in the editing area A3 (i.e., updates the 2D image in the editing area A3).

The modification means 221 modifies the positional relationship between the 3D character 50 and the virtual camera 52 in accordance with a modification operation performed on the operation device 42. As one example, the positional relationship between the 3D character 50 and the virtual camera 52 refers to the position (relative position) of the 3D character 50 within the imaging range 53. As another example, the positional relationship between the 3D character 50 and the virtual camera 52 refers to the distance (relative distance) from the virtual camera 52 to the 3D character 50. As yet another example, the positional relationship between the 3D character 50 and the virtual camera 52 refers to the angle (relative angle) of the 3D object relative to the virtual camera 52.

As one example, the modification means 221 translates the 3D character 50 along the X-Y plane. As another example, the modification means 221 moves the 3D character 50 closer to the virtual camera 52 along the Z axis (zooming in) or further away from the virtual camera 52 (shrinking). As yet another example, the modification means 221 rotates the 3D character 50 around the X axis (an example of the first axis), the Y axis (another example of the first axis), or the Z axis (an example of the second axis). Note that the method of changing the positional relationship between the 3D character 50 and the virtual camera 52 is not limited to fixing the position of the virtual camera 52 and moving the 3D character 50 within the virtual space 51. As another example, the 3D character 50 may be fixed at the center of the virtual space 51 and the virtual camera 52 may be moved or rotated along the surface of the virtual space 51.

The facing means 222 faces a specific part of the multiple parts that make up the 3D character 50 directly toward the virtual camera 52 when a predetermined condition is met. An example of a specific part is the eye of the 3D character 50. In other words, facing the eye directly toward the virtual camera 52 means directing the line of sight of the 3D character 50 toward the virtual camera 52. In other words, facing the eye directly toward the virtual camera 52 means having the 3D character 50 look at the camera. However, specific examples of specific parts are not limited to the eye, and may include a mark attached to the front of a hat worn by the 3D character 50, an armband attached to the arm of the clothes worn by the 3D character 50, a weapon held by the 3D character 50, etc.

[Profile image editing process]
6 shows examples of a profile selection screen (A) and a profile editing screen (B). First, the user terminal 20 (display means 210) displays the profile card selection screen shown in FIG. 6 on the monitor 31. The profile card selection screen is a screen that allows the user to select one of the profile images that have already been generated. The profile card selection screen includes card icons 61a, 61b, memo boxes 62a, 62b, a number of profile images 63, an "Edit profile card" icon 64, and a back icon 65.

Card icons 61a and 61b correspond to profile images that have already been generated. Card icons 61a and 61b are, for example, composed of reduced-size images of profile images. Profile images corresponding to card icons 61a and 61b are stored on server 10 or storage 23. Furthermore, profile images corresponding to card icon 61b with the text [Profile selected] added are displayed in the profile list. Memo boxes 62a and 62b are used to enter notes to be added to the corresponding card icons 61a and 61b (for example, the name or purpose of the profile image). Number of profile images 63 is a number [2/10] that indicates the number of profile images that can be saved and the number of profile images currently saved.

The user terminal 20 then switches the profile image displayed in the profile list in response to a tap on the card icons 61a and 61b. Furthermore, the user terminal 20 displays the profile card editing screen shown in FIG. 6(B) on the monitor 31 in response to a tap on the [Edit profile card] icon 64. Furthermore, the user terminal 20 displays the screen before the profile selection screen was displayed (i.e., the parent screen) on the monitor 31 in response to a tap on the back icon 65.

The profile card editing screen includes card icons 61a, 61b, memo boxes 62a, 62b, number of profile images 63, and back icon 65, as well as a new icon 61c, memo box 62c, an "Edit" icon 66, and a "Delete" icon 67. The new icon 61c is an icon for creating a new profile image. Memo box 62c is used to enter notes for the new icon 61c. The "Edit" icon 66 is an icon for editing an already created profile image or for creating a new profile image. The "Delete" icon 67 is an icon for deleting an already created profile image.

Then, in response to a tap on a card icon 61a, 61b, the user terminal 20 highlights that icon. Furthermore, in response to a tap on the [Edit] icon 66 in this state, the user terminal 20 displays on the monitor 31 an editing screen for editing the profile image corresponding to the highlighted card icon 61a, 61b. Furthermore, in response to a tap on the [Delete] icon 67 in this state, the user terminal 20 deletes the profile image corresponding to the highlighted card icon 61a, 61b.

Furthermore, in response to tapping on the new icon 61c, the user terminal 20 highlights that icon. Furthermore, in response to tapping on the [Edit] icon 66 in this state, the user terminal 20 displays on the monitor 31 an editing screen for creating a new profile image, as shown in FIG. 7. On the other hand, when the new icon 61c is highlighted, the [Delete] icon 67 becomes unselectable (grayed out).

Figure 7 is an example of an editing screen for creating a new profile image. As shown in Figure 7, the editing screen includes a header area A1, a footer area A2, an editing area A3, an outer frame area A4, and a selection area A5. Note that the editing screen for editing an existing profile image differs from Figure 7 in that the profile image to be edited is displayed in editing area A3.

Header area A1 is the topmost area of the editing screen. Header area A1 includes an UnDo icon 68, a Redo icon 69, a memo box 62c, and a Save icon 70. The UnDo icon 68 is an icon for reverting one step in editing the profile image displayed in editing area A3. The Redo icon 69 is an icon for canceling the step reverted with the UnDo icon 68. The Save icon 70 is an icon for saving the profile image data representing the profile image displayed in editing area A3 to the server 10 or storage 23.

Footer area A2 is the bottommost area of the editing screen. Footer area A2 includes a back icon 65 and a [Layer Operation] icon 71. The [Layer Operation] icon 71 is an icon for manipulating the layering order (layers) of the multiple elements that make up the profile image.

Editing area A3 is the area between header area A1 and selection area A5. Editing area A3 is also the area where the profile image is displayed. Editing area A3 is also an area where touch operations are accepted for editing the profile image. Editing area A3 has the same size (aspect ratio) as the profile image and imaging range 53. Outer frame area A4 is a frame-shaped area that surrounds editing area A3. The profile image is not displayed in outer frame area A4, but icons for editing the profile image can be displayed. And, like editing area A3, outer frame area A4 is also an area where touch operations are accepted for editing the profile image.

Selection area A5 is the area between editing area A3 and footer area A2. Selection area A5 displays options for editing the profile image displayed in editing area A3 and accepts touch operations for selecting an option. Selection area A5 also includes category area A6, subcategory area A7, and material area A8.

The category area A6 includes multiple category icons 72a, 72b, 72c, and 72d. The category icons 72a to 72d correspond to categories of profile image materials (e.g., background, 2D character, 3D character, text, sticker, and frame). The subcategory area A7 includes subcategory icons 73a and 73b corresponding to the selected category icons 72a to 72d. The material area A8 includes material icons 74a, 74b, 74c, 74d, 74e, 74f, 74g, and 74h corresponding to the selected subcategory icons 73a and 73b. The material icons 74a to 74h correspond to materials that can be included in profile images.

Note that icons that cannot be displayed in each area A6, A7, and A8 at once may be displayed by scrolling each area. For example, the category area A6 and subcategory area A7 may be scrolled horizontally, and the material area A8 may be scrolled vertically.

As described above, the materials that make up the profile image are managed by categorizing them into categories and subcategories. Material data representing the materials may be stored in storage 23 or downloaded from server 10. Furthermore, material area A8 may include unlocked material icons 74a-74d and unlocked material icons 74e-74h.

The open state refers to a state in which the corresponding material can be included in a profile picture. In other words, the open state refers to a state in which the user of the user terminal 20 has already acquired the material data corresponding to the material icons 74a to 74d. The closed state refers to a state in which the corresponding material cannot be included in a profile picture. In other words, the closed state refers to a state in which the user of the user terminal 20 has not yet acquired the material data corresponding to the material icons 74a to 74d.

Some of the material icons 74a, 74b may be unlocked from the start, for example. Other material icons 74c, 74b may be unlocked by completing missions in the online game or by paying a fee. On the other hand, unlocked material icons 74e-74h are grayed out and cannot be selected because the mission has not yet been completed or payment has not yet been made. As another example, unlocked material icons 74e-74h may be hidden. The same applies to material icons 79b-79e, 82a-82c, 88a-88c, 90a-90d, and 91a-91d in Figures 9-11.

Figure 8 shows an example of an editing screen for editing a 2D character. In response to the selection of category icon 72b, subcategory icon 73b, and material icon 74d in Figure 7, the user terminal 20 (display means 210) displays character image 75, change icons 76a, 76b, 76c, and 76d, and layer icons 77a, 77b, 77c, and 77d in editing area A3 of the monitor 31, as shown in Figure 8 (A).

The character image 75 is a two-dimensional image showing the 2D character corresponding to the selected material icon 74d. The change icons 76a to 76d are icons for changing the character image 75 on the profile image. The layer icons 77a to 77d are icons for changing the layer of the character image 75 on the profile image.

More specifically, change icon 76a is an icon for duplicating character image 75. Change icon 76b is an icon for deleting character image 75. Change icon 76c is an icon for enlarging or reducing character image 75. Change icon 76d is an icon for rotating character image 75 around an axis perpendicular to the display surface.

Layer icon 77a is an icon for moving character image 75 to the foreground layer. Layer icon 77b is an icon for moving character image 75 to the previous layer. Layer icon 77c is an icon for moving character image 75 to the next layer back. Layer icon 77d is an icon for moving character image 75 to the background layer.

Change icons 76a to 76d are positioned at the vertices of a dashed rectangular frame surrounding character image 75. Layer icons 77a to 77d are positioned adjacent to character image 75. More specifically, layer icons 77a to 77d may be positioned to the right of character image 75 when character image 75 is located to the left of the center of editing area A3. Layer icons 77a to 77d may be positioned to the left of character image 75 when character image 75 is located to the right of the center of editing area A3.

In response to a tap on a change icon 76a-76d, the user terminal 20 (editing means 220) changes the character image 75 in a manner associated with the tapped change icon 76a-76d. Furthermore, in response to a tap on a layer icon 77a-77d, the user terminal 20 (editing means 220) changes the layer of the character image 75. Furthermore, in response to a swipe operation inside the dashed frame, the user terminal 20 (editing means 220) translates the character image 75 in the editing area A3 (i.e., the profile image) in the swipe direction by the swipe distance. Furthermore, the user terminal 20 (display means 210) displays the character image 75 edited by the editing means 220 in the editing area A3 (i.e., updates the character image 75).

As shown in FIG. 8 (B), when the character image 75 is translated within the editing area A3, the portion of the character image 75 that is outside the editing area A3 is hidden. In other words, it is not possible to move the entire character image 75 outside the editing area A3. Furthermore, the change icons 76a-76d and layer icons 77a-77d move in conjunction with the translation of the character image 75. Change icons 76c, 76d and layer icon 77d that have moved outside the editing area A3 are displayed in the outer frame area A4. As another example, the character image 75 may be moved completely outside the editing area A3. Furthermore, the character image 75 may be editable by a touch operation on the character image 75 outside the editing area A3. However, the character image 75 outside the editing area A3 is not reflected in the profile image.

Furthermore, the user terminal 20 (editing means 220) may have a fit function that automatically fits the character image 75 in the editing area A3 to a predetermined position or angle when the character image 75 is moved or rotated by the user. As one example, the user terminal 20 (editing means 220) fits the character image 75 to the center in the vertical (or horizontal) direction of the editing area A3 when the character image 75 approaches the center in the vertical (or horizontal) direction of the editing area A3 due to a swipe operation by the user. As another example, the user terminal 20 (editing means 220) fits the character image 75 to the corner of the editing area A3 when the character image 75 approaches a corner of the editing area A3 due to a swipe operation by the user. However, these fit functions may be enabled only when the rotation angle of the character image 75 is 0°, 90°, 180°, or 270°. As yet another example, when the user operates the change icon 76d to cause the rotation angle of the character image 75 to approach 0°, 90°, 180°, or 270°, the user terminal 20 (editing means 220) adjusts the rotation angle of the character image 75 to fit 0°, 90°, 180°, or 270°.

Returning to FIG. 7 , in response to tapping the [Save] icon 70, the user terminal 20 (output means 230) saves the profile image displayed in the editing area A3 to the server 10 or storage 23. Furthermore, in response to tapping the back icon 65 without tapping the [Save] icon 70, the user terminal 20 (output means 230) displays a dialog box for confirming whether or not to save the profile image displayed in the editing area A3. If the user selects to save, the user terminal 20 saves the profile image and then transitions to the parent screen. On the other hand, if the user selects not to save, the user terminal 20 saves the profile image and then transitions to the parent screen.

Although not shown in the figures, the user terminal 20 displays a material icon corresponding to the background in the material area A8 in response to a tap on the category icon 72a. The user terminal 20 then displays background M1 corresponding to the tapped material icon in the editing area A3 (i.e., adds it to the profile picture). The user terminal 20 also displays icons for specifying the font type, font size, font color, etc., and a software keyboard in the material area A8 in response to a tap on the category icon 72d. The user terminal 20 then displays text M3 in the editing area A3 (i.e., adds it to the profile picture) in accordance with the tap operation on the material area A8.

[Editing process of 3D character 50]
The process of editing the appearance of a 3D character 50 will be described with reference to Figures 9 to 11. Figure 9 is an example of a screen for selecting a 3D character 50 (A) and lighting (B). Figure 10 is an example of a screen for selecting the skin (A) and facial expression (B) of the 3D character 50. Figure 11 is an example of a screen for selecting a pose (A) and outline (B) of the 3D character 50.

In response to the selection of category icon 72c in category area A6, the user terminal 20 (display means 210) displays subcategory icons 78a and 78b in subcategory area A7, as shown in FIG. 9. In addition, in response to the selection of subcategory icon 78a, the user terminal 20 (display means 210) displays material icons 79a, 79b, 79c, 79d, and 79e in material area A8, as shown in FIG. 9(A). Material icons 79a to 79e are icons corresponding to 3D characters 50.

In response to the selection of the material icon 79e, the user terminal 20 (display means 210) displays a [Custom] icon 80 in the material area A8 in association with the selected material icon 79e. The user terminal 20 (display means 210) also captures an image of the 3D character 50 corresponding to the material icon 79e with the virtual camera 52 to generate a 2D image 81. The user terminal 20 (display means 210) then displays the generated 2D image 81 in the editing area A3. The initial 2D image 81 (immediately after the material icon 79e is selected) is, for example, an image of the entire body of the 3D character 50 taken from the front.

The positional relationship between the 3D character 50 and the virtual camera 52 at this time is referred to as the "initial state." The body of the 3D character 50 in the initial state faces the virtual camera 52 directly. The face of the 3D character 50 in the initial state faces the front of the body. Furthermore, the pupils of the 3D character 50 in the initial state are located in the center of the eyes. As a result, the pupils of the 3D character 50 in the initial state face the virtual camera 52 directly (so-called camera line of sight).

In response to the selection of subcategory icon 78b, the user terminal 20 (display means 210) displays material icons 82a, 82b, and 82c in material area A8, as shown in FIG. 9(B). Material icons 82a to 82c correspond to the image of the lighting to be irradiated onto the 3D character 50 (e.g., day, sunset, night). Then, in response to the selection of one of material icons 82a to 82c, the user terminal 20 (editing means 220) illuminates the 3D character 50 with the corresponding lighting. The user terminal 20 (display means 210) also captures an image of the illuminated 3D character 50 with the virtual camera 52, and displays a new 2D image 81 in editing area A3.

In response to the selection of the [Custom] icon 80, the user terminal 20 (display means 210) displays rotation icons 83a and 83b, an [Eye Line] icon 84, and an [Initial] icon 85 in the outer frame area A4, as shown in Figures 10 and 11. The rotation icons 83a and 83b are icons for rotating the 3D character 50 around the Z axis. The [Eye Line] icon 84 is an icon for directing the eyes of the 3D character 50 toward the virtual camera 52 (i.e., for the 3D character 50 to look at the camera). The [Initial] icon 85 is an icon for resetting the positional relationship between the 3D character 50 and the virtual camera 52 to the initial state. The process of changing the positional relationship between the 3D character 50 and the virtual camera 52 will be described later with reference to Figures 12 to 18. Furthermore, the user terminal 20 (display means 210) displays category icons 86a and 86b in the category area A6, as shown in Figures 10 and 11.

In response to the selection of category icon 86a, the user terminal 20 (display means 210) displays subcategory icons 87a, 87b, 87c, and 87d in the subcategory area A7, as shown in FIG. 10(A). Subcategory icons 87a to 87d correspond to the locations of items worn by the 3D character 50 (e.g., head, tops, bottoms, etc.). Furthermore, in response to the selection of subcategory icon 87a, the user terminal 20 (display means 210) displays material icons 88a, 88b, and 88c in the material area A8. Material icons 88a to 88c correspond to items worn on the head of the 3D character 50. Furthermore, in response to the selection of one of material icons 88a to 88c, the user terminal 20 (editing means 220) equips the corresponding item on the 3D character 50. Additionally, the user terminal 20 (display means 210) captures an image of the 3D character 50 equipped with the item using the virtual camera 52, and displays a new 2D image 81 in the editing area A3.

In response to the selection of category icon 86b, the user terminal 20 (display means 210) displays subcategory icons 89a, 89b, and 89c in the subcategory area A7, as shown in Figures 10(B) to 11(B). Subcategory icons 89a to 89c correspond to the facial expression, pose, and outline (office lady) of the 3D character 50.

In response to the selection of subcategory icon 89a, the user terminal 20 (display means 210) displays material icons 90a, 90b, 90c, and 90d in material area A8, as shown in FIG. 10(B). Material icons 90a to 90d correspond to the facial expressions of the 3D character 50. The user terminal 20 (editing means 220) then changes the facial expression of the 3D character 50 to match the selected material icon 90a to 90d. The user terminal 20 (display means 210) also captures an image of the 3D character 50 with the changed facial expression using the virtual camera 52, and displays a new 2D image 81 in the editing area A3.

In response to the selection of subcategory icon 89b, the user terminal 20 (display means 210) displays material icons 91a, 91b, 91c, and 91d in material area A8, as shown in FIG. 11(A). Material icons 91a to 91d correspond to the poses of the 3D object. The user terminal 20 (editing means 220) then changes the pose of the 3D character 50 to match the selected material icon 91a to 91d. The user terminal 20 (display means 210) also captures an image of the 3D character 50 with the changed pose using the virtual camera 52, and displays a new 2D image 81 in the editing area A3.

In response to the selection of subcategory icon 89c, the user terminal 20 (display means 210) displays icons for selecting the thickness and color of the outline (contour line) of the 3D character 50 in the material area A8, as shown in FIG. 11 (B). The user terminal 20 (editing means 220) then changes the outline of the 3D character 50 in accordance with the operation of the icon displayed in the material area A8. The user terminal 20 (display means 210) also captures an image of the 3D character 50 with the changed outline using the virtual camera 52, and displays a new 2D image 81 in the editing area A3.

Referring to Figures 12 to 16, specific methods for changing the positional relationship (relative position, relative distance, relative angle) between the 3D character 50 and the virtual camera 52 will be explained. Figure 12 is a table showing the correspondence between change operations and change methods. Figure 13 is a diagram showing an example of enlarging and translating the 3D character 50. Figure 14 is a diagram showing an example of rotating the 3D character 50 around the Y axis and directing the line of sight toward the virtual camera 52. Figure 15 is a diagram showing an example of rotating the 3D character 50 around the X axis and directing the line of sight toward the virtual camera 52. Figure 16 is a diagram showing an example of rotating the 3D character 50 around the Z axis.

The user terminal 20 (modification means 221) changes the positional relationship between the 3D character 50 and the virtual camera 52 using a first method in response to a touch operation on the editing area A3. The user terminal 20 (modification means 221) also changes the positional relationship between the 3D character 50 and the virtual camera 52 using a second method in response to a tap operation on icons 83a, 83b, 84, and 85 displayed in the outer frame area A4 (an example of an area different from the editing area A3). Then, each time the positional relationship between the 3D character 50 and the virtual camera 52 is changed, the user terminal 20 (display means 210) captures an image of the changed 3D character 50 with the virtual camera 52 and displays a new 2D image 81 in the editing area A3.

First, the user terminal 20 (modification means 221) translates the 3D character 50 on the X-Y plane (an example of the first modification method) in response to a two-finger swipe on the 2D image 81 displayed in the editing area A3, as shown in Figures 13(B) and 13(C). More specifically, the user terminal 20 (modification means 221) translates the 3D character 50 in a direction corresponding to the swipe direction. That is, if the swipe direction is up or down, the 3D character 50 translates along the Y axis, and if the swipe direction is left or right, the 3D character 50 translates along the X axis. Furthermore, the movement distance of the 3D character 50 corresponds to the swipe distance.

Furthermore, the user terminal 20 (modification means 221) rotates the 3D character 50 around the first axis (another example of modification of the first method) in response to a one-finger swipe on the 2D image 81 displayed in the editing area A3. More specifically, the user terminal 20 (modification means 221) rotates the 3D character 50 in a direction corresponding to the swipe direction. That is, when the swipe direction is up or down, the 3D character 50 rotates around the X axis (FIGS. 13(C) and 15(A)), and when the swipe direction is left or right, the 3D character 50 rotates around the Y axis (FIGS. 13(C) and 14(A)). Furthermore, the rotation angle of the 3D character 50 corresponds to the swipe distance.

In addition, the user terminal 20 (modification means 221) enlarges the 3D character 50 (another example of modification using the first method) as shown in Figures 13(A) and 13(B) in response to a pinch-out operation on the 2D image 81 displayed in the editing area A3. In addition, the user terminal 20 (modification means 221) reduces the 3D character 50 (another example of modification using the first method) in response to a pinch-in operation on the 2D image 81 displayed in the editing area A3. The enlargement ratio (reduction ratio) of the 3D character 50 corresponds to the swipe distance with two fingers.

Furthermore, the user terminal 20 (modification means 221) rotates the 3D character 50 around the Z axis (an example of the second modification method) in response to tapping on the rotation icons 83a and 83b. More specifically, the rotation icon 83a corresponds to counterclockwise rotation (FIGS. 16(A) and 16(B)), and the rotation icon 83b corresponds to clockwise rotation (FIGS. 16(A) and 16(C)). Furthermore, the user terminal 20 (modification means 221) rotates the 3D character 50 by a predetermined rotation angle (e.g., 15°) each time the rotation icons 83a and 83b are tapped. On the other hand, the user terminal 20 (modification means 221) may continuously rotate the 3D character 50 while the rotation icons 83a and 83b are continuously tapped.

Furthermore, the user terminal 20 (facing means 222) causes the 3D character 50 to look at the camera in response to a tap operation on the [Gaze Line] 84 (another example of a change using the second method). This process will be described later with reference to Figures 14, 15, and 17. Furthermore, the user terminal 20 (change means 221) returns the positional relationship between the 3D character 50 and the virtual camera 52 to the initial state in response to a tap operation on the [Initial] icon 85 (another example of a change using the second method).

Note that the movement of the 3D character 50 shown in Figure 12 is performed while maintaining the relative positions of the multiple parts that make up the 3D character 50. For example, when the 3D character 50 looking at the camera shown in Figure 13(C) is rotated, the line of sight of the 3D character 50 moves away from the virtual camera 52, as shown in Figure 14(A) or Figure 15(A) (i.e., the body, head, and eyeballs of the 3D character 50 rotate in unison).

At this time, in response to the selection of the [Eye Line] icon 84, the user terminal 20 (facing means 222) causes the eyes of the 3D character 50 to face the virtual camera 52 (i.e., to look at the camera). The user terminal 20 (display means 210) then uses the virtual camera 52 to capture an image of the 3D character 50 looking at the camera, generates a 2D image 81, and displays the generated 2D image 81 in the editing area A3. Tapping the [Eye Line] icon 84 is an example of satisfying a predetermined condition. However, the predetermined condition for making the 3D character 50 look at the camera is not limited to the above example, and may also be, for example, double-tapping the editing area A3.

The user terminal 20 (orientation means 222) positions the pupils of the 3D character 50 directly facing the virtual camera 52 while keeping the orientation of the 3D character's body fixed. In other words, the user terminal 20 (orientation means 222) rotates only some of the multiple features that make up the 3D character 50 (e.g., the eyeballs and face) in order to have the 3D character 50 look at the camera. Therefore, with reference to Figure 17, we will explain the process of switching whether to rotate the eyeballs or the face in order to have the 3D character 50 look at the camera in a natural pose. Figure 17 is a flowchart of the camera-looking processing.

As an example, the user terminal 20 (orientation means 222) compares the rotation angle of the 3D character 50 required to orient the pupils directly toward the virtual camera 52 with a predetermined threshold (e.g., 30°) (S11), as shown in FIG. 17(A). Then, when the rotation angle is less than the threshold (S11: Yes), the user terminal 20 (orientation means 222) rotates only the eyeballs without changing the relative positions of the face and body, as shown in FIGS. 14(B) and 15(B), to make the 3D character 50 look toward the camera (S12). On the other hand, when the rotation angle is equal to or greater than the threshold (S11: No), the user terminal 20 (orientation means 222) rotates the face relative to the body while keeping the pupils fixed in the center of the eyes (i.e., facing forward), as shown in FIGS. 14(C) and 15(C), to make the 3D character 50 look toward the camera (S13). In Figure 15(C), as the face turns upward, the hair falls back, exposing the ears.

As another example, the user terminal 20 (orientation means 222) determines the rotation direction of the 3D character 50 required to orient the pupils directly toward the virtual camera 52, as shown in FIG. 17(B) (S21). Then, when the rotation direction is up/down (S21: up/down), the user terminal 20 (orientation means 222) rotates only the eyeballs without changing the relative positions of the face and body, as shown in FIG. 15(B) (S22), so that the 3D character 50 looks toward the camera. On the other hand, when the rotation direction is left/right (S21: left/right, no), the user terminal 20 (orientation means 222) rotates the face relative to the body while keeping the pupils fixed in the center of the eyes (i.e., facing the front of the face), as shown in FIG. 14(C), so that the 3D character 50 looks toward the camera (S23).

Note that the [eye line] icon 84 in this embodiment is a so-called "alternate type" icon. More specifically, when the [eye line] icon 84 is tapped, the selected state (i.e., a state in which a predetermined condition is satisfied) is maintained, as shown in Figures 14(B), 14(C), 15(B), and 15(C). Furthermore, when the selected [eye line] icon 85 is tapped again, the selected state is canceled, as shown in Figures 14(A) and 15(A). The user terminal 20 (modification means 221) can then rotate the 3D character 50 as follows, in accordance with a one-finger swipe performed while the [eye line] icon 84 remains selected.

As one example, the user terminal 20 (modification means 221) rotates the 3D character 50 without changing the relative positions of all features, including the pupils, in accordance with a one-finger swipe performed while the [eye line] icon 84 is selected. In other words, the line of sight of the 3D character 50 moves away from the virtual camera 52. As another example, the user terminal 20 (modification means 221) rotates the 3D character 50 while keeping the pupils facing the virtual camera 52 (i.e., maintaining the camera line of sight) in accordance with a one-finger swipe performed while the [eye line] icon 84 is selected. In other words, the user terminal 20 (modification means 221) rotates only the body while keeping the face fixed.

Note that if material icon 79b in Figure 9(A) is selected after editing 2D image 81 corresponding to material icon 79e, the edits made to 2D image 81 corresponding to material icon 79e will be carried over to the 2D image corresponding to material icon 79b. Furthermore, if the [Save] icon 70 is selected in this state, only the 2D image corresponding to material icon 79b will be saved, and the 2D image 81 corresponding to material icon 79e will be discarded.

[Other examples of change operations]
18 shows another example of an interface for changing the positional relationship between the 3D character 50 and the virtual camera 52. As shown in Fig. 18(A), the user terminal 20 (display means 210) may display change icons 92a, 92b, 92c, and 92d at the vertices of a dashed rectangular frame surrounding the 2D image 81. That is, the change icons 92a to 92d are displayed in the editing area A3 in association with the 2D image 81.

Change icon 92a is an icon for rotating the 3D character 50 around the X-axis. Change icon 92b is an icon for deleting the 3D character 50 (2D image 81) from the profile picture. Change icon 92c is an icon for enlarging or reducing the 3D character 50. Change icon 92d is an icon for rotating the 3D character 50 around the Y-axis. The change operation for moving the 3D character 50 on the X-Y plane is a two-finger swipe in the editing area A3. Furthermore, rotation icons 83a and 83b for rotating the 3D character 50 around the Z-axis are located in the outer frame area A4.

The user terminal 20 (display means 210) also moves the change icons 92a to 92d in accordance with the 2D image 81 moving within the editing area A3 due to the two-finger swipe. Then, as shown in FIG. 18(B), the user terminal 20 (display means 210) moves the change icons 92c and 92d to the outer frame area A4 in response to the change icons 92c and 92d moving out of the editing area A3. That is, the change icons 93a and 93b in FIG. 18(B) correspond to the change icon 92c in FIG. 18(A). The change icons 93c and 93d in FIG. 18(B) correspond to the change icon 92d in FIG. 18(A).

Note that the change icons 92a-92d are not limited to being displayed in association with the 2D image 81 in the editing area A3. As another example, the layer icons 77a-77d shown in FIG. 8 may be displayed in association with the 2D image 81. Furthermore, the specific method for displaying the change icons 92a-92d in association with the 2D image 81 is not limited to the example in FIG. 18, and they may also be displayed adjacent to the 2D image 81 as shown in FIG. 8.

[Example of placing multiple 3D characters]
19 shows an example of an interface for placing multiple 3D characters in the editing area A3. As shown in FIG. 19(A), the user terminal 20 (display means 210) may display layout icons 94a, 94b, 94c, 94d, and 94e in the material area A8. The layout icons 94a to 94e correspond to the number and layout of 3D characters to be placed in the editing area A3.

Then, in response to the selection of a layout icon 94c, the user terminal 20 (display means 210) displays in the editing area A3 the number (two) of layout frames 95a, 95b corresponding to the selected layout icon 94c. The layout frames 95a, 95b are frames in which 2D images 81a, 81b of 3D characters captured by the virtual camera 52 are placed. The layout frames 95a, 95b are positioned so that they do not overlap each other. The user terminal 20 (display means 210) also displays a "Character Selection" icon 96 in association with the selected layout icon 94c.

In response to the selection of the [Character Selection] icon 96, the user terminal 20 (display means 210) displays material icons 79a-79e corresponding to the 3D characters in the material area 8A, as shown in FIG. 19(B). Then, in response to the selection of material icons 79d, 79e, the user terminal 20 (display means 210) captures images of the 3D characters corresponding to the selected material icons 79d, 79e with the virtual camera 52 to generate 2D images 81a, 81b, and displays the generated 2D images 81a, 81b in the layout frames 95a, 95b. Furthermore, the user terminal 20 (display means 210) displays [Custom] icons 80a, 80b in association with the selected material icons 79d, 79e.

The operation of changing the 2D images 81a and 81b within the layout frames 95a and 95b is the same as in the examples of Figures 12 and 18. Furthermore, the user terminal 20 (editing means 220) may move the layout frame 95a within the editing area A3 in accordance with a two-finger swipe performed on the layout frame 95a. At this time, the 2D image 81a within the layout frame 95a moves along with the layout frame 95a. Furthermore, the user terminal 20 (editing means 220) may swap the positions of the layout frames 95a and 95b when the moved layout frame 95a overlaps with an adjacent layout frame 95b. Furthermore, the processing when the [Custom] icons 80a and 80b are selected is the same as in the examples of Figures 9(B) to 11(B).

[Material layer operations]
Figure 20 shows an example screen for manipulating the layers of the elements that make up a profile image. In response to the selection of the [Layer Operation] icon 71, the user terminal 20 (display means 210) displays multiple layer icons 97a, 97b, 97c, and 97d in the selection area A5, as shown in Figure 20. The layer icons 97a to 97d correspond to elements that have already been edited (e.g., background, 2D characters, text, 3D characters). The display order of the layer icons 97a to 97d indicates the overlapping order of each element (the higher the layer, the more back-facing the element).

Furthermore, operation icons 98a, 98b, and 98c are associated with layer icon 97a. Operation icon 98a is an icon for deleting the material corresponding to layer icon 97a. Operation icon 98b is an icon for switching between displaying and hiding the material corresponding to layer icon 97a. Operation icon 98c is an icon for switching between locking and unlocking the layer of the material corresponding to layer icon 97a. The same applies to the operation icons associated with the other layer icons 97b to 97d.

The user terminal 20 (editing means 220) then changes the overlapping order of each element in the profile image in accordance with swipe operations on layer icons 97a to 97d. The user terminal 20 (editing means 220) also deletes, displays/hides, or locks/unlocks the corresponding element in accordance with tap operations on operation icons 98a to 98. Furthermore, the user terminal 20 (display means 210) updates the profile image displayed in editing area A3 in accordance with operations on selection area A5.

[Action and effect]
According to the above embodiment, changing the positional relationship between the 3D character 50 and the virtual camera 52 is divided between touch operations on the editing area A3 and touch operations on the outer frame area A4, allowing for intuitive and simple customization of the 3D character 50.

Furthermore, according to the above embodiment, translation, enlargement and reduction, rotation in the X-axis direction, and rotation in the Y-axis direction of the 3D character 50 are achieved by touch operations on the editing area A3. On the other hand, rotation in the Z-axis direction of the 3D character 50 is achieved by rotation icons 83a and 83b located in the outer frame area A4. In this way, by dividing and allocating the operation of rotating the 3D character 50 between touch operations on the editing area A3 and touch operations on the outer frame area A4, unintended movement (malfunction) of the 3D character 50 can be prevented.

Furthermore, according to the embodiment of Figure 18, the operability of customizing the 3D character 50 is improved by switching between displaying change icons 92a-92d that follow the 2D image 81 in the editing area A3, or displaying change icons 93a-93d in fixed positions in the outer frame area A4, depending on the position of the 2D image 81.

Furthermore, according to the above embodiment, the 3D character 50 can be made to look at the camera simply by tapping the [Eye Line] icon 84. In this way, by providing an icon that makes a specific part of the multiple parts that make up the 3D object face the virtual camera 52, the 3D character 50 can be customized to suit the player's preferences with a simple operation. As a result, the player's goals and preferences can be succinctly expressed through the profile picture.

Furthermore, according to the above embodiment, the system switches between rotating only the eyeballs or rotating the face depending on the rotation angle required to make the 3D character 50 look at the camera. This makes it possible to achieve a natural pose while looking at the camera. Note that while the example in Figure 17 describes rotating either the eyeballs or the face, it is also possible to rotate both the eyeballs and the face.

Furthermore, according to the above embodiment, depending on the rotation direction required to make the 3D character 50 look at the camera, it is possible to switch between rotating only the eyeballs or rotating the entire face. This makes it possible to achieve expressions such as an upturned gaze or a condescending gaze with simple operations.

However, the specific method for switching between rotating only the eyeballs and rotating the face to make the 3D character 50 look at the camera is not limited to the above example. For example, an icon for rotating the eyeballs and an icon for rotating the face may be displayed on the monitor 31.

Note that the program according to the present invention is not limited to a single program, but may be a collection of multiple programs. Furthermore, the program according to the present invention is not limited to being executed by a single device, but may be executed by multiple devices in a shared manner. Furthermore, the division of roles between the server 10 and the user terminal 20 is not limited to the example described above. That is, part of the processing of the server 10 may be executed by the user terminal 20, or part of the processing of the user terminal 20 may be executed by the server 10.

Furthermore, some or all of the means implemented by the program can be implemented in hardware such as an integrated circuit. Furthermore, the program may be provided recorded on a non-transitory recording medium that can be read by a computer. Examples of recording media include hard disks, SD cards, DVDs, and servers on the Internet.

1...System, 2...Communication Network, 10...Server, 20...User Terminal, 21...Processor, 22...Memory, 23...Storage, 23P...Terminal Program, 25...Communication Interface, 26...Computer, 29...Communication Bus, 31...Monitor, 33, 34...Camera, 35...Microphone, 36...Speaker, 41...Motion Sensor, 42...Operation Device, 50...3D Character, 51...Virtual Space, 52...Virtual Camera, 53...Image Capture Area

Claims (2)

A computer equipped with a touch panel display,
a display means for displaying a 2D image generated by capturing an image of a 3D object with a virtual camera in an editing area of the display unit;
a change unit that changes the positional relationship between the 3D object and the virtual camera;
The change means is
changing a positional relationship between the 3D object and the virtual camera using a first method in accordance with a touch operation performed on the editing area;
changing a positional relationship between the 3D object and the virtual camera using a second method different from the first method in accordance with a touch operation performed on an area different from the editing area;
the display means displays a new 2D image on the display unit every time a positional relationship between the 3D object and the virtual camera is changed;
The change means is
the first method includes rotating one of the 3D object and the virtual camera around a first axis;
the second method rotating one of the 3D object and the virtual camera around a second axis intersecting the first axis . A computer equipped with a touch panel display,
a display means for displaying a 2D image generated by capturing an image of a 3D object with a virtual camera in an editing area of the display unit;
a change unit that changes the positional relationship between the 3D object and the virtual camera;
The change means is
changing a positional relationship between the 3D object and the virtual camera using a first method in accordance with a touch operation performed on the editing area;
changing a positional relationship between the 3D object and the virtual camera using a second method different from the first method in accordance with a touch operation performed on an area different from the editing area;
The display means
displaying a new 2D image on the display unit each time a positional relationship between the 3D object and the virtual camera is changed;
a change icon for changing a positional relationship between the 3D object and the virtual camera is displayed in the editing area in association with the 2D image;
moving the change icon to follow the 2D image moving within the editing area;
a program for displaying the change icon in an area different from the editing area in response to the change icon being moved out of the editing area ;