JP7817219B2 - Programs and systems - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a program and a system.

In recent years, content (e.g., VR, games) that allows users to move their avatars around the field has become increasingly popular. Furthermore, with the advancement of computer processing power, attractive avatars are appearing one after another. To help users appreciate the appeal of their avatars, a technology is known that changes the position and angle of view of a virtual camera to match the avatar's movements (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).

Patent No. 5622447 Patent No. 5800473

However, while the avatar is in motion, operating the avatar takes priority, and the user is less likely to pay attention to appreciating the avatar. For this reason, it is difficult to say that the technologies in Patent Documents 1 and 2 adequately convey the appeal of the avatar to the user.

The present invention was made in consideration of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a program that makes it easy for users to appreciate the objects they operate.

In order to solve the above problem, the program of the present invention causes a computer to function as an operating means for operating a first object placed in a virtual space in accordance with user operation, and as a display means for displaying an image of the first object in the virtual space captured by a virtual camera, wherein the operating means operates the first object so that the front of the first object faces the front of the virtual camera without requiring user operation if no user operation is input for a predetermined period of time, and the display means displays an image captured to cause the first object to face the front in the virtual space without moving the virtual camera left or right, and causes the computer to function as a moving means for moving the position of the virtual camera downward if no user operation is input continuously for a predetermined period of time .

This invention makes it possible to obtain a program that makes it easy for users to appreciate the objects they operate.

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. 1 is a diagram conceptually illustrating one aspect of a virtual space. 10 is a diagram showing a YZ cross section of a field of view in a virtual space as viewed from the X direction. 10 is a diagram showing an XZ cross section of a field of view in a virtual space as viewed from the Y direction. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of a user terminal according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between an avatar and a virtual camera. 10 is a flowchart of a screen display process. 10 is an example of a screen displayed on a monitor in a screen display process. FIG. 11 is a functional block diagram of a user terminal according to the second embodiment. 1A shows an example of a screen displayed on a monitor in a screen display process, and FIG. 1B shows a screenshot image. FIG. 11 is a functional block diagram of a user terminal according to the third embodiment. 10 is an example of a screen displayed on a monitor in a screen display process. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between an avatar and an enemy character.

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. Furthermore, the following embodiments and variations can be combined in any combination without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[System 1 Overview]
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of a system 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the system 1 mainly includes a server 10 and user terminals 20A, 20B, and 20C (hereinafter, these may be collectively referred to as "user terminals 20"). Although three user terminals 20 are illustrated in FIG. 1, examples of the user terminals 20 included in the system 1 are 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 thereof.

System 1, for example, realizes a virtual space in which users of multiple user terminals 20A, 20B, and 20C communicate via avatars. System 1 also realizes, for example, a game on the user terminal 20. More specifically, system 1 realizes a game in which avatars operate on a field (an example of a virtual space). As one example, the game may be an online game realized by mutual communication between a server 10 and multiple user terminals 20A, 20B, and 20C. As another example, the game may be an offline game executed on only one user terminal 20. Note that in the case of an offline game, the server 10 can 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 a virtual space synchronizes the virtual space data of each of the multiple user terminals 20. As another example, the server 10 that provides an online game synchronizes the game data (e.g., avatars, enemy characters, field conditions) of each of the multiple user terminals 20.

[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 Processing 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 commands (operations) input 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. As another example, the user terminal 20 may be provided with a controller equipped with buttons, an operation stick, etc. as the operation device 42.

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:

[Outline of Virtual Space 90]
Fig. 3 is a diagram conceptually illustrating one aspect of the virtual space 90. Fig. 4 is a diagram illustrating a YZ cross section of the viewing area 94 in the virtual space 90 as viewed from the X direction. Fig. 5 is a diagram illustrating an XZ cross section of the viewing area 94 in the virtual space 90 as viewed from the Y direction.

As shown in Figure 3, virtual space 90 has a spherical structure that covers the entire 360-degree area around center C. To avoid complicating the explanation, Figure 3 illustrates only the upper half of the celestial sphere in virtual space 90. Meshes are defined in virtual space 90. The position of each mesh is defined in advance as coordinate values in the XYZ coordinate system, which is a global coordinate system defined in virtual space 90. Each partial image that makes up a panoramic image 91 (still image, video, etc.) that can be displayed in virtual space 90 is associated with a corresponding mesh in virtual space 90.

For example, in virtual space 90, an XYZ coordinate system is defined with center C as the origin. The XYZ coordinate system is, for example, parallel to the real coordinate system. The horizontal direction, vertical direction (up and down direction), and front and back direction in the XYZ coordinate system are defined as the X axis, Y axis, and Z axis, respectively. Therefore, the X axis (horizontal direction) of the XYZ coordinate system is parallel to the x axis of the real coordinate system, the Y axis (vertical direction) of the XYZ coordinate system is parallel to the y axis of the real coordinate system, and the Z axis (front and back direction) of the XYZ coordinate system is parallel to the z axis of the real coordinate system.

A virtual camera 92 associated with the user terminal 20 is placed in the virtual space 90. The position of the virtual camera 92 in the virtual space 90 corresponds to the user's viewpoint in the virtual space 90. The orientation of the virtual camera 92 corresponds to the user's line of sight (reference line of sight 93) in the virtual space 90. The processor 21 then determines a field of view 94 (the angle of view of the virtual camera 92) in the virtual space 90 based on the position and orientation of the virtual camera 92.

As shown in FIG. 4, the field of view 94 includes an area 95 in the YZ cross section. Area 95 is a range of polar angle α centered on the reference line of sight 93 in a vertical cross section (YZ cross section) including the reference line of sight 93 in the virtual space 90. As shown in FIG. 5, the field of view 94 includes an area 96 in the XZ cross section. Area 96 is a range of azimuth angle β centered on the reference line of sight 93 in a horizontal cross section (XZ cross section) including the reference line of sight 93 in the virtual space 90.

The processor 21 generates (extracts) a partial image included in the field of view 94 of the panoramic image 91 deployed in the virtual space 90 as a virtual space image 97 captured by the virtual camera 92. The processor 21 then displays the generated virtual space image 97 on the monitor 31. In other words, the field of view 94 corresponds to the user's field of view within the virtual space 90. Furthermore, the field of view 94 moves in response to changes in the position and orientation of the virtual camera 92 within the virtual space 90, and the virtual space image 97 displayed on the monitor 31 is updated. In other words, the user's field of view moves.

For example, the processor 21 moves the virtual camera 92 within the virtual space 90 in conjunction with the user's operation received by the operating device 42. The processor 21 also changes the orientation of the virtual camera 92 (i.e., the reference line of sight 93) in conjunction with the movement of the user terminal 20 detected by the motion sensor 41 (e.g., rotation around three mutually perpendicular axes). Furthermore, the processor 21 displays on the monitor 31 a virtual space image 97 captured by the virtual camera 92 after the position and orientation have changed.

[First embodiment]
[Functional block diagram of user terminal 20]
Fig. 6 is a functional block diagram of the user terminal 20 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the avatar A and the virtual camera 92. As shown in Fig. 6, the terminal program 23P loaded into the memory 22 causes the processor 21 to function as a definition means 210, an avatar operation means 220 (operation means), a camera movement means 230 (movement means), and a display means 240 (output means).

The definition means 210 defines the virtual space 90. More specifically, the definition means 210 expands virtual space data representing the virtual space 90 in the memory 22. The virtual space data represents, for example, a panoramic image 91 and the shapes and positions of basic objects (e.g., buildings, plants) to be placed within the virtual space 90. The virtual space data may also include background music (BGM) data representing background music for the virtual space 90. The virtual space data may be downloaded from the server 10 in advance and stored in the storage 23, or may be downloaded from the server 10 when the virtual space 90 is defined. The specific process for defining the virtual space 90 is already well known, so a detailed description will be omitted. The process performed by the definition means 210 is an example of a definition step.

The avatar operation means 220 places avatar A, operated by the user of the user terminal 20, in the virtual space 90. The avatar operation means 220 also operates avatar A placed in the virtual space 90 in accordance with the user's operation on the user terminal 20. As one example, the avatar operation means 220 moves avatar A, causes avatar A to perform, causes avatar A to pose, and causes avatar A to attack enemy characters 86-88 in accordance with the user's operation on the operation device 42. As another example, the avatar operation means 220 causes avatar A to speak in accordance with audio input to the microphone 35. The processing performed by the avatar operation means 220 is an example of an avatar operation step.

An avatar is, for example, a 3D object with a three-dimensional shape having three-dimensional coordinates. An avatar is an example of a first object that is an alter ego of the user that operates within the virtual space 90. However, specific examples of the first object are not limited to human-shaped avatars, and may also be animals, monsters, robots, vehicles (e.g., cars, ships, aircraft, spaceships), etc. A performance by avatar A refers to making avatar A move in a predetermined pattern, such as jumping, raising hands, or dancing. A pose by avatar A refers to making avatar A remain stationary in a predetermined position, such as sitting or lying down.

Furthermore, when no user operation is input to the user terminal 20 for a predetermined continuous period of time, the avatar operation means 220 operates avatar A so that the front of avatar A faces the front of the virtual camera 92 (hereinafter, this may be referred to as "facing forward") without the need for user operation, as shown in FIG. 7(B). That is, the avatar operation means 220 rotates avatar A on the spot (rotates around an axis in the vertical direction), as shown in FIGS. 7(A) and 7(B). Furthermore, the avatar operation means 220 may cause avatar A facing the virtual camera 92 to perform a predetermined performance (e.g., FIG. 9(B)), take a predetermined pose (e.g., FIG. 9(C)), or speak.

The camera movement means 230 moves the virtual camera 92 within the virtual space 90 so that avatar A enters the field of view 94. More specifically, the camera movement means 230 moves the virtual camera 92 up and down, forward and backward, and left and right within the virtual space 90. The camera movement means 230 also rotates the virtual camera 92 around three axes (yaw axis, pitch axis, and roll axis). The processing performed by the camera movement means 230 is an example of a camera movement step.

The camera movement means 230 is configured to be able to switch between a first mode and a second mode as the image capture mode of avatar A by the virtual camera 92. More specifically, the camera movement means 230 switches from the first mode to the second mode when no operation is input to the user terminal 20 for a predetermined continuous period of time. Furthermore, the camera movement means 230 switches from the second mode to the first mode when an operation is input to the user terminal 20 while in the second mode.

The camera movement means 230 in the first mode positions the virtual camera 92 at a first position P1 that provides a bird's-eye view of avatar A so as to include an area that includes the direction of travel of avatar A within the virtual space 90 (for example, the arrow indicating the direction of travel in Figure 9(A)). As shown in Figure 7(A), the first position P1 is located diagonally above (typically above and behind) avatar A. Furthermore, the first position P1 is a position where the distance L1 and pitch angle (depression angle) θ1 from avatar A are fixed. In other words, when avatar A moves within the virtual space 90, the first position P1 moves to a position that is a predetermined distance L1 and pitch angle θ1 from the moved avatar A.

Therefore, the first mode camera movement means 230 moves the virtual camera 92 (positions it at a new first position P1) in accordance with the movement of avatar A within the virtual space 90. In other words, the first mode camera movement means 230 moves the virtual camera 92 so as to maintain the relative position between avatar A and virtual camera 92. Note that "following the movement of avatar A" does not necessarily mean that the relative position between avatar A and virtual camera 92 is completely fixed. In other words, if the movement speed or direction of avatar A suddenly changes, the virtual camera 92 may move to the new first position P1 with a slight delay.

In the second mode, the camera movement means 230 positions the virtual camera 92 at a second position P2, which captures a larger image of avatar A than in the first mode. As shown in FIG. 7(B), the second position P2 is lower than the first position P1 and closer to avatar A than the first position P1. The second position P2 is also a position on a vertical plane X that includes avatar A and the first position P1. The second position P2 is also a position where the distance L2 from avatar A and the pitch angle θ2 (not shown) are fixed. Note that L1 > L2. Typically, θ2 = 0°.

When the first mode is switched to the second mode, the camera moving means 230 moves the virtual camera 92 from the first position P1 to the second position P2. That is, the camera moving means 230 moves the virtual camera 92 downward on the vertical plane X and in a direction approaching avatar A. On the other hand, when the second mode is switched to the first mode, the camera moving means 230 moves the virtual camera 92 from the second position P2 to the first position P1. That is, the camera moving means 230 moves the virtual camera 92 upward on the vertical plane X and in a direction away from avatar A.

On the other hand, the camera moving means 230 does not move the virtual camera 92 in the left-right direction (direction away from the vertical plane X) when moving from one of the first position P1 and the second position P2 to the other. In other words, the left-right position of the virtual camera 92 is fixed when moving from one of the first position P1 and the second position P2 to the other. Furthermore, instead of moving the virtual camera 92 in a direction toward (or away from) the avatar A, the camera moving means 230 may zoom in (or zoom out) the virtual camera 92.

In other words, the first position P1 is a position where the virtual camera 92 captures a smaller (wider-angle) image of the virtual space 90 in which avatar A is located compared to the second position P2. On the other hand, the second position P2 is a position where the virtual camera 92 captures a larger image of the virtual space 90 in which avatar A is located compared to the first position P1. Furthermore, the virtual camera 92 does not move in a specific direction (left or right in this embodiment) while moving from one of the first position P1 and the second position P2 to the other.

The display means 240 causes the virtual camera 92 to capture an image of avatar A in the virtual space 90, generating a virtual space image 97. The display means 240 then displays the generated virtual space image 97 on the monitor 31. The display means 240 then repeats the process at a predetermined frame rate (e.g., 120 fps), causing the video (moving image) captured of the virtual space 90 by the virtual camera 92 to be displayed on the monitor 31. The process performed by the display means 240 is an example of a display step.

The display means 240 also displays UI objects superimposed on the virtual space image 97. The UI objects include output objects that notify the user of the status of avatar A, and input objects that accept user operations (e.g., displaying a detailed screen). For example, as shown in FIG. 9(A), the UI objects include a minimap 81 that shows a map of the area around avatar A, a stamina gauge 82 that shows avatar A's remaining stamina, and a menu icon 83 that commands the display of a menu screen. However, specific examples of UI objects are not limited to the above-mentioned examples.

The display means 240 displays the UI objects when the camera movement means 230 is in the first mode (i.e., the virtual camera 92 is at the first position P1). On the other hand, the display means 240 hides the UI objects when the camera movement means 230 is in the second mode (i.e., the virtual camera 92 is at the second position P2). Furthermore, the display means 240 may frame out the UI objects outside the monitor 31 (for example, in FIG. 9(A) , the minimap 81 to the right, the stamina gauge 82 to the bottom, and the menu icon 83 to the top) when the camera movement means 230 is switched from the first mode to the second mode.

[Screen display processing]
Fig. 8 is a flowchart of the screen display process. Fig. 9 shows an example of a screen displayed on the monitor 31 during the screen display process. The processor 21 of the user terminal 20 executes the screen display process while a game or VR application is being executed (in other words, while the definition means 210 is expanding virtual space data in the memory 22). At the start of the screen display process, the camera moving means 230 is in the first mode (the virtual camera 92 is at the first position P1).

First, when an operation instruction operation instructing avatar A to move (typically, move) is input to the operation device 42 (S11: Yes), the avatar operation means 220 moves avatar A in the virtual space 90 in accordance with the operation (S12). Furthermore, the first mode camera movement means 230 moves the virtual camera 92 to a new first position P1 in accordance with the movement of avatar A (S13).

Next, the display means 240 causes the virtual camera 92, which has moved to the new first position P1, to capture an image of avatar A, thereby generating a virtual space image 97. The display means 240 then displays the generated virtual space image 97 on the monitor 31 together with the UI objects 81-83 (S14). As a result, as shown in FIG. 9(A), the monitor 31 displays a virtual space image 97 captured from above and behind avatar A moving in the direction of travel indicated by the arrow. Then, by repeatedly executing the processes of steps S11-S14, avatar A can be made to act (e.g., progress in the game) within the virtual space 90.

On the other hand, if no operation instruction is input to the operation device 42 for a predetermined period of time (e.g., 60 seconds) (S11: No & S15: Yes), the camera movement means 230 moves the virtual camera 92 from the first position P1 to the second position P2 without moving it left or right, as shown in FIG. 7(B) (S16). In other words, the camera movement means 230 switches from the first mode to the second mode. Furthermore, the avatar operation means 220 operates avatar A so that the front of avatar A faces the front of the virtual camera 92 at the second position P2, as shown in FIG. 7(B) (S17). Note that this operation does not require user operation of the operation device 42. Next, the display means 240 causes the virtual camera 92, which has moved to the second position P2, to capture an image of avatar A facing forward in the virtual space 90, thereby generating a virtual space image 97. Then, as shown in FIG. 9(B), the display means 240 displays the virtual space image 97 on the monitor 31 and hides the UI objects 81-83 (S18).

Note that the screen display switching from FIG. 9(A) to FIG. 9(B) does not have to be instantaneous. That is, avatar A facing the virtual camera 92 (i.e., looking back) can be continuously imaged as the virtual camera 92 moves from first position P1 to second position P2, and the images can be displayed sequentially on the monitor 31. As a result, an image (moving image) changing from FIG. 9(A) to FIG. 9(B) is displayed on the monitor 31. Furthermore, the display means 240 may frame out the UI objects 81 to 83 outside the monitor 31 during the change from FIG. 9(A) to FIG. 9(B).

Furthermore, the avatar operation means 220 causes avatar A, facing the virtual camera 92 at the second position P2, to perform a predetermined performance (for example, dance as shown in FIG. 9(B)), assume a predetermined pose (for example, sit as shown in FIG. 9(C)), and speak (S19). The performance and pose are displayed on the monitor 31 by the display means 240. The voice of avatar A is output from the speaker 36. Note that some or all of the performance, pose, and speech by avatar A may be omitted.

The screen shown in FIG. 9(B) or FIG. 9(C) continues to be displayed until an operation instruction is input to the operation device 42. Furthermore, when an operation instruction is input to the operation device 42 while the virtual camera 92 is positioned at the second position P2 (S11: Yes), the processor 21 executes steps S12 to S14. That is, the avatar operation means 220 returns avatar A to the posture it had immediately before executing step S17, the camera movement means 230 moves the virtual camera 92 from the second position P2 to the first position P1 (switching from the second mode to the first mode), and the display means 240 displays the UI objects 81 to 83. As a result, the screen displayed on the monitor 31 returns from FIG. 9(B) or FIG. 9(C) to FIG. 9(A).

Then, processor 21 repeatedly executes steps S11 to S19 until avatar A's activity (e.g., game progress) within virtual space 90 ends (S20: No). When avatar A's activity within virtual space 90 ends (S20: Yes), the screen display process ends.

[Operation and effect of the first embodiment]
According to the first embodiment, when the user is not operating the operation device 42, the avatar A is operated so that the front of the avatar A faces the front of the virtual camera 92 at the second position P2, without requiring any operation from the user. This allows a user who is not concentrating on operating the avatar A to fully appreciate the appeal of the avatar A.

Note that "the front of avatar A faces the front of virtual camera 92" does not necessarily mean that avatar A faces strictly directly in front of virtual camera 92. In other words, taking human-shaped avatar A as an example, it is sufficient that avatar A's face (the side with the eyes, nose, and mouth) faces virtual camera 92, and this may include a posture that makes avatar A look most attractive, such as facing diagonally, looking up, or tilting the head. Furthermore, for animals, monsters, robots, and vehicles, it is sufficient that the front is preset due to the characteristics of the character.

Furthermore, by fixing the horizontal position of the virtual camera 92 when moving the virtual camera 92 from the first position P1 to the second position P2, the background of avatar A does not change significantly. This is advantageous, for example, when you want to take a screenshot of avatar A with the current background. It also prevents the user from losing track of the direction avatar A is moving. Furthermore, by enlarging the virtual camera 92 with avatar A facing you (i.e., bringing the virtual camera 92 closer) and capturing the image, you can fully bring out the charm of avatar A.

Furthermore, according to the above embodiment, when the operation of issuing an instruction to the operation device 42 is resumed, the virtual camera 92 can be returned from the second position P2 to the first position P1, thereby restoring the angle of view to one suitable for operating avatar A.

Furthermore, according to the above embodiment, the UI objects 81-83 are hidden as the virtual camera 92 is moved from the first position P1 to the second position P2. This makes it possible to obtain an image that does not include the UI objects 81-83 (i.e., only the background and avatar A) when taking a screenshot of the screen using a function built into the user terminal 20 itself.

Furthermore, according to the above embodiment, avatar A performs a performance, poses, and speaks as the virtual camera 92 moves from the first position P1 to the second position P2. This makes it possible to further enhance the appeal of avatar A. Note that the performance, pose, and speech may be predetermined, selected by the user, or random.

Second Embodiment
The processing of the user terminal 20 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 10 and 11. Figure 10 is a functional block diagram of the user terminal 20 according to the second embodiment. Figure 11 shows an example screen (A) and a screenshot image 85 (B) displayed on the monitor 31 during the screen display processing. Note that a detailed description of the commonalities with the first embodiment will be omitted, and the description will focus on the differences. The terminal program 23P according to the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the processor 21 further functions as a recording means 250.

As shown in FIG. 11(A), in step S18 of FIG. 8, the display means 240 according to the second embodiment displays a screenshot icon 84 on the monitor 31, superimposed on the virtual space image 97. The screenshot icon 84 is an icon that prompts the virtual space image 97 captured by the virtual camera 92 to be recorded as a screenshot image 85. The display means 240 according to the second embodiment may also display UI objects 81 to 83 on the monitor 31, superimposed on the virtual space image 97.

When the screenshot icon 84 displayed on the monitor 31 is tapped, the recording means 250 acquires the latest virtual space image 97 captured by the virtual camera 92 as a screenshot image 85. The recording means 250 may then record the acquired screenshot image 85 in the storage 23 or upload it to the server 10. Note that, as shown in FIG. 10(B), the screenshot image 85 acquired by the recording means 250 does not include the UI objects 81-83 and the screenshot icon 84. In other words, the recording means 250 acquires the virtual space image 97 before the UI objects 81-83 and the screenshot icon 84 are superimposed as the screenshot image 85.

As in the second embodiment, when a screenshot is taken using a function of the terminal program 23P rather than a function of the user terminal 20 itself, there is no need to hide the UI objects 81-83. This allows a screenshot image 85 that does not include the UI objects 81-83 to be acquired, and also allows the user to recognize the state of avatar A. However, even in the second embodiment, when avatar A is facing the virtual camera 92 at the second position P2, the UI objects 81-83 may be hidden.

[Third embodiment]
The processing of the user terminal 20 according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 12 to 14. Figure 12 is a functional block diagram of the user terminal 20 according to the third embodiment. Figure 13 is an example of a screen displayed on the monitor 31 in the screen display processing. Figure 14 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between avatar A and enemy characters 86 to 88. Note that a detailed description of the commonalities with the first embodiment will be omitted, and the description will focus on the differences. The terminal program 23P according to the third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that it causes the processor 21 to further function as enemy character control means 260 (object control means).

The enemy character control means 260 controls the actions (e.g., movement, attack) of enemy characters 86, 87, and 88 (examples of second objects) placed within the virtual space 90. More specifically, the enemy character control means 260 moves the enemy characters 86 to 88 within the virtual space 90 in a predetermined pattern. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 14(A), the enemy character control means 260 attacks avatar A when it enters a virtual circle (shown by a dashed line in FIG. 14) centered on the enemy character 86 (i.e., when it approaches within a predetermined distance). Attacks include, for example, physical attacks, magical attacks, and restriction of actions.

As shown in FIG. 13, the enemy character control means 260 according to the third embodiment causes the enemy character 86 to attack avatar A when the avatar A approaches within a predetermined distance, regardless of whether the virtual camera 92 is at the first position P1 or the second position P2. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 13(A), the avatar operation means 220 causes avatar A to attack the enemy character 86 in accordance with the user's operation on the operation device 42. In other words, the terminal program 23P according to the third embodiment realizes a game in which avatar A defeats enemy characters 86 to 88 within a virtual space 90 (field). Furthermore, if the enemy character 86 is included in the field of view 94 (angle of view) of the virtual camera 92, a virtual space image 97 including the enemy character 86 is displayed on the monitor 31 by the display means 240, as shown in FIG. 13.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 13(B), when avatar A is attacked by an enemy character 86 while the virtual camera 92 is positioned at the second position P2 (i.e., the camera movement means 230 is in the second mode), the camera movement means 230 according to the third embodiment moves the virtual camera 92 from the second position P2 to the first position P1 (i.e., the camera movement means 230 is in the first mode). Furthermore, the avatar operation means 220 may cause avatar A to face the attacking enemy character 86 directly, as shown in FIG. 13(A).

According to the third embodiment, when avatar A is attacked by an enemy character 86, the display mode is switched to one that makes it easier for the avatar A to counterattack the enemy character 86. This prevents avatar A from receiving more damage than necessary from the enemy character 86 than would be possible if the virtual camera 92 were to remain positioned at the second position P2.

Note that an attack against avatar A is an example of a "specific action" of the enemy character 86. However, specific examples of specific actions are not limited to attacks. Other examples of specific actions of the enemy character 86 against avatar A include searching for the enemy, restoring stamina, calling in allies (other enemy characters), restricting actions (putting the enemy in a stunned state), etc. The same applies to variant example 1 below.

[Modification 1]
As a first modification of the third embodiment, the enemy character control means 260 may cause the enemy character 86 to attack avatar A when the virtual camera 92 is at a first position P1, as shown in Fig. 13(A). On the other hand, the enemy character control means 260 may cause the enemy character 86 to stop attacking avatar A when the virtual camera 92 is at a second position P2, as shown in Fig. 13(B). This allows the user to view avatar A without being disturbed by attacks from the enemy character 86.

[Modification 2]
As a second modification of the third embodiment, when no operation instruction operation is input to the user terminal 20 for a predetermined continuous time and the enemy characters 86 to 88 are not positioned within a predetermined distance from the avatar A (FIG. 14B), the camera moving means 230 may move the virtual camera 92 from the first position P1 to the second position P2, and the avatar operating means 220 may cause the avatar A to face the virtual camera 92 at the second position P2. This allows priority to be given to viewing the avatar A when the possibility of an attack from the enemy characters 86 to 88 is low.

On the other hand, if no operation instruction operation has been input to the user terminal 20 for a predetermined continuous period of time and an enemy character 86 is positioned a predetermined distance from avatar A (FIG. 14(A)), the camera movement means 230 may not move the virtual camera 92 from the first position P1 to the second position P2, and the avatar operation means 220 may not cause avatar A to directly face the virtual camera 92. This allows preparation for battle to be prioritized when there is a high possibility of an attack from the enemy character 86.

[Other Modifications]
As another variation, the system 1 may provide a solo-play game in which a user of one user terminal 20 plays alone, and a multiplayer game in which users of multiple user terminals 20A, 20B, and 20C cooperate or compete against each other. When a solo-play game is being executed on the user terminal 20, the processor 21 may execute the processes of steps S16 to S19 if no operation instruction operation is continuously input to the user terminal 20 for a predetermined period of time. On the other hand, when a multiplayer game is being executed on the user terminal 20, the processor 21 may not execute the processes of steps S16 to S19 even if no operation instruction operation is continuously input to the user terminal 20 for a predetermined period of time. This allows each user to prioritize the progress of the game in a multiplayer game.

Furthermore, when avatar A is facing the virtual camera 92 at the second position P2, the display means 240 may hide enemy characters 86-88 or avatars of other users (other examples of second objects) located between avatar A and the virtual camera 92. This allows the user to view avatar A without being disturbed by the enemy characters 86-88 or the avatars of other users.

Furthermore, 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. In other words, 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, 33...Camera, 35...Microphone, 36...Speaker, 41...Motion Sensor, 42...Operation Device, 81...Mini Map, 82...Stamina Gauge, 83...Menu Icon, 84...Screenshot Icon, 85...Screenshot Image, 86, 87, 88...Enemy Character, 90...Virtual Space, 91...Panoramic Image, 92...Virtual Camera, 93...Reference Line of Sight, 94...Field of View Area, 95, 96...Area, 97...Virtual Space Image, 210...Definition Means, 220...Avatar Operation Means, 230...Camera Movement Means, 240...Display Means, 250...Recording Means, 260...Enemy Character Control Means

Claims (11)

Computer,
an operation means for operating a first object placed in a virtual space in accordance with an operation by a user;
a display unit that displays an image of the first object in the virtual space captured by a virtual camera;
the operating means, when no operation from the user is input for a predetermined time, operates the first object so that a front surface of the first object faces a front surface of the virtual camera without requiring an operation from the user;
the display means displays an image of the first object facing forward in the virtual space without moving the virtual camera in a left-right direction ;
A program that causes the computer to function as a moving unit that moves the position of the virtual camera downward when no operation is input by the user for a predetermined continuous period of time . Computer,
an operation means for operating a first object placed in a virtual space in accordance with an operation by a user;
a display unit that displays an image of the first object in the virtual space captured by a virtual camera;
the operating means, when no operation from the user is input for a predetermined time, operates the first object so that a front surface of the first object faces a front surface of the virtual camera without requiring an operation from the user;
the display means displays an image of the first object facing forward in the virtual space without moving the virtual camera in a left-right direction ;
the display means displays an icon prompting the user to record an image when no operation is input by the user for a predetermined period of time;
A program that causes the computer to function as a recording unit that records an image captured by the virtual camera when the icon is tapped . Computer,
an operation means for operating a first object placed in a virtual space in accordance with an operation by a user;
a display unit that displays an image of the first object in the virtual space captured by a virtual camera;
the operating means, when no operation from the user is input for a predetermined time, operates the first object so that a front surface of the first object faces a front surface of the virtual camera without requiring an operation from the user;
the display means displays an image of the first object facing forward in the virtual space without moving the virtual camera in a left-right direction ;
The operating means is a program that, when no operation from the user has been input continuously for a predetermined time and a second object is not located within a predetermined distance from the first object, operates the first object so that the front of the first object faces the front of the virtual camera without requiring operation from the user . 2. The program according to claim 1 ,
The moving means moves the virtual camera closer to the first object facing forward when no operation from the user is continuously input for a predetermined time. 5. The program according to claim 4 ,
The virtual camera
a first position at which a virtual space in which the first object is placed is displayed in a reduced size;
The first object is movable from the first position to a second position where the virtual space in which the first object is placed is enlarged and displayed,
The moving means is
moving the virtual camera from the first position to the second position when no operation from the user is continuously input for a predetermined period of time;
a program that, when the user inputs an operation while the virtual camera is positioned at the second position, moves the virtual camera from the second position to the first position; 6. The program according to claim 5 ,
The display means
displaying a UI object when the virtual camera is in the first position;
The program hides the UI object when the virtual camera is at the second position. 6. The program according to claim 5 ,
The moving means moves the virtual camera from the second position to the first position when a specific action is caused to the first object by a second object while the virtual camera is positioned at the second position. 6. The program according to claim 5 ,
causing the computer to further function as object control means for controlling the movement of a second object placed in the virtual space;
The object control means
causing the second object to perform a specific action on the first object when the virtual camera is at the first position;
A program that causes the second object to stop a specific action toward the first object when the virtual camera is at the second position. an operation means for operating a first object placed in a virtual space in accordance with an operation by a user;
a display means for displaying an image of the first object in the virtual space captured by a virtual camera,
the operating means, when no operation from the user is input for a predetermined time, operates the first object so that a front surface of the first object faces a front surface of the virtual camera without requiring an operation from the user;
the display means displays an image of the first object facing forward in the virtual space without moving the virtual camera in a left-right direction ;
a moving means for moving the position of the virtual camera downward when no operation is input by the user for a predetermined period of time . an operation means for operating a first object placed in a virtual space in accordance with an operation by a user;
a display means for displaying an image of the first object in the virtual space captured by a virtual camera,
the operating means, when no operation from the user is input for a predetermined time, operates the first object so that a front surface of the first object faces a front surface of the virtual camera without requiring an operation from the user;
the display means displays an image of the first object facing forward in the virtual space without moving the virtual camera in a left-right direction ;
the display means displays an icon prompting the user to record an image when no operation is input by the user for a predetermined period of time;
The system further comprises a recording means for recording an image captured by the virtual camera when the icon is tapped . an operation means for operating a first object placed in a virtual space in accordance with an operation by a user;
a display means for displaying an image of the first object in the virtual space captured by a virtual camera,
the operating means, when no operation from the user is input for a predetermined time, operates the first object so that a front surface of the first object faces a front surface of the virtual camera without requiring an operation from the user;
the display means displays an image of the first object facing forward in the virtual space without moving the virtual camera in a left-right direction ;
The operating means operates the first object so that the front of the first object faces the front of the virtual camera without requiring operation from the user when no operation from the user is input continuously for a predetermined time and a second object is not located within a predetermined distance from the first object .