JP2021104299A - Watching system, computer program for watching system, and control method of watching system - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a watching system capable of giving relevance to effects shown according to operations between a plurality of watching users.SOLUTION: A watching system 100 for distributing a game image to each display device of a plurality of watching users includes operation accepting means for accepting watcher operations by the plurality of watching users, and effect control means for controlling an operation effect corresponding to the watcher operation. The operation accepting means allows a display device to display a guide image for guiding operation timing when the watcher operation is to be performed, as a guide instruction of the watcher operation.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to a spectator system that accepts spectator operations by a spectator user, a computer program for the spectator system, and a control method for the spectator system.

In the game system of Patent Document 1, the game screen generation unit for watching games of the game management server transmits the generated game screens for watching games to the streaming server for distribution. Then, the generated game screen for watching games is distributed from the streaming server to a plurality of watching player terminals. Further, the spectator player instruction reception unit of the game management server receives instructions regarding the game by the spectator player. Then, when the spectator player instruction reception unit receives an action instruction from the spectator player, the spectator player instruction reception unit transmits the received instruction to the game control unit. After that, the game control unit executes the instructed action and reflects it in the game.

Further, in the game system of Patent Document 1, the watching screen generation unit of the watching management server generates the watching screen displayed on the watching player terminal. Further, the spectator player terminal acquires the mini-game from the spectator management server and executes the acquired mini-game. Then, the spectator player terminal transmits the execution result of the mini game to the spectator management server, and the spectator management server transmits the execution result of the mini game to the game management server. After that, the game management server affects the game being executed by the player of the game player terminal according to the execution result of the mini game. In the mini-game, it is possible to produce an effect in which the spectator player is cheering for the game player.

Further, in the system for distributing the live video of Patent Document 2, the video distribution control unit of the video distribution server accepts the input of the item to the distributor of the live video by each of the plurality of viewers. Further, the video distribution control unit determines whether or not the input of the item by the viewer satisfies the predetermined combo condition. Then, the video distribution control unit generates a combo when a predetermined combo condition is satisfied. In response to the occurrence of the combo, the video distribution control unit imparts a value that brings benefits to the distributor. Further, in the system of Patent Document 2, the viewer screen has a comment input area, a "like" button, and an item input button.

JP 2015-77291 Japanese Patent No. 6511217

A spectator user who watches the delivered video may want to exert an effect that affects the delivered video in response to his / her own operation. For example, when a game video is distributed, a spectator user desires to output an effect such as an applause voice and an image of a cheering message at the same time as the game video in order to support the player playing the game. Sometimes. In this case, since the spectator user performs each operation, the effect corresponding to each operation is also output at each timing. Therefore, it is difficult for the spectator user to obtain a sense of solidarity with other spectator users.

The spectator system according to one aspect of the present invention is a spectator system in which a game image is distributed to display devices of a plurality of spectator users, and is an operation acceptance means for accepting spectator operations by the plurality of spectator users and the spectator. The operation receiving means includes an effect control means for controlling an operation effect corresponding to the operation, and the operation receiving means displays a guide image for guiding the operation timing in which the viewer operation should be performed as a guide instruction for the viewer operation. To display.

Further, the computer program for the watching system according to one aspect of the present invention is a computer program for the watching system that includes a computer and distributes the game image to the display devices of a plurality of watching users. The operation accepting means for accepting the spectator operation by a plurality of spectator users and the effect control means for controlling the operation effect corresponding to the spectator operation are made to function, and the operation accepting means is used as a guidance instruction for the spectator operation. The display device displays a guide image that guides the operation timing at which the viewer operation should be performed.

Further, the control method of the spectator system according to one aspect of the present invention is a control method of the spectator system in which the game image is distributed to the display devices of a plurality of spectator users, and accepts the spectator operation by the plurality of spectator users. , The operation effect corresponding to the spectator operation is controlled, and as a guidance instruction for the spectator operation, a guidance image for guiding the operation timing at which the spectator operation should be performed is displayed on the display device.

As a result, it is possible to make the effect exerted in response to the operation of a plurality of spectator users related to each other. Therefore, the spectator user can obtain a sense of solidarity with other spectator users, and the spectator user's viewing motivation is improved.

Schematic overview of the watching system. Schematic block diagram of the watching system. The schematic explanatory view of the viewing screen in 1st Embodiment. Schematic diagram of the watching screen. The flowchart of the process in 1st Embodiment. The schematic explanatory view of the viewing screen in 2nd Embodiment. The flowchart of the process in 2nd Embodiment. The schematic explanatory view of the viewing screen in 3rd Embodiment. The flowchart of the process in 3rd Embodiment.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes and relative positions of the components described in the following embodiments can be arbitrarily set and can be changed according to the configuration of the device to which the present invention is applied or various conditions. Further, unless otherwise specified, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments specifically described below.

[First Embodiment]
As shown in FIG. 1, the spectator system 100 in which the game video is distributed to the display devices of a plurality of spectator users includes a management server 10. Further, the game watching system 100 includes a playback terminal 20 for viewing a game video, a distribution server 30 for distributing the game video, a game server 60, and a game terminal 70 as an example of a game device. The playback terminal 20 can be connected to the management server 10 via a predetermined network 50. As an example, the spectator user uses the playback terminal 20 at the venue of the game tournament, the user's home, or the like. Further, the game terminal 70 can be connected to the game server 60 via a predetermined network 50. As an example, a user who plays a game uses the game terminal 70 at a venue of a game tournament or a predetermined facility such as a store.

The management server 10, the distribution server 30, and the game server 60 are configured as one logical server device by combining server units as a plurality of computers. However, the management server 10, the distribution server 30, and the game server 60 may be configured by a single server unit. Alternatively, the management server 10, the distribution server 30, and the game server 60 may be logically configured by using cloud computing.

The management server 10 manages a watching service for the playing terminal 20 or the user of the playing terminal 20 to allow the watching user to watch the game video. The watching service includes a distribution service for distributing and updating a program or data for the playback terminal 20 via the network 50. Through this distribution service, the management server 10 appropriately distributes various programs or data necessary for viewing the game video to each playback terminal 20.

For example, the management server 10 provides a Web service to the user of the playback terminal 20 via the network 50. The Web service includes a video distribution service that distributes a video reproduced through the watching service when the watching service is provided via the playback terminal 20. The Web service assigns an information providing service that provides various information related to video, a community service that provides a place for interaction such as information transmission, exchange, and sharing by users, and a user ID for identifying each user. It may include other services such as services.

The distribution server 30 provides a service for distributing a game video to the playback terminal 20 or the user of the playback terminal 20 via the management server 10. As an example, the distribution server 30 distributes the game video generated by the game server 60 to the playback terminal 20 via the management server 10. The game video includes a game screen distributed by the distribution server 30, and is displayed at the same time as a watching screen managed by the management server 10. The distribution server 30 may distribute a video other than the video received from the game server 60. As an example, the distribution server 30 may distribute a game video created by a user who plays a game. In this case, the distribution server 30 distributes the game video uploaded by the user to the playback terminal 20 via the management server 10.

The game server 60 provides various services for the game device to the game terminal 70 or the user of the game terminal 70. This service includes a distribution service that distributes and updates a program or data for a game terminal 70 via a network 50. Through this distribution service, the game server 60 appropriately distributes various programs or data necessary for providing the game service to each game terminal 70.

The game server 60 provides a service for sports games as an example. For example, as a sports game, the game server 60 provides a service for a baseball game including a training part for training baseball players and a competition part in which a team to which the trained baseball players belong is played against an opponent team. The game server 60 includes FPS (first person shooter) games, TPS (third person shooter) games, RTS (real-time strategy) games, MOBA (multiplayer online battle arena) games, and MMORPG (massively multiplayer) games. -Online role playing games), fighting games, racing games, puzzle games, trading card games, and services for other games such as online strategy games may be provided. In the following, a case where the game server 60 provides a service for a baseball game will be described as an example.

Further, the service for the game device provided by the game server 60 may include a service in which the game server 60 receives the user identification information of the user from the game terminal 70 and authenticates the user. Further, the service for the game device may include a service in which the game server 60 receives and stores the video of the game screen or the play data including the play result of the authenticated user from the game terminal 70. Further, the service for the game device may include a service for providing the play data stored in the game server 60 to the game terminal 70. In addition, the service for the game device may include a service in which the game server 60 matches the users when a plurality of users play a common game via the network 50. Further, the service for the game device may include a service in which the game server 60 collects a fee from the user.

The network 50 is configured so that the game terminal 70 and the playback terminal 20 can be connected to the management server 10, the distribution server 30, and the game server 60, respectively. As an example, the network 50 is configured to realize network communication using the TCP / IP protocol. Specifically, the LAN 52 connects each of the management server 10, the distribution server 30, and the game server 60 to the Internet 51. Then, the Internet 51 as a WAN and the LAN 52 are connected via the router 53. The playback terminal 20 and the game terminal 70 are also configured to be connected to the Internet 51. The management server 10, the distribution server 30, the game server 60, and the playback terminal 20 and the game terminal 70 may be connected to each other by the Internet 51 in place of or in addition to the LAN 52.

The playback terminal 20 and the game terminal 70 are computer devices that can be connected to a network. For example, the playback terminal 20 and the game terminal 70 include a stationary or book-type personal computer 54 and a mobile terminal device 55 such as a mobile phone (including a smartphone). In addition, various computer devices such as a stationary home-use game device, a portable game device, and a portable tablet terminal device are included in the playback terminal 20 and the game terminal 70. By implementing various computer software, the playback terminal 20 and the game terminal 70 can allow the user to enjoy various services provided by the management server 10 and the game server 60. Specifically, the playback terminal 20 functions as a game video display terminal through video playback software. Further, the game terminal 70 functions as a game device through software for the game device. The playback terminal 20 and the game terminal 70 may be arcade game machines.

As an example, in the watching system 100, the game server 60 provides a game service to the game terminal 70. Then, the game server 60 records a game image of the game being played by the game terminal 70, a game image created by shooting a game screen, or the like. The game video may be a video related to the game, such as a video of a user playing the game or a spectator watching the game. The game server 60 transmits the acquired or created game video to the distribution server 30. Then, the distribution server 30 distributes the received game video. The management server 10 synthesizes a watching screen with the game video distributed by the distribution server 30 and provides it to the playback terminal 20.

A spectator user who watches the game video can input a spectator operation using the playback terminal 20. Then, the management server 10 outputs the operation effect, which is an effect corresponding to the viewer operation, to the playback terminal 20 together with the game image. For example, when the spectator user touches the operation button for displaying the support message, the management server 10 accepts the operation as a spectator operation. Then, the management server 10 synthesizes a support message with the game video and displays it on the playback terminal 20. At least two of the management server 10, the distribution server 30, and the game server 60 can be provided in one server. For example, the management server 10 can also function as the distribution server 30. Further, the game server 60 can also function as the management server 10 and the distribution server 30.

A spectator user who watches the delivered video may want to exert an effect that affects the delivered video in response to his / her own operation. For example, when a game video is distributed, a spectator user desires to output an effect such as an applause voice and an image of a cheering message at the same time as the game video in order to support the player playing the game. Sometimes. In this case, since the spectator user performs each operation, the effect corresponding to each operation is also output at each timing. Therefore, it is difficult for the spectator user to obtain a sense of solidarity with other spectator users.

Therefore, in the first embodiment, the interrelationship of the input of the spectator operation by each of the plurality of spectator users is evaluated, and the operation effect changes according to the evaluation result. As a result, it is possible to make the effect exerted in response to the operation of a plurality of spectator users related to each other. Therefore, the spectator user can obtain a sense of solidarity with other spectator users, and the spectator user's viewing motivation is improved.

[Control system of watching system]
Next, the control system of the watching system 100 will be described with reference to FIG. First, the management server 10 includes a server control unit 11, a server storage unit 12, and a communication unit (not shown). The server control unit 11 executes various controls for synthesizing the watching screen with the game video received from the distribution server 30 and transmitting it to the playback terminal 20. Further, the server storage unit 12 stores the control program of the management server 10, the watching program PG for providing the watching service, and the watching data OD used for creating the watching screen.

The distribution server 30 includes a distribution control unit 31, a distribution storage unit 32, and a communication unit (not shown). The distribution control unit 31 executes various controls for distributing the game video received from the game server 60. Further, the distribution storage unit 32 stores the control program of the distribution server 30 and the game video received from the game server 60. The game video may be distributed to each user all at once, and even if it is a real-time video distribution (live distribution) format, it is not a real-time format, for example, an edited video is distributed. You may.

The game server 60 includes a game control unit 61, a game storage unit 62, and a communication unit (not shown). The game control unit 61 executes various controls for providing a game service to the game terminal 70. Further, the game control unit 61 records the video of the game screen, stores it in the game storage unit 62, and uploads it to the distribution server 30 as the game video. Further, the game storage unit 62 stores the control program of the game server 60, user data which is information related to the user, and game data which is information related to the game. As an example, the user data includes user identification information, user personal information, and the like. Further, the game data includes various data such as image data, BGM data, and user play data. The play data is data for inheriting the contents unique to each user such as the user's play history (past achievements) from the next time onward.

The server control unit 11, the distribution control unit 31, and the game control unit 61 provide a processor that executes various arithmetic processes and operation controls according to a predetermined program, an internal memory required for the operation of the processor, and other peripheral devices. It is configured as a combined computer. As an example, these processors are a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro-Processing Unit), and control the entire apparatus based on a predetermined program and also collectively control various processes.

The server storage unit 12, the distribution storage unit 32, and the game storage unit 62 are storage devices including a computer-readable non-temporary storage medium. The server storage unit 12, the distribution storage unit 32, and the game storage unit 62 include a RAM (Random Access Memory), which is a system work memory for operating the processor, and a ROM (Read Only Memory) for storing a program and system software. ), HDD (Hard Disc Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive) and other storage devices. The processor can execute various processing operations such as calculation, control, and determination according to the control program stored in the ROM or HDD. The server storage unit 12, the distribution storage unit 32, and the game storage unit 62 may hold all the data in one storage device, or may distribute and store the data in a plurality of storage devices. ..

A display device for displaying the input state, setting state, measurement result, and various information of the device is connected to the server control unit 11, the distribution control unit 31, and the game control unit 61 by wire or wirelessly. Further, an operating device including a keyboard or various switches for inputting predetermined commands and data is connected to the server storage unit 12, the distribution storage unit 32, and the game storage unit 62 by wire or wirelessly. The server control unit 11, the distribution control unit 31, and the game control unit 61 can be used for CD (Compact Disc), DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), CF (Compact Flash) card, USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, and the like. Control can also be performed according to a program stored in a carry-on recording medium or an external storage medium such as a server on the Internet.

The reproduction terminal 20 includes a reproduction control unit 21, a reproduction storage unit 22, an operation unit 23 as an operation device, a display unit 24 as a display device, a speaker 25 as an audio output device, and a communication unit (not shown). The reproduction storage unit 22 stores the control program of the reproduction terminal 20 and the reproduction program of the game image. The reproduction control unit 21 controls the reproduction terminal 20 and executes the reproduction program to display the game image on the display unit 24. Further, the operation unit 23 is an operation device such as a controller or a touch panel, and receives an input of a spectator operation by a spectator user. Further, the display unit 24 is a display device such as a television, a display, or a touch panel, and displays a game image to be viewed by the user. The speaker 25 outputs related sounds such as game sounds as the game image is played back. The operation unit 23, the display unit 24, and the speaker 25 may be integrated with the playback terminal 20 or may be separate.

The game terminal 70 includes a terminal control unit 71, a terminal storage unit 72, a game operation unit 73, a game display unit 74, and a communication unit (not shown). The terminal storage unit 72 stores the control program of the game terminal 70 and the game program. The terminal control unit 71 controls the game terminal 70 and executes a game program to allow the user to play the game. Further, the game operation unit 73 is an operation device such as a controller or a touch panel, and receives input of a game operation by a user. The game display unit 74 is a display device such as a display or a touch panel, and displays a game screen of a game played by a user. The game operation unit 73 and the game display unit 74 may be integrated with the game terminal 70 or may be separate from the game terminal 70. Further, the game terminal 70 includes an audio output device (not shown). The terminal control unit 71 controls the progress of the game by executing the game program, but the terminal control unit 71 may control the progress of the game in cooperation with the game control unit 61. For example, the game control unit 61 may control the progress of at least a part of the game, and the terminal control unit 71 may display the result on the game display unit 74. Further, the server control unit 11 collects play data from the game terminal 70 and manages the collected play data. Further, the server control unit 11 collects a game image, key information for reconstructing the game image, and the like from the game terminal 70.

The reproduction control unit 21 and the terminal control unit 71 are configured as a computer in which a processor that executes various arithmetic processes and operation controls according to a predetermined program, an internal memory required for the operation of the processor, and other peripheral devices are combined. ing. As an example, these processors are a CPU or an MPU, and control the entire apparatus based on a predetermined program, and also collectively control various processes. The playback control unit 21 and the terminal control unit 71 perform control according to a program stored in a portable recording medium such as a CD, DVD, CF card, or USB memory, or an external storage medium such as a server on the Internet. You can also.

The reproduction storage unit 22 and the terminal storage unit 72 are storage devices including a computer-readable non-temporary storage medium. The playback storage unit 22 and the terminal storage unit 72 include a RAM, which is a system work memory for operating the processor, and a storage device such as a ROM, HDD, and SSD for storing a program and system software. The processor can execute various processing operations such as calculation, control, and determination according to the control program stored in the ROM or HDD. The reproduction storage unit 22 and the terminal storage unit 72 may hold all the data in one storage device, or may distribute and store the data in a plurality of storage devices.

[Management server]
The server control unit 11 of the management server 10 includes an operation acceptance unit 111 as an operation acceptance means, an evaluation unit 112 as an evaluation means, an effect control unit 113 as an effect control means, a consideration acceptance unit 114 as a consideration acceptance means, and a screen generation. A screen generation unit 115 as a means and a distribution unit 116 as a distribution means are provided as logical devices. These logical devices are realized by a combination of the hardware resources of the server control unit 11 and the watching program PG as software resources.

The operation receiving unit 111 accepts spectator operations by a plurality of spectator users input to the playback terminal 20. Therefore, the operation receiving unit 111 executes a guidance instruction for guiding at least one of the operation timing and the operation position where the spectator operation should be performed. Specifically, the operation receiving unit 111 causes the display unit 24 of the playback terminal 20 to display the guidance image as a guidance instruction for the viewer operation. As a result, the input timings of the spectator operations by different spectator users can be aligned, so that the timings of the operation effects exhibited in response to the spectator operations can be aligned as much as possible. In addition, the evaluation result by the evaluation unit 112 can be increased according to the result that the input timings of the viewer operations are aligned. As an example, FIG. 3 shows a state in which the guide image GI1 is displayed in the operation guide column OG1 on the watching screen displayed together with the game image. The guide image GI1 moves toward the operation position OP1 with the passage of time.

Then, the spectator user touches the operation position OP1 at the timing when the guide image GI1 reaches the operation position OP1 and both of them overlap. As a result, the operation receiving unit 111 acquires the input timing and the input position of the viewer operation from the operation unit 23 of the playback terminal 20. In addition, instead of or in addition to displaying on the display unit 24, the operation receiving unit 111 outputs a sound indicating the operation timing and the operation position OP1 to the speaker 25, or another mode (for example, vibration) indicating the operation timing. Etc.) may be executed by the playback terminal 20.

Further, the operation receiving unit 111 may guide only the operation position by the guide image GI1. For example, when the spectator user touches the operation position OP1 instructed by the guide image GI1 at a desired timing while the cheering song is being played, the clapping voice is output. In this case, the timing of touching the operation position OP1 is arbitrarily determined by the spectator user. If the operation timing such as the timing of clapping is known to a large number of spectator users, the operation receiving unit 111 can omit the guidance of the operation timing. In this case, even if the spectator user arbitrarily determines, the input timing of the spectator operation by the plurality of spectator users can be aligned.

Further, the operation receiving unit 111 causes the display unit 24 to display an input field IF for displaying the guidance image GI2 as an operation button in order to execute the guidance instruction for the viewer operation. As an example, in the input field IF of FIG. 3, a plurality of guide images GI2 including the character strings of "support", "support 300Pt", and "support 5000Pt" are displayed. In order to guide the operation timing, the operation receiving unit 111 displays the operation button at the timing of displaying the support message. In the example of FIG. 3, the operation receiving unit 111 displays the operation button at the timing when the pitcher performs the pitching operation. When the spectator user touches the operation button, the operation receiving unit 111 accepts the input of the spectator operation, and a predetermined message is displayed as an effect image.

The evaluation unit 112 evaluates the interrelationship of the input of the spectator operation by each of the plurality of spectator users. As an example, the mutual relationship is a relationship in which the input timings of a plurality of spectator users are close to each other. Specifically, the evaluation unit 112 compares the input timings of the spectator operations by the plurality of spectator users and evaluates the mutual relationship. Further, the evaluation unit 112 compares the input timings of the spectator operations by the plurality of spectator users based on the reference timing corresponding to the guidance instruction by the operation acceptance unit 111. Thereby, the input timings of the spectator operations by the plurality of spectator users can be matched based on the reference timing.

As an example, the reference timing corresponding to the guidance instruction is the operation timing guided by the guidance instruction. Alternatively, the reference timing is a timing at which the operation position is scheduled to be touched, such as a timing at which applause should be performed, and is set in response to a guidance instruction. The evaluation unit 112 may evaluate one viewer operation in comparison with other viewer operations, or may compare and evaluate a plurality of viewer operations. Further, the evaluation unit 112 may evaluate the spectator operation by one spectator user in comparison with the spectator operation by another spectator user. Further, the evaluation unit 112 may compare and evaluate the spectator operations specified from a plurality of spectator movements by one spectator user.

The evaluation unit 112 can specify the input timing based on the time when the playback of the game video is started or the operation timing instructed by the operation acceptance unit 111. For example, if the viewer operation is input when 10 minutes have passed from the start of playback of the game video, the evaluation unit 112 specifies that the input timing is 10 minutes. Further, when the viewer operation is input 1 second after the operation timing, the evaluation unit 112 identifies that the input timing is 1 second later. Similarly, when the viewer operation is input 1 second before the operation timing, the evaluation unit 112 identifies that the input timing is 1 second before.

As an example, the evaluation unit 112 acquires the input timing of each spectator operation of the plurality of spectator users from the operation acceptance unit 111. Then, the evaluation unit 112 evaluates that the input timings are simultaneous, or that a plurality of viewer operations included in a predetermined time range are in a close relationship. Further, the evaluation unit 112 evaluates the mutual relationship according to the number of viewer operations in a close relationship. As a result, when the number of spectator operations in close proximity is larger than the predetermined reference value, the evaluation unit 112 determines a high evaluation (GOOD in FIG. 3) as the evaluation result. On the other hand, when the number of spectator operations in close proximity is less than a predetermined reference value, the evaluation unit 112 determines a low evaluation (POOR in FIG. 3) as an evaluation result. In this case, the evaluation unit 112 evaluates the interrelationship of the input of the viewer operation by dividing it into a plurality of levels. Further, the evaluation unit 112 may determine the evaluation result based on the ratio of the number of viewer operations in a close relationship to the total number of viewer operations input within a predetermined time range. .. Further, the evaluation unit 112 may evaluate the mutual relationship numerically, or may determine a high evaluation as an evaluation result when the accumulated evaluation result reaches a predetermined value.

The predetermined time range is, for example, a range of 0 to 30 seconds from a predetermined reference. In this case, the evaluation unit 112 determines that the viewer operation input within 30 seconds after the first input timing is regarded as a nearby viewer operation. Alternatively, the evaluation unit 112 determines that the spectator operation input for 15 seconds before and after the operation timing is regarded as a close spectator operation based on the operation timing. Further, the evaluation unit 112 may use the median value or the average value of the input timings of the plurality of viewer operations as a reference.

Further, the evaluation unit 112 outputs the evaluation result to the playback terminal 20 together with the game video. In the example of FIG. 3, in the evaluation result column ER1, the evaluation unit 112 displays an image of the needle that is displaced in conjunction with the evaluation so as to face to the right in FIG. 3 so as to indicate “GOOD” as the evaluation result. It is displayed in the unit 24. Alternatively, the evaluation unit 112 may display a character string, a number, an image, or the like indicating the evaluation result. Further, the evaluation unit 112 causes the speaker 25 to output a sound indicating the evaluation result, or outputs an output in another mode (for example, vibration) indicating the evaluation result, instead of or in addition to displaying the evaluation result on the display unit 24. The playback terminal 20 may execute the execution.

The effect control unit 113 causes the playback terminal 20 to output an operation effect corresponding to the viewer operation. As an example, the effect control unit 113 causes the display unit 24 to display the operation effect, or causes the speaker 25 to output voice. Specifically, the effect control unit 113 executes the display of the effect image as an operation effect at the same time as the game image based on the evaluation result. The effect image is a character string such as "Fight" and "GOOD", an image of a megaphone, a musical instrument, a balloon, or the like, and other images. Further, the effect control unit 113 may display the effect image on top of the game image, or may display the effect image so as not to overlap with the game image. Further, the effect control unit 113 outputs the effect sound as an operation effect at the same time as the game video based on the evaluation result. The effect voice is a cheering song, a cheering song, a performance sound of an instrument, clapping, clapping, cheering, a shout such as "fight", and other voices.

The effect control unit 113 may display a message from the spectator user, a meter that changes according to the number of inputs of the spectator operation to indicate the degree of support, or an animation as an operation effect. Further, when the effect control unit 113 superimposes the operation effect on the game image, the effect control unit 113 may superimpose the operation effect on a specific part of the game image, for example, an image of a large display included in the game image. Further, the effect control unit 113 may display the wipe image for displaying the operation effect on the game image. The effect control unit 113 may exert a negative effect on the game video, such as a character string indicating booing, an image, or a voice, as an operation effect.

Further, the effect control unit 113 controls the operation effect corresponding to the viewer operation so as to change based on the evaluation result of the mutual relationship by the evaluation unit 112. Further, the effect control unit 113 changes the operation effect when the evaluation result by the evaluation unit 112 satisfies a predetermined condition. Specifically, the effect control unit 113 controls the operation effect so that the display mode of the effect image or the output mode of the effect sound changes. For example, when the input timings of a large number of viewer operations are close to each other and a high evaluation result is obtained, the effect control unit 113 changes so as to emphasize the operation effect due to the image, sound, vibration, or the like. Specifically, the effect control unit 113 displays the image large, many, dark or bright, and blinks or moves the image greatly. Alternatively, the effect control unit 113 increases the volume of the voice or repeats the voice. Alternatively, the effect control unit 113 increases the vibration or repeats the vibration. Further, the effect control unit 113 may additionally output a special effect. For example, the effect control unit 113 may display the effect image.

In the example of FIG. 3, the effect control unit 113 displays a small image of the megaphone and a small character string of “fight” as the effect image EI1. Further, the effect control unit 113 displays a large image of the megaphone and a large character string of "fight" as the effect image EI2 emphasized with respect to the effect image EI1. Further, the effect control unit 113 displays a message as the effect images EI3 and EI4. Further, the effect sound may be output while displaying the effect image or without displaying the effect image. For example, the effect control unit 113 may output a small voice of “fight” to the speaker 25 together with the effect image EI1. Further, the effect control unit 113 may output a loud “fight” voice to the speaker 25 together with the effect image EI2 as the more emphasized effect sound.

As an example, the predetermined conditions for changing the operation effect are satisfied when a high evaluation result is obtained, when the high evaluation result continues for a predetermined time, when the high evaluation result is achieved a predetermined number of times, and the like. Further, the predetermined condition may be satisfied when the consideration receiving unit 114 determines that the payment of the consideration is completed. Here, the effect control unit 113 may exert a previously changed operation effect, or may change the operation effect that has already been exerted. For example, the effect control unit 113 may display the effect image emphasized in advance, or may change the displayed effect image so as to be emphasized. Further, if the predetermined conditions are satisfied by the completion of payment of the consideration, the degree of change may be different depending on the amount of the consideration. For example, when the amount of consideration is large, the degree of emphasis may be stronger, and when the amount of consideration is small, the degree of emphasis may be weaker. When the degree of change varies depending on the amount of consideration, it may be changed for each viewer according to the amount of consideration paid by one viewer, or the total amount of consideration paid by multiple viewers. It may be changed according to.

The consideration receiving unit 114 accepts the payment of the consideration for the viewer operation. As an example, the consideration receiving unit 114 determines that the consideration will be paid when the spectator user selects the operation button of the input field IF. Then, the consideration receiving unit 114 causes the display unit 24 of the playback terminal 20 to display the payment screen (not shown) of the consideration for the viewer operation. The spectator user selects a spectator operation to be selected from the displayed spectator operations via the payment screen. Then, the playback terminal 20 transmits payment information including unique billing target information that identifies the selected viewer operation to a payment server (not shown). The payment server performs a payment process that consumes the charge target consideration corresponding to the charge target information, and transmits the result of the payment process to the playback terminal 20 and the management server 10.

When the payment is completed, the playback terminal 20 causes the display unit 24 to display the result of the payment process. When the settlement is completed and the consideration is paid, the consideration receiving unit 114 determines that the payment of the consideration is completed, and notifies the effect control unit 113 of the completion of the payment. Then, the effect control unit 113 exerts an operation effect corresponding to the viewer operation. In the example of FIG. 3, the effect control unit 113 displays the effect image EI4 as an operation effect corresponding to the viewer operation for which the consideration has been paid. The spectator user can pay the consideration using a consumption medium such as token coin, virtual currency, cryptographic asset, electronic money, and points. Further, the consumption medium can be purchased in advance, or can be purchased after or before the input of the viewer operation.

Viewer operations include operations that require consumption of consideration and operations that do not require consideration. By performing the viewer operation on the condition that the consideration is consumed, the operation effect can be exerted or the operation effect can be changed. In the example of FIG. 3, the spectator user can select an operation button including the character string of "support" displayed in the input field IF and execute a spectator operation that does not require compensation. In this case, the effect control unit 113 displays the message "support from Mr. A" as a normal effect image. Further, the spectator user can pay, for example, 300 Pt as a consideration after performing a spectator operation that does not require a consideration for selecting an operation button including the character string of "support" displayed in the input field IF. Alternatively, the spectator user can select an operation button including the character string of "support 300Pt" displayed in the input field IF and execute the spectator operation on condition that the consideration is consumed. In this case, the effect control unit 113 changes the normal effect image and further displays the paid consideration “300 Pt”. The effect control unit 113 may change the operation effect in another mode, for example, may highlight the message.

The effect control unit 113 may control the operation effect so as to change the display mode of the effect image or the output mode of the effect sound when the price is paid for the viewer operation. For example, the effect control unit 113 changes so as to emphasize the operation effect due to the image, sound, vibration, or the like when the consideration is paid. In the example of FIG. 3, when the operation receiving unit 111 accepts the operation of the spectator user with respect to the operation button displayed in the input field IF, the effect control unit 113 displays the emphasized message as the effect image EI4.

At this time, when the consideration is paid, the effect control unit 113 changes the display mode so that the effect image is emphasized. In the example of FIG. 3, the effect control unit 113 displays a large character string of “5000 Pt” as the effect image EI4 emphasized with respect to the effect image EI3. Alternatively, the effect control unit 113 may change the display mode of the effect image or the output mode of the effect sound according to the amount of the consideration when the consideration is paid. In the example of FIG. 3, the effect control unit 113 changes the display mode of the effect image so as to display the amount of consideration. Further, when the area for inputting a message is provided, the effect control unit 113 may display the message input by the spectator user via the operation unit 23.

The screen generation unit 115 acquires various data such as images from the operation acceptance unit 111, the evaluation unit 112, the effect control unit 113, and the consideration acceptance unit 114, and generates a watching screen displayed at the same time as the game image. The watching screen is generated as an image or a video. For example, the screen generation unit 115 generates a watching screen in various formats such as MPEG format. In the example of FIG. 3, the screen generation unit 115 includes a game image display area PB, a control area (not shown), and a watching screen (FIG. 4). As shown in FIG. 4, the watching screen includes effect images EI1, EI2, EI3, an evaluation result column ER1, an operation guide column OG1, and an input column IF.

The screen generation unit 115 superimposes and arranges the generated watching screen on the game video. As an example, the upper layer including the watching screen is superimposed on the lower layer including the display area of the game image. The upper layer is configured as a transparent image so as not to interfere with the display of the game image. Then, on the upper layer, each image is displayed at the timing of displaying each of the effect images EI1, EI2, EI3, the evaluation result column ER1, the operation guide column OG1, and the input column IF. For example, when a viewer operation is input, the effect images EI1, EI2, and EI3 are displayed on the upper layer. Alternatively, when the spectator user performs a predetermined operation, the effect images EI1, EI2, EI3, the evaluation result column ER1, the operation guide column OG1, or the input column IF may be displayed on the upper layer. Alternatively, the screen generation unit 115 may arrange the watching screen so as not to overlap with the game image.

The distribution unit 116 distributes the game video and the watching screen to the playback terminal 20 in order to provide the watching service. As an example, the distribution unit 116 displays the game video and the watching screen on the Web page accessed by the watching user.

[Processing flow by watching system]
The processing flow by the watching system 100 will be described with reference to FIG. The watching system 100 starts processing when a predetermined start condition is satisfied. For example, in the case of live distribution, the watching system 100 starts processing when shooting starts.

The server control unit 11 of the management server 10 acquires the game video from the distribution server 30 (S101). Then, the screen generation unit 115 acquires the data for displaying the operation guide column OG1 from the operation acceptance unit 111, and further acquires the data for displaying the evaluation result column ER1 from the evaluation unit 112, and displays the watching screen. Generate (S102). Subsequently, the distribution unit 116 distributes the game video and the watching screen to the playback terminal 20 (S103). Then, the playback terminal 20 causes the display unit 24 to display the game image and the watching screen.

When the timing of accepting the spectator operation, for example, the timing of delivering the battle part is reached, the operation acceptance unit 111 executes the operation acceptance process for accepting the spectator operation (S104), and the guide image is displayed in the operation guide column OG1. GI1 is displayed to guide the operation timing and the operation position OP1. Further, the operation receiving unit 111 displays the guide image GI2 in the input field IF. Therefore, the screen generation unit 115 generates a watching screen so that the guide images GI1 and GI2 are displayed. Then, the distribution unit 116 distributes the generated watching screen.

The operation receiving unit 111 uses the sound included in the game video, the game status, the elapsed time from the start of playback, the time, or the timing information added by the person who uploads or distributes the game video to the viewer. You may specify when to accept the operation. In addition, the timing of accepting the spectator operation is, for example, when the bottom of the seventh inning starts, when the opponent is winning or losing, when a score is added, when a game character appears, and so on. It may be the timing when the situation of is changed.

In the operation acceptance process, the operation acceptance unit 111 uses the watching data OD stored in the server storage unit 12. As an example, the spectator data OD includes image data, music data, and sequence data. The image data includes, for example, data such as icons, various objects, and a background in addition to the guide images GI1 and GI2. Further, the music data includes data such as musical sounds, musical songs, and sound effects. The sequence data is data that defines an operation procedure, and includes, for example, data such as a display timing of the guide image GI1, a type of the guide image GI1, and an operation timing.

Then, the operation receiving unit 111 guides the operation timing and the operation position OP1 by the guide image GI1 moving toward the operation position OP1. For example, in the example of FIG. 3, the operation receiving unit 111 reads out the operation timing at which each of the plurality of operation positions OP1 should be touched from the sequence data. Then, the operation receiving unit 111 determines by back-calculating the timing at which the guide image GI1 appears at the appearance position while referring to the information on the moving speed of the guide image GI1. After that, the operation receiving unit 111 moves the guide image GI1 toward the operation position OP1 according to the referenced moving speed. Then, when the spectator user touches the operation position OP1, the operation receiving unit 111 acquires the input timing and the input position of the spectator operation. Although the act of the spectator user touching the operation position OP1 is a spectator operation that does not require compensation in the present specification, it may be a spectator operation that requires compensation.

If the spectator user does not touch the operation button of the input field IF as a spectator operation for cheering, for example, touches the operation position OP1, the consideration receiving unit 114 does not determine that the consideration will be paid (in S105). NO). Then, the evaluation unit 112 evaluates the interrelationship of the input of the spectator operation by each of the plurality of spectator users (S106). Further, the effect control unit 113 determines whether or not a predetermined condition is satisfied by referring to the evaluation result of the mutual relationship by the evaluation unit 112 (S107). When a predetermined condition is satisfied (YES in S107), the effect control unit 113 changes the operation effect (S108), for example, exerts the emphasized operation effect. On the other hand, when the predetermined condition is not satisfied (NO in S107), the effect control unit 113 exerts a normal operation effect (S109).

After that, when the distribution is terminated due to reasons such as the game video being played to the end (YES in S110), the watching system 100 ends the process. On the other hand, when the distribution is continued (NO in S110), the watching system 100 repeats the process. The effect control unit 113 uses the spectator data OD stored in the server storage unit 12 in order to exert or change the operation effect. As an example, the spectator data OD includes image data of the effect image and music data of the effect sound.

Further, in the operation acceptance process, when the spectator user touches the operation button of the input field IF, the operation acceptance unit 111 acquires the type of the spectator operation as the selected operation button according to the input position of the spectator operation. .. The consideration receiving unit 114 acquires the type of the viewer operation from the operation receiving unit 111, and determines that the consideration may be paid (YES in S105). Then, the consideration receiving unit 114 causes the display unit 24 to display the payment screen. Further, the consideration receiving unit 114 determines whether or not the payment of the consideration is completed through the settlement process (S111). Then, when the consideration receiving unit 114 determines that the payment of the consideration is completed (YES in S111), the consideration receiving unit 114 notifies the effect control unit 113 of the completion of the payment.

When the consideration is paid in this way, the effect control unit 113 changes the operation effect (S112), for example, exerts the emphasized operation effect. On the other hand, when the consideration is not paid (NO in S111), for example, when the spectator user selects a type of spectator operation that does not require consideration, depending on the type of spectator operation acquired from the operation receiving unit 111, The effect control unit 113 exerts a normal operation effect (S113). After that, when the distribution is terminated due to reasons such as the game video being played to the end (YES in S110), the watching system 100 ends the process. On the other hand, when the distribution is continued (NO in S110), the watching system 100 repeats the process.

According to the first embodiment described above, it is possible to make the effect exerted in response to the operation of a plurality of spectator users related to each other. That is, the interrelationship of the input of the spectator operation by each of the plurality of spectator users is evaluated, and the operation effect changes according to the evaluation result. Therefore, the spectator user can obtain a sense of solidarity with other spectator users, and the spectator user's viewing motivation is improved. Further, when the mutual relationship is highly evaluated, for example, when the inputs of the spectator operations by each of the plurality of spectator users are close to each other, the operation effect changes and, for example, the support content is emphasized. Therefore, the spectator user can get a reward that the effect of the cheering act is improved. As a result, it is possible to give the spectator user a motivation to perform a joint cheering act. Further, it is possible to provide the spectator user with a simulated experience as if a plurality of spectator users performed a cheering act as one.

When the spectator user pays the consideration, the privilege may be given to the distributor of the game video, the spectator user, the player of the game, or the team playing the game. For example, at least a part of the consideration paid by the spectator user may be used as a privilege to be given to the player of the game. In addition, a privilege for advancing the game in an advantageous manner may be given to the player of the game according to the amount of consideration paid by the spectator user. The benefits for advancing the game are, for example, the experience points consumed when developing the character of the game and the improvement of the ability of the character of the game. The content of these benefits can be determined by the game control unit 61 based on the information on the amount of consideration provided from the management server 10 to the game server 60. In addition, as a case where at least a part of the consideration is given as a privilege, there is a case where the consideration is given directly, or there is a case where the consideration is converted into a currency or the like that can be used in the game.

Further, depending on the evaluation result by the evaluation unit 112, a privilege may be given to the distributor of the game video, the spectator user, the player of the game, or the team playing the game. For example, when a high evaluation result is obtained, a privilege for advancing the game in an advantageous manner may be given to the player of the game. The game server 60 can acquire the evaluation result by the evaluation unit 112 from the management server 10 and determine the content of the privilege according to the evaluation result.

Further, the effect control unit 113 may exert the operation effect at the same time as the viewer operation, or may exert the operation effect when a predetermined time has elapsed from the viewer operation. Further, the effect control unit 113 may exert the operation effect when the predetermined condition is satisfied at the same time as the timing when the condition is satisfied, or when a predetermined time elapses from the timing when the condition is satisfied. May be good. In addition, the effect control unit 113 may exert an operation effect in association with the progress of the game. For example, the evaluation unit 112 evaluates a plurality of spectator operations input at the operation timing guided by the guidance image GI1 in advance, and the effect control unit 113 evaluates the operation effect according to the evaluation result in the progress of the game. It may be exerted at a specific timing specified by. As an example, the specific timing is the timing after the end of the 7th inning and before the start of the 7th inning in the baseball game, and the effect control unit 113 displays the operation effect of flying the balloon at the timing.

[Second Embodiment]
Subsequently, the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. In the description of the second embodiment, the differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described, and the same reference numbers may be assigned to the components already described, and the description thereof may be omitted. Unless otherwise specified, the components with the same reference numerals perform substantially the same operations and functions, and the effects thereof are also substantially the same.

A spectator user who watches the delivered video may want to exert an effect that affects the delivered video in response to his / her own operation. For example, when a game video is distributed, a spectator user desires to output an effect such as an applause voice and an image of a cheering message at the same time as the game video in order to support the player playing the game. Sometimes. In this case, since the spectator user performs each operation, the effect corresponding to each operation is also output at each timing. Therefore, it is difficult for the spectator user to obtain a sense of solidarity with other spectator users.

Therefore, in the second embodiment, the operation receiving unit 111 accepts the subordinate operation when the main operation is accepted. As a result, a plurality of spectator users can jointly realize a cheering action composed of an operation effect by the main operation and an operation effect by the subordinate operation. Therefore, the spectator user can obtain a sense of solidarity with other spectator users, and the spectator user's viewing motivation is improved.

The operation receiving unit 111 of the second embodiment accepts the main operation on the condition of consumption of consideration as the viewer operation, and when the main operation is accepted, the operation receiving unit 111 performs the subordinate operation as the viewer operation. accept. In the example of FIG. 6, the main operation is a viewer operation for outputting a cheering song on condition that the price of 5000 Pt is consumed. Further, the subordinate operations are a viewer operation for outputting the sound of a shout on condition that the price of 300 Pt is consumed, and a viewer operation for outputting the sound of a drum without requiring a price.

The operation receiving unit 111 displays the guidance image GI3, which is also an operation button, in the input field IF as a guidance instruction for the main operation. As an example, in the input field IF of FIG. 6, a guide image GI3 including a character string of "Cheer song 5000Pt" is displayed. The character string "5000Pt" displayed by the operation receiving unit 111 indicates the amount of consideration to be consumed. Further, when the operation receiving unit 111 accepts the main operation from the spectator user, the operation receiving unit 111 displays the guidance images GI4 and GI5, which are also operation buttons, in the input field IF as a guidance instruction for the subordinate operation. As an example, in the input field IF of FIG. 6, a guide image GI 4 including a character string of "challenging 300 Pt" and a guide image GI 5 including a character string of "taiko" are displayed.

The operation receiving unit 111 displays a guidance instruction for a subordinate operation when the main operation is accepted. As an example, the operation receiving unit 111 acquires the subordinate operation associated with the received main operation from the server storage unit 12. Then, the operation receiving unit 111 causes the display unit 24 to display the guide image of the associated subordinate operation. Alternatively, when the operation receiving unit 111 accepts the main operation, the operation receiving unit 111 may display a selection button on the watching screen of the watching user who has executed the main operation. The spectator user can select a subordinate operation to be associated with the main operation by touching the selection button. Then, the operation receiving unit 111 causes the display unit 24 to display the guidance image of the subordinate operation associated with the spectator user. In this way, the operation receiving unit 111 can execute the guidance instruction of the subordinate operation when the main operation is accepted. As a result, the operation receiving unit 111 can accept the subordinate operation when the main operation is accepted. Alternatively, the operation receiving unit 111 is configured not to accept the subordinate operation even if the guide image of the displayed subordinate operation is selected when the main operation is not accepted. May be good.

Further, the operation receiving unit 111 causes the display unit 24 to display a guidance image GI 6 for guiding the operation timing in which the subordinate operation should be performed in cooperation with the determination line L as a guidance instruction for the subordinate operation. Then, the operation receiving unit 111 instructs the operation timing of the subordinate operation by the guidance image GI6 which is a guidance instruction. In the example of FIG. 6, the operation receiving unit 111 moves the determination line L from the left to the right in FIG. 6 with the passage of time in the operation guide column OG2. Then, the spectator user who performs the subordinate operation touches the guide images GI 4 and GI 5 at the timing when the determination line L reaches each guide image GI 6 and both of them overlap. As a result, the operation receiving unit 111 acquires the input timing and the input position as an input operation from the operation unit 23 of the playback terminal 20. Alternatively, the position touched by the user may be set to a position where the guide image GI 6 and the determination line L overlap, another button image, and an arbitrary position of the display unit 24. For example, when the position touched by the user is the position where the guide image GI 6 and the determination line L overlap, the spectator user touches either the guide image GI 4 or the guide image GI 5 before starting the touch to the overlapping position. Therefore, it is possible to set whether or not the viewer operation to be performed causes a consideration. That is, if the guide image GI4 is touched and set, compensation is generated by the first touch operation to the overlapping position during the cheering period (for example, until the performance of one cheering song is completed), and then the compensation is generated. The touch operation to the overlapping position may not generate a consideration. Further, if the overlapping positions are touched without touching any of the guide images GI4 and GI5, no consideration may be generated as a default.

The evaluation unit 112 evaluates the interrelationship of the inputs corresponding to the subordinate operations by each of the plurality of spectator users. Further, the evaluation unit 112 evaluates the mutual relationship according to the number of dependent operations in a close relationship. In the example of FIG. 6, the evaluation unit 112 accumulates the points corresponding to the number of dependent operations in a close relationship as the evaluation result. Then, the evaluation unit 112 displays the evaluation result on the playback terminal 20 together with the game image in the evaluation result column ER2. The evaluation unit 112 determines a high evaluation as an evaluation result when the accumulated evaluation result reaches a predetermined value.

The effect control unit 113 causes the display unit 24 to display the operation effect corresponding to the main operation and the subordinate operation, or causes the speaker 25 to output voice. In the example of FIG. 6, when the spectator user selects the guide image GI3 as the main operation, the effect control unit 113 outputs the sound of the cheering song to the speaker 25. Here, the effect control unit 113 may further display the lyrics of the cheering song on the display unit 24. Further, when the spectator user selects the guidance image GI5 as a subordinate operation, the effect control unit 113 causes the speaker 25 to output the sound of the drum performance. Further, when the spectator user selects the guidance image GI4 as a subordinate operation, the effect control unit 113 causes the speaker 25 to output the voice of a shout (for example, a shout of a player's name). When a subordinate operation is selected, the effect control unit 113 further displays an image indicating a voice (for example, a character string of “Don” indicating the sound of a drum and a character string of “Aoi” indicating a shout). It may be displayed in.

The subordinate operation may be an operation for performing a special effect. For example, the operation receiving unit 111 displays a guidance image including a character string of "balloon" as a guidance instruction for a subordinate operation. Then, when the spectator user touches the guidance image, the effect control unit 113 displays an effect image of flying a balloon. As a result, a plurality of spectator users can cooperate to exert a plurality of operation effects in different modes such as audio output of a cheering song and display of a production image. Therefore, the spectator user can jointly execute the support composed of the plurality of operation effects of different modes.

Further, the effect control unit 113 controls the operation effect corresponding to the subordinate operation so as to change based on the evaluation result of the mutual relationship by the evaluation unit 112. Further, the effect control unit 113 changes the operation effect corresponding to the subordinate operation when the evaluation result by the evaluation unit 112 satisfies a predetermined condition. In the example of FIG. 6, when the synchro points, which are the accumulated evaluation results, reach a predetermined value, the evaluation unit 112 determines a high evaluation as the evaluation result. When a high evaluation is determined, the effect control unit 113 additionally outputs a special effect as a changed operation effect. For example, the effect control unit 113 repeats the output cheering song again. As a result, the spectator user can input the subordinate operation again.

The consideration receiving unit 114 accepts the payment of the consideration for the viewer operation. As an example, the consideration receiving unit 114 determines that the consideration will be paid when the spectator user selects the operation button of the input field IF. Then, the consideration receiving unit 114 causes the display unit 24 of the playback terminal 20 to display the payment screen (not shown) of the consideration for the viewer operation. When the settlement is completed and the consideration is paid, the consideration receiving unit 114 determines that the payment of the consideration is completed, and notifies the effect control unit 113 of the completion of the payment.

Here, the effect control unit 113 controls the operation effect of the subordinate operation so as to change the display mode of the effect image or the output mode of the effect sound when the consideration is paid for the subordinate operation. For example, the effect control unit 113 emphasizes the playing sound of the drum or the voice of the shout as an operation effect corresponding to the subordinate operation for which the consideration has been paid, and outputs a larger sound. Further, the effect control unit 113 may repeat the output cheering song again as a special effect. As a result, the spectator user can input the subordinate operation again.

The screen generation unit 115 acquires various data such as images from the operation acceptance unit 111, the evaluation unit 112, the effect control unit 113, and the consideration acceptance unit 114, and generates a watching screen displayed at the same time as the game image. In the example of FIG. 6, the screen generation unit 115 generates a watching screen including the evaluation result column ER2, the operation guide column OG2, and the input field IF.

[Processing flow by watching system]
The processing flow by the spectator system 100 of the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 7. Note that, in FIG. 7, the flow of some of the processes already described is omitted for convenience of explanation.

The watching system 100 starts processing when a predetermined start condition is satisfied. Then, the server control unit 11 of the management server 10 acquires the game video from the distribution server 30 (S201). Then, the screen generation unit 115 acquires the data for displaying the operation guide column OG2 from the operation acceptance unit 111, and further acquires the data for displaying the evaluation result column ER2 from the evaluation unit 112, and displays the watching screen. Generate (S202). Subsequently, the distribution unit 116 distributes the game video and the watching screen to the playback terminal 20 (S203). As a result, the playback terminal 20 causes the display unit 24 to display the game image and the watching screen.

When the timing for accepting the main operation is reached, the operation acceptance unit 111 executes the operation acceptance process (S204) and displays the guide image GI3 in the input field IF. In addition, the screen generation unit 115 generates a watching screen so that the guidance image GI3 is displayed. Then, the distribution unit 116 distributes the generated watching screen. For example, the timing of accepting the main operation is the timing of delivering the battle part, the timing of starting the bottom of the seventh inning, the timing of ending the match, and the like.

In the operation acceptance process, when the spectator user touches the operation button of the input field IF, the operation acceptance unit 111 acquires the type of the spectator operation as the selected operation button according to the input position of the spectator operation. When the consideration receiving unit 114 acquires the type of the viewer operation from the operation receiving unit 111 and determines that the operation is the main operation (YES in S205), the consideration receiving unit 114 determines that the consideration is paid. Then, the consideration receiving unit 114 causes the display unit 24 to display the payment screen. Further, the consideration receiving unit 114 determines whether or not the payment of the consideration is completed through the settlement process (S206). Then, when the consideration receiving unit 114 determines that the payment of the consideration is completed (YES in S206), the consideration receiving unit 114 notifies the effect control unit 113 of the completion of the payment.

When the consideration is paid, the effect control unit 113 exerts the operation effect of the main operation (S207). For example, the effect control unit 113 causes the speaker 25 to output a song of a cheering song. On the other hand, when it is not a main operation (NO in S205), for example, when a viewer operation other than touching the operation button of the input field IF is performed, the effect control unit 113 exerts a normal operation effect. After that, when the distribution is terminated due to reasons such as the game video being played to the end (YES in S211), the watching system 100 ends the process. On the other hand, when the distribution is continued (NO in S211), the watching system 100 repeats the process. The same applies when the consideration has not been paid (NO in S206). That is, the watching system 100 ends the process (YES in S211) when the distribution is terminated, and repeats the process (NO in S211) when the distribution is continued.

Further, when the consideration for the main operation is paid, the operation receiving unit 111 displays the guide image GI 6 in the operation guide column OG2 to guide the operation timing of the subordinate operation (S208). Further, the operation receiving unit 111 displays the guide images GI4 and GI5 in the input field IF to guide the operation position of the subordinate operation (S208). In addition, the screen generation unit 115 generates a watching screen so that the guide images GI4 and GI5 are displayed. Then, the distribution unit 116 distributes the generated watching screen.

When the spectator user touches the guide images GI4 and GI5 of the input field IF, the operation receiving unit 111 acquires the selected spectator operation type according to the input position of the spectator operation. Then, the effect control unit 113 exerts the operation effect of the subordinate operation according to the type of the viewer operation acquired from the operation acceptance unit 111 (S210). Here, the effect control unit 113 may control the operation effect so as to change the display mode of the effect image or the output mode of the effect sound when the consideration is paid for the subordinate operation.

Further, in the operation acceptance process, the operation acceptance unit 111 uses the watching data OD stored in the server storage unit 12. In the example of FIG. 6, the operation receiving unit 111 guides the operation timing of the subordinate operation by the determination line L and the guide image GI6. Then, when the spectator user touches the guide images GI4 and GI5 of the input field IF, the operation receiving unit 111 acquires the input timing and the input position of the spectator operation. In addition, the evaluation unit 112 evaluates the interrelationship of the input of the spectator operation by each of the plurality of spectator users.

Then, the effect control unit 113 determines whether or not the predetermined condition is satisfied by referring to the evaluation result of the mutual relationship by the evaluation unit 112. When a predetermined condition is satisfied, for example, when the accumulated synchro points reach a predetermined value, the effect control unit 113 changes and exerts the operation effect of the subordinate operation (S210). On the other hand, when the predetermined condition is not satisfied, the effect control unit 113 exerts a normal operation effect (S210). After that, when the distribution is terminated due to reasons such as the game video being played to the end (YES in S211), the watching system 100 ends the process. On the other hand, when the distribution is continued (NO in S211), the watching system 100 repeats the process.

According to the second embodiment described above, it is possible to make the effect exerted in response to the operation of a plurality of spectator users related to each other. That is, the operation receiving unit 111 accepts the subordinate operation when the main operation is accepted. As a result, a plurality of spectator users can jointly realize a cheering action composed of an operation effect by the main operation and an operation effect by the subordinate operation. Therefore, the spectator user can obtain a sense of solidarity with other spectator users, and the spectator user's viewing motivation is improved. Further, it is possible to provide the spectator user with a simulated experience as if a plurality of spectator users performed a cheering act as one.

In the second embodiment, the evaluation unit 112 may or may not evaluate the interrelationship between the inputs of the viewer operation. Further, the subordinate operation may be executed by the spectator user who has executed the main operation. For example, a spectator user who has performed a main operation may perform a subordinate operation together with another user. Alternatively, the operation receiving unit 111 may be configured not to accept subordinate operations from the spectator user who has performed the main operation. For example, the operation receiving unit 111 does not have to display the input field IF of the subordinate operation on the watching screen being viewed by the watching user who has executed the main operation. Further, when the main operations by a plurality of spectator users are duplicated, the operation receiving unit 111 may accept only the main operations received by the management server 10 earliest. In this case, an image showing an error may be displayed for the subsequent main operation. Further, when the main operations are duplicated, the operation receiving unit 111 may accept a plurality of main operations arriving within a predetermined time from the earliest received main operation. In this case, the consideration receiving unit 114 charges each spectator user the amount obtained by equally dividing the consideration for the main operation by the number of a plurality of spectator users who have input the accepted main operation. You may. In addition, duplication of the main operation means watching one of the games in a state where the main operation is received and the operation effect corresponding to the main operation (for example, the performance of a cheering song) is not completed. Receiving the main operation by the user.

[Third Embodiment]
Subsequently, the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9. In the description of the third embodiment, the differences from the first and second embodiments will be mainly described, and the components already described may be given the same reference number and the description thereof may be omitted. .. Unless otherwise specified, the components with the same reference numerals perform substantially the same operations and functions, and the effects thereof are also substantially the same.

A spectator user who watches the delivered video may want to exert an effect that affects the delivered video in response to his / her own operation. For example, when a game video is distributed, a spectator user desires to output an effect such as an applause voice and an image of a cheering message at the same time as the game video in order to support the player playing the game. Sometimes. In this case, since the spectator user performs each operation, the effect corresponding to each operation is also output at each timing. Therefore, it is difficult for the spectator user to obtain a sense of solidarity with other spectator users.

In the third embodiment, the operation receiving unit 111 causes the display unit 24 to display a guidance image that guides the operation timing at which the viewer operation should be performed as a guidance instruction for the viewer operation. As a result, it is possible to make the effect exerted in response to the operation of a plurality of spectator users related to each other. That is, since the input timings of the spectator operations by different spectator users can be aligned, the timings of the operation effects exerted in response to the spectator operations can be aligned as much as possible. Therefore, the spectator user can obtain a sense of solidarity with other spectator users, and the spectator user's viewing motivation is improved.

Further, if the production is output irregularly, it gives a complicated impression to the spectator user who watches the game video, and reduces the motivation to watch. Therefore, in the third embodiment, the effect control unit 113 exerts the operation effect based on the input timing of the viewer operation. As a result, the timing of exerting the operation effect corresponding to the viewer's operation can be aligned as much as possible. Therefore, it is possible to suppress giving a complicated impression to the spectator user who watches the game video.

The operation receiving unit 111 causes the display unit 24 to display a guidance image that guides the operation timing at which the viewer operation should be performed as a guidance instruction for the viewer operation. In the example of FIG. 8, the operation receiving unit 111 displays an image including the character string of “balloon” as the guide image GI7 for guiding the operation timing. In addition, the operation receiving unit 111 displays a guidance image GI8 including a character string of "red balloon" and a character string of "blue balloon" in the input field IF as guidance instructions for the viewer operation to exert the operation effect of flying the balloon. The guide image GI8 including the guide image GI8 is displayed. The spectator user can exert the operation effect by touching the guide image GI8 at the target operation timing. For example, the operation receiving unit 111 outputs a cheering song from the speaker 25 at the start of the bottom of the seventh inning. Then, the operation receiving unit 111 guides the spectator user by cooperating with the guidance image GI7 and the determination line L2 with the timing at which the cheering song ends as the operation timing.

As an example, the operation receiving unit 111 guides the operation timing by using the watching data OD stored in the server storage unit 12. The operation receiving unit 111 reads out the operation timing at which the guide image GI 8 should be touched from the sequence data of the watching data OD. Then, the operation receiving unit 111 determines by back-calculating the timing at which the guide image GI 7 appears at the appearance position while referring to the information on the moving speed of the determination line L2. After that, the operation receiving unit 111 moves the determination line L2 from the left to the right in FIG. 8 toward the guide image GI 7 according to the referenced moving speed.

The spectator user flies the team-colored balloons of the team he / she supports according to the guided operation timing. For example, when the team color is red, the spectator user touches the guide image GI 8 including the character string of the "red balloon" at the timing when the determination line L2 reaches (overlaps) the guide image GI 7. Then, the operation receiving unit 111 acquires the input timing and the input position of the viewer operation. When the spectator user follows the guidance instruction, the input timing of the spectator operation by different spectator users can be aligned as much as possible. As shown in FIG. 8, if the timings of the spectator operations of a large number of spectator users are concentrated at the same time, the effect images EI5 of a large number of balloons are displayed at the same timing. Further, the operation receiving unit 111 may give a guidance instruction in another mode. For example, when it is decided to applaud at a specific timing during the performance of the cheering song, the operation receiving unit 111 may guide the operation timing of the viewer operation to output the sound of the applause. Instead of the guide image GI8, the spectator user may be made to set a team to support in advance, and an operation button including a character string of “balloon” that does not include a color may be displayed. In this case, when the spectator user touches the operation button, balloons of colors corresponding to the set support team may be displayed. As a result, it is possible to prevent an operation error by the spectator user, and prevent the spectator user from mistakenly operating and cheering for the opponent team.

Further, the operation receiving unit 111 may accept a main operation on condition of consumption of consideration as a viewer operation. In the example of FIG. 8, the operation of selecting the guide image GI3 in order to output the cheering song is the main operation. Then, when the operation receiving unit 111 accepts the main operation, it accepts the subordinate operation as the viewer operation. In the example of FIG. 8, the operation of selecting the guide image GI8 to display the image of flying a balloon is a subordinate operation. Then, the operation receiving unit 111 guides the operation timing of the subordinate operation during the period in which the operation effect corresponding to the main operation is executed. In the example of FIG. 8, the operation receiving unit 111 displays the guide image GI7 that guides the operation timing of the subordinate operation during the period in which the voice of the cheering song is output as the operation effect corresponding to the main operation. In this case, the voice of the cheering song is not automatically output, but is output on condition that the main operation is accepted.

The spectator user may set the operation timing of the subordinate operation. For example, the spectator user who has performed the main operation inputs specific information (for example, the elapsed time from the start of the cheering song) indicating the operation timing of the subordinate operation from the playback terminal 20. The server control unit 11 inserts data for indicating the operation timing of the subordinate operation into the sequence data based on the input specific information. By referring to this sequence data, the operation receiving unit 111 gives a guidance instruction so that the determination line L2 reaches the guidance image GI 7 at the timing input by the spectator user who has performed the main operation.

The evaluation unit 112 evaluates the interrelationship of the input of the spectator operation by each of the plurality of spectator users. Further, the evaluation unit 112 evaluates the mutual relationship according to the number of viewer operations in a close relationship. In the example of FIG. 8, the evaluation unit 112 accumulates points corresponding to the number of viewer operations in a close relationship as the evaluation result. Then, the evaluation unit 112 displays the evaluation result on the playback terminal 20 together with the game image in the evaluation result column ER2. The evaluation unit 112 determines a high evaluation as an evaluation result when the accumulated evaluation result reaches a predetermined value.

The effect control unit 113 exerts an operation effect based on the input timing of the viewer operation. Specifically, the effect control unit 113 causes the display unit 24 to display the operation effect corresponding to the viewer operation, or causes the speaker 25 to output audio. In the example of FIG. 8, the effect control unit 113 displays the effect image EI5 as an operation effect. In the example of FIG. 8, the effect control unit 113 displays the effect image EI5 so as to show how the balloon flies. At the same time, the effect control unit 113 may output the sound of the whistle to the speaker 25 as an effect sound when the balloon flies.

Further, the effect control unit 113 changes the operation effect corresponding to the viewer operation when the evaluation result by the evaluation unit 112 satisfies a predetermined condition. In the example of FIG. 8, when the synchro points, which are the accumulated evaluation results, reach a predetermined value, the evaluation unit 112 determines a high evaluation as the evaluation result. When a high evaluation is determined, the effect control unit 113 additionally outputs a special effect as a changed operation effect. For example, the effect control unit 113 increases the number of displayed balloons.

As a result, when the input of the spectator operation by each of the plurality of spectator users is strongly related, for example, when there are many spectator operations in a close relationship, the effect control unit 113 exerts a predetermined operation effect. Or exert a greater operational effect. Therefore, the operation receiving unit 111 causes the display unit 24 to display a guidance image that guides the operation timing of the viewer operation. As a result, it is possible to guide a plurality of spectator users to operate at close timings, and as a result, it is possible to strengthen the relevance of the input of the spectator operation by each of the plurality of spectator users. On the other hand, when the spectator operation of each spectator user is evaluated by comparison with the guided operation timing, each spectator user cannot match the input timing of the spectator operation with the other spectator user. Therefore, it becomes difficult to obtain a sense of solidarity with other spectator users.
It is different from the configuration.

[Processing flow by watching system]
The processing flow by the spectator system 100 of the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Note that, in FIG. 9, the flow of a part of the processes already described is omitted for convenience of explanation.

The watching system 100 starts processing when a predetermined start condition is satisfied. Then, the server control unit 11 of the management server 10 acquires the game video from the distribution server 30 (S301). Then, the screen generation unit 115 acquires the data for displaying the operation guide column OG2 from the operation acceptance unit 111, and further acquires the data for displaying the evaluation result column ER2 from the evaluation unit 112, and displays the watching screen. Generate (S302). Subsequently, the distribution unit 116 distributes the game video and the watching screen to the playback terminal 20 (S303). As a result, the playback terminal 20 causes the display unit 24 to display the game image and the watching screen.

When the timing for accepting the viewer operation approaches, the operation acceptance unit 111 executes the operation acceptance process (S304). In the example of FIG. 8, the operation receiving unit 111 displays the guide image GI7 that guides the operation timing of the viewer operation on the display unit 24 and moves it toward the bar. For example, the timing when the guide image GI7 reaches the bar is the timing when the cheering song ends. Further, the operation receiving unit 111 displays the guide image GI 8 in the input field IF. In addition, the screen generation unit 115 generates a watching screen so that the guide images GI7 and GI8 are displayed. Then, the distribution unit 116 distributes the generated watching screen. When the operation receiving unit 111 accepts the main operation, the steps S204 to S209 shown in FIG. 7 are executed instead of the step S304.

In the operation acceptance process, the operation acceptance unit 111 acquires the input timing and the input position of the spectator operation when the spectator user touches the operation button of the input field IF. Then, the evaluation unit 112 evaluates the interrelationship of the input of the spectator operation by each of the plurality of spectator users (S305). Then, the effect control unit 113 determines whether or not the predetermined condition is satisfied by referring to the evaluation result of the mutual relationship by the evaluation unit 112 (S306). When a predetermined condition is satisfied (YES in S306), the effect control unit 113 changes the operation effect (S307), for example, exerts the emphasized operation effect. On the other hand, when the predetermined condition is not satisfied (NO in S306), the effect control unit 113 exerts a normal operation effect (S308). After that, when the distribution is terminated due to reasons such as the game video being played to the end (YES in S309), the watching system 100 ends the process. On the other hand, when the distribution is continued (NO in S309), the watching system 100 repeats the process.

According to the third embodiment described above, it is possible to make the effect exerted in response to the operation of a plurality of spectator users related to each other. That is, the operation receiving unit 111 causes the display unit 24 to display a guidance image for guiding the operation timing of the viewer operation as a guidance instruction for the viewer operation. As a result, a plurality of spectator users can jointly realize a cheering action composed of a plurality of operation effects by spectator operations with aligned input timings. Therefore, the spectator user can obtain a sense of solidarity with other spectator users, and the spectator user's viewing motivation is improved. Further, it is possible to provide the spectator user with a simulated experience as if a plurality of spectator users performed a cheering act as one. In addition, the timing of exerting the operation effect corresponding to the viewer's operation can be aligned as much as possible. Therefore, it is possible to suppress giving a complicated impression to the spectator user who watches the game video.

In addition, in the third embodiment, the main operation may be executed without the condition of consumption of consideration. That is, the spectator user may be able to perform the main operation without paying the price. Even in this case, the timing of exerting the operation effect corresponding to the viewer's operation can be aligned as much as possible. Further, the evaluation unit 112 does not have to evaluate the interrelationship between the inputs of the viewer operation. Further, the effect control unit 113 may exert the same operation effect as the display mode of the effect image or the output mode of the effect sound regardless of the evaluation result by the evaluation unit 112.

Although the present invention has been described above with reference to each embodiment, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. The present invention also includes inventions modified to the extent not contrary to the present invention, and inventions equivalent to the present invention. In addition, each embodiment and each modification can be appropriately combined as long as it does not contradict the present invention.

For example, the evaluation unit 112 may evaluate the input timing of the spectator operation by each spectator user. That is, the evaluation unit 112 may evaluate the spectator operation by each spectator user based on the reference timing corresponding to the guidance instruction by the operation acceptance unit 111. For example, the reference timing is an operation timing. In this case, the effect control unit 113 may control the operation effect so that the display mode of the effect image or the output mode of the effect sound changes based on the evaluation result by the evaluation unit 112. Further, the effect control unit 113 may control the operation effect so as to affect the video delivered to each spectator user, or may control the operation effect so as to affect the video delivered to all spectator users. good.

As an example, the operation receiving unit 111 acquires the input timing and the input position of the spectator operation by each spectator user. Then, the evaluation unit 112 evaluates the viewer operation based on the comparison between the acquired input timing and input position and the operation timing and operation position guided by the guide image. Then, when the evaluation unit 112 determines that the difference between the two is within a predetermined range, the evaluation unit 112 evaluates the viewer operation so that the evaluation result becomes high. For example, the evaluation unit 112 adds points for each spectator user. When the evaluation result by the evaluation unit 112 satisfies a predetermined condition, the effect control unit 113 exerts an operation effect or changes the operation effect.

Further, in the above description, the management server 10 synthesizes the watching screen with the distributed game video. However, by executing the program downloaded in advance to the playback terminal 20, the playback control unit 21 may display a fixed portion such as a frame of the watching screen. In this case, the management server 10 or the distribution server 30 may distribute a fluid part such as a support message of the spectator user or an operation effect by the spectator operation. Further, each of the game server 60, the distribution server 30, and the management server 10 may belong to different systems or may be operated by different managers. For example, the management server 10 may be configured to acquire the game video from the outside, synthesize the watching screen with the game video, and distribute the game video. In this case, the management server 10 may receive information on the progress of the game from the game server 60 at any time, or may receive a signal from the game server 60 notifying the acceptance timing that enables the viewer operation to be accepted. Alternatively, the operator who monitors the progress of the game may input information on the progress of the game or a signal notifying the acceptance timing.

Hereinafter, various aspects derived from each of the above-described embodiments and modifications will be described. In addition, in order to facilitate understanding of each aspect, reference numerals shown in the accompanying drawings will be added. However, the reference numerals are not added with the intention of limiting the present invention to the illustrated form.

The spectator system (100), in which the game image is distributed to the display devices (24) of the plurality of spectator users, corresponds to the operation accepting means (111) for accepting the spectator operation by the plurality of spectator users and the spectator operation. An effect control means (113) for controlling an operation effect is provided, and the operation acceptance means displays a guide image on the display device as a guide instruction for the viewer operation to guide the operation timing at which the viewer operation should be performed. Display it.
Further, a computer program for a spectator system (100) including a computer (11) and distributing a game image to display devices (24) of a plurality of spectator users operates the computer by the spectator operation by the plurality of spectator users. The operation accepting means (111) and the effect controlling means (113) for controlling the operation effect corresponding to the spectator operation are made to function, and the operation accepting means serves as a guidance instruction for the spectator operation. A guide image that guides the operation timing at which the operation should be performed is displayed on the display device.
Further, the control method of the spectator system (100) in which the game image is distributed to the display devices (24) of the plurality of spectator users accepts the spectator operation by the plurality of spectator users and has an operation effect corresponding to the spectator operation. Is controlled, and as a guidance instruction for the viewer operation, a guidance image for guiding the operation timing at which the viewer operation should be performed is displayed on the display device.

As a result, it is possible to make the effect exerted in response to the operation of a plurality of spectator users related to each other. As a result, a plurality of spectator users can jointly realize a cheering action composed of a plurality of operation effects by spectator operations with aligned input timings. Therefore, the spectator user can obtain a sense of solidarity with other spectator users, and the spectator user's viewing motivation is improved. Further, it is possible to provide the spectator user with a simulated experience as if a plurality of spectator users performed a cheering act as one.

The effect control means (113) exerts the operation effect based on the input timing of the viewer operation.

As a result, the timing of exerting the operation effect corresponding to the viewer's operation can be aligned as much as possible. Therefore, it is possible to suppress giving a complicated impression to the spectator user who watches the game video.

The spectator system (100) further includes an evaluation means (112) for evaluating the interrelationship of the input of the spectator operation by each of the plurality of spectator users, and the effect control means (113) evaluates the interrelationship. The operation effect corresponding to the viewer operation is controlled so as to change based on the result.

As a result, when the mutual relationship is highly evaluated, for example, when the inputs of the spectator operations by each of the plurality of spectator users are close to each other, the operation effect changes and, for example, the cheering content is emphasized. Therefore, the spectator user can get a reward that the effect of the cheering act is improved. As a result, it is possible to give the spectator user a motivation to perform a solidarity and cheering act. Further, it is possible to provide the spectator user with a simulated experience as if a plurality of spectator users performed a cheering act as one.

The spectator system (100) further includes a consideration receiving means (114) for accepting the payment of the consideration for the spectator operation.
Further, the operation accepting means (111) accepts the main operation on the condition of consumption of consideration as the viewer operation, and when the main operation is accepted, it is subordinate as the viewer operation. The operation accepting means (111) guides the operation timing in which the subordinate operation should be performed during the period in which the operation effect corresponding to the main operation is executed.
Further, the effect control means (113) controls the operation effect so as to change the display mode of the effect image or the output mode of the effect sound when the consideration is paid for the viewer operation. ..

As a result, a plurality of spectator users can jointly realize a cheering action composed of an operation effect by the main operation and an operation effect by the subordinate operation. Therefore, the spectator user can obtain a sense of solidarity with other spectator users, and the spectator user's viewing motivation is improved. Further, it is possible to provide the spectator user with a simulated experience as if a plurality of spectator users performed a cheering act as one.

11: Server control unit (computer)
24: Display unit (display device)
100: Watching system 111: Operation receiving unit (operation receiving means)
112: Evaluation unit (evaluation means)
113: Effect control unit (effect control means)
114: Consideration receiving department (compensation receiving means)
PG: Watching game program (computer program)

Claims (8)

A watching system in which game images are distributed to the display devices of multiple watching users.
An operation accepting means for accepting spectator operations by the plurality of spectator users,
It is provided with an effect control means for controlling the operation effect corresponding to the viewer operation.
The operation accepting means is a watching system in which, as a guidance instruction for the spectator operation, a guidance image for guiding the operation timing at which the spectator operation should be performed is displayed on the display device. The spectator system according to claim 1, wherein the effect control means exerts the operation effect based on the input timing of the spectator operation. Further provided with an evaluation means for evaluating the interrelationship of the input of the spectator operation by each of the plurality of spectator users.
The spectator system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the effect control means controls the operation effect corresponding to the spectator operation so as to change based on the evaluation result of the interrelationship. The spectator system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a consideration receiving means for accepting payment of consideration for the spectator operation. The operation accepting means accepts a main operation on condition of consumption of consideration as the viewer operation, and when the main operation is accepted, accepts a subordinate operation as the viewer operation.
The watching system according to claim 4, wherein the operation accepting means guides an operation timing in which the subordinate operation should be performed during a period in which the operation effect corresponding to the main operation is executed. 5. The effect control means controls the operation effect so as to change the display mode of the effect image or the output mode of the effect sound when the consideration is paid for the viewer operation. Described watching system. A computer program for a spectator system that has a computer and distributes game images to the display devices of multiple spectator users.
The computer
An operation accepting means for accepting spectator operations by the plurality of spectator users,
It functions as an effect control means for controlling the operation effect corresponding to the viewer operation.
The operation accepting means is a computer program that causes the display device to display a guide image that guides the operation timing at which the viewer operation should be performed as a guide instruction for the viewer operation. A control method for a watching system in which game images are distributed to the display devices of multiple watching users.
Accepting spectator operations by the multiple spectator users,
Control the operation effect corresponding to the viewer operation,
A control method for a spectator system in which a guide image for guiding the operation timing at which the spectator operation should be performed is displayed on the display device as a guide instruction for the spectator operation.

Images