JP6858737B2 - Viewing program, distribution program, how to execute the viewing program, how to execute the distribution program, information processing device, and information processing system - Google Patents

Description

The present disclosure relates to a viewing program, a distribution program, a method of executing a viewing program, a method of executing a distribution program, an information processing device, and an information processing system.

Conventionally, technology for live distribution of content has been developed. In addition, distribution technology has been developed that allows viewers to respond to content that is being distributed live. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique of arranging an item purchased by a viewer on a display screen during live distribution. When the distributor, who is the subject of the video, responds to the item, the interaction between the viewer and the distributor is realized.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2012-121998

However, prior art has limited viewer intervention in livestreaming. For example, in the prior art, it is difficult for the viewer to intervene in the progress of the game being executed in the content, as in the so-called “game live” game. Viewer intervention in livestreaming is related to the interest of the content.

One aspect of the present disclosure is in view of the above problems, and an object of the present disclosure is to improve the interest of the content in live distribution.

The viewing program according to the present disclosure is executed by a computer as a viewing terminal, which includes a processor and a memory. The viewing program is content that is delivered to the processor in real time using the distribution system, and is the play of the game that the distributor is playing using the content distributor's avatar and the game terminal included in the game system. A step of receiving the content including the screen, a step of playing the content, a step of accepting the first input operation of the viewer who is viewing the content using the viewing terminal, and a step of accepting the first input operation. In this case, by transmitting the input information corresponding to the first input operation to the distribution system, the distribution system issues a support instruction to the game system, which is an instruction for inducing an effect of supporting the distributor in the game. Execute the step to send and.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to improve the enjoyment of the content.

It is a figure which shows the outline of the support system. It is a figure which shows the hardware configuration of the various devices included in the support system. It is a block diagram which shows the functional configuration of various devices included in the support system. It is a sequence diagram which shows an example of the flow of data transmission / reception and processing between devices in the case of creating content and live-streaming. It is a figure which shows the state of content creation by a distributor, and an example of a display screen when the content is reproduced on a viewing terminal. It is a sequence diagram which shows an example of the flow of data transmission / reception and processing between devices when a viewer assists a game play of a distributor during live distribution. It is a figure which shows the example of the change of the reproduction screen before and after performing the 1st input operation by a viewer. It is a figure which shows an example of the data structure of the input information. It is a figure which shows an example of the data structure of a support instruction. It is a figure which shows another example of a reproduction screen. It is a figure which shows an example of the reproduction screen at the time of inputting and transmitting a message in a viewing terminal. It is a sequence diagram which shows an example of the transmission / reception of data between devices, and the flow of processing for notifying a viewer that another viewer has supported the game play of a distributor. It is a figure which shows an example of the reproduction screen in a viewing terminal when another viewing terminal corresponding to another viewer executes distributor support. It is a figure which shows an example of a delivery screen.

The support system according to the present disclosure is a system for a viewer of the content to support the game play of the distributor of the content. Hereinafter, the support system will be described with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the following description and examples in the drawings, and is indicated by the scope of claims, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the scope of claims are included in the present invention. Is intended. In the following description, the same elements are designated by the same reference numerals in the description of the drawings, and duplicate description will not be repeated.

[Embodiment 1]
<Outline of operation of support system 1>
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of the support system 1 according to the present embodiment. The support system 1 includes a distribution system 2, a viewing terminal 100, and a game system 3. There may be a plurality of the distribution system 2, the viewing terminal 100, and the game system 3.

(Distribution system 2 and viewing terminal 100)
The distribution system 2 is a system for distributing content to the viewing terminal 100 in real time. The distribution system 2 includes one or more distribution servers 200 and one or more distribution terminals 300. Hereinafter, the real-time distribution of content is also referred to as "live distribution".

The distribution terminal 300 is a device that is a main body for live distribution of contents. The distribution terminal 300 is realized by, for example, a personal computer (PC) or a smartphone. The distribution terminal 300 creates content for live distribution in response to an input operation by the user of the distribution terminal 300. Hereinafter, the user of the distribution terminal 300 will be referred to as a "distributor". Further, the content created by the distribution terminal 300 is simply referred to as "content". The distribution terminal 300 transfers the content to the distribution server 200 in real time.

The content includes at least an avatar of the distributor and a play screen of the game that the distributor is currently playing using the game terminal 400 described later. The content may be, for example, a so-called "game live" live program in which the distributor talks about the impression of the game play through voice, avatar gesture, subtitles, etc. while referring to the play screen.

Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, the "game" refers to a game being played by the distributor and whose content includes a play screen. The genre and content of the game are not particularly limited. However, the game is a game that can cause the support effect described later, that is, a game that is linked with the distribution system 2.

The distribution server 200 is a streaming server that distributes the content received from the distribution terminal 300 in real time to the viewing terminal 100 by using the streaming technology. The distribution server 200 is also a server that mediates the transmission and reception of various information between the viewing terminal 100 and the distribution terminal 300.

The viewing terminal 100 is a device that receives and reproduces the content in real time, that is, the content is streamed and reproduced. The viewing terminal 100 is realized by, for example, a PC or a smartphone. The viewing terminal 100 receives content from the distribution server 200 and performs streaming playback in response to an input operation by the user of the viewing terminal 100. Hereinafter, the user of the viewing terminal 100 will be referred to as a "viewer".

(Transmission and reception of information between the distribution system 2 and the viewing terminal 100)
The viewing terminal 100 may not only reproduce the content, but may also be able to transmit the information specified or input by the input operation of the viewer to the distribution terminal 300 via the distribution server 200.

For example, the viewing terminal 100 accepts the viewer's first input operation. The first input operation is an input operation for producing an effect of supporting the distributor in the game. Hereinafter, the effect of supporting the distributor in the game will be referred to as a "support effect". In addition, supporting the distributor in the game is also referred to as "distributor support".

The specific content of the support effect is not particularly limited. For example, when the game is an action game, the support effect may be an effect of recovering the physical strength value of the operating character of the distributor. Further, for example, when the game is a sports game, the support effect may be a field effect in which the character or team operated by the distributor is advantageous in the game. Further, for example, when the game is a gun shooting game, the support effect may be an effect of reloading the gun of the distributor or the operating character of the distributor. Further, for example, when the game is a game in which a player acquires a predetermined character or item by lottery or the like, the support effect may be an effect of giving the player, that is, the distributor, the right to perform the lottery.

When the viewing terminal 100 receives the first input operation, the viewing terminal 100 transmits the input information corresponding to the input operation to the distribution system 2. Details of the input information will be described later. The viewing terminal 100 may transmit the input information to the distribution server 200 in exchange for the consumption of valuable data held by the viewer or a specific item. That is, the viewing terminal 100 may not be able to support the distributor unless the viewer consumes valuable data or a specific item.

When the distribution server 200 receives the input information, it transmits a support instruction to the game system 3. A support instruction is an instruction for causing a support effect.

The distribution server 200 may collect various information related to live distribution from one or more viewing terminals 100 and transmit the various information to the distribution terminal 300. For example, the distribution server 200 may aggregate the number of viewing terminals 100 that are currently streaming and reproducing the content, that is, the current number of viewers, and transmit the content to the distribution terminal 300. Further, the distribution server 200 may aggregate the cumulative number of viewers from the start of distribution of the content and transmit it to the distribution terminal 300. Further, the distribution server 200 may specify the viewing terminal 100 that has transmitted the above-mentioned input information, and may transmit the information indicating the viewing terminal 100 to the distribution terminal 300.

(Game system 3)
The game system 3 is a system for providing a game. The game system 3 includes one or more game terminals 400 and one or more game servers 500. In the present embodiment, the game terminal 400 and the game server 500 each store a game program, and the game is realized by executing the game program.

For example, the game terminal 400 and the game server 500 may realize an online game in which a plurality of game terminals 400 participate in the game at the same time. Further, for example, the game terminal 400 and the game server 500 may realize a game executed on a browser started on the game terminal 400.

The game server 500 is a server that realizes a game by cooperating with the game terminal 400. For example, the game server 500 transmits and receives data related to the game such as user information and game information to and from the game terminal 400, and performs synchronization processing between a plurality of game terminals 400. User information and game information will be described later. Further, when the game server 500 receives the support instruction from the distribution terminal 300, the game server 500 transmits the support instruction to the game terminal 400. That is, the game server 500 mediates the transmission of instructions between the distribution terminal 300 and the game terminal 400.

The game server 500 is not directly involved in the progress of the game, and may execute a process for starting the game on the game terminal 400, such as a login process. Further, the game server 500 may not be directly involved in the progress of the game, and may execute a process of mediating a plurality of game terminals 400. Then, the game may be realized by the collaboration of the plurality of game terminals 400. Further, the game server 500 may return a response indicating that the received support instruction has been executed to the distribution server 200 at a predetermined timing. The predetermined timing is, for example, the timing when the support instruction is received from the distribution terminal 300, the timing when the support instruction is transmitted to the game terminal 400, or the timing when the support effect by the support instruction is activated in the game server 500. ..

The game terminal 400 is a terminal device for playing a game, and is a device actually operated by the distributor. The game terminal 400 is realized, for example, by a PC, a housing of a consumer game, a controller, or the like. The game terminal 400 communicates with the distribution terminal 300 by wire or wirelessly. Specifically, the game terminal 400 transmits the created image of the game screen to the distribution terminal 300. As a result, the distribution terminal 300 can acquire a play screen showing the execution status of the game on the game terminal 400 and include it in the content.

The game terminal 400 may receive various instructions such as a transmission instruction of the game screen from the distribution terminal 300. Further, the game terminal 400 may receive information indicating an input operation performed via the input device of the distribution terminal 300 or the like from the distribution terminal 300, and proceed with the game based on the information. In other words, the distributor may be able to remotely operate the game terminal 400 via the distribution terminal 300.

When the game terminal 400 receives the support instruction from the distribution server 200 via the game server 500, the game terminal 400 causes a support effect in the running game in response to the support instruction. That is, as a reaction to the first input operation performed on the viewing terminal 100, a support effect is generated in the game executed by the game terminal 400.

Here, as shown in the figure, the viewing terminal 100 and the game terminal 400 are not directly connected. Further, the viewing terminal 100 is a terminal for viewing the content as described above, and is not directly involved in the execution of the game. In other words, the viewer is not playing the game with the distributor using the viewing terminal 100.

As described above, according to the support system 1 according to the present embodiment, the distributor and the viewer who is not playing the game are supported to play the game of the distributor in response to the first input operation to the viewing terminal 100. Can be done. That is, the viewer can intervene in the progress of the game included in the content simply by watching the live distribution and performing the first input operation. Therefore, it is possible to improve the interest of the content.

In this embodiment, an example in which the distribution server 200 and the distribution terminal 300 are separate devices will be described. However, the distribution server 200 and the distribution terminal 300 may be an integrated device. For example, one PC may have both a function as a distribution server 200 and a function as a distribution terminal 300.

In this embodiment, an example in which the game terminal 400 and the game server 500 are separate devices will be described. However, the game terminal 400 and the game server 500 may be an integrated device. For example, one PC may have both a function as a game terminal 400 and a function as a game server 500.

In this embodiment, an example in which the distribution terminal 300 and the game terminal 400 are separate devices will be described. However, the distribution terminal 300 and the game terminal 400 may be an integrated device. For example, one PC may have both a function as a distribution terminal 300 and a function as a game terminal 400.

In this embodiment, an example in which the distribution server 200 and the game server 500 are separate devices will be described. However, the distribution server 200 and the game server 500 may be an integrated device. For example, one server may have both a function as a distribution server 200 and a function as a game server 500.

<Hardware configuration of support system 1>
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration of the support system 1. As shown in the figure, the support system 1 includes a distribution server 200, a game server 500, a plurality of viewing terminals 100, a distribution terminal 300, and a game terminal 400. The viewing terminal 100, the distribution terminal 300, and the game server 500 are connected to the distribution server 200 via the network 4. The game terminal 400 may also be connected to the distribution server 200 via the network 4. The game terminal 400 connects to the game server 500 via the network 4. The game terminal 400 may be connected to the distribution terminal 300 via the network 4.

(Network 4)
The network 4 is composed of various mobile communication systems constructed by the Internet and a wireless base station (not shown). Examples of this mobile communication system include so-called 3G and 4G mobile communication systems, LTE (Long Term Evolution), and wireless networks (for example, Wi-Fi (registered trademark)) that can be connected to the Internet by a predetermined access point. Be done.

(Distribution server 200)
The distribution server 200 (computer, information processing device) may be a general-purpose computer such as a workstation or a personal computer. The distribution server 200 includes a processor 20, a memory 21, a storage 22, a communication IF 23, and an input / output IF 24. These configurations included in the distribution server 200 are electrically connected to each other by a communication bus.

(Game server 500)
The game server 500 (computer, information processing device) may be a general-purpose computer such as a workstation or a personal computer. The game server 500 includes a processor 50, a memory 51, a storage 52, a communication IF 53, and an input / output IF 54. These configurations included in the game server 500 are electrically connected to each other by a communication bus.

(Viewing terminal 100)
The viewing terminal 100 (computer, information processing device) may be a mobile terminal such as a smartphone, a feature phone, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), or a tablet computer. The viewing terminal 100 may be a playback device suitable for playing back the content. As shown in the figure, the viewing terminal 100 includes a processor 10, a memory 11, a storage 12, a communication interface (IF) 13, an input / output IF 14, and a touch screen 15 (display unit). These configurations included in the viewing terminal 100 are electrically connected to each other by a communication bus. The viewing terminal 100 may be provided with an input / output IF 14 to which a display (display unit) configured separately from the viewing terminal 100 main body can be connected instead of or in addition to the touch screen 15.

Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the viewing terminal 100 may be configured to be communicable with one or more controllers 1020. The controller 1020 establishes communication with the viewing terminal 100 according to a communication standard such as Bluetooth (registered trademark). The controller 1020 may have one or more buttons or the like, and transmits an output value based on a user's input operation to the buttons or the like to the viewing terminal 100. Further, the controller 1020 may have various sensors such as an acceleration sensor and an angular velocity sensor, and transmits the output values of the various sensors to the viewing terminal 100.

Further, the controller 1020 may be configured to be detachable from the viewing terminal 100. In this case, a coupling portion with the controller 1020 may be provided on at least one surface of the housing of the viewing terminal 100. When the viewing terminal 100 and the controller 1020 are connected by wire via the coupling portion, the viewing terminal 100 and the controller 1020 transmit and receive signals via wire.

As shown in FIG. 2, the viewing terminal 100 may accept the attachment of a storage medium 1030 such as an external memory card via the input / output IF14. As a result, the viewing terminal 100 can read the program and data recorded on the storage medium 1030. The program recorded on the storage medium 1030 is, for example, a viewing program.

The viewing terminal 100 may store the viewing program acquired by communicating with an external device such as the distribution server 200 in the memory 11 of the viewing terminal 100, or the viewing program acquired by reading from the storage medium 1030 in the memory. It may be stored in 11.

As described above, the viewing terminal 100 includes a communication IF 13, an input / output IF 14, and a touch screen 15 as an example of a mechanism for inputting information to the viewing terminal 100. Each of the above-mentioned parts as an input mechanism can be regarded as an operation part configured to accept a user's input operation.

For example, when the operation unit is composed of the touch screen 15, the viewing terminal 100 identifies and accepts the user's operation performed on the input unit 151 of the touch screen 15 as the user's input operation. Alternatively, when the operation unit is composed of the communication IF 13, the viewing terminal 100 identifies and accepts a signal (for example, an output value) transmitted from the controller 1020 as an input operation of the user. Alternatively, when the operation unit is composed of the input / output IF14, a signal output from an input device (not shown) different from the controller 1020 connected to the input / output IF14 is specified and accepted as a user input operation.

(Distribution terminal 300)
The distribution terminal 300 (computer, information processing device) may be a mobile terminal such as a smartphone, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), or a tablet computer. Further, the distribution terminal 300 may be a computer such as a server, a desktop personal computer, a laptop computer, or a tablet, and a group of computers in which these are combined.

The distribution terminal 300 may be a group of devices in which a display device, an input device, and an information processing device are connected so as to be suitable for live distribution. As shown in the figure, the distribution terminal 300 includes a processor 30, a memory 31, a storage 32, a communication interface (IF) 33, an input / output IF 34, and a touch screen 35 (display unit). These configurations included in the distribution terminal 300 are electrically connected to each other by a communication bus. The distribution terminal 300 may include an input / output IF 34 to which a display (display unit) configured separately from the distribution terminal 300 main body can be connected instead of or in addition to the touch screen 35.

Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the distribution terminal 300 is connected to peripheral devices such as one or more microphones 3010, one or more motion capture devices 3020, and one or more controllers 3030 via wireless or wired. , May be configured to be communicable. The wirelessly connected peripheral device establishes communication with the distribution terminal 300 according to a communication standard such as Bluetooth (registered trademark). Further, the device group including these peripheral devices may be regarded as one set of distribution terminals 300.

The microphone 3010 acquires the voice generated in the surroundings and converts it into an electric signal. The voice converted into an electric signal is transmitted to the distribution terminal 300 as voice data, and is received by the distribution terminal 300 via the communication IF 33.

The motion capture device 3020 tracks the motion (including facial expressions, mouth movements, etc.) of the tracking target (for example, a person), and transmits the output value as the tracking result to the distribution terminal 300. The motion data, which is an output value, is received by the distribution terminal 300 via the communication IF 33. The motion capture method of the motion capture device 3020 is not particularly limited. The motion capture device 3020 selectively includes all mechanisms for capturing motion, such as a camera, various sensors, markers, a suit worn by a model (person), and a signal transmitter, depending on the method adopted. ..

The controller 3030 may have one or more physical input mechanisms such as buttons, levers, sticks, wheels and the like. The controller 3030 transmits an output value based on an input operation input to the input mechanism by the operator of the distribution terminal 300 to the distribution terminal 300. Further, the controller 3030 may have various sensors such as an acceleration sensor and an angular velocity sensor, and may transmit output values of the various sensors to the distribution terminal 300. The above output value is received by the distribution terminal 300 via the communication IF 33. In the following, a person who performs some input operation on the distribution terminal 300 by using an operation unit provided in the distribution terminal 300 or various input mechanisms communicably connected to the distribution terminal 300 is referred to as an operator. .. The operator includes a person who operates the distribution terminal 300 using the input unit 351 and the controller 3030, a voice actor who inputs voice through the microphone 3010, and moves via the motion capture device 3020. The model to be entered is also included.

The distribution terminal 300 may include a camera and a distance measuring sensor (not shown). Alternatively or in addition to the distribution terminal 300, the motion capture device 3020 and the controller 3030 may have a camera and a distance measuring sensor.

As described above, the distribution terminal 300 includes a communication IF 33, an input / output IF 34, and a touch screen 35 as an example of a mechanism for inputting information to the distribution terminal 300. If necessary, a camera and a distance measuring sensor may be further provided. Each of the above-mentioned parts as an input mechanism can be regarded as an operation part configured to accept a user's input operation.

The operation unit may be composed of the touch screen 35. In this case, the distribution terminal 300 identifies and accepts the user's operation performed on the input unit 351 of the touch screen 35 as the user's input operation. Alternatively, when the operation unit is composed of the communication IF 33, the distribution terminal 300 identifies and accepts a signal (for example, an output value) transmitted from the controller 3030 as an input operation of the user. Alternatively, when the operation unit is composed of the input / output IF34, a signal output from an input device (not shown) different from the controller 3030 connected to the input / output IF34 is specified as an input operation of the user and received.

(Game terminal 400)
The game terminal 400 (computer, information processing device) may be a mobile terminal such as a smartphone, a feature phone, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), or a tablet computer. The game terminal 400 may be a game device suitable for game play. As shown in the figure, the game terminal 400 includes a processor 40, a memory 41, a storage 42, a communication interface (IF) 43, an input / output IF 44, a touch screen 45 (display unit), a camera 47, and a distance measuring sensor 48. And. These configurations included in the game terminal 400 are electrically connected to each other by a communication bus. The game terminal 400 may include an input / output IF 14 to which a display (display unit) configured separately from the game terminal 400 main body can be connected instead of or in addition to the touch screen 15.

Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the game terminal 400 may be configured to be communicable with one or more controllers 4020. The controller 4020 establishes communication with the game terminal 400 according to a communication standard such as Bluetooth (registered trademark). The controller 4020 may have one or more buttons or the like, and transmits an output value based on a user's input operation to the buttons or the like to the game terminal 400. Further, the controller 4020 may have various sensors such as an acceleration sensor and an angular velocity sensor, and transmits the output values of the various sensors to the game terminal 400.

In addition, instead of or in addition to the game terminal 400 including the camera 47 and the distance measuring sensor 48, the controller 4020 may have the camera 47 and the distance measuring sensor 48.

For example, at the start of a game, it is desirable that the game terminal 400 have a user who uses the controller 4020 input user identification information such as the user's name or login ID via the controller 4020. As a result, the game terminal 400 can associate the controller 4020 with the user, and identifies which user the output value belongs to based on the source of the received output value (controller 4020). be able to.

When the game terminal 400 communicates with a plurality of controllers 4020, each user holds each controller 4020, so that the one game terminal does not communicate with other devices such as the game server 500 via the network 4. Multiplayer can be realized at 400. In addition, each game terminal 400 communicates with each other according to a wireless standard such as a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) standard (communication connection is made without going through the game server 500), so that multiple game terminals 400 can perform multiplayer locally. It can also be realized. When the above-mentioned multiplayer is realized locally by one game terminal 400, the game terminal 400 may further include at least a part of various functions described later included in the game server 500. Further, when the above-mentioned multiplayer is realized locally by the plurality of game terminals 400, the plurality of game terminals 400 may be provided with various functions described later described in the game server 500 in a distributed manner.

Even when the above-mentioned multiplayer is realized locally, the game terminal 400 may communicate with the game server 500. For example, information indicating a play result such as a result or victory or defeat in a certain game may be associated with user identification information and transmitted to the game server 500.

Further, the controller 4020 may be configured to be removable from the game terminal 400. In this case, a coupling portion with the controller 4020 may be provided on at least one surface of the housing of the game terminal 400. When the game terminal 400 and the controller 4020 are connected by wire via the coupling portion, the game terminal 400 and the controller 4020 transmit and receive signals via wire.

As shown in FIG. 2, the game terminal 400 may accept the attachment of a storage medium 4030 such as an external memory card via the input / output IF44. As a result, the game terminal 400 can read the program and data recorded on the storage medium 4030. The program recorded on the storage medium 4030 is, for example, a game program.

The game terminal 400 may store the game program acquired by communicating with an external device such as the game server 500 in the memory 41 of the game terminal 400, or may store the game program acquired by reading from the storage medium 4030 in the memory. It may be stored in 41.

As described above, the game terminal 400 includes a communication IF43, an input / output IF44, a touch screen 45, a camera 47, and a distance measuring sensor 48 as an example of a mechanism for inputting information to the game terminal 400. Each of the above-mentioned parts as an input mechanism can be regarded as an operation part configured to accept a user's input operation.

For example, when the operation unit is configured by at least one of the camera 47 and the distance measuring sensor 48, the operation unit detects an object 4010 in the vicinity of the game terminal 400 and performs an input operation from the detection result of the object. Identify. As an example, a user's hand as an object 4010, a marker having a predetermined shape, or the like is detected, and an input operation is specified based on the color, shape, movement, or type of the object 4010 obtained as a detection result. To. More specifically, when the user's hand is detected from the captured image of the camera 47, the game terminal 400 inputs a gesture (a series of movements of the user's hand) detected based on the captured image. Identify and accept as. The captured image may be a still image or a moving image.

Alternatively, when the operation unit is composed of the touch screen 45, the game terminal 400 identifies and accepts the user's operation performed on the input unit 451 of the touch screen 45 as the user's input operation. Alternatively, when the operation unit is composed of the communication IF 43, the game terminal 400 identifies and accepts a signal (for example, an output value) transmitted from the controller 4020 as an input operation of the user. Alternatively, when the operation unit is composed of the input / output IF44, a signal output from an input device (not shown) different from the controller 4020 connected to the input / output IF44 is specified and accepted as a user input operation.

<Hardware components of each device>
The processor 10 controls the operation of the entire viewing terminal 100. The processor 20 controls the operation of the entire distribution server 200. The processor 30 controls the operation of the entire distribution terminal 300. The processor 40 controls the operation of the entire game terminal 400. The processor 50 controls the operation of the entire game server 500. Processors 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 include a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), and a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit).

The processor 10 reads a program from the storage 12 described later and expands it into the memory 11 described later. The processor 20 reads a program from the storage 22 described later and expands it into the memory 21 described later. The processor 30 reads a program from the storage 32 described later and expands it into the memory 31 described later. The processor 40 reads a program from the storage 42 described later and expands it into the memory 41 described later. The processor 50 reads a program from the storage 52 described later and expands it into the memory 51 described later. Processor 10, processor 20, processor 30, processor 40, and processor 50 execute the deployed program.

The memories 11, 21, 31, 41, and 51 are the main storage devices. The memories 11, 21, 31, 41, and 51 are composed of storage devices such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory). The memory 11 provides a work area to the processor 10 by temporarily storing a program and various data read from the storage 12 described later by the processor 10. The memory 11 also temporarily stores various data generated while the processor 10 is operating according to the program. The memory 21 provides a work area to the processor 20 by temporarily storing various programs and data read from the storage 22 described later by the processor 20. The memory 21 also temporarily stores various data generated while the processor 20 is operating according to the program. The memory 31 provides a work area to the processor 30 by temporarily storing various programs and data read from the storage 32 described later by the processor 30. The memory 31 also temporarily stores various data generated while the processor 30 is operating according to the program. The memory 41 provides a work area to the processor 40 by temporarily storing the program and various data read from the storage 42 described later by the processor 40. The memory 41 also temporarily stores various data generated while the processor 40 is operating according to the program. The memory 51 provides a work area to the processor 50 by temporarily storing a program and various data read from the storage 52 described later by the processor 50. The memory 51 also temporarily stores various data generated while the processor 50 is operating according to the program.

In the present embodiment, the program executed by the processor 30 may be a distribution program for realizing live distribution of contents. In the present embodiment, the program executed by the processor 10 may be a viewing program for realizing the function of streaming playback of the content and the function of supporting the play of the game of the distributor from the viewing terminal 100. Hereinafter, the function of supporting the game play of the distributor is simply referred to as a "support function".

In the present embodiment, the program executed by the processor 20 may be the above-mentioned distribution program or the above-mentioned viewing program. The processor 20 executes either or both of the distribution program and the viewing program in response to a request from the viewing terminal 100 or the distribution terminal 300 or the like. The distribution program and the viewing program may be executed in parallel.

That is, the distribution program may be a distribution program for realizing live distribution in collaboration with the distribution server 200 and the distribution terminal 300. Further, the viewing program may be a viewing program for realizing the streaming playback function and the support function in collaboration with the viewing terminal 100 and the distribution server 200.

In the present embodiment, the program executed by the processor 40 and the processor 50 may be a game program for realizing the game by the game terminal 400. Alternatively, the program may be a game program for realizing the game in collaboration with the game terminal 400 and the game server 500. The game realized by the cooperation between the game terminal 400 and the game server 500 may be, for example, a game executed on a browser started on the game terminal 400.

Alternatively, the program may be a game program for realizing the game in collaboration with a plurality of game terminals 400. Further, the various data include data related to the game such as user information and game information, and instructions or notifications to be transmitted / received between the devices of the game system 3.

Storages 12, 22, 32, 42, and 52 are auxiliary storage devices. The storages 12, 22, 32, 42, and 52 are composed of a storage device such as a flash memory or an HDD (Hard Disk Drive). Various data related to the game are stored in the storages 12, 22, 32, 42, and 52.

The communication IF 13 controls the transmission / reception of various data in the viewing terminal 100. The communication IF 23 controls the transmission and reception of various data on the distribution server 200. The communication IF 33 controls the transmission / reception of various data in the distribution terminal 300. The communication IF 43 controls the transmission and reception of various data in the game terminal 400. The communication IF 53 controls the transmission and reception of various data on the game server 500. Communication IFs 13, 23, 33, 43, and 53 use, for example, communication via a wireless LAN (Local Area Network), Internet communication via a wired LAN, a wireless LAN, or a mobile phone network, short-range wireless communication, and the like. Control the communication that was there.

The input / output IF 14 of the viewing terminal 100 is an interface for the viewing terminal 100 to accept data input, and an interface for the viewing terminal 100 to output data. The input / output IF 14 may input / output data via USB (Universal Serial Bus) or the like. The input / output IF 14 may include, for example, a physical button, a camera, a microphone, a speaker, or the like of the viewing terminal 100. The input / output IF24 of the distribution server 200 is an interface for the distribution server 200 to receive data input, and an interface for the distribution server 200 to output data. The input / output IF 24 may include, for example, an input unit that is an information input device such as a mouse or a keyboard, and a display unit that is a device that displays and outputs an image. The input / output IF 34 of the distribution terminal 300 is an interface for the distribution terminal 300 to receive data input, and an interface for the distribution terminal 300 to output data. The input / output IF34 includes, for example, information input devices such as a mouse, keyboard, stick, and lever, devices for displaying and outputting images such as a liquid crystal display, and peripheral devices (microphone 3010, motion capture device 3020, and controller 3030). It may include a connection for sending and receiving data between.

The input / output IF44 of the game terminal 400 is an interface for the game terminal 400 to receive data input, and an interface for the game terminal 400 to output data. The input / output IF44 may input / output data via USB (Universal Serial Bus) or the like. The input / output IF44 may include, for example, a physical button, a camera, a microphone, a speaker, or the like of the viewing terminal 100.

The input / output IF 54 of the game server 500 is an interface for the game server 500 to accept data input, and an interface for the game server 500 to output data. The input / output IF 54 may include, for example, an input unit that is an information input device such as a mouse or a keyboard, and a display unit that is a device that displays and outputs an image.

The touch screen 15 of the viewing terminal 100 is an electronic component that combines an input unit 151 and a display unit 152. The touch screen 35 of the distribution terminal 300 is an electronic component that combines an input unit 351 and a display unit 352. The touch screen 45 of the game terminal 400 is an electronic component that combines an input unit 451 and a display unit 452. The input units 151, 351 and 451 are, for example, touch-sensitive devices, and are composed of, for example, a touch pad. The display units 152, 352, and 452 are composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display, or the like.

The input units 151, 351, and 451 detect the position where the user's operation (mainly physical contact operation such as touch operation, slide operation, swipe operation, and tap operation) is input to the input surface, and determine the position. It has a function to transmit the indicated information as an input signal. The input units 151, 351 and 451 may include touch sensing units (not shown). The touch sensing unit may adopt any method such as a capacitance method or a resistance film method.

Although not shown, the viewing terminal 100 and the game terminal 400 may include one or more sensors for identifying the holding posture of the viewing terminal 100 and the game terminal 400. This sensor may be, for example, an acceleration sensor, an angular velocity sensor, or the like. When the viewing terminal 100 or the game terminal 400 includes a sensor, the processor 10 or the processor 40 identifies the holding posture of the viewing terminal 100 or the game terminal 400 from the output of the sensor, and performs processing according to the holding posture. Will also be possible. For example, the processor 10 or the processor 40 may be a vertical screen display in which a vertically long image is displayed on the display unit 152 or 452 when the viewing terminal 100 or the game terminal 400 is held vertically. On the other hand, when the viewing terminal 100 or the game terminal 400 is held horizontally, it may be a horizontal screen display in which a horizontally long image is displayed on the display unit. In this way, the processor 10 or the processor 40 may be able to switch between the vertical screen display and the horizontal screen display according to the holding posture of the viewing terminal 100 or the game terminal 400.

The camera 47 includes an image sensor and the like, and generates a captured image by converting the incident light incident from the lens into an electric signal.

The distance measuring sensor 48 is a sensor that measures the distance to the object to be measured. The ranging sensor 48 includes, for example, a light source that emits pulse-converted light and a light receiving element that receives the light. The distance measuring sensor 48 measures the distance to the object to be measured by the timing of light emission from the light source and the timing of receiving the reflected light generated by the light emitted from the light source being reflected by the object to be measured. The ranging sensor 48 may have a light source that emits light having directivity.

<Functional configuration of support system 1>
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the functional configurations of the viewing terminal 100, the distribution server 200, the distribution terminal 300, the game terminal 400, and the game server 500 included in the support system 1. Each of the viewing terminal 100, the distribution server 200, the distribution terminal 300, the game terminal 400, and the game server 500 has a functional configuration (not shown) required for functioning as a general computer, and known functions in the game. It may include the functional configurations required to achieve it.

The viewing terminal 100 has a function as an input device that accepts a user's input operation and a function as an output device that outputs a game image or sound. The viewing terminal 100 functions as a control unit 110 and a storage unit 120 in cooperation with the processor 10, the memory 11, the storage 12, the communication IF 13, the input / output IF 14, and the like.

The distribution server 200 has a function of communicating with the distribution terminal 300 and the viewing terminal 100 to support the distribution terminal 300 to live-distribute the content to the viewing terminal 100. The distribution server 200 functions as a control unit 210 and a storage unit 220 in cooperation with the processor 20, the memory 21, the storage 22, the communication IF23, the input / output IF24, and the like.

The distribution terminal 300 has a function of creating content and delivering the content live to the viewing terminal 100 via the distribution server 200. The distribution terminal 300 functions as a control unit 310 and a storage unit 320 in cooperation with the processor 30, the memory 31, the storage 32, the communication IF 33, the input / output IF 34, and the like.

The game terminal 400 has a function as an input device that accepts a user's input operation and a function as an output device that outputs a game image or sound. The game terminal 400 functions as a control unit 410 and a storage unit 420 in cooperation with the processor 40, the memory 41, the storage 42, the communication IF43, the input / output IF44, and the like.

The game server 500 has a function of communicating with the game terminal 400 to support the game terminal 400 to advance the game. Further, the game server 500 has a function of mediating between the distribution server 200 and the game terminal 400. The game server 500 functions as a control unit 510 and a storage unit 520 in cooperation with the processor 50, the memory 51, the storage 52, the communication IF53, the input / output IF54, and the like.

(Data stored in the storage unit of each device)
The storage unit 120 stores the viewing program 131 and the viewer information 132 of the viewer corresponding to the viewing terminal 100. The storage unit 320 stores the distribution program 331 and the distributor information 332 of the distributor corresponding to the distribution terminal 300. The storage unit 220 stores the viewing program 131, the viewer information 132, the distribution program 331, and the distributor information 332. The storage unit 220 collectively stores the distributor information 332 collected from each distribution terminal 300. The storage unit 220 collectively stores the viewer information 132 collected from each viewing terminal 100.

The viewing program 131 is a program executed by the viewing terminal 100 and the distribution server 200. On the other hand, the distribution program 231 is a program executed by the distribution terminal 300 and the distribution server 200.

It should be noted that the execution of the viewing program 131 and the distribution program 331 by the distribution server 200 is not essential. For example, if the viewing terminal 100 can independently execute the viewing program 131 to realize the content streaming playback function and the support function, the distribution server 200 does not have to execute the viewing program 131. Further, for example, when the distribution terminal 300 can realize live distribution by executing the distribution program 331 independently, the distribution server 200 does not have to execute the distribution program 331.

The viewer information 132 is data that the control unit 110 refers to when executing the viewing program 131. The viewer information 132 is data managed for each viewer. For example, the viewer information 132 includes the name of the viewer, that is, the name of the viewer's account supported by the viewing terminal 100, the amount of valuable data held by the account, or the number of specific items held by the account. Etc. may be included. Further, the viewer information 132 may include a content browsing history, a message transmission / reception history, and an input history of the first input operation in the viewer account corresponding to the viewing terminal 100. Further, the viewer information 132 may include a purchase history of valuable data and a purchase or acquisition history of a specific item.

The distributor information 332 is data that the control unit 210 refers to when executing the distribution program 231. The distributor information 332 is data managed for each distributor. For example, the distributor information 332 may include information indicating the name of the account of the distributor corresponding to the distribution terminal 300. In addition, the distributor information 332 includes various information related to the distributed content such as the distribution history of the content, the number of playbacks of the distributed content, and the history of sending and receiving messages in the account of the distributor corresponding to the distribution terminal 300. It may be.

The storage unit 420 and the storage unit 520 store the game program 431, the game information 432, and the user information 433. The storage unit 420 stores user information 433 of the user corresponding to the game terminal 400. On the other hand, the storage unit 520 collectively stores the user information 433 collected from each game terminal 400.

The game program 431 is a game program executed by the game terminal 400 and the game server 500. The game information 432 is data that the control unit 410 and the control unit 510 refer to when executing the game program 431. The user information 433 is data managed for each user account.

(Functional configuration of distribution server 200)
The control unit 210 comprehensively controls the distribution server 200 by executing the distribution program 231 stored in the storage unit 220. For example, the control unit 210 receives the content from the distribution terminal 300 in real time and delivers the content live to the viewing terminal 100. The control unit 210 communicates with the viewing terminal 100 and the distribution terminal 300 to transmit and receive various information as needed.

The control unit 210 functions as a transmission / reception unit 211, a server processing unit 212, and a data management unit 213 according to the description of the distribution program 231. The control unit 210 can also function as another functional block (not shown) in order to support live distribution of the content from the distribution terminal 300, streaming reproduction of the content by the viewing terminal 100, and support for the distributor.

The transmission / reception unit 211 receives various data and requests from the distribution terminal 300. For example, the transmission / reception unit 211 receives a part or all of the distributor information 332 from the distribution terminal 300. The transmission / reception unit 211 transmits various data and requests to the distribution terminal 300.

In addition, the transmission / reception unit 211 receives various data and requests from the viewing terminal 100. For example, the transmission / reception unit 211 receives a request for live distribution from the viewing terminal 100. The transmission / reception unit 211 transmits various information to the viewing terminal 100. For example, the transmission / reception unit 211 delivers the content live to the viewing terminal 100.

The server processing unit 212 performs live distribution and streaming playback of the content, and arithmetic processing necessary for supporting the distributor. The server processing unit 212 instructs the transmission / reception unit 211 to transmit various data. The server processing unit 212 instructs the data management unit 213 to add, update, or delete various types of information.

The data management unit 213 manages the data stored in the storage unit 220. The data management unit 213 adds, updates, or deletes various information included in the distributor information 132 and the viewer information 132 in response to an instruction from the server processing unit 212. The data management unit 213 may read at least one of the distributor information 132 and the viewer information 132 from the storage unit 220 according to the instruction of the server processing unit 212.

(Functional configuration of viewing terminal 100)
The control unit 110 comprehensively controls the viewing terminal 100 by executing the viewing program 131 stored in the storage unit 120. For example, the control unit 110 executes streaming reproduction of the content according to the operation of the viewing program 131 and the user. Further, the control unit 110 communicates with the distribution server 200 to send and receive information as needed during the reproduction of the content.

The control unit 110 functions as an operation reception unit 111, a reproduction unit 112, a display control unit 113, a communication unit 114, and a support instruction unit 115 according to the description of the viewing program 131. The control unit 110 can also function as other functional blocks (not shown) in order to realize streaming playback and distributor support.

The operation reception unit 111 detects and accepts a user's input operation with respect to the input unit 151. The operation reception unit 111 determines what kind of input operation has been performed from the action exerted by the user on the console via the touch screen 15 and other input / output IF 14, and outputs the result to each element of the control unit 110. To do.

For example, the operation receiving unit 111 receives an input operation for the input unit 151, detects the coordinates of the input position of the input operation, and specifies the type of the input operation. The operation reception unit 111 specifies, for example, a touch operation, a slide operation, a swipe operation, a tap operation, and the like as the types of input operations. Further, the operation reception unit 111 detects that the contact input is released from the touch screen 15 when the continuously detected input is interrupted.

The reproduction unit 112 executes streaming reproduction. The reproduction unit 112 reproduces the content received from the distribution server 200 via the communication unit 114.

The display control unit 113 causes the display unit 152 to display the content to be streamed and reproduced by the reproduction unit 112. The display control unit 113 may control and draw a 2D or 3D game object (UI object) for constructing a UI (user interface). For example, the display control unit 113 may superimpose the UI object necessary for various operations for viewing the content and supporting the distributor on the content, or display the UI object together with the content on the screen of the display unit 152. The UI object is, for example, an icon, a button, a list, a menu screen, or the like. The UI object is a tool for the viewer to perform on the viewing terminal 100 in viewing the content and supporting the distributor. The UI object is a tool for notifying the viewer of various information from the viewing terminal 100 during playback of the content on the viewing terminal 100.

The communication unit 114 transmits various data and requests to the distribution server 200. For example, the communication unit 114 transmits a content distribution request and a part or all of the viewer information 132 to the distribution server 200. The communication unit 114 receives various information related to live distribution from the distribution server 200. For example, the communication unit 114 receives the content and a part or all of the distributor information 332 from the distribution server 200.

When the operation reception unit 111 receives the first input operation, the support instruction unit 115 creates input information corresponding to the first input operation and transmits the input information to the distribution server 200. The details of the input information will be described later. The support instruction unit 115 may create and transmit input information in exchange for valuable data or consumption of a particular item. As a result, it is possible to set a limit on the number of times the viewer supports the distributor, so that the viewer can think about the timing and the number of times the distributor is supported. Therefore, the interest of the content is improved.

(Functional configuration of distribution terminal 300)
The control unit 310 comprehensively controls the distribution terminal 300 by executing the distribution program 331 stored in the storage unit 320. For example, the control unit 310 creates content according to the operation of the distribution program 331 and the distributor, and supplies the content to the viewing terminal 100 via the distribution server 200. The control unit 310 communicates with the distribution server 200 and the game terminal 400 to send and receive information.

The control unit 310 functions as an operation reception unit 311, a distribution unit 312, a display control unit 313, and a communication unit 314 according to the description of the distribution program 331. The control unit 310 can also function as other functional blocks (not shown) depending on the nature of the content to be distributed in the distribution system 2.

The operation reception unit 311 detects and accepts an operator's input operation with respect to the input unit 351. The operation reception unit 311 determines what kind of input operation has been performed on the console via the touch screen 35 and other input / output IF 34s from the action exerted by the operator, and outputs the result to each element of the control unit 310. Output. The details of the function of the operation reception unit 311 are almost the same as those of the operation reception unit 111 in the viewing terminal 100.

The distribution unit 312 executes various processes related to content distribution. The distribution unit 312 includes a distribution screen creation unit 312A, a content creation unit 312B, and a notification unit 312C.

The distribution screen creation unit 312A creates a screen for the distributor to support the operating of the content creation by the distributor. Hereinafter, the screen for the distributor is also referred to as a distribution screen. The configuration of the distribution screen is not particularly limited. For example, the distribution screen creation unit 312A creates a distribution screen capable of listing various components included in the content such as an avatar, a game screen, and various parameter displays. The distribution screen created by the distribution screen creation unit 312A is displayed on the touch screen 35 via the display control unit 313.

The content creation unit 312B creates content for live distribution. The specific method of content creation by the content creation unit 312B will be described later.

The notification unit 312C creates and outputs various notifications for the distributor. For example, the notification unit 312C notifies the distributor that the distributor support has been provided.

The display control unit 313 outputs a display screen reflecting the processing results executed by each of the above-mentioned elements to the display unit 352 of the touch screen 35. The details of the function of the display control unit 313 are substantially the same as those of the display control unit 113 in the viewing terminal 100. For example, the display control unit 313 may display UI objects required for various operations for live distribution on the screen of the display unit 352 together with the content or superimposed on the content.

The communication unit 314 transmits various data and requests to the distribution server 200. For example, the communication unit 314 transmits the content and a part or all of the distributor information 332 to the distribution server 200. The communication unit 314 receives various information related to live distribution from the distribution server 200. For example, the communication unit 314 receives a part or all of the viewer information 132 from the distribution server 200. In addition, the communication unit 314 communicates between the distribution terminal 300 and the game terminal 400. For example, the communication unit 314 receives an image of the game screen from the game terminal 400 in real time.

(Functional configuration of game terminal 400)
The control unit 410 comprehensively controls the game terminal 400 by executing the game program 431 stored in the storage unit 420. For example, the control unit 410 advances the game according to the game program 431 and the user's operation. In addition, the control unit 410 communicates with the game server 500 to send and receive information as needed while the game is in progress.

The control unit 410 functions as an operation reception unit 411, a game progress unit 412, a display control unit 413, and a communication unit 414 according to the description of the game program 431. The control unit 410 can also function as other functional blocks (not shown) in order to advance the game, depending on the nature of the game to be executed.

The operation reception unit 411 detects and accepts a user's input operation to the input unit 451. The operation reception unit 411 determines what kind of input operation has been performed from the action exerted by the user on the console via the touch screen 45 and other input / output IF44s, and outputs the result to each element of the control unit 410. To do.

For example, the operation reception unit 411 receives an input operation for the input unit 451, detects the coordinates of the input position of the input operation, and specifies the type of the input operation. The operation reception unit 411 specifies, for example, a touch operation, a slide operation, a swipe operation, a tap operation, and the like as the types of input operations. Further, the operation reception unit 411 detects that the contact input is released from the touch screen 45 when the continuously detected input is interrupted.

The game progress unit 412 performs various processes related to the progress of the game. For example, the game progress unit 412 specifies the content of the user's instruction based on the coordinates of the position of the input operation received by the operation reception unit 411, the type of operation, and the progress status of the game. In addition, the game progress unit 412 performs various determination processes related to the progress of the game. In addition, the game progress unit 412 adds, updates, or deletes various types of information included in the game information 432 and the user information 433 stored in the storage unit 420.

The display control unit 413 creates an image of the game screen, and transmits the image to the distribution terminal 300 in real time via the communication unit 414. The display control unit 413 generates, for example, an image including a game object and a background image as a background of the game object, and transmits the image to the distribution terminal 300. The display control unit 413 may display the image of the game screen on the display unit 452.

The display control unit 413 may control and draw a 2D or 3D game object (UI object) for constructing a UI (user interface). For example, the display control unit 413 may display a game screen in which UI objects necessary for various operations of the game such as icons, buttons, lists, and menu screens are superimposed on the background image. The UI object is a tool for the user to input the game terminal 400 necessary for the progress of the game. The UI object is a tool for the user to obtain information output from the game terminal 400 while the game is in progress.

The communication unit 414 transmits various data and requests to the game server 500. For example, the communication unit 414 transmits a part or all of the game information 432 or the user information 433 to the game server 500. The communication unit 414 receives various data and requests from the game server 500. For example, the communication unit 414 receives a part or all of the game information 432 or the user information 433 from the game server 500.

In addition, the communication unit 414 communicates between the game terminal 400 and the distribution terminal 300. For example, the communication unit 414 transmits the image of the game screen created by the display control unit 413 to the distribution terminal 300 in real time.

(Functional configuration of game server 500)
The control unit 510 comprehensively controls the game server 500 by executing the game program 431 stored in the storage unit 520. Further, the control unit 510 may communicate with a plurality of game terminals 400 to mediate the exchange of data between the game terminals 400.

The control unit 510 functions as a transmission / reception unit 511, a server processing unit 512, and a data management unit 513 according to the description of the game program 431. The control unit 510 can also function as other functional blocks (not shown) in order to support the progress of the game on the game terminal 400, depending on the nature of the game to be executed.

The transmission / reception unit 511 receives various data and requests from the game terminal 400. For example, the transmission / reception unit 511 receives a part or all of the game information 432 or the user information 433 from the game terminal 400.

The transmission / reception unit 511 transmits various data and requests to the game terminal 400. For example, the transmission / reception unit 511 transmits the support instruction received from the distribution server 200 to the game terminal 400.

The server processing unit 512 performs arithmetic processing necessary for providing the game. The server processing unit 512 instructs the transmission / reception unit 511 to transmit various data. The server processing unit 512 instructs the data management unit 513 to add, update, or delete various information included in the game information 432 and the user information 433.

The data management unit 513 manages the data stored in the storage unit 520. The data management unit 513 adds, updates, or deletes various information included in the game information 432 and the user information 433 in response to an instruction from the server processing unit 512. The data management unit 513 may read at least one of the game information 432 and the user information 433 from the storage unit 520 according to the instruction of the server processing unit 512. The data management unit 513 may read a program to be executed by a certain game terminal 400 from the storage unit 520 among the game programs 431 and transmit the program to the game terminal 400.

The functions of the viewing terminal 100, the distribution server 200, the distribution terminal 300, the game terminal 400, and the game server 500 shown in FIG. 3 are merely examples. For example, the distribution server 200 may include at least a part of the functions provided by the viewing terminal 100 or the distribution terminal 300. Further, for example, the viewing terminal 100 or the distribution terminal 300 may include at least a part of the functions provided by the distribution server 200. Further, for example, the game server 500 may include at least a part of the functions provided by the game terminal 400. Further, for example, the game terminal 400 may include at least a part of the functions provided by the game server 500.

Further, the viewing terminal 100 may cooperate with other components other than the above-mentioned components, or other devices connected to the viewing terminal 100. For example, the viewing terminal 100 may cause another component or another device to execute a part of the processing in the viewing terminal 100.

Further, the distribution system 2 may use a device other than the distribution server 200 and the distribution terminal 300 as a component of the distribution system 2 and cause the other device to execute a part of the processing in the distribution system 2. That is, the computer that executes the distribution program 231 in the present embodiment may be any of the distribution server 200, the distribution terminal 300, and other devices, or may be realized by a combination of a plurality of these devices.

Further, the game system 3 may use a device other than the game terminal 400 and the game server 500 as a component of the game system 3 and cause the other device to execute a part of the processing in the game system 3. That is, the computer that executes the game program 431 in the present embodiment may be any of the game terminal 400, the game server 500, and other devices, or may be realized by a combination of a plurality of these devices.

<Flow of delivery process>
FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a flow of data transmission / reception and processing between devices when content is created and live-streamed. The game server 500 is not shown in FIG. 4 because there is no essential processing in the flow from content creation to distribution.

In step S100, the game progress unit 412 of the game terminal 400 starts the game. The game progress unit 412 starts the game, for example, when the operation reception unit 411 receives an input operation instructing the start of the game. The game progress unit 412 instructs the display control unit 413 to create a game screen according to the progress of the game. The display control unit 413 receives the instruction and creates a game screen.

In step S102, the communication unit 414 transmits the image of the game screen created by the display control unit 413 to the distribution terminal 300 in real time. The game screen may be displayed on the display unit 452 of the game terminal 400.

In step S104, the communication unit 314 of the distribution terminal 300 receives the image of the game screen in real time. The communication unit 314 sends the received game screen image to the distribution unit 312 at any time.

In step S106, the distribution unit 312 creates the content and transmits the content to the distribution server 200 in real time via the communication unit 314. The method of creating the content will be described in detail later. After that, the distribution unit 312 continues the live distribution of the content until, for example, the operation reception unit 311 receives an input operation instructing the end of the live distribution.

In step S108, the transmission / reception unit 211 of the distribution server 200 receives the content in real time. The transmission / reception unit 211 may temporarily or non-temporarily store the received content in the storage unit 220. The distribution server 200 waits until it receives a request for live distribution from the viewing terminal 100.

In step S110, the operation reception unit 111 of the viewing terminal 100 receives an input operation instructing the viewer to view the content. When the operation reception unit 111 receives the instruction, the reproduction unit 112 executes step S112.

In step S112, the reproduction unit 112 requests the distribution of the content via the communication unit 114.

In step S114, the server processing unit 212 of the distribution server 200 receives the distribution request via the transmission / reception unit 211. Upon receiving the request, the server processing unit 212 executes the process of step S116.

In step S116, the server processing unit 212 distributes the content received from the distribution terminal 300 to the viewing terminal 100 in real time. After that, the server processing unit 212 continues the live distribution of the content until, for example, the transmission / reception unit 211 stops receiving the content from the distribution terminal 300, or the viewing terminal 100 notifies that the viewing is finished.

In step S118, the communication unit 114 of the viewing terminal 100 receives the content in real time.

In step S120, the reproduction unit 112 streams and reproduces the content received by the communication unit 114 at any time. After that, the reproduction unit 112 continues the streaming reproduction until it is determined as YES in step S122 or YES in step S124.

In step S122, the control unit 110 determines whether or not the operation reception unit 111 has accepted the input operation instructing the end of viewing. If YES in step S122, that is, when the operation receiving unit 111 receives the input operation instructing the end of viewing, the reproducing unit 112 executes step S126.

In step S126, the reproduction unit 112 ends the streaming reproduction of the content. Further, the playback unit 112 notifies the distribution server 200 of the end of viewing via the communication unit 114. When the server processing unit 212 of the distribution server 200 receives the notification, the server processing unit 212 stops the live distribution to the viewing terminal 100.

On the other hand, if NO in step S122, that is, if the operation receiving unit 111 does not accept the input operation instructing the end of viewing, the control unit 110 further executes the process of step S124.

In step S124, the control unit 110 determines whether or not the live distribution has ended. For example, the control unit 110 may determine that the live distribution has ended when the reception of the content by the communication unit 114 ends. If NO in step S124, the control unit 110 repeats the process from step S122. On the other hand, if YES in step S124, the reproduction unit 112 executes the process of step S126. That is, the reproduction unit 112 ends the streaming reproduction of the content.

According to the above processing, the content including the play screen of the game in progress on the game terminal 400 and the avatar of the distributor is created and distributed in real time. As a result, the viewer can see the avatar of the distributor and the play screen of the game being played by the distributor by viewing the content through the viewing terminal 100.

(Content creation and playback screen)
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a state of content creation by a distributor and an example of a display screen when the content is reproduced on the viewing terminal 100. Hereinafter, the display screen when the content is being reproduced on the viewing terminal 100 will be referred to as a "reproduction screen". In the following description, the game realized by the game system 3 is a gun shooting game in which the stage is cleared by shooting and defeating an enemy. Further, in the following description, as a support effect, the effect of increasing the number of remaining bullets of the distributor in the above-mentioned gun shooting game, that is, the effect of reloading the gun is activated in response to the first input operation. To do.

The state (A) of FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a state of content creation by a distributor. The distributor 701 creates the content by inputting various inputs to the distribution terminal 300. For example, the distributor 701 inputs his / her voice 700 to the distribution terminal 300 via the microphone 3010.

Further, the motion capture data of the model 702, which is a part of the distributor, may be input to the distribution terminal 300. The distribution unit 312 reflects the movement indicated by the motion capture data supplied from the motion capture device 3020 on the movement of the distributor's avatar. The motion capture data is obtained by acquiring the motion of the model 702 via the motion capture device 3020.

Further, as described above, the game screen is supplied to the distribution terminal 300 from the game terminal 400 at any time. The content creation unit 312B of the distribution terminal 300 sequentially synthesizes the content based on the voice, the motion capture data, and the game screen input in real time.

For example, the content creation unit 312B draws an image of a character object indicating the distributor's avatar. At this time, the content creation unit 312B moves the posture of the character object to a posture corresponding to the movement of the model 702 indicated by the motion capture data.

The content creation unit 312B synthesizes the above-mentioned image of the character object and the game screen. This makes it possible to create content including the distributor's avatar and the play screen of the game being played by the distributor.

Further, the content creation unit 312B may synthesize the voice having the same content as the voice 700 emitted by the distributor 701 into the content. Here, the "speech of the same content" means the voice 700 itself, a voice obtained by subjecting the voice 700 to a predetermined voice processing, or a voice obtained by mechanically uttering the content of the voice 700 with a reading software or the like. Further, the content creation unit 312B may synthesize a character string or the like input via the touch screen 35 or the like of the distribution terminal 300 into the content.

The state (B) of FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a playback screen on the viewing terminal 100. The playback screen 800 includes at least the distributor's avatar 801 and the game play screen 802. In addition, the playback screen 800 may include a column 807 that displays the amount of valuable data or a specific item held by the viewer. Further, the reproduction screen 800 may include a button 805 and a button 806 for accepting the first input operation. Button 805 and button 806 are buttons for causing different support effects. In other words, the first input operation for the button 805 and the first input operation for the button 806 are accepted by the control unit 110 as different types of first input operations. The reproduction screen 800 may include only one of the button 805 and the button 806. In this way, by including the UI object for accepting the first input operation in the playback screen 800 and displaying it, the viewer can be made to execute the distributor support by a simple operation.

Further, the playback screen 800 may include a button 804 for transmitting a message to the distributor. Further, the viewing terminal 100 may output an audio 803 having the same content as the audio input by the distributor from an output device such as a speaker.

<Flow of support processing>
FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a flow of data transmission / reception and processing between devices when a viewer supports a game play of a distributor during live distribution. The sequence diagram shown in FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram when the distribution server 200 and the distribution terminal 300 are delivering the content live and the viewing terminal 100 is playing the content. In other words, the sequence diagram shown in FIG. 6 shows an example of the flow of data transmission / reception and processing executed between steps S120 and S122 in the sequence diagram shown in FIG.

In step S200, the control unit 110 determines whether or not the operation reception unit 111 has received the first input operation. If NO in step S200, that is, if the operation receiving unit 111 does not accept the first input operation, the control unit 110 waits for the acceptance of the first input operation while reproducing the content by the reproducing unit 112. If YES in step S200, that is, when the operation reception unit 111 receives the first input operation, the support instruction unit 115 executes step S202. The first input operation is, for example, an input operation for the button 805 or 806 included in the reproduction screen 800 shown in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of changes in the playback screen 800 before and after the first input operation is performed by the viewer. The state (A) of FIG. 7 shows the playback screen 800 before the first input operation for the button 805 is performed by the viewer A. On the other hand, the state (B) of FIG. 7 shows the reproduction screen 800 after the first input operation is performed.

As shown in the state (A) of FIG. 7, when an input operation for the button 805, for example, an input operation for pressing the display area of the button 805 on the touch screen 15 is performed, the operation receiving unit 111 performs the input operation. , Accepted as the first input operation. When the first input operation is accepted, the support instruction unit 115 executes step S202.

In step S202, the support instruction unit 115 creates input information according to the type of the first input operation, and transmits the input information to the distribution server 200. For example, the support instruction unit 115 receives an input operation performed on any of the buttons 805 and 806 included in the playback screen 800, identifies which button the input operation is, and then identifies each button. Create input information according to.

The input information may be at least information that can notify that the first input operation has been performed on the viewing terminal 100. The data structure of the input information is not particularly limited as long as it includes information necessary for the distribution terminal 300 to create a support instruction.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a data structure of input information. In the illustrated example, the input information includes information in the "user ID" column, the "user name" column, the "date and time" column, the "instruction" column, and the "consumption" column. The input information of FIG. 8 is an example of the input information generated when the input operation for the button 805 is accepted in the state (A) of FIG. 7.

Information for identifying a viewer is stored in the "user ID" column. In the "user name" column, information indicating the name of the viewer's account, for example, the handle name is stored. Hereinafter, the name of the viewer's account will also be referred to as the viewer's name. In the "date and time" column, information indicating the date and time when the first input operation is performed is stored. The date and time may be clocked using the control clock of the control unit 110 or the like. Information indicating the type of the first input operation is stored in the "instruction" column. In the example of FIG. 8, the input information is the input information when the first input operation indicating the instruction A is performed. The "consumption amount" column stores information indicating the amount of valuable data or a specific item consumed when the first input operation is accepted and the input information is created. If both valuable data and a specific item are available to assist the distributor, the Consumption column shows the type of what was consumed, that is, the type of valuable data consumed and the specific item. It is desirable that the indicated information is also stored.

In step S204, the support instruction unit 115 notifies the user that the distributor has been supported via the display control unit 113. For example, the support instruction unit 115 instructs the display control unit 113 to create a playback screen 800 including a notification that the first input operation has been accepted. Further, for example, the support instruction unit 115 instructs the display control unit 113 to create a playback screen 800 including notification of valuable data or consumption of a specific item by the first input operation. Further, for example, the support instruction unit 115 causes the display control unit 113 to display a pop-up image or the like notifying the support effect caused by the first input operation. The reproduction unit 112 may execute the various notifications described above by voice or the like.

In step S206, the server processing unit 212 of the distribution server 200 receives the input information. The server processing unit 212 creates a support instruction based on the received input information. The data structure of the support instruction is not particularly limited as long as the control unit 410 of the game terminal 400 includes information necessary for realizing the support effect. For example, the distribution server 200 may store support information in the storage unit 220, which is information in which the type of the first input operation, that is, the type of the instruction in the viewing terminal 100 and the content of the distributor support are associated with each other. .. Then, the server processing unit 212 identifies the content of the support effect from the first input operation indicated by the input information by referring to the support information. Then, the server processing unit 212 creates a support instruction indicating the content of the specified support effect.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a support instruction data structure created by the server processing unit 212 of the distribution server 200. The support instruction data shown in FIG. 9 indicates a support instruction created in response to the input information shown in FIG. 7. In the illustrated example, the support instruction includes a "support effect" column and an "effect size" column.

Information that defines the content of the support effect is stored in the "support effect" column. When the support effect is an effect that changes the numerical value of a predetermined in-game parameter related to the game, information indicating the parameter to be changed is stored in the "support effect" column. Further, when the fluctuation amount of the numerical value of the parameter is variable, the "support effect" column stores information indicating how the parameter is changed. The "support effect" column may include information indicating the amount of change in the parameter.

For example, in the illustrated example, in the information stored in the "Support Effect" column, it is stipulated that the in-game parameter of the number of possessed items called "bullets" in the game is "reloaded", that is, increased. There is. In the illustrated example, the number of bullets is assumed to be the variable x.

In the "effect size" column, information indicating the amount of change of a predetermined parameter related to the game, that is, the effect size of the support effect is stored. In the illustrated example, the effect size is fixed at 10, but the effect size may be defined, for example, depending on the amount of valuable data or the consumption of a particular item. Specifically, when two specific items are consumed, the effect size may be twice as much as when one is consumed. If the "support effect" column contains information indicating the amount of change in the parameters, the support instruction may not include the information in the "effect size" column.

The input information may include information that defines the content of the support effect. For example, even if the input information shown in FIG. 8 contains the information indicated by the “support effect” column and the “effect” column shown in FIG. 9 in place of or together with the information indicated by the “instruction” column. Good. In this case, the storage unit 120 of the viewing terminal 100 stores the support information. Further, the support instruction unit 115 specifies the content of the support effect corresponding to the first input operation, and creates input information including the content. In this case, the server processing unit 212 may transmit the received input information as it is to the game server 500 as a support instruction. In this case, the distribution server 200 does not have to include the support information.

The support instruction may include information indicating the type of the first input operation, not the content of the support effect. For example, instead of the information shown in the "support effect" column and the "effect" column shown in FIG. 9, the information indicated by the "instruction" column of the input information shown in FIG. 8 may be included. In this case, the storage unit 520 of the game server 500 or the storage unit 420 of the game terminal 400 stores the support information. Further, in either the game server 500 or the game terminal 400 that stores the support information, the content of the support effect corresponding to the first input operation is specified. When the game server 500 specifies the content of the support effect, the content is transmitted from the game server 500 to the game terminal 400. In this case, the distribution server 200 does not have to include the support information.

In step S208, the server processing unit 212 transmits the created support instruction to the game server 500.

In step S210, the game server 500 receives the support instruction.

In step S212, the game server 500 transmits a support instruction to the game terminal 400. That is, the game server 500 transfers the support instruction received from the distribution server 200 to the game terminal 400.

In step S214, the game progress unit 412 of the game terminal 400 receives a support instruction via the communication unit 414.

In step S216, the game progress unit 412 activates the support effect indicated by the support instruction in the game in progress. Here, the game screen created by the display control unit 413 is transmitted to the distribution terminal 300 at any time. Therefore, the fact that the game progress unit 412 activates the support effect is reflected in the game screen transmitted to the distribution terminal 300.

In step S218, the display control unit 413 of the game terminal 400 transmits the game screen to the distribution terminal 300 via the communication unit 414.

In step S220, the distribution unit 312 of the distribution terminal 300 receives the game screen. The content creation unit 312B of the distribution terminal 300 creates the received game screen, that is, the content including the game play screen of the distributor, and distributes the content live via the distribution server 200. The reproduction unit 112 and the display control unit 113 display the reproduction screen including the content on the touch screen 15. As a result, the touch screen 15 of the viewing terminal 100 displays the play screen after the support effect is activated.

(Playback screen after the first input operation)
The state (B) of FIG. 7 shows the playback screen 800 after the input operation for the button 805 is performed. When the input operation for the button 805, that is, the first input operation is performed, the support instruction unit 115 reduces the valuable data or the specific item held by the viewer A by a predetermined amount. Then, in exchange for the consumption of valuable data or a specific item, the above-mentioned input information is created and transmitted to the distribution server 200.

For example, the support instruction unit 115 updates the viewer's valuable data or the holding amount of a specific item stored in the viewer information 132. The holding amount is referred to when the reproduction screen 800 is created by the reproduction unit 112 and the display control unit 113. Therefore, as shown in the state (B) of FIG. 7, the holding amount of valuable data or a specific item displayed in the column 807 of the reproduction screen 800 is also updated. In the illustrated example, the number of viewers holding valuable data (gems) is reduced by 10.

The input information is transmitted from the support instruction unit 115 to the distribution server 200. Then, a support instruction is created in the distribution server 200, and the support effect is activated in the game terminal 400 of the game system 3 based on the support instruction.

This increases the number of remaining bullets of the player, that is, the distributor, in the gun shooting game. In other words, the viewer A can assist the distributor's gun reloading in the game by consuming valuable data by performing an input operation on the button 805. The game screen 802 of the playback screen 800 includes a column 802A indicating the remaining ammunition of the gun. In the illustrated example, the number of remaining ammunition of the gun is increased by 10 due to the support effect.

Further, as shown in the state (B) of FIG. 6, on the playback screen 800, a pop-up 808 notifying the amount of valuable data consumed by the input operation on the button 805 and the support effect caused by the input operation. May be displayed.

By the way, the distribution server 200 also executes step S222 when transmitting the support instruction in step S208.

In step S222, the server processing unit 212 of the distribution server 200 transmits the input information to the distribution terminal 300.

In step S224, the distribution unit 312 of the distribution terminal 300 receives the input information. As a result, the distribution unit 312 can recognize that the distributor support has been provided.

In step S226, the notification unit 312C of the distribution unit 312 notifies the distributor that the distributor support has been made. When the input information includes the viewer name, it is preferable that the notification unit 312C notifies the viewer name of the viewer who provided the distributor support as well as the notification that the distributor support has been performed.

The notification method in step S226 is not particularly limited. For example, the notification unit 312C may notify the distributor by voice that the distributor support has been made from the speaker of the distribution terminal 300. In addition, the notification unit 312C notifies that the distributor support has been made by displaying a pop-up image or the like indicating that the distributor support has been made on the distribution screen created and displayed by the distribution screen creation unit 312A. May be good.

In the above description, the processing of steps S222 to S226 has been described after the processing of steps S208 to S220. However, the processing order of the processing in step S208 and the processing in step S222 is not particularly limited. Further, step S208 and step S222 may be executed in parallel.

Therefore, the processing order of the processes of steps S210 to S220 and the processes of steps S224 to S226 is not particularly limited. For example, the distribution terminal 300 may notify the distributor of the support after receiving the game screen after the support effect is activated. That is, the process of step S226 may be executed after the process of step S200.

Further, in step S222, transmission of input information from the distribution server 200 to the distribution terminal 300 is not essential. For example, when the support effect is activated in step S216, the game terminal 400 may notify the distribution terminal 300 that the support effect has been activated. In this case, when the distribution terminal 300 receives the notification from the game terminal 400, the distribution terminal 300 performs the notification in step S226.

As described above, according to the support system 1 according to the present embodiment, it is possible to support the game play of the distributor in response to the first input operation to the viewing terminal 100. That is, the viewer can intervene in the game play of the distributor by performing the first input operation while watching the live distribution. Therefore, it is possible to improve the interest of the content.

<Example of content modification>
In the above description, the game provided by the game system 3 is independent of the content distributed by the distribution system 2, and when the game screen is captured from the game terminal 400 to the distribution terminal 300, the game screen becomes the content. It was decided to be included in.

However, the support system 1 may be a system in which the distribution system 2 and the game system 3 are integrated. For example, the distribution terminal 300 and the game terminal 400 are integrally configured, and the distribution screen creation unit 312A may create a game screen and distribution screen in cooperation with the game progress unit 412, the game server 500, and the like. Good. Then, the distribution screen creation unit 312A may provide a game for the distributor or the distributor's avatar to play on the distribution screen in cooperation with the game progress unit 412, the game server 500, and the like. In this case, the game play screen included in the content is the content itself including the distributor's avatar.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of the reproduction screen. The playback screen 900 shown in FIG. 10 displays content as a game screen, including the distributor's avatar 901. The playback screen 900 includes the distributor's avatar 901. Further, the playback screen 900 includes a button 905 for accepting the first input operation. In addition, the playback screen 900 includes objects 902 and 908 related to the progress of the game, a column 907 indicating the amount of valuable data or a specific item held, and a button 904 for sending a message to the distributor. You may be.

The operation reception unit 111 receives the first input operation such as the input operation of touching the button 905 on the playback screen 900. Subsequent processing is the same as the processing described above. For example, the support system 1 may increase the remaining time in the illustrated game realized in the distribution terminal 300 as a support effect in response to the first input operation for the button 905.

[Embodiment 2]
The operation reception unit 111 of the viewing terminal 100 may accept a second input operation, which is an input operation instructing the viewer to send a message to the distributor. Further, when the control unit 110 of the viewing terminal 100 receives the second input operation, the control unit 110 may send a message to the distribution system 2. Further, the display control unit 113 includes the content, the UI object for receiving the first input operation, the message transmitted from the viewing terminal 100 to the distribution system 2, and the viewer other than the viewer on the touch screen 15. May display a message transmitted from another viewing terminal 100.

Further, the display control unit 113 may display the content, the UI object for accepting the first input operation, and the UI object for accepting the second input operation on the touch screen 15. Hereinafter, Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described. The same description as that described in the first embodiment will not be repeated.

(Send and display message)
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a playback screen when a message is input and transmitted on the viewing terminal 100. In the following example, the playback screen 850 of the viewer's viewing terminal 100 in which the user name stored in the viewer information 132 is "A man", that is, the viewing terminal 100 of A man will be described as an example.

The state (A) of FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a playback screen 850 when the second input operation is accepted. The content creation unit 312B of the distribution terminal 300 according to the present embodiment creates content including the display area of the message from the viewer and distributes it live. A message from each viewing terminal 100 is displayed at any time in the display area.

The reproduction unit 112 of the viewing terminal 100 reproduces the content including the above-mentioned display area. Therefore, the reproduction screen includes a display area 810 for displaying a message from the viewer, as in the illustrated reproduction screen 850.

The display control unit 113 of the viewing terminal 100 reproduces the UI object 811 which is a software keyboard for inputting a message and the message input field 812 when the operation receiving unit 111 receives a predetermined input operation of the viewer. Display on screen 850. The predetermined input operation is, for example, an input operation for the button 804 on the playback screen 800 shown in the state (B) of FIG.

The operation reception unit 111 of the viewing terminal 100 receives a second input operation, which is an input operation instructing the distributor to send a message. In the illustrated example, the second input operation is an input operation for confirming the input message, that is, an input operation for the enter button of the software keyboard 811. As shown in the figure, it is assumed that the input operation for the enter button of the software keyboard 811 is performed while "Do your best!" Is input in the input field 812. In this case, the control unit 110 reads out the viewer name stored in the viewer information 132, and delivers the viewer name and a confirmed message, that is, information indicating a character string "Do your best!". It is transmitted to the distribution server 200 of the system 2.

The destination of the message is the distributor, but the content of the message itself is not particularly limited. For example, the content of the message may be an impression of the content, a reply comment to a comment of another viewer, or the like.

In this case, the server processing unit 212 of the distribution server 200 receives the message and the viewer name from the viewing terminal 100 of the A man via the transmission / reception unit 211. The server processing unit 212 transfers the received viewer name and message to the distribution terminal 300.

The distribution unit 312 of the distribution terminal 300 receives the viewer name and the message from the distribution server 200. The content creation unit 312B includes a text character string of the message and the viewer name, a UI image, a game screen, and an avatar so that the message is displayed in the display area of the message in the content together with the message destination, that is, the viewer name. Synthesize the components of the content such as, and deliver it live.

The playback unit 112 of the viewing terminal 100 receives and plays back the live-distributed content. As a result, the reproduction screen 850 shown in the state (B) of FIG. 11 is displayed on the touch screen 15. The state (B) of FIG. 11 shows the playback screen 850 of the viewing terminal 100 of the man A after the message “Do your best!” Shown in the state (A) of the figure is transmitted from the viewing terminal 100 of the man A. It is a figure which shows. For example, the message 810A and the user name (A man) who transmitted the message are displayed in association with each other in the display area 810 of the playback screen 850.

Since there may be a plurality of viewing terminals 100, the distribution server 200 of the distribution system 2 receives the viewer name and the message from the plurality of viewing terminals 100 and transfers them to the distribution terminal 300 in the flow as described above. Then, the content creation unit 312B of the distribution terminal 300 synthesizes the message and the viewer name with the components of other contents so that the messages are displayed in the display area together with the name of the viewer who sent the message. Create content. Therefore, for example, on the playback screen 850 of the viewing terminal 100 of the A man, a message other than the message of the A man included in the content may be displayed.

The state (C) of FIG. 11 shows the viewing terminal 100 of the A man when B-thick transmits a message using the viewing terminal 100 other than the viewing terminal 100 of the A man, that is, the viewing terminal 100 of the B-thick. It is a figure which shows the reproduction screen 850 in. As shown in the figure, the viewing terminal 100 of the A man displays a playback screen 850 in which the message 810B transmitted by a viewer (thick B) other than the A man is displayed in the display area 810.

According to the above processing, the viewing terminal 100 indicates to the viewer a message instructed by the viewer to be transmitted and a message transmitted by a viewer other than the viewer from the other viewing terminal 100. be able to. In this way, by showing a message of another viewer to a certain viewer, it is possible to make the certain viewer recognize the existence of another person who is viewing the same content while viewing the content. For example, the A man who sees the reproduction screen 850 shown in the state (C) of FIG. 11 can recognize that the B thick is watching the same content. In addition, A man and B thick can talk with each other by sending messages to each other. As a result, the viewer can experience that the content is being viewed by a plurality of people. In addition, since the viewer can react to the distributor or others with the message, the interest of the content is improved.

The distribution screen creation unit 312A of the distribution terminal 300 may display the message received from the viewing terminal 100 and the name of the viewer who transmitted the message on the distribution screen. Alternatively, the distribution unit 312 may notify the distributor by voice of the content of the message received from the viewing terminal 100 and the viewer name via the speaker or the like of the distribution terminal 300.

This allows the distributor to recognize who sent what kind of message. Therefore, for example, as shown in the state (C) of FIG. 11, the message can be replied by voice 813 or the like. As a result, it is possible to activate the interaction between the viewer and the distributor, and the interest of the content is further improved.

(Flow of processing for support notification)
When the display control unit 113 of the viewing terminal 100 transmits a support instruction from the distribution system 2 to the game system 3 based on the input information from the other viewing terminal 100, the display control unit 113 corresponds to another viewing terminal 100. The viewer may be notified of the name of the person and that the other viewer has supported the distributor's gameplay.

FIG. 12 is a sequence diagram showing an example of data transmission / reception between devices and a processing flow for notifying the viewer that another viewer has supported the game play of the distributor. In FIG. 12, as an example, the processing flow when two viewers, A man and C assistant, are viewing the content using their respective viewing terminals 100, and C assistant executes the distributor support. Shown.

The processing of steps S300 to S326 of FIG. 12 is the same as the processing flow of steps S200 to S226 of FIG. However, in the example of FIG. 12, the viewing terminal 100 transmits the input information including the user ID and the viewer name to the distribution server 200. Further, in step S326, the notification unit 312C of the distribution terminal 300 notifies not only that the distributor support has been performed, but also the viewer name of the viewer who has provided the distributor support.

The distribution server 200 executes step S328 after transmitting the support instruction to the game server 500 in step S308 or after transmitting the input information to the distribution terminal 300 in step S322.

In step S328, the server processing unit 212 of the distribution server 200 provided support contents and support to the viewing terminals 100 other than the viewing terminal 100 that is the transmission source of the input information among the viewing terminals 100 that are playing the content. Notify the viewer name. For example, the server processing unit 212 sends the above-mentioned notification to the viewing terminal 100 other than the viewing terminal 100 associated with the user ID indicated by the received input information.

In the example of FIG. 12, the server processing unit 212 notifies the viewing terminal 100 of the A man of the support content and the name of the viewer who provided the support. The distribution server 200 may notify all the viewing terminals 100 that are playing the content of the support notification and the name of the viewer who provided the support.

In step S330, the control unit 110 of the viewing terminal 100 of the A man receives the notification from the distribution server 200.

In step S332, the display control unit 113 of the viewing terminal 100 of the A man reflects the notification received in step S330 on the playback screen. The display control unit 113 creates, for example, a pop-up image showing the name of the C assistant who provided the distributor support and the content of the distributor support executed by the instruction of the C assistant, and superimposes and displays the pop-up image on the playback screen.

When the support effect is activated in step S216, the game terminal 400 may notify the distribution terminal 300 that the support effect has been activated. Further, when the distribution terminal 300 receives the notification from the game terminal 400, the distribution terminal 300 may transfer the notification to the distribution server 200. Then, the server processing unit 212 of the distribution server 200 may execute step S328 when the transmission / reception unit 211 receives the notification. As a result, it is possible to notify each viewing terminal 100 of the support content and the like when the support effect is actually activated in the game. Therefore, even in each viewing terminal 100, when the support effect is actually activated in the game, the support content and the name of the account of the viewer who supported can be displayed on the playback screen.

(Display of support notification)
FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a playback screen on the viewing terminal 100 when another viewing terminal 100 corresponding to another viewer executes distributor support. The reproduction screen 860 shown in the states (A) to (C) of FIG. 13 is a reproduction screen displayed on the viewing terminal 100 of the man A after the reproduction screen 850 shown in the state (C) of FIG.

The state (A) of FIG. 13 shows a playback screen when another viewer, C-assist, executes distributor support from the C-assist terminal. As described with reference to FIG. 12, when the input information is transmitted from the C-assisted viewing terminal 100 to the distribution server 200, the distribution server 200 transmits a support instruction to the game server 500 and includes the A-male viewing terminal 100. Notify the viewing terminal 100 of the name of C assistant who instructed the support and the content of the support.

The display control unit 113 of the viewing terminal 100 of the A man creates a pop-up image 814 showing the name of the C assistant who provided the distributor support and the content of the support, and superimposes and displays the pop-up image 814 on the playback screen. In this way, by indicating to a certain viewer that the support has been provided by another viewer, the content of the support, and the name of the supporter, the same content is viewed by the viewer who is viewing the content. It is possible to recognize the existence of others who are doing it. For example, in the example of the state (A) of FIG. 13, it is possible to make the A man recognize that the C assistant is watching the same content and has provided the distributor support. As a result, the viewer can experience that the content is being viewed by a plurality of people. In addition, by making other viewers recognize that a certain viewer has executed the distributor support, it is possible to arouse the competitiveness of the other viewer and encourage the other viewers to provide the distributor support.

Further, as described in step S326 of FIG. 12, the distributor is notified of the name of the viewer who has executed the distributor support. As a result, as shown in the state (A) of FIG. 13, the distributor can return a response by voice 815 or the like to the viewer who has executed the distributor support. Furthermore, since the distributor can recognize the name of the viewer who has executed the distributor support, he / she can read the name and make a reply as in the illustrated voice 815.

The audio 815 is similarly distributed to all viewing terminals 100 as content. Therefore, when the distributor returns a response such as voice 815, C-assistant can hear or see the response to himself / herself who supported the distributor by viewing the content. Therefore, C-assistant can not only view the content but also interact with the content distributor in both directions. Therefore, the interest of the content is improved.

Further, a viewer other than C assistant, for example, A man, can recognize that the distributor picks up the name of C assistant and responds on his / her viewing terminal 100. In this way, by showing a certain viewer the interaction between the distributor and another viewer, it is possible to encourage the certain viewer to be actively involved in the content through the support of the distributor.

The state (B) of FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a playback screen of the viewing terminal 100 of the man A when the man A executes the distributor support after the state (A) of the figure. As shown in the figure, when the A man executes the distributor support, the fact that he / she has provided the support is displayed on the playback screen 860 as, for example, a pop-up 816. As in the case of C-assist, the distributor is notified of the name of the viewer who has executed the distributor support, so that the distributor can also return a response to the A man, for example, voice 817.

The state (C) of FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a playback screen on the viewing terminal 100 of the A man when C assistant further executes the distributor support after the state (B) of the figure. As shown, the pop-ups 814, 816, and 818 indicating that each viewer has executed the distributor support may be displayed in chronological order on the playback screen 860 in a certain direction. In the illustrated example, a pop-up indicating a new notification is displayed toward the bottom of the playback screen 860. The display control unit 113 may delete these pop-ups from the playback screen 860 after a certain period of time has elapsed.

The viewing terminal 100 may notify the user, that is, the viewer, of the date and time when the distributor support is executed in step S304. Further, the distribution server 200 may transmit the date and time when the distributor support is provided to each viewing terminal 100 in step S328 of FIG. In this case, the distribution server 200 may specify the date and time when the distributor support is provided from the input information.

Then, each viewing terminal 100 may display the date and time when the distributor support was made on the playback screen 860 in step S332. For example, the display control unit 113 may display the pop-ups 814, 816, and 818 shown in each figure of FIG. 13 including the date and time when the distributor support is provided.

Further, instead of notifying the viewing terminal 100 of the support content and the viewer name from the distribution server 200 and showing the content of the notification on the playback screen of the viewing terminal 100, the content itself of the distribution terminal 300 is notified of the content of the notification. You may deliver including the same contents as. For example, the distribution server 200 and the viewing terminal 100 do not have to execute steps S328 to S332 of FIG. In this case, the content creation unit 312B of the distribution terminal 300 sends an audio or image notification indicating the content of the notification received in step S326, that is, the name of the viewer who executed the distributor support and the content of the support. It may be included in the content. As a result, each viewing terminal 100 can reflect the above notification on the playback screen by playing back the content.

(Distributor screen)
The distribution system 2 may distribute the content including the avatar of the distributor and the play screen of the game played by the distributor using the game terminal 400 included in the game system 3 in real time. The distribution system 2 may receive input information based on the first input operation, including the viewer name associated with the viewing terminal 100, from one or more viewing terminals 100. The distribution system 2 may cause an effect of supporting the distributor in the game by transmitting a support instruction corresponding to the input information to the game system 3. Then, when the distribution system 2 receives the input information, the distribution system 2 may notify the distributor of the viewer name and the content of the support effect.

For example, when the communication unit 314 receives the input information, the distribution screen creation unit 312A of the distribution terminal 300 may show the viewer name included in the input information and the content of the support effect to the distributor on the distribution screen. Good.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a distribution screen created by the distribution screen creation unit 312A. The illustrated distribution screen 950 shows a distribution screen when the content displayed on the reproduction screen 860 shown in the state (C) of FIG. 13 is created.

The distribution screen 950 includes, for example, a distributor's avatar 951 and a game play screen 952. The arrangement position, posture, facial expression, and the like of the avatar 951 may be displayed in the same manner as the display mode on the reproduction screen. As a result, the distributor can confirm how the avatar is displayed on the playback screen through the distribution screen 950.

Further, the distribution screen 950 may include, for example, a display area 960 for displaying a message from a viewer, and messages 960A and 960B transmitted from each viewer. Since the distribution server 200 and the distribution terminal 300 receive messages at any time during live distribution, the messages are displayed in real time in the display area 960. As shown in the figure, each message may be accompanied by the name of the viewer who sent the message.

Further, the distribution screen 950 may be provided with a display area 955 that displays the name of the viewer who has executed the distributor support and the content of the support effect of the distributor support. The date and time when the distributor support was executed may also be written in the display area 955. As a result, the distributor can recognize that the distributor support has been provided, so that, for example, a response can be returned to the viewer who provided the distributor support. Therefore, the interaction between the viewer and the distributor is activated, and the interest of the content is improved.

Further, the distribution screen 950 may be provided with a column 953 for displaying at least one of the number of viewers who are currently viewing the content and the total number of viewers of the content. Then, the number in column 953 may be updated in real time. As a result, the distributor can grasp the number of viewers viewing the content through the distribution screen 950.

In addition, the distribution screen 950 may be provided with a column 954 that displays the amount of valuable data or a specific item consumed by the viewer of the content to support the distributor in the content. Then, the number in column 954 may be updated in real time. As a result, the distributor can grasp the implementation status of the distributor support from a quantitative viewpoint through the distribution screen 950.

[Embodiment 3]
The viewing terminal 100 according to the support system 1 may have a function as a game terminal. The "function as a game terminal" referred to here may be a function of realizing the same game as the game realized by the game terminal 400, or a function of realizing another game different from the game. May be good. Here, the "other game" may be, for example, a game provided in the viewing terminal 100 and which gives the viewer a reward according to the reception information of a GPS receiver (not shown), that is, the position information.

The support instruction unit 115 of the viewing terminal 100 according to the present embodiment accepts the first input operation in exchange for the consumption of valuable data or a specific item. Further, the control unit 110 of the viewing terminal 100 according to the present embodiment advances the same game as the game realized by the game terminal 400 or another game according to the input operation of the viewer. The control unit 110 further grants the viewer valuable data or specific items consumed to perform the first input operation, depending on the progress of the game or other game described above.

According to the above configuration, valuable data or a specific item necessary for support can be given as a reward for the viewer playing a game or another game. In other words, viewers can secure valuable data or specific items necessary to assist the distributor when viewing the content by playing the game or other games in advance before the content is scheduled to be distributed. Can be kept.

This allows the viewer to acquire valuable data or specific items to support the distributor's gameplay. Therefore, it is possible to make it easier for the viewer to support the gameplay of the distributor. As a result, the interaction between the viewer and the distributor can be further activated. It can also motivate viewers to play games and other games.

[Embodiment 4]
The viewing terminal 100 may receive operation information indicating that the distributor has executed a predetermined operation from the distribution system 2. Further, when the viewing terminal 100 receives the operation information, the viewing terminal 100 may display a UI object for accepting the first input operation. Alternatively, when the viewing terminal 100 receives the operation information, the reception of the first input operation for the above-mentioned UI object may be enabled.

The specific example of the "predetermined operation" of the distributor is not particularly limited. For example, the "predetermined operation" of the distributor may be an input operation for the distribution terminal 300, for example, an input operation related to the creation of content. For example, the predetermined operation may be an input operation performed by the distribution terminal 300 on the touch screen 35 or the like, or a voice input operation using the microphone 3010. When accepting a voice input operation, the control unit 310 recognizes the input voice by voice and specifies the operation content.

For example, when the game is the above-mentioned gun shooting game, when the distributor speaks to the microphone that "there is not enough bullets" as in the voice 700 of FIG. 5, the operation reception unit 311 of the distribution terminal 300 sends this. Upon reception, the control unit 310 identifies the input operation corresponding to the voice by voice recognition. When the input operation corresponds to the above-mentioned predetermined input operation, the control unit 310 transmits operation information indicating that the predetermined operation has been executed to the distribution server 200.

Further, the "predetermined operation" of the distributor may be an operation performed by the distributor on the game terminal 400, that is, an input operation related to the progress of the game. For example, when the game is the above-mentioned gun shooting game, the input operation for determining the stage to be played may be the above-mentioned predetermined operation. Further, for example, when the game is an action game including a battle with an enemy, the input operation for selecting a predetermined chat icon in the game may be the above-mentioned predetermined operation. In these cases, the operation reception unit 411 of the game terminal 400 determines whether or not the received input operation is a predetermined operation. If the operation is not a predetermined operation, the game terminal 400 does not perform any special processing. On the other hand, in the case of a predetermined operation, the communication unit 414 of the game terminal 400 transmits operation information indicating that the distributor has executed the predetermined operation to the distribution terminal 300. When the communication unit 314 of the distribution terminal 300 receives the operation information, the communication unit 314 transfers the operation information to the distribution server 200.

When the transmission / reception unit 211 of the distribution server 200 receives the operation information, the transmission / reception unit 211 transfers the operation information to the viewing terminal 100 during viewing the content. The communication unit 114 of the viewing terminal 100 receives the operation information. When the communication unit 114 receives the operation information, the display control unit 113 displays a UI object for accepting the first input operation, such as the buttons 805 and 806 in FIG. 5, on the playback screen. Alternatively, the display control unit 113 enables acceptance of the first input operation for the UI object displayed on the playback screen.

Thereby, the distributor can control whether or not the first input operation in the viewing terminal 100, that is, the operation for supporting the distributor is accepted or not, by his / her own input operation. For example, the distributor can hide the buttons 805 and 806, etc., or invalidate the reception of input operations during the period when the viewer does not want to intervene or when he / she wants the viewer to concentrate on viewing.

In addition, it is possible to control whether or not the operation for supporting the distributor can be accepted according to the input operation executed by the distributor in the game. Therefore, it is possible to receive distributor support at an appropriate timing.

In addition, the viewer can easily determine the timing to support the distributor depending on the display / non-display of the UI object or the acceptance / rejection of the input operation for the UI object. Therefore, it is possible to further activate the distributor support by the viewer.

In addition, there may be a plurality of types of predetermined operations of the distributor. Then, the display control unit 113 of the viewing terminal 100 may display the UI object according to the type of the predetermined operation indicated by the operation information. Alternatively, the display control unit 113 may enable acceptance of the first input operation for the UI object corresponding to the type. For example, the buttons 805 and 806 of FIG. 5 may be controlled to accept or reject a display or input operation according to different predetermined operations. As a result, when there are a plurality of types of distributor support methods, it is possible to separately control whether or not to accept them according to the operation of the distributor. Therefore, it is possible to have the viewer execute appropriate distributor support at a more appropriate timing.

[Embodiment 5]
The viewing terminal 100 may receive progress information indicating that the progress status of the game by the distributor has reached a predetermined status from the distribution system 2. Further, when the viewing terminal 100 receives the progress information, the viewing terminal 100 may display a UI object for accepting the first input operation. Alternatively, the viewing terminal 100 may enable acceptance of the first input operation for the above-mentioned UI object when the progress information is received.

In this case, the game progressing unit 412 of the game terminal 400 determines whether or not the progress of the game has reached a predetermined situation, and if the predetermined situation is reached, information indicating that the predetermined situation has been reached. The progress information is created and transmitted to the distribution terminal 300.

The specific example of the above-mentioned "predetermined situation" is not particularly limited. For example, when the game is the above-mentioned gun shooting game, the game progress unit 412 progresses when the number of bullets possessed by the character operated by the distributor in the game, that is, the number of remaining bullets becomes a certain value or less. Information may be created and transmitted. Further, for example, when the game is an action game including a battle with an enemy, the game progress unit 412 creates and transmits progress information when the physical strength value of the character operated by the distributor becomes a certain value or less. May be good. Further, for example, the game progress unit 412 may create and transmit the progress information when a predetermined event is started in the game.

When the communication unit 314 of the distribution terminal 300 receives the progress information, the communication unit 314 transfers the progress information to the distribution server 200.

When the transmission / reception unit 211 of the distribution server 200 receives the progress information, the transmission / reception unit 211 transfers the progress information to the viewing terminal 100 during viewing the content. The communication unit 114 of the viewing terminal 100 receives progress information. When the communication unit 114 receives the progress information, the display control unit 113 displays a UI object for accepting the first input operation, such as the buttons 805 and 806 in FIG. 5, on the playback screen. Alternatively, the display control unit 113 enables acceptance of the first input operation for the UI object displayed on the playback screen.

Thereby, it is possible to control whether or not the operation for supporting the distributor can be accepted according to the situation of the game play by the distributor. Therefore, the distributor can receive the distributor support at an appropriate timing in the game play. In addition, the viewer can easily determine the timing to support the distributor depending on the display / non-display of the UI object or the acceptance / rejection of the input operation for the UI object. Therefore, it is possible to further activate the distributor support by the viewer.

[Other variants]
In the above embodiment, the button 805 or the like for receiving the support instruction to the distributor from the user of the viewing terminal 100 is displayed so as to be superimposed on the content received by the viewing terminal 100. In addition to this, the support instruction may be given in response to the user of the viewing terminal 100 performing a touch operation or the like on the object in the game screen displayed on the viewing terminal 100. For example, the distribution terminal 300 uses the distribution server 200 to perform (1) motion capture data of the distributor and (2) data of operations performed by the distributor on the game terminal 400 (for example, a predetermined button of the game controller). The data of the progress of the game (which quest is being played, etc.), (3) the voice 700 emitted by the distributor, and the like are transmitted to the viewing terminal 100. The viewing terminal 100 operates the distributor's avatar 801 based on (1) the distributor's motion capture data that is sequentially received from the distribution terminal 300. The distributor's avatar 801 is placed in the virtual space and rendered in real time based on the motion capture data. Further, the viewing terminal 100 holds an emulator program for operating a game program equivalent to the game program 431 operating on the game terminal 400. In the viewing terminal 100, (2) the game play status of the distributor can be reproduced in real time based on the data of the operation contents performed by the distributor on the game terminal 400 and the data of the progress status of the game of the distributor. The reproduced result can be displayed on the touch screen or the like of the viewing terminal 100. Therefore, the viewing terminal 100 can specify which object in the game screen is designated by the user of the viewing terminal 100 based on the user's operation on the pointing device such as the touch screen. The viewing terminal 100 transmits the information of the object specified by the user to the game server 500 via the distribution server 200. Here, the effect of the support instruction may be associated with each object that can be specified by the user. For example, in the example of FIG. 11, by detecting the touch operation of the user of the viewing terminal 100 on the column 802A, the support effect of replenishing the remaining bullets can be reflected in the game. In addition, by detecting the touch operation of the user of the viewing terminal 100 on the physical strength bar on the game screen, the support effect of recovering the physical strength can be reflected in the game. In addition, by detecting the touch operation on the avatar 801, a predetermined support effect may be exerted.
Further, the game played by the distributor may be a single-play game. It is possible to support the distributor by performing a predetermined action (for example, recovery operation, replenishment operation of remaining bullets, etc.) that the distributor can perform in the single-play game on behalf of the distributor.

[Example of realization by software]
Each control block of the control units 110, 210, 310, 410, and 510 may be realized by a logic circuit (hardware) formed in an integrated circuit (IC chip) or the like, or a CPU (Central Processing Unit). It may be realized by software using it.

In the latter case, the information processing device provided with at least one of the control units 110, 210, 310, 410, and 510 is a CPU that executes a program instruction, which is software that realizes each function, and the above program and various data are computers. It is provided with a ROM (Read Only Memory) or a storage device (these are referred to as "recording media") readable by (or a CPU), a RAM (Random Access Memory) for developing the above program, and the like. Then, the object of the present invention is achieved by the computer (or CPU) reading the program from the recording medium and executing the program. As the recording medium, a "non-temporary tangible medium", for example, a tape, a disk, a card, a semiconductor memory, a programmable logic circuit, or the like can be used. Further, the program may be supplied to the computer via an arbitrary transmission medium (communication network, broadcast wave, etc.) capable of transmitting the program. It should be noted that one aspect of the present invention can also be realized in the form of a data signal embedded in a carrier wave, in which the above program is embodied by electronic transmission.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the claims, and the embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in the different embodiments. Is also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

[Additional notes]
The contents relating to one aspect of the present invention are listed below.

(Item 1)
The viewing program (131) has been described. According to certain aspects of the disclosure, the viewing program is executed by a computer as a viewing terminal (100) with a processor (10) and memory (11). The viewing program is content that is delivered to the processor in real time using a distribution system, and is played by the distributor using the avatar of the distributor of the content and a game terminal included in the game system. A step of receiving the content including the play screen of the game (step S118), a step of playing the content (step S120), and a step of viewing the content using the viewing terminal. 1 The step of accepting an input operation (step S200), and when the first input operation is accepted, the game system is transmitted from the distribution system by transmitting input information corresponding to the first input operation to the distribution system. A step (step S202) of transmitting a support instruction, which is an instruction for causing an effect of supporting the distributor in the game, is executed.

According to the above processing, it is possible to support the game play of the distributor in response to the first input operation. That is, the viewer can intervene in the game play of the distributor by viewing the content distributed in real time and performing the first input operation. Therefore, it is possible to improve the interest of the content.

(Item 2) In (Item 1), when the first input operation is accepted, the step of transmitting the support instruction is the first input in exchange for the viewer's valuable data or the consumption of a specific item. Input information according to the operation may be transmitted.

According to the above processing, since it is possible to set a limit on the number of times the viewer supports the distributor, the viewer can be made to think about the timing and the number of times the distributor is supported. Therefore, the interest of the content is improved.

(Item 3) In (Item 2), the viewing program further advances the same game as the game or another game different from the game to the processor, and the valuable data or the specific item. May be executed, and the step of giving the viewer a step according to the progress of the game or the other game.

According to the above processing, valuable data or a specific item necessary for support can be added according to the viewer playing the game or another game. For this reason, for example, the viewer secures valuable data or a specific item necessary to support the distributor when viewing the content by playing the game or another game in advance before the content is scheduled to be distributed. Can be done.

This allows the viewer to acquire valuable data or specific items to support the distributor's gameplay. Therefore, it is possible to make it easier for the viewer to support the gameplay of the distributor. As a result, the interaction between the viewer and the distributor can be further activated. It can also motivate viewers to play games and other games.

(Item 4) In any one of the items (item 1) to (item 3), the viewing program is transmitted to the processor, the display unit of the viewing terminal, and the content to be reproduced in the reproduction step. , A UI (user interface) object for accepting the first input operation may be displayed. According to the above processing, the viewer can be made to execute the distributor support by a simple operation.

(Item 5) In (Item 4), the viewing program receives operation information indicating that the distributor has executed a predetermined operation from the processor and the distribution system, and the operation information. When the operation information is received in the step of receiving the UI object, the step of displaying the UI object is executed, or the reception of the first input operation for the UI object displayed in the step of displaying the UI object is received. You may run the steps to enable and.

According to the above processing, the distributor can control whether or not the first input operation in the viewing terminal 100, that is, the operation for supporting the distributor is accepted or not, by his / her own input operation. For example, the distributor can hide the UI object or disable the reception of input operations during the period when the viewer does not want to intervene or when he wants the viewer to concentrate on viewing. In addition, it is possible to control whether or not the operation for supporting the distributor can be accepted according to the input operation executed by the distributor in the game. Therefore, it is possible to receive distributor support at an appropriate timing.

In addition, the viewer can easily determine the timing to support the distributor depending on the display / non-display of the UI object or the acceptance / rejection of the input operation for the UI object. Therefore, it is possible to further activate the distributor support by the viewer.

(Item 6) In (Item 4) or (Item 5), the viewing program indicates to the processor and further from the distribution system that the progress of the game by the distributor has reached a predetermined state. When the progress information is received in the step of receiving the information and the step of receiving the progress information, the step of displaying the UI object is executed, or the UI displayed in the step of displaying the UI object is executed. You may execute the step of enabling the acceptance of the first input operation on the object.

According to the above processing, it is possible to control whether or not the operation for supporting the distributor can be accepted according to the situation of the game play by the distributor. Therefore, the distributor can receive the distributor support at an appropriate timing in the game play. In addition, the viewer can easily determine the timing to support the distributor depending on the display / non-display of the UI object or the acceptance / rejection of the input operation for the UI object. Therefore, it is possible to further activate the distributor support by the viewer.

(Item 7) In any one of the items (item 4) to (item 6), the viewing program transmits a message to the processor, which is an input operation of the viewer, to the distributor. The step of accepting the second input operation, which is an input operation to be instructed, and the step of transmitting the message to the distribution system when the second input operation is accepted, and the step of displaying the contents are the contents. And, together with the UI object, the message transmitted in the step of transmitting the message and the message transmitted from the other viewing terminal by a viewer other than the viewer may be displayed.

According to the above processing, it is possible to indicate to the viewer a message instructed by the viewer to be transmitted and a message transmitted by a viewer other than the viewer from another viewing terminal. In this way, by showing a message of another viewer to a certain viewer, it is possible to make the certain viewer recognize the existence of another person who is viewing the same content while viewing the content. As a result, the viewer can experience that the content is being viewed by a plurality of people, which improves the interest of the content.

(Item 8) In (Item 7), when the viewing program transmits the support instruction from the distribution system to the game system by input information from the other viewing terminal. , The name of the other viewer corresponding to the other viewing terminal and the fact that the other viewer supported the game play of the distributor may be notified.

According to the above processing, it is possible to indicate to a certain viewer that the support has been provided by another viewer, the content of the support, and the name of the supporter. It is possible to recognize the existence of others who are viewing the same content. As a result, the viewer can experience that the content is being viewed by a plurality of people. In addition, by making other viewers aware that one viewer has performed distributor support, it is possible to arouse the competitiveness of the other viewers and encourage them to support the distributor. Therefore, it is possible to activate the distributor support by the viewer.

(Item 9) The distribution program (331) has been described. According to certain aspects of the disclosure, the distribution program is executed by a distribution system (2) that includes one or more processors (20, 30) and memory (21, 31), respectively. The distribution program distributes content including the distributor's avatar and the play screen of the game being played by the distributor using the game terminal included in the game system to the processor in real time (step S116). , And the input information based on the first input operation from the viewing terminal (100) according to any one of (item 1) to (item 8) of one or more units, which is associated with the viewing terminal. By transmitting the step (step S306) of receiving the input information including the name of the viewer and the support instruction corresponding to the input information to the game system, the distributor can be transmitted in the game. The step of causing the supporting effect (step S308), the name of the viewer when the input information is received, and the content of the effect caused by the supporting instruction transmitted in the causing step are described. The step (step S326) of notifying the distributor is executed.

According to the above processing, the distributor can recognize that the support has been provided, and therefore, for example, a response can be returned to the viewer who supported the distributor. Therefore, the interaction between the viewer and the distributor is activated, and the interest of the content is improved.

(Item 10) A method of executing a viewing program by a computer has been described. According to certain aspects of the disclosure, the viewing program (131) is executed by a computer equipped with a processor (10) and memory (11). The method is a method in which the processor performs each step according to (item 1). The method according to (item 10) has the same effect as the viewing program according to (item 1).

(Item 11) A method of executing a distribution program by a computer has been described. According to certain aspects of the disclosure, the distribution program (331) is executed by a computer equipped with a processor (20, 30) and memory (21, 31). The method is a method in which the processor performs each step according to (item 9). The method according to (item 11) has the same effect as the distribution program according to (item 9).

(Item 12) The information processing apparatus has been described. According to a certain aspect of the present disclosure, the information processing device operates the memory (11) for storing the viewing program according to (item 1) and the information processing device (viewing terminal 100) by executing the viewing program. It is provided with a processor (10) for controlling the above. The information processing device according to (item 12) has the same effect as the viewing program according to (item 1).

(Item 13) The information processing system has been described. According to a certain aspect of the present disclosure, the information processing system includes a memory (21, 31) for storing the distribution program according to (item 9), and an information processing system (distribution system 2) by executing the distribution program. It is provided with one or more processors (20, 30) for controlling the operation of the above. The information processing system according to (item 13) has the same effect as the distribution program according to (item 9).

1 Support system, 2 Distribution system, 3 Game system, 4 Network, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 Processor, 11,21,31,41,51 Memory, 12,22,32,42,52 Storage, 15, 35, 45 touch screen, 48 distance measuring sensor, 47 camera, 100 viewing terminal, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510 control unit, 111, 311, 411 operation reception unit, 112 playback unit, 113, 313, 413 display control Unit, 114,314,414 Communication unit, 115 Support instruction unit, 120,220,320,420,520 Storage unit, 431 game program, 131 viewing program, 132 viewer information, 332 distributor information, 151,351,451 Input unit, 152,352,452 display unit, 200 distribution server, 211,511 transmission / reception unit, 212,512 server processing unit, 213,513 data management unit, 231,331 distribution program, 300 distribution terminal, 312 distribution unit, 312A Distribution screen creation unit, 312B content creation unit, 312C notification unit, 400 game terminal, 412 game progress unit, 432 game information, 433 user information, 500 game server, 1020, 3030, 4020 controller, 1030, 4030 storage medium, 3010 microphone , 3020 motion capture device, 4010 object, 13, 23, 33, 43, 53 communication IF,
14,24,34,44,54 I / O IF

Claims (11)

A viewing program that is run by a computer as a viewing terminal and has a processor and memory.
The viewing program is applied to the processor.
Content that is distributed in real time using a distribution system, and includes an avatar of the distributor of the content and a play screen of a game played by the distributor using a game terminal included in the game system. Steps to receive content and
The step of playing the content and
A step of accepting a first input operation of a viewer who is viewing the content using the viewing terminal, and
When the first input operation is accepted, by transmitting the input information corresponding to the first input operation to the distribution system, the distribution system sends the distributor to the game system in the game. It is an instruction to cause the support effect at the timing when the input information is received, and the user name corresponding to the supported viewer and the support content are displayed at the timing when the input information is received. Steps to send a support instruction containing information to notify the person, and
A step of displaying the content to be reproduced in the reproduction step and a UI (user interface) object for receiving the first input operation on the display unit of the viewing terminal.
A step of receiving progress information indicating that the progress of the game by the distributor has reached a predetermined state from the distribution system, and
When the progress information is received in the step of receiving the progress information, the step of displaying the UI object is executed, or the first input operation for the UI object displayed in the step of displaying the UI object is performed. A viewing program that performs the steps and steps to enable acceptance. In the step of transmitting the support instruction, when the first input operation is received, the input information corresponding to the first input operation is transmitted in exchange for the viewer's valuable data or the consumption of a specific item. The viewing program according to claim 1. The viewing program is added to the processor.
A step of advancing the same game as the game or another game different from the game,
The viewing program according to claim 2, wherein the step of imparting the valuable data or the specific item to the viewer according to the progress of the game or the other game is executed. The viewing program is added to the processor.
A step of receiving operation information indicating that the distributor has performed a predetermined operation from the distribution system, and
When the operation information is received in the step of receiving the operation information, the step of displaying the UI object is executed, or the first input operation for the UI object displayed in the step of displaying the UI object is performed. The viewing program according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the step of enabling the reception of the above and the step of executing the operation. The viewing program is added to the processor.
A step of accepting a second input operation, which is an input operation of the viewer and is an input operation for instructing the distributor to send a message,
When the second input operation is accepted, the delivery system is made to execute the step of transmitting the message.
The display step includes the content, the message transmitted in the step of transmitting the message together with the UI object, and a message transmitted from another viewing terminal by a viewer other than the viewer. The viewing program according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the viewing program is displayed. The viewing program is added to the processor.
When the support instruction is transmitted from the distribution system to the game system by the input information from the other viewing terminal, the user name corresponding to the other viewer corresponding to the other viewing terminal and the user name corresponding to the other viewer are used. The viewing program according to claim 5 , wherein the other viewer executes a step of notifying the support content that supports the game play of the distributor. A distribution program executed by a distribution system that includes one or more processors and one or more memories.
The delivery program is delivered to the processor.
A step of delivering content including the distributor's avatar and the play screen of the game being played by the distributor using the game terminal included in the game system in real time.
From one or more viewing terminals that execute the viewing program according to any one of claims 1 to 6 , input information based on the first input operation to a viewer viewing on the viewing terminal. Steps to receive input information, including the corresponding username, and
By transmitting the support instruction corresponding to the input information to the game system at the timing when the input information is received, the effect of supporting the distributor in the game is obtained at the timing when the support instruction is received. And the steps to cause in
When the input information is received, the distributor and all the viewers are notified of the user name corresponding to the viewer and the support content of the effect caused by the support instruction transmitted in the step to cause the viewer. Steps to do and
A distribution program that executes a step of transmitting progress information indicating that the progress status of a game by the distributor has reached a predetermined status. The way a computer runs a viewing program
The computer comprises a processor and memory.
A method in which the processor performs each step according to claim 1. The way a computer runs a delivery program
The computer comprises a processor and memory.
A method in which the processor performs each step according to claim 7. It is an information processing device
The information processing device
A memory for storing the viewing program according to claim 1 and
An information processing device including a processor that controls the operation of the information processing device by executing the viewing program. It is an information processing system
The information processing system
A memory for storing the distribution program according to claim 7 and
An information processing system including one or more processors that control the operation of the information processing system by executing the distribution program.

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