JP7439170B2 - System, method, and program for delivering live video - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a system, method, and program for delivering live video.

Conventionally, a system for providing a live video distribution service for distributing live video has been proposed (for example, see Patent Document 1 below). In such live video distribution services, rewards are sometimes given to viewers in order to encourage them to view live videos. For example, some live video distribution services offer a predetermined reward (within the live video distribution service) to viewers whose continuous viewing time of the live video being distributed reaches a predetermined threshold (for example, 7 minutes, etc.). (usable items, etc.). Such rewards based on continuous viewing time can encourage viewers to continuously watch live videos.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-022219

However, the conventional awarding of rewards based on continuous viewing time is done according to the settings by the operator of the live video distribution service, etc., and the method of awarding the rewards, the content of the rewards, etc. The distributor could not be involved. Further, some viewers are interested in increasing the number of fans of a broadcaster that they particularly support, and therefore may want to be involved in/contribute to the provision of the above-mentioned rewards. Therefore, it is desirable to realize a system that allows broadcasters/viewers to be involved in the provision of such rewards.

One of the objects of the embodiments of the present invention is to enable the distributor/other viewers to participate in the provision of rewards to viewers during the distribution of live video. Other objects of embodiments of the present invention will become apparent upon reference to the entire specification.

A system according to an embodiment of the present invention is a system for delivering live video, comprising one or more computer processors, wherein the one or more computer processors are configured to , performs a process of distributing a live video provided by a distributor to a plurality of viewers, and a process of giving a predetermined reward to the viewers during the distribution of the live video, The process of assigning this is based on the establishment of a predetermined condition, which includes at least the continuous viewing time of a specific viewer who views a live video being distributed provided by a specific distributor, as a necessary condition, reaching a first threshold value. Accordingly, based at least on the attributes or actions of the specific broadcaster and/or the attributes or actions of at least some of the plurality of viewers who view the live video being distributed provided by the specific broadcaster, The method includes providing the predetermined reward to the specific viewer.

A method according to an embodiment of the present invention is a method for distributing live video, which is executed by one or more computers, and includes steps of distributing live video provided by a distributor to a plurality of viewers. and a step of giving a predetermined reward to the viewer during the distribution of the live video, and the step of giving the predetermined reward includes the step of giving a predetermined reward to the viewer while the live video is being distributed by a specific distributor. The attribute or behavior of the specific broadcaster and/or the specific broadcaster's attributes or actions are The method includes providing the predetermined reward to the specific viewer based on at least the attributes or actions of at least some of the viewers who view the live video being distributed by the distributor.

A program according to an embodiment of the present invention is a program for distributing live video, and in response to being executed on one or more computers, the program is provided by a distributor to the one or more computers. A process of distributing a live video to a plurality of viewers, and a process of giving a predetermined reward to the viewers during the distribution of the live video, and the process of giving the predetermined reward is performed. , in response to the establishment of a predetermined condition that at least includes as a necessary condition that the continuous viewing time by a specific viewer who views a live video being distributed provided by a specific distributor reaches a first threshold value. based on the attributes or actions of the broadcaster and/or the attributes or actions of at least some of the viewers who view the live video being distributed provided by the particular broadcaster. This includes granting the predetermined remuneration to the person.

Various embodiments of the present invention enable broadcaster/other viewer involvement in rewarding viewers during live video broadcasts.

1 is a configuration diagram schematically showing the configuration of a network including a video distribution server 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing the functions of a video distribution server 10. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating information managed in a user information table 411. FIG. Diagram for explaining ranks. 4 is a diagram illustrating information managed in a distribution management table 412. FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a top screen 60; The figure which illustrates the screen 70 for distributors. The figure which illustrates the screen 80 for viewers. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an item selection screen 200. 9 is a diagram illustrating a box detailed information display screen 90. FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating types of reward boxes corresponding to combinations of distribution types and distributor rank bands. FIG. 3 is a flow diagram illustrating a process executed by the server 10 in response to a user (viewer) starting viewing a live video. A diagram illustrating a box opening screen 210. FIG. 3 is a flow diagram illustrating a process executed by the server 10 when updating a rank. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a rule for updating a rank meter value. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the correspondence between rank update contents and required rank meter values. A diagram illustrating a rank meter object 100. FIG. 3 is a flow diagram illustrating a process executed by the server 10 when giving diamonds.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram schematically showing the configuration of a network including a video distribution server 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated, the video distribution server 10 is communicably connected to a user terminal 30 via a communication network 20 such as the Internet. Although only one user terminal 30 is illustrated in FIG. 1, the server 10 is communicably connected to a plurality of user terminals 30. The video distribution server 10 provides a live video distribution service for distributing and viewing live video to the user via the user terminal 30. In this embodiment, the user who operates the user terminal 30 can distribute live videos as a distributor, and can also view live videos provided by other users as a viewer. The video distribution server 10 is an example of a device that implements part or all of the system of the present invention.

The video distribution server 10 is configured as a general computer, and as shown in FIG. ) 15, and these components are electrically connected via a bus (not shown) or the like.

The computer processor 11 is configured as a CPU, GPU, or the like, reads various programs stored in the storage 15, etc., into the main memory 12, and executes various instructions included in the programs.

The input/output I/F 13 includes various input/output devices for exchanging information with users and the like. The input/output I/F 13 includes, for example, an information input device such as a keyboard and a pointing device (for example, a mouse, a touch panel, etc.), an audio input device such as a microphone, and an image input device such as a camera. Further, the input/output I/F 13 includes an image output device such as a display, and an audio output device such as a speaker.

The communication I/F 14 is implemented as hardware such as a network adapter, various communication software, or a combination thereof, and is configured to realize wired or wireless communication via the communication network 20 or the like.

The storage 15 is composed of, for example, a magnetic disk, a flash memory, or the like. The storage 15 stores various programs including an operating system, various data, and the like.

In this embodiment, the video distribution server 10 may be configured using a plurality of computers, each of which has the hardware configuration described above. For example, the video distribution server 10 may be configured by one or more server devices.

The video distribution server 10 configured in this way can be configured to have the functions of a web server and an application server, and in this case, the video distribution server 10 configured as described above can be configured to have the functions of a web server and an application server. In response to requests from a live video distribution service application), various processes are executed, and screen data (for example, HTML data), control data, etc. according to the results of the processes are transmitted to the user terminal 30. A web page or other screen based on the received data may be displayed on the user terminal 30.

The user terminal 30 is configured as a general computer, and as shown in FIG. 1, includes a computer processor 31, a main memory 32, an input/output I/F 33, a communication I/F 34, and a storage device 35, and these components are electrically connected via a bus (not shown) or the like.

The computer processor 31 is configured as a CPU, GPU, or the like, reads various programs stored in a storage 35, etc., into the main memory 32, and executes various instructions included in the programs. The main memory 32 is composed of, for example, a DRAM or the like.

The input/output I/F 33 includes various input/output devices for exchanging information with users and the like. The input/output I/F 33 includes, for example, an information input device such as a keyboard and a pointing device (for example, a mouse, a touch panel, etc.), an audio input device such as a microphone, and an image input device such as a camera. Further, the input/output I/F 33 includes an image output device such as a display, and an audio output device such as a speaker.

The communication I/F 34 is implemented as hardware such as a network adapter, various communication software, or a combination thereof, and is configured to realize wired or wireless communication via the communication network 20 or the like.

The storage 35 is configured by, for example, a magnetic disk or a flash memory. The storage 35 stores various programs including an operating system, various data, and the like. The programs stored in the storage 35 can be downloaded from an application market and installed.

In this embodiment, the user terminal 30 may be configured as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a wearable device, a personal computer, a game-dedicated terminal, or the like.

A user who operates the user terminal 30 configured in this manner can communicate with the video distribution server 10 via a web browser or other application installed in the storage 35 or the like. You can use the live video distribution service provided.

Next, the functions possessed by the video distribution server 10 of this embodiment will be explained. FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing the functions that the video distribution server 10 has. As shown in the figure, the server 10 includes an information storage management unit 41 that stores and manages various information, a basic function control unit 43 that controls basic functions of the live video distribution service, and a video distribution management unit 43 that controls the distribution of live video. It has a control section 45. These functions are realized by the cooperative operation of hardware such as the computer processor 11 and main memory 12, as well as various programs and data stored in the storage 15 and the like. This is realized by the computer processor 11 executing instructions included in the loaded program. Further, some or all of the functions of the server 10 shown in FIG. 2 may be realized by the server 10 and the user terminal 30 working together, or may be realized by the user terminal 30.

The information storage management unit 41 of the video distribution server 10 stores and manages various information in the storage 15 and the like. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the information storage management unit 41 includes a user information table 411 that manages information regarding users of the live video distribution service, and a distribution management table 412 that manages information regarding distribution of individual live videos. It is configured to have.

The basic function control unit 43 of the video distribution server 10 executes various processes related to control of basic functions of the live video distribution service. For example, the basic function control unit 43 transmits screen data or control data of various screens related to basic functions to the user terminal 30, and responds to various operation inputs by the user via the screen displayed on the user terminal 30. and transmits screen data or control data to the user terminal 30 according to the results of the processing. The basic functions controlled by the basic function control unit 43 include, for example, login processing (user authentication), billing control, user management (for example, updating the user information table 411, etc.).

The video distribution control unit 45 of the video distribution server 10 executes various processes related to controlling the distribution of live video. For example, the video distribution control unit 45 is configured to distribute live video provided by a distributor to a plurality of viewers. For example, the video distribution control unit 45 receives a live video transmitted from a distributor's user terminal 30 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "distributor terminal 30"), and transmits the live video to a plurality of viewers. The information is configured to be transmitted to each user terminal 30 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "viewer terminal 30"). The live video is composed of, for example, an image input via the camera of the distributor terminal 30 and audio input via the microphone. Such live video distribution may be performed, for example, by a streaming method using a protocol such as HTTP Live Streaming (HLS).

In this embodiment, the video distribution control unit 45 is configured to provide a predetermined reward to the viewer during distribution of the live video. For example, during the distribution of a live video provided by a specific distributor, the video distribution control unit 45 grants a predetermined reward to a specific viewer who views the live video according to the establishment of a predetermined condition. is configured to do so. In this embodiment, the predetermined condition for giving a predetermined reward is that the continuous viewing time (continuous viewing time) by the particular viewer is a predetermined threshold (for example, 30 seconds, 3 minutes, or 7 minutes). etc.) as a necessary condition.

The video distribution control unit 45 also controls the attributes or actions of a specific distributor, and/or the attributes or actions of at least some of the viewers who view the live video being distributed by the specific distributor. The system is configured to provide a predetermined reward to the specific viewer based at least on the following. The predetermined reward in this embodiment includes various virtual/electronic rewards, and includes, for example, items (including coins, points, etc.) that can be used in a live video distribution service.

In this way, the video distribution server 10 in this embodiment provides a predetermined reward to a specific viewer whose continuous viewing time of a live video provided by a specific distributor reaches a predetermined threshold, and Rewards are given based on the attributes/behaviors of the broadcaster/viewer, so it not only encourages viewers to watch live videos continuously, but also allows the broadcaster and other viewers to Enables participation in granting.

In this embodiment, the provision of a predetermined reward based on the attributes/behavior of the broadcaster/viewer includes changing the method of providing the reward based on these and changing the reward itself. For example, the video distribution control unit 45 may be configured to change the method of providing a predetermined reward based on at least the attributes or behavior of the distributor and/or the attributes or behavior of the viewer. A change in the method of giving a reward includes, for example, a change in the conditions for giving a reward (the above-mentioned predetermined conditions). For example, the video distribution control unit 45 may set the first value or the second value as the predetermined threshold regarding continuous viewing time for granting a predetermined reward based on the attributes/behavior of the distributor/viewer. It may be configured to be selectively set.

Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the video distribution control unit 45 may be configured to change the predetermined reward itself based on at least the attributes or actions of the distributor and/or the attributes or actions of the viewer. Changes in the predetermined reward itself include changes in its contents (type, quantity, etc.). Such a configuration makes it possible to change the predetermined reward itself based on the attributes/behavior of the broadcaster/viewer.

Further, the video distribution control unit 45 may be configured to receive input of predetermined input information from the viewer during distribution of the live video. The input predetermined input information is presented to the distributor and other viewers, for example. For example, the video distribution control unit 45 presents a live video to the viewer via a viewer screen displayed on each viewer terminal 30, and displays a predetermined video input by one viewer via the screen. The input information is configured to be displayed on the screen of each viewer terminal 30 and the distributor's screen displayed on the distributor terminal 30 (for example, displayed over a live video). The predetermined input information includes, but is not limited to, for example, comments and/or items.

In addition, the video distribution control unit 45 sets a predetermined threshold (for example, 30 seconds, 2 minutes, etc.) for the continuous non-input time of predetermined input information by a specific viewer during the distribution of a live video provided by the distributor. While this is the case, counting of the continuous viewing time by the particular viewer may be temporarily stopped. In other words, the video distribution control unit 45 temporarily stops counting the continuous viewing time when the viewer does not input the predetermined input information continuously for a predetermined period of time, and then when the viewer does not input the predetermined input information. may be configured to restart counting continuous viewing time. Such a configuration not only allows the viewer to continuously view live video, but also facilitates the input of predetermined input information by the viewer.

In addition, the video distribution control unit 45 controls the specific viewer's continuous viewing time within a predetermined time (for example, 10 seconds, 20 seconds, or 60 seconds, etc.) after the specific viewer's continuous viewing time reaches a predetermined threshold. The configuration may be such that a predetermined reward is given to the specific viewer in response to an input operation by the user. In such a configuration, since a reward is given according to the input operation by the viewer, the continuous viewing time can be set to a predetermined threshold without the viewer actually watching (for example, leaving the viewer terminal 30 alone). This prevents the user from reaching the target and receiving a predetermined reward.

In this embodiment, the attributes/behaviors of the distributor/viewer may include various types of attributes/behaviors. For example, the broadcaster's attributes/behaviors include the type of live video provided by the broadcaster. For example, the video distribution control unit 45 may be configured to perform better operations when a live video being distributed provided by a specific distributor includes video of the specific distributor than when it does not include video of the particular distributor. The predetermined reward may be awarded such that the value of the predetermined reward is increased. For example, the video distribution control unit 45 grants the first reward when the live video being distributed by a specific distributor is a first type of live video configured to include video and audio. On the other hand, the second type of live video in which the live video being distributed by a specific distributor consists of only audio (or audio and predetermined images) (live video distribution that does not include such video is referred to as "Radio (sometimes referred to as "distribution"), the system is configured to award a second reward that is lower in value than the first reward. Such a configuration may facilitate the distribution of live video including video of the broadcaster.

Further, the attributes/behaviors of the distributor include predetermined attributes (for example, rank, level, distribution time, etc.) whose values are configured to increase in accordance with the distribution of live video. For example, the video distribution control unit 45 is configured to provide the predetermined reward such that the value of the predetermined reward increases as the value of the predetermined attribute of a specific distributor increases (or decreases). can be done. This configuration increases the value of the reward given during the broadcast of a live video by an expert broadcaster (or a beginner broadcaster), so It can promote video viewing.

Furthermore, the attributes/behaviors of the viewer include the input status of predetermined input information (for example, comments and/or items, etc.). For example, the video distribution control unit 45 may be configured to provide a predetermined reward based at least on the input status of predetermined input information by at least some of the plurality of viewers. For example, the value of the given reward increases as the number of inputs of the given input information by at least some of the viewers increases. Such a configuration makes it possible to provide rewards based on the input status of predetermined input information by the viewer.

In addition, the video distribution control unit 45 determines that the value of the predetermined reward is higher when at least some of the plurality of viewers input the predetermined item than when the predetermined item is not input. The predetermined reward can be configured to be awarded such that the reward is higher. For example, the video distribution control unit 45 may provide a first reward to a specific viewer during a period in which no viewer inputs a predetermined item, while giving a first reward to a specific viewer when any viewer inputs a predetermined item. When input, the configuration is such that a second reward having a higher value than the first reward is given to a specific viewer. Such a configuration facilitates entry of predetermined items by the viewer.

Furthermore, viewer attributes/behaviors include various types of attributes, such as rank, level, viewing time, and the like. For example, the video distribution control unit 45 controls the predetermined reward so that the larger (or smaller) the average value of the rank, level, and viewing time of all or some of the plurality of viewers is, the higher the value of the predetermined reward is. may be configured to award a reward of

Next, a specific example of the video distribution server 10 of this embodiment having such a function will be described. FIG. 3 illustrates information managed in the user information table 411 in this example. The user information table 411 manages information related to users of the live video distribution service, and as shown in the figure, stores "basic information" including account name, age, gender, etc. in association with "user account" for identifying individual users. ", "Distribution history information", which is information about the distribution history of live videos, "Viewing history information", which is information about the viewing history of live videos distributed by other users, and "Viewing history information", which is information about the viewing history of live videos distributed by other users. ``Continuous viewing time'', which is the continuous viewing time when the user is currently watching a live video distributed by another user, ``Comment non-input duration time'', which is the duration of time without entering a comment when the user is currently watching a live video distributed by another user. "Following user information" is information about other users who follow this user, "Follower information" is information about other users (followers) who follow this user, and "Follower information" is information about the user's rank as a broadcaster. "rank", "rank meter value" which is a parameter value for determining rank up/down, "number of coins held" which indicates the number of virtual coins held in the live video distribution service, and similarly virtual number of diamonds held. Manage information such as the number of diamonds held.

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the "rank" of the distributor in this example. As shown in the figure, in this example, there are six rank bands: "S", "A", "B", "C", "D", and "E"; Each of the five rank bands of "B", "C", and "D" has three ranks (for example, "+" is added to the alphabet indicating the rank band, such as "S+", "S", and "S-"). , a rank with only the alphabet, and a rank with a ``-'' added to the alphabet). Moreover, the rank band of "E" is made up of one rank "E". That is, in this example, there are 16 ranks (3×5+1=16).

Furthermore, in the rank band, the "S" side is the highest and the "E" side is the lowest. Furthermore, for ranks within the same rank band, the "+" side is the highest and the "-" side is the lowest. In this example, the user's rank is set to "D-" as an initial value.

FIG. 5 illustrates information managed in the distribution management table 412 in this example. The distribution management table 412 manages information regarding the distribution of individual live videos, and as shown in the figure, a "distributor user" that identifies the distributor of this distribution is associated with a "distribution ID" that identifies an individual distribution. "Account", "Distribution date and time", "Distribution time" indicating the duration of the distribution, "Number of viewers (current value and maximum value)", "Number of comments" which is the number of comments entered by viewers, Viewers ``Number of Likes'' which is the number of ``Likes'' entered by , ``Item Points'' which are added according to the input of items by viewers, ``Distribution Points'' which are the points given for this distribution. and other information.

FIG. 6 illustrates a top screen 60 of the live video distribution service. As shown in the figure, the screen 60 includes a filter area 62 displaying "Follow", "Popular", and "All", a list display area 64 displaying a list of live videos currently being distributed, and a "Distribution" field. The distribution start button 66 is displayed.

The filter area 62 is an area for setting filtering for the live video being distributed that is displayed in the list display area 64. Specifically, when "Follow" is selected in the filter area 62, the live videos displayed as a list in the list display area 64 are narrowed down to live videos of other users that the user is following. Similarly, when "Popular" is selected in the filter area 62, the live videos displayed as a list in the list display area 64 are live videos extracted according to predetermined extraction conditions for extracting popular videos (e.g. , live videos, etc. whose number of viewers (current value) is above a threshold value). Furthermore, when "all" is selected in the filter area 62, all live videos being distributed without filtering are displayed in a list.

In the list display area 64, a plurality of individual display areas 641 are arranged in two rows, each displaying information regarding an individual live video. The individual display area 641 displays, for example, a still image preset by the live video distributor, the distributor's account name, the number of viewers (current value), and the like. The list display area 64 is configured such that the displayed individual display area 641 can be switched by flicking/sliding in the vertical direction.

The distribution start button 66 is an object for a user to start distribution of a live video as a distributor. When the distribution start button 66 is selected by the user, distribution of live video is started, and specifically, an image input through the camera of the user terminal 30 and an image input through the microphone of the user terminal 30 are also transmitted. Transmission of the moving image composed of the input audio to the server 10 is started. Additionally, a new record is created in the distribution management table 412 in response to the start of live video distribution. Note that when starting live video distribution, the user can also select radio distribution that does not include video (images input via the camera of the user terminal 30).

FIG. 7 illustrates a distributor screen 70 that is displayed on the distributor terminal 30 in response to selection of the distribution start button 66 (that is, the start of live video distribution). The screen 70 includes a video display area 71 corresponding to the entire screen, a basic information display area 72 located at the upper left corner of the screen, an action information display area 73 located at the lower left corner of the screen, and a circular area located at the center of the lower edge of the screen. It has a distribution stop button 76.

The video display area 71 displays a live video to be distributed, that is, an image input via the camera of the distributor terminal 30. Since the distributor usually photographs himself or herself via the in-camera of the distributor terminal 30, the distributed live video includes the distributor himself. Note that in the case of radio distribution, a predetermined image (still image or moving image) is displayed in the area 71.

The basic information display area 72 displays basic information about this distribution, specifically, distributor information (profile image, etc.), the number of viewers for this distribution (current value), and the number of viewers for this distribution. Displays the number of "likes" etc. entered by.

The action information display area 73 displays information regarding actions performed by the viewer, and specifically, in the area 73, a plurality of action objects 731, each corresponding to an individual action, are arranged vertically. be done. The action information display area 73 is configured such that when a new action is performed by a viewer, a corresponding action object 731 is added to the bottom, and existing action objects 731 are moved upward in order. The action information display area 73 is configured so that the displayed action object 731 can be switched by flicking/sliding in the vertical direction. Actions by the viewer displayed in the action information display area 73 include entering a room (starting viewing), inputting "like", inputting a comment, and inputting an item.

The distribution stop button 76 is an object used by the distributor to stop distribution of live video. When the distribution stop button 76 is selected by the distributor, distribution of the live video (transmission of the live video from the distributor terminal 30 to the server 10) is stopped.

FIG. 8 illustrates a viewer screen 80 displayed on the viewer terminal 30. For example, when an arbitrary live video is selected by the viewer via the list display area 64 of the top screen 60, a viewer screen 80 for viewing the selected live video is displayed on the viewer terminal 30. . As illustrated, the screen 80 has a video display area 81, a basic information display area 82, and an action information display area 83, like the distributor screen 70 described above. The viewer screen 80 also has a comment input area 84, a "like" button 85 with a heart mark displayed, and an item input button 86 with a present symbol displayed at the lower end of the screen. The viewer screen 80 also has a box object 87 having the appearance of a box and a remaining time display area 88 that displays the remaining time until the reward box can be opened in a countdown format in the upper right corner of the screen.

The comment input area 84 is an area for the viewer to input comments. When a viewer inputs a comment through the area 84, action objects 731, 831 corresponding to the input comment are displayed on the distributor screen 70 of the distributor terminal 30 and the viewer screen 80 of each viewer terminal 30. It is added to the respective action information display areas 73 and 83. In the action objects 731 and 831 corresponding to the comment, the comment itself (text) is displayed together with the account name of the viewer who entered the comment. Further, when a comment is input, the number of comments in the distribution management table 412 is updated (added by 1).

The like button 85 is an object for the viewer to input "like" to the distributor. When the button 85 is selected by the viewer, "like" is input, and action objects 731, 831 corresponding to "like" are added to the action information display areas 73, 83. In the action objects 731 and 831 corresponding to "like", text indicating that "like" has been performed is displayed together with the account name of the viewer who inputted "like". In addition, when "like" is input, a predetermined visual effect (for example, an animation effect in which a heart-shaped object is displayed flowing from the bottom of the screen to the top) is displayed in the video display areas 71 and 81. will be added. Furthermore, when a "like" is input, the "number of likes" in the distribution management table 412 is updated (added by 1).

The item input button 86 is an object for the viewer to input an item. When the button 86 is selected by the viewer, an item selection screen 200 illustrated in FIG. 9 is displayed superimposed on the viewer screen 80. As shown, the screen 200 displays a list of a plurality of individual display areas 202, each of which displays information regarding an item. The individual display area 202 displays an image corresponding to an item and the number of coins required to input the item.

In this example, a plurality of items that can be input by the viewer are predetermined, and each item has a number of coins set in advance as its price (value). The item selection screen 200 displays a list of a plurality of inputtable items. When any item is selected by the viewer via the item selection screen 200, the selected item is input.

When an item is input, action objects 731 and 831 corresponding to the input item are added to the action information display areas 73 and 83. In the action objects 731 and 831 corresponding to the item input, the name of the input item is displayed together with the account name of the viewer who input the item. Further, when an item is input, a visual effect corresponding to the input item is added to the video display areas 71 and 81. Furthermore, when an item is input, item points corresponding to the number of coins of the input item (for example, the more the number of coins, the more points) are given to this distribution, and in the distribution management table 412, It will be added to the item points of the corresponding distribution. Further, when an item is input, the number of coins of the input item is subtracted from the number of coins held by the corresponding user (the viewer who input the item) in the user information table 411.

FIG. 10 illustrates a box detailed information display screen 90 that is displayed over the viewer screen 80 in response to the selection of the box object 87. The screen 90 displays information regarding the reward box that the viewer can obtain, and as shown in the figure, a box object 91 having the appearance of a box and the remaining time until the reward box can be opened are displayed in a countdown format. and a remaining time display area 92. Further, below the remaining time display area 92, an explanation regarding the specifications of the reward box is displayed.

In this example, there are three types of reward boxes given to viewers: normal boxes, super boxes, and hyper boxes. A reward box contains a predetermined number of coins; specifically, a normal box contains coins ranging from 2 to 10 coins, and a super box contains coins ranging from 20 to 30 coins. Hyperboxes contain coins ranging from 50 to 100 coins. In this way, for the reward box, the value of the super box is higher than that of the normal box, and the value of the hyper box is higher than that of the super box.

In this example, the type of reward box given to the viewer is set based on the type of live video being distributed by the distributor (distribution type) and the rank range (predetermined attribute) of the distributor. FIG. 11 illustrates types of reward boxes corresponding to combinations of distribution types and distributor rank bands. As shown in the figure, when the distribution type is "normal distribution" including video, a hyper box is displayed when the distributor's rank band is "S" or "A", and a hyper box is created when the distributor's rank band is "B" or "A". When the rank band of the distributor is "C", it becomes a super box, and when the rank band of the distributor is "D" and "E", it becomes a regular box. On the other hand, if the distribution type is "radio distribution" that does not include video (consists of audio and predetermined images), a hyper box will be displayed when the distributor's rank band is "S", and the distributor's rank band is "S". When the rank band of the distributor is "A" and "B", it becomes a super box, and when the rank band of the distributor is "C", "D", and "E", it becomes a regular box. In this way, when the distribution type is regular distribution, the value of the reward box awarded is higher than when it is radio distribution, and the higher the rank of the broadcaster, the more reward boxes are awarded. Increases the value of reward boxes. Here, in another example of the present embodiment, the lower the rank band of the distributor, the higher the value of the reward box provided. Note that the box object 87 on the viewer screen 80 and the box object 91 on the box detailed information display screen 90 are the types of reward boxes set according to FIG. 11 (that is, the types of reward boxes that the viewer can obtain). It is configured to have an appearance according to the

Here, the operation related to opening the reward box will be explained. FIG. 12 is a flow diagram illustrating a process executed by the server 10 in response to the user (viewer) starting viewing a live video (that is, displaying the viewer screen 80). The process illustrated in FIG. 12 is executed individually for each viewer.

When viewing the live video starts, the server 10 first determines whether the viewer has not inputted a comment for 2 minutes or more unless the live video distribution ends (NO in step S110), as shown in the figure. Or, wait until the continuous viewing time becomes 7 minutes or more (NO in step S120 and NO in step S130). During this waiting period, the reward box becomes openable in the remaining time display area 88 of the viewer screen 80 (and the remaining time display area 92 of the box detailed information display screen 90) as the continuous viewing time elapses. The remaining time is counted down. Note that the duration of no comment input and the continuous viewing time are managed in the user management table 411, as described above.

Then, when the duration of no comment input reaches 2 minutes before the continuous viewing time reaches 7 minutes (YES in step S120), the server 10 pauses counting of the continuous viewing time (that is, rewards A countdown of the remaining time until the box can be opened is temporarily stopped (step S140). The pause continues while the viewer does not input a comment (NO in step S150). While counting of continuous viewing time is paused, a message prompting the user to enter a comment is displayed on the box detailed information display screen 90. Thereafter, when this viewer inputs a comment (YES in step S150), the server 10 restarts counting the continuous viewing time (step S155), and returns to step S110.

When the continuous viewing time reaches 7 minutes (YES in step S130), the server 10 waits for the reward box to be opened until 20 seconds have elapsed (NO in step S170 and step S190). (NO).

FIG. 13 illustrates a box opening screen 210 that is displayed superimposed on the viewer screen 80 when the continuous viewing time reaches 7 minutes. In the center of the screen 210, a box object 212 for opening a reward box and acquiring a reward is arranged. Further, as shown in the figure, a countdown of the time limit (20 seconds) until the reward box is opened is displayed below the object 212. The viewer can open the reward box by performing an operation input to select the box object 212 within the time limit. In this way, by setting a time limit for opening the reward box, viewers are encouraged to actually view the live video, compared to a case where such a time limit is not set.

Then, when the box object 212 on the box opening screen 210 is selected and the reward box is opened (YES in step S170), the server 10 gives the viewer the number of coins corresponding to the type of box (step S170). S180). Specifically, if the reward box is a normal box, coins in the range of 2 to 10 coins will be awarded; if the reward box is a super box, coins in the range of 20 to 30 coins will be awarded; If it is a hyperbox, coins ranging from 50 to 100 coins will be awarded. The specific number of coins to be awarded is set (for example, randomly) according to predetermined rules so as to fall within these ranges. In accordance with the provision of coins to a viewer, the number of coins held by the corresponding user (viewer) is updated in the user information table 411.

If the reward box is opened in this way (YES in step S170), or if the time limit of 20 seconds passes without the reward box being opened (YES in step S190), the process returns to step S110. That is, in this example, the viewer can repeatedly open the reward box while the live video continues to be broadcast. Note that in another example of the present embodiment, the number of reward boxes that one viewer can open per day for one broadcaster may be limited to a predetermined number (for example, two).

The operations related to opening the reward box have been described above. Next, the operations when the distributor ends the distribution will be explained. As described above, when the distributor selects the distribution stop button 76 on the distributor screen 70, the distribution of the live video ends. When the distribution of the live video ends, the server 10 sets distribution points for the distribution. In this example, distribution points are calculated based on the number of viewers (maximum value), number of likes, number of comments, and item points. Distribution points are configured to increase as the number of viewers (maximum value), number of likes, number of comments, and item points increase. The calculated distribution points are registered in the distribution management table 412.

Furthermore, in this example, the rank for the current day is determined (updated) based on the distribution points that the user acquired on the previous day. FIG. 14 is a flow diagram illustrating the process executed by the server 10 when updating the rank of each user. These processes are executed every day late at night (for example, at 3 a.m. every day).

First, the server 10 updates the rank meter value of each user (step S300). FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining the rank meter value update rule. As shown in the figure, in this example, the rank meter value changes based on the ranking of distribution points earned by the user on the previous day within the rank band to which the user belongs. The distribution points that a specific user acquired on the previous day are calculated by referring to the distributor user account, distribution date and time, and distribution points in the distribution management table 412. Note that if the user performs multiple distributions in one day, the distribution points earned from each of the multiple distributions are added up.

Specifically, the update rule for the rank meter value is as shown in FIG. 15. First, if the distribution point ranking within the rank band is in the top 10%, the change in the rank meter value is "+2". (2 points increase). Similarly, if the relevant ranking is included in the top 11-30% (the remaining 20% after removing the top 10% from the top 30%), the change is "+1"; -60%), the change is "±0" (no increase or decrease), and when the rank is in the bottom 40%, the change is "-1" (1 point decrease). Note that if the previous day's distribution was not performed, the change in the rank meter value will be "-1" regardless of the rank within the rank band.

In step S300, each user's rank meter value is updated according to the update rules illustrated in FIG. 15. In addition, if you are a user whose rank meter value is negative and the current change in rank meter value is an increase (specifically, +2 or +1), the rank meter value will be cleared to 0 and then increased. You may also let them do so. In other words, for example, if a user's current rank meter value is "-1" and the current change is "+2", the rank meter value is cleared to 0 and then increased by 2, and the rank meter value after the change is It becomes "+2" (instead of "+1"). In this way, even if a user has a negative rank meter value (for example, a user whose distribution frequency is low), the rank meter value can be increased at once, thereby promoting the distribution of live videos.

After updating each user's rank meter value, the server 10 then updates the rank based on the updated rank meter value (step S310). FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining the correspondence between rank update contents and necessary rank meter values. As shown in the figure, the rank meter value required to rank up across rank bands (in other words, to rank up from the highest rank within each rank band) is +4. That is, a user belonging to the highest rank (for example, A+) in each rank band is ranked up to the lowest rank (for example, S-) in the rank band immediately above when the rank meter value reaches +4. Further, the rank meter value necessary for increasing the rank within the same rank band (in other words, when increasing the rank from the middle or lowest rank within each rank band) is +2. In other words, a user who belongs to the middle or lowest rank (for example, B or B-) within each rank band will be automatically assigned to the rank immediately above the same rank band (for example, B+ or B-) when the rank meter value reaches +2. ) to rank up.

Similarly, as illustrated in FIG. 16, the rank meter value required to rank down within the same rank band (in other words, to rank down from the highest or middle rank in each rank band) is -2. In other words, a user who belongs to the highest or middle rank within each rank band (for example, B+ or -). In addition, the required rank meter value when moving down the rank across rank bands is -6. That is, when a user belonging to the lowest rank (for example, A-) in each rank band has a rank meter value of -6, the user is ranked down to the highest rank (for example, B+) in the rank band immediately below. In this way, in this example, the absolute value of the required rank meter value is larger for rank up/down across rank bands, compared to rank up/down within the same rank band. As a result, a rapid increase/decrease in rank in a short period of time is suppressed.

In step S310, the rank is updated based on the rank meter value according to the correspondence relationship illustrated in FIG. Note that the rank meter value of the user whose rank has been updated (the user whose rank has been increased/decreased) is cleared to 0.

FIG. 17 illustrates a rank meter object 100 that displays a user's rank meter value. The object 100 is placed, for example, on a profile screen that displays basic information about the user. As illustrated, the rank meter object 100 includes a needle object 102 having a needle-shaped shape and a scale object 104 having an alphabetical C-shape that opens downward. The user's current rank (“A rank” in the example of FIG. 17) is displayed below the needle object 102. The needle object 102 is configured to swing (rotate) to the right when the rank meter value increases, and swing to the left when the rank meter value decreases. The needle object 102 in FIG. 17 is in an upright state (pointing in the 12 o'clock direction), which corresponds to a state in which the rank meter value is 0. Further, the needle object 102 tilts to the right as the rank meter value increases in the positive direction, and tilts to the left as the rank meter value decreases in the negative direction. A rank up area 1041 corresponding to the rank meter value required for rank up is set at the lower right side of the scale object 104, and a rank up area 1041 corresponding to the rank meter value required for rank up is also set at the lower left side of the scale object 104. A rank down area 1042 corresponding to the value is set. Via the rank meter object 100, the user can grasp the current status of rank meter values for rank up/down.

Further, in this example, diamonds are given as a reward to the user as a distributor based on the previous day's distribution time and rank (rank on the previous day). FIG. 18 is a flow diagram illustrating a process executed by the server 10 when giving diamonds to each distributor. These processes are executed at midnight every day, and are executed at a time before the process (for example, at midnight every day) when updating the ranks of each user illustrated in FIG. 14, for example.

As shown in the figure, the server 10 first calculates the distribution time of each user on the previous day (step S400). Specifically, the distribution time of the previous day for a specific user is calculated by referring to the distributor user account and the distribution date and time in the distribution management table 412. If a user performs multiple distributions in one day, the distribution time of each of the multiple distributions is added up.

Subsequently, the server 10 gives each user a number of diamonds based on the calculated delivery time and the standard number of diamonds (step S410). Specifically, each user is given a number of diamonds equal to the calculated distribution time multiplied by the standard number of diamonds. The standard number of diamonds is set in advance for each rank so that it increases as the rank increases, and the standard number of diamonds corresponding to the rank of each user on the previous day is applied. When diamonds are given to a user, the number of diamonds held in the user information table 411 is updated. In this example, diamonds can be exchanged for coins or real currency.

In the above example, the type of reward box given to a viewer whose continuous viewing time reaches a predetermined threshold (7 minutes) is set based on the type of live video being distributed and the rank range of the broadcaster. However, in other examples of the present embodiment, instead of or in addition to this, a reward box is provided to a viewer in response to input of a predetermined item by any viewer. The type of changes. For example, a reward box given to a viewer before a predetermined item is input is a normal box, but once a predetermined item is input by any viewer, the continuous viewing time after that is a predetermined threshold. The reward box given to viewers who reach 1 is a super box (or hyper box).

In the example described above, a predetermined event may occur in response to the opening of a reward box. The predetermined event includes, for example, the appearance of a boss character. These boss characters are displayed in the video display area 71 of the distributor's screen 70 and the video display area 81 of the viewer's screen 80, and attacks are performed against the boss character in response to item input by each viewer. You can also let it happen. Note that the predetermined event is not limited to this, and may be configured such that various types of events occur in response to the opening of the reward box.

The video distribution server 10 of the present embodiment described above provides a predetermined reward (for example, a reward box (a predetermined number of coins), etc.), and the predetermined reward is based on the attributes/behavior of the streamer/viewer (e.g., type of stream, streamer's rank range, input of a predetermined item by the viewer, etc.). Since the reward is given based on the reward, it is possible to encourage viewers to continuously watch live videos, and also to enable the distributor and other viewers to be involved in giving the reward to the viewer.

The processes and procedures described herein may be implemented by software, hardware, or any combination thereof, other than those explicitly described. For example, the processes and procedures described herein are implemented by implementing logic corresponding to the processes and procedures in a medium such as an integrated circuit, volatile memory, nonvolatile memory, magnetic disk, or the like. Further, the processes and procedures described in this specification can be implemented as a computer program corresponding to the processes and procedures, and can be executed by various computers.

Even if processes and procedures described herein are described as being performed by a single device, software, component, or module, such processes or procedures may be performed by multiple devices, software, components, or modules. components and/or multiple modules. The software and hardware elements described herein can also be implemented by combining them into fewer components or decomposing them into more components.

In this specification, even if a constituent element of the invention is described as either singular or plural, or without being limited to either singular or plural, it should be interpreted differently depending on the context. Except for , the component may be singular or plural.

10 Video distribution server 11 Computer processor 15 Storage (storage device)
20 Communication network 30 User terminal 41 Information storage management unit 43 Basic function control unit 45 Video distribution control unit 60 Top screen 70 Distributor screen 80 Viewer screen 90 Box detailed information display screen 100 Rank meter object 200 Item selection screen 210 Box Opening screen

Claims (8)

A system for delivering live video comprising one or more computer processors, the system comprising:
In response to executing readable instructions, the one or more computer processors:
A process of distributing live video provided by a distributor to multiple viewers,
Performing a process of granting a predetermined reward to viewers during live video distribution;
The process of granting the predetermined reward is based on the continuous viewing time of a specific viewer who views a specific live video being distributed by a specific distributor after starting viewing the specific live video. Depending on the establishment of a predetermined condition that includes at least reaching a threshold value of 1 as a necessary condition, the attributes or actions of the specific broadcaster and/or at least of the plurality of viewers who view the specific live video providing the predetermined reward to the specific viewer based at least on some attributes or actions;
system. The process of providing the predetermined reward is based on at least the attributes or actions of the specific broadcaster and/or the attributes or actions of at least some of the multiple viewers. including changing the predetermined reward to be granted;
The system of claim 1. The predetermined condition includes, as a necessary condition, that a predetermined input operation is performed by the specific viewer within a predetermined time after the continuous viewing time by the specific viewer reaches the first threshold value. ,
The system according to claim 1 or 2. In the process of giving the predetermined reward, the value of the predetermined reward is higher when the specific live video includes footage of the specific distributor than when it does not include footage of the specific distributor. providing the predetermined reward to the specific viewer so that the
The system according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The one or more computer processors further execute a process of accepting input of predetermined input information input by a viewer during distribution of a live video provided by a distributor,
The process of providing the predetermined reward includes providing the predetermined reward to the specific viewer based at least on the input status of the predetermined input information by at least some of the plurality of viewers. include,
The system according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The process of awarding the predetermined reward is such that when at least some of the plurality of viewers input a predetermined item, the predetermined reward is given more than when the predetermined item is not input. providing the predetermined reward to the specific viewer so that the value of the content increases;
6. The system of claim 5. A method for delivering live video performed by one or more computers, the method comprising:
a step of distributing a live video provided by a distributor to multiple viewers;
a step of granting a predetermined reward to the viewer during live video distribution;
The step of granting the predetermined reward is based on the continuous viewing time of a specific viewer who views a specific live video being distributed by a specific distributor after starting viewing the specific live video. Depending on the establishment of a predetermined condition that includes at least reaching a threshold value of 1 as a necessary condition, the attributes or actions of the specific broadcaster and/or at least of the plurality of viewers who view the specific live video providing the predetermined reward to the specific viewer based at least on some attributes or actions;
Method. A program for distributing live video,
in response to being executed on one or more computers, said one or more computers;
A process of distributing live video provided by a distributor to multiple viewers,
During live video distribution, perform a process of giving a predetermined reward to the viewer,
The process of granting the predetermined reward is based on the continuous viewing time of a specific viewer who views a specific live video being distributed by a specific distributor after starting viewing the specific live video. Depending on the establishment of a predetermined condition that includes at least reaching a threshold value of 1 as a necessary condition, the attributes or actions of the specific broadcaster and/or at least of the plurality of viewers who view the specific live video providing the predetermined reward to the specific viewer based at least on some attributes or actions;
program.

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