JP2019071957A - Content distribution system, computer system, and server system - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a technology which creates new added value using a transmission function of a text and an image and enriches user experiences.SOLUTION: Distribution of a content incorporates a user transmission service function and, when a viewing user performs transmission operation of a text or an image while viewing, the text or image of the transmitted content is displayed in a viewing screen. A distribution server system monitors user transmission and performs privilege control when transmission whose timing is continuous and which is related to a transmission content is continued in succession to a certain scale by a different viewing user. A variety of privilege control is prepared in accordance with continuation frequency, a content of relevance, and the like. All of them augment a user's virtual experience which a plurality of viewing users view the content together and improve the user experience.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

  The present invention relates to a content delivery system and the like for delivering content including at least video provided by a providing user to user terminals of respective viewing users.

  BACKGROUND A social networking service (SNS) in which a user can transmit text or an image by a function called a chat function or a text function, a content distribution service, and the like are known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  Communication between users is promoted by using the chat function and the text function. For example, in the case of a video distribution service, by sending and posting each text while watching a video, it is possible to enjoy a virtual experience as if everyone were watching a video together.

  When it is possible to transmit not only text but also an image as a chat function or text function, the transmission of the image may be called "image posting" or the like. For example, by transmitting (in this case, also referred to as "posting") an image of a character showing a speech in a balloon form or an image of a character performing an action such as emotions, emotions and feelings that can not be expressed in words are simplified. Can be sent to

  It can be said that the various user experiences brought about by the functions related to the delivery of texts and images have become a staple in social networking services (SNS) and content distribution services in recent years.

JP 2017-91393 A

  An object of the present invention is to provide a technology for creating new added value using a text or image transmission function and enriching a user experience.

A first invention for solving the above-mentioned problems is a content distribution system for distributing content including at least video provided by a providing user to user terminals of respective viewing users,
The user terminal displays a viewing screen including a content display unit for displaying the content, and an operation unit for a transmission operation in which the viewing user can input the content being viewed.
Transmission reflection control means for receiving, from the user terminal, that the transmission operation for the content being viewed is input from the user terminal, and controlling the display of the reflection display for which the transmission operation has been made in the viewing screen (for example, FIG. , The server processing unit 200s of FIG. 9, the distribution service management unit 210, the transmission reflection control unit 214, and step S156 of FIG.
When a given scale requirement is satisfied by continuing a state that satisfies the chain condition including at least the continuity recognition condition for recognizing the continuity of the transmission operation based on the timing at which the transmission operation is performed. Special display effect control means (for example, control board 1150 in FIG. 1, special display effect 86 in FIG. 8, server processing unit 200s in FIG. 9, distribution service management unit 210, special This is a content distribution system including a display effect control unit 219, and steps S190 and S194 in FIG.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the viewing operation of the content is performed, and the sending operation of the viewing user is continuously performed, and when they become a certain size, the special effect display (special display effect) is performed. it can. Then, the user experience can be further improved by this special effect display (special display effect).

  In the second invention, the transmission operation includes at least a predetermined transmission operation indicating a predetermined intention display, and the transmission reflection control means views the predetermined display body as the reflection display on which the predetermined transmission operation is performed. It is a content delivery system of the 1st invention which performs control displayed on a screen.

According to the second aspect of the invention, the user is felt at that time by realizing the special effect display control when the predetermined transmission operation indicating some intention display is continuously executed until the scale reaches a certain size by the viewing user The feeling of the viewing user can be further enhanced.
As an example, a number of viewers make calls to evaluate the content one after another, and when it reaches 10 people, change the background of the viewer screen from a simple design to a gorgeous design Such special effect display control can be considered. According to this special effect display control, it is possible to provide a user experience in which a plurality of viewing users are together enjoying and viewing the content together, and can give the viewing users a sense of excitement and excitement.

  A third invention of the present invention is the content distribution of the first or second invention, wherein the chain condition further includes a relevance determination condition for determining relevance of the outgoing operations inputted by a plurality of the viewing users. It is a system.

According to the third invention, it is possible to include in the chain condition the relevance between the sending operations, for example, the relevance of the content (the sending content) sent by the sending operation.
Therefore, instead of executing special presentation display when any content is transmitted until it reaches a certain size continuously, transmission of content having a determined relevance is continuously performed to some extent. When the scale is performed, the special effect display can be performed. Relevancy is a requirement, adding complexity and interest in selecting the content to be sent to meet the requirement, and the sending operation itself can be one of the user experiences.

  In a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is a plurality of types of transmission operations in the transmission operation, and a condition based on a combination of types of the input transmission operations is defined in the relevance recognition condition. It is a content delivery system of an invention.

  According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to execute the special effect display when the type of transmission operation made continuously forms a combination of patterns. In this way, the viewing user selects the transmission operation while imagining his / her idea of which combination to form and the thoughts of other viewing users, thus making the transmission operation as the user experience more interesting be able to.

  According to a fifth aspect of the invention, the transmission operation includes a transmission operation of a message that can be arbitrarily set by the user terminal, and the relevancy recognition condition is a relevancy recognition condition related to the transmission operation of the message. The content delivery system according to the third or fourth aspect of the present invention, wherein a condition based on the content of the message is defined.

  According to the fifth aspect, the relevance of the message can be set as the condition for executing the special effect display. For example, when the messages sent continuously are all similar in common to "Glad", if special effect display control to change to a red background is performed, the feeling of the cheering user is further enhanced and the user experience is further enhanced. It is possible to improve.

  A sixth invention is the content delivery system according to any one of the first to fifth inventions, wherein the scale requirement includes a condition based on the number or time when the chain condition is satisfied.

  According to the sixth aspect of the invention, it is possible to execute the special effect display when the number of transmissions satisfying the chaining condition reaches a specific number or when the transmission continues for a specific time.

  The seventh invention is the content distribution according to any one of the first to sixth inventions, wherein the size requirement includes a condition based on the number of the viewing users who performed the transmission operation satisfying the chaining condition. It is a system.

  According to the seventh invention, even in the case of the same continuous transmission, the special effect display will not be executed unless the number of viewing users making the continuous transmission satisfies the condition. Therefore, the situation in which the special effect display is performed can be made more colorful.

  An eighth aspect of the invention relates to chain condition setting means (for example, chain condition setting unit 216 in FIG. 9, chain condition setting data 640 in FIG. 23, FIG. 23) that variably sets the chain condition according to the type of content. A content distribution system according to any one of the first to seventh inventions, including step S174).

  According to the eighth invention, the chaining condition can be changed according to the type of content.

  A ninth aspect of the present invention is a scale requirement setting unit that variably sets the scale requirement according to the type of the content (for example, the scale requirement setting unit 218 of FIG. 9, the application scale requirement 648 of FIG. 19, steps of FIG. The content delivery system according to any one of the first to eighth inventions, including S178).

  According to the ninth invention, the size requirement can be changed according to the type of content.

  A tenth invention is a privilege control execution means (for example, the control board 1150 of FIG. 1) which executes privilege control for giving a given privilege to the viewing user and / or the providing user when the size requirement is satisfied. The content distribution system according to any one of the first to ninth inventions, including the server processing unit 200s of FIG. 9, the distribution service management unit 210, and the privilege control execution unit 220 (step S192 of FIG. 24).

  According to the tenth invention, given satisfaction of the scale requirement can give a given benefit to the viewing user and the providing user. Thus, the user experience can be further enriched.

  An eleventh aspect of the present invention is the game apparatus according to any one of the first to the fourth aspects, comprising: chain condition setting means for variably setting the chain condition according to a game situation relating to the game play movie being viewed. A content delivery system according to any of the seventh inventions.

  According to the eleventh aspect, in the case of distributing a gameplay moving image, the chain condition can be changed according to the game situation in the moving image being distributed.

  In a twelfth aspect of the present invention, the content requirement is a game play moving image, and the size requirement setting means variably sets the size requirement according to a game situation concerning the game play moving image being viewed. A content delivery system according to any of the seventh and eleventh inventions.

  According to the twelfth invention, when distributing a game play video, the scale requirement can be changed according to the game situation in the video being distributed.

  In a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the content is a game play video, and a privilege is variably determined according to a game situation related to the game play video being viewed when the size requirement is satisfied. And / or a content distribution system according to any one of the first to seventh, eleventh, and twelfth inventions, including privilege control execution means for executing privilege control to be provided to the providing user.

  According to the thirteenth invention, when distributing a game play video, it is possible to give a privilege according to the game situation in the video being distributed.

  A fourteenth invention is the content distribution system according to any one of the eleventh to thirteenth inventions, wherein the content is a live relay content of a game play moving image.

  According to the fourteenth aspect, it is possible to live-distribute the game screen during game play.

  In a fifteenth invention, history information display control means (for example, the history information display control unit 222 in FIG. 9; transmission log in FIG. 18) for performing control to display history information of the transmission operation for each viewing user on the user terminal The content delivery system according to any one of the first to fourteenth inventions, which comprises data 610 and steps S200 and S202 in FIG.

  According to the fifteenth invention, the history of the transmission operation for each viewing user can be displayed on the user terminal. If you are wondering what kind of calls other viewers have made so far, you can prepare a mechanism to know them. Knowing the past behavior of the other person is a stimulus, and the transmission operation of the viewing user becomes more active, and thus the occurrence probability of the special effect display control can be increased, and the user experience relating to the content viewing can be further improved.

  A sixteenth invention relates to avatar display control means (for example, avatar display control unit 212 in FIG. 9, avatar display management data 634 in FIG. 19, step S102 in FIG. 22) for displaying avatars for each viewing user on the viewing screen. And the transmission reflection control means performs display control such that the avatar of the viewing user involved in the transmission operation performs a given action operation when the transmission operation is performed. The content delivery system according to any one of the first to fifteenth inventions.

  According to the sixteenth invention, the reflection display can be realized in the form accompanied by the action of the avatar of the viewing user. Thus, the user experience can be further improved.

  A seventeenth invention is a computer system comprising a user terminal of each viewing user and the content distribution system according to any one of the first to sixteenth inventions.

As used herein, "computer system" may mean a single computer system or a system in which a plurality of computers are communicably connected.
According to the seventeenth invention, it is possible to realize a computer system having the same effect as the first invention.

  An eighteenth aspect of the invention is a server system for controlling display of a screen for displaying based on a calling operation input by each user in a user terminal of each user, wherein the user is notified that the calling operation has been input Transmission reflection control means for receiving from the terminal and displaying in the screen the reflection display on which the transmission operation has been made, and for recognizing the continuity of the transmission operation based on the timing at which the transmission operation is made. And a special display effect control means for performing special display effects on the screen when a given size requirement is satisfied by continuing a state where the chain condition including at least the continuity recognition condition is satisfied. Server system.

  According to the eighteenth invention, it is possible to realize a server system having the same effect as that of the first invention.

  A nineteenth aspect of the present invention is, in the screen, a first display unit based on the transmission operation by the first user, a second display unit based on the transmission operation by the second user, the transmission operation by the first user, and An eighteenth invention comprising means for displaying a third display unit for displaying a special display based on the relation of the transmission operation of the second user (for example, the distribution service management unit 210 in FIG. 9) Is a server system of

  According to the nineteenth aspect of the present invention, the display part is divided into user divisions and the display part for performing special display is separated to make it easy to understand the origin of the display based on the transmission operation, and the special display from the display based on the transmission operation It is easy to separate and identify and to make it easy to obtain the user experience.

The figure which shows the structural example of a content delivery system. The front view showing the example of composition of a user terminal. The figure for demonstrating the structure of the viewing-and-listening screen for viewing and listening to a content. FIG. 7 is a view showing a display example of a popup displayed at the time of assignment change operation. The figure for demonstrating the new added value with which a delivery service is provided. The figure for demonstrating the example judged to be with relevance. The figure for demonstrating the example of the content difference of the privilege control according to the number of chains. The viewing screen figure which shows the example which alert | reports to user that generation | occurrence | production of transmission combo, and privilege control are performed. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of a distribution server system. The figure which shows the example of the program and data which a server memory part memorize | stores. The figure which shows the data structural example of the image definition data for transmission. The figure which shows the example of a data structure of relevance recognition condition definition data. A figure showing an example of data composition of size requirement definition data. The figure which shows the data structural example of privilege definition data. The figure which shows the data structural example of avatar display change definition data. The figure which shows the data structural example of a combo generation | occurrence | production alerting | reporting definition data. The figure which shows the data structural example of a provision user registration data. The figure which shows the data structural example of user management data. The figure which shows the data structural example of delivery management data. The functional block diagram which shows the function structural example of the user terminal used as a viewing-and-listening terminal. The functional block diagram which shows the function structural example of the user terminal used as a provision terminal. The flowchart for demonstrating the flow of the process which concerns on the live delivery by one streaming format in a delivery server system. The flowchart continued from FIG. The flowchart continued from FIG. The flowchart for demonstrating the flow of the process which concerns on viewing and listening of the content in the user terminal used as a viewing-and-listening terminal. The flowchart continued from FIG. The flowchart continued from FIG. The flowchart for demonstrating the flow of the process in the user terminal used as a provision terminal. The figure which shows the example of a display of the chat screen at the time of applying to the chat function of a social networking service.

  Hereinafter, although the example of embodiment of this invention is demonstrated, it is needless to say that the form which can apply this invention is not limited to the following embodiment.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a content distribution system to which the present invention is applied. The content distribution system 1000 is a computer system that provides a distribution service that enjoys an unspecified number of contents simultaneously, and includes a distribution server system 1100 mutually connected to enable data communication via a communication line 9, and a plurality of users And terminals 1500 (1500a, 1500b,...).

  The communication line 9 means a communication path capable of data communication. That is, the communication line 9 includes a communication line such as a telephone communication network, a cable network, and the Internet, in addition to a dedicated line (a dedicated cable) for direct connection and a LAN (Local Area Network) by Ethernet (registered trademark). It means, and it does not matter whether it is wired or wireless for the communication method.

  Distribution server system 1100 distributes contents including at least a video provided from user terminal 1500T of providing user 2t to user terminals 1500 (1500a, 1500b,...) Of each viewing user 2 (2a, 2b,...) Server system for realizing a content distribution system to be displayed, and a server for controlling display of a screen for displaying based on a transmission operation input by each viewing user on the user terminal 1500 (1500a, 1500b, ...) of each viewing user It is a system.

  Specifically, the distribution server system 1100 includes a main device 1101, a keyboard 1106, a touch panel 1108, and a storage 1140, and the control device 1150 is mounted on the main device 1101.

  The control board 1150 is equipped with various microprocessors such as a central processing unit (CPU) 1151, graphics processing unit (GPU), digital signal processor (DSP), various IC memories 1152 such as VRAM, RAM, ROM, and communication device 1153. It is done. Note that part or all of the control substrate 1150 may be realized by an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or a system on a chip (SoC).

Then, the distribution server system 1100 causes the control board 1150 to perform arithmetic processing based on predetermined programs and data.
1) User management function related to user registration etc.
2) Content delivery function,
3) a user calling service function for distributing texts and images sent (also referred to as posting) from the user terminal 1500;
4) An online shopping function that enables online purchase of a calling image that can be transmitted (posted) by the user calling service function,
To achieve. Of course, a configuration capable of realizing functions other than these is also possible. For example, a social networking service function, a chat function as part of it, or the like may be realized.

  The distribution function in the present embodiment refers to a viewing user 2 (2a, 2a, 2a, 2a) who is a user who has acquired content data for distribution such as moving image data from the user terminal 1500T of the providing user 2t who is the user who provides the content. This is a so-called streaming distribution function of distributing to a user terminal 1500 (1500a, 1500b,...) Of 2b,. Of course, it may be realized by another delivery format.

  The user calling service function is used to transmit texts and images transmitted from user terminals 1500 (1500a, 1500b, ...) of viewing user 2 (2a, 2b, ...) to user terminals 1500 (1500a, 1500b) of viewing user 2 (2a, 2b, ...). , 1500b... And the user 2t of the providing user 2t, and is a function of displaying a reflection display reflecting the contents transmitted at the distribution destination.

  Although the distribution server system 1100 is described as a single unit, it may be configured to have a plurality of blade servers sharing the respective functions and be mutually data communicably connected via an internal bus. Alternatively, a plurality of independent servers installed at remote locations may be configured to function as the distribution server system 1100 as a whole by data communication via the communication line 9.

  User terminal 1500 (1500a, 1500b, ..., 1500T) is a computer system used by user 2 (2a, 2b, ..., 2t), and changes the program to be executed to provide multimedia to be provided for distribution. It will function as a provision terminal to create, or a viewing terminal enabling viewing of the content to be distributed. In the example of FIG. 1, the user terminal 1500T corresponds to the providing terminal, and the user terminals 1500a and 1500b correspond to the viewing terminals. The user terminal 1500 of the present embodiment is a device called a so-called smart phone, but may be a portable game device, a personal computer, a tablet computer, a wearable computer, or the like.

FIG. 2 is a front view showing a configuration example of the user terminal 1500 in the present embodiment.
The user terminal 1500 includes a direction input key 1502, a button switch 1504, a touch panel 1506 functioning as an image display device and a contact position input device, a speaker 1510, a built-in battery 1509, a microphone 1512, and an image sensor module 1520. A control board 1550 and a memory card reader 1542 capable of reading and writing data from a memory card 1540 which is a computer readable storage medium are provided. In addition, a power button, a volume control button, and the like not shown are provided. In addition, an IC card reader or the like may be provided which can read and write data in a contactless manner with an IC card type credit card or prepaid card capable of paying for game play.

  The control board 1550 is for wireless communication with various microprocessors such as the CPU 1551, GPU, DSP, etc., various IC memories 1552 such as VRAM, RAM, ROM, etc., mobile telephone base stations connected to the communication line 9, wireless LAN base stations, etc. A wireless communication module 1553, an interface circuit 1557, and the like are mounted.

  The interface circuit 1557 includes a driver circuit of the touch panel 1506, a circuit for receiving signals from the direction input key 1502 and the button switch 1504, an output amplifier circuit for outputting an audio signal to the speaker 1510, and an audio signal collected by the microphone 1512. An input signal generation circuit to be generated, a circuit to input image data of an image photographed by the image sensor module 1520, a signal input / output circuit to the memory card reader 1542, and the like are included.

These elements mounted on the control board 1550 are electrically connected via a bus circuit or the like, and are connected so as to be able to read and write data and transmit and receive signals. Note that part or all of the control substrate 1550 may be configured by an ASIC, an FPGA, or an SoC.
Then, the control board 1550 stores a moving image providing program for realizing the function as the providing terminal, a viewing program for realizing the function as the viewing terminal, and various data in the IC memory 1552.

  In the present embodiment, the user terminal 1500 may be a program (for example, a provision terminal program that enables creation and provision of content, a viewing terminal program that enables viewing of distributed content and transmission of text and images), The configuration data is downloaded from the distribution server system 1100. However, the configuration data may be read out from a storage medium such as a memory card 1540 obtained separately.

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of a viewing screen for viewing content in the present embodiment.
In the user terminal 1500 executing the viewing program, the viewing screen W3 is displayed on the touch panel 1506. Viewing screen W3 is
1) An incidental information display unit 31 that displays incidental information declared and set by a providing user regarding distributed content such as a program title;
2) a content display unit 32 for displaying the distributed content;
3) General purpose display unit 33,
4) a text transmission operation unit 34 for performing text input and transmission operations;
5) avatar 4 (4a, 4b, ...) of the viewing user, and a reflection display unit 35 for reflecting and reflecting the contents of the transmitted text and image;
6) An image transmission operation icon 36 for performing transmission operation (image transmission operation) of the image for transmission 8;
7) A shopping icon 37 for immediately purchasing an outgoing image 8 online;
including.

  In the content display unit 32, content including at least a moving image (for example, live relay of performances and performances by the providing user themselves, live relay of game play played by the providing user, edited video of game play moving images, providing user Display the video of the video work, etc. shot or edited.

  The incidental information displayed by the incidental information display unit 31 may include, for example, a title, a genre, shooting date and time, a shooting location, information on a subject, a situation description, a message from a providing user, and the like. If the content is a game play video, the play content or the game status (for example, information on the stage or place being played, information on equipment, enemy character name, capture status, remaining time or elapsed time until stage clear , Rare item names available, etc.) may be included. In the present embodiment, the supplementary information is set by the provision user before the provision of the content, but the operator of the distribution service may set the supplementary information. It may be automatically acquired from the play information and set.

  The general-purpose display unit 33 is an area used for various types of notification, effect display, display of the avatar 4 and the like without fixing the purpose. It is also used as an extension area of the reflection display unit 35.

  The text transmission operation unit 34 includes input fields for texts (letters, numbers, symbols) of comments and messages, a transmission execution operation icon, and the like.

  The reflection display unit 35 displays the avatar 4 of the viewing user 2 who is viewing the content. Then, the text transmitted from the viewing user 2 is displayed in the balloon 5 (5b, 5c, ...) indicating that the avatar 4 of the user is speaking. In addition, the transmission image 8 transmitted from the viewing user 2 appears and is displayed in an action operation as if popping out from the avatar 4 of the user or as if the avatar 4 was taken out. That is, the reflection display of the text and the image for transmission 8 is performed. The reflection display is displayed in front of the background image.

  The image transmission operation icon 36 is a one-touch operation icon to which an image to be transmitted can be assigned in advance. By simply one-touching the icon, the transmission image 8 assigned and set is transmitted (posted).

  Although the details will be described later, the transmission image 8 referred to here is an image prepared by the administrator or the operator of the content distribution system 1000 of the present embodiment and given to the viewing user 2 free of charge or for a fee. The viewing user 2 can obtain and purchase the sending images 8 and hold them for use in sending (posting). The transmitted image for transmission 8 is consumed from the owned number of the viewing users 2.

The image transmission operation icon 36 can be assigned any type of the transmission image 8 currently owned by the viewing user.
Specifically, when a predetermined assignment change operation (for example, a two-finger touch operation on the icon) is performed, a pop-up display W4 as shown in FIG. 4 is displayed on the viewing screen W3. In the pop-up display W4, the transmission image 8 (8a, 8b,...) Owned by the viewing user 2 is displayed together with the number of owned images for each type. The viewing user 2 can touch any one of them to set the assignment to the image transmission operation icon 36. A check mark 40 indicating the selected state is attached and displayed on the display of the currently assigned transmission image 8.
The viewing screen W3 has the same operation icon at the same position, but different transmission operations can be performed by changing the transmission image 8 to be assigned.

  The type of the transmission image 8 can be set as appropriate. Not only the still image but also an image with a change such as an animated GIF may be used. The transmission image 8 is basically variously designed to be an item of communication between the viewing users 2. Among them are messages to evaluate the content being watched (eg, good, bad, funny, uninteresting, ugly, cool, ...), messages to cheer on and offer users (eg, do your best, etc.) Calm down, ...), the outgoing image 8 of the design that shows the message of the caller's default intention (for example, evaluation message such as like, interesting, cheering, working hard, ...) etc. is included .

  If the image transmission operation icon 36 is operated in a state in which the design transmission image 8 including such a message or intention display is assigned, the operation is to perform a message transmission operation or a default transmission operation indicating a predetermined intention display. become.

  For example, as the transmission image 8 assigned to the image transmission operation icon 36, a graphic figure having a natural object such as a flower or a star as a motif such as the transmission images 8a, 8b, and 8c can be used. It is preferable to transmit flowers and stars at the timing of a positive intention indication such as joy, fun, and well-being of the subject. In addition, it may be a graphic figure having a large size text which can not be displayed in the text as a motif. It is also possible to prepare a series (for example, a spring flower series, a summer flower series, etc.) with a plurality of transmission images 8 of the same shape but different in size and color arrangement.

  Also, as the transmission image 8 to be assigned to the image transmission operation icon 36, as in the transmission images 8d and 8e, an item with some sort of character on the character (in the example of FIG. It can be a content with support goods used to shake, an image in which the character performs some action (for example, kisses, laughs, disappointing, etc.), or the like. Even if they have the same item, they can be of different types if the characters are different. Also, even if the same action is taken, different types of characters can be used if the characters are different.

  Further, as the transmission image 8 assigned to the image transmission operation icon 36, an image including a word or a word in the image is also possible as in the transmission image 8f. The character may be represented with a balloon, and it may be designed as if the character is speaking the word or word. Of course, the word or wording may be an onomatopoeia such as manga sound effect expression. For example, it is possible to set an image in which the character of “sursuing surprise” is attached with the characters “Giku!”, And the character of excited excitement with the characters “exciting!”.

  Furthermore, although the transmission images 8 (8a, 8b, ...) of the present embodiment are prepared in advance by the distribution service operator, they may be configured to allow the use of the images created by the user himself . Of course, it is not limited to graphic design, illustration and font, but may be a real-shot image.

  As shown in FIG. 3, on the viewing screen W3 of the moving picture distribution service of this embodiment, the avatar 4 (4a, 4b,...) Of the viewing user 2 smaller than that is arranged in front of the large content display unit 32 It is laid out to provide the user with an atmosphere as if they were gathering and watching the content.

  In addition, the text sent by each of the viewing users 2 is displayed by the balloon 5 of the avatar 4 or the image for transmission 8 is reflected and displayed so as to appear from the avatar 4 as if everyone were watching the content together. It creates an atmosphere that makes you feel like you are expressing your thoughts and talking to friends. Since the image for transmission 8 does not have to be read one by one like text, it is possible to instantly, symbolically, and clearly convey what the viewer user 2 feels while thinking. Also, the excitement effect of the place is bigger than the text.

  As described above, in the viewing screen W3 of the present embodiment, it is assumed that the providing user who provides the content for distribution and the viewing user 2 who views the content are feeling as if the live stage and the stage are cooperated together. It is devised to be easy to obtain.

  And in this embodiment, it is devised so that the new added value which raises a sense of unity and solidarity between viewing-and-listening users 2 may be brought about using a user transmission function of a text and picture 8 for transmission.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining new added value included in the delivery service of the present embodiment.
In the present embodiment, when the user terminal 1500 (1500a, 1500b,...) Of the viewing user 2 (2a, 2b,...) Performs an operation of transmitting text or an image, information on what time and what was transmitted, ie, transmission results Is stored in the distribution server system 1100. Then, it is transmitted to the user terminals 1500 of all the viewing users 2 who are viewing the content at the same time through the distribution server system 1100, and is reflected and displayed on the respective viewing screens W3.

  Therefore, the distribution server system 1100 executes privilege control for enriching the content viewing atmosphere in response to the occurrence of “transmission combo (abbreviation of combination of user transmission)” in which different callers are chained to a predetermined scale or more. Do.

  Outgoing combo occurrence recognition is affirmed (acknowledgement determination) when the condition satisfying the chain condition is continued to meet the scale requirement.

  The chaining condition is positive when the chaining condition is satisfied, if the transmitted timing (transmission timing) has continuity and the contents of the transmission are related.

In the determination of continuity, when the time difference between the transmission timings is equal to or less than a predetermined “continuity recognition time difference Δt”, they are positively determined as “with continuity”.
The continuity recognition time difference Δt can be set as appropriate. For example, it is preferable to set around 5 seconds. The continuity recognition time difference Δt may be a common value in the distribution service, but in the present embodiment, different values are prepared according to the content such as the genre of the content to be distributed.

  The determination of the relevancy is performed on a plurality of transmission contents determined to be “with continuity”, and is performed based on the common point of the plurality of transmission contents and the presence or absence of a pattern generated by them. In other words, if there is a relation between the sending operations, it is positively determined that there is a relation.

FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an example in which it is determined that there is a relation.
6 (1) to 6 (6) show examples of different types that are determined to be related, and the content of the transmission determined to have continuity to be the determination target of the relationship (continuity An example of the contents of transmission) is shown arranged from left to right in the order of transmission. In addition, the example and the number of the contents of transmission arranged are for convenience of illustration, and are not limited to these in actual operation.

As shown in FIGS. 6 (1) to 6 (4), when a plurality of transmission contents having continuity have a common point, it is determined that they are related.
In the example of FIG. 6 (1), all are the transmission images 8a, and since the types are common, it is determined that there is relevance. The common point is not limited to the type of the transmission image 8. It may be a color scheme or a shape of a plurality of transmission images 8 which are transmission contents having continuity. In the case of the color arrangement, a main color arrangement showing the largest area, or a color system of a color arrangement superior to the area occupancy order may be used. The condition of the relevancy may be determined focusing on the common external shape such as a round shape, a Δ shape, or a square shape as a whole.

  Also, attention may be paid to the commonality of the depicted content. For example, as shown in FIG. 6 (2), although the characters depicted in the transmission image 8 are different, it is also possible to determine that there is a relation even when the pose and the action are common.

  As shown in FIG. 6 (3), although the character and the pose and the action are strictly different, it is possible to determine that there is a relationship also when the pose and the action have a common theme. In the example of FIG. 6 (3), since there is a common point in the theme of music performance, it is determined that there is relevance. If there are three other actions, such as waving flag, yelling in a megaphone, and applauding, there is a common theme of actions such as cheering, so it can be determined that there is relevance. . Furthermore, if the characters drawn in the image for transmission 8 form one group motion as a whole (for example, wave motion used for cheering at a stadium, etc.), it is determined that there is relevance. You can also

  Furthermore, focusing on the text included in the image, as shown in FIG. 6 (4), the relationship is also related to the case where the semantic content of the text included in the sending image 8 is the same or there is a common theme. It can be determined that there is a sex. In the example of FIG. 6 (4), since all mean "cute", they are considered to be related.

  As shown in FIG. 6 (5) to FIG. 6 (6), when the transmission contents having continuity form a pattern when they are arranged in the order of transmission (the order of transmission), or a predetermined combination If the two are aligned, it is determined that there is relevance.

  In the example of FIG. 6 (5), there is no common point common to all transmission contents having continuity, but a time-series pattern in which the transmission image 8f and the transmission image 8b are alternately transmitted in the transmission order is formed It is considered relevant because it The contents of the time-series pattern recognized as having relevance can be set as appropriate.

  Further, even in the example of FIG. 6 (6), although the transmission images 8a, 8b, 8s, and 8t are different types, since the predetermined "flower" series is formed, it may be determined that there is relevance. it can.

  Returning to FIG. 5, the determination of the size requirement is affirmed when the number of times the chaining condition is continuously satisfied (in other words, the number of chains) or the time length reaches the reference value. In the present embodiment, the number of times of continuously satisfying the chaining condition is “three or more chains”, but a value of two or more chains can be set as appropriate. Alternatively, by multiplying the continuity recognition time difference Δt by the number of times, a time length “3 × Δt or more” continuously satisfying the chain condition may be set.

  When the scale requirement is satisfied, it is determined that "the sending combo has occurred", and the number representing the scale (in this embodiment, the number of chains) becomes "the number of combo chains" and the "number of combos". Then, when the transmission combo is generated, benefit control is executed.

  The content of the benefit control can be set as appropriate. In the present embodiment, a viewing screen for providing a privilege to the viewing user 2 or the providing user (for example, giving an item, a coupon, a lottery ticket, points, etc.), and setting the background applied to the viewing screen W3 to a special content The content of performing special effect display on W3 or generating a special event (for example, the specific transmission image 8 can be used for a fixed time without charge) is set.

  And as the content of privilege control, as shown in FIG. 6, the different content is allocated according to the conditions judged to be with relevance. “Privilege A1”, “privilege A2”,... In FIG. 6 correspond to that. That is, the privilege control to be executed changes in accordance with the relevance recognition condition that is satisfied when it is recognized that the transmission combo is generated.

  Depending on the content of the benefit control, the content of the benefit control is further different according to the number of chains, and various benefit controls are performed when viewed from the entire content distribution system 1000. For example, as shown in FIG. 7 (1), when the benefit control is the content to grant an item, the number of grants per grant target user is set to be larger as the number of chains is larger. There is. Further, as shown in FIG. 7 (2), when a special event occurs, the contents of the event are set to be different according to the number of chains.

  FIG. 8 is a view screen view showing an example in which the user is notified that the generation of the transmission combo and the benefit control are being performed. When the occurrence of the sending combo is recognized, the display of the special display effect and the notification on the award of the benefit are executed. Specifically, a special display effect 86 such as a combo occurrence notification 80, a benefit execution notification 82, and a effect display 84 is displayed on the general-purpose display unit 33 on the viewing screen W8. Of course, the setting of the display part is not limited to the general-purpose display unit 33, and may be anywhere in the screen.

The combo occurrence notification 80 includes the number of outgoing combo chains, and is set so that notification contents are displayed in different fonts and different sizes according to the number of chains.
The benefit execution notification 82 tells the contents of the benefit control being performed.
The effect display 84 displays the type of the transmission combo chain number and the content of the benefit control, and enhances the atmosphere of video viewing.

[Description of functional configuration]
FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the distribution server system 1100 in the present embodiment. The distribution server system 1100 according to this embodiment includes an operation input unit 100s, a server processing unit 200s, a sound output unit 390s, an image display unit 392s, a communication unit 394s, and a server storage unit 500s.

  The operation input unit 100 s is a means for inputting various operations for managing the server. The keyboard 1106 of FIG. 1 corresponds to this.

  The server processing unit 200s is realized by, for example, a microprocessor such as a CPU or a GPU, or an electronic component such as an ASIC or an IC memory, and inputs / outputs data to / from each function unit including the operation input unit 100s and the server storage unit 500s. Take control. Then, various operations are executed based on predetermined programs and data, operation input signals from the operation input unit 100s, data received from the user terminal 1500, and the like to integrally control the operation of the distribution server system 1100. Do.

  The server processing unit 200s according to the present embodiment communicates with the user management unit 202, the online shopping management unit 204, the delivery service management unit 210, the clock unit 280s, the sound generation unit 290s, the image generation unit 292s, and the like. And a control unit 294 s. Of course, functional units other than these can also be included as appropriate.

  The user management unit 202 manages the process related to the user registration procedure and the data of each user linked to the user account. In the present embodiment, the user management unit 202 performs 1) grant of a unique user account to registered users, 2) registration information management in which personal information is registered and managed for each user account, and 3) charging element (in the present embodiment) It has various functions of book management of electronic payment media consumed by payment of online shopping etc., 4) usage history management of managing log-in and log-out history etc, and 5) creation / editing function of avatar 4 . Of course, other data management functions associated with accounts other than these can also be included as appropriate.

  The on-line shopping management unit 204 is responsible for control related to on-line shopping, and can be realized by appropriately using known on-line shopping technology. In the present embodiment, the viewing user 2 can purchase the transmission image 8 and the like by online shopping. The sales target in online shopping can be set appropriately other than these.

  The distribution service management unit 210 performs various processes related to execution management of the video distribution service. Then, the distribution service management unit 210 of the present embodiment performs various processes for realizing the content distribution service (core function of the content providing service). For example, it is possible to execute management processing of a distribution schedule of content, management processing of a viewing user, processing of acquiring content data of content for distribution from a provision terminal, distribution processing, and the like. Of course, processes other than these can be included as appropriate.

  Then, in the present embodiment, the delivery service management unit 210 includes an avatar display control unit 212, a transmission reflection control unit 214, a chain condition setting unit 216, a scale requirement setting unit 218, and a special display effect control unit 219; It has a privilege control execution unit 220 and a history information display control unit 222. Of course, functional units other than these may be appropriately included.

  The avatar display control unit 212 performs control to display an avatar for each viewing user on the viewing screen. In the present embodiment, this includes distribution of data for displaying an avatar for each viewing user.

  The transmission reflection control unit 214 receives from the user terminal (viewing terminal) of the viewer user that the transmission operation for the content being viewed has been input, and displays the reflection display on which the transmission operation has been made in the viewing screen on the viewing terminal. The control for displaying, specifically, for example, the control for displaying the default display body in the viewing screen as the reflection display in which the default transmission operation has been performed is performed.

  In the present embodiment, the process of receiving the data of the transmission content together with the transmission request according to the transmission operation from the viewing terminal and temporarily storing the data, and distributing the data of the transmission content toward all the viewing terminals and the provision terminals corresponds to this. . Then, in the present embodiment, the viewing terminal performs display control of reflection display for displaying the display body on which the received transmission content is reflected on the reflection display unit 35 (see FIG. 3). Specifically, the display of the text by the balloon 5 and the appearance display of the transmission image 8 correspond to this. That is, the transmission reflection control unit 214 can perform display control such that the avatar of the viewing user 2 related to the transmission operation performs a given action operation.

  When the distribution server system 1100 also targets the image displayed as the reflection display unit 35 as a distribution target, the transmission reflection control unit 214 may generate the image.

  The chain condition setting unit 216 variably sets a chain condition, which is one of the conditions for recognizing the occurrence of the “transmission combo” in the present embodiment, according to the type of the content to be distributed. When the content to be distributed is a game play video, the chaining condition can be variably set according to the game situation of the game play video being viewed. Further, when setting the chaining condition, the chaining condition is set so as to further include the relevance recognition condition for recognizing the relation between the transmission operations input by a plurality of viewing users.

  The scale requirement setting unit 218 variably sets the scale requirement, which is one of the conditions for recognizing the occurrence of the “transmission combo” in the present embodiment, according to the type of the content to be distributed. When the content to be distributed is a game play video, the scale requirement can be variably set in accordance with the game situation of the game play video being viewed. Also, when setting the size requirement, set the size requirement to include the condition based on the number or time that satisfied the chain condition, and the condition based on the number of viewing users who performed the transmission operation that satisfies the chain condition. Can.

  The special display effect control unit 219 gives a given size by continuing the condition that satisfies the chain condition including at least the continuity recognition condition for recognizing the continuity of the transmission operation based on the timing at which the transmission operation is performed. When the requirement is satisfied, an effect of special display is executed on the viewing screen. In the present embodiment, the control for displaying the special display effect 86 including the combo generation notification 80, the benefit execution notification 82, and the effect display 84 on the viewing screen W8 (see FIG. 8) of the viewing terminal corresponds to this.

  The privilege control execution unit 220 provides a given size requirement by continuing to satisfy the chain condition including at least the continuity recognition condition for recognizing the continuity of the transmission operation based on the timing at which the transmission operation is performed. To execute the privilege control that gives the viewing user and / or the providing user a given benefit. At that time, according to the type of content, it is possible to variably control the privilege to be granted when the size requirement is satisfied. In addition, when the content to be distributed is a game play moving image, it is possible to variably control the benefit to be given according to the game situation relating to the game play moving image.

  The history information display control unit 222 performs control to display the history information of the transmission operation for each viewing user on the user terminal.

  The clock unit 280 s uses the system clock to clock the current date, time limit, and the like.

  The sound generation unit 290 s is realized by execution of an IC or software for generating and decoding audio data, and generates or decodes audio data such as operation sounds and BGM related to system management of the distribution server system 1100 and moving image distribution. Then, an audio signal related to system management is output to the sound output unit 390 s.

  The sound output unit 390 s emits an audio signal. In the example of FIG. 1, a speaker (not shown) provided in the main device 1101 or the touch panel 1108 corresponds to this.

  The image generation unit 292 s can generate an image or the like related to system management of the distribution server system 1100. Then, an image regarding system management can be output to the image display unit 392s.

  The image display unit 392s displays various images for system management based on the image signal input from the image generation unit 292s. For example, it can be realized by an image display device such as a flat panel display, a cathode ray tube (CRT), a projector, or a head mounted display. In the example of FIG. 1, the touch panel 1108 corresponds.

  The communication control unit 294 s executes data processing related to data communication, and realizes exchange of data with an external device via the communication unit 394 s.

  The communication unit 394 s connects to the communication line 9 to realize communication. For example, it is realized by a wireless communication device, a modem, a TA (terminal adapter), a jack of a wired communication cable, a control circuit, and the like. The communication device 1153 corresponds to the example of FIG.

  The server storage unit 500 s stores programs for realizing various functions for integrally controlling the distribution server system 1100 in the server processing unit 200 s, various data, and the like. Further, it is used as a work area of the server processing unit 200s, and temporarily stores calculation results etc. that the server processing unit 200s executes according to various programs. This function is realized by, for example, an IC memory such as a RAM or a ROM, a magnetic disk such as a hard disk, an optical disk such as a CD-ROM or a DVD, an online storage, or the like. In the example of FIG. 1, a storage medium such as an IC memory 1152 or a hard disk mounted in the main device 1101 and a storage 1140 correspond to this.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a program or data stored in the server storage unit 500s in the present embodiment. The server storage unit 500s in the present embodiment stores a server program 503, a distribution providing terminal program 505, a distribution viewing terminal program 507, sales item management data 509, and distribution service initial setting data 510.

  In addition, the server storage unit 500s relates to distribution, and provides user registration data 590, ranking data 599, user management data 600, distribution management data 620, and current date 800 as data sequentially generated and managed. Remember. In addition, information such as a timer, a counter, and various flags can be stored appropriately.

  The server program 503 is a program for realizing functions as the user management unit 202, the online shopping management unit 204, and the delivery service management unit 210 by reading and executing the server processing unit 200s (see FIG. 9). ).

The distribution providing terminal program 505 is an original application program downloaded to the user terminal 1500 used as a providing terminal, and by executing this, the user terminal 1500 can function as a providing terminal.
Note that the distribution provision terminal program 505 may be configured to be included in a game program for enabling a game having a live distribution function to be executed.

  The distribution viewing terminal program 507 is an original application program downloaded to the user terminal 1500 used as a viewing terminal, and by executing this, the user terminal 1500 can function as a viewing terminal.

  The sales item management data 509 stores data for defining and managing sales items by online shopping. For example, the data which can be purchased, the number of stocks, and the charge for the charge (corresponding to the amount debited from the settlement medium) are stored in association with each other.

  The distribution service initial setting data 510 stores various initial setting data for executing the distribution service of the present embodiment. In this embodiment, background data 514, transmission image definition data 520, continuity recognition condition definition data 530, relevance recognition condition definition data 540, size requirement definition data 550, benefit definition data 560, avatar The display change definition data 570 and the combo generation notification definition data 580 are included. Of course, data other than these can be included as appropriate. For example, material data for creating / editing the avatar 4 or material data for displaying various effects can be included.

  Background data 514 is image data that can be used as a background image of the viewing screen. In the present embodiment, one type set as default and a plurality of types of data set as options when background change is executed as benefit control are prepared.

The transmission image definition data 520 is data that defines the transmission image 8.
For example, as shown in FIG. 11, one transmission image definition data 520 includes the transmission image type 521, the transmission image data 522, the selling price 523, the rarity 524, and the transmission image. It includes display duration 525 until display mode change such as disappearing from the screen, and avatar control definition data 526 during reflection display. Of course, data other than these can be included as appropriate.

  When displaying and reflecting avatar control definition data 526, when the transmission image is reflected and displayed on the reflection display unit 35 of the viewing terminal, special control is performed on the avatar 4 displayed in the viewing screen. Stores data that defines its control content. For example, the image 8 for sending that is very expensive or the rarity 524 is very high, or the image for a large and gorgeous sending 8 (for example, an oversized image made of a rare draft flower), usually with “no setting”. When a wreath is transmitted, it is preferable to store data for causing each displayed avatar 4 to perform some surprising action. So to speak, by introducing reactions other than the originator, it is possible to make the virtual experience of watching content richer and make the atmosphere more exciting.

  Returning to FIG. 10, the continuity recognition condition definition data 530 stores information defining a condition for regarding temporally adjacent transmission operations by different viewing users as having continuity. In the present embodiment, the continuity recognition time difference Δt (see FIG. 5) is defined. In the present embodiment, the continuity recognition condition definition data 530 has only one continuity recognition time difference Δt, but when it is desired to make the condition for confirming the continuity different according to the content of the content, for example, the genre. Different continuity recognition time differences Δt may be stored in association with different selection conditions.

The relevance recognition condition definition data 540 stores various data defining conditions for recognizing the relevance.
For example, as shown in FIG. 12, one relevance recognition condition definition data 540 includes a unique relevance ID 541, a selection condition 542 which describes a condition under which the definition data is selected and applied, and a relevance recognition condition 544. ,including. Of course, data other than these can be included as appropriate.

  The selection condition 542 further includes a condition regarding the content to be added to the content. In the present embodiment, the genre condition 542a, the providing user condition 542b, the subject condition 542c, and the condition condition 542d are included and described as an AND condition or an OR condition.

  The genre condition 542a is a condition on the genre of the content to be viewed. For example, it is also possible to prepare a relevance recognition condition that is applied only at the time of “game play status”.

  The provided user condition 542 b is a condition for information on the provided user. For example, conditions can be set for user account, user history, age, gender, player level or title in a specific game title, ranking ranking of popularity ranking in distribution service, and degree.

  The subject condition 542 c is a condition for the main subject of the content to be viewed. For example, the providing user itself, a child, an animal, a food, a car, a team, a game character, and the like. Their unique names can also be included in the condition. In that case, a plurality of unique names may be defined as an AND condition or an OR condition.

  The condition condition 542 d is a condition regarding the condition of the content of the content to be viewed. Information on the situation is also included in the information attached to the content provided by the providing user. For example, "I tried to play (the song name)", "I tried to dance the ending of the program name," "The opening of (the product name)," "The stage difficult place of (the game title) was cleared," "(the game title) Stage boss character capture ", etc. Therefore, the condition condition 542 d can be defined by setting a keyword included in them.

  Further, the selection condition 542 is a condition for the number of viewing users at that time, the condition for the number of viewing users 542e, a condition for the number of transmission combos identified so far, the condition for the number of occurrences of combos 542f, and continuity. And a continuous number condition 542g which is a condition for the number of a plurality of transmissions determined to have.

  These conditions included in the selection condition 542 (genre condition 542 a to continuous number condition 542 g) may be “no setting”.

  The relevance determination condition 544 is described as an AND condition or an OR condition of the common point condition 544a and the combination condition 544b. Any of these conditions included in the relevance determination condition 544 may include “no setting”.

  The common point condition 544a defines a requirement that should be common to the image for transmission 8 and the text, which are transmission contents of a plurality of transmissions having continuity. For example, it is possible to set the type of the transmission image 8, a common text included (drawn) in the transmission image 8, a main color scheme, and a list of subject types recognized as common. The main color scheme can be applied to the font color of the transmitted text as well as the transmission image 8.

  The combination condition 544b defines a combination of the image for transmission 8 and the text, which is the transmission content of a plurality of transmissions having continuity. For example, a list of types of image for calling 8, a list of main color schemes of image for calling 8, a list of texts (drawn) included in image for calling 8, a combination of characters of the text to be sent, The combination of the type of the image for transmission 8 and the text, etc., and the order of their transmission can also be included in the definition.

  More specifically, for example, assuming that there is a series of transmission images 8 having a title of "flowers in the four seasons", defining the list of types of the transmission images 8 that constitute the series, the flowers in the four seasons By aligning in chronological order as a reflection display, it is possible to define conditions that are deemed to be relevant. Also, if the constituent colors of the rainbow are set in the list of main color combinations so that the transmission order is the same as the arrangement order of the rainbows, the transmitted transmission images 8 considered to have continuity (continuity If what is described in the transmission operation group) which is said to have the same color arrangement pattern as the rainbow when arranged in the transmission order, it is possible to define the condition for recognizing the relevancy.

  Returning to FIG. 10, the size requirement definition data 550 stores data that defines the condition (size requirement) on the size of the continuous transmission required to acknowledge the occurrence of the transmission combo. For example, as shown in FIG. 13, one size requirement definition data 550 includes a unique size requirement ID 551, a selection condition 552, and the number of requirements 553. Of course, data other than these can be included as appropriate.

  The selection condition 552 is configured in the same manner as the selection condition 542 (see FIG. 12) of the relevance recognition condition definition data 540.

  The number of requirements 553 is a value that defines the scale that meets and continues the chain conditions in the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, the numbers serving as the basis of a plurality of transmissions found to be continuous and relevant are defined. The continuity recognition time difference Δt (see FIG. 5) may be multiplied by the number of requirements 553 to define the duration as a duration.

Returning to FIG. 10, the benefit definition data 560 is prepared for each content of benefit control to be executed when the occurrence of the transmission combo is recognized, and stores various data for defining benefit control.
For example, FIG. 14 is a diagram listing representative examples of privilege definition data 560 having different contents. Of course, the contents of the privilege definition data 560 are not limited to these. One benefit definition data 560 includes a unique benefit ID 561, an application relevance ID list 562, a benefit execution notification material 563, and benefit execution data 564.

  In the example of FIG. 14 (1), the benefit execution notification material 563 is set to “divide items by viewing user”, and the benefit execution data 564 includes item data defining the item to be granted, and the number of grants. A function for setting is stored. The function includes the number of chains in one of the variables.

  In the example of FIG. 14 (2), the benefit execution notification material 563 is set to “present for providing user”, and the benefit execution data 564 includes definition data of a present and information for setting the number of grants. Is stored. The number of grants may be a chain number.

  In the example of FIG. 14 (3), the benefit execution notification material 563 is set to “change background” to change the background of the reflection display unit 35 of the viewing screen W 3 (see FIG. 3). Stores background data to be changed or identification information of the data.

  In the example of FIG. 14 (4), the benefit execution notification material 563 is set to “event occurrence”, and the benefit execution data 564 includes data for executing an event, a function for determining an event occurrence probability, and the like. It is stored. The content of the event can be set as appropriate. For example, it may be content so that the "fever state" of transmission can be enjoyed by all the viewing users 2 so that a number of special transmission images 8 can be continuously transmitted free of charge for a predetermined time. It is preferable that the event occurrence probability is set so as to occur more easily as the number of chains is larger.

  The content of the benefit can be appropriately set in addition to these. By preparing various privilege contents, it is possible to urge the viewing user to actively transmit, while preventing the creation of mannerality.

Returning to FIG. 10, the avatar display change definition data 570 stores various data defining contents for changing the display of the avatar 4 in accordance with the transmission result of the viewing user 2.
For example, as shown in FIG. 15, the avatar display change definition data 570 stores the change condition 571 which is a condition for performing the change, the change destination position 572, the size 573, and the additional change 574 in association with each other. Do.

  The change condition 571 uses contents that change according to the transmission results of the viewing user 2. In the present embodiment, “condition A: the number of use of the transmission image 8 among the viewing users 2 watching at that time, which corresponds to the top 5 people” “condition B: viewing users watching at that time Of the two, the total of the price of the image for transmission 8 used, the top five people, "condition A and condition B" are included. Of course, contents other than these can also be set as conditions.

  The change destination position 572 defines the change destination of the display position of the avatar 4. In this embodiment, a plurality of positions (for example, S position, A position, B position,...) Are set in the relative positional relationship with the content display unit 32 (see FIG. 3) in the same manner as the audience ranks on the stage or stage. doing. The change destination position 572 is set at a position closer to the content display unit 32 and closer to the front as the change condition 571 which is difficult to achieve. In other words, the position is set to be more prominent in the viewing screen. The avatar 4 is normally arranged automatically on the reflection display unit 35 (see FIG. 3) to such an extent that the avatars 4 do not overlap, but when the viewing user 2 sends more and more, the avatar 4 of the viewing user 2 views The placement position is changed to the more prominent position of. There may also be a setting of "no change".

  The size 573 defines the display size of the avatar 4. In the present embodiment, the standard display size is set to “small”, and is set to be changed to “medium”, “large”, or “extra large” according to the change condition 571. There may also be a setting of "no change".

  The add change 574 defines the contents to be added and changed other than the change of the display position and the change of the display size. For example, an attachment display of a special additional display item may be set. The avatar 4 may be made to perform a special operation.

  The avatar 4 of the viewing user 2 who has a high sending performance can be said to be a key player who is actively trying to boost the atmosphere of the place where everyone is watching the distribution. Therefore, for the avatar 4 of the corresponding viewing user 2, the display position, the display size, and the like are changed to give an apparent preferential treatment in the viewing screen. In addition, by preferential treatment, it is possible to urge active transmission to other viewing users 2.

Returning to FIG. 10, the combo generation notification definition data 580 is prepared for each situation in which the occurrence of the transmission combo is notified to the viewing user 2 or the like, and stores various data defining a method and contents to be notified.
For example, as shown in FIG. 16, one combo occurrence notification definition data 580 stores an application relevance ID list 581 and notification material data 582.

The application relevance ID list 581 is a condition to which the definition data is applied, and defines the type of relevance that should be satisfied when the occurrence of the outgoing combo is recognized.
The notification material data 582 is material data (image data or text), font type, display size, display position, combo generation notification 80, benefit execution notification 82, effect display 84 displayed on the viewing screen W8 (see FIG. 8). Store the display time etc. The display position is not limited to the general-purpose display unit 33, and may be an outer periphery of a viewing screen, a background, or the like as appropriate.

  Returning to FIG. 10, the provided user registration data 590 is special registered data prepared for each experienced user of the provided user among registered users. For example, as shown in FIG. 17, one provided user registration data 590 includes a user account 591, distribution material data 592, and accumulated active points 593.

  The distribution material data 592 is prepared for each distribution material provided by the providing user, and stores a unique distribution title, content data, incidental information, and the like. In the case of non-live distribution, it is prepared in advance according to the providing operation of the providing user. In the case of live distribution, distribution data received from the providing terminal may be sequentially stored during distribution as content data.

  The cumulative activity point 593 is a cumulative value of activity points which is an index value indicating the degree of excitement and popularity when the distribution is regarded as one program or stage, stage. The active point is given according to the number of transmissions of the viewing user 2, the number of the viewing user 2, the total viewing time, and the like. Ranking data 599 (see FIG. 10) is determined by the accumulated activity points.

  Returning to FIG. 10, the user management data 600 is prepared for each registered user, and stores various data associated with an account that is unique identification information. In the present embodiment, for example, as shown in FIG. 18, one user management data 600 includes a unique user account 601, payment medium book data 602, avatar setting data 603, owned and owned image management data 604, And transmission log data 610. Of course, data other than these can be included as appropriate.

  The payment medium book data 602 includes the amount of replenishment / consumption for the payment medium for electronic payment (for example, virtual currency, in-service currency, specific item) linked to the user, the reason for the replenishment / consumption, and the date of change And the so-called book which associates and stores the information of and. It can be read as charging history data or charging history information.

  The avatar setting data 603 stores setting data of the avatar 4 (see FIG. 3) of the user.

  The held transmission image management data 604 is prepared for each type of the transmission image 8 held by the user, and various data describing the latest held state of the transmission image 8 is stored. For example, it includes the type of the transmission image 8 and the number of possession. Of course, data other than these, such as the expiration date may be included as appropriate.

  The transmission log data 610 is created each time the user performs a transmission operation as the viewing user 2. One transmission log data 610 stores, for example, transmission date and time, a transmission target delivery title, a user account of a provision user who is a transmission target, and transmission contents. Of course, data other than these can be included as appropriate.

  Returning to FIG. 10, the delivery management data 620 is prepared for each delivery, and stores various data describing the delivery status. For example, as shown in FIG. 19, one delivery management data 620 includes a delivery title 621, a delivery schedule 622, content data 623, incidental information 624, viewing user management data 630, background data 632, and avatar display. The management data 634, the transmission record data 636, the chain condition setting data 640, the application size requirement 648, the number of chains 650, and the number of occurrences of combo 652 are included. Of course, data other than these can be included as appropriate.

  The viewing user management data 630 is prepared for each viewing user 2 and is stored until viewing completion. One viewing user management data 630 includes a user account, viewing terminal access information which is information (for example, an IP address or the like) for starting communication connection to the viewing terminal of the viewing user 2 and communication with the viewing terminal The start date and time and the viewing end date and time are stored. When the same viewing user 2 views after leaving time, the viewing start date and the viewing end date are stored each time.

  The background data 632 defines the background of the viewing screen W3.

  The avatar display management data 634 is prepared for each avatar of the viewing user 2 who is viewing, and stores various data describing the latest display state. One avatar display management data 634 stores the user account of the viewing user 2, avatar data, arrangement position coordinates, display field size, and additional data. Of course, data other than these can be included as appropriate.

The transmission result data 636 is created each time the viewing user 2 performs a sending operation at the viewing terminal.
One transmission record data 636 includes the user account of the viewing user 2 who is the transmitter, the transmission timing, and transmission content data. In the case of text transmission, the transmission content data includes text such as a message, font, size, and the like. In the case of image transmission, it includes transmission image data 522, display duration 525, and avatar display definition data 526 at the time of reflection display (see FIG. 11). Of course, data other than these can also be included in the transmission result data 636.

The chain condition setting data 640 includes application continuity qualification condition definition data 641 and application relevance qualification condition definition data 642.
In the present embodiment, since the continuity recognition condition is fixed, the continuity recognition condition definition data 530 (see FIG. 10) is copied to the application continuity recognition condition definition data 641 but is selected from a plurality of candidates. In the case, the selected condition data or its identification information is stored.
Application relevance recognition condition definition data 642 stores association ID 541 of definition data satisfying selection condition 542 among a plurality of types of relationship recognition condition definition data 540 (see FIG. 12).

  The application scale requirement 648 stores the setting result of the scale requirement. In the present embodiment, the number of requirements 553 of definition data to which the selection condition 552 conforms is copied from among the plurality of size requirement definition data 550 (see FIG. 13).

  The number of sequences 650 is updated for each determination of continuity, and stores the number of transmissions determined to satisfy the continuity. At the time of update, it means that it is simply showing the continuous number, but when it is judged that the relevance is satisfied, it represents the number of times the chaining condition is continued, that is, the number of combos. become.

  The combo occurrence frequency 652 is “0” when the initial value at the start of distribution is “0”, and is incremented by “1” each time occurrence of the sending combo is recognized.

  FIG. 20 is a functional block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of user terminals 1500 (1500a, 1500b,...) As viewing terminals in the present embodiment. The user terminal 1500 serving as a viewing terminal includes an operation input unit 100, an imaging unit 102, a terminal processing unit 200, a sound output unit 390, an image display unit 392, a communication unit 394, and a terminal storage unit 500. .

  The operation input unit 100 outputs, to the terminal processing unit 200, operation input signals corresponding to various operation inputs made by the user. For example, it can be realized by a push switch, a joystick, a touch pad, a track ball, an acceleration sensor, a gyro, a CCD module, or the like. The direction input key 1502, the button switch 1504, and the touch panel 1506 in FIG. 2 correspond to this.

  The imaging unit 102 receives light from an imaging target, converts the light into an electrical signal, generates digital image data, and outputs the digital image data to the terminal processing unit 200. For example, it is realized by a lens, a mechanical shutter, a shutter driver, a photoelectric conversion element such as a CCD image sensor module or a CMOS image sensor module, a digital signal processor (DSP) that reads an amount of charge from the photoelectric conversion element and generates image data. Ru. The image sensor module 1520 of FIG. 2 corresponds to this.

  The terminal processing unit 200 is realized by, for example, a microprocessor such as a CPU or a GPU, or an electronic component such as an IC memory, and performs data input / output control with each functional unit including the operation input unit 100 and the terminal storage unit 500. Do. Then, various operations are executed based on predetermined programs and data, operation input signals from the operation input unit 100, and various data received from the distribution server system 1100 to control the operation of the user terminal 1500 as a viewing terminal. Do. The control board 1550 of FIG. 2 corresponds to this. The terminal processing unit 200 of the viewing terminal in the present embodiment includes a viewing terminal calculation unit 260, a clock unit 280, a sound generation unit 290, and a communication control unit 294.

  Viewing terminal calculation unit 260 includes an operation signal transmission control unit 261 and a viewing screen display control unit 262.

  The operation signal transmission control unit 261 executes processing for transmitting various data and requests to the distribution server system 1100 in accordance with the operation performed on the operation input unit 100.

  The viewing screen display control unit 262 performs control for displaying the viewing screens W3 (see FIG. 3) and W8 (see FIG. 8) based on various data received from the distribution server system 1100.

  The sound generation unit 290 is realized by, for example, a digital signal processor (DSP), a processor such as a voice synthesis IC, an audio codec capable of reproducing an audio file, etc. A sound signal of the sound effect, BGM, and various operation sounds is generated and output to the sound output unit 390.

  The sound output unit 390 is realized by a device that outputs sound such as a sound effect or BGM based on a sound signal input from the sound generation unit 290. The speaker 1510 of FIG. 2 corresponds to this.

  The image display unit 392 displays various game images based on the image signal input from the viewing screen display control unit 262. For example, it can be realized by an image display device such as a flat panel display, a cathode ray tube (CRT), a projector, or a head mounted display. In the present embodiment, the touch panel 1506 of FIG. 2 corresponds to this.

  The communication control unit 294 executes data processing related to data communication, and realizes exchange of data with an external device via the communication unit 394. The communication unit 394 connects with the communication line 9 to implement communication. For example, it is realized by a wireless communication device, a modem, a TA (terminal adapter), a jack of a communication cable for wired communication, a control circuit or the like, and the wireless communication module 1553 in FIG. 2 corresponds to this.

  The terminal storage unit 500 stores, in the terminal processing unit 200, programs for realizing various functions for integrally controlling the user terminal 1500 as a viewing terminal, various data, and the like. Further, it is used as a work area of the terminal processing unit 200, and temporarily stores calculation results executed by the terminal processing unit 200 according to various programs, input data input from the operation input unit 100, and the like. Such functions are realized by, for example, an IC memory such as a RAM or a ROM, a magnetic disk such as a hard disk, an optical disk such as a CD-ROM or a DVD, or the like. The IC memory 1552 and the memory card 1540 mounted on the control board 1550 in FIG. 2 correspond to this.

  The terminal storage unit 500 of the viewing terminal stores the viewing terminal program 504, the received distribution data group 700, the transmission image allocation setting 708, and the reflection display management data 710. Of course, programs and data other than these can also be stored appropriately.

  The viewing terminal program 504 is application software for realizing the function as the viewing terminal calculation unit 260 by being read and executed by the terminal processing unit 200. In this embodiment, a copy of the distribution view terminal program 507 (see FIG. 10) provided by the distribution server system 1100 is used.

  The received distribution data group 700 relates to distribution, and stores various distribution data received from the distribution server system 1100. In the present embodiment, avatar display management data 704 and stored transmission image management data 706 are stored. As the owned transmission image management data 706, the owned transmission image management data 604 (see FIG. 18) is copied when the user logs in or when the viewing user is registered.

  The transmission image allocation setting 708 indicates the allocation of the transmission image 8 to the image transmission operation icon 36 (see FIG. 3). Specifically, the transmission image type of the transmission image 8 assigned and the like are stored.

  The reflection display management data 710 is created each time the reflection display of the transmission operation by the viewing user 2 is performed, and stores various data related to the display management. One reflection display management data 710 stores transmission content data, a display position, a display size, a display start date and time, and a display duration time. Of course, data other than these can be included as appropriate.

  FIG. 21 is a functional block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the user terminal 1500 (1500T) which is a providing terminal in the present embodiment. The user terminal 1500 serving as the providing terminal includes an operation input unit 100, an imaging unit 102, a terminal processing unit 200, a sound output unit 390, an image display unit 392, a communication unit 394, and a terminal storage unit 500. .

  The terminal processing unit 200 is realized by, for example, a microprocessor such as a CPU or a GPU, or an electronic component such as an IC memory, and performs data input / output control with each functional unit including the operation input unit 100 and the terminal storage unit 500. Do. Then, various operations are performed based on predetermined programs and data, operation input signals from the operation input unit 100, and various data received from the distribution server system 1100 to control the operation of the user terminal 1500 as a providing terminal. Do. The terminal processing unit 200 of the providing terminal in the present embodiment includes a providing terminal calculation unit 270, a clock unit 280, a sound generation unit 290, and a communication control unit 294.

  The provision terminal calculation unit 270 includes an operation signal transmission control unit 272, a content provision control unit 274, and an operation screen display control unit 276.

  The operation signal transmission control unit 272 executes processing for transmitting various data and requests to the distribution server system 1100 according to the operation performed on the operation input unit 100.

  The content provision control unit 274 performs processing related to generation of content data for distribution and control of provision to the distribution server system 1100. In the case of live distribution, a function as a live streaming encoder is realized in which the images taken by the imaging unit 102 are encoded one by one and controlled to the distribution server system 1100.

  The operation screen display control unit 276 performs control for displaying an operation screen as a providing terminal.

  The terminal storage unit 500 stores, in the terminal processing unit 200, programs for realizing various functions for integrally controlling the user terminal 1500 as a viewing terminal, various data, and the like. Further, it is used as a work area of the terminal processing unit 200, and temporarily stores calculation results executed by the terminal processing unit 200 according to various programs, input data input from the operation input unit 100, and the like. Such functions are realized by, for example, an IC memory such as a RAM or a ROM, a magnetic disk such as a hard disk, an optical disk such as a CD-ROM or a DVD, or the like. The IC memory 1552 and the memory card 1540 mounted on the control board 1550 in FIG. 2 correspond to this.

  The terminal storage unit 500 of the providing terminal includes the providing terminal program 506, the received distribution data group 700, the registered distribution title 720, the registered distribution schedule 722, the registered additional information 724, and the providing content data 726. , Outgoing combo occurrence statistical data 728 and the current date and time 800 are stored. Of course, programs and data other than these can also be stored appropriately.

  The provision terminal program 506 is application software for realizing the function as the provision terminal calculation unit 270 by being read and executed by the terminal processing unit 200. In this embodiment, a copy of the distribution provision terminal program 505 (see FIG. 10) provided from the distribution server system 1100 is used.

  The received distribution data group 700 stores various distribution data received from the distribution server system 1100.

  The registration-time distribution title 720, the registration-time distribution schedule 722, and the registration-time incidental information 724 store the respective information declared and set when the distribution registration procedure is performed as the providing user.

  The providing content data 726 is original data of the content for distribution.

The transmission combo generation statistical data 728 is statistical data of information of notification of generation of transmission combo generated from the distribution server system 1100. For example, the total number of transmission combos from the start of distribution, the average number of combos, the maximum number of combos, and the like. The contents of statistics can be set as appropriate.
The statistical data is displayed on a provision screen which is a monitor screen and an operation input screen displayed during provision of content.

[Description of operation]
Next, the operation of the content distribution system 1000 will be described.
First, FIGS. 22 to 24 are flowcharts for explaining the flow of processing relating to live distribution by one streaming format in the distribution server system 1100. The flow of processing described here is realized by the server processing unit 200 s executing the server program 503. It is assumed that the distribution title and the distribution schedule have already been set in advance along with the distribution registration procedure by the providing user. Also, it is assumed that the viewing terminal of the viewing user has a separate login procedure.

  As shown in FIG. 22, the distribution server system 1100 first initializes the distribution management data 620 (see FIG. 19) created at the time of registration of the distribution title and distribution schedule by the providing user (step S100).

  That is, the distribution title 621, the distribution schedule 622, and the incidental information 624 are set along with the distribution registration procedure. Content data 623 is live distribution and is not stored until the start of distribution. If it is not live distribution, data of content prepared in advance will be stored.

  The viewing user management data 630 and the avatar display management data 634 are not set until the viewing request is received from the viewing terminal. The background data 632 is set to an initial value so that a predetermined background is displayed. The transmission result data 636 and the chain condition setting data 640 are not stored at this time. The number of chains 650 and the number of occurrences of combo 652 are initialized to “0”.

  Next, distribution server system 1100 starts distribution of background data 632, avatar display management data 634, transmission result data 636, and the like to the viewing terminal based on viewing user management data 630 (step S102). The delivery timing may be a predetermined cycle, or may be delivered each time a new viewing user is registered or target data is added, deleted, or updated.

  Also, free distribution of the predetermined transmission image 8 to the viewing user is started (step S104). For example, the transmission image is provided free of charge each time the viewing time elapses a predetermined time. Along with this, since the owned and sent image management data 604 of the viewing user is updated, the distribution server system 1100 delivers the updated owned and sent image management data 604 for each viewed user.

Next, distribution server system 1100 determines whether or not a view request has been received (step S110).
When a predetermined viewing operation is performed after a viewing user selects a distribution title that the viewing user wants to view on the user terminal 1500 (1500a, 1500b,...) Functioning as a viewing terminal, the viewing request is sent from the viewing terminal to the distribution server system 1100, It is sent together with information such as a user account.

  Then, when receiving the view request (YES in step S110), distribution server system 1100 newly creates view user management data 630 (see FIG. 19), registers the user who has made the view request as a view user, and newly creates a view user. The avatar display management data 634 is created so that the avatar 4 of the user is displayed on the viewing screen (step S112). Then, since a new avatar is added, the arrangement positions of all avatars are updated in the reflection display section 35 (see FIG. 3) of the viewing screen so that avatars of viewing users do not overlap with each other as much as possible. (Step S114).

  As described above, since the delivery of the avatar display management data 634 is started in step S102, the avatar display management data 634 whose arrangement position has been updated is also delivered to the viewing terminal. In the viewing terminal, the display position of each avatar 4 is changed based on the distributed avatar display management data 634. On the viewing screen, it looks as if a new virtual viewer has appeared in front of the screen.

  As a result, a virtual experience in which the distributed content is viewed together at the same time becomes richer, and a sense of unity of the viewer is produced. And, the sense of unity of the viewers is the desire to enliven the viewing environment together, which encourages the active sending by the viewing users, and finally the delivery service of this embodiment is more enjoyable than the conventional delivery service It is one of the factors that bring about the user experience.

Next, the distribution server system 1100 determines the presence or absence of the text transmission request (step S120).
As for the text transmission request, when the viewing user inputs a text on the text transmission operation unit 34 (see FIG. 3) on the user terminal 1500 (1500a, 1500b,...) Of the viewing terminal and performs a predetermined transmission operation, the distribution server It is sent to the system 1100 together with the user account and the entered text.

  When receiving the text transmission request (YES in step S120), distribution server system 1100 additionally creates transmission record data 636 (see FIG. 19) for the received new text transmission (step S122).

  As described above, since the delivery of the transmission result data 636 has been started in step S102, information on new text transmission is also delivered to the viewing terminal. In the viewing terminal, the transmission content is displayed by the balloon 5 of the avatar 4 of the viewing user who has made the text transmission based on the additionally delivered transmission result data 636, and it looks as if the avatar spoke. This again enriches the virtual experience of watching the delivered content together.

Next, the distribution server system 1100 determines the presence or absence of the purchase request for the transmission image (step S124).
The purchase request is transmitted to distribution server system 1100 when the viewing user performs a predetermined purchase operation (for example, an operation on shopping icon 37 in FIG. 3) at the viewing terminal.

  When the distribution server system 1100 receives the purchase request (YES in step S124), the distribution server system 1100 executes a process related to online shopping of the image for transmission 8 (step S126). Along with this purchase, new addition or update of the owned and transmitted image management data 604 of the user management data 600 (see FIG. 18) of the viewing user who made the purchase request is performed. Also, the owned and sent image management data 706 (see FIG. 20) stored in the viewing terminal of the viewing user who is purchasing is similarly updated.

  In this way, even before live distribution, the viewing user can transmit text or purchase the transmission image 8, and before the start of the live, the viewing user talks about the expectation of the live with desire We can prepare for image transmission in preparation for the live start.

  When the scheduled start time of live distribution is reached (YES in step S130), the distribution server system 1100 starts live distribution of content (step S132).

  Moving on to FIG. 23, after delivery of content is started, the delivery server system 1100 monitors for receipt of a purchase request. And if the said request is received (YES of step S140), the purchase process of the image 8 for transmission will be performed (step S142).

  Also, after the delivery of content is started, the delivery server system 1100 monitors the reception of the text transmission request. Then, when the request is received (YES in step S144), new transmission record data 636 and transmission log data 610 (see FIG. 18) of the requested viewing user are created and updated (step S146).

In addition, after the delivery of the content is started, the delivery server system 1100 monitors the reception of the image transmission request (step S150).
For the image transmission request, when the viewing user performs a predetermined image transmission operation (for example, a touch operation on the image transmission operation icon 36 in FIG. 3) at the viewing terminal, the user account, the transmission timing, and transmission as transmission content The identification information of the image for image 8 or the image data itself is transmitted to the distribution server system 1100.

Upon receiving the image transmission request (YES in step S150), distribution server system 1100 refers to the transmitted image management data 604 (see FIG. 18) of the owned and sent user of the viewing user who made the request, and is used as the transmission content. It is confirmed that there is the remaining number of images 8 (step S152).
Then, if there is a remaining number (YES in step S152), the distribution server system 1100 consumes one transmission image, sends the remaining number back (step S154), and transmits new transmission result data 636 (see FIG. 19) and the transmission log data 610 (see FIG. 18) of the requested viewing user is additionally created and updated (step S156).

  As described above, since the delivery of the transmission result data 636 has been started in step S102, information on new image transmission is also delivered to the viewing terminal. In the viewing terminal, based on the transmission result data 636 additionally distributed, the transmission image 8 for transmission content appears and pops up from the avatar 4 of the viewing user who has transmitted the image. This looks as if the avatar was throwing a bouquet on the stage, making it a richer virtual experience of watching the distributed content together.

  Next, the distribution server system 1100 refers to the avatar display change definition data 570 (see FIG. 15) and determines whether the viewing user who sent the image this time satisfies the change condition 571. Then, in the case of affirmation (YES in step S160), the display of the avatar of the viewing user is changed, and in accordance therewith, all avatars are rearranged (step S162).

Next, the distribution server system 1100 determines the presence / absence of a plurality of transmission record data satisfying the continuity recognition condition (step S170).
Specifically, from the transmission result data 636 (see FIG. 19), the transmission timing is traced in order from the newer one, and 1) the transmission timing is different from the other transmission result data 636 before and after the user account indicating the caller And 2) the transmission time difference between the transmission timing with the previous transmission data 636 which is one before the transmission timing is less than the continuity recognition time difference Δt of the continuity recognition condition definition data 530 (see FIG. 10), Data 636 is extracted. If there are a plurality of pieces of transmission record data 636 to be extracted, an affirmative determination is made as "there is a plurality of continuous transmissions".

  Then, in the case of “multiple transmissions having continuity” (YES in step S170), the distribution server system 1100 counts those numbers and sets them as the number of chains 650 (see FIG. 19) (step S172), From among the plurality of relevance recognition condition definition data 540 (see FIG. 12), definition data which the selection condition 542 conforms is searched, and a relevance recognition condition to be applied this time is set (step S174). In other words, set the chain condition to be applied to the present authorization of the sending combo. The search result is stored in application relevance recognition condition definition data 642 of the chain condition setting data 640 (see FIG. 19).

  Turning to FIG. 24, next, the distribution server system 1100 determines whether the content of the plurality of transmissions having continuity satisfies the applicable relevance recognition conditions. Then, in the case of positive determination, that is, when the chain condition is satisfied (YES in step S176), the distribution server system 1100 satisfies the selection condition 552 from among the plurality of size requirement definition data 550 (see FIG. 13). The definition data to be selected is retrieved, and the scale requirement to be applied this time is set (step S178). The number of requirements 553 of the retrieved size requirement definition data 550 is set in the application size requirement 648 (see FIG. 19).

  Then, it is determined whether or not a plurality of transmissions that were previously determined to satisfy the chaining condition satisfy the scale requirement (step S180). Specifically, if the number of chains 650 (see FIG. 19) indicating the number of transmissions determined to satisfy the chaining condition has reached the application size requirement 648, it is determined that the size requirement is satisfied.

  Now that the chain condition is satisfied and the size requirement is satisfied, the distribution server system 1100 recognizes that "the transmission combo has occurred" and notifies the viewer terminal of the occurrence of the generation combo. Material data and the like are distributed (step S190).

  Specifically, among the plurality of combo occurrence notification definition data 580 (see FIG. 16), the relevance set in the application relevance recognition condition definition data 642 (see FIG. 19) in the application relevance ID list 581. Select the definition data that contains the ID. Then, related information such as the number of chains 650 is distributed to the viewing terminal and the providing terminal together with the notification material data 582. The viewing terminal receives this and displays the combo generation notification 80 and the effect display 84 on the general-purpose display unit 33 or the like of the viewing screen.

Next, the distribution server system 1100 executes privilege control according to the situation in which the occurrence of the transmission combo has been recognized (step S192).
Specifically, among the plurality of privilege definition data 560 (see FIG. 14), the relevance ID set in the applicable relevance recognition condition definition data 642 (see FIG. 19) is included in the applicable relevance ID list 562 The selected definition data is selected, and benefit control is started based on the benefit execution data 564 of the defined data.

Next, the distribution server system 1100 distributes the benefit execution notification material 563 for notifying of the benefit execution at the viewing terminal (step S196).
Specifically, the benefit execution notification material 563 of the benefit definition data 560 selected earlier is distributed to the viewing terminal. The viewing terminal receives this and displays the benefit execution notification 82 on the general-purpose display unit 33 or the like of the viewing screen.

  Next, the distribution server system 1100 calculates an active point and gives it to the providing user (step S196). The method of calculating the active point here can be set as appropriate. For example, it may be an active point to which the sum of the base point and the additional point based on the number of chains 650 is given. Of course, it may be a fixed value (including 0). The calculated active point is accumulated in the accumulated active point 593 of the provided user registration data 590 (see FIG. 17).

Next, after the distribution of content is started, the distribution server system 1100 monitors the reception of the “image transmission log viewing request” from the viewing terminal (step S200).
In the image transmission log viewing request, a predetermined log viewing operation (for example, a two-finger tap, a double tap, etc.) on the avatar 4 (see FIG. 3) of another user with which the viewing user was interested in If it does, it will be transmitted from the viewing terminal concerned with the user account of the viewing user who is the user and the information of the browsing target user (for example, the identification information of the avatar subjected to the log browsing operation, the user account of the avatar).

  When distribution server system 1100 receives this image transmission log browsing request (YES in step S200), of transmission log data 610 of the browsing target user, the transmission target providing user account is a providing user of the content currently being distributed. In addition, log data whose transmission content is a transmission image is extracted and sent back to the requested viewing terminal (step S202). The viewing terminal receives this and displays the log.

  The distribution server system 1100 repeats steps S140 to S202 until the distribution is completed (NO in step S210).

  When the distribution is completed (YES in step S210), the distribution server system 1100 gives the providing user an active point as a summary of the current content distribution, and distributes the provided active point notification to the viewing terminal (step S212). . More specifically, the active point as a summary takes the number of viewing users (may be the total number of people), the total viewing time by all viewing users, the average viewing time, the total number of text transmissions and image transmissions, etc. as variables. Prepare and determine the function and table data that become higher the higher the value of.

  Then, the distribution server system 1100 ends the series of processes.

  FIGS. 25 to 27 are flowcharts for explaining the flow of processing relating to viewing of content in the user terminal 1500 (1500a, 1500b,...) Serving as a viewing terminal in the present embodiment. In the user terminal 1500 serving as the viewing terminal, the viewing terminal program 504 is in an execution state.

  As shown in FIG. 25, the viewing terminal first executes a login process (step S300). Then, when a predetermined viewing operation (including the selection of the content to be viewed) for viewing the distribution of content is detected (YES in step S310), a viewing request is transmitted to the distribution server system 1100 (step S312: communication A) .

  When a viewing request is received by the distribution server system 1100, viewing user registration is performed, and distribution of avatar display management data 634, transmission result data 636, and the like to the viewing terminal is started (distribution α).

  The viewing terminal receives these and stores them in the received distribution data group 700 (see FIG. 20), and starts displaying the viewing screen W3 (see FIG. 3) (step S314).

  When the viewing terminal detects a purchase operation of the transmission image 8 (YES in step S320), the viewing terminal transmits a purchase request to the distribution server system 1100 (step S322), and executes purchase procedure processing (step S324). In accordance with the procedure, the owned and sent image management data 706 (see FIG. 20) stored in the viewing terminal is updated.

  When the viewing terminal detects a text input operation at the text transmission operation unit 34 (see FIG. 3) (YES in step S330), the viewing terminal executes a text input editing process (step S323). Then, when the text transmission operation is detected (YES in step S334), a text transmission request including the input text is transmitted to the distribution server system 1100 (step S336).

  When the distribution server system 1100 receives the request, the distribution server system 1100 updates and distributes the transmission result data 636 (see FIG. 19). Since the viewing terminal has started display control of the viewing screen based on various distribution data in step S314 as described above, the text transmitted by the viewing user is displayed in the viewing screen.

  Further, when the viewing terminal detects an assignment change operation of the transmission image to the image transmission operation icon 36 (see FIG. 3) (YES in step S340), the assignment change including display control of the pop-up display W4 (see FIG. 4) The process is executed to change the transmission image assignment setting 708 (see FIG. 20) (step S342).

  Moving to FIG. 26, when the viewing terminal detects an image transmission operation (YES in step S350), the image transmission request is transmitted to distribution server system 1100 (step S352), and the remaining number of transmission images 8 for the transmission content is set. The owned and transmitted image management data 706 (see FIG. 20) is updated so as to reduce “1” (step S354).

When the distribution server system 1100 receives the request, the distribution server system 1100 updates and distributes the transmission result data 636 (see FIG. 19).
When the viewing terminal receives the transmission result data 636 newly distributed from the distribution server system 1100 (YES in step S360), a new reflection display management data 710 is created, and the display start date and time of the new reflection display and the display are displayed. The duration is set (step S362).

Then, the newly sent text is displayed by the balloon 4 from the avatar 4 of the sender, and reflection display control is performed so that the newly transmitted image for sending 8 appears from the avatar 4 of the sender (step S364; See Figure 3).
At that time, when the transmission content is the transmission image 8, the transmission result data 636 is distributed together with the transmission image data 522, including the display duration time 525 and the avatar display definition data 526 during reflection display. Therefore, the avatar 4 other than the caller is made to act based on the avatar control definition data 526 at the time of reflection display.

  The distribution server system 1100 deletes the reflection display exceeding the display duration time one by one (step S 366). That is, of the reflection display management data 710 (see FIG. 20), the reflection display (the transmitted text, the transmitted image for transmission) whose display duration time has been exceeded from the display start time is deleted.

  When the viewing terminal receives notification material data or the like for notifying the occurrence of the transmission combo distributed from distribution server system 1100 (YES in step S 370), combo generation notification 80 and effect display 84 are generated based on the material data. Are displayed on the viewing screen (step S372; see FIG. 3).

  Also, when the viewing terminal receives data for notifying benefit execution distributed from distribution server system 1100 (YES in step S 374), it causes benefit viewing notification 82 to be displayed on the viewing screen based on the data (step S 376). See Figure 3).

  Turning to FIG. 27, when the viewing terminal detects an image transmission log viewing operation to avatar 4 displayed in the viewing screen (YES in step S380), the viewing terminal transmits an image transmission log viewing request to distribution server system 1100. (Step S382). Then, based on the returned transmission log data 610, the history of image transmission is displayed on the viewing screen (step S384). For example, the history may be displayed in a balloon form from the avatar 4 subjected to the image transmission log browsing operation.

  Steps S320 to S384 are executed until the distribution is completed (NO in step S390).

  When the distribution is completed (YES in step S390), the viewing terminal displays the addition result of the liveness points distributed from the distribution server system 1100 and the ranking information (step S392), and ends the series of processing.

  FIG. 28 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of processing in the user terminal 1500 (1500T) which is a providing terminal in the present embodiment. In addition, in the user terminal 1500 of a provision terminal, the provision terminal program 506 (refer FIG. 21) shall be performed. In addition, in the case where the content is to be a live relay content of a game play moving image, it is assumed that a game program is separately executed.

  The providing terminal first executes login processing, and starts display control of the providing screen (step S500). The provision screen is an operation screen for receiving various operations for live delivery of content, and also serves as a monitor screen for monitoring the delivery status.

  Next, the providing terminal performs setting / registration procedure processing of the distribution title, the distribution schedule, and the incidental information (step S502). Then, when the scheduled delivery time comes, provision of content is started (step S504). In the present embodiment, live distribution is assumed, so, for example, in the case of live distribution by real shooting, the providing terminal adds the sound collected by the microphone 1512 to the image captured by the image sensor module 1520 of the own device. Content data is sequentially created, live streaming encoded, and transmitted to the distribution server system 1100. If the content is moving image data or the like prepared in advance, the content is uploaded to the distribution server system 1100 together with the registration procedure of the distribution title or the like without waiting for the distribution scheduled time. In the case of live distribution of the game play screen, the game sound is added to the moving image capturing the game screen to sequentially create content data.

  After the provision of the content is started, when the notification of the occurrence of the transmission combo is received from the distribution server system 1100 (YES in step S510), the providing terminal displays the notification (step S512) and the transmission combo generation statistical data 728 (see FIG. 21) and update the display of the latest statistics (step S514).

  That is, since the providing terminal can monitor the latest occurrence of the sending combo and can also confirm the statistics of the occurrence of the sending combo from the delivery start one by one, the providing user confirms the viewing condition concerning the delivery content You can live broadcast while. For example, since it is possible to update the content based on that, such as adding an ad-lib, there is a high possibility that the quality of content can be improved and the user experience of the viewing user can be improved. In addition, in the case of live distribution, adding thanks for the generation of the transmission combo to the viewing user by ad-liberation will contribute to fostering a sense of unity with the viewing user. It will also trigger further outgoing combos, resulting in an improved user experience.

  Further, when the benefit execution notification material 563 is received from the distribution server system 1100 (step S520), the providing terminal displays a log of notification of benefit execution on the providing screen (step S522).

  Then, when the delivery of the content is completed (YES in step S524), the series of processes is completed.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to create a new added value of the transmission combo in the content distribution service by using the user text and the image transmission function. Therefore, the virtual user experience in which a plurality of viewing users gather together to view one content is further enriched, and the distribution service can be improved.

[Modification]
As mentioned above, although embodiment which applied this invention was described, the form which can apply this invention is not limited to the said form, and addition, omission, and change of a component can be added suitably.

[Part 1]
For example, although an example in which the delivery service is realized by the client server type computer system has been described in the above embodiment, it may be realized by a computer system in which a plurality of user terminals 1500 are connected peer-to-peer. In that case, one of the user terminals 1500 is made to assume a function as the distribution server system 1100. Alternatively, the configuration may be such that the functions of the distribution service management unit 210 are shared and carried by a plurality of user terminals 1500.

[Part 2]
In addition, the above-described embodiment is applicable to other services as long as a plurality of users are simultaneously accessing each other and each of the services can transmit and operate a text and an image.

  For example, in the viewing screen W3 of FIG. 3, the screen portion below the content display unit 32 may be a screen to which the chat function of the social networking service is applied. FIG. 29 is a diagram showing a display example in that case.

  The first display unit 91 is set substantially on the left side of the lower chat screen W29. Then, by the transmission reflection control unit 214 (see FIG. 9) of the distribution service management unit 210, in the first display unit 91, the avatar 4a of the user using the user terminal 1500 on which the screen is displayed, and the user The displayed text is reflected and displayed by the balloon 5, and the transmission image 8 transmitted by the user is reflected and displayed.

  Similarly, the second display unit 92 is set on the substantially right side of the chat screen W29. The second display unit 92 displays avatars 4b, 4c,... Of other users by the transmission reflection control unit 214 of the distribution service management unit 210, and the balloon 5 of the text for which the transmission operation has been performed by them or the like Image 8 is displayed.

In addition, the third display unit 93 is set on the lower left side of the chat screen W29, and the special display effect 86 is displayed by the special display control unit 219 of the distribution service management unit 210.
Although the boundaries between the first display unit 91, the second display unit 92, and the third display unit 93 are intentionally indicated in FIG. 29 in order to facilitate understanding, in practice some of the boundaries are shown. Can be set to overlap each other.

  Then, when special background data is given as privilege control, the background of the chat screen W29 is switched to the same special background on the user terminals 1500 of all the accessing users. Further, a combo generation notification 80, a benefit execution notification 82, an effect display 84 and the like are displayed on an intermediate layer between the background layer and the display layer on which the avatar 4 and the balloon 5 and the transmission image 8 are displayed. . This intermediate layer can also be used when special effect indication 84s is displayed as benefit control.

2 (2a, 2b, ...) ... viewing user 2t ... provision user 4 ... avatar 8 ... image for transmission 32 ... content display unit 33 ... general purpose display unit 34 ... text transmission operation unit 35 ... reflection display unit 36 ... image transmission operation icon 80 ... Combo occurrence notification 82 ... Benefits execution notification 84 ... Effect display 86 ... Special display effect 91 ... First display unit 92 ... Second display unit 93 ... Third display unit 200s ... Server processing unit 210 ... Delivery service management unit 212 ... Avatar display control unit 214 ... Transmission reflection control unit 216 ... Chaining condition setting unit 218 ... Scale requirement setting unit 220 ... Benefits control execution unit 222 ... History information display control unit 260 ... Viewing terminal operation unit 270 ... Providing terminal operation unit 274 ... Content Provision control unit 500s: Server storage unit 503: Server program 504: Viewing terminal program 505: Delivery provision terminal program 506 Providing terminal program 507 ... Viewing terminal program for distribution 510 ... Initial setting data for distribution service 520 ... Image definition data for transmission 530 ... Continuity recognition condition definition data 540 ... Relevance recognition condition definition data 550 ... Scale requirement definition data 560 ... Benefits definition Data 570 ... avatar display change definition data 580 ... combo generation notification definition data 590 ... provision user registration data 600 ... user management data 603 ... avatar setting data 604 ... storage and transmission image management data 610 ... transmission log data 620 ... distribution management data 623 ... content data 630 ... viewing user management data 634 ... avatar display management data 636 ... transmission results data 640 ... chain condition setting data 641 ... application continuity recognition condition definition data 642 ... application relevance recognition condition definition data 648 ... application scale required 650 ... chain number 700 ... Received distribution data group 710 ... reflect display management data 1000 ... content delivery system 1100 ... the distribution server system 1500 ... user terminal W3 ... viewing screen W8 ... viewing screen W29 ... chat screen

Claims (19)

A content distribution system for distributing content including at least video provided by a providing user to user terminals of respective viewing users,
The user terminal displays a viewing screen including a content display unit for displaying the content, and an operation unit for a transmission operation in which the viewing user can input the content being viewed.
A transmission reflection control unit that receives, from the user terminal, that the transmission operation for the content being viewed is input from the user terminal, and controls a reflection display on which the transmission operation has been performed to be displayed in the viewing screen;
When a given scale requirement is satisfied by continuing a state that satisfies the chain condition including at least the continuity recognition condition for recognizing the continuity of the transmission operation based on the timing at which the transmission operation is performed. Special display effect control means for executing a special display effect on the viewing screen;
Content distribution system with. The outgoing operation includes at least a default outgoing operation indicating a predetermined intention indication.
The transmission reflection control means performs control to display a default display body on the viewing screen as the reflection display on which the predetermined transmission operation has been performed.
The content delivery system according to claim 1. The chaining condition further includes a relevance recognition condition for recognizing the relevance between the plurality of outgoing operations input by the plurality of the viewing users.
The content delivery system according to claim 1 or 2. The transmission operation includes a plurality of types of transmission operations.
The condition for determining relevance is defined based on a combination of the type of the input operation input.
The content delivery system according to claim 3. The transmission operation includes a transmission operation of a message that can be arbitrarily set by the user terminal,
In the relevance recognition condition, a condition based on the content of the message is defined as the relevance recognition condition regarding the operation of sending the message.
The content delivery system according to claim 3 or 4. The scale requirement includes a condition based on the number or time when the chain condition is satisfied,
The content delivery system according to any one of claims 1 to 5. The size requirement includes a condition based on the number of the viewing users who performed the transmission operation satisfying the chaining condition.
The content delivery system according to any one of claims 1 to 6. Chaining condition setting means for variably setting the chaining condition according to the type of the content,
The content delivery system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising: Scale requirement setting means for variably setting the scale requirement according to the type of the content,
The content delivery system as described in any one of Claims 1-8 provided with. Reward control execution means for executing reward control that grants a given benefit to the viewing user and / or the providing user when the size requirement is satisfied,
The content delivery system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising: The content is gameplay video,
Chain condition setting means for variably setting the chain condition according to the game situation concerning the game play video being viewed;
The content delivery system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising: The content is gameplay video,
Scale requirement setting means for variably setting the scale requirement according to the game situation concerning the game play video being viewed;
The content delivery system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, 11 comprising: The content is gameplay video,
Execution of privilege control to execute a privilege control to be variably determined according to the game situation according to the game play animation currently being viewed when the size requirement is satisfied and to execute the privilege control to be provided to the viewing user and / or the providing user means,
The content delivery system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, 11 and 12, comprising: The content is live broadcast content of gameplay video,
The content delivery system according to any one of claims 11 to 13. History information display control means for performing control to display history information of the transmission operation for each viewing user on the user terminal;
The content delivery system as described in any one of Claims 1-14 provided with. Avatar display control means for displaying an avatar for each of the viewing users on the viewing screen;
Equipped with
The transmission reflection control means performs the reflection display by performing display control such that the avatar of the viewing user related to the transmission operation performs a given action operation when the transmission operation is performed.
The content delivery system as described in any one of Claims 1-15.   A computer system comprising a user terminal of each viewing user and the content distribution system according to any one of claims 1 to 16. A server system that controls display of a screen for displaying based on a calling operation input by each user in a user terminal of each user.
Transmission reflection control means for receiving, from the user terminal, that the transmission operation has been input, and displaying on the screen a reflection display on which the transmission operation has been made;
When a given scale requirement is satisfied by continuing a state that satisfies the chain condition including at least the continuity recognition condition for recognizing the continuity of the transmission operation based on the timing at which the transmission operation is performed. Special display effect control means for executing special display effects in the screen;
Server system with In the screen, a first display unit based on the transmission operation of the first user, a second display unit based on the transmission operation of the second user, and the transmission operation of the first user and the second user Means for performing control to display a third display unit for making a special display based on the relationship of the transmission operation;
The server system according to claim 18, comprising

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