JP2020038601A - Content distribution server, content distribution system, content distribution method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a content distribution server capable of distributing live content according to additional information set to a virtual character.SOLUTION: A content distribution server 100 includes: an information acquisition unit 141 for acquiring character information indicating a virtual character used by a distributor in a virtual space and first additional information added to the character information; and a distribution unit 143 for distributing live content for synthesizing character information acquired by the information acquisition unit 141 and a video in the virtual space in which a movement of the distributor is regarded as the movement of the virtual character on the basis of the first additional information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

  The present disclosure relates to a content distribution server, a content distribution system, a content distribution method, and a program.

  2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, services for distributing live content via a network have become widespread as live Internet broadcasting. In such live Internet broadcasting, a technique has been proposed in which a distributor appears as a virtual character (avatar) in a virtual space and the video is distributed as live content. In such live content, a video in which the motion of the distributor is synthesized as the motion of the virtual character is distributed by the motion capture technology.

  For example, Patent Literature 1 discloses a system in which an actor or spectator wearing an HMD (Head Mount Display) participates in a game or movie as a virtual character, and distributes a video obtained by photographing the virtual character from multiple viewpoints on multiple channels. are doing. Patent Literature 1 also discloses that a viewer who views a distribution causes a character cultivated on a game device related to the distribution to participate in the distribution.

JP-A-2002-271693

  By the way, in live Internet broadcasting, a plurality of distributors may collaborate to create live content, and a plurality of distributors may distribute a video that is shown together. Realization of such distribution is also required for live Internet broadcasting in which a distributor appears as a virtual character in a virtual space.

  Note that it is preferable that such distribution can be realized via a network even when a plurality of distributors are located apart from each other in the real space. For example, by making virtual characters reflecting actions of a plurality of distributors participate in the same virtual space, a video in which a plurality of virtual characters corresponding to a plurality of distributors are shown together can be distributed as live content. .

  In a system in which a plurality of distributors (including viewers who participate in distribution) participate as virtual characters via a network, it is preferable to set additional information for the virtual characters accepted by the system. This makes it easy for a plurality of distributors to make their own virtual characters appear.

  When multiple distributors obtain and use virtual characters from other servers, it is necessary to restrict the display or use of the virtual characters depending on the age, nationality, religion, etc. of the viewer, depending on the virtual characters. There is. For example, naked browsing requires age restrictions. If there is no restriction, there is a possibility that a virtual character that the distributor does not want to participate in may be used. When an unspecified number of participants (for example, other distributors or viewers) participate in distribution by a distributor as virtual characters, if at least one of the participants uses a virtual character to be restricted, the distributor The distribution itself may be regulated or prohibited against the intention of the above.

  Therefore, even when the number of virtual characters used in the distribution is large or when an unspecified participant participates using the virtual character, it is preferable that information on the virtual character can be filtered by uniformly controlling the virtual character. . In this regard, if the additional information is set for the virtual character, it is easy to restrict the use or display of the virtual character that is not preferably used for distribution.

  Patent Literature 1 only discloses that a viewer uses a character used in a game as it is in distribution, and does not describe setting additional information to a virtual character that reflects the behavior of the distributor. Not disclosed.

  In view of such circumstances, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a content distribution server or the like that can distribute live content according to additional information set for a virtual character.

  In order to achieve the above object, a content distribution server according to a first aspect of the present disclosure includes character information indicating a virtual character used by a distributor in a virtual space and first additional information added to the character information. And a live content for synthesizing a video in a virtual space in which the motion of the distributor is the motion of the virtual character based on the character information and the first additional information acquired by the information acquisition unit. And a distribution unit for distributing the information.

  Further, in order to achieve the above object, a content distribution system according to a second aspect of the present disclosure provides a content distribution system that distributes live content based on a video in a virtual space in which a motion of a distributor is synthesized as a motion of a virtual character. What is claimed is: 1. A content distribution system comprising: a server; and a virtual character providing server for providing character information indicating a virtual character and first additional information added to the character information, wherein the content distribution server is a virtual character providing server. A live content for synthesizing a video in a virtual space in which the motion of the distributor is the motion of the virtual character, based on the character information and the first additional information acquired from.

  In order to achieve the above object, a content distribution method according to a third aspect of the present disclosure includes a character information indicating a virtual character used by a distributor in a virtual space and a first character information added to the character information. An information acquisition step of acquiring additional information, and a video in a virtual space in which the movement of the distributor is a virtual character movement based on the character information and the first additional information acquired in the information acquisition step. And delivering the live content.

  Further, in order to achieve the above object, a program according to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure provides a computer which stores character information indicating a virtual character used by a distributor in a virtual space and a character information added to the character information. Information acquisition means for acquiring the first additional information and the character information acquired by the information acquisition means, and for synthesizing a video in a virtual space in which the movement of the distributor is the movement of the virtual character based on the character information and the first additional information. Function as a distribution means for distributing the live content.

  According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a content distribution server or the like that can distribute live content in accordance with additional information set for a virtual character.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a content distribution system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a content distribution server according to the embodiment. It is a block diagram showing the example of composition of the distributor terminal concerning an embodiment. It is a block diagram showing the example of composition of the viewer terminal concerning an embodiment. It is a block diagram showing the example of composition of the virtual character providing server concerning an embodiment. It is a figure showing an example of the information which the virtual character provision server concerning an embodiment provides. It is a figure showing an example of the picture of the virtual space displayed on the distributor terminal concerning an embodiment. It is a figure showing the 1st example of the distribution screen displayed on the viewer terminal concerning an embodiment. It is a figure showing the 2nd example of the distribution screen displayed on the viewer terminal concerning an embodiment. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a control process of the content distribution server according to the embodiment.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. The embodiments described below do not unduly limit the contents of the present disclosure described in the claims. In addition, all of the components shown in the embodiments are not necessarily indispensable components of the present disclosure.

(Embodiment)
As shown in FIG. 1, a content distribution system 1 according to the present embodiment includes a content distribution server 100, one or more distributor terminals 200, one or more viewer terminals 300, and a virtual character providing server 400. Is provided. The content distribution server 100, one or more distributor terminals 200, one or more viewer terminals 300, and the virtual character providing server 400 are communicably connected to each other via a network NW. The network NW is, for example, a WAN (World Area Network).

  The content distribution server 100 provides a distribution service via the network NW. The content distribution server 100 distributes the live content to the viewer terminal 300 based on the video in the virtual space in which the motion of the distributor is synthesized as the motion of the virtual character.

  The video of the virtual space includes not only a virtual character but also a background, an object indicating a virtual object, and the like. The virtual space is basically a three-dimensional space generated by CG (Computer Graphics). Note that the virtual space may be a two-dimensional space. Note that the distributor includes a distributor who manages distribution and another distributor who is a distributor participating in distribution. The other distributor may be a viewer who wants to participate or a distributor performing another distribution.

  The distributor terminal 200 is used by a distributor who distributes live content. The distributor terminal 200 is a communication terminal including an HMD, and has a communication function and a motion capture function. The distributor terminal 200 acquires a motion (gesture) and a line of sight of the distributor as motion information by a motion capture function. The motion information is reflected on the movement of the virtual character associated with the distributor and the viewpoint (that is, rendering) in the video in the virtual space. The motion information may include data indicating the expression of the distributor.

  The viewer terminal 300 is a device having a communication function such as a personal computer, a tablet terminal, and a smartphone. The viewer terminal 300 is used by a viewer who watches live content.

  The virtual character providing server 400 provides character information indicating a virtual character used by the distributor in the virtual space, and first additional information added to the character information. Further, the virtual character providing server 400 provides object information indicating an object used by the distributor in the virtual space and second additional information added to the object information.

  The distributor uses the virtual character and the object acquired from the virtual character providing server 400 in the distribution. In the present embodiment, the virtual character providing server 400 is configured to provide both the virtual character and the object, but may be configured to provide only one of the virtual character and the object.

<Configuration of content distribution server>
Hereinafter, the configuration of the content distribution server 100 will be described in detail. As shown in FIG. 2, the content distribution server 100 controls a communication unit 110 that communicates with another device, a storage unit 120 that stores various data, a clock unit 130 that counts time, and controls the entire device. And a control unit 140. These components are interconnected by a bus line BL.

  The communication unit 110 is a communication interface including an NIC (Network Interface Card controller) for performing wired communication or wireless communication. The communication unit 110 communicates with the distributor terminal 200 and the viewer terminal 300 via the network NW.

  The storage unit 120 includes a random access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), and the like. The storage unit 120 stores a program for executing various control processes, various data, and the like. For example, the storage unit 120 stores condition information. The condition information is information that is set as a condition that restricts use or display of a virtual character or object.

  The clock unit 130 includes an oscillation circuit for generating a clock signal, a variable PLL (Phase Locked Loop), a counter circuit for counting the number of pulses of the clock signal, and the like. The timer 130 counts the time based on the number of pulses counted.

  The control unit 140 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and the like. The control unit 140 controls the overall operation of the content distribution server 100 by executing a program stored in the storage unit 120. The control unit 140 performs various controls at a timing based on the number of pulses counted by the timer unit 130. In addition, the control unit 140 counts the elapsed time from the start of the live content based on the time measured by the clock unit 130, and determines whether a predetermined time (for example, scheduled distribution time) has elapsed. Or to determine.

  Hereinafter, a functional configuration of the control unit 140 will be described. The control unit 140 functions as an information acquisition unit 141, a video generation unit 142, a distribution unit 143, a restriction unit 144, and an instruction reception unit 145.

  The information acquisition unit 141 acquires, from the distributor terminal 200, information about the virtual character used by the distributor and motion information indicating the movement and the line of sight of the distributor from the distributor terminal 200 via the communication unit 110. The information on the virtual character includes information indicating the virtual character and first additional information.

  The information acquisition unit 141 acquires, from the distributor terminal 200, object information indicating an object used by the distributor and second additional information via the communication unit 110. The information acquisition unit 141 acquires audio information from the distributor terminal 200 via the communication unit 110.

  Note that the information acquiring unit 141 may directly acquire the information indicating the virtual character, the first additional information, the object information, and the second additional information from the virtual character providing server 400 according to an instruction from the distributor. Good. That is, the information acquisition unit 141 is not limited to the configuration in which the information is acquired from the distributor terminal 200.

  The video generation unit 142 generates a video in the virtual space in which the motion of the distributor is synthesized as the motion of the virtual character. When there are a plurality of distributors, a video including each virtual character is generated. The composition is performed, for example, with a video in a predetermined virtual space as a background, generating a video as if there is a virtual character, and further, a distributor or a participant using the virtual character for the virtual character. Is realized by generating an image so that the movement of the image is reflected.

  The distribution unit 143 distributes live content based on the video generated by the video generation unit 142. The live content based on the generated video is information indicating a video rendered from each viewpoint with respect to the generated video data. Specifically, the live content includes a video when the generated video is viewed from the viewpoint of the virtual character of the distributor, and a video (distribution screen) when the generated video is viewed from the viewpoint of the virtual camera for distribution. Is included.

  The live content distributed by the distribution unit 143 includes not only information indicating a video but also audio information. The distribution unit 143 distributes the audio information acquired by the information acquisition unit 141 and the audio information stored in the storage unit 120 in advance and used for the production as live content.

  When the first additional information acquired by the information acquisition unit 141 satisfies the condition indicated by the condition information stored in the storage unit 120, the restriction unit 144 restricts the display or use of the virtual character. When the second additional information acquired by the information acquiring unit 141 satisfies the condition indicated by the condition information stored in the storage unit 120, the limiting unit 144 limits the display or use of the object. The restrictions on use are, for example, any of the following: prohibition of their use, prohibition of distribution using them, and prohibition of viewing of distribution using them.

  When restricting the display of the virtual character or the object, the restriction unit 144 may execute a change process for changing the virtual character or the object. For example, the changing process for the virtual character or the object is a process of mosaicing the virtual character or the object and displaying the virtual character. The process of changing the virtual character may be a process of changing the clothing of the virtual character and displaying it. The process of changing the virtual character or object may be a process of changing the virtual character or object to another virtual character or object and displaying it. Note that the change processing according to the present embodiment is executed by distribution restriction in the content distribution server 100. However, the change process may be executed based on the viewing restriction on the viewer terminal 300 instead of the distribution restriction.

  The instruction receiving unit 145 notifies the distributor terminal 200 via the communication unit 110 based on the first additional information acquired by the information acquisition unit 141, and displays or uses a virtual character or object from the distributor terminal 200. An instruction to allow or deny is accepted. Note that the instruction receiving unit 145 may notify the administrator of the content distribution server 100 and receive an instruction to permit or deny display or use of the virtual character or object.

  Here, the terms used in the present disclosure and the restriction method by the restriction unit 144 will be described. First, the first additional information and the second additional information are information used when determining whether a virtual character and an object are targets to be restricted.

  The first additional information includes, for example, at least one of attribute information indicating an attribute of the virtual character and certification information that is information for certifying that the virtual character is usable. included. The second additional information includes, for example, at least one of attribute information indicating the attribute of the object and certification information that is information for certifying that the object is usable. .

  The attribute information is, for example, information indicating attributes of virtual characters such as sexual content, religious content, and animals. The proof information is, for example, that it matches the specifications of the content distribution server 100, that it is officially used, that the attribute information is properly assigned, that the distributor or the administrator of the content distribution server 100 This information indicates that the content has been checked, that the distributor or the administrator of the content distribution server 100 has approved the use, and that the copyright belongs.

  The condition information stored in the storage unit 120 is used when the restricting unit 144 determines whether the first additional information or the second additional information includes undesirable information. That is, the restriction unit 144 restricts the use of an undesired virtual character or object by filtering the virtual character or object based on the condition information. The condition information includes, for example, information set based on public order and moral criteria, information set based on a preference criterion of a distributor or a viewer (preference criteria information), and first additional information or second information. The additional information includes information indicating a virtual character or an object that needs to include proof information.

  The public order and moral standards are, for example, standards determined in consideration of restrictions on law, age, nationality, religion, and the like. Thus, use or display of virtual characters and objects that are against public order and morals can be restricted. For example, the use or display of a virtual character representing a high-exposure female or male may be inappropriate if the viewer is a child, so the use or display of the virtual character is restricted based on public order and moral standards. You. Information set based on public order and moral criteria among the condition information is set by, for example, an administrator of the content distribution server 100.

  The preference criterion is a criterion based on the preference of the distributor or the viewer. The preference criterion may be different depending on the distributor or the viewer, and may be set for each distributor or each viewer. Among the condition information, the information set based on the preference criterion is set based on the preference criterion information acquired from the distributor terminal 200 or the viewer terminal 300, for example. The preference criterion may be set only by a distributor who is a distributor who determines distribution rules.

  When the first additional information or the second additional information satisfies the condition indicated by the condition information, the restricting unit 144 causes the distributor terminal 200 to display the virtual character or the object, and causes the viewer terminal 300 to display the virtual character or the object. The restriction of the display of the virtual character or the object may be executed. For example, when the distributor dislikes insects, and when the viewer likes insects, different criteria are used. In such a case, the preference criterion is used so that the broadcaster terminal 200 does not display the insect virtual character or the insect object, and the viewer terminal 300 displays them. Even if the viewer likes the idol, the distributor may dislike the idol. Even in such a case, each preference criterion may be applied to the display restriction. In addition, the restriction unit 144 may set an NG condition for restricting the display of the virtual character or the object by analogy with the first additional information or the second additional information.

  Note that the preference criterion is not limited to such a simple preference. For example, the preference criteria may include criteria for prohibiting or restricting a plurality of distributors from using the same virtual character in the virtual space. Thereby, it is possible to prevent a distribution situation in which the viewer cannot distinguish a plurality of distributors. The preference criterion may be a criterion based on the popularity of the virtual character or the object. This makes it possible to use a popular virtual character for distribution.

<Configuration of distributor terminal>
Hereinafter, the configuration of the distributor terminal 200 will be described in detail. As shown in FIG. 3, the distributor terminal 200 displays a communication unit 210 that communicates with another device, an operation unit 220 that receives a user operation, a storage unit 230 that stores various data, and various images. A display unit 240, a voice input unit 250 for receiving voice input, an operation input unit 260 for inputting motion information, a voice output unit 270 for outputting various voices, and a control unit 280 for controlling the entire apparatus. Prepare. These components are interconnected by a bus line BL.

  The communication unit 210 is a communication interface including an NIC for performing wired communication or wireless communication. The communication unit 210 communicates with the content distribution server 100 via the network NW.

  The operation unit 220 includes an operation button, a keyboard, a pointing device, and the like, and is an interface used by a user to input an instruction.

  The storage unit 230 includes a RAM, a ROM, and the like. The storage unit 230 stores programs for executing various control processes, input data, and the like.

  The display unit 240 includes, for example, an LCD, an EL display, and the like. Display unit 240 displays text, images, and the like according to input data from control unit 280.

  The voice input unit 250 is configured by a microphone or the like. The voice input unit 250 receives voice input from the outside and acquires voice information.

  The operation input unit 260 receives an input operation of the user and acquires the input operation as motion information of the user. The operation input unit 260 includes, for example, a camera, a sensor, and the like for acquiring motion information by a motion capture technique. The motion information is detected, for example, by a sensor that detects the user's line of sight and movement (gesture). Further, the motion information may be obtained by a button operation for expressing the expression of the virtual character, a predetermined effect operation, or the like.

  The process of converting the motion information of the user into the motion, the line of sight and the like of the virtual character may be executed in the distributor terminal 200, may be executed in the content distribution server 100, or may be executed in the content distribution server 100 and the distribution server. It may be executed by cooperation of the user terminal 200.

  The audio output unit 270 includes, for example, a speaker, an amplifier, and the like. Audio output unit 270 outputs audio according to input data from control unit 280.

  The control unit 280 includes a CPU and the like. The control unit 280 controls the overall operation of the distributor terminal 200 by executing a program stored in the storage unit 230.

  Hereinafter, a functional configuration of the control unit 280 will be described. The control unit 280 functions as a content acquisition unit 281, a display control unit 282, an audio output control unit 283, a preference reference information transmission unit 284, a character information transmission unit 285, and an input information transmission unit 286.

  The content acquisition unit 281 acquires data indicating live content from the content distribution server 100 via the communication unit 210. The display control unit 282 causes the display unit 240 to display an image in the virtual space based on the data indicating the live content acquired by the content acquisition unit 281. The audio output control unit 283 causes the audio output unit 270 to output audio based on the data indicating the live content acquired by the content acquisition unit 281.

  The preference criterion information transmitting unit 284 transmits information indicating the preference criterion set by the user via the operation unit 220 to the content distribution server 100 via the communication unit 210. This information is reflected in the condition information stored in the storage unit 120.

  The character information transmitting unit 285 transmits the character information and the first additional information of the virtual character used by the user and the object information and the second additional information of the object used by the user via the communication unit 210 to the content distribution server. Send to 100. Note that these pieces of information are information obtained by downloading from the virtual character providing server 400 by the user and stored in the storage unit 230.

  The input information transmission unit 286 transmits the audio information acquired by the audio input unit 250 and the motion information acquired by the operation input unit 260 to the content distribution server 100. Note that the input information transmitting unit 286 may transmit the information after reflecting the motion information to the virtual character to the content distribution server 100.

<Configuration of viewer terminal>
Hereinafter, the configuration of the viewer terminal 300 will be described in detail. As shown in FIG. 4, the viewer terminal 300 includes a communication unit 310 that communicates with another device, an operation unit 320 that receives an input operation of a user, a storage unit 330 that stores various data, and displays various images. The display unit 340 includes a display unit 340 that outputs a sound, a sound output unit 350 that outputs sound, and a control unit 360 that controls the entire apparatus. These components are interconnected by a bus line BL.

  The communication unit 310 is a communication interface including an NIC for performing wired communication or wireless communication. The communication unit 310 communicates with the content distribution server 100 via the network NW.

  The operation unit 320 includes an operation button, a keyboard, a pointing device, and the like, and is an interface used by a user to input an instruction.

  The storage unit 330 includes a RAM, a ROM, and the like. The storage unit 330 stores programs for executing various control processes, input data, and the like.

  The display unit 340 includes, for example, an LCD, an EL display, and the like. Display unit 340 displays text, images, and the like according to input data from control unit 360.

  The audio output unit 350 includes a speaker, an amplifier, and the like. The audio output unit 350 outputs audio according to input data from the control unit 360.

  The control unit 360 includes a CPU and the like. The control unit 360 controls the overall operation of the viewer terminal 300 by executing a program stored in the storage unit 330.

  Hereinafter, a functional configuration of the control unit 360 will be described. The control section 360 functions as a content acquisition section 361, a display control section 362, an audio output control section 363, and a preference reference information transmission section 364.

  The content acquisition unit 361 acquires data indicating live content from the content distribution server 100 via the communication unit 310. The display control unit 362 causes the display unit 340 to display the video in the virtual space based on the data indicating the live content acquired by the content acquisition unit 361. The audio output control unit 363 causes the audio output unit 350 to output audio based on the data indicating the live content acquired by the content acquisition unit 361.

  The preference criterion information transmitting unit 364 transmits information indicating a preference criterion set by the user via the operation unit 320 to the content distribution server 100 via the communication unit 310. This information is reflected in the condition information stored in the storage unit 120.

<Configuration of virtual character providing server>
Hereinafter, the configuration of the virtual character providing server 400 will be described in detail. As shown in FIG. 5, the virtual character providing server 400 includes a communication unit 410 that communicates with another device, a storage unit 420 that stores various data, a timer 430 that measures time, and controls the entire device. And a control unit 440 for performing the operation. These components are interconnected by a bus line BL.

  The communication unit 410 is a communication interface including an NIC for performing wired communication or wireless communication. The communication unit 410 communicates with the user terminal via the network NW. The user terminal is, for example, a distributor terminal 200 that acquires information about a virtual character or the like, or a poster terminal (not shown) used by a poster who posts information about a virtual character or the like.

  The storage unit 420 includes a RAM, a ROM, and the like. The storage unit 420 stores programs for executing various control processes, various data, and the like. For example, the storage unit 420 stores information about a virtual character, an object, and the like posted by the poster.

  Further, storage section 420 stores reception condition information. The reception condition information is information that is set as a condition subject to reception restriction. The reception condition information is used when determining whether or not to accept a post. Further, the storage unit 420 stores information of a user who uses the user terminal (a distributor who uses a virtual character or the like). Further, the storage unit 420 stores provision condition information. The provision condition information is information that is set as a condition that is subject to provision restriction. The provision condition information is used to determine whether to restrict the provision when compared with the information of the user. The user information is, for example, information indicating the age, nationality, religion, and the like of the user who uses the user terminal (the distributor who uses the virtual character or the like).

  The timer 430 includes an oscillation circuit for generating a clock signal, a variable PLL, a counter circuit for counting the number of pulses of the clock signal, and the like. The timer 430 counts the time based on the number of pulses counted.

  The control unit 440 includes a CPU and the like. The control unit 440 controls the overall operation of the virtual character providing server 400 by executing a program stored in the storage unit 420. The control unit 440 performs various controls at a timing based on the number of pulses counted by the timer unit 430. Further, control unit 440 determines whether or not a predetermined time (for example, a distribution period or a usable period) has elapsed based on the time measured by timer unit 430.

  Hereinafter, a functional configuration of the control unit 440 will be described. The control unit 440 functions as an information providing unit 441, a post receiving unit 442, a providing control unit 443, and a user information obtaining unit 444.

  The information providing unit 441 provides character information, first additional information, object information, second additional information, and the like to the distributor terminal 200 via the communication unit 410. Post accepting section 442 accepts, via communication section 410, a post such as character information, first additional information, object information, and second additional information from the poster terminal.

  The information providing unit 441 restricts the provision of the information of the user who wants to download the character information and the object information when the information indicated by the provision condition information stored in the storage unit 420 is satisfied. That is, the information providing unit 441 limits the provision of the information to the undesired user by filtering the provision destination of the virtual character or the object based on the provision condition information. The information providing unit 441 may provide the site certification of the virtual character providing server 400 together with the character information as a set. This site certification information, when downloaded by the user and used in distribution, may be used to determine restrictions.

  When the posted character information or object information satisfies the condition indicated by the reception condition information stored in the storage unit 420, the posting reception unit 442 rejects the posting.

  The provision control unit 443 controls so that the information provision unit 441 does not provide character information or object information that is not during the distribution period. Further, the provision control unit 443 notifies the user terminal that is about to download the character information and the object information of the distribution period and the available period.

  The user information obtaining unit 444 obtains information of a user who intends to download character information and object information using a user terminal.

  FIG. 6 shows an example of information provided by the virtual character providing server 400. The information provided by the virtual character providing server 400 includes one of a poster ID indicating a poster who posted the character information and the object information, an information ID uniquely assigned to the posted information, and one of the character information and the object information. Type, the distribution state according to the distribution period, the size of the provided information (the amount of information), the remarks related to the first additional information or the second additional information, and the character URL that provides information and object information download services. These pieces of information are stored in the storage unit 420 in association with each other.

  The remarks are information indicating that the user may be restricted when used for distribution. For example, the remarks indicate attribute information and certification information of character information and object information. For example, it indicates that there is a possibility that sexual expression, restriction of nationality, religious content, display or use of cigarettes or the like may be restricted. If there is no particular possibility of being restricted, information indicating that there is no restriction is shown.

<Specific examples of video and distribution screen>
Hereinafter, a specific example of a video displayed based on information indicating live content to be distributed and a distribution screen will be described. Further, a specific example of the display restriction method will be described.

  FIG. 7 shows an example of a virtual space image displayed on the distributor terminal 200. In the image of the virtual space displayed on the distributor terminal 200, the virtual character 10 of another distributor and the object 30 indicating the table are displayed. However, the virtual character 10 is not wearing clothes. In this example, the content is displayed on the distributor terminal 200, but display restrictions are imposed on the distribution.

  For example, in the first example of the distribution screen displayed on the viewer terminal 300 shown in FIG. 8, the virtual character 10 is displayed with the clothes 20 worn by the change process, as shown in the area A1.

  FIG. 9 shows an example of a distribution screen displayed on the viewer terminal 300, and shows an example different from the examples shown in FIGS. In this example, the distributor's virtual character 50 is displayed. However, the display of the object 40 is restricted. Therefore, the mosaic 60 is superimposed on the object 40. The object 40 is an object indicating, for example, a portrait of a head of state whose use is restricted by cigarettes or nationalities that are not preferably viewed by minors.

<Process flow>
Hereinafter, an example of a control process executed by the content distribution server 100 will be described with reference to FIG. This process is executed when the distributor terminal 200 logs in to the content distribution server 100 and starts preparing for distribution of live content.

  First, the information acquisition unit 141 of the control unit 140 acquires various information from the distributor terminal 200 via the communication unit 110 (Step S101). The various information is information used by the distributor for distribution, such as character information, first additional information, object information, and second additional information.

  The restriction unit 144 of the control unit 140 refers to the condition information stored in the storage unit 120, and compares the condition information with the first additional information or the second additional information acquired by the information acquisition unit 141 (Step S102). Here, the restriction unit 144 of the control unit 140 determines whether the first additional information or the second additional information satisfies the condition indicated by the condition information (Step S103).

  When determining that the first additional information or the second additional information satisfies the condition indicated by the condition information (step S103; Y), the restriction unit 144 of the control unit 140 restricts the display or use of the virtual character or object. (Step S104).

  On the other hand, when determining that the first additional information or the second additional information does not satisfy the condition indicated by the condition information (step S103; N), the restriction unit 144 of the control unit 140 does not execute step S104 and performs the next step. Go to step S105.

  Next, the distribution unit 143 of the control unit 140 causes the distributor terminal 200 to display the synthesized video (Step S105). Specifically, the information acquisition unit 141 of the control unit 140 acquires motion information from the distributor terminal 200 via the communication unit 110. The video generation unit 142 of the control unit 140 generates a video in the virtual space in which the motion of the distributor is synthesized as the motion of the virtual character. The distribution unit 143 of the control unit 140 transmits information indicating the synthesized video in the virtual space to the distributor terminal 200 via the communication unit 110. When a plurality of distributors distribute using the distributor terminal 200, information indicating a video of a viewpoint of a virtual character used by each of the distributors is distributed.

  The distribution unit 143 of the control unit 140 distributes the live content to the viewer terminal 300 based on the synthesized video in the virtual space (Step S106). This live content is information indicating an image of the viewpoint of the virtual camera. When the display is restricted, the distribution unit 143 of the control unit 140 displays the changed video on the viewer terminal 300.

<Explanation of effect>
In the content distribution system 1 according to the present embodiment, the content distribution server 100 acquires character information and first additional information. The content distribution server 100 generates a video in the virtual space based on the character information and the first additional information, and distributes live content based on the video. That is, the content distribution server 100 can distribute the live content according to the additional information set for the virtual character.

  In this case, even in the case where a plurality of distributors are located apart from each other in the real space, a video in which a plurality of virtual characters corresponding to the plurality of distributors appear together can be distributed as live content. For example, even when a plurality of distributors perform different distributions, one distributor transmits the character information and the first additional information to the content distribution server 100 that distributes the other distributor. By doing so, it is possible to participate in the distribution. In this way, it is possible to make it easier for a plurality of distributors to make virtual characters prepared by themselves appear. Further, based on the first additional information, it is possible to restrict the use or display of the virtual character that is not preferably used for distribution.

  Further, the content distribution server 100 acquires the object information and the second additional information acquired from the virtual character providing server 400. The content distribution server 100 generates a video in the virtual space based on the object information and the second additional information, and distributes a live content based on the video. That is, the content distribution server 100 can distribute live content according to the additional information set for the object.

  In this case, even if a plurality of distributors are located in a place separated from each other in the real space or a plurality of distributors perform different distributions, one distributor performs distribution of the other distributor. By transmitting the object information and the second additional information to the content distribution server 100, the object can be brought into the distribution. In this way, it is possible to make it easier for a plurality of distributors to make their own prepared objects appear. In addition, based on the second additional information, it is possible to restrict the use or display of an object that is not preferably used for distribution.

  The description of the embodiment is completed above, but the above embodiment is merely an example. Therefore, the specific configuration of the content distribution system 1, the content of the processing, and the like are not limited to those described in the above embodiment. Hereinafter, modified examples of the above embodiment will be described.

(Modification)
In the content distribution system 1 according to the above-described embodiment, the distributor terminal 200 and the viewer terminal 300 have different configurations so that they can be distinguished from each other. However, a configuration in which the components of these devices are combined and the devices function as the distributor terminal 200 and the viewer terminal 300 may be adopted.

  In the example shown in FIG. 10, the use or display of a virtual character or an object that is not preferably used for distribution is restricted based on the condition information. However, whether or not to restrict may be determined not by the condition information but by the decision of the distributor. For example, the instruction receiving unit 145 of the content distribution server 100 receives an instruction for permitting or denying display or use from the distributor terminal 200, and preferentially applies the instruction in determining whether to restrict use or display. Is also good.

  The setting of the restrictions on the use or display of the virtual character or the object (the target of restriction and the method of restriction) may be performed at an arbitrary timing. For example, these settings may be dynamically changed in the middle of a distribution program, or may be set before distribution. In addition, the setting of the restrictions on the display (the restriction target and the restriction method) may be set for each individual user. For example, if there is a child near the viewer who is watching the distribution, the viewer can set a limit on the display of age-restricted virtual characters and the like. The viewer can make such a setting based on the consistency between the attribute information and the character information. However, usually, any device of the content distribution system 1, not the user, automatically determines whether or not the virtual character or object is a restriction target, and the restriction is applied uniformly according to the determination result.

  In the content distribution system 1 according to the above embodiment, the video generation unit 142 of the content distribution server 100 generates a video in a virtual space in which the motion of the distributor is synthesized as the motion of the virtual character. However, the content distribution server 100 may be configured not to include the video generation unit 142.

  For example, the distributor terminal 200 executes such video generation, transmits the video data to the content distribution server 100, and distributes live content based on the video data acquired from the distributor terminal 200 by the content distribution server 100. Is also good. Further, substantially the same processing as the processing performed by the video generation unit 142 may be executed by the cooperation of the content distribution server 100 and the distributor terminal 200. According to such a configuration, the processing load on the content distribution server 100 can be reduced as compared with the case where the content distribution server 100 generates a video in a virtual space.

  In the case where the distributor terminal 200 performs distribution in a configuration in which video generation is performed, a terminal of a participant participating in distribution (for example, a distributor terminal 200 used by a distributor or a viewer terminal used by a viewer participating in distribution) 300) acquires the motion information and character information of the participant, generates a video reflecting the motion of the participant on the virtual character, and transmits it to the content distribution server 100. The content distribution server 100 transmits the video data to the distributor terminal 200 used by the distribution distributor of the participating destination. The distributor terminal 200 used by the distributor acquires motion information and character information of the distributor as the distributor, generates a video in the virtual space, and generates video data of the participant obtained from the content distribution server 100. To compose both images.

  As a result, video data in which the participant and the distributor are shown together is generated. The distributor terminal 200 of the distributor transmits the synthesized video data to the content distribution server 100, and the content distribution server distributes live content based on the video data.

  In addition, the terminal of the participant transmits the character information, motion information, additional information, and the like of the participant to the content distribution server 100 without generating the video, and the content distribution server 100 transmits the information. The video is transmitted to the distributor terminal 200 used by the distributor, and the distributor terminal 200 generates a video by reflecting both the motion information of the participant and the motion information of the distributor in one virtual space. Is also good. Thereby, video data in which the participant and the distributor are shown together is generated, and the content distribution server can distribute live content based on the video data.

  Note that even when the distributor terminal 200 performs video generation, the distributor terminal 200 also transmits the first additional information and the second additional information when transmitting the generated video data. The distribution server 100 can identify the additional information and restrict the display or use of the virtual character or object.

  As described above, the content distribution server 100 does not necessarily need to include the video generation unit 142 that generates a video in the virtual space by itself, and uses the motion of the distributor (or the participant) as the motion of the virtual character. What is necessary is just to acquire a video in the synthesized virtual space and distribute live content corresponding to the video.

  The content distribution server 100 need not distribute the video data itself as live content. For example, the distribution unit 143 of the content distribution server 100 may distribute live content for synthesizing a video in a virtual space using information of a distributor as information of a virtual character. In this case, information necessary for the composition is distributed, and the viewer terminal 300, the distributor terminal 200, and the like that have received the information compose (render) the video based on the first additional information and the second additional information, respectively. Then, a process for displaying the video is executed.

  When the content distribution server 100 distributes video data as live content, different live content may be distributed depending on the distribution destination based on the release restriction setting. In this case, the viewer terminal 300, the distributor terminal 200, and the like that have received it only display the video based on the received data. That is, in this case, the content distribution server 100 executes a process of restricting the display of a virtual character or the like based on the first additional information and the second additional information at the time of distribution. However, when the content distribution server 100 distributes live content for synthesizing a video, the viewer terminal 300, the distributor terminal 200, and the like that have received the live content execute synthesis processing based on the received data. That is, in this case, the content distribution server 100 only distributes the same live content, and restricts the display of a virtual character or the like on the terminal that has received the live content based on the first additional information or the second additional information. Is performed.

  In addition, the content distribution system 1 according to the present disclosure may realize its function by, for example, a computer executing a program, instead of the above-described device. A program for realizing the function of the content distribution system 1 is a computer such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, a CD-ROM (Compact Disc-Read Only Memory), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), and an HDD (Hard Disc Drive). The program may be stored in a readable recording medium or downloaded to a computer via a network.

  As described above, the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been described, but the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments, and the present disclosure includes the inventions described in the claims and equivalents thereof. It is. In addition, the configurations of the devices described in the above embodiment and modified examples can be appropriately combined as long as no technical inconsistency occurs.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Content distribution system, 100 ... Content distribution server, 200 ... Distributor terminal, 300 ... Viewer terminal, 400 ... Virtual character provision server, 120, 230, 330, 420 ... Storage part, 130,430 ... Clock part, 140 , 280, 360, 440: control unit, 141: information acquisition unit, 142: video generation unit, 143: distribution unit, 144: restriction unit, 145: instruction reception unit, 220, 320: operation unit, 110, 210, 310 , 410: communication unit, 240, 340: display unit, 281, 361, 481: content acquisition unit, 282, 362, 482: display control unit, 283, 363, 483: audio output control unit, 284, 364: preference criteria Information transmission unit, 285 ... Character information transmission unit, 286 ... Input information transmission unit

Claims (10)

An information acquisition unit that acquires character information indicating a virtual character used by a distributor in the virtual space and first additional information added to the character information;
Based on the character information and the first additional information acquired by the information acquiring unit, live content for synthesizing a video in the virtual space in which the motion of the distributor is the motion of the virtual character is distributed. Distribution department,
A content distribution server comprising: A storage unit for storing condition information set as a condition to be restricted,
When the first additional information acquired by the information acquisition unit satisfies a condition indicated by the condition information stored in the storage unit, the information processing apparatus further includes a restriction unit that restricts display or use of the virtual character.
The content distribution server according to claim 1, wherein: The restricting unit, on the distributor terminal used by the distributor, displays the virtual character, and on the viewer terminal for viewing the distribution, executes the restriction of the display of the virtual character,
The content distribution server according to claim 2, wherein: The condition information includes information set based on one or more of public order and moral criteria, and preference criteria of the distributor or a viewer who views the distribution,
The content distribution server according to claim 2 or 3, wherein: The preference criteria include criteria for prohibiting or restricting a plurality of distributors from using the same virtual character in the virtual space,
The content distribution server according to claim 4, wherein: The restricting unit, when restricting the display of the virtual character, executes a changing process of changing the virtual character.
The content distribution server according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein: The information acquisition unit further acquires object information indicating an object used by the distributor in the virtual space and second additional information added to the object information,
The restricting unit restricts display or use of the object when the second additional information acquired by the information acquiring unit satisfies a condition indicated by the condition information stored in the storage unit.
The content distribution server according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein: A content distribution server that distributes live content based on a video in a virtual space in which the motion of the distributor is synthesized as the motion of the virtual character,
A virtual character providing server that provides character information indicating the virtual character and first additional information added to the character information;
A content distribution system comprising:
The content distribution server synthesizes a video in the virtual space in which the motion of the distributor is the motion of the virtual character based on the character information and the first additional information acquired from the virtual character providing server. Delivering the live content for
A content distribution system, characterized in that: An information acquisition step of acquiring character information indicating a virtual character used by the distributor in the virtual space and first additional information added to the character information;
Based on the character information and the first additional information obtained in the information obtaining step, live content for synthesizing a video in the virtual space in which the motion of the distributor is the motion of the virtual character is distributed. A distribution step;
A content distribution method comprising: Computer
Information acquisition means for acquiring character information indicating a virtual character used by a distributor in a virtual space and first additional information added to the character information;
Based on the character information and the first additional information acquired by the information acquiring means, live content for synthesizing a video in the virtual space in which the motion of the distributor is the motion of the virtual character is distributed. Delivery means,
A program to function as