JP2022156250A - Content providing system, server device and program - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a content providing system or the like that enables a user to effectively spend a waiting period until the start of provision of content desired by the user.SOLUTION: A main content is determined based on desired conditions, and the main content is provided to a user. A content for waiting is extracted from a plurality of contents stored in a storage unit based on the desired conditions. During a waiting period after setting the desired conditions and before the start timing of providing the main content, the content for waiting is controlled so that it can be provided to the user.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

The present invention relates to a content providing system, a server device and a program.

Conventionally, there exists a game system that matches users to play a game. Among such game systems, there is a game system in which image information of a third party's past matches can be viewed during the waiting period until match matching is established (see Patent Document 1).

In addition, there is a game system that waits for matching to be established based on matching conditions set by the user while playing another game, and when the matching is established, shifts to the game screen of the matched game (see Patent Document 2). .

JP-A-2002-186787 JP 2009-213737 A

However, the prior art did not reflect the user's intentions regarding how to spend the waiting time for matching. Therefore, the information seen during the waiting period was not necessarily effective for play after matching was established. That is, in the conventional technology, it was not possible for the user to make effective use of the waiting period until the content such as the game desired by the user is started.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the problems described above, and its object is to allow users to effectively spend the waiting period until the start of provision of content desired by the user. To provide a content providing system or the like capable of

(1) The present invention is
A content providing system for providing content to users,
a storage unit that stores a plurality of contents;
a setting unit for setting desired conditions, which are conditions related to the content desired to be provided, and main content;
a main content control unit that provides the main content to the user;
A standby content is extracted from a plurality of contents stored in the storage unit based on the desired condition, and the standby is performed during a standby period after the desired condition is set and before the start timing of providing the main content. a standby content control unit that controls so that content for standby can be provided to the user;
It relates to a content providing system characterized by comprising:

The present invention also relates to a server device including the above units. The present invention also relates to a terminal device (game device) including the above units. The present invention also relates to a program that causes a computer to function as the above units. The present invention also relates to a computer-readable information storage medium that stores a program that causes the computer to function as each of the above sections.

According to the present invention, the standby content extracted based on the desired conditions is controlled to be provided to the user during the standby period. It will be possible to have people spend their time effectively. Note that the “contents” include moving images (programs, live performances, game commentary moving images, etc.), games, and the like.

(2) In addition, the present invention is
A content providing system for providing content to users,
a storage unit that stores a plurality of contents;
a setting unit for setting, for each user, a desired condition, which is a condition regarding the content desired to be provided, and the main content;
a main content control unit that provides the main content to the user;
A standby content is extracted from a plurality of contents stored in the storage unit based on the desired condition, and the standby is performed during a standby period after the desired condition is set and before the start timing of providing the main content. a standby content control unit that controls so that content for standby can be provided to the user;
a matching control unit that extracts a plurality of users to whom the same main content is to be provided and associates the plurality of users;
including
The main content control unit
The present invention relates to a content providing system that provides the main content to the plurality of users associated by the matching control unit.

The present invention also relates to a server device including the above units. The present invention also relates to a terminal device (game device) including the above units. The present invention also relates to a program that causes a computer to function as the above units. The present invention also relates to a computer-readable information storage medium that stores a program that causes the computer to function as each of the above sections.

According to the present invention, the standby content extracted based on the desired conditions is controlled to be provided to the user during the standby period. It will be possible to have people spend their time effectively.

(3) In addition, the present invention is
A content providing system for providing content to users,
a storage unit that stores a plurality of contents;
a setting unit for setting, for each user, a desired condition, which is a condition regarding the content desired to be provided, and the main content;
a main content control unit that provides the main content to the user;
A standby content is extracted from a plurality of contents stored in the storage unit based on the desired condition, and the standby is performed during a standby period after the desired condition is set and before the start timing of providing the main content. a standby content control unit that controls so that content for standby can be provided to the user;
A matching control unit that extracts other users to be associated with the user based on the desired conditions of the user and associates the user with the other users;
including
The main content control unit
The present invention relates to a content providing system that provides the main content to at least one of a plurality of users associated by the matching control unit.

The present invention also relates to a server device including the above units. The present invention also relates to a terminal device (game device) including the above units. The present invention also relates to a program that causes a computer to function as the above units. The present invention also relates to a computer-readable information storage medium that stores a program that causes the computer to function as each of the above sections.

According to the present invention, the standby content extracted based on the desired conditions is controlled to be provided to the user during the standby period. It will be possible to have people spend their time effectively.

(4) In addition, in the content providing system, server device, terminal device, program and information storage medium according to the present invention,
The main content control unit
determine a given game as the main content,
The matching control unit
A plurality of users to whom the same game is to be provided may be extracted based on the desired conditions of each user, and the plurality of users may be associated with each other.

According to the present invention, it is possible for the users to effectively spend the waiting period until the game is started after the matching of a plurality of users of the game is performed.

(5) In addition, in the content providing system, server device, terminal device, program and information storage medium according to the present invention,
The setting unit
At least one of the desired condition and the main content may be set based on user input information.

According to the present invention, at least one of the desired condition and the main content can be set at the user's will, so that the user can spend the waiting period more satisfactorily.

(6) In addition, in the content providing system, server device, terminal device, program and information storage medium according to the present invention,
The setting unit
The desired conditions including conditions related to other users may be set.

According to the present invention, desired conditions can be set in consideration of, for example, who the user wants to play the game with, who the user wants to watch the video with, whose video the user wants to watch, and the like. It is possible to provide main contents and standby contents suitable for the wishes of the user.

(7) In addition, in the content providing system, server device, terminal device, program and information storage medium according to the present invention,
The setting unit
The desired conditions including conditions regarding contents may be set.

According to the present invention, desired conditions can be set in consideration of, for example, what kind of game the user wants to play, what kind of program he or she wants to watch, etc., and the main content and standby mode suitable for the user's wishes can be set. can provide content for

(8) In addition, in the content providing system, server device, terminal device, program and information storage medium according to the present invention,
The standby content control unit
Based on the length of the waiting period, control may be performed so that the waiting content can be provided to the user.

According to the present invention, it is possible to minimize idle time for the user during the waiting period.

(9) In addition, in the content providing system, server device, terminal device, program and information storage medium according to the present invention,
The apparatus may further include a privilege granting unit that grants a privilege to the user based on the viewing status of the standby content.

According to the present invention, the viewing status of the standby content affects the privilege of the user, so that the viewing of the standby content can be enjoyed more.

(10) In addition, in the content providing system, server device, terminal device, program and information storage medium according to the present invention,
The privilege granting unit
The privilege may be an item that the user can use in the main content.

According to the present invention, the viewing status of the standby content affects the items that can be used in the main content, so that the viewing of the standby content can be enjoyed more.

(11) In addition, in the content providing system, server device, terminal device, program and information storage medium according to the present invention,
The privilege granting unit
The state of involvement of the user in the standby content may be used as the viewing state of the standby content.

According to the present invention, the state of participation in the standby content affects the benefits of the user, so that the viewing of the standby content can be enjoyed more.

(12) In addition, in the content providing system, server device, terminal device, program and information storage medium according to the present invention,
The display device may further include a presentation unit that presents to the user a list of standby contents that can be provided to the user.

According to the present invention, since a list of standby contents that can be provided to the user is presented, the user can easily check the list of standby contents.

(13) In addition, in the content providing system, server device, terminal device, program and information storage medium according to the present invention,
The standby content control unit
The priority of the standby content may be determined based on the contents of the standby content, and the standby content may be provided to the user according to the priority.

According to the present invention, the priority of the standby content is determined, and control is performed so that the standby content can be provided to the user according to the priority, so that the standby content can be provided more appropriately. be able to.

The figure which shows an example of a structure of the content provision system of this embodiment. The figure which shows the functional block of the server apparatus of this embodiment. The figure which shows the functional block of the terminal device of this embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the screen displayed on the terminal device of this embodiment. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram regarding a standby period according to the embodiment; The figure which shows an example of the screen displayed on the terminal device of this embodiment. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing according to the embodiment; The figure which shows an example of a structure of the content provision system of this embodiment.

The present embodiment will be described below. It should be noted that the embodiments described below do not unduly limit the content of the present invention described in the claims. Moreover, not all the configurations described in the present embodiment are essential constituent elements of the present invention.

[1] Contents Providing System First, an outline and a schematic configuration of a contents providing system according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Note that FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the system configuration showing the configuration of the content providing system of this embodiment.

In this embodiment, it is an information processing device capable of providing a given service using a terminal device (game device) 20 communicatively connected via the Internet (an example of a network).

The terminal device 20 is an information processing device such as an image generation device such as a terminal device, a smart phone, a mobile phone, a PHS, a computer, a terminal device, a PDA, a portable game machine, etc., and is connected via a network such as the Internet (WAN) or LAN. It is a device that can be connected to the server device 10 via the server device 10 .

[1.1] Contents Providing System Composed of Client-Server Model As shown in FIG. 1, the contents providing system of this embodiment includes a server device 10 and terminal devices 20 (for example, terminal devices 20A, 20B, and 20C). may be configured to be connectable to the Internet (an example of a network).

By accessing the server device 10 from the terminal device 20, the user can play the game based on the information transmitted from the server device 10 via the Internet.

In this embodiment, each game may be provided to the terminal device 20 by one server device 10, or a server system may be constructed by interlocking a plurality of server devices 10, and each game may be provided to the terminal device 20. good too.

Note that the server device 10 alone may perform various processes related to the present invention, or the terminal device 20 alone may perform various processes related to the present invention.

[1.2] Terminal device In this embodiment, a single terminal device having the functions of the server device 10, that is, a device (standalone) that operates independently without depending on other devices such as a server device may be realized.

Further, in the present embodiment, the present invention may be realized only by the terminal device 20 without being connected to the server device 10 . For example, it may be a content providing system implemented by a plurality of terminal devices 20 through P2P (peer-to-peer) communication.

A plurality of such terminal devices may be connected by wire or wirelessly, one terminal device may function as a host (server device 10), and may be implemented by a plurality of terminal devices.

The terminal device is not limited to a terminal device, and may be a tablet information terminal device, a personal computer, or a terminal device (housing) installed in an amusement park.

[1.3] Cloud-type content providing system Further, the content providing system of the present embodiment may be a cloud-type content providing system. For example, in a cloud-type content providing system, only the server device 10 (cloud device) performs basic processing (including game processing, drawing processing, etc.), and the terminal device 20 side performs the processing of the server device 10 (cloud device). Controls display of results only. Further, the terminal device 20 only transmits information such as input information of the controller to the server device 10 . In such a case, the terminal device 20 may transmit information other than the input information.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, except for input, the server device 10 executes each function of the processing unit 200 of the terminal device 20 and the execution of the game program, and the terminal device 20 executes image display by input and streaming. By doing so, the above game may be realized.

Also, the content providing system may store information stored in the server device 10 and information stored in the terminal device 20 in a given storage area on the Internet.

[1.4] Terminal Device Equipped with Plurality of Controllers In the present embodiment, one terminal device 20 may be provided with a plurality of controllers (input unit 260). In addition, when a plurality of users play a game using the controller of each user of one terminal device 20, it is assumed that the plurality of users are realistically close to each other.

[1.5] Example of social game Further, in the present embodiment, it may function as an SNS server that provides communication-type services. Here, the SNS server may be an information processing device that provides a service capable of providing communication among a plurality of users.

Further, in the present embodiment, for example, when functioning as an SNS server, it is called a social game that is executed using the operating environment (API (application programming interface), platform, etc.) of the provided SNS. We are able to provide games.

Note that social games include games that, unlike existing online games, do not require dedicated client software and can be used only with a web browser and an SNS account. In addition, the present embodiment has a configuration capable of providing an online game in which the terminal devices 20 of other users can be connected via a network and the same game progress can be shared online at the same time.

[1.6] Examples of browser games In particular, in the present embodiment, games provided on the web browser of the terminal device 20, such as HTML, FLASH (registered trademark), CGI, PHP, shockwave, and Java (registered trademark) applets , JavaScript (registered trademark), etc. (a game that is started by simply opening an installation site with a web browser) may be provided.

In addition, the terminal device 20 includes a web browser capable of browsing web pages (HTML format data). That is, the terminal device 20 performs display control using a communication control function for communicating with the server device 10 and data received from the server device 10 (Web data, data created in HTML format, etc.). , a web browser function for transmitting user operation data to the server device 10, etc., performs various processes for providing a game screen to the user, and allows the user to execute the game. However, the terminal device 20 may acquire game control information provided from the server device 10, execute predetermined game processing, and execute a game based on the game processing.

Specifically, when the terminal device 20 makes a request to the server device 10 to play a predetermined game, the terminal device 20 is connected to the game site of the server device 10 and the game is started. In particular, the terminal device 20 causes the server device 10 functioning as an SNS server to perform predetermined processing by using an API as necessary, or collects user information managed by the server device 10 functioning as an SNS server. may be acquired to execute the game.

[1.7] Others This embodiment may be configured with one (device, processor), or may be configured with a plurality of (devices, processors). Information (for example, user information, game information, etc.) stored in a storage area (storage unit 170 described later) of the server device 10 is stored in a database (storage device in a broad sense) connected via a network (intranet or Internet). , memory). A communication line between the terminal device 20 and the server device 10 may be wired or wireless.

[2] Server Device Next, the server device 10 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing functional blocks of the server device 10 of this embodiment. Further, in this embodiment of the present embodiment, a configuration in which some of the constituent elements (each part) of FIG. 2 are omitted may be employed.

In this embodiment, an input unit 160 for use by an administrator or other inputs, an information storage medium 180 storing predetermined information, a communication unit 196 for communicating with the terminal device 20 and others, It includes a processing unit 100 that executes processing, and a storage unit 170 that stores various data mainly used for games.

The input unit 160 is used by a system administrator or the like to input game-related settings and other necessary settings and data. For example, the input unit 160 of this embodiment is configured by a mouse, keyboard, or the like.

The information storage medium 180 (computer-readable medium) stores programs and data, and its functions include optical discs (CD, DVD), magneto-optical discs (MO), magnetic discs, hard disks, and magnetic tapes. , or a memory (ROM) or the like.

The communication unit 196 performs various controls for communicating with the outside (for example, terminals, other servers, and other network systems), and its function is implemented by hardware such as various processors or communication ASICs. It consists of software, programs, etc.

The storage unit 170 serves as a work area for the processing unit 100, the communication unit 196, and the like, and its function is configured by a RAM (VRAM) or the like. Information stored in the storage unit 170 may be managed by a database.

In addition to the main storage unit 171, the storage unit 170 of the present embodiment includes an image buffer 172, a game data storage unit 174 in which game information indicating information about the game is stored, and a user information storage unit (player information storage). part) 176.

In particular, the game data storage unit 174 stores information on the game space (game field) in which the game is played, information on the virtual camera, setting values used in the game, and the like.

The user information storage unit 176 also stores user information (user information) in association with the user ID for each user (each user). A user ID is user identification information for identifying a user. For example, in this embodiment, a plurality of growth factors may be stored in the user information storage unit 176 in association with the user ID.

Note that the user information may be a concept including not only user information associated with the user, but also user character information and the like. For example, in this embodiment, a plurality of growth factors may be stored in the user information storage unit 176 in association with the user's character ID.

Also, the content data storage unit 178 stores a plurality of contents (content data). For example, the content data storage unit 178 stores standby content. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the main content is a moving image distributed live or a game played by the user in real time. , may store the main content.

The processing unit 100 performs various processes using the main storage unit 171 in the storage unit 170 as a work area. The functions of the processing unit 100 can be realized by hardware such as various processors (CPU, DSP, etc.), ASIC (gate array, etc.), and programs.

The processing unit 100 performs various processes of this embodiment based on programs (data) stored in the information storage medium 180 . That is, the information storage medium 180 stores a program for causing the computer to function as each part of the present embodiment (a program for causing the computer to execute the processing of each part).

For example, the processing unit 100 (processor) controls the entire server device 10 based on a program stored in the information storage medium 180, and performs various processes such as control of data transfer between units. . Further, processing for providing various services according to requests from the terminal device 20 is performed.

In this embodiment, the server device 10 may perform some or all of the processing of the processing unit 100 , and the terminal device 20 may perform some of the processing of the processing unit 100 .

The processing unit 100 includes a setting unit 110, a main content control unit 111a, a standby content control unit 111b, a matching control unit 113, a game processing unit 114, a privilege provision unit 115, a presentation unit 116, a reception unit 119, a communication control unit 120, A web processing unit 121 , a management unit 122 , a notification unit 123 , an image generation unit 130 and a sound processing unit 140 are included.

The setting unit 110 sets a desired condition, which is a condition related to content desired to be provided (provided content), and main content. For example, the setting unit 110 may set, for each user, a desired condition, which is a condition regarding the content desired to be provided, and the main content.

Also, the setting unit 110 may set at least one of the desired condition and the main content based on the user's input information. Also, the setting unit 110 may set at least one of the desired condition and the main content based on CPU control (computer control).

Also, the setting unit 110 may set conditions related to other users (for example, other users of content to be provided) as desired conditions.

Also, the setting unit 110 may set a condition related to the content (for example, the content of the content to be provided) as the desired condition.

The content control unit 111 provides content to the user. The content control unit 111 distributes the content to the terminal devices 20 of one or more viewers.

For example, if the content is a live video in which the action of a distributor or a subject is photographed, the content control unit 111 transmits image data and recorded audio data captured by the terminal device 20 of the distributor from the terminal device 20. The data are sequentially received and sequentially transmitted to the terminal device 20 of the viewer as distribution data.

When the content is a live video of a character operated by the distributor, the content control unit 111 controls the image generated by the distributor's terminal device 20 (according to the distributor's operation or synchronized with the distributor's motion). An image seen from a virtual camera in a virtual space in which a character acting as a character is placed) and recorded voice data are sequentially received from the terminal device 20 and sequentially transmitted to the terminal device 20 of the viewer as distribution data. do.

When the content is a live video of a game played by the distributor (user), the content control unit 111 controls the game image and game sound generated by the game server based on the operation data from the terminal device 20 of the distributor. data from the game server (or generate game image and game sound data based on the operation data from the terminal device 20 of the distributor) and sequentially transmit it as distribution data to the terminal device 20 of the viewer. .

Note that the content control unit 111 may distribute distribution data to the terminal device 20 of the viewer via a video distribution server instead of directly distributing the distribution data to the terminal device 20 of the viewer.

The content control unit 111 of this embodiment includes a main content control unit 111a and a standby content control unit 111b.

The main content control unit 111a determines main content based on desired conditions, and provides the main content to the user.

For example, the main content control unit 111a provides main content (for example, the same main content) to multiple users associated by the matching control unit 113 .

Also, the main content control unit 111a may provide the main content to at least one of the plurality of users associated by the matching control unit 113. FIG. For example, the main content control unit 111a may provide main content to viewers among a plurality of users whose viewers and distributors are associated by the matching control unit 113 . Further, when a plurality of viewers are associated by the matching control section 113, the main content control section 111a may provide the main content to some viewers among the plurality of users. .

Also, the main content control unit 111a may determine a given game as the main content.

For example, the main content control unit 111a synchronizes the start times of games (for example, battle royal games and battle games) for a plurality of users associated by the matching control unit 113, ) to provide the game.

The standby content control unit 111b extracts standby content from a plurality of contents stored in the storage unit 170 (content data storage unit 178) based on desired conditions.

In addition, the standby content control unit 111b performs control so that the standby content can be provided to the user in the standby period after setting the desired condition and before the start timing of providing the main content. For example, the waiting period can be a period from a first timing after setting the desired condition to a second timing before the start timing of providing the main content.

For example, the standby content control unit 111b may perform control so that the standby content can be provided to the user based on the length of the standby period.

Also, the standby content control unit 111b determines the priority of the standby content based on the content of the standby content, and performs control so that the standby content can be provided to the user according to the priority. may

The matching control unit 113 extracts a plurality of users (user IDs) managed by the server device 10 and associates (matches) the plurality of users (user IDs).

For example, the matching control unit 113 may extract a plurality of users to whom the same main content is to be provided, and associate the plurality of users.

For example, the matching control unit 113 may extract a predetermined number (for example, 100) of users who watch the same video together, and associate the extracted users with each other.

For example, the matching control unit 113 may extract a predetermined number (eg, 100 users) of users who play the same game (eg, battle royale game) and associate the extracted users. .

Further, the matching control unit 113 may extract other users to be associated with the user based on the desired conditions of the user, and associate the user with the other users.

For example, the matching control unit 113 may extract a video distributor (provider) associated with the user based on the user's desired conditions, and associate the user with the distributor.

Further, for example, the matching control unit 113 extracts other users who are opponents of the user based on the user's desired conditions for the same game (for example, a battle game), and becomes opponents with the user. You may make it correspond with the said other user.

In other words, based on the desired conditions of each user, the matching control unit 113 extracts a plurality of users who meet the desired conditions (for example, extracts a plurality of users of the same level), A plurality of users may be associated with each other.

The game processing unit 114 executes game processing based on user input information (operation information). For example, the game processing unit 114 may receive input information (operation information) of the user from the terminal device 20 of the user and perform game processing.

The privilege granting unit 115 grants a privilege to the user. For example, the privilege granting unit 115 may grant a privilege to the user based on the viewing status of the standby content.

Also, the privilege granting unit 115 may give a privilege to an item that the user can use in the main content. Also, the privilege granting unit 115 may set the user's participation status in the standby content as the viewing status of the standby content.

The presentation unit 116 controls the terminal device 20 to present (display) given information. The presentation unit 116 may perform transmission control so that the game screen is presented (displayed) on the terminal device 20 . That is, the presentation unit 116 generates display control information such as a game screen, and controls the generated display control information to be displayed on the terminal device 20 of the user.

The presentation unit 116 performs control for presenting (displaying) a video of the user's game play and a game image (game screen) on the display unit 290 of the terminal device 20 of the user.

The presentation unit 116 of the present embodiment may present to the user a list of standby contents that can be provided to the user.

The receiving unit 119 receives user input. Further, the receiving unit 119 may receive a touch input on the touch panel as a user input. The accepting unit 119 receives and accepts input contents (touch position, timing, etc.) from the terminal device 20 .

Further, the receiving unit 119 may receive user input and instructions through data transmission/reception by the communication control unit 120 .

The receiving unit 119 may also receive information (such as posted information) from the terminal device 20 of the user who is the viewer.

The receiving unit 119 performs processing for receiving posting of posted information for content or a performer (distributor, subject) based on the operation of the terminal device 20 by the viewer. Posted information is, for example, a virtual currency (contribution) owned by a viewer, an item (such as a stamp), a comment input by a viewer, and the like.

The accepting unit 119 may accept posting of posted information when a viewer consumes a consideration (virtual currency or the like) owned by the viewer. Further, when the content to be distributed is a live video of a character operated by a performer (distributor or subject), the receiving unit 119 receives an operation by the viewer on the character selected by the viewer (posted information on the character). , operations such as touching the character) may be accepted.

The communication control unit 120 establishes a connection (session or connection) with the terminal device 20 and performs processing for communicating (transmitting and receiving) data via the network.

The web processing unit 121 functions as a web server. For example, the web processing unit 121 transmits data in response to a request from a web browser installed in the terminal device 20 through a communication protocol such as HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol), and performs Perform processing to receive data to be sent.

The management unit 122 manages game information and user information associated with user identification information for each user.

In addition, the management unit 122 may manage information such as account information of distributors and viewers, parameters of distributors and viewers, in-game currency and items that can be used by distributors and viewers.

Also, the notification unit 123 notifies the user of given information. Note that "notifying" information means notifying (providing, presenting, displaying) information to a user (user's terminal device 20).

Note that "notification" means that the server device 10 sends to the user's terminal device 20 an e-mail (may be a mail magazine or the like) sent and received by SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol), and is not limited to SMTP. , sending by a given protocol, giving a push notification, presenting (displaying) a predetermined screen (banner display screen, notification screen, pop-up screen, etc.) of a predetermined application, web processing unit 121 of the server device 10 is at least one of , and is notified by a web page, and indicates that the server device 10 actively transmits to the terminal device 20 of the user. In this embodiment, transmitting information to the requested terminal device 20 in response to a request from the terminal device 20 of the user may be one mode of "notification". A push notification is to display a message window in a partial area (such as the upper end) of the screen of a terminal (smartphone). Note that the “notification” includes audio notification obtained by voicing a displayed message or the like. "Notification" also includes notification by vibration.

The image generation unit 130 is realized by, for example, a processor such as a GPU or a digital signal processor (DSP), a video signal IC, a program such as a video codec, a drawing frame IC memory such as a frame buffer, or the like. The image generation unit 130 generates one game screen image in one frame time (for example, 1/60 second) according to the progress of the game. The generated image is transmitted to the terminal device 20 .

The image generation unit 130 performs drawing processing based on the results of various processes performed by the processing unit 100 , thereby generating a game image and outputting it to the image buffer 172 or transmitting it to the terminal device 20 . The image generator 130 may generate an image (a so-called three-dimensional image) viewed from a virtual camera (given viewpoint) in the object space (game space).

For example, when generating a three-dimensional game image, the image generator 130 first performs geometry processing such as coordinate transformation (world coordinate transformation, camera coordinate transformation), clipping processing, or perspective transformation. , drawing data (positional coordinates of vertices of primitive surfaces, texture coordinates, color data, normal vectors, α values, etc.) is created. Based on this rendering data (primitive surface data), the object (one or more primitive surfaces) after perspective transformation (after geometry processing) is stored in an image buffer 172 (frame buffer, work buffer, etc.) in units of pixels. Draw to a buffer (VRAM) that can be used. This produces an image seen from a virtual camera (given viewpoint) in object space.

The sound processing unit 140 performs sound processing based on the results of various processes performed by the processing unit 100 , generates game sounds such as BGM, sound effects, or voices, and transmits the generated game sounds to the terminal device 20 .

Note that the processing unit 100 works in conjunction with the terminal device 20 and executes game processing of the game provided in the present embodiment for each user based on the user's input via the terminal device 20 .

Further, the processing unit 100 has a timer function, and may be used to synchronize with each terminal device 20 in order to manage the progress of the game. In particular, the current time or preset time may be output to each unit.

Note that in the present embodiment, a server device that provides main content and a server device that provides standby content may be provided separately. In such a case, the server device that provides the main content and the server device that provides the standby content exchange information with each other via the network.

[3] Terminal Device Next, the terminal device 20 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Note that FIG. 3 is an example of a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the terminal device 20 in this embodiment. Also, the terminal device 20 of the present embodiment may have a configuration in which some of the constituent elements (each unit) in FIG. 3 are omitted.

The input unit 260 is used by the user to input operation data, and its function can be realized by a touch panel, a touch panel type display, or the like. That is, the input unit 260 includes a detection unit 262 capable of detecting two-dimensional pointing position coordinates (x, y) on the screen on which the image is displayed. For example, the input unit 260 includes a detection unit 262 capable of detecting two-dimensional contact position coordinates (x, y) in a contact detection area (touch panel).

The touch operation on the display screen (hereinafter referred to as “touch panel” except in special cases) may be performed using a fingertip, or may be performed using an input device such as a touch pen. .

The input unit 260 may also include buttons, levers, keyboards, steering wheels, microphones, acceleration sensors, etc. that can input input information (operation signals) other than pointing positions.

The storage unit 270 serves as a work area for the processing unit 200 and the communication unit 296, and its function can be realized by RAM (VRAM) or the like. The storage unit 270 of this embodiment includes a main storage unit 271 used as a work area, an image buffer 272 for storing final display images and the like, a game data storage unit 274, and a user information storage unit 276. include. It should be noted that some of these may be omitted, or the storage unit 170 of the server device 10 may constitute a part of them.

Image data generated by the image generation unit 230 or image data received from the server device 10 may be stored in the image buffer 272 .

The game data storage unit 274 stores information on the game space (game field) in which the game is played, information on each character, information on the virtual camera, other set values used in the game, and the like. Note that the terminal device 20 may store the information received from the server device 10 in the game data storage unit 274 .

The user information storage unit 276 stores user information. The terminal device 20 may receive user information corresponding to the user ID from the server device 10 and store it in the user information storage section 276 .

In addition, content is stored in the content data storage unit 278 . Note that the terminal device 20 does not necessarily have to store the content in the content data storage unit 278 . When storing content in the content data storage unit 278 , the terminal device 20 receives content (main content or standby content) corresponding to the user ID from the server device 10 and stores the content in the content data storage unit 278 . You may make it

The information storage medium 280 (computer-readable medium) stores programs and data, and its functions include optical discs (CD, DVD), magneto-optical discs (MO), magnetic discs, hard disks, and magnetic tapes. , or a memory (ROM) or the like.

Further, the information storage medium 280 can store a program for causing a computer to function as each part of the present embodiment (a program for causing the computer to execute the processing of each part). Note that the processing unit 200 performs various processes of the present embodiment based on programs (data) stored in the information storage medium 280, as will be described later.

The display unit 290 outputs an image generated according to this embodiment, and its function can be realized by a CRT, LCD, touch panel display, HMD (head mounted display), or the like.

In particular, in this embodiment, the display unit 290 also functions as an input unit 260 through which the user performs game operations by using a touch panel display. As the touch panel, for example, touch panels of resistive film type (4-wire type, 5-wire type), capacitance type, electromagnetic induction type, ultrasonic surface acoustic wave type, infrared scanning type, etc. can be used.

The sound output unit 292 outputs the sound generated by this embodiment, and its function can be realized by a speaker, headphones, or the like.

The communication unit 296 performs various controls for communicating with the outside (for example, the server device 10 and other terminal devices 20), and its functions include hardware such as various processors or communication ASICs, , a program, etc.

Note that the terminal device 20 receives, via a network, programs and data for causing a computer to function as each part of the present embodiment, which are stored in the information storage medium 180 and the storage unit 170 of the server device 10, and receive the data. The programs and data obtained may be stored in the information storage medium 280 and the storage section 270 . The case where the terminal device 20 functions by receiving programs and data in this way can also be included within the scope of the present invention.

The processing unit 200 (processor) performs processing such as game processing, image generation processing, or sound generation processing in conjunction with the server device 10 based on input data and programs from the input unit 260 .

In particular, in the present embodiment, the game processing includes processing for starting the game when the game start condition is satisfied, processing for progressing the game, processing for arranging objects such as characters and enemy characters, and processing for displaying objects. , a process of calculating the game result, or a process of ending the game when the game end condition is satisfied.

In addition, the processing unit 200 performs game processing (for example, processing of a battle game, etc.) based on user input information input by the input unit 260 . Also, the processing unit 200 may be executed in conjunction with the server device 10 , or part or all of it may be formed in the server device 10 .

The processing unit 200 also performs various processes using the storage unit 270 as a work area. The functions of the processing unit 200 can be realized by hardware such as various processors (CPU, DSP, etc.), ASIC (gate array, etc.), and programs.

The processing unit 200 includes a display control unit 211 , a reception unit 212 , a notification unit 213 , a communication control unit 220 , a web browser 221 , an image generation unit 230 and a sound processing unit 240 . In addition, it is good also as a structure which abbreviate|omits some of these.

The display control unit 211 performs processing for displaying the game screen on the display unit 290 . For example, the display control unit 211 may display using the web browser 221 . Also, the display control unit 211 causes the display unit 290 to display necessary information during the game based on the information transmitted from the server device 10 . For example, the terminal device 20 displays the display information of the game screen received from the server device 10 .

Further, the display control unit 211 may perform the same processing as all or part of the processing performed by the presentation unit 116 of the server device 10 .

The receiving unit 212 performs processing for receiving input from the user. For example, the receiving unit 212 may transmit input information received by the terminal device 20 to the server device 10, and the server device 10 may receive the input information. Further, the same processing as that of the reception unit 119 of the server device 10 may be performed in whole or in part.

The notification unit 213 notifies the user of given information. For example, the notification unit 213 displays information on the game screen. In addition, the notification unit 213 may perform the same processing as the notification unit 123 of the server device 10 in whole or in part.

The communication control unit 220 performs processing for transmitting and receiving data to and from the server device 10 . The communication control unit 220 also performs processing for storing data received from the server device 10 in the storage unit 270, processing for analyzing the received data, and other control processing related to transmission and reception of data.

Note that the communication control unit 220 stores destination information (network information such as IP addresses and port numbers) of the other terminal devices 20 and the server device 10 in the storage unit 270 and the information storage medium 280, and performs processing for managing them. can be Then, the communication control unit 220 may communicate with the server device 10 when input information for starting communication is received from the user.

In particular, the communication control unit 220 performs a process of transmitting user identification information and input information to the server device 10 and receiving data (user's web page, game screen, etc.) from the server device 10 .

The communication control unit 220 may perform data transmission/reception with the server device 10 at a predetermined cycle, or may perform data transmission/reception with the server device 10 when input information from the input unit 260 is received. In particular, the communication control unit 220 of the present embodiment performs processing for receiving given screen information (for example, game screen information, etc.) from the server device 10 .

The web browser 221 is an application program for viewing web pages (game screens), downloads HTML files, image files, and the like from the web server (server device 10), analyzes layouts, and controls display. The web browser 221 also transmits data to the web server (server device 10) using input forms (links, buttons, text boxes, etc.).

The web browser 221 of this embodiment can implement a browser game. For example, the web browser 221 may execute a program written in JavaScript (registered trademark), FLASH (registered trademark), Java (registered trademark), etc. received from the web server (server device 10).

The terminal device 20 can display information from a web server specified by a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) via the Internet by the web browser 221 . For example, the terminal device 20 can display a game screen (data such as HTML) received from the server device 10 using the web browser 221 .

The image generation unit 230 performs drawing processing based on various types of processing (for example, game processing) performed by the processing unit 200 to generate an image, and the display control unit 211 outputs the image to the display unit 290 . The image generated by the image generator 230 may be a so-called two-dimensional image or a so-called three-dimensional image. Note that the image generation unit 230 may perform the same processing as that of the image generation unit 130 of the server device 10 in whole or in part.

The sound processing unit 240 performs sound processing based on the results of various processes performed by the processing unit 200 , generates game sounds such as BGM, sound effects, and voices, and outputs the game sounds to the sound output unit 292 . Note that the sound processing unit 240 may perform the same processing as all or part of the processing performed by the sound processing unit 140 of the server device 10 .

When the terminal devices 20 of this embodiment play a game with a plurality of terminal devices 20 by P2P or the like, one terminal device 20 may serve as a host and execute processing. In such a case, the terminal device 20 as a host may perform processing of each processing unit (part or all of each processing unit) of the server device 10 .

[4] Overview This embodiment relates to a system that provides content to users. In this embodiment, first, desired conditions are set based on input information from the user PA. For example, based on the input information of the user PA, desired conditions such as "dog training course" and "walking" are set. Then, based on the desired conditions of "dog training course" and "walking", "dog training course (walking)" scheduled to be distributed as a live video is determined as the main content. A live video of the course (walking) will be distributed. As will be described later, there are various methods for setting desired conditions.

For example, if there is about 10 minutes until the live streaming distribution of "Dog Training Course (Walk Edition)", the user PA will have too much free time until the live streaming distribution starts.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, during the waiting time until the start of the live streaming delivery of the "dog training course (walking)", a recorded video of "walking the dog" is displayed as standby content based on desired conditions. It is controlled so that it can be viewed by the user PA.

In this way, the user PA can effectively spend the waiting period until the main content desired by the user PA starts to be provided. In addition, since it is possible to distribute a waiting video that meets the desired conditions set in advance by the user PA's input information, it is possible to provide waiting content that is suitable for the user PA. In the following description, for convenience of description, an example of mainly providing content to user PA will be described.

[5] Description of content The server device 10 of the present embodiment performs processing for providing content to users. Here, the "contents" are games (game programs) and moving images. The moving images include live moving images shot by the distributor, live moving images of characters that operate in a virtual game space according to the input of the distributor, and commentary moving images of the game being played by the distributor.

Moreover, when the content is a game, "to provide the content" means to provide the game, or to control the execution of the game processing so that the game can be played.

Also, "to provide content" means, when the content is a moving image, streaming distribution of the moving image data to the terminal device 20 of the user who is the viewer, and controls so that the user who is the viewer can view the data. is.

[5.1] Description of main content The “main content” can be video of programs such as talks, performances, live performances (LIVE), game distribution such as game commentary, and the like. For example, it may be a video in which a real person appears, or a video (play-by-game video) in which a character appears (appears).

Also, the "primary content" can be game content. For example, it may be one in which the user PA can play a game, or it may be a live video.

In other words, the “main content” may or may not be content in which the user PA can participate. For example, being able to participate means that the user PA can post, operate, or participate in the content. In addition, "participation impossible" means only viewing.

If the "main content" is a video, the video is mainly provided by live streaming distribution. In addition, the "main content" may provide the moving image by streaming distribution of the recording. In such a case, the "main content" may be the data of the moving image previously stored in the content data storage unit 178 as content.

[5.2] Description of Standby Content “Standby content” is content such as a moving image related to the desired conditions of the user PA. The "standby content" is, for example, an explanation video, a video distributed in the past, a play video in the past, or the like. "Relating to the desired condition" means, for example, relating to the main content.

Also, the "standby content" may be a game related to the desired conditions of the user PA. For example, if the main content is game-related content (game or game live video), the standby content may be a mini-game related to the main content.

[6] Setting Desired Conditions In the present embodiment, desired conditions, which are conditions related to content desired to be provided (provided content), are set. The desired condition may also be referred to as "desired information" regarding the content for which the provision of the content is desired. One or more desired conditions may be set. In this embodiment, the desired conditions may be set based on the input information of the user PA, or may be set based on CPU control (computer control).

The server device 10 sets desired conditions for each user, and stores the desired conditions of the user in the user information storage unit 176 in association with the user ID of the user.

[6.1] Conditions Regarding Details of Contents For example, the server device 10 may set desired conditions including conditions related to the details of contents based on the input information of the user PA.

"Conditions regarding content" include, for example, program name of content, genre of content (e.g., "music", "variety", "animal", "sports", "movie", etc.), keyword, length of content time (also called shaku), content evaluation, and so on.

In addition, if the content is a game, the "conditions regarding the content" include the name of the game that the user PA wants to play with other users, the genre of the game (e.g., fighting game, music game, simulation game, etc.), keywords , the mission or scene you want to play (for example, a specific scene such as Monster A in mission 10), and the difficulty level.

[6.2] Conditions related to other users regarding content In this embodiment, a plurality of users to whom the same main content (for example, a video of a specific program or LIVE) is to be provided is extracted, and the plurality of users may be associated (matched). In such a case, the server device 10 may determine the desired conditions of other users to be associated with the user PA based on the input information of the user PA.

For example, the server device 10 may set desired conditions including conditions related to other users regarding the content based on the input information of the user PA.

"Conditions regarding other users" can be user names of other users with whom the user PA wishes to view a video together, or attributes of the users. User attributes are information indicating whether or not the user is in a friend relationship, and terminal device information (for example, a game device, a smartphone model, etc.).

"Conditions regarding other users" can be conditions regarding distribution information that provides content. For example, distribution information includes the names of distributors appearing in content videos (user names and user attributes who appear), video distributor names (distributing user names and user attributes), It can be the name of a character appearing (appearing) in the moving image.

Further, when the content is a game, the "condition regarding other users" may be a condition regarding other users who play (match) the game together with the user PA. In other words, the "conditions regarding other users regarding content" can be the user names of other users who want to play games (matching) together with user PA, user levels, and user attributes. User attributes may include the user's play history, level, weapon used, item used, character used, play style, and the like.

[6.3] Combination Note that the desired condition of the present embodiment may be a combination of the above-described various conditions (conditions related to contents, conditions related to other users related to contents, etc.).

[6.4] Setting example of desired condition [6.4.1] Setting example 1 of desired condition
Further, in the present embodiment, the user PA may specify each item to set desired conditions.

For example, if there are two items of "program name" and "keyword", the user PA may designate (input) each item and set desired conditions. For example, based on the input information of the user PA, the desired condition is set by designating "dog training course" as the "program name" and designating "walking" as the "keyword". By this setting, the server device 10 stores the program name "dog training course" and the keyword "walk" in the user information storage unit 176 as desired conditions of the user PA in association with the user ID of the user PA.

Further, for example, in the case where there are three items of "program name", "keyword", and "users to watch together", user PA and user PB are interested in "walking" in "dog training course". An example of a case where a user wants to watch a program will be described. In such a case, as shown in FIG. 4, user PA sets "program name" to "dog training course", "keyword" to "walk", and "users to watch together" to "user PB" as desired conditions. to enter. Then, when the user PA inputs the setting button, the server device 10 associates the program name "dog training course" with the user ID of the user PA, the keyword "walk", and the user name "user PB" is stored in the user information storage unit 176 as the desired condition of the user PA.

[6.4.2] Desired condition setting example 2
Alternatively, the user PA may designate some items, and based on the designated items, the other items may be automatically designated by CPU control. For example, if there are two items, "program name" and "keyword", and user PA specifies "dog training course" as "program name", "keyword" is not specified. In this case, "walking" may be designated as the "keyword" by CPU control. Then, the program name "dog training course" and the keyword "walk" may be stored in the user information storage unit 176 as desired conditions of the user PA in association with the user ID of the user PA.

[6.4.3] Desired condition setting example 3
Also, when the user PA inputs a search keyword or selects an item, based on the input search keyword, the item to be set as the desired condition is automatically specified by CPU control and the desired condition is set. You may do so.

For example, when the user PA enters a search keyword "how to train a dog", CPU control automatically designates "dog training course" as the "program title" and "walking" as the "keyword". can be Then, the program name "dog training course" and the keyword "walk" may be stored in the user information storage unit 176 as desired conditions of the user PA in association with the user ID of the user PA.

[6.4.4] Desired condition setting example 4
Further, in the present embodiment, the main content that the user PA wants to view may be determined in advance based on the information input by the user PA. When the user PA has previously determined (specified) the main content he/she wishes to view, information associated with the main content may be set as the desired condition.

For example, when the user PA designates and inputs "dog training course (walking edition)" as the main content, the CPU control automatically designates "dog training course" as the "program name" and "keyword" as " A walk" may be specified. Then, the program name "dog training course" and the keyword "walk" may be stored in the user information storage unit 176 as desired conditions of the user PA in association with the user ID of the user PA.

[6.4.5] Desired condition setting example 5
In addition, in the present embodiment, the user PA uses information such as the viewing status of the content (main content and standby content) viewed in the past, the playing status of the game, etc., and the purchase history of the user's product, etc. Based on the control, the desired conditions of the user PA may be set automatically.

The "viewing situation" is information such as what was watched, how long it was watched, how much it was watched, and how it was evaluated. The "playing situation" is information such as what kind of game was played with whom and with what difficulty level.

[6.4.6] Desired condition setting example 6
In addition, in the present embodiment, the main content is selected based on the tastes and preferences of the user PA, and the content of each item associated with the main content is automatically specified based on CPU control, and the user PA may be set as a desired condition of

[6.4.7] Desired condition setting example 7
Further, in this embodiment, the desired condition may be edited (reset). For example, when the desired conditions of the user PA are automatically set based on the CPU control, the specified contents of each item of the desired conditions can be edited (changed) based on the input information of the user PA. good. Also, based on the input information of the user PA, control may be performed so that each item of the desired condition can be selected.

[6.4.8] Desired condition setting example 8
For example, when the user PA participates in a battle royal game and wishes to be matched with another user, the game title and difficulty level are set as desired conditions, and the server device 10, based on the input information of the user PA, As the conditions, the title "00 Survival Game" and the difficulty level "EASY" may be set.

[6.4.9] Desired condition setting example 9
For example, when user PA participates in a competitive game and wishes to be matched with an opponent user of level 10, the game title and level are set as items of the desired conditions, and server device 10 determines the desired condition based on the input information of user PA. As the conditions, the genre "fighting game" and the target level "level 10" may be set.

[7] Description Regarding Provision of Main Content The server device 10 determines main content based on the desired conditions of the user PA, and provides the main content to the user PA.

For example, the server device 10 sets the desired condition of the broadcaster PX to start at 3:00 p.m. The main content will be “Dog Training Course (Walking Edition)” scheduled for live distribution. Then, at 15:00 on March 1, 2021, the main content (movie of "dog training course (walking)") is provided (distributed) to the terminal device 20 of the user PA.

In addition, when "user PB" is set in "users to watch together", the server device 10 sets the information of the user PB who wishes to watch with the user PB (name of the user PA), the main content to the user PB. (for example, the program name “Dog Training Course (Walk Edition)” and the start time “15:00 on March 1, 2021”) are notified to the user PB.

Then, the server apparatus 10 associates the user PA with the user PB when the user PB agrees to view together. Then, the user PA and the user PB are associated with the identification information of the main content.

In addition, when the start time of the main content comes, the server apparatus 10 automatically provides the main content (for example, the program name "Dog Training Course (Walk)") to the user PA and the user PB (user PA and user PB). distributed to each terminal device 20 of the user PB). Note that the main content may be provided to at least one of the associated users PA and PB.

In addition, when the distribution start time of the main content is not decided and the main content is started to be provided based on the start instruction of the provider who provides the main content, the server device 10, based on the start input of the provider, You may start providing the main content. For example, in the case of video distribution, the server device 10 may start video distribution based on a video distribution start instruction.

Further, the server device 10 may start providing the main content at the timing when a plurality of users scheduled to view the content are present. For example, if the program name "Dog Training Course (Walk Edition)" is recorded data and the content can be viewed at any time, when user PA and user PB view it together, user PA inputs a predetermined viewable content. , and furthermore, when a predetermined viewable input is received from the user PB, distribution of the program titled "Dog Training Course (Walk Edition)" may be started.

Further, the server apparatus 10 may start distribution of a predetermined moving image of the main content when it receives input from a predetermined number or more (for example, 100 or more) of users indicating that the moving image can be viewed. .

In addition, the server device 10 starts providing content when the content provider (for example, the video distributor) and the user who receives the content (for example, the viewer of the video) have been associated with each other. You may make it

For example, when distributing a video of a distributor, the server device 10 may control so that users permitted by the distributor can view the video. More specifically, when the server device 10 receives a desire to view the live game video of the distributor PX from the user PA, the server device 10
to inquire whether or not the user PA is permitted to view the live video of the game. When the distributor PX permits the viewing of the user PA as a viewer, the server device 10 associates the distributor PX with the viewer PA (the user PA who is also a viewer), and distributes the live game video as the main content. , and distributed to the viewer PA. On the other hand, when the distributor PX refuses to view the user PA as a viewer, the distributor PX and the viewer PA are not associated with each other, and distribution of the live game video to the viewer PA is prohibited.

In addition, when a given game is determined as the main content, the server device 10 determines the content of the game when it is associated with other users (co-op opponents or opponents) who play the game together with the user PA. Provision may be started.

For example, the user PA sets the game name "OO fighting game" and the target level "level 10" as the desired matching conditions for a specific OO fighting game, and the user PB sets the specific OO fighting game If the desired conditions for matching are the game name "XX battle game" and the target level "level 10", the server device 10 sets the target level for the game name "XX battle game" to " User PA and user PB are extracted as level 10 users. Then, the user PA and the user PB are associated with each other.

Then, when the association between the user PA and the user PB is completed, and the game is started, the server device 10 provides the game "XX battle game" as the main content (starts the game). I do.

Although an example in which the main content is determined based on the desired conditions of the user PA has been described, if the main content that the user PA wants to view has been determined in advance based on the input information of the user PA, the server apparatus 10 can determine the main content. It may be controlled to provide primary content.

[8] Determining standby content After determining the main content based on the desired conditions, the server device 10 determines standby content. The server apparatus 10 extracts standby content from a plurality of contents stored in the storage unit 170 (content data storage unit 178) based on desired conditions.

The standby content in this embodiment is at least content other than the main content. Also, it is assumed that the standby content is extracted from the content stored in the content data storage unit 178 .

[9] Based on the length of the standby period, the standby content server device 10 determines the standby period from the first timing T1 after setting the desired conditions to the second timing T2 before the main content provision start timing T3. In Tx, control is performed so that the standby content can be provided to the user PA. The number of waiting contents that can be provided to the user PA during the waiting period Tx may be one or plural.

For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the server device 10 sets the timing at which the desired condition is set at timing T0 and the timing at which the main content is started to be provided at timing T3.

Then, at least a given period (period of T1 to T2) within the period of T0 to T3 is set as the waiting period Tx.

That is, the start timing of the waiting period Tx is set to the first timing T1, and the end timing of the waiting period Tx is set to the second timing T2.

The first timing T1 may be the same timing as the timing T0 at which the desired condition is set. Also, the first timing T1 may be the timing immediately after the timing T0 (for example, one second after the timing T0).

In addition, considering the passage of time, the timing (for example, the timing after one minute) after a given period based on the timing T0 at which the desired condition is set is set to the start timing T1 (first timing T1) of the waiting period Tx. may be set as

Also, if the main content is a live video and the start time of provision of the main content (live start time) is determined in advance, the user PA may temporarily suspend access to the server device 10 . In such a case, when the user PA accesses the server device 10 again 10 minutes before the live distribution start time, the timing of the access or the timing after a given period based on the timing of the access is set as the waiting period Tx. It may be updated as the start timing T1 (first timing T1).

Also, the second timing T2 and the main content provision start timing T3 may be the same timing. In this way, the provision of the main content can be started at the same time as the provision of the standby content ends.

Further, when the main content provision start timing T3 is not determined, the server device 10 provisionally sets the timing after a given period based on the timing T0 at which the desired condition is set as the main content provision start timing T3. may After that, when the main content provision start timing T3 is determined, the main content provision start timing T3 may be updated to the correct timing (determined timing).

A period Ty shown in FIG. 5 is a main content providing period. The main content provision period Ty is a period from the main content provision start timing T3 to the main content provision end timing T4. For example, when the main content is a moving image, the distribution time of the moving image becomes the provision start timing T3 of the main content. Also, the timing T4 may be determined based on an instruction from the provider (distributor).

Further, for example, when the main content is a game, for example, a plurality of users are extracted and the association is completed, and the game start timing of each associated user becomes the main content provision start timing T3, and the game ends. Time becomes timing T4.

For example, the server device 10 may control the waiting content so that the user can view it based on the length of the waiting period Tx. That is, in the present embodiment, the length of the standby period Tx may be determined, and content that fits within the length of the standby period Tx may be preferentially extracted as standby content.

For example, the number of standby contents within the length of the standby period Tx may be one, or a plurality of standby contents. For example, the total period of the lengths of the plurality of standby contents may be within the length of the standby period Tx.

Also, the server device 10 may determine the length of the waiting period Tx and edit the waiting content. For example, if the standby period Tx is 1 minute and the standby content is 2 minutes, part of the standby content (for example, 1 minute in the latter half) is deleted (cut) or the playback speed of the standby content is increased. may be controlled so that the waiting content can be finished within the waiting period Tx. Also, if the standby content is 30 seconds, the standby content may be thinned out or the playback speed of the standby content may be reduced so that the standby content can be finished within the standby period Tx.

[10] Priority of standby content The server device 10 determines the priority of the standby content based on the details of the standby content. Then, the server device 10 may perform control so that the standby content can be provided to the user PA based on the priority of the standby content.

In other words, the server device 10 may extract and edit the standby content based on the priority of the standby content. For example, the server device 10 extracts and provides one standby content with the highest priority among the plurality of standby contents.

Further, when the provision of the standby content with the highest priority is completed within the standby period Tx, the server device 10 newly extracts and provides another standby content. For example, the server device 10 extracts one standby content that has not yet been provided and has a high priority. In this manner, standby contents are extracted and provided in descending order of priority until the standby period Tx ends.

Then, when the waiting period Tx ends, the server device 10 stops providing the standby content that is being provided, and provides the main content at the timing when the main content starts to be provided.

In this embodiment, a numerical value from 1 to 3 is set as the priority for each standby content. A smaller priority value means a lower priority, and a higher priority means a higher priority.

[10.1] Example of increasing the priority as the desired condition is met The server device 10 may increase the priority of the standby content as the desired condition of the user PA is met. For example, when a plurality of desired conditions are set for the user PA, the higher the number of matching desired conditions, the higher the priority of the standby content.

Specifically, it is assumed that user PA has set "dog training course" as "program name" and "walking" as "keyword" as desired conditions of user PA. Then, for example, the priority is set to 1 for a video that is not related to “walking” but that is “dog training course”. Also, for example, a priority of 2 is set for a video that is related to “walking” and that is “dog training course”.

[10.2] Priority Setting Based on Latest Content The server device 10 may give the standby content a higher priority as the standby content is more recent. For example, if the standby content registration time is less than 1 day from the current time, the priority is set to 3, and the standby content registration time is 1 day or more and less than 7 days from the current time. , the priority is set to 2, and the priority is set to 1 if the registration time of the standby content is 7 days or more from the current time. Note that the server device 10 may lower the priority of the standby content for the newest standby content.

[10.3] Priority Setting Based on Length of Content The server device 10 may increase the priority of the standby content as the length (period) of the standby content is shorter. For example, if the length (period) of the standby content is less than 5 minutes, set the priority to 3, and if the length (period) of the standby content is 5 minutes or more and less than 60 minutes , the priority is set to 2, and the priority is set to 2 when the length (period) of the standby content is 60 minutes or longer. Note that the server device 10 may lower the priority of the standby content as the length (period) of the standby content is longer.

[10.4] Priority setting of standby content for other users The server apparatus 10 sets the priority of standby content for another user PB that matches the desired conditions of the user PA to high (or low). may

Assume that user PA sets "dog training course" as "program name", "walk" as "keyword", and "user PB" as "users to watch together" as user PA's desired conditions. In such a case, for example, the priority is set to 3 for a video about "walking" and a "dog training course" that can be viewed together with the user PB. Also, if the user PA is waiting content that has been joined in the past by another user PB that matches the desired conditions set by the user PA, the priority may be increased (or decreased).

[10.5] Priority setting based on content evaluation The server device 10 may give higher priority to standby content with higher evaluation. Here, the evaluation of the standby content may be an evaluation such as high evaluation or low evaluation, or an evaluation indicated by a numerical value of 1 to 5 (higher value means higher evaluation). For example, the standby content may be rated by the viewer's input, or may be automatically rated by computer control (CPU control).

Also, the evaluation may be performed based on the number of views or the number of viewers of the standby content. For example, when the number of views (viewers) is a predetermined number or more (for example, 10 million times or more), it may be determined as a high evaluation, and less than 10 million may be determined as a low evaluation.

Also, if the number of posts to the standby content is a predetermined number or more (for example, 10 or more), it may be determined that the evaluation is high, and if the number is less than the predetermined number, it may be determined that the evaluation is low.

Also, if the standby content is a game, if the game result is a predetermined result (game clear, excellent, winner, high score, etc.), it is determined to be highly evaluated, and if the game result is not a predetermined result (for example, Game over, defeat, low score, etc.) may be determined as low evaluation.

In addition, if the standby content includes rare scenes (in the case of games, obtaining rare items) or excellent scenes (in the case of games, clearing in the shortest time), it will be judged to be highly evaluated. You may

[11] Examples of Main Content and Standby Content In the present embodiment, the main content is, in principle, a game progressing in real time or a live video (live video) extracted based on desired conditions. The standby content is assumed to be recorded video data, mini-games, and the like related to the main content.

Various other examples of main content and standby content are conceivable. For example, when the user PA sets a specific music band as a desired condition, the server device 10 of the present embodiment determines, as the main content, a video scheduled for live distribution that matches the band. Then, based on desired conditions, the past live video of the rock band may be extracted and provided as standby content. In this way, while enjoying the past live performance, it is possible to give a sense of anticipation for the upcoming live performance.

Further, for example, when the matching conditions for a competitive game are set as desired conditions, the server device 10 according to the present embodiment, when the matching is completed and the game is played, the game in which the plurality of users who are matched participates is the main content. Determined as Then, based on desired conditions, a difficult scene in the battle game or a capture video of a stage in which the game is played in the battle game may be extracted and provided as standby content. In this way, the waiting period during matching can be effectively utilized.

Further, for example, when the user PA sets a sports match of a specific team such as soccer as a desired condition, the server device 10 of the present embodiment determines a live video of the match as the main content. Then, based on desired conditions, videos of past games of athletes and teams appearing in the game and player introductions may be extracted as standby content and provided. In this way, the excitement of the spectators can be increased during the waiting period, and the actual game can be enjoyed more.

If the main content is a recorded moving image or the like, the moving image that best matches the desired condition may be set as the main content, and the next moving image that matches the desired condition may be set as the standby content.

[12] Privilege Grant The server device 10 may grant a privilege to the user PA based on the viewing status of the standby content.

In this embodiment, the "viewing status" includes an evaluation (viewing evaluation) of the standby content. "Evaluation" can be, for example, a low evaluation or a high evaluation. That is, the server device 10 may receive an instruction to give a low evaluation or a high evaluation to the game play video from the viewer.

Also, the "evaluation" may be a numerical value. For example, the server device 10 may receive one of the evaluation values from the viewer when evaluating the game play video on a scale of 1 to 5.

In addition, the server device 10 may calculate the number of low evaluations, the number of high evaluations, and the average evaluation value in the case of a 5-level evaluation for each game play video.

Also, the "viewing status" includes the number of views of the standby content. The number of views is, for example, the number of viewers currently viewing.

Also, the "viewing status" includes the viewer's posting status of the standby content. The posting status includes the viewer's comments on the standby content, an image, the value of the posted tip, the posted tip item (tip object), and the like. The value of tipping may be the value of currency that is actually traded, the value of virtual currency in the game space, or the value of electronic money.

Also, the "viewing status" may be the participation status of the standby content of the user PA. For example, if a user posts a comment, a tip value, or a tip item on the standby content, it is determined that the user has been involved in the standby content.

Then, the server device 10 gives a privilege to the user PA, for example, when the user PA makes a tip on the video of the standby content.

Further, the server device 10 may give a privilege to the user PA based on the number of views (or the number of viewers) of the moving images that the user PA has viewed during the waiting period Tx.

Moreover, the server device 10 may give an item that the user PA can use in the main content as a privilege. For example, a special posting item (a special tipping item or a special name item indicating the poster (indicating the user PA)) that can be posted to the main content is given as a privilege. For example, a special posted item is an item that has undergone a glittering effect process that is different from that of a normal item. Further, the server device 10 may grant, as a privilege, the right to allow the user PA to input a special comment on the main content.

In addition, for example, when the main content is a game, the server device 10 may provide, as a privilege, an item that can be used in the game, or an increase in parameters such as attack power and physical strength. Also, for example, when the main content is a specific program video, items related to the program (supporting goods, costumes, live tickets, etc.) are given to the user PA as a privilege.

[13] List of Standby Contents As shown in FIG. 6, the server device 10 of the present embodiment may present to the user a list of standby contents that can be provided to the user.

For example, delivery candidates 61 and 62 of standby content scheduled to be delivered may be presented. Then, the standby content corresponding to the candidate selected based on the selection instruction of the user PA may be provided to the user PA.

The distribution candidate 61 is an example of one waiting content that can be provided to the user PA during the waiting period Tx. For example, the thumbnail image GA of the moving image MA and the information of the moving image MA are displayed as the standby contents.

The distribution candidate 62 is an example in which there are two waiting contents that can be provided to the user PA during the waiting period Tx. For example, there are two standby contents, the thumbnail image GB of the moving image MB scheduled to be delivered first, the thumbnail image GC of the moving image MC scheduled to be delivered second, and the information of each moving image MB and MC are displayed. In this way, user PA can easily check the delivery schedule.

For example, when the server device 10 receives the “view” link of the candidate 62 from the user PA, the server device 10 distributes the moving image MB to the terminal device 20 of the user PA, and after the moving image MB, continuously transmits the moving image MC. deliver.

[14] Flowchart FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing an example of the flow of processing according to this embodiment. The flow of processing according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. First, desired conditions are set based on user input information (step S1). Then, the main content is determined based on the desired conditions (step S2).

Also, the standby content is determined based on the desired conditions (step S3). For example, the content for standby is extracted and determined from a plurality of contents. Then, the determined standby content is provided to the user (step S4).

Next, it is determined whether or not to start providing the main content (step S5). For example, it is determined whether or not the time to start providing the main content has arrived.

When starting to provide the main content (Y in step S5), the main content is provided to the user (step S6). For example, the server device 10 distributes content to
Perform processing to automatically switch from standby content to main content. On the other hand, if the provision of the main content is not started (N of step S5), the process returns to step S4. The processing ends here.

[15] Supplementary explanation about video distribution When providing video content, the server device 10 uses a video distribution service to send video data to the terminal device 20 of the viewer via the video distribution server 30. You may make it distribute.

In addition, when performing live streaming distribution (live distribution) of game play video content, the server device 10 distributes the video data of the game play video showing the game play status of the user (player) via the video distribution server 30 to live streaming. Streaming distribution may be performed.

In this embodiment, the "game play video" is a so-called game play video, which may be a video of a game screen or a video of a user who is a game operator (distributor). Alternatively, a moving image of the game screen and a moving image of the user may be arranged on the screen. Alternatively, a moving image of the user may be inserted into the moving image of the game screen by wiping. Also, the "game play video" may include voice data of the user who is the game operator (distributor).

The video distribution server 30 is connected to the terminal device 20 of the user who plays the game, the terminal device 20 of the viewer, and the server device 10 via a network.

Further, in the present embodiment, the server device 10 may have a video distribution function and may distribute game play video data to the terminal device 20 of the viewer.

In addition, the server device 10 stores a user ID (user name), viewing status, and game information (game name, quest information, stage number, etc.) in association with the identification information of each game play video of each user. may

Further, the content providing system of this embodiment may be provided with a relay server 40 as shown in FIG. The relay server 40 mainly relays data between the server device 10 and the terminal device 20 of the viewer and relays data between the video distribution server 30 and the terminal device 20 of the viewer, and interactive streaming in which the viewer can participate. It is a device that provides content.

The relay server 40 connects the terminal device 20 of the user who plays the game (the terminal device 20 of the distributor), the terminal device 20 of the viewer, the server device 10, and the video distribution server 30 to each other via a network. They are connected and controlled so that they can transmit and receive data to each other.

The terminal device 20 of the viewer transmits the evaluation information (a tipped coin value, tipped coin item, high evaluation, etc.) associated with the selected character (character ID) to the relay server 40 . Relay server 40 then receives evaluation information associated with the selected character (character ID) from terminal device 20 of the viewer.

Note that the viewer's terminal device 20 transmits the viewer's input information (touch operation information) to the relay server 40 from the start to the end of the game play of the user who is the game operator, and the relay server 40 The input information received from the viewer's terminal device 20 may be analyzed to determine the information of the character selected by the viewer (for example, character ID) and the evaluation information associated with the character.

Then, the relay server 40 transmits the information of the character selected by the viewer and the evaluation information associated with the character to the server device 10, and the server device 10 receives the character selected by the viewer from the relay server 40. and evaluation information associated with the character, and perform game processing.

Note that the terminal device 20 of the viewer may receive data in advance from the server device 10 for selecting or evaluating (supporting) a character in advance.

For example, the content providing system of the present embodiment includes a user's terminal device 20 (viewer's terminal device 20), a server device 10 (game server), and a posting server 50 that performs processing related to posting by the viewer. may have been

The posting server 50 communicates with the server device 10 (game server) without executing the game to reflect the game effect according to the posted content in the game, or to change the posted content according to the result of the game. You can make changes, etc.

The user's terminal device 20 communicates with the server device 10 (game server) to transmit and receive information about the game, and communicates with the posting server 50 to perform posting-related processing.

The posting server 50 and the server device 10 (game server) communicate with each other. The posting server 50 acquires information on the game from the server device 10 (game server), and the server device 10 (game server) acquires information on posting from the posting server 50 .

The screen displayed on the user's terminal device 20 (the screen in which the information about the post is combined with the game screen (the screen in which the tipping object etc. are combined)) is displayed on the user's terminal device 20 side. Based on the information acquired from each of the (game server) and the posting server 50 , the terminal device 20 side may perform display processing for synthesizing the information. You may make it display on a user's terminal device 20, after combining. It should be noted that the content providing system may be composed only of the terminal device 20 of the user and the posting server 50 . Further, the posting server 50 may function as the relay server 40 described above.

[16] Application Examples This embodiment can be implemented in games such as fighting games, fighting games, sports games, racing games, action games, music games, training games, simulation games, puzzle games, communication games, and the like. can.

[17] Others The present invention is not limited to those described in the above embodiments, and various modifications are possible. For example, a term cited as a broad definition or a synonymous term in the description in the specification or drawings can be replaced with a broad definition or a synonymous term in other descriptions in the specification or drawings.

The present invention includes configurations that are substantially the same as the configurations described in the embodiments (for example, configurations that have the same function, method, and result, or configurations that have the same purpose and effect). Moreover, the present invention includes configurations in which non-essential portions of the configurations described in the embodiments are replaced. In addition, the present invention includes a configuration that achieves the same effects or achieves the same purpose as the configurations described in the embodiments. In addition, the present invention includes configurations obtained by adding known techniques to the configurations described in the embodiments.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail as above, those skilled in the art will easily understand that many modifications are possible without substantially departing from the novel matters and effects of the present invention. . Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this invention.

10 server device, 20, 20A, 20B, 20C terminal device,
100 processing unit, 110 setting unit, 111a main content control unit,
111b standby content controller, 113 matching controller,
114 game processing unit, 115 privilege provision unit, 116 presentation unit, 119 reception unit,
120 communication control unit, 121 web processing unit, 122 management unit, 123 notification unit,
130 image generation unit, 140 sound processing unit, 160 input unit, 170 storage unit,
171 main storage unit, 172 image buffer, 174 game data storage unit,
176 user information storage unit, 178 content data storage unit,
180 information storage medium, 196 communication unit,
200 processing unit, 211 display control unit,
212 reception unit, 213 notification unit, 220 communication control unit,
221 web browser, 230 image generator, 240 sound processor,
260 input unit, 262 detection unit, 270 storage unit,
271 main storage unit, 272 image buffer, 274 game data storage unit,
276 user information storage unit, 278 content data storage unit,
280 information storage medium, 290 display unit, 292 sound output unit, 296 communication unit

Claims (19)

A content providing system for providing content to users,
a storage unit that stores a plurality of contents;
a setting unit for setting desired conditions, which are conditions related to the content desired to be provided, and main content;
a main content control unit that provides the main content to the user;
A standby content is extracted from a plurality of contents stored in the storage unit based on the desired condition, and the standby is performed during a standby period after the desired condition is set and before the start timing of providing the main content. a standby content control unit that controls so that content for standby can be provided to the user;
A content providing system characterized by comprising: A content providing system for providing content to users,
a storage unit that stores a plurality of contents;
a setting unit for setting, for each user, a desired condition, which is a condition regarding the content desired to be provided, and the main content;
a main content control unit that provides the main content to the user;
A standby content is extracted from a plurality of contents stored in the storage unit based on the desired condition, and the standby is performed during a standby period after the desired condition is set and before the start timing of providing the main content. a standby content control unit that controls so that content for standby can be provided to the user;
a matching control unit that extracts a plurality of users to whom the same main content is to be provided and associates the plurality of users;
including
The main content control unit
A content providing system, wherein the main content is provided to the plurality of users associated by the matching control unit. A content providing system for providing content to users,
a storage unit that stores a plurality of contents;
a setting unit for setting, for each user, a desired condition, which is a condition regarding the content desired to be provided, and the main content;
a main content control unit that provides the main content to the user;
A standby content is extracted from a plurality of contents stored in the storage unit based on the desired condition, and the standby is performed during a standby period after the desired condition is set and before the start timing of providing the main content. a standby content control unit that controls so that content for standby can be provided to the user;
A matching control unit that extracts other users to be associated with the user based on the desired conditions of the user and associates the user with the other users;
including
The main content control unit
A content providing system, wherein the main content is provided to at least one of a plurality of users associated by the matching control unit. In claim 2 or 3,
The main content control unit
determine a given game as the main content,
The matching control unit
A content providing system, wherein a plurality of users to whom the same game is to be provided are extracted based on the desired conditions of each user, and the plurality of users are associated with each other. In any one of claims 1 to 4,
The setting unit
A content providing system, wherein at least one of the desired condition and the main content is set based on information input by a user. In any one of claims 1 to 5,
The setting unit
A content providing system characterized by setting the desired conditions including conditions related to other users. In any one of claims 1 to 6,
The setting unit
A content providing system characterized by setting the desired conditions including conditions related to contents. In any one of claims 1-7,
The standby content control unit
A content providing system that controls so as to provide waiting content to the user based on the length of the waiting period. In any one of claims 1-8,
A content providing system, further comprising: a privilege granting unit that grants a privilege to the user based on the viewing status of the standby content. In claim 9,
The privilege granting unit
A content providing system, wherein an item that can be used by the user in the main content is used as the privilege. In claim 9 or 10,
The privilege granting unit
A content providing system, wherein a state of involvement of the user in standby content is set as a viewing state of the standby content. In any one of claims 1 to 11,
A content providing system, further comprising a presentation unit that presents to the user a list of standby content that can be provided to the user. In any one of claims 1-12,
The standby content control unit
1. A content providing system, comprising: determining a priority of a standby content based on the content of the standby content; and performing control so as to provide the standby content to the user according to the priority. A server device that provides content to a user,
a storage unit that stores a plurality of contents;
a setting unit for setting desired conditions, which are conditions related to the content desired to be provided, and main content;
a main content control unit that provides the main content to the user;
A standby content is extracted from a plurality of contents stored in the storage unit based on the desired condition, and the standby is performed during a standby period after the desired condition is set and before the start timing of providing the main content. a standby content control unit that controls so that content for standby can be provided to the user;
A server device comprising: A server device that provides content to a user,
a storage unit that stores a plurality of contents;
a setting unit for setting, for each user, a desired condition, which is a condition regarding the content desired to be provided, and the main content;
a main content control unit that provides the main content to the user;
A standby content is extracted from a plurality of contents stored in the storage unit based on the desired condition, and the standby is performed during a standby period after the desired condition is set and before the start timing of providing the main content. a standby content control unit that controls so that content for standby can be provided to the user;
a matching control unit that extracts a plurality of users to whom the same main content is to be provided and associates the plurality of users;
including
The main content control unit
A server device that provides the main content to the plurality of users associated by the matching control unit. A server device that provides content to a user,
a storage unit that stores a plurality of contents;
a setting unit for setting, for each user, a desired condition, which is a condition regarding the content desired to be provided, and the main content;
a main content control unit that provides the main content to the user;
A standby content is extracted from a plurality of contents stored in the storage unit based on the desired condition, and the standby is performed during a standby period after the desired condition is set and before the start timing of providing the main content. a standby content control unit that controls so that content for standby can be provided to the user;
A matching control unit that extracts other users to be associated with the user based on the desired conditions of the user and associates the user with the other users;
including
The main content control unit
A server device that provides the main content to at least one of a plurality of users associated by the matching control unit. A program that provides content to a user,
a storage unit that stores a plurality of contents;
a setting unit for setting desired conditions, which are conditions related to the content desired to be provided, and main content;
a main content control unit that provides the main content to the user;
A standby content is extracted from a plurality of contents stored in the storage unit based on the desired condition, and the standby is performed during a standby period after the desired condition is set and before the start timing of providing the main content. A program that causes a computer to function as a standby content control unit that controls so that content for standby can be provided to the user. A program that provides content to a user,
a storage unit that stores a plurality of contents;
a setting unit for setting, for each user, a desired condition, which is a condition regarding the content desired to be provided, and the main content;
a main content control unit that provides the main content to the user;
A standby content is extracted from a plurality of contents stored in the storage unit based on the desired condition, and the standby is performed during a standby period after the desired condition is set and before the start timing of providing the main content. a standby content control unit that controls so that content for standby can be provided to the user;
functioning a computer as a matching control unit that extracts a plurality of users to whom the same main content is to be provided and associates the plurality of users;
The main content control unit
A program for providing the main content to the plurality of users associated by the matching control unit. A program that provides content to a user,
a storage unit that stores a plurality of contents;
a setting unit for setting, for each user, a desired condition, which is a condition regarding the content desired to be provided, and the main content;
a main content control unit that provides the main content to the user;
A standby content is extracted from a plurality of contents stored in the storage unit based on the desired condition, and the standby is performed during a standby period after the desired condition is set and before the start timing of providing the main content. a standby content control unit that controls so that the content for standby can be provided to the user;
Based on the desired conditions of the user, the computer functions as a matching control unit that extracts other users to be associated with the user and associates the user with the other user,
The main content control unit
A program for providing the main content to at least one of a plurality of users associated by the matching control unit.

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