JP2023034979A - Information processor, information processing method, and information processing program - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a service that enhances the motivation to put objects into content so as to enliven the content.SOLUTION: An information processor comprises: an object acquisition unit to acquire input information including information on objects selected by operation of at least one viewer terminal; and a generation unit to generate object array data on the basis of the input information. The generation unit acquires a first object in time series on the basis of the input information, and acquires a second object having a prioritized display period depending on a display level on the basis of the input information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

The present invention relates to an information processing device, an information processing method, and an information processing program.

In recent years, an environment is being developed in which individuals can easily distribute content such as moving images or still images, and viewers can select what they want to see from a large amount of content. When a distributor distributes content, for example, viewers post comments or display gifts and items to express emotions such as approval and support. can communicate with. The distributor can receive reactions from the viewers, and the viewers can liven up the content together with the distributor.

Patent Literature 1 describes displaying an item purchased by a viewer in a background area other than a content display area.

Patent Literature 2 describes displaying a predetermined object in content based on a display request from a viewing user viewing the content. Further, it is described that a display expiration date is set for a predetermined object according to the object type, and that the objects are displayed in order according to the priority of the object.

JP 2012-120098 A Japanese Patent No. 6891311

Among objects such as items selected by the user, objects with no priority are displayed in the order of arrival, and are hidden in order from the oldest. On the other hand, objects for which priority such as expiration date is set are displayed in order according to the priority. In the case of such a mechanism, even if an object is thrown by the user, if the other object has a higher priority, the thrown object is not displayed and the throwing cannot be confirmed. As a result, in a situation where many high-priority objects are staying on the display screen, there is a possibility that the motivation to introduce low-priority objects will decrease, and the content will rather be lowered.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and provides an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and an information processing program that provide a service that enhances content by increasing motivation to insert objects into content. intended to

An information processing apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention includes an object acquisition unit that acquires input information including information on an object selected by operating at least one viewer terminal, and object arrangement data based on the input information. a generating unit that generates a first object in chronological order based on the input information, and a second object having a priority display period corresponding to a display level based on the input information; Get an object.

In the information processing apparatus according to the second aspect of the present invention, the object arrangement data is data displayed in an object display frame different from the content display frame for displaying the content data, and the object display frame is displayed in the first display frame. A first part that allocates an object and a second part that allocates the second object.

In the information processing apparatus according to the third aspect of the present invention, the generation unit acquires, as the first object, an object whose upper limit is a first predetermined number from the time when the input information is acquired. , an object different from the first object, which is an object whose upper limit is a second predetermined number in descending order of the remaining time of the preferential display period, is acquired as the second object.

In the information processing apparatus according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the first objects are displayed in chronological order in the first portion, and the second objects are displayed in chronological order in the second portion.

In the information processing device according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the first portion and the second portion are adjacent to each other.

In the information processing apparatus according to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the display size of the second object differs according to the length of the preferential display period.

The information processing apparatus according to the seventh aspect of the present invention further includes a display instruction acquisition unit that acquires an object display instruction input by operating the viewer terminal, and the generation unit responds to acquisition of the object display instruction. Generate the object array data.

The information processing apparatus according to the eighth aspect of the present invention further includes an object array distribution section that distributes the object array data.

An information processing method according to a ninth aspect of the present invention comprises an object information acquiring step of acquiring input information including information of an object selected by operating at least one viewer terminal; wherein the generating step acquires a first object in chronological order based on the input information, and a second object having a priority display period corresponding to a display level based on the input information get the object of

An information processing program according to a tenth aspect of the present invention comprises a computer, object information acquiring means for acquiring input information including information on an object selected by operating at least one viewer terminal, and based on the input information, An information processing program functioning as generating means for generating object array data, wherein the generating means acquires first objects in time series based on the input information, and according to the display level based on the input information. A second object having a preferred display period is obtained.

Advantageous Effects of Invention According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and an information processing program for providing a service that enhances motivation to insert an object into content and enlivens the content.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a content delivery system including a content delivery device according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing one configuration example of the content delivery device of the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration example of a new arrivals table included in object management data. FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration example of a priority table included in object management data. FIG. 5 is a diagram conceptually showing an example of an object array in a viewer terminal. FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the operation of distributing object array data in the content distribution device. FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the operation of generating object array data in the content distribution device. FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically showing a display example of a content delivery image displayed on the viewer terminal. FIG. 9 is a diagram schematically showing a display example of an object array image displayed on the viewer terminal.

Hereinafter, a content distribution system, a content distribution method, and a content distribution program according to embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a content delivery system including a content delivery device according to an embodiment.

The content distribution system includes a distributor terminal 10 and a content distribution device 30. FIG. The content distribution device 30 can be communicably connected to the distributor terminal 10 and the viewer terminal 20 via a network. Although three viewer terminals 20 are illustrated in FIG. 1, the number of viewer terminals 20 is not limited to the illustrated number, and may be zero.

The distributor terminal 10 is an electronic device such as a computer that can be connected to a content source such as a video camera, such as a television receiver (including Internet television), a PC (Personal Computer), a mobile terminal (such as a tablet, a smartphone, laptops, feature phones, portable game machines, digital music players, electronic book readers, etc.), VR (Virtual Reality) terminals, AR (Augmented Reality) terminals, etc., but are not limited to these. The distributor terminal 10 includes, for example, at least one processor and a memory storing a program executed by the processor, and can implement various functions by software or a combination of software and hardware. It is configured.

The viewer terminal 20 is an electronic device such as a computer. devices, digital music players, electronic book readers, etc.), VR (Virtual Reality) terminals, AR (Augmented Reality) terminals, etc., but are not limited to these.

The viewer terminal 20 includes, for example, at least one processor and a memory in which a program executed by the processor is recorded, and various functions can be realized by software or a combination of software and hardware. It is configured.

The viewer terminal 20 can receive content data such as content data and real-time content data from the content distribution device 30 and present the content to the viewer by display means, sound means, etc. (not shown). The viewer terminal 20 is an example of an information processing device.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing one configuration example of the content distribution device 30 of the embodiment.
Content distribution apparatus 30 shown in FIG. 1 includes, as shown in FIG. and have.

The content distribution device 30 may include, for example, a processor that executes a program that implements the functions of the above configuration and a memory that stores the program. The processor is typically a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and/or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), but may be a microcomputer, an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or a DSP (Digital Signal Processor). . In addition, the memory temporarily stores programs executed by the processor and data used by the processor in order to implement the operation of the content distribution apparatus.

The content distribution device 30 can include a communication unit connectable to a network and a data storage unit (not shown) for storing large amounts of data. Data stores may include database 26 and database 27 . The data storage unit may be built in the content distribution device 30 or may be externally attached to the content distribution device 30 . The data storage unit can be implemented by, for example, a non-volatile storage medium such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive). The content distribution device 30 is an example of an information processing device.

The database 26 stores content data received from the distributor terminal 10 . Content data may include image data such as moving image data, real-time moving image data, and still image data. The database 26 stores content data in association with content identification information. Content identification information is information that can identify each content, and includes information such as a content ID or a content name.

The receiving unit 32 can communicate with the distributor terminal 10 and the viewer terminal 20 via the network, and can include a distribution request acquiring unit 321, a display instruction acquiring unit 322, and an object acquiring unit 323. For example, the receiving unit 32 receives content data from the distributor terminal 10, receives a distribution request from the viewer terminal 20, receives a display instruction from the viewer terminal 20, or receives a display instruction from the viewer terminal 20, which will be described later. Receives input information that contains information about objects that

The transmission unit 38 can communicate with the distributor terminal 10 and the viewer terminal 20 via the network, and can include a content distribution unit 381 and an object array distribution unit 382 . For example, the transmission unit 38 transmits content data to the viewer terminal 20 or object array data described later.

The delivery request acquisition unit 321 acquires a delivery request from the viewer terminal 20 via the network. The distribution request acquisition unit 321 transmits the distribution request received from the viewer terminal 20 to the distribution control unit 35 . A distribution request from the viewer terminal 20 may include identification information (user identification information) of the viewer or the viewer terminal 20 and content identification information. The user identification information is information identifying the user who has input the distribution request. The user identification information may be a user ID, a user name, an icon indicating the user, or the like. In the following description, "acquire" may be read as "receive". Also, "distribute" may be read as "send".

The distribution control unit 35 controls the distribution operation of content data. The distribution control unit 35 receives a distribution request from the viewer terminal 20 from the distribution request acquisition unit 321 . The distribution control unit 35 acquires the content data requested for distribution from the database 26 and controls the content distribution unit 381 so that the content data is distributed to the viewer terminal 20 . The distribution control unit 35 may include, for example, a clock (not shown), compare the time information obtained from the clock with the distribution time of the content data, and manage the start and end of distribution of the content data. Note that the distribution control unit 35 controls the start and end of real-time distribution so that the content distribution is started in real time when the content data is received, and the content distribution is finished when the content data for distribution ends. may be managed.

The content delivery unit 381 is communicably connected to the network. In response to receiving a distribution request from the distribution request acquisition section 321, the content distribution section 381 distributes the content data stored in the database 26 to the viewer terminal 20 that has received the distribution request. The content distribution unit 381 is controlled by the distribution control unit 35, for example, as to the distribution destination of the content data. In the following description, "response" may be read as "based on."

Note that the content delivery unit 381 may immediately discard the delivered content data, but may buffer the data for a predetermined period of time to enable replay or slow-motion playback, for example.

The object acquisition unit 323 acquires input information including information on an object selected by operating at least one viewer terminal 20 . The object acquisition unit 323 transmits the acquired input information to the management data update unit 36 .

Objects include item images and the like selected by the viewer of the viewer terminal 20 . The item image is thrown into the object display screen based on the viewer's operation. The object display screen is an example of an object display frame. Item images are a means of facilitating communication between viewers and distributors. The item image may include text information such as "I'm rooting for you!" and "Good luck!". The item image includes, for example, a gift from the viewer or an item. The item image can be acquired according to the points or the like held by the viewer. Item images can also be purchased by viewers.

A preferential display period can be set for the item image based on points consumed. The priority display period is a period during which the item image can be preferentially displayed on the object display screen. The priority display period differs depending on the priority display level. The priority display level may include multiple levels, such as level 1 through level 5, for example. For example, level 1 is a priority display period of "12 hours", level 2 is a priority display period of "24 hours", level 3 is a priority display period of "60 hours", level 4 is a priority display period of "120 hours", Level 5 indicates a preferential display period of "240 hours" or the like. The preferential display period may differ from the period during which the item image is actually displayed on the object display screen. The item images include item images for which a priority display period is set and item images for which a priority display period is not set according to the points to be consumed. Note that the item image may be arbitrarily created from the image data by the viewer.

The input information includes content identification information of related content, gift ID, gift type, priority display level, and the like. A gift ID is identification information that can identify each item image. The gift type is information indicating the type of each item image. The type of item image is, for example, a type that can be selected according to the points consumed to acquire the item image. The types of item images are, for example, different types depending on the shape, size, text information, etc. of the item image. The types of item images are "fan", "wakotsu", "apple", and the like. "Uchiwa" is, for example, in the shape of a fan and includes text information that can be arbitrarily input by the viewer. "Wakotsu" is, for example, an image that includes the characters "Wakotsu" and means a greeting or the like by a viewer. "Apple" is, for example, an image that has the shape of an apple and indicates an apple gift given by the viewer.

The generation unit 34 generates an object display image such that an item image based on input information input from the viewer terminal 20 is displayed in an object display frame that displays an object different from a content display frame that displays content data. Generate data. The object display image data is, for example, image data obtained by synthesizing an object array image based on object array data to be described later with an item image. The item image may be set in color, shape, and movement so as to express the feelings and intentions of the viewer. The item image can be set to enter from the upper side of the display screen in the vertical direction and fall to the lower side. The generation unit 34 transmits the generated object display image data to the object array distribution unit 382 .

Note that the object array data and the object display image data can be combined and displayed on the viewer terminal 20 . The object array data and the object display image data may be synthesized in advance by the generation unit 34 and then distributed to the viewer terminal 20 by the object array distribution unit 382 .

The management data update unit 36 manages the input information of the item images acquired by the object acquisition unit 323 . The management data update unit 36 stores the input information of the item image in the database 27 as object management data in association with the acquisition time. The acquisition time is the time when the input information was acquired by the object acquisition unit 323 . The acquisition time may be the time when the item image is input by the viewer. The object management data is data for managing input information for each content. The object management data includes a new arrivals table and a priority table. In the object management data, the acquisition, display, or non-display times of item images are managed independently of the content timeline.

The new arrivals table is a table that manages input information of item images based on acquisition times. The new arrival table includes gift ID, acquisition time, gift type, priority display level, and the like. The new arrival table may manage the input information in ascending order of acquisition time. The new arrivals table may be updated each time a predetermined time elapses from the acquisition time, or may be newly generated each time a predetermined time elapses from the acquisition time. The predetermined time is, for example, one hour. The new arrivals table may include all input information, or may be a table in which input information that has been acquired for a certain period of time has been deleted. Details of a configuration example of the new arrivals table will be described later.

The priority table is a table for managing input information of item images based on priority display levels. The priority table includes gift ID, acquisition time, gift type, priority display level, priority display period, remaining time, and the like. The remaining time is the remaining time of the priority display time, and indicates the time until the end of the priority display time. The priority table may manage the input information in descending order of remaining time. The priority table may be updated each time a predetermined time elapses from the acquisition time, or may be newly generated each time a predetermined time elapses from the acquisition time. The predetermined time is, for example, one hour. The priority table may include input information of all objects having a priority display period, or may be one in which input information that has passed a certain period of time from the acquisition time is deleted. The priority table may be one in which input information whose remaining priority display time has become zero is deleted. The details of the configuration example of the priority table after the priority display period has passed will be described later.

The management data update unit 36 may update the new arrivals table each time input information is acquired by the object acquisition unit 323, or may update the new arrivals table each time a certain period of time elapses. The management data update unit 36 may update the priority table each time input information is acquired by the object acquisition unit 323, or may update the priority table each time a certain period of time elapses. The management data update unit 36 may update the new arrivals table and the priority table separately, or may update them synchronously. Note that the object management data may include one table that includes both data of the new arrivals table and the priority table. In this case, one table includes gift ID, acquisition time, gift type, priority display level, priority display period, remaining time, and the like.

The database 27 records content identification information and information on one or more objects associated with the content identification information as object management data. The database 27 associates user identification information with information on one or more objects and records them as object management data. User identification information is information that identifies a user who has entered input information including information on one or more objects.

The display instruction acquisition unit 322 acquires an object display instruction input by operating the viewer terminal 20 via the network. The object display instruction is an instruction to display the object array image on the display screen of the viewer terminal 20 based on the input information acquired by the object acquisition section 323 .

The generation unit 34 generates object array data in response to acquisition of the object display instruction by the display instruction acquisition unit 322 . The object array data is data constituting an object array image displayed in an object display frame different from the content display frame in which the content is displayed on the display screen of the viewer terminal 20 . The object display frame is a display frame in which an item image selected by the viewer of the viewer terminal 20 is displayed. The maximum number of item images that can be arranged in the object display frame can be set arbitrarily. Here, a case where the maximum number of arrays of item images is 100 will be described as an example. The generator 34 generates object array data based on the object management data stored in the database 27 . The generation unit 34 acquires first item images in time series based on the new arrivals table, and acquires second item images having priority display periods corresponding to priority display levels based on the priority table. Acquiring the first item image based on the new arrivals table includes acquiring the item image corresponding to the item image identification information included in the input information acquired from the new arrivals table. Acquiring the second item image based on the priority table includes acquiring the item image corresponding to the item image identification information included in the input information acquired from the priority table. A first item image is an example of a first object.

For example, the generation unit 34 acquires, as the first item image, an item image whose acquisition time is within a predetermined period of time from the current time from the new arrivals table. The predetermined time is, for example, one hour. The first item image is an item image whose upper limit is a first predetermined number from the latest acquisition time. The first predetermined number is, for example, 20 or the like. The first predetermined number may be a number indicating a percentage of the object display pane to the whole. In this case, the first predetermined number is, for example, twenty percent. For example, the generating unit 34 acquires, from the new arrivals table, item images acquired within one hour from the current time, with the upper limit of 20 item images having the latest acquisition times as the first item images. The predetermined time and the first predetermined number can be arbitrarily set by an administrator or the like.

The second item image is an object whose upper limit is a second predetermined number in descending order of the remaining time of the priority display period, and is an item image different from the first item image. The second predetermined number is, for example, 100 or the like. The second predetermined number may be a number that indicates the proportion of the object pane to the whole. In this case, the second predetermined number is, for example, 100 percent. For example, the generating unit 34 acquires item images from the priority table as the second item images, with an upper limit of 100 item images in descending order of the remaining time of the priority display period. The generation unit 34 acquires the second item images so that the total number of the first item images and the number of the second item images does not exceed the maximum number of arrays. For example, when the generation unit 34 acquires 20 first item images, the generation unit 34 acquires 80 second item images. The second predetermined number can be arbitrarily set by an administrator or the like. The second predetermined number may be a different number than the first predetermined number, or may be the same number. A second item image is an example of a second object.

The generation unit 34 can acquire the third item images in chronological order based on the new arrivals table. The third item image is an item image whose upper limit is the third predetermined number from the latest acquisition time, and is an item image different from the first item image and the second item image. The third item image may be an item image outside the priority display period. The item image outside the priority display period includes the item image for which the priority display period is not set and the item image for which the priority display period has passed. The third predetermined number is, for example, 100 or the like. The third predetermined number may be a number indicating the ratio of the object display pane to the whole. In this case, the third predetermined number is, for example, 100%. Acquiring the third item image based on the new arrivals table includes acquiring the item image corresponding to the item image identification information included in the input information acquired from the new arrivals table. A third item image is an example of a third object.

For example, the generation unit 34 selects up to 100 third items from item images excluding item images acquired within one hour from the current time and item images for which the priority display period has not elapsed from the new arrivals table. Get an image. The generation unit 34 acquires the third item images so that the total number of the first item images, the second item images, and the third item images does not exceed the maximum number of arrays. . For example, when the generation unit 34 acquires 20 first item images and 60 second item images, the generation unit 34 acquires 20 third item images. In addition, when the total number of the number of first item images and the number of second item images is the maximum number of arrays, the generation unit 34 omits the process of acquiring the third item image. The third predetermined number can be arbitrarily set by an administrator or the like. The third predetermined number may be a different number or the same number as the first predetermined number or the second predetermined number.

The first predetermined number, the second predetermined number, and the third predetermined number may be variable according to the number of item images displayed for the object pane. The first predetermined number, the second predetermined number, and the third predetermined number may be set to 100 in total, for example. The first predetermined number, the second predetermined number, and the third predetermined number may be, for example, numbers that, when added together, make up 100% of the entire object display frame.

The generator 34 generates object array data based on the acquired first item image and second item image. When acquiring the third item image, the generation unit 34 generates object array data based on the acquired first item image, second item image, and third item image. The generator 34 assigns the first item image to the first portion of the object display frame. The generation unit 34 assigns the second item image to the second portion of the object display frame. The generation unit 34 assigns the third item image to the third portion of the object display frame. The first portion, the second portion, and the third portion are portions obtained by dividing the object display frame at an arbitrary ratio, and are adjacent portions.

For example, the first portion is a portion that occupies 20% of the entire object display frame. The second portion is a portion that occupies 60% of the entire object display frame. The third portion is a portion that occupies 20% of the entire object display frame. The ratio of the first part, the second part, and the third part to the whole object display frame is variable according to the number of the first item image, the second item image, and the third item image. may The ratio of the object display frame to the whole is an example of the size of each portion within the object display frame. For example, a case will be described where the maximum number of item images that can be displayed in the entire object display frame is 100, the number of first item images is 20, and the number of second item images is 80. . The first portion is 20% of the total object pane and the second portion is 80% of the total object pane. In this case, the third portion will be 0%. For example, a case will be described where the maximum number of item images that can be displayed in the entire object display frame is 100, the number of first item images is 20, and the number of second item images is 60. . The first portion is 20% of the total object pane and the second portion is 60% of the total object pane. In this case, the third portion would be 20%. The first portion, the second portion, and the third portion may be portions arranged adjacent to each other in order from the upper side in the vertical direction of the object display frame on the display screen. The first portion, the second portion, and the third portion are not limited to the vertical direction of the object display frame, and may be portions arranged adjacent to each other in the parallel direction.

The generation unit 34 arranges the first item images in the first part in chronological order. For example, the generation unit 34 arranges the first predetermined number of first item images in order from the latest acquisition time to the top in the vertical direction of the first portion. The generation unit 34 arranges the second item images in the second part in chronological order. For example, the generation unit 34 arranges the second predetermined number of second item images in order from the newest acquisition time to the upper side of the second portion in the vertical direction. The generation unit 34 arranges the item images with the longest remaining time in the second part, starting with the latest acquisition time. When arranging the first item images in the first portion, the generation unit 34 may arrange the item images so as to fill the first portion according to the size or shape of each item image. When arranging the second item images in the second portion, the generation unit 34 may arrange the item images so as to fill the second portion based on the size or shape of each item image. The generation unit 34 may arrange the display size of the second item image as different sizes according to the length of the priority display period.

Note that the generation unit 34 has described an example in which the second item images acquired with the second predetermined number as the upper limit are arranged in ascending order of acquisition time, but the present invention is not limited to this. The generation unit 34 may acquire the second item images in descending order of the remaining time, and may arrange the second item images each time the item images are acquired until a second predetermined number is reached.

The generation unit 34 transmits the generated object array data to the object array distribution unit 382 .

The delivery control unit 35 controls the delivery operation of the object array data. The distribution control unit 35 receives the display instruction from the viewer terminal 20 from the display instruction acquisition unit 322 and controls the object array distribution unit 382 so that the object array data is distributed to the viewer terminal 20 . The distribution control unit 35 may control the operation of distributing the object array data based on the start or end of distribution of the content data.

The object array distribution unit 382 is communicably connected to the network. The object array distribution unit 382 distributes the object array data generated by the generation unit 34 to the viewer terminal 20 that has received the display instruction in response to receiving the object display instruction from the display instruction acquisition unit 322 . The object array distribution unit 382 is controlled by the distribution control unit 35, for example, as to the distribution destination of the content data.

The new arrivals table will be explained. The new arrivals table is an example of the data structure of object management data. FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration example of a new arrivals table included in object management data.

The new arrivals table manages gift IDs of item images, acquisition times, gift types, priority display levels, and the like. In the new arrivals table, gift IDs are associated with acquisition times, gift types, and priority display levels. For example, the item image with the gift ID "XXX" has an acquisition time of "13:20", a type of "fan", and a priority display level of "5". "Uchiwa" is an item image including text information of "I'm rooting for you!". The text information may be information arbitrarily input by the viewer, or may be information set according to the type of item image. An item image containing text information may be added with points or the like that are consumed according to the number of characters in the text. The new arrivals table is managed, for example, in ascending order of acquisition time of item images. The new arrivals table includes item images for which the priority display period is set and item images for which the priority display period is not set. The new arrivals table identifiably manages the input information of the item images for which the priority display period is set and the item images for which the priority display period is not set. For example, for item images for which no priority display period is set, the priority display level may be managed as "N/A" or the like.

A priority table will be explained. A priority table is an example of the data structure of object management data. FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration example of a priority table included in object management data.

The priority table manages the item image gift ID, acquisition time, gift type, priority display level, priority display period, remaining time, and the like. In the priority table, the gift ID is associated with the acquisition time, gift type, priority display level, priority display period, and remaining time. For example, the item image with the gift ID "XXXX" has an acquisition time of "XX:XX", a type of "fan", a priority display level of "5", and a priority display period of "60 hours". Yes, and the remaining time of the priority display period is "55 hours". The priority table is managed, for example, in descending order of the remaining time of the priority display period of the item image. The priority table includes only input information of item images for which the priority display period is set.

A conceptual diagram of object array data will be described. FIG. 5 is a diagram conceptually showing an example of an object array in a viewer terminal.

FIG. 5 is a diagram conceptually showing an example of an object display frame in which an object array image based on object array data is displayed. The object pane includes a first portion, a second portion and a third portion. FIG. 5 shows the first portion, the second portion, and the third portion from the top in the vertical direction of the object display frame. In the following description, it is assumed that the maximum number of arrays of item images that can be displayed in the object display frame is 100 pieces. Assume that the first predetermined number is twenty, the second predetermined number is one hundred, and the third predetermined number is one hundred. Also, assume that the predetermined time is one hour.

The first part is for arranging the first item images obtained from the new arrivals table. The generation unit 34 acquires, from the new arrivals table, item images acquired within one hour from the current time as first item images, with an upper limit of 20 item images having the latest acquisition times. If the number of item images acquired within one hour from the current time is less than 20, the generation unit 34 acquires all of these item images as first item images. When the number of item images acquired within one hour from the current time exceeds 20, the generation unit 34 acquires the first item images with 20 as the upper limit. The generation unit 34 arranges the acquired first item images in the first part. The generation unit 34 arranges the first item images so that the one with the latest acquisition time is arranged on the upper side of the object display frame in the vertical direction. For example, the generation unit 34 arranges the item image with the latest acquisition time on the upper side of the object display frame. Note that when there are no item images whose acquisition time is within one hour from the current time, the generation unit 34 does not acquire the first item image and does not arrange the item images in the first part. In this case, the generation unit 34 may set the ratio of the first portion to zero and increase the ratio of the second portion to the object display frame. As a result, it is possible to prevent the depopulation of item images displayed in the object display frame even during a period when the number of item images is small.

The second part is for arranging the second item images obtained from the priority table. The generation unit 34 acquires the second item images from the priority table with 100 as the upper limit from the one with the longest remaining time of the priority display period. The generation unit 34 acquires the second item image from the item images excluding the item image acquired as the first item image in the priority table. The generation unit 34 acquires the second item images with the number obtained by subtracting the number of the first item images from the maximum number of arrays of item images that can be displayed in the object display frame as the upper limit. For example, a case where the generation unit 34 acquires 20 first item images will be described. The generation unit 34 acquires the second item images with an upper limit of 80 items from the one with the longest remaining time of the priority display period. If there are less than 80 item images for which the remaining time of the priority display period is not zero, the generation unit 34 acquires all of these item images as second item images. When the number of item images whose remaining time is not zero exceeds 80, the generation unit 34 acquires the second item images with 80 as the upper limit. The generation unit 34 arranges the acquired second item images in the second part. The generation unit 34 arranges the second item images so that the item with the latest acquisition time is arranged on the upper side of the object display frame in the vertical direction. For example, the generation unit 34 arranges the item image with the latest acquisition time on the upper side of the object display frame.

The third part is for arranging the third item images acquired from the new arrivals table. The generation unit 34 acquires the third item images from the new arrival table, with an upper limit of 100 from the latest acquisition time. The generation unit 34 acquires the third item image from the item images in the new arrivals table excluding the item images acquired as the first item image and the second item image. The generation unit 34 acquires the third item images with the number obtained by subtracting the number of the first item images and the number of the second item images from the maximum number of arrays of item images that can be displayed in the object display frame as the upper limit. For example, a case where the generator 34 acquires 20 first item images and 60 second item images will be described. The generation unit 34 acquires the third item images with an upper limit of 20 items from the latest acquisition time. When the number of item images excluding the item images acquired as the first item image and the second item image is less than 20, the generation unit 34 acquires all of those item images as the third item image. When the number of item images excluding the item images acquired as the first item image and the second item image exceeds 20, the generation unit 34 acquires the third item image with 20 as the upper limit. The generation unit 34 arranges the acquired third item images in the third part. The generation unit 34 arranges the third item images so that the item with the latest acquisition time is arranged on the upper side of the display frame in the vertical direction. For example, the generation unit 34 arranges the item image with the latest acquisition time on the upper side of the display frame.

When the number of the first item image, the second item image, and the third item image is less than the maximum number of item images that can be displayed in the object display frame, the generation unit 34 generates the first item image, the second item image, and the second item image. 1 item image and the 3rd item image may be arranged so as to be evenly arranged in the object display frame. As a result, the content distribution device 30 can prevent the number of item images displayed in the object display frame from becoming depleted even during a period when the number of item images is small. The generation unit 34 may arrange the first item image, the second item image, and the third item image in such a manner that the delimiters of the first portion, the second portion, and the third portion cannot be identified. . The generating unit 34 generates the first item image, the second item image, and the third item image in the first portion, the second portion, and the third portion, respectively, so as to fill the space of the display frame. may be arranged in any manner. As a result, the content distribution device 30 can make it appear to the viewer that the item images are arranged naturally in the object display frame.

The operation of the content distribution device 30 will be described.
The processing procedure described below is merely an example, and each processing may be changed as much as possible. In the processing procedure, each process can be omitted or replaced according to the embodiment, and new processes can be added.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the operation of distributing object array data in the content distribution device 30. As shown in FIG.

In response to receiving the distribution request from the distribution request acquisition section 321, the content distribution section 381 distributes the content data to the viewer terminal 20 that has received the distribution request (step SA1). At step SA1, for example, the content delivery unit 381 acquires content data stored in the database 26 based on the content identification information included in the delivery request. The content distribution unit 381 distributes the content data to the viewer terminal 20 as a distribution destination under the control of the distribution control unit 35 .

The object acquisition unit 323 acquires input information including information on an item image selected by operating at least one viewer terminal 20 (step SA2). At step SA2, for example, the object acquisition unit 323 acquires input information based on the item image selection operation on the viewer terminal 20. FIG. The selection operation includes, for example, placing the cursor on the item image and clicking the mouse, or touching the item image with a fingertip, touch pen, or the like.

The management data update unit 36 manages the input information of the item image acquired by the object acquisition unit 323 (step SA3). At step SA3, for example, the management data updating unit 36 stores the input information of the item image in the database 27 as object management data. The management data update unit 36 saves the object management data in the database 27 as a new arrival table and a priority table.

The display instruction acquisition unit 322 acquires an object display instruction input by operating the viewer terminal 20 via the network (step SA4). At step SA4, for example, the display instruction acquisition unit 322 acquires an object display instruction based on an instruction to update the object display screen in the viewer terminal 20. FIG. The update instruction is, for example, a selection operation such as an "update button" on the display screen of the viewer terminal 20 or a "selection button" for selecting a gift. The update button may be an operation that does not involve the operation of the select button. Note that when the display instruction acquisition unit 322 acquires an object display instruction via the update button, the processes of steps SA1 to SA3 are omitted.

The generation unit 34 generates object array data in response to acquisition of the object display instruction by the display instruction acquisition unit 322 (step SA5). Note that the generation unit 34 may generate the object array data in response to completion of the content data distributed by the content distribution unit 381 .

The object array distribution unit 382 distributes the object array data generated by the generation unit 34 to the viewer terminal 20 that has received the display instruction (step SA6).

FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the operation of generating object array data in the content distribution device 30. As shown in FIG.

The generation unit 34 acquires the new arrivals table from the database 27 in response to acquisition of the object display instruction by the display instruction acquisition unit 322 (step SB1).

The generation unit 34 acquires the priority table from the database 27 in response to acquisition of the object display instruction by the display instruction acquisition unit 322 (step SB2).

The generation unit 34 generates object array data based on the new arrivals table and the priority table (step SB3). At step SB3, for example, the generation unit 34 acquires the first item image from the new arrivals table. The generation unit 34 acquires the second item image from the priority table. The generation unit 34 may acquire the third item image from the new arrivals table. The generation unit 34 generates object array data in which the first item images are arranged in the first portion and the second item images are arranged in the second portion. When the generation unit 34 acquires the third item image, the generation unit 34 generates object array data in which the third item image is arranged in the third portion.

An example of the operation of the content delivery device 30 will be described with reference to an example of a content display screen on the viewer terminal 20. FIG. Here, an example of content display when the viewer terminal 20 is a personal computer is shown.

FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically showing a display example of a content delivery image displayed on the viewer terminal.
The display example of FIG. 8 includes a first area 100 including a portion where content is displayed. The first area 100 includes a content display frame A1 in which content is displayed, and a portion in which operation buttons, a time bar, a distributor's icon, and the like are displayed. The operation buttons include a selection button B1.

The content display frame A1 is an area where the content requested for delivery by the viewer is displayed.
The selection button B1 is, for example, a button that causes the display screen of the viewer terminal 20 to display an image for the viewer to select an item image. When the viewer clicks the selection button B1, the object array image shown in FIG. 9 is displayed on the display screen of the viewer terminal 20. FIG. A viewer can select an item image on the display screen on which the object array image is displayed. An item list display image, which will be described later, may be displayed on the display screen of the viewer terminal 20 in response to the viewer clicking the selection button B1.

FIG. 9 is a diagram schematically showing a display example of an object array image displayed on the viewer terminal.
The display example of FIG. 9 includes a second area 200 including a portion where item images are displayed. The second area 200 includes an object display frame A2 in which item images are displayed, and a portion in which operation buttons and the like are displayed. The operation buttons include a selection button B2, a history display button B3, and a ranking button B4.

The object display frame A2 is an area in which an item image that has been input for the content being viewed is displayed. The object display frame A2 includes an input portion A20, a first portion A21, a second portion A22, and a third portion A23.

The input portion A20 is a portion where an item image input by the viewer is displayed in real time. For example, a case where the viewer selects the item image "Wakotsu" by operating a selection button B2, which will be described later, will be described. The item image "Wakotsu" is displayed in the input portion A20 in response to the viewer's selection operation, accompanied by an action of falling from the upper side to the lower side in the vertical direction of the display screen. The item image "Wakotsu" may be displayed at any position in the input portion A20. The item image "Wakotsu" is displayed in a state of being stacked on the item image displayed in the first portion A21. In the vicinity of the item image "Wakotsu", the identification information of the viewer who has put in the item, or information such as consumption points may be displayed. For example, an icon for identifying the viewer who has thrown the item may be displayed above the item image “Wakotsu”. Moreover, the point consumed ("500pt" etc.) may be displayed on the upper part of an item image at the timing etc. when an item image "Wakotsu" is displayed. In addition, the thrown-in item image may or may not be included in the first item image.

The first portion A21 is a portion where the first item image is displayed. The second portion A22 is a portion where the second item image is displayed. The third portion A23 is a portion where the third item image is displayed when the generation unit 34 acquires the third item image. If the generation unit 34 does not acquire the third item image, the third portion A23 does not exist. The first portion A21, the second portion A22, and the third portion A23 are adjacent. In the example of FIG. 9, the first portion A21, the second portion A22, and the third portion A23 are arranged side by side in order from the upper side in the vertical direction of the display screen. The first part A21, the second part A22 and the third part A23 can be scrolled by the viewer. When scrolled by the viewer, the display position of the object display frame displayed on the display screen of the viewer terminal 20 changes. The boundary between the first portion A21, the second portion A22, and the third portion A23 may be in a manner that cannot be discerned from the viewer. Therefore, the viewer sees that the item images are arranged naturally. In the first part A21, the item images are displayed in the order of new arrival, so even if the viewer inputs the display instruction of the object display screen immediately after the item images are input, the viewer himself/herself is displayed in the upper part of the object display frame. You can see the image of the item you put in. The time-series arrangement direction of the first item images in the first portion A21, the time-series arrangement direction of the second item images in the second portion A22, and the time of the third item images in the third portion A23 It is preferable that the array directions of the series are the same as each other. The viewer can see how the item image moves in the same direction in each part as time passes.

In the vicinity of the first item image, the second item image, and the third item image, identification information of the input viewer or information such as consumption points may be displayed.

The selection button B2 is, for example, a button that causes the display screen of the viewer terminal 20 to display an item list display image for the viewer to select an item image. A plurality of item images are arranged side by side in the item list display image. The viewer can select, for example, by clicking an item image to be inserted in the item list display image. The viewer terminal 20 may include a sensor that detects that the viewer touches the display screen. In this case, the viewer touches the item image that the viewer wants to insert in the item list display image with a fingertip or a touch pen. It is possible to select by The identification information of the item image selected by the viewer is transmitted to the content distribution device 30 as input information. When the viewer selects an item image, the item list display image may include information such as the type of item image, priority display level, points consumed, and the like. The viewer can select an item image based on information such as the type of item image, priority display level, points to be consumed, and the like.

The history display button B3 is a button for displaying on the display screen of the viewer terminal 20, for example, the history of item images that have been input by the viewer up to the present time for the content being viewed. For example, the history of the item image may display the input time of the item image. The history of the item images may be arranged in chronological order, or the item images may be arranged in descending order of the number of items inserted.

The ranking button B4 is, for example, a button for displaying on the display screen of the viewer terminal 20 the ranking of the item images that have been input by the viewer up to the present time for the content being viewed. For example, the item image ranking may display the number of items inserted for each type of item image using a bar graph or the like. In the ranking of item images, the item images may be arranged in descending order of the number of inserted items.

The display examples of the viewer terminal 20 based on the content data and object array data supplied from the content distribution device 30 have been described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, but the display examples of the viewer terminal 20 are not limited to these. do not have.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the content distribution device 30 acquires input information including information on objects selected by operating at least one viewer terminal, and based on the input information, object array data can be generated, the first object can be obtained in chronological order based on the input information, and the second object having the preferential display period corresponding to the display level can be obtained based on the input information.
Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, the content distribution device 30 includes a first portion for allocating the first object and a second portion for allocating the second object, which are different from the content display frame for displaying the content data. Object array data can be generated to be displayed in the object pane.
Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, the content distribution apparatus 30 acquires, as the first object, an object whose upper limit is the first predetermined number from the time when the input information is acquired, and the priority display period. An object different from the first object, which is an object whose upper limit is a second predetermined number in descending order of the remaining time, can be acquired as the second object.
Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, the content distribution device 30 can display the first objects in the first portion in chronological order and the second objects in the second portion in chronological order.
Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, the content distribution device 30 can generate object array data displayed in an object display frame including adjacent first and second portions.

As a result, the content distribution device 30 can arrange the first objects in the first portion of the object display frame in order from the object with the newest input time. Therefore, the viewer can certainly confirm the action of throwing in the item image. The content delivery device 30 can motivate viewers to insert item images. Also, the content distribution device 30 can arrange the second objects with the longest remaining time of the priority display period in the second portion of the object display frame in order from the object with the newest input time. Therefore, the content distribution device 30 can display the item image with a high priority display level for a long period of time. The content distribution device 30 can motivate viewers to introduce item images with a high priority display level. Furthermore, the content delivery device 30 can show the viewer the item images in a natural arrangement such that the item images are arranged in order from the newest input time. In this way, the content distribution apparatus 30 can increase the motivation of the viewers to insert objects into the content and make the content lively.

Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, the content distribution device 30 can display the second object in different display sizes according to the length of the preferential display period. As a result, the content distribution device 30 can display an item image with a longer priority display period in a larger proportion of the object display frame. Therefore, the viewer can easily identify the item image with the long preferential display period. The content distribution device 30 can motivate viewers to introduce item images with a high priority display level. In this way, the content distribution apparatus 30 can increase the motivation of the viewers to insert objects into the content and make the content lively.

In the above example, the generating unit 34 acquires the input information from the new arrivals table and the priority table, but the present invention is not limited to this. The generation unit 34 may acquire input information from object management data.

Although the content distribution device 30 is illustrated in the above example, the present invention is not limited to this. At least part of the functions of the content distribution device 30 of this embodiment may be implemented in the viewer terminal 20 .

Note that the information processing device may be realized by one device as described with the content distribution device 30 as an example, or may be realized by a system in which functions are distributed to a plurality of devices.

It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made in the implementation stage without departing from the scope of the invention. Further, each embodiment may be implemented in combination as appropriate, in which case the combined effect can be obtained. Furthermore, various inventions are included in the above embodiments, and various inventions can be extracted by combinations selected from a plurality of disclosed constituent elements. For example, even if some constituent elements are deleted from all the constituent elements shown in the embodiments, if the problem can be solved and effects can be obtained, the configuration with the constituent elements deleted can be extracted as an invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10... Distributor terminal, 20... Viewer terminal, 26... Database, 27... Database, 30... Contents distribution apparatus, 32... Reception part, 34... Generation part, 35... Distribution control part, 36... Management data update part, 38 100 first area 200 second area 321 distribution request acquisition unit 322 display instruction acquisition unit 323 object acquisition unit 381 content distribution unit 382 object array distribution unit A1 Content display frame A2 Object display frame A20 Input part A21 First part A22 Second part A23 Third part B1 Selection button B2 Selection button B3 History Display button, B4...Ranking button.

Claims (10)

an object acquisition unit that acquires input information including information on an object selected by operating at least one viewer terminal;
a generation unit that generates object array data based on the input information,
The generation unit acquires a first object in chronological order based on the input information, and acquires a second object having a priority display period corresponding to a display level based on the input information.
Information processing equipment. The object array data is data displayed in an object display frame different from a content display frame that displays content data,
the object pane includes a first portion allocating the first object and a second portion allocating the second object;
The information processing device according to claim 1 . The generation unit acquires, as the first object, an object whose upper limit is a first predetermined number from the time when the input information was acquired, and
Acquiring an object different from the first object, which is an object whose upper limit is a second predetermined number in descending order of the remaining time of the priority display period, as the second object;
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2. the first objects are displayed in chronological order in the first portion;
the second objects are displayed in chronological order in the second portion;
The information processing apparatus according to claim 2 or claim 3 to which claim 2 is quoted. the first portion and the second portion are adjacent;
The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, claim 3 directly quoting claim 2, or claim 4 directly or indirectly quoting claim 2. the display size of the second object varies depending on the length of the priority display period;
The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5. further comprising a display instruction acquisition unit that acquires an object display instruction input by operating the viewer terminal;
The generation unit generates the object array data in response to acquisition of the object display instruction.
The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6. further comprising an object array distribution unit that distributes the object array data;
The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7. an object information acquisition step of acquiring input information including information of an object selected by operating at least one viewer terminal;
a generation step of generating object array data based on the input information;
The generating step obtains a first object in chronological order based on the input information, and obtains a second object having a priority display period corresponding to a display level based on the input information.
Information processing methods. the computer,
object information acquisition means for acquiring input information including information on an object selected by operating at least one viewer terminal;
An information processing program functioning as generating means for generating object array data based on the input information,
The generating means acquires a first object in chronological order based on the input information, and acquires a second object having a priority display period corresponding to a display level based on the input information.
Information processing program.

Images