JP2024069594A - System, method, and program for distributing live video - Google Patents

Abstract

[Problem] To stimulate communication between viewers of a live video while strengthening the connection between the broadcaster and viewers of the live video. [Solution] A video distribution server 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention provides a live video distribution service for broadcasting and viewing live videos to a user via a user terminal 30. The server 10 generates a combo when it is determined that the input of an item by each of a plurality of viewers of the live video satisfies a predetermined combo condition, thereby stimulating communication between viewers of the live video, and furthermore, grants a first value to the broadcaster in response to the generation of such a combo, thereby strengthening the connection between the broadcaster and viewers of the live video. [Selected Figure] Figure 1

Description

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

Conventionally, in live video distribution services for distributing live videos, viewers input (input) items. For example, the system disclosed in the following Patent Document 1 is configured to display a special item when a combination of items specified by item display requests from each of multiple users meets a predetermined condition. Such input of items can stimulate communication between viewers and liven up the live video itself.

JP 2015-114961 A

However, while the conventional systems described above can stimulate communication between viewers, they do not promote stronger ties between viewers and broadcasters. Therefore, it is desirable to realize a mechanism that stimulates communication between viewers while strengthening the ties between the viewers and broadcasters (increasing viewers' engagement with broadcasters) through the input of items during the broadcast of a live video.

One of the objectives of the embodiments of the present invention is to stimulate communication between viewers of a live video while strengthening the connection between the broadcaster of the live video and the viewers. Other objectives of the embodiments of the present invention will become apparent by reference to the entire specification.

A system according to one embodiment of the present invention is a system for distributing live video, comprising one or more computer processors, and the one or more computer processors execute the following processes in response to execution of readable instructions: distributing a live video provided by a distributor to each of a plurality of viewers; accepting an item input by each of the plurality of viewers during distribution of the live video provided by the distributor; determining whether the current item input satisfies a predetermined combo condition in response to the item input by each of the plurality of viewers, and generating a combo if it is determined that the predetermined combo condition is satisfied; and granting a first value to the distributor in response to the occurrence of a combo.

A method according to one embodiment of the present invention is executed by one or more computers and is a method for distributing live video, comprising the steps of: distributing a live video provided by a distributor to each of a plurality of viewers; accepting an item input by each of the plurality of viewers during distribution of the live video provided by the distributor; determining whether the current item input satisfies a predetermined combo condition in response to the item input by each of the plurality of viewers, generating a combo if it is determined that the predetermined combo condition is satisfied; and granting a first value to the distributor in response to the occurrence of a combo.

A program according to one embodiment of the present invention is a program for distributing live video, which, when executed on one or more computers, causes the one or more computers to execute the following processes: distributing a live video provided by a distributor to each of a plurality of viewers; accepting an item input by each of the plurality of viewers while the live video provided by the distributor is being distributed; determining whether the current item input by each of the plurality of viewers satisfies a predetermined combo condition, in response to the item input by each of the plurality of viewers, and generating a combo if it is determined that the predetermined combo condition is satisfied; and granting a first value to the distributor in response to the generation of a combo.

Various embodiments of the present invention stimulate communication between viewers of live video while strengthening the connection between the broadcaster of the live video and the viewers.

1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a network including a video distribution server 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functions of the video distribution server 10. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of information managed in a user information table 411. FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining ranks. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of information managed in a distribution information table 412. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a top screen 60. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a distributor screen 70. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a viewer screen 80. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of an item selection screen 90. 11 is a flow diagram illustrating a process executed by the server 10 in relation to the input of an item by a viewer. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a combo condition. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a viewer screen 80 on which an item object IO is displayed. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an item object IO. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a fever time instruction screen 110 that is displayed superimposed on a distributor screen 70. FIG. 11 is a flow diagram illustrating a process executed by the server 10 when updating a rank. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining an update rule for a rank meter value. 11 is a diagram for explaining the correspondence between update contents of rank and required rank meter value. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a rank meter object 100. FIG. 11 is a flow diagram illustrating a process executed by the server 10 when awarding diamonds.

The following describes an embodiment of the present invention with reference to the drawings.

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

The video distribution server 10 is configured as a general computer, and as shown in FIG. 1, includes a computer processor 11, a main memory 12, an input/output I/F 13, a communication I/F 14, and a storage (memory device) 15, and these components are electrically connected via a bus or the like (not shown).

The computer processor 11 is configured as a CPU or GPU, etc., and loads various programs stored in the storage 15, etc., into the main memory 12 and executes various instructions contained in the programs. The main memory 12 is configured, for example, from a DRAM, etc.

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

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

Storage 15 is composed of, for example, a magnetic disk, a flash memory, etc. Storage 15 stores various programs including an operating system, various data, etc.

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

The video distribution server 10 configured in this manner can be configured to have the functions of a web server and an application server, in which case it executes various processes in response to requests from a web browser and other applications (e.g., applications for live video distribution services) installed on the user terminal 30, and transmits screen data (e.g., HTML data) and control data, etc., according to the results of the processes, to the user terminal 30. The user terminal 30 can display a web page or other screen based on the received data.

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

The computer processor 31 is configured as a CPU or GPU, and loads various programs stored in the storage 35, etc., into the main memory 32 and executes various commands contained in the programs. The main memory 32 is configured, for example, from a DRAM, etc.

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

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

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

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

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

Next, the functions of the video distribution server 10 of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functions of the video distribution server 10. As shown in the figure, the server 10 has an information storage management unit 41 that stores and manages various information, a basic function control unit 43 that controls the basic functions of the live video distribution service, and a video distribution control unit 45 that controls the distribution of live videos. These functions are realized by the cooperation of hardware such as the computer processor 11 and the main memory 12, as well as various programs and data stored in the storage 15, etc., and are realized, for example, by the computer processor 11 executing instructions included in a program loaded into the main memory 12. In addition, some or all of the functions of the server 10 shown in FIG. 2 can be realized by the cooperation of the server 10 and the user terminal 30, or by the user terminal 30.

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

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

The video distribution control unit 45 of the video distribution server 10 executes various processes related to the control of the distribution of live videos. For example, the video distribution control unit 45 is configured to distribute live videos of each of the multiple distributors to each of the multiple viewers. For example, the video distribution control unit 45 is configured to receive live videos transmitted from the user terminal 30 of the distributor (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as the "distributor terminal 30") and transmit the live videos to the user terminals 30 of each of the multiple viewers (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as the "viewer terminals 30"). The live videos are composed of, for example, images input via the camera of the distributor terminal 30 and audio input via the microphone. The distribution of such live videos can be performed, for example, by a streaming method using a protocol such as HTTP Live Streaming (HLS).

In this embodiment, the video distribution control unit 45 is configured to accept input of items from each of multiple viewers to the distributor of the live video during distribution of the live video. For example, the video distribution control unit 45 is configured to present the live video to the viewers via a predetermined screen displayed on each viewer terminal 30, and to display an item input by one viewer via the predetermined screen on the predetermined screen of each viewer terminal 30 (for example, superimposed on the live video). The items input by the viewer may include various virtual and electronic items. Such items are, for example, given to the viewer at various times, with or without payment.

In this embodiment, the video distribution control unit 45 is configured to determine whether the current item input satisfies a predetermined combo condition in response to an item input by a viewer, and to generate a combo if it is determined that the predetermined combo condition is satisfied. The predetermined combo condition is typically configured as a condition required between the current item input and a previous item input prior to the current item input (for example, the previous (immediately preceding) item input, or an item input in the previous combo, etc.).

The video distribution control unit 45 is also configured to grant a first value to the distributor in response to the occurrence of a combo. The first value can be configured as various virtual and electronic items, points, and various parameter values that can bring benefits to the distributor. The quantity (total value) of the first value held is managed, for example, in the user information table 411 or the distribution information table 412.

In this manner, the video distribution server 10 in this embodiment generates a combo when it is determined that the input of items by each of multiple viewers of the live video meets a predetermined combo condition, thereby stimulating communication between viewers of the live video, and furthermore, by granting a first value to the broadcaster in response to the occurrence of such a combo, it is possible to strengthen the bond between the broadcaster and viewers of the live video.

In addition, the video distribution control unit 45 may be configured to chain the currently occurring combo to the previous combo when the current item input is performed during a chain possible period during which a chain of combos is possible with respect to the previous combo (e.g., a period from the occurrence of the previous combo until a predetermined time has elapsed) and when it is determined that a predetermined combo condition is satisfied, to chain the currently occurring combo to the previous combo and to grant the distributor a larger amount of first value the greater the number of combo chains. The number of combo chains may simply be called the "combo number." In addition, the video distribution control unit 45 may be configured to clear the combo chain (clear the number of combo chains) in response to the end of the chain possible period. When the combo chain is cleared, a new combo chain may start, for example, from the occurrence of the next combo. This configuration promotes combo chains, which in turn further stimulates communication between viewers.

In this embodiment, the predetermined combo conditions for generating (and chaining) a combo may include various conditions required for the input (mode) of the current item. For example, the predetermined combo conditions may include a condition that the relationship between the value of the item input this time and the value of the item input previously or the value of the item input in the previous combo is a predetermined relationship (for example, a condition that the value of the item input this time (e.g., price in real or virtual currency) is higher than the value of the item input previously). This configuration promotes active communication between diverse viewers, for example, because it requires cooperation between viewers who possess high-value items (e.g., advanced players) and viewers who do not possess high-value items and only possess low-value items (e.g., beginners).

The predetermined combo condition may also include a condition that the number of times the same item (item of the same type) is input in a chain of combos is equal to or less than a threshold. For example, if the number of times the same item is input is limited to once or less, and item A was input in the previous combo, inputting item A this time will not satisfy the predetermined combo condition. This configuration encourages the input of multiple types of items in a series of linked combos.

The specified combo condition may also include a condition that the number of times an item is input by the same viewer in a combo chain is equal to or less than a threshold value. For example, if the number of times an item is input by the same viewer is limited to once or less, and an item was input by viewer A in the previous combo, the current input of the item by viewer A will not satisfy the specified combo condition. This configuration encourages a large number of viewers to participate in combo chains (item input).

The video distribution control unit 45 may also be configured to grant the distributor a quantity of the second value based at least on the viewing status of multiple viewers during distribution of the live video. For example, the video distribution control unit 45 may be configured to set the quantity of the second value to be granted to the distributor based on the number of viewers and the input status of items, comments, likes, etc. by each of the multiple viewers. The second value may be configured as various virtual and electronic items, points, and various parameter values that can bring benefits to the distributor. The held quantity (total value) of the second value is managed, for example, in the user information table 411 or the distribution information table 412.

The video distribution control unit 45 may be configured to start a predetermined mode configured to increase the quantity of the second value set at least based on the viewing situation, with the necessary condition that the held quantity of the first value is equal to or greater than a threshold value. For example, when the viewing situation is the same, the quantity of the second value set will be greater in the case of a predetermined mode than in the case of a non-prescribed mode. In this case, the first value can be said to be a parameter value or the like accumulated to start the predetermined mode. This configuration makes it possible to grant benefits to distributors via the predetermined mode.

The video distribution control unit 45 can also be configured to start a predetermined mode in response to an instruction from the distributor after the held quantity of the first value reaches or exceeds a threshold. Such a configuration allows the distributor to decide the timing of starting the predetermined mode. As a result, strategy is required for starting the predetermined mode, which can provide enjoyment for the distributor and stimulate communication between the distributor and the viewer.

The video distribution control unit 45 may also be configured to enable the input of an item for a specific mode upon starting the specific mode. This configuration may increase the rarity value of the item for the specific mode and encourage the input of the item in the specific mode.

Next, a specific example of the video distribution server 10 of this embodiment having such a function will be described. FIG. 3 illustrates information managed in the user information table 411 in this example. The user information table 411 manages information about users of the live video distribution service, and as shown in the figure, in association with a "user account" that identifies an individual user, manages information such as "basic information" that is basic information about the user, such as account name, age, and gender, "distribution history information" that is information about the distribution history of live videos, "viewing history information" that is information about the viewing history of live videos distributed by other users, "following user information" that is information about other users followed by the user, "follower information" that is information about other users (followers) who follow the user, "rank" that indicates the rank of the user as a distributor, "rank meter value" that is a parameter value for determining rank up/down, "coin holding number" that indicates the number of virtual coins held in the live video distribution service, "diamond holding number" that indicates the number of virtual diamonds held, and "fever gauge value" (first value) that indicates the value of the fever gauge for starting fever time (predetermined mode) during the distribution of live videos.

Figure 4 is a diagram for explaining the "rank" of the distributor in this example. As shown in the figure, in this example, there are six rank bands, "S", "A", "B", "C", "D", and "E", and each of the five rank bands, "S", "A", "B", "C", and "D", is made up of three ranks (for example, "S+", "S", and "S-", which are ranks with a "+" added to the alphabet indicating the rank band, ranks with only the alphabet, and ranks with a "-" added to the alphabet). In addition, the "E" rank band is made up of a single rank, "E". In other words, in this example, there are 16 ranks (3 x 5 + 1 = 16).

The "S" side of the rank band is the highest and the "E" side is the lowest. Within the same rank band, the "+" side is the highest and the "-" side is the lowest. In this example, the user's rank is set to "D-" as the initial value.

5 illustrates information managed in the distribution information table 412 in this example. The distribution information table 412 manages information related to distribution of individual live videos, and as shown in the figure, in association with a "distribution ID" that identifies an individual distribution, manages information such as a "distributor user account" that identifies the distributor of this distribution, a "distribution date and time", a "distribution duration" that indicates the duration of the distribution, the "number of viewers (current value and maximum value)", a "number of comments" that is the number of comments entered by viewers, a "number of likes" that is the number of "likes" entered by viewers, "item points" that are added according to the input of items by viewers, "combo information" that is information about combos that may occur according to the input of the items, a "fever time flag" that indicates whether the current time is fever time, a "fever score" that is added according to the input of comments, likes, and items during fever time, "basic points" that are basic points granted for this distribution, and "distribution points" (second value) that are points obtained by adding fever scores to basic points. Combo information includes the number of combos and combo history (item input history for each chained combo (viewer and item combination history)), etc.

Figure 6 shows an example of a home page 60 of a live video streaming service. As shown in the figure, the screen 60 has a filter area 62 labeled "Follow," "Popular," and "All," a list display area 64 that displays a list of live videos currently being streamed, and a streaming start button 66 labeled "Stream."

The filter area 62 is an area for setting filtering for live videos being distributed and displayed in the list display area 64. Specifically, when "Following" is selected in the filter area 62, the live videos displayed in the list display area 64 are narrowed down to live videos of users the user is following. Similarly, when "Popular" is selected in the filter area 62, the live videos displayed in the list display area 64 are narrowed down to live videos extracted according to predetermined extraction conditions for extracting popular videos (for example, live videos with a viewer count (current value) equal to or greater than a threshold). Furthermore, when "All" is selected in the filter area 62, all live videos being distributed without filtering are subject to list display.

In the list display area 64, a plurality of individual display areas 641, each of which displays information about an individual live video, are arranged in two columns. The individual display areas 641 display, for example, a still image preset by the broadcaster of the live video, the broadcaster's account name, the number of viewers (current value), and the like. The list display area 64 is configured so that the displayed individual display areas 641 can be switched by a flick operation/slide operation in an up or down direction, etc.

The start distribution button 66 is an object that allows the user to start distributing live video as a distributor. When the start distribution button 66 is selected by the user, distribution of the live video starts, and specifically, transmission of a video composed of an image input via the camera of the user terminal 30 and audio input via the microphone of the user terminal 30 to the server 10 starts. In addition, in response to the start of distribution of the live video, a new record is created in the distribution information table 412.

Figure 7 illustrates a broadcaster screen 70 that is displayed on the broadcaster terminal 30 in response to selection of the broadcast start button 66 (i.e., the start of broadcasting a live video). The screen 70 has a video display area 71 that corresponds to the entire screen, a basic information display area 72 located in the upper left corner of the screen, a fever gauge 73 located below the area 72, an item information display area 74 located below the fever gauge 73, an action information display area 75 located below the area 74, and a circular broadcast stop button 76 located in the center of the bottom edge of the screen.

The video display area 71 displays the live video being distributed, that is, the image input via the camera of the distributor terminal 30. The distributor usually shoots himself/herself via the internal camera of the distributor terminal 30, so the live video being distributed includes the distributor himself/herself.

The basic information display area 72 displays basic information about this broadcast, specifically broadcaster information (profile image, etc.), the number of viewers of this broadcast (current value), and the number of "likes" entered by viewers in response to this broadcast.

The fever gauge 73 displays the value of the distributor's fever gauge in gauge format. As mentioned above, the fever gauge value is managed in the user information table 411, and as will be described in more detail below, it increases in response to the occurrence of combos and chains based on the viewer's item input.

The item information display area 74, which will be described in more detail below, displays information about the input of an item in response to the viewer's input of that item.

The action information display area 75 displays information about actions performed by the viewer. Specifically, in this area 75, multiple action objects AO, each corresponding to an individual action, are arranged vertically. The action information display area 75 is configured so that when a new action is performed by the viewer, a corresponding action object AO is added to the bottom, and existing action objects AO move upward in order. The action information display area 75 is configured so that the action object AO displayed is switched by a flick operation/slide operation in the vertical direction. Actions by the viewer displayed in the action information display area 75 include entering a room (starting watching), inputting a "like," inputting a comment, and inputting an item.

The broadcast stop button 76 is an object that allows the broadcaster to stop broadcasting the live video. When the broadcaster selects the broadcast stop button 76, the broadcasting of the live video (the transmission of the live video from the broadcaster terminal 30 to the server 10) is stopped.

Figure 8 illustrates an example of a viewer screen 80 displayed on the viewer terminal 30. For example, when a viewer selects any live video via the list display area 64 of the top screen 60, a viewer screen 80 for viewing the selected live video is displayed on the viewer terminal 30. As shown in the figure, the screen 80 has a video display area 81, a basic information display area 82, a fever gauge 83, an item information display area 84, and an action information display area 85, similar to the distributor screen 70 described above. In addition, the viewer screen 80 has, at the bottom of the screen, a comment input area 86, a "Like" button 87 with a heart mark displayed, and an item input button 88 with a gift design displayed.

The comment input area 86 is an area for viewers to input comments. When a viewer inputs a comment through this area 86, an action object AO corresponding to the input comment is added to the action information display areas 75, 85 of the distributor screen 70 of the distributor terminal 30 and the viewer screen 80 of each viewer terminal 30. The action object AO corresponding to the comment displays the comment itself (text) along with the account name of the viewer who input the comment. In addition, when a comment is input, the number of comments in the distribution information table 412 is updated (increased by 1).

The like button 87 is an object that allows a viewer to "like" a broadcaster. When the button 87 is selected by a viewer, a "like" is input, and an action object AO corresponding to the "like" is added to the action information display area 75, 85. The action object AO corresponding to the "like" displays text indicating that the "like" has been made, along with the account name of the viewer who input the "like". In addition, when a "like" is input, a predetermined visual effect (for example, an animation effect in which a heart-shaped object is displayed flowing from the bottom to the top of the screen) is added to the video display area 71, 81. In addition, when a "like" is input, the "number of likes" in the broadcast information table 412 is updated (increased by 1).

The item input button 88 is an object that allows the viewer to input an item. When the button 88 is selected by the viewer, an item selection screen 90, as shown in FIG. 9, is displayed superimposed on the viewer screen 80. As shown in the figure, the screen 90 displays a list of multiple individual display areas 92, each of which displays information about an item. The individual display areas 92 display an image corresponding to the item and the number of coins required to input the item.

In this example, multiple items that can be input by the viewer are predefined, and a number of coins is predefined as the price (value) of each item. The item selection screen 90 displays a list of the multiple items that can be input. When the viewer selects one of the items via the item selection screen 90, the selected item is input.

Now, the process related to the input of items will be described in detail. FIG. 10 is a flow diagram illustrating the process related to the input of items by the viewer, which is executed by the server 10 in this example. As shown in the figure, while the live video is being distributed (NO in step S100), the server 10 waits for the input of an item (NO in step S115), and when the combo clear condition for clearing the combo is satisfied during this waiting period (YES in step S105), the server 10 clears the combo so far (step S110). Combo clearing will be described later.

When an item is input by any viewer while waiting for the input of the item (YES in step S115), the server 10 displays the corresponding action object (step S120). Specifically, an action object AO corresponding to the input of the item is added to the action information display areas 75, 85 of the broadcaster screen 70 and the viewer screen 80. The action object AO corresponding to the input of the item displays the name of the input item together with the account name of the viewer who input the item.

Then, the server 10 updates the item points for this distribution (step S123). Specifically, item points according to the number of coins of the input item (e.g., the more coins, the more points) are granted to this distribution, and are added to the item points of the corresponding distribution in the distribution information table 412.

Next, the server 10 updates the number of coins held by the viewer who input the item (step S125). Specifically, the number of coins for the input item is subtracted from the number of coins held by the corresponding user (the viewer who input the item) in the user information table 411.

The server 10 then determines whether the input of the item satisfies the combo condition (step S130). In this example, the combo condition is composed of the following five necessary conditions. In other words, the combo condition is satisfied when all of the following five conditions are satisfied.

(1) The time that has elapsed since the previous combo (or the previous item input, if there is no previous combo) must be within 30 seconds. (2) The number of coins for the item input this time must be equal to or greater than the number of coins for the item input in the previous combo (or the previous item input, if there is no previous combo). (3) The viewer who inputs the current item has not yet input an item in the previous (chained) combo (the number of times an item has been input by the same viewer in a combo chain must be 1 or less).
(4) The item entered this time has not yet been entered in any previous (chained) combo (the number of times the same item has been entered in a combo chain is 1 or less).
(5) The fever gauge is not full.

Figure 11 is a diagram for explaining the combo conditions in this example. Figure 11 illustrates how the combo number is incremented or not incremented according to the input of an item from top to bottom. Note that in the following explanation, it is assumed that the interval between the input of successive items is within 30 seconds (satisfying condition (1)) and that the fever gauge is not full (satisfying condition (5)). As shown in the figure, it is assumed that viewer 01 first inputs item A (1) (the number in parentheses is the number of coins; the same applies below). The combo number at this point is 0.

Next, when viewer 02 inputs item B (1), the number of coins for the currently input item B (1), "1," is equal to or greater than the number of coins for the previously input item A (1) (condition (2) is satisfied), and a combo chain does not yet exist (conditions (3) and (4) are satisfied), so the combo condition is satisfied. As a result, the combo number is incremented from "0" to "1."

Next, when viewer 03 inputs item B (1), the item B input this time has already been input in the previous combo, so condition (4) is not met and the combo condition is not met. As a result, the combo count remains at "1."

When viewer 04 then inputs item C (3), the number of coins for the currently input item C, "3", is equal to or greater than the number of coins for item B, "1", input in the previous combo (satisfying condition (2)), and viewer 04, who input the current item, has not input any items in the previous combos (satisfying condition (3)), and item C, input this time, has not been input in the previous combos (satisfying condition (4)). Therefore, the combo condition is satisfied. As a result, the combo number is increased from "1" to "2".

Next, when viewer 05 inputs item D (1), the number of coins for the newly input item D (1) is less than the number of coins for item C (3) input in the previous combo, so condition (2) is not met and the combo condition is not satisfied. As a result, the combo number remains at "2."

When viewer 06 then inputs item E (3), the number of coins for the currently input item E, "3," is equal to or greater than the number of coins for item C, "3," input in the previous combo (satisfying condition (2)), and viewer 06, who input the current item, has not input any items in the previous combos (satisfying condition (3)), and item E input this time has not been input in the previous combos (satisfying condition (4)). Therefore, the combo condition is satisfied. As a result, the combo number is increased from "2" to "3."

Next, when viewer 02 inputs item F (5), viewer 02, who inputs the current item, has already input an item in the previous combo (he input item B in the first combo), so condition (3) is not met and the combo condition is not satisfied. As a result, the combo count remains at "3".

When viewer 05 then inputs item F (5), the number of coins for the currently input item F, "5", is equal to or greater than the number of coins for item E, "3", input in the previous combo (satisfying condition (2)), and viewer 05, who input the current item, has not input any items in the previous combos (satisfying condition (3)), and item F inputted this time has not been input in the previous combos (satisfying condition (4)), so the combo condition is satisfied. As a result, the combo number is increased from "3" to "4".

Returning to the flow diagram of FIG. 10, if the current input of the item is not determined to satisfy the combo condition (NO in step S130), the server 10 displays a normal item object (step S135), whereas if the current input of the item is determined to satisfy the combo condition (YES in step S130), the server 10 displays a combo item object (step S140). FIG. 12 illustrates an example of a viewer screen 80 in which an item object IO is displayed in an item information display area 84. Similarly, the item object IO is also displayed in the item information display area 74 of the distributor screen 70. The item object IO disappears after a predetermined time has elapsed after being displayed in the item information display areas 74, 84. In addition, a predetermined visual effect corresponding to the input item may be added to the video display areas 71, 81 in association with the display or disappearance of the item object IO.

In this example, the normal item object when the input of the item does not satisfy the combo condition and the combo item object when the input of the item satisfies the combo condition have different appearances. FIG. 13(A) illustrates a normal item object IO1, and FIG. 13(B) illustrates a combo item object IO2. As shown in the figure, the normal item object IO1 has a rounded rectangular outline, and has a circular viewer image display area IO11 on the left side that displays the profile image of the viewer who input the item. In addition, the normal item object IO1 displays the viewer's account name and the name and image of the input item. On the other hand, the combo item object IO2 has a normal (non-rounded) rectangular outline, and has a trapezoidal viewer image display area IO21 on the left side that displays the profile image of the viewer who input the item. Additionally, the combo item object IO2 displays the viewer's account name, the name and image of the entered item, and the number of combos (in the example of FIG. 13(B) it displays "5 combo").

Returning to the flow diagram of FIG. 10, if the input of an item does not satisfy the combo condition, the server 10 displays the normal item object, then returns to step S100 and waits for the input of an item again.

On the other hand, if the item input satisfies the combo condition, after displaying the combo item object, the server 10 updates the combo information and the fever gauge value (step S145). Specifically, the combo information (combo number and combo history) and the fever gauge value of the corresponding broadcast are updated in the broadcast information table 412. When updating the combo information, the combo number is increased by 1, and information about the current item input (combination of viewer and item) is added to the combo history. When updating the fever gauge value, an additional value set based on the number of coins of the item input this time and the updated combo number is added to the fever gauge value. The additional value becomes larger as the number of coins and the number of combos increase. When the fever gauge value is updated, the display of the fever gauges 73, 83 on the broadcaster screen 70 and the viewer screen 80 is also updated.

If the updated fever gauge is not full (the fever gauge value has not reached its maximum value) (NO in step S150), the server 10 returns to step S100 and waits for the input of an item again.

As described above, if the combo clearing condition is met during the waiting period for the input of an item (YES in step S105), the combo is cleared (step S110). Here, the combo clearing will be explained. In this example, the combo clearing condition is that any of the following conditions is met.

(1) The time since the last combo reaches 30 seconds. (2) The fever gauge becomes full.

When any of these conditions are met, the combo is cleared, and specifically, the combo information (combo count and combo history) of the corresponding distribution is cleared (initialized) in the distribution information table 412. In other words, the possible chain period in this example can be said to be "within 30 seconds from the previous combo."

On the other hand, as a result of repeated combos and chains, when the fever gauge becomes full (the fever gauge value reaches its maximum value) (YES in step S150), the server 10 displays a fever time instruction screen on the broadcaster terminal 30 (step S155), returns to step S100, and waits for item input again.

Figure 14 illustrates an example of a fever time instruction screen 110 displayed on the broadcaster terminal 30. As shown in the figure, the screen 110 is displayed superimposed on the broadcaster screen 70, and has a circular fever time button 112 labeled "FEVER START" and a hold button 114 labeled "Play later." When the broadcaster selects the fever time button 112, fever time begins.

When fever time starts, a predetermined visual effect (for example, an animation effect in which the word "FEVER" appears to dance) is added to the video display areas 71, 81 of the broadcaster screen 70 and the viewer screen 80. In addition, during fever time, a fever score is added according to the comments, likes, and item inputs by each viewer. As described above, the fever score is managed in the broadcast information table 412. During fever time, the number of comments, likes, and item points are also continuously updated according to the comments, likes, and item inputs by each viewer. In other words, fever time can be said to be a mode in which a fever score is added in addition to the number of comments, likes, and item points. During fever time, instead of or in addition to the normal items that can be input via the item selection screen 90, fever time items may be input.

In this example, fever time ends when a predetermined time (e.g., 60 seconds) has elapsed since it began. When fever time ends, the fever gauge value and combo are cleared (initialized). Then, when the fever gauge fills up again, the fever time instruction screen 110 is displayed again, and fever time can begin. Note that each time the fever gauge fills up, the difficulty of filling up the next fever gauge may be increased (e.g., the maximum fever gauge value may be increased). Also, a limit may be set for each broadcaster on the number of times the fever gauge can be filled up in a unit period (e.g., one day) (i.e., the number of fever times may be limited).

In this example, when the broadcaster selects the hold button 114 on the fever time instruction screen 110, the start of fever time is put on hold. During this hold period, viewers can input items, but because the fever gauge is full (does not satisfy condition (5) above), the combo condition is not met (no combo occurs). During this hold period, the broadcaster can instruct the start of fever time at the desired timing (for example, when a prominent viewer starts watching, etc.).

As described above, when the broadcaster selects the stop broadcast button 76 on the broadcaster screen 70, the broadcast of the live video ends. When the broadcast of the live video ends, the server 10 sets broadcast points for that broadcast. In this example, basic points are calculated based on the number of viewers (maximum value), number of likes, number of comments, and item points, and the fever score during fever time is added to the basic points to determine the broadcast points. The basic points are configured to increase as the number of viewers (maximum value), number of likes, number of comments, and item points increase. The calculated basic points and broadcast points are registered in the broadcast information table 412.

Even when the live video distribution ends, the fever gauge value managed in the user information table 411 is maintained. That is, in this example, the fever gauge value (state of the fever gauge) is carried over to the next distribution. The fever gauge value (state of the fever gauge) may be cleared (initialized) at a specified timing (for example, late at night every day).

In this example, the rank for the day is determined (updated) based on the distribution points the user acquired on the previous day. FIG. 15 is a flow diagram illustrating the process executed by the server 10 when updating the rank of each user. These processes are executed late at night every day (for example, at 3:00 a.m. every day).

First, the server 10 updates the rank meter value of each user as shown in the figure (step S300). FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining the rules for updating the rank meter value. As shown in the figure, in this example, the rank meter value fluctuates based on the ranking of the distribution points acquired by the user on the previous day within the rank band to which the user belongs. The distribution points acquired by a specific user on the previous day are calculated by referring to the distributor user account, distribution date and time, and distribution points in the distribution information table 412. Note that if a user makes multiple distributions in one day, the distribution points acquired for each of the multiple distributions are added together.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 16, the rank meter value update rules are as follows: first, if the ranking of a distribution point within a rank band is in the top 10%, the rank meter value changes by "+2" (an increase of 2 points). Similarly, if the ranking is in the top 11-30% (the remaining 20% after removing the top 10% from the top 30%), the change is "+1", if the ranking is in the middle 30% (top 31-60%) the change is "±0" (no increase or decrease), and if the ranking is in the bottom 40%, the change is "-1" (a decrease of 1 point). Note that if no distribution was performed on the previous day, the rank meter value changes by "-1" regardless of the ranking within the rank band.

In step S300, the rank meter value of each user is updated according to the update rules exemplified in FIG. 16. Note that, for a user whose rank meter value is negative and whose current change in rank meter value is an increase (specifically, +2 or +1), the rank meter value may be cleared to 0 and then increased. That is, for example, if a user whose current rank meter value is "-1" has a current change of "+2", the rank meter value is cleared to 0 and then incremented by 2, so that the rank meter value after the change becomes "+2" (instead of "+1"). In this way, even for users whose rank meter value is negative (for example, users who broadcast infrequently), the rank meter value can be increased all at once, which promotes the broadcasting of live video.

After updating the rank meter value of each user, the server 10 then updates the rank based on the updated rank meter value (step S310). FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining the correspondence between the update contents of the rank and the required rank meter value. As shown in the figure, first, when ranking up across rank bands (in other words, when ranking up from the highest rank in each rank band), the rank meter value required is +4. That is, when a user belonging to the highest rank (e.g., A+) in each rank band has a rank meter value of +4, the user is ranked up to the lowest rank (e.g., S-) in the immediately upper rank band. Also, when ranking up within the same rank band (in other words, when ranking up from the middle or lowest rank in each rank band), the rank meter value required is +2. That is, when a user belonging to the middle or lowest rank (e.g., B or B-) in each rank band has a rank meter value of +2, the user is ranked up to the immediately higher rank (e.g., B+ or B) in the same rank band.

Similarly, as illustrated in FIG. 17, the rank meter value required for down-ranking within the same rank band (in other words, for down-ranking from the highest or middle rank in each rank band) is -2. That is, when a user who belongs to the highest or middle rank in each rank band (e.g., B+ or B) has a rank meter value of -2, the user will be down-ranked to the next lower rank (e.g., B or B-) in the same rank band. Also, the rank meter value required for down-ranking across rank bands is -6. That is, when a user who belongs to the lowest rank (e.g., A-) in each rank band has a rank meter value of -6, the user will be down-ranked to the highest rank (e.g., B+) in the next lower rank band. Thus, in this example, the absolute value of the rank meter value required for up-ranking/down-ranking across rank bands is larger than that for up-ranking/down-ranking within the same rank band. As a result, sudden up-ranking/down-ranking in a short period of time is suppressed.

In step S310, the rank is updated based on the rank meter value according to the correspondence shown in FIG. 17. The rank meter value of the user whose rank has been updated (the user whose rank has been upgraded/downgraded) is cleared to 0.

Figure 18 illustrates a rank meter object 100 that displays a user's rank meter value. The object 100 is arranged, for example, on a profile screen that displays basic information about the user. As illustrated, the rank meter object 100 has a needle-shaped needle object 102 and a scale object 104 that has a C-shaped alphabet that opens downward. The user's current rank ("Rank A" in the example of Figure 18) is displayed below the needle object 102. The needle object 102 is configured to swing (rotate) to the right when the rank meter value increases and swing to the left when the rank meter value decreases. The needle object 102 in Figure 18 is upright (pointing to the 12 o'clock direction), which corresponds to a state where the rank meter value is 0. Also, the needle object 102 tilts to the right as the rank meter value increases in the positive direction, and tilts to the left as the rank meter value decreases in the negative direction. A rank up area 1041 corresponding to the rank meter value required for ranking up is set on the lower right side of the scale object 104, and a rank down area 1042 corresponding to the rank meter value required for ranking down is set on the lower left side of the scale object 104. Through the rank meter object 100, the user can grasp the current status of the rank meter value toward ranking up/down.

In addition, in this example, diamonds are awarded as a reward to the user as a broadcaster based on the broadcast time on the previous day and the rank (rank on the previous day). FIG. 19 is a flow diagram illustrating the process executed by the server 10 when awarding diamonds to each broadcaster. These processes are executed late at night every day, for example, at a time (for example, midnight every day) prior to the process executed when updating the rank of each user illustrated in FIG. 15.

First, as shown in the figure, the server 10 calculates the broadcast time of each user on the previous day (step S400). Specifically, the broadcast time of a specific user on the previous day is calculated by referring to the broadcaster user account and broadcast date and time in the broadcast information table 412. If a user makes multiple broadcasts in one day, the broadcast times of each of the multiple broadcasts are added together.

Then, the server 10 grants each user a number of diamonds based on the calculated broadcast time and the standard number of diamonds (step S410). Specifically, each user is granted a number of diamonds calculated by multiplying the calculated broadcast time by the standard number of diamonds. The standard number of diamonds is preset for each rank so that the higher the rank, the greater the number, and the standard number of diamonds corresponding to each user's rank on the previous day is applied. When diamonds are granted to a user, the number of diamonds held in the user information table 411 is updated. In this example, diamonds can be exchanged for coins or real currency.

In the above example, the fever gauge value is added in response to the occurrence of a combo or a chain reaction, and when the fever gauge is full, fever time can begin, and the fever score during that fever time is added to the distribution points, but this design is merely an example, and other designs may be applied in other examples of this embodiment. For example, in this other example, distribution points may be added directly in response to the occurrence of a combo or a chain reaction. Furthermore, in yet another example of this embodiment, the value/benefit granted to the distributor in response to the occurrence of a combo is not limited to the fever gauge value and distribution points, and may be, for example, coins, diamonds, etc.

The video distribution server 10 of the present embodiment described above generates a combo when it is determined that the input of items by each of multiple viewers of a live video meets a predetermined combo condition, thereby stimulating communication between viewers of the live video, and furthermore, a first value (e.g., a fever gauge value) is granted to the broadcaster in response to the occurrence of such a combo, thereby strengthening the bond between the broadcaster and viewers of the live video.

The processes and procedures described in this specification may be realized by software, hardware, or any combination thereof, other than those explicitly described. For example, the processes and procedures described in this specification may be realized by implementing logic equivalent to the processes and procedures in a medium such as an integrated circuit, volatile memory, non-volatile memory, or magnetic disk. In addition, the processes and procedures described in this specification may be implemented as a computer program equivalent to the processes and procedures, and executed by various computers.

Although the processes and procedures described herein are described as being performed by a single device, software, component, or module, such processes or procedures may be performed by multiple devices, multiple software, multiple components, and/or multiple modules. Also, the software and hardware elements described herein may be realized by integrating them into fewer components or breaking them down into more components.

In this specification, even if a component of the invention is described as either singular or plural, or described without being limited to either singular or plural, the component may be either singular or plural unless the context requires otherwise.

10 Video distribution server 11 Computer processor 15 Storage (storage device)
20 Communication network 30 User terminal 41 Information storage management unit 43 Basic function control unit 45 Video distribution control unit 60 Top screen 70 Screen for distributor 73 Fever gauge 80 Screen for viewer 83 Fever gauge 90 Item selection screen 100 Rank meter object 110 Fever time instruction screen

Claims (11)

1. A system for streaming live video, comprising one or more computer processors, comprising:
The one or more computer processors, in response to execution of the readable instructions,
A process of distributing a live video provided by a distributor to each of a plurality of viewers;
receiving input of an item from each of the plurality of viewers during distribution of a live video provided by the distributor;
a process of determining whether or not the current input of an item by each of the plurality of viewers satisfies a predetermined combo condition, and generating a combo when it is determined that the current input of the item satisfies the predetermined combo condition;
and executing a process of granting a first value to the distributor in response to the occurrence of a combo.
system. the process of generating a combo includes, when the current item is input during a combo chaining possible period during which a combo chaining is possible with respect to a previous combo, and when it is determined that the current item input satisfies the predetermined combo condition, chaining the currently generated combo to the previous combo;
the process of granting the first value includes granting the first value to the distributor in a larger amount as the number of consecutive combos increases;
The system of claim 1. The one or more computer processors further execute a process of clearing a combo chain in response to an end of the chain possible period.
The system of claim 2. The predetermined combo condition includes a condition that a relationship between the value of the currently input item and the value of the previously input item or the value of the item input in the previous combo is a predetermined relationship.
4. A system according to claim 2 or 3. The predetermined combo condition includes a condition that the number of times the same item is input in a combo chain is equal to or less than a threshold value.
5. A system according to any one of claims 2 to 4. The predetermined combo condition includes a condition that the number of times an item is input by the same viewer in a combo chain is equal to or less than a threshold value.
6. A system according to any one of claims 2 to 5. The one or more computer processors further include:
a process of granting a quantity of a second value to the distributor, the quantity being set based at least on a viewing status of the plurality of viewers during distribution of the live video provided by the distributor;
and executing a process of starting a predetermined mode configured to increase the quantity of the second value based at least on a viewing situation, with the necessary condition that the held quantity of the first value is equal to or greater than a threshold.
7. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 6. the process of starting the predetermined mode includes starting the predetermined mode in response to an instruction from the distributor after the held quantity of the first value becomes equal to or greater than a threshold value.
The system of claim 7. The process of accepting the input of the item includes enabling input of an item for the predetermined mode in response to starting the predetermined mode.
9. The system of claim 7 or 8. 1. A method for streaming live video, executed by one or more computers, comprising:
A step of distributing a live video provided by a distributor to each of a plurality of viewers;
receiving an input of an item from each of the plurality of viewers during distribution of a live video provided by the distributor;
determining whether or not the current input of the item satisfies a predetermined combo condition in response to the input of an item by each of the plurality of viewers, and generating a combo when it is determined that the current input of the item satisfies the predetermined combo condition;
and granting a first value to the distributor in response to the occurrence of a combo.
Method. A program for distributing live video,
In response to being executed on one or more computers, the one or more computers are
A process of distributing a live video provided by a distributor to each of a plurality of viewers;
receiving input of an item from each of the plurality of viewers during distribution of a live video provided by the distributor;
a process of determining whether or not the current input of an item by each of the plurality of viewers satisfies a predetermined combo condition, and generating a combo when it is determined that the current input of the item satisfies the predetermined combo condition;
and executing a process of granting a first value to the distributor in response to the occurrence of a combo.
program.

Images