JP2024071285A - Video distribution server, video creator/distributor terminal, viewer terminal, video distribution system, and video distribution program - Google Patents

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a video distribution server capable of more effectively increasing viewers' motivation for tipping. [Solution] A video distribution server 3 is communicatively connected to a video creator/distributor terminal 4 and a viewer terminal 5 via a network 100, and distributes videos uploaded from the video creator/distributor terminal 4 to the viewer terminal 5. The video distribution server 3 includes a bonus item registration unit 31 that receives a bonus item registration request from the video creator/distributor terminal 4 and registers multiple bonus items specific to the video creator/distributor, a probability calculation unit 32 that calculates the probability of acquiring each of the multiple bonus items, a gacha ticket granting unit 33 that receives tips from the viewer terminal 5 during video distribution and grants a gacha ticket according to the amount of the tip, and a bonus item provision unit 34 that receives a request from the viewer terminal 5 to play gacha using the gacha ticket and determines a bonus item to be provided to the viewer based on the probability of acquiring each bonus item. [Selected Figure] FIG.

Description

The present invention relates to a video distribution server, a video creator/distributor terminal, a viewer terminal, a video distribution system including the video distribution server, the video creator/distributor terminal, and the viewer terminal, and a video distribution program.

In recent years, mainly on the Internet, Virtual YouTubers (hereafter referred to as "V-Tubers") who engage in activities (such as live video distribution) using characters (avatars) drawn in 2DCG (2 Dimensional Computer Graphics) or 3DCG have been attracting attention.

For example, V-Tubers use motion capture, which reads the movements of a person's entire body, to have their characters (avatars) react in real time during live broadcasts, enabling them to communicate directly with their viewers.

By the way, to be active as a V-Tuber, various costs are involved, such as avatar production tools (Live2D/3D models, etc.), a PC to control the avatar, equipment for live streaming, video editing tools for content production, a mix tool to mix and adjust audio sources, creating and ordering illustrations, etc.

Live streaming services are also known to have a function that allows viewers to provide financial rewards (so-called "tipping (registered trademark)" or "gifting") to video distributors (video creators) during live video streaming, for example, to express their praise for the video or to show their support for the video distributor (video creator) (see, for example, Patent Document 1). For V-Tubers, tipping is the key to their activity revenue (main source of income). Patent Document 1 discloses a technology that ensures the visibility of the provided video while accepting viewer actions such as tipping made by viewers in response to the provision of the video.

JP 2022-122109 A

Meanwhile, for example, in Super Chat (Supach), a feature of YouTube's (registered trademark) live streaming service, viewers (viewing users) can communicate with live streamers (V-Tubers) by giving them tips (for example, the live streamer will directly thank the viewer who gave the tip by calling them by name or answer their questions). In other words, for the viewer, communication with the live streamer (the live streamer's response) is one form of compensation for the tip.

However, when a live streamer (V-Tuber) becomes popular, they tend not to be able to respond adequately due to an increase in the number of chats, etc. In other words, viewers tend not to be able to receive a response (communicate) even if they give tips. This makes the meaning of the act of tipping (i.e., what is the purpose of tipping) unclear, and viewers may lose motivation to tip (lose interest). Ultimately, this may lead to fewer people using the tipping function, which may lead to a decrease in revenue (revenue pressure) for those active as V-Tubers.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and aims to provide a video distribution server, a video creator/distributor terminal, a viewer terminal, a video distribution system, and a video distribution program that can more effectively increase viewers' motivation to give tips.

The video distribution server according to the present invention is a video distribution server that is communicatively connected to a video creator/distributor terminal and a viewer terminal via a network, and distributes videos uploaded from the video creator/distributor terminal to the viewer terminal, and is characterized by comprising: a bonus item registration unit that receives a bonus item registration request from the video creator/distributor terminal and registers multiple bonus items specific to the video creator/distributor; a probability calculation unit that calculates the probability of acquiring each of the multiple bonus items; a gacha ticket granting unit that receives tips from the viewer terminal during video distribution and grants a gacha ticket according to the amount of the tip; and a bonus item provision unit that receives a request from the viewer terminal to play gacha using the gacha ticket, and determines and provides a bonus item to be provided to the viewer from among the multiple bonus items based on the probability of acquiring each bonus item.

According to the video distribution server of the present invention, in advance, upon receiving a bonus item registration request from the video creator/distributor terminal, multiple bonus items specific to the video creator/distributor are registered, and the probability of acquiring each of the multiple bonus items is calculated. Then, during the distribution of the video, tips are received from the viewer terminal, and a gacha ticket according to the amount of the tip is provided. Then, upon receiving a request from the viewer terminal to play gacha using the gacha ticket, a bonus item to be provided to the viewer is determined from the multiple bonus items based on the probability of acquiring each bonus item and is provided. That is, the viewer can receive a gacha ticket according to the amount of the tip, and can use the gacha ticket to play gacha and acquire (win) a bonus item specific to the video creator/distributor. Therefore, the ability to play gacha and acquire a bonus item serves as an incentive (a compensation or motivation for tipping), and can increase motivation (enthusiasm) for tipping. As a result, it is possible to more effectively increase the viewer's motivation for tipping.

In the video distribution server according to the present invention, it is preferable that the probability calculation unit calculates the probability of acquiring each bonus item according to the rarity indicating the degree of rarity of each bonus item received from the video creator/distributor terminal and the number of each bonus item provided.

In this case, the probability of acquiring each bonus item is calculated according to the rarity indicating the degree of rarity of each bonus item received from the video creator/distributor terminal and the number of each bonus item provided. Therefore, the rarer the bonus item, the more difficult it is to acquire (win), making it more valuable as an incentive and further increasing motivation for tipping. It also reduces the burden on video creators/distributors in calculating the probability of acquiring bonus items.

In the video distribution server according to the present invention, it is preferable that the bonus item registration unit registers multiple bonus items specific to each video creator/distributor for each video creator/distributor, and the gacha ticket granting unit receives tips from the viewer terminal and grants a gacha ticket specific to the video creator/distributor according to the amount of the tip.

In this case, multiple bonus items specific to the video creator/distributor are registered for each video creator/distributor (i.e., linked to the video creator/distributor), and upon receiving a tip from the viewer's device, a gacha ticket specific to the video creator/distributor is provided according to the amount of the tip. This allows the bonus items specific to the video creator/distributor to be appropriately managed for each video creator/distributor. In addition, since the bonus items provided can be limited to those specific to the video creator/distributor, it is possible to prevent a viewer from obtaining a bonus item from a creator/distributor other than the one to which the viewer provided a tip. In other words, it is possible to prevent a viewer from obtaining a bonus item from a creator/distributor of a video to which they have not provided a tip.

In the video distribution server according to the present invention, it is preferable that the bonus item providing unit provides the bonus item to the viewer by linking it to the account of the viewer who has logged in from the viewer terminal.

In this way, the bonus items acquired (won) by a viewer can be linked to the viewer's account, making it possible to accurately manage the bonus items acquired by each viewer.

It is preferable that the video distribution server according to the present invention further includes a data presentation unit that displays a list of bonus items provided to a viewer in response to a request from the viewer's terminal on a page dedicated to the viewer.

In this case, the bonus items provided to the viewer in response to a request from the viewer's device are displayed together in a list on a page dedicated to the viewer. Therefore, by giving the viewer the joy of collecting bonus items, it is possible to increase the viewer's satisfaction and further increase their motivation to give tips.

The video creator/distributor terminal according to the present invention is a video creator/distributor terminal that is communicatively connected to the video distribution server via a network and uploads videos, and is characterized by having a video upload unit that uploads videos to the video distribution server, a bonus item registration request unit that specifies multiple bonus items and requests the video distribution server to register the multiple bonus items, and a probability calculation request unit that requests the video distribution server to calculate the probability of acquiring each bonus item based on the rarity level indicating the degree of rarity of each bonus item and the number of bonus items provided.

The video creator/distributor terminal according to the present invention allows a video to be distributed by uploading the video to a video distribution server. In addition, a plurality of bonus items can be registered by specifying the bonus items and requesting the video distribution server to register the bonus items. Furthermore, the probability of acquiring each bonus item can be automatically calculated by requesting the video distribution server to calculate the probability of acquiring each bonus item based on the rarity indicating the degree of rarity of each bonus item and the number of bonus items provided.

The viewer terminal according to the present invention is a viewer terminal that is communicatively connected to the video distribution server via a network and that watches the distributed video, and is characterized by having a video receiving unit that receives the video distributed by the video distribution server, a tip sending unit that sends a tip to the video distribution server by specifying an amount, a gacha ticket receiving unit that receives a gacha ticket provided by the video distribution server, a gacha request unit that sends a request to the video distribution server to play a gacha using the gacha ticket, and a bonus item receiving unit that receives bonus items provided by the video distribution server.

The viewer terminal according to the present invention allows a user to watch a video distributed by a video distribution server by receiving the video. The user can also specify an amount of money to send a tip to the video distribution server and receive a gacha ticket from the video distribution server in return for the tip. The user can also send a request to the video distribution server to play gacha using the gacha ticket, and use the gacha ticket to play gacha and receive a bonus item provided by the video distribution server.

The video distribution system according to the present invention is characterized by comprising the video distribution server, the video creator/distributor terminal, and the viewer terminal.

The video distribution system according to the present invention includes the video distribution server, the video creator/distributor terminal, and the viewer terminal, and as described above, it is possible to more effectively increase viewers' motivation to give tips.

The video distribution program according to the present invention is characterized by causing a computer to function as the video distribution server.

The video distribution program according to the present invention can cause a computer to function as the video distribution server. Therefore, as described above, it is possible to more effectively increase viewers' motivation to give tips.

The present invention makes it possible to more effectively increase viewers' motivation to give tips.

1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a moving image distribution system (a moving image distribution server, a moving image creator/distributor terminal, and a viewer terminal) according to an embodiment. 11A and 11B are diagrams showing examples of display screens in a series of processes for making a tip and obtaining a gacha ticket, in which (a) is an example of a tip screen, (b) is an example of a tip amount setting screen, (c) is an example of a gacha ticket receiving screen, and (d) is an example of an owned gacha ticket confirmation screen. 11A and 11B are diagrams showing examples of display screens in a series of processes for drawing gacha and obtaining bonus items, in which (a) is a gacha screen, (b) is a gacha count setting screen, and (c) is a diagram showing an example of a bonus item display screen. A sequence diagram showing the processing steps of a bonus item registration process and an acquisition probability calculation process by the video distribution system (video distribution server and video creator/distributor terminal) according to an embodiment. A sequence diagram showing the processing steps of a gacha ticket granting process by a video distribution system (video distribution server and viewer terminal) according to an embodiment. 11 is a sequence diagram showing the processing procedure of a bonus item providing process by the video distribution system (video distribution server and viewer terminal) according to the embodiment. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a computer that executes a video distribution program.

Below, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that in the drawings, the same reference numerals will be used for the same or corresponding parts. In addition, in each drawing, the same elements will be given the same reference numerals, and duplicate explanations will be omitted.

First, the configuration of a video distribution system 1 (video distribution server 3, video creator/distributor terminal 4, and viewer terminal 5) according to an embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a video distribution system 1 (video distribution server 3, video creator/distributor terminal 4, and viewer terminal 5) according to an embodiment.

The video distribution system 1 is configured to include a video distribution server 3, a video creator/distributor terminal 4, and a viewer terminal 5. In particular, this video distribution system 1 has a function to more effectively increase the motivation of viewers (viewing users) to give tips. The video distribution server 3, the video creator/distributor terminal 4, and the viewer terminal 5 are configured to be able to send and receive data to each other via a communication network 100 (corresponding to the network described in the claims, hereinafter simply referred to as the "network") such as the Internet or a LAN.

The communication network 100 may be wired or wireless, or may include both. Also, while FIG. 1 shows an example in which there is one video creator/distributor terminal 4 and one viewer terminal 5, there may be multiple video creator/distributor terminals 4 and/or viewer terminals 5.

The video distribution server 3 is communicatively connected to the video creator/distributor terminal 4 and the viewer terminal 5 via the network 100, and distributes videos (e.g., live footage, etc.) uploaded from the video creator/distributor terminal 4 to the viewer terminal 5. The video distribution server 3 also receives a request to register a bonus item from the video creator/distributor terminal 4 and registers the bonus item. Furthermore, the video distribution server 3 receives tips from the viewer terminal 5 and grants a gacha ticket, and also provides a bonus item in response to a gacha using the gacha ticket.

To this end, the video distribution server 3 mainly comprises a bonus item registration unit 31, a probability calculation unit 32, a gacha ticket granting unit 33, a bonus item providing unit 34, a data presentation unit 35, an authentication unit 36, a memory unit 37, and a communication unit 38 (a receiving unit 38a, a transmitting unit 38b).

The bonus item registration unit 31 receives a bonus item registration request from the video creator/distributor terminal 4 in advance (before video distribution) and registers multiple bonus items specific to the video creator/distributor. The bonus item registration unit 31 registers, for example, the title of the bonus item, bonus item data (text data, still image (illustration) data, video data, audio data, etc.), rarity, etc.

At that time, the bonus item registration unit 31 registers bonus items for each video creator/distributor (for each V-Tuber), that is, by linking them to the account of the video creator/distributor. The registered bonus items are stored in the storage unit 37.

The probability calculation unit 32 calculates the probability of acquiring (the probability of winning) each of the multiple bonus items (all registered bonus items or a bonus item selected from among them). More specifically, the probability calculation unit 32 calculates the probability of acquiring each bonus item according to the rarity indicating the degree (level) of rarity of each bonus item received from the video creator/distributor terminal 4, and the number of each bonus item provided (number supplied).

Here, a method for calculating the probability of acquiring each bonus item by the probability calculation unit 32 will be described.
(i) First, the probability calculation unit 32 obtains the rarity (e.g., N (normal), R (rare), SR (super rare), SSR (special super rare), etc.) of each bonus item received from the video creator/distributor terminal 4 (as set by the video creator/distributor).

(ii) Next, the probability calculation unit 32 sets the base winning probability (acquisition probability) for each rarity (e.g., N=60%, R=24%, SR=12%, SSR=4%, etc.).

(iii) Next, the probability calculation unit 32 obtains the number of bonus items of each rarity level (e.g., N=5, R=1, SR=0, SSR=1, etc.) received from the video creator/distributor terminal 4 (as set by the video creator/distributor).

(iv) Next, the probability calculation unit 32 adjusts the base winning probability (acquisition probability) for each rarity level. For rarity levels R and above, if the video creator/distributor sets zero bonus items, the winning probability (acquisition probability) is set to 0%. However, rarity level N and at least one of rarity levels R and above (rarity level R, SR rarity, or SSR rarity) must be set to at least one, and rarity level N is fixed at, for example, 60% (for example, N=60%, R=24%, SR=0%, SSR=4%, etc.).

(v) Next, the probability calculation unit 32 calculates the missing winning probability (missing acquisition probability) from the following formula (1).
Shortage winning probability = 100% - (the sum of the winning probability (acquisition probability) of rarity N to SSR calculated in (iv)) ... (1)
In the above example, 100%-88%=12%.

(vi) Next, the probability calculation unit 32 calculates the final winning probability (acquisition probability) for each rarity level (R to SSR) using the following formula (2).
Probability of winning each rarity = {Probability of winning (iv) ÷ Sum of R to SSR of (iv) × Probability of missing (v)} + Probability of winning (iv) ... (2)
So, in the above example,
For rarity R: (24 ÷ 28 × 12) + 24 = 34.29%
For SR rarity: 0%
For SSR rarity: (4 ÷ 28 × 12) + 4 = 5.71%
(Note that the third decimal place is rounded off.)

(vii) Then, the probability calculation unit 32 calculates the winning probability (acquisition probability) for each item of each rarity using the following formula (3).
Winning probability per item = Winning probability of (vi) ÷ (iii) Number of items ... (3)
So, in the above example,
For rarity N: 60÷5=12%
For rarity R: 34.29 ÷ 3 = 11.43%
For SR rarity: 0%
For SSR rarity: 5.71% ÷ 1 = 5.71%
The obtained probability of acquiring each bonus item is stored in the storage unit 37 for each video creator/distributor.

The gacha ticket granting unit 33 receives tips from the viewer terminal 5 during distribution of a video (live video, etc.), and grants a gacha ticket specific to the video creator/distributor according to the amount of the tip. If a gacha ticket has already been granted, the number of granted gacha tickets is added. The granted gacha tickets (type and number granted) are stored in the memory unit 37 for each viewer. Here, a gacha ticket is a ticket used as payment for drawing a gacha. A tip is an act (or a service or function) in which a viewer who is watching a video (live video, etc.) donates money or the like to the image creator/distributor (V-Tuber) of that video.

The bonus item providing unit 34 receives a request from the viewer terminal 5 to play gacha using a gacha ticket, and determines and provides a bonus item (acquired item) to be given to the viewer from among multiple bonus items based on the acquisition probability (acquisition probability) of each bonus item. At that time, the bonus item providing unit 34 provides the bonus item (acquired item) to the viewer by linking it to the account of the viewer who logged in from the viewer terminal 5.

In response to a request from the viewer terminal 5, the data presentation unit 35 displays a list of bonus items (acquired items) provided to the viewer on the viewer's own page (my page) on the viewer terminal 5.

The authentication unit 36 grants a user account upon receiving user registration from the video creator/distributor terminal 4 (video creator/distributor) and the viewer terminal 5 (viewer) received by the communication unit 38 (receiving unit 38a). The authentication unit 36 also performs authentication for login requests (ID and password) from the video creator/distributor terminal 4 and the viewer terminal 5 received by the communication unit 38 (receiving unit 38a).

The communication unit 38 is a network interface that controls communication via the network 100. The communication unit 38 performs data communication according to a protocol such as TCP/IP. The communication unit 38 includes a receiving unit 38a that receives data and a transmitting unit 38b that transmits data.

As described above, the receiving unit 38a receives login requests, uploaded videos (live footage, etc.) from the video creator/distributor terminal 4, and the like. The receiving unit 38a also receives login requests, requests to view videos (live footage), and the like from the viewer terminal 5. Meanwhile, the transmitting unit 38b transmits (distributes) uploaded videos (live footage, etc.) to the viewer terminal 5 in real time.

The storage unit 37 is composed of, for example, a flash memory (EEPROM), a hard disk drive (HDD), SRAM, DRAM, or other memory. The storage unit 37 stores image creator/distributor information, bonus item information, etc., in association with (associated with) the account of the video creator/distributor. The storage unit 37 also stores viewer information, gacha ticket (number of tickets held), bonus item information acquired by the viewer, etc. in association with (associated with) the viewer's account. The storage unit 37 also stores a video distribution program (computer program) described below, etc.

The video distribution server 3 can be realized by executing a video distribution program on a computer. Here, with reference to FIG. 7, a computer 300 that functions as the video distribution server 3 and a video distribution program 371 that causes the computer 300 to function as the video distribution server 3 will be described.

The computer 300 includes, for example, a control unit (CPU, internal memory, etc.) 310 that controls the execution of the video distribution program 371, a storage device 370 consisting of a hard disk, EEPROM, etc. in which the video distribution program 371, etc. is stored, a display unit 340 consisting of a display, etc., an input unit 330 consisting of a keyboard, etc., a reading device 350 that can read the video distribution program 371, etc. recorded on a recording medium such as a DVD-ROM, and a LAN interface 380 consisting of a LAN board. Here, for example, by executing the video distribution program 371 read by the reading device 350 (or downloaded via a network) and stored (installed) in the storage device 370, the computer 300 functions as the bonus item registration unit 31, probability calculation unit 32, gacha ticket granting unit 33, bonus item provision unit 34, data presentation unit 35, authentication unit 36, storage unit 37, and communication unit 38 (receiving unit 38a, transmitting unit 38b) that constitute the above-mentioned video distribution server 3.

Next, the video creator/distributor terminal 4 is communicatively connected to the video distribution server 3 via the network 100 and uploads videos (e.g., live footage, etc.). The video creator/distributor terminal 4 is, for example, a terminal such as a personal computer (PC) or a smartphone. A video creator/distributor (V-Tuber) can distribute a video (live footage, etc.) in real time by logging in to the video distribution server 3 from the video creator/distributor terminal 4 and making a video distribution request (request). In addition, the video creator/distributor (V-Tuber) can register bonus items and request calculation of the probability of obtaining bonus items from the video creator/distributor terminal 4.

The video creator/distributor terminal 4 is therefore mainly configured with a video upload unit 41, a bonus item registration request unit 42, a probability calculation request unit 43, an input unit 44, a display unit 45, and a communication unit 46 (a receiving unit 46a, a transmitting unit 46b).

The video uploading unit 41 uploads videos (e.g., live footage, etc.) to the video distribution server 3 using the communication unit 46 (transmission unit 46b). That is, the video creator/distributor terminal 4 uploads videos (live footage, etc.) to the video distribution server 3 in real time. As described above, the video distribution server 3 distributes (transmits) the videos (live footage, etc.) uploaded from the video creator/distributor terminal 4 to the viewer terminal 5 in real time.

The bonus item registration request unit 42 designates (specifies) multiple bonus items (gacha items) and requests the video distribution server 3 to register the multiple bonus items. At that time, the bonus item registration request unit 42 requests registration of, for example, the title of the bonus item, bonus item data (text data, still image (illustration) data, video data, audio data, etc.), rarity, etc. As described above, in response to a request to register a bonus item, the video distribution server 3 registers and stores the bonus item.

The probability calculation request unit 43 requests the video distribution server 3 to calculate the probability of acquiring (the probability of winning) each bonus item (all registered bonus items or a bonus item selected from among them) based on the rarity indicating the degree (level) of rarity of each bonus item and the number supplied (number given). As described above, upon receiving a request to calculate the probability of acquiring each bonus item, the video distribution server 3 automatically calculates and stores the probability of acquiring each bonus item.

The input unit 44 is composed of, for example, a keyboard, a pointing device, or a touch panel, and accepts operational inputs such as a login request from the video creator/distributor, a request to register a bonus item, and a request to distribute a video. When logging in to the video distribution server 3, the video creator/distributor opens the login screen and enters an ID, password, etc. Also, when requesting the video distribution server 3 to register a bonus item, the video creator/distributor selects and enters the bonus item to be registered from the bonus item registration screen.

The display unit 45 is, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD). The display unit 45 displays, for example, various information that enables the video creator/distributor to perform operations such as logging in, registering bonus items, and uploading videos, as well as the videos being uploaded (live footage).

The communication unit 46 is a network interface that controls communication via the network 100. The communication unit 46 performs data communication according to a protocol such as TCP/IP. The communication unit 46 includes a receiving unit 46a that receives data and a transmitting unit 46b that transmits data.

The receiving unit 46a receives the registration results of the bonus items sent from the video distribution server 3. Meanwhile, the transmitting unit 46b transmits a login request, a bonus item registration request, a video upload request, video data (live video data, etc.), and the like to the video distribution server 3.

Meanwhile, the video creator/distributor terminal 4, for example, uses video of a live event held by an avatar in a virtual space as content, and live-distributes it to the viewer terminal 5. The performer character is, for example, the avatar character of the image creator/distributor (V-Tuber). During the live distribution, the video creator/distributor terminal 4 constantly executes motion capture processing, and creates motion data of the video creator/distributor in real time from the live video. In addition, the video creator/distributor terminal 4 constantly executes audio capture processing, and creates poster audio data from the live audio in real time. During the live distribution, the video creator/distributor terminal 4 continues to upload video data (live video) to the video distribution server 3.

Next, the viewer terminal 5 is communicatively connected to the video distribution server 3 via the network 100, and watches the video (e.g., live video, etc.) that is being distributed. The viewer terminal 5 is, for example, a terminal such as a personal computer (PC) or a smartphone. The viewer can watch the video (live video, etc.) by logging in to the video distribution server 3 from the viewer terminal 5 and making a request to watch the video (live video, etc.). The viewer can also give a tip from the viewer terminal 5 while watching the video (live video, etc.) to obtain a gacha ticket, and use the gacha ticket to play gacha to win bonus items.

The viewer terminal 5 therefore mainly comprises a video receiving unit 51, a tip sending unit 52, a gacha ticket receiving unit 53, a gacha request unit 54, a bonus item receiving unit 55, an input unit 56, a display unit 57, and a communication unit 58 (a receiving unit 58a, a transmitting unit 58b).

The video receiving unit 51 receives video (live video, etc.) distributed by the video distribution server 3 using the communication unit 58 (receiving unit 58a). The received video (live video, etc.) is displayed on the display unit 57.

While watching a video (live video), the tip sending unit 52 uses the communication unit 58 (sending unit 58b) to send a tip to the video distribution server 3 by specifying the amount. Here, FIG. 2 shows an example of a display screen in a series of processes for sending a tip and obtaining a gacha ticket.

Figure 2(a) is an example of a tipping screen, and when a viewer presses (touches) or clicks the "tipping button" displayed on the tipping screen (viewing screen), a tipping amount setting screen (one example) in Figure 2(b) is displayed. The viewer can send a tip by selecting (setting) the tip amount on the tipping amount setting screen (viewing screen) shown in Figure 2(b) and then pressing (touching) or clicking the "send button".

The gacha ticket receiving unit 53 receives gacha tickets (number of tickets held) granted (sent) from the video distribution server 3 using the communication unit 58 (receiving unit 58a). An example of a gacha ticket receiving screen is shown in FIG. 2(c). As shown in FIG. 2(c), a chat message according to the amount of the tip is received and displayed on the viewing screen (display screen). Also, FIG. 2(d) shows an example of a screen for confirming the number of gacha tickets held. As shown in FIG. 2(d), the gacha ticket of the video creator/distributor (V-Tuber) who sent the tip is granted to the sender of the tip (viewer) and is displayed on the display screen (such as My Page).

The gacha request unit 54 uses the communication unit 58 (transmission unit 58b) to send a request to play gacha using a gacha ticket to the video distribution server 3. Here, FIG. 3 shows an example of a display screen in a series of processes for playing gacha and obtaining a bonus item.

Figure 3(a) is an example of a gacha screen (viewing screen), and when a viewer presses (touches) or clicks the "gacha button" displayed on the display screen, the gacha count setting screen (one example) in Figure 3(b) is displayed. The viewer inputs the number of gachas (number of times to pull gacha) on the gacha count setting screen (display screen) shown in Figure 3(b), and then presses (touches) or clicks the "gacha pull (button)" to pull gacha the number of times input.

The bonus item receiving unit 55 receives bonus items provided (sent) from the video distribution server 3 using the communication unit 58 (receiving unit 58a). The received bonus items are displayed on the display unit 57 (My Page, etc.).

Figure 3(c) shows an example of a bonus item display screen (My Page, etc.). As shown in Figure 3(c), for example, acquired bonus items are displayed side-by-side (in a list). Each bonus item can be a message of thanks, an image, sound, video, etc., and the viewer can collect them on their My Page and enjoy them.

The input unit 56 is composed of, for example, a keyboard, a pointing device, or a touch panel, and accepts operational inputs from the viewer, such as login requests, video distribution requests, tipping requests, and gacha requests. When logging in to the video distribution server 3, the viewer opens the login screen and enters an ID, password, and the like. In addition, when requesting video viewing from the video distribution server 3, the viewer selects and enters the video content that he or she wishes to view from the video viewing request screen.

The display unit 57 is, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD). The display unit 57 displays, for example, various information for the viewer to perform operations such as logging in and requesting to watch videos, as well as streaming videos (live footage). As described above, the display unit 57 also displays a screen for performing operations to send tips, a screen for performing operations to play gacha, the viewer's personal page, etc.

The communication unit 58 is a network interface that controls communication via the network 100. The communication unit 58 performs data communication according to a protocol such as TCP/IP. The communication unit 58 includes a receiving unit 58a that receives data and a transmitting unit 58b that transmits data.

As described above, the receiving unit 58a receives streaming video (live video) data and gacha ticket information distributed (transmitted) from the video distribution server 3. Meanwhile, the transmitting unit 58b transmits login requests, video viewing requests, and tip and gacha requests to the video distribution server 3.

When a viewer performs an operation to request viewing of a video (live video), the communication unit 58 (transmission unit 58b) transmits a request to view the video to the video distribution server 3. When the video is distributed from the video distribution server 3 to the viewing terminal 5 in response to the viewing request, the communication unit 58 (reception unit 58a) receives the video in real time. This allows the viewer to view the video (live video) in real time.

Next, the operation of the video distribution system 1 (video distribution server 3, image creator/distributor terminal 4, and viewer terminal 5) will be described with reference to Figures 4 to 6. Here, Figure 4 is a sequence diagram showing the processing steps of the bonus item registration process and acquisition probability calculation process by the video distribution system 1 (video distribution server 3 and video creation/distributor terminal 4). Figure 5 is a sequence diagram showing the processing steps of the gacha ticket granting process by the video distribution system 1 (video distribution server 3 and viewer terminal 5). Figure 6 is a sequence diagram showing the processing steps of the bonus item provision process by the video distribution system 1 (video distribution server 3 and viewer terminal 5).

First, referring to FIG. 4, the bonus item registration process and acquisition probability calculation process performed by the video distribution system 1 (video distribution server 3 and video creator/distributor terminal 4) will be described. In step S100, a bonus item registration request with bonus item information (title, content data, rarity, etc.) attached thereto is sent from the image creator/distributor terminal 4 to the video distribution server 3.

In step S102, the video distribution server 3, which has received a bonus item registration request from the image creator/distributor terminal 4, registers bonus item information (title, content data, rarity, etc.) for each image creator/distributor (linked to an account) (stored in the memory unit 37).

In step S104, a request (demand) to calculate the probability of acquiring the registered bonus items (or the bonus items selected from among them) is sent from the image creator/distributor terminal 4 to the video distribution server 3.

In step S106, the video distribution server 3, which has received a request from the image creator/distributor terminal 4 to calculate the probability of obtaining the bonus item, calculates the probability of obtaining the bonus item. Note that the method of calculating the probability of obtaining the bonus item is as described above, so a detailed explanation will be omitted here.

In step S108, the calculation result obtained in step S106 (probability of obtaining the bonus item) is stored in the memory unit 37.

Next, with reference to FIG. 5, the gacha ticket granting process performed by the video distribution system 1 (video distribution server 3 and viewer terminal 5) will be described.

In step S200, the video (live footage) uploaded from the image creator/distributor terminal 4 is distributed in real time from the video distribution server 3 to the viewer terminal 5.

In step S202, a tip is sent from the viewer terminal 5 while the video (live video) is being distributed (while being viewed). The method of tipping is as described above, so a detailed explanation will be omitted here.

In step S204, the video distribution server 3 that has received the tip from the viewer terminal 5 awards gacha tickets according to the amount of the tip (the number of gacha tickets held is incremented), and stores the tickets in the memory unit 37 (step S205).

In step S206, a request to confirm the number of gacha tickets held (addition result) is sent from the viewer terminal 5 to the video distribution server 3.

In step S208, the video distribution server 3, which has received a request from the viewer terminal 5 to confirm the number of gacha tickets held (the result of the addition), reads out the number of gacha tickets held (the result of the addition) stored in the memory unit 37.

In step S210, the number of gacha tickets held (the result of the addition) read in step S208 is returned from the video distribution server 3 to the viewer terminal 5. This allows the viewer to check the number of gacha tickets held.

Next, with reference to FIG. 6, the bonus item provision process performed by the video distribution system 1 (video distribution server 3 and viewer terminal 5) will be described.

In step S300, a request to play gacha using the gacha ticket is sent from the viewer terminal 5 to the video distribution server 3. Note that the method of playing gacha is as described above, so a detailed explanation is omitted here.

In step S302, the video distribution server 3 determines the bonus items to be provided to the viewer based on the probability of acquiring each bonus item, and stores the determined items in the memory unit 37. In addition, the number of gacha tickets used is subtracted from the number of tickets held, and the result is stored in the memory unit 37 as the new number of tickets held (step S303).

In step S304, a request to confirm the acquired bonus item is sent from the viewer terminal 5 to the video distribution server 3.

In step S306, the video distribution server 3 reads out the acquired item (bonus item) that is associated with the viewer and stored in the memory unit 37.

Then, in step S308, the bonus items (list) acquired by the viewer are returned from the video distribution server 3 to the viewer terminal 5. Therefore, the viewer can check the acquired bonus items on the viewer terminal 5 (My Page).

As described above in detail, according to the video distribution server 3 of this embodiment, in advance, upon receiving a request to register a bonus item from the video creator/distributor terminal 4, multiple bonus items specific to the video creator/distributor are registered (stored), and the probability of acquiring each of the multiple bonus items is calculated. Thereafter, during the distribution of the video, a tip is received from the viewer terminal 5, and a gacha ticket according to the amount of the tip is provided. Then, upon receiving a request from the viewer terminal 5 to play gacha using the gacha ticket, a bonus item to be provided to the viewer is determined and provided from among the multiple bonus items based on the probability of acquiring each bonus item. That is, the viewer can receive a gacha ticket according to the amount of the tip, and can use the gacha ticket to play gacha and acquire (obtain) a bonus item specific to the video creator/distributor (V-Tuber). Therefore, (being able to) play gacha (using the gacha function) and acquire a bonus item of the video creator/distributor (V-Tuber) serves as an incentive (a compensation or motivation for tipping), and can increase motivation for tipping. As a result, it is possible to more effectively increase the viewer's motivation for tipping.

Meanwhile, traditionally, tipping was a passive way of earning revenue, but now that video creators/distributors (V-Tubers) can set their own bonus items (gacha items), they can take an active strategy of increasing revenue by coming up with creative bonus items (content) and using them strategically. Also, traditionally, even if you created content (materials) such as illustrations, you would often upload it once as a video on YouTube (registered trademark) and that would be the end of it, but by processing the materials and turning them into bonus items (gacha items), it will no longer be a one-time thing, but it will be possible to expand the avenues for further revenue.

According to the video distribution server 3 of this embodiment, the probability of acquiring each bonus item is calculated according to the rarity indicating the degree of rarity of each bonus item received from the video creator/distributor terminal 4 and the number of each bonus item provided. Therefore, the rarer (more scarce) the bonus item is, the more difficult it is to acquire (win), so its value as an incentive increases, further increasing motivation for tipping. In addition, the burden on video creators/distributors in calculating the probability of acquiring bonus items can be reduced.

According to the video distribution server 3 of this embodiment, multiple bonus items specific to a video creator/distributor are registered for each video creator/distributor (i.e., linked to the video creator/distributor), and upon receiving a tip from a viewer terminal 5, a gacha ticket specific to the video creator/distributor is provided according to the amount of the tip. This allows the bonus items specific to the video creator/distributor to be appropriately managed for each video creator/distributor. Furthermore, since the bonus items provided can be limited to those specific to the video creator/distributor, it is possible to prevent a viewer from obtaining a bonus item from a creator/distributor other than the creator/distributor of the video to which the viewer provided a tip. In other words, it is possible to prevent a viewer from obtaining a bonus item from a creator/distributor of a video to which the viewer did not provide a tip.

According to the video distribution server 3 of this embodiment, bonus items provided to a viewer are linked to the account of the viewer who has logged in from the viewer terminal 5. In this way, by linking the bonus items acquired (earned) by a viewer to the viewer's account, it becomes possible to accurately manage the acquired bonus items for each viewer.

According to the video distribution server 3 according to this embodiment, in response to a request from the viewer terminal 5, bonus items provided to the viewer are displayed in a list on a page (my page) dedicated to the viewer. Therefore, by giving the viewer the joy of collecting bonus items, the viewer's satisfaction can be increased, and the viewer's motivation for tipping can be further increased.

The video creator/distributor terminal 4 according to this embodiment allows a video to be distributed by uploading the video to the video distribution server 3. In addition, multiple bonus items can be registered by specifying the multiple bonus items and requesting the video distribution server 3 to register the multiple bonus items. Furthermore, the probability of acquiring each bonus item can be automatically calculated by requesting the video distribution server 3 to calculate the probability of acquiring each bonus item based on the rarity indicating the degree of rarity of each bonus item and the number of bonus items provided.

The viewer terminal 5 according to this embodiment can receive a video distributed by the video distribution server 3 and thereby watch the video. The viewer can also send a tip to the video distribution server 3 by specifying an amount, and receive a gacha ticket provided by the video distribution server 3 in return for the tip. Furthermore, the viewer can send a request to the video distribution server 3 to play gacha using the gacha ticket, and can play gacha using the gacha ticket and receive a bonus item provided by the video distribution server 3.

The video distribution system 1 according to this embodiment includes the above-mentioned video distribution server 3, video creator/distributor terminal 4, and viewer terminal 5, and as a result, as described above, it is possible to more effectively increase viewers' motivation to give tips.

The video distribution program 371 according to this embodiment allows the computer 300 to function as the video distribution server 3. Therefore, as described above, it is possible to more effectively increase viewers' motivation to give tips.

Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment and various modifications are possible. For example, in the above embodiment, a V-Tuber is used as an example of an image creator/distributor, but the image creator/distributor is not limited to a V-Tuber. Also, in the above embodiment, a live video is distributed as a video, but the video to be distributed is not limited to a live video.

In addition, the rarity and numerical values (e.g., numerical values for calculating the probability of acquisition) in the explanation of the above embodiment are merely examples and are not limited to the above embodiment, and can be set arbitrarily according to requirements, etc.

In addition, in the above embodiment, the amount (type) of tip is set in advance, but, for example, a configuration may be made in which any amount of tip can be sent. Also, a configuration may be made in which a combination of a comment and a tip can be sent.

LIST OF SYMBOLS 1 Video distribution system 3 Video distribution server 4 Video creator/distributor terminal 5 Viewer terminal 31 Bonus item registration unit 32 Probability calculation unit 33 Gacha ticket granting unit 34 Bonus item provision unit 35 Data presentation unit 36 Authentication unit 37 Memory unit 38 Communication unit 38a Reception unit 38b Transmission unit 41 Video upload unit 42 Bonus item registration request unit 43 Probability calculation request unit 44 Input unit 45 Display unit 46 Communication unit 46a Reception unit 46b Transmission unit 51 Video reception unit 52 Tip transmission unit 53 Gacha ticket reception unit 54 Gacha request unit 55 Bonus item reception unit 56 Input unit 57 Display unit 58 Communication unit 58a Reception unit 58b Transmission unit 100 Communication network 300 Computer 371 Video distribution program

Claims (9)

A video distribution server that is communicatively connected to a video creator/distributor terminal and a viewer terminal via a network and distributes videos uploaded from the video creator/distributor terminal to the viewer terminal,
a bonus item registration unit that receives a bonus item registration request from the video creator/distributor terminal and registers a plurality of bonus items unique to the video creator/distributor;
a probability calculation unit that calculates the probability of acquiring each of the plurality of bonus items;
A gacha ticket granting unit that receives tips from the viewer terminal during distribution of the video and grants a gacha ticket according to the amount of the tips;
a bonus item providing unit that receives a request from the viewer terminal to play gacha using the gacha ticket, and determines and provides a bonus item to be provided to the viewer from among a plurality of bonus items based on the probability of obtaining each bonus item. The video distribution server according to claim 1, characterized in that the probability calculation unit calculates the probability of acquiring each bonus item according to the rarity indicating the degree of rarity of each bonus item received from the video creator/distributor terminal and the number of each bonus item provided. The bonus item registration unit registers a plurality of bonus items specific to each video creator/distributor, for each video creator/distributor;
The video distribution server according to claim 2, wherein the gacha ticket granting unit receives a tip from the viewer terminal and grants a gacha ticket specific to the video creator/distributor according to the amount of the tip. The video distribution server according to claim 3, characterized in that the bonus item providing unit provides the bonus items to the viewer by linking them to the account of the viewer who has logged in from the viewer terminal. The video distribution server according to claim 4, further comprising a data presentation unit that displays a list of bonus items provided to the viewer on a page dedicated to the viewer in response to a request from the viewer terminal. A video creator/distributor terminal that is communicably connected to the video distribution server according to claim 5 via a network and that uploads videos,
a video upload unit that uploads videos to the video distribution server;
a bonus item registration request unit that requests the video distribution server to register a plurality of bonus items by specifying the plurality of bonus items;
A video creation/distributor terminal characterized by having a probability calculation request unit that requests the video distribution server to calculate the probability of obtaining each bonus item by specifying the rarity indicating the degree of rarity of each bonus item and the number of bonus items provided. A viewer terminal that is communicably connected to the video distribution server according to claim 5 via a network and that views the distributed video, comprising:
a video receiving unit that receives videos distributed by the video distribution server;
A tipping sending unit that sends a tip by specifying an amount to the video distribution server;
a gacha-ticket receiving unit that receives a gacha-ticket provided from the video distribution server;
A gacha request unit that sends a request to the video distribution server to play a gacha using a gacha ticket;
A viewer terminal comprising: a bonus item receiving unit that receives a bonus item provided by the video distribution server. The video distribution server according to claim 5 ;
The moving image creator/distributor terminal according to claim 6,
A video distribution system comprising: a viewer terminal according to claim 7. A video distribution program for causing a computer to function as the video distribution server according to claim 5.

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