JP2024086965A - Program and system - Google Patents

Abstract

To improve amusement properties of content in live distribution.SOLUTION: A viewing program (131) causes a processor (10) to execute: a step (S118) of receiving content including an avatar of a distributor and a play screen of a game; a step (S120) of reproducing the content; a step (S200) of receiving a first input operation of a viewer viewing the content using a viewing terminal; and a step (S202) of transmitting support instructions from a distribution system to a game system by transmitting input information according to the first input operation to the distribution system.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

This disclosure relates to a program and a system.

Conventionally, technologies for live streaming of content have been developed. Also, streaming technologies that allow viewers to respond to content being live streamed have been developed. For example, Patent Literature 1 discloses a technology that displays items purchased by viewers on a display screen during a live stream. When the streamer, who is the subject of the video, responds to the items, interaction between the viewers and the streamer is realized.

JP 2012-120098 A

However, with conventional technology, the elements of viewer intervention in live streaming are limited. For example, with conventional technology, it is difficult for viewers to intervene in the progress of a game being played within the content, such as in a game in a so-called "live game commentary." Viewer intervention in live streaming is related to the interest of the content.

One aspect of the present disclosure addresses the above issues and aims to improve the interest of content in live streaming.

The program of the present disclosure causes a computer to function as: a content receiving means for receiving content that is distributed in real time, the content including a game being played by a distributor; a playback means for playing the content; a receiving means for receiving a first input operation from a viewer who is watching the content; a transmitting means for transmitting a support instruction, which is an instruction for causing an effect of supporting the distributor in the game when the first input operation is received, and includes information for notifying the viewer who has provided support and the content of the support; a display means for displaying the content to be played by the playback means and a UI (user interface) object for receiving the first input operation; a progress information receiving means for receiving progress information indicating that the progress of the game by the distributor has reached a predetermined state; and an enabling means for displaying the UI object or enabling the acceptance of the first input operation for the UI object displayed by the display means when the progress information is received by the progress information receiving means.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to improve the interest of content.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overview of a support system. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of various devices included in the support system. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of various devices included in the support system. FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the flow of data transmission and reception between devices and processing when content is created and live-distributed. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing how a distributor creates content and an example of a display screen when the content is played back on a viewing terminal. FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the flow of data transmission and reception between devices and processing when a viewer supports a distributor's gameplay during live distribution. 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating an example of changes in a playback screen before and after a first input operation is performed by a viewer. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of input information. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of a support instruction. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing another example of the playback screen. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a playback screen when a message is input and sent on the viewing terminal. 11 is a sequence diagram showing an example of data transmission and reception between devices and a processing flow for notifying a viewer that another viewer has supported a distributor's game play. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a playback screen on a viewing terminal when another viewing terminal corresponding to another viewer executes distributor support. FIG. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a distribution screen.

The support system according to the present disclosure is a system for viewers of content to support the gameplay of the distributor of that content. The support system will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the following description and examples in the drawings, but is set forth in the claims, and it is intended that all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are included in the present invention. Note that in the following description, the same elements in the description of the drawings will be given the same reference numerals, and redundant description will not be repeated.

[Embodiment 1]
<Overview of Operation of Support System 1>
1 is a diagram showing an overview of a support system 1 according to this embodiment. The support system 1 is composed of a distribution system 2, a viewing terminal 100, and a game system 3. There may be multiple distribution systems 2, multiple viewing terminals 100, and multiple game systems 3.

(Distribution system 2 and viewing terminal 100)
The distribution system 2 is a system for distributing content in real time to the viewing terminal 100. The distribution system 2 includes one or more distribution servers 200 and one or more distribution terminals 300. Hereinafter, the distribution of content in real time is also referred to as “live distribution”.

The distribution terminal 300 is a device that is the main entity that distributes content live. The distribution terminal 300 is realized, for example, by a personal computer (PC) or a smartphone. The distribution terminal 300 creates content for live distribution in response to input operations by the user of the distribution terminal 300. Hereinafter, the user of the distribution terminal 300 is referred to as the "distributor." Furthermore, the content created by the distribution terminal 300 is simply referred to as the "content." The distribution terminal 300 transfers the content to the distribution server 200 in real time.

The content includes at least the distributor's avatar and a gameplay screen of the game that the distributor is currently playing using a game terminal 400 described below. The content may be, for example, a live program of a so-called "game commentary" in which the distributor talks about his/her impressions of the gameplay through voice, avatar gestures, subtitles, etc. while referring to the gameplay screen.

Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, "game" refers to a game that the distributor is playing and whose content includes gameplay screens. There are no particular limitations on the genre or content of the game. However, the game is a game that can trigger the support effect described below, i.e., a game that is linked to the distribution system 2.

The distribution server 200 is a streaming server that uses streaming technology to distribute content received in real time from the distribution terminal 300 to the viewing terminal 100. The distribution server 200 also mediates the transmission and reception of various information between the viewing terminal 100 and the distribution terminal 300.

The viewing terminal 100 is a device that receives and plays content in real time, i.e., plays content in a streaming manner. The viewing terminal 100 is realized, for example, by a PC or a smartphone. The viewing terminal 100 receives content from the distribution server 200 and plays it in a streaming manner in response to input operations by a user of the viewing terminal 100. Hereinafter, the user of the viewing terminal 100 will be referred to as the "viewer."

(Transmission and reception of information between the distribution system 2 and the viewing terminal 100)
The viewing terminal 100 may be capable of not only reproducing the content, but also transmitting information designated or input by the viewer's input operation to the distribution terminal 300 via the distribution server 200.

For example, the viewing terminal 100 accepts a first input operation from the viewer. The first input operation is an input operation for causing an effect of supporting the streamer within the game. Hereinafter, the effect of supporting the streamer within the game is referred to as the "support effect." Also, supporting the streamer within the game is also referred to as "streamer support."

The specific content of the support effect is not particularly limited. For example, if the game is an action game, the support effect may be an effect of restoring the stamina value of the streamer's character. For example, if the game is a sports game, the support effect may be a field effect that gives the streamer's character or team an advantage in the match. For example, if the game is a gun shooting game, the support effect may be an effect of reloading the gun of the streamer or the streamer's character. For example, if the game is a game in which the player acquires a specified character or item through a lottery or the like, the support effect may be an effect of granting the player, i.e., the streamer, the right to hold the lottery.

When the viewing terminal 100 receives the first input operation, it transmits input information corresponding to the input operation to the distribution system 2. Details of the input information will be described later. Note that the viewing terminal 100 may transmit the input information to the distribution server 200 in exchange for the viewer consuming valuable data or a specific item that the viewer possesses. In other words, the viewing terminal 100 may be configured such that the viewer cannot support the distributor unless the viewer consumes valuable data or a specific item.

When the distribution server 200 receives the input information, it transmits a support instruction to the game system 3. A support instruction is an instruction to cause a support effect.

The distribution server 200 may collect various information related to live distribution from one or more viewing terminals 100 and transmit the various information to the distribution terminal 300. For example, the distribution server 200 may count the number of viewing terminals 100 currently streaming the content, i.e., the current number of viewers, and transmit this to the distribution terminal 300. The distribution server 200 may also count the cumulative number of viewers since the start of content distribution and transmit this to the distribution terminal 300. The distribution server 200 may also identify the viewing terminal 100 that transmitted the above-mentioned input information, and transmit information indicating the viewing terminal 100 to the distribution terminal 300.

(Game System 3)
The game system 3 is a system for providing a game. The game system 3 includes one or more game terminals 400 and one or more game servers 500. In this embodiment, the game terminals 400 and the game servers 500 each store a game program, and execute the game program to realize a game.

For example, the game terminal 400 and the game server 500 may realize an online game in which multiple game terminals 400 participate in the game simultaneously. Also, for example, the game terminal 400 and the game server 500 may realize a game that is executed on a browser launched on the game terminal 400.

The game server 500 is a server that realizes the game by working together with the game terminal 400. For example, the game server 500 transmits and receives game-related data such as user information and game information to and from the game terminal 400, and performs synchronization processing between multiple game terminals 400. User information and game information will be described later. Furthermore, when the game server 500 receives a support instruction from the distribution terminal 300, it transmits the support instruction to the game terminal 400. In other words, the game server 500 mediates the transmission of instructions between the distribution terminal 300 and the game terminal 400.

The game server 500 may not be directly involved in the progress of the game, but may execute processes for starting the game on the game terminal 400, such as login processing. The game server 500 may not be directly involved in the progress of the game, but may execute processes to mediate between multiple game terminals 400. The game may then be realized through cooperation between the multiple game terminals 400. The game server 500 may also return a response to the distribution server 200 at a predetermined timing, indicating that the received support instruction has been executed. The predetermined timing is, for example, the timing when the support instruction is received from the distribution terminal 300, the timing when the support instruction is transmitted to the game terminal 400, or the timing when the support effect due to the support instruction is activated in the game server 500.

The game terminal 400 is a terminal device for playing a game, and is the device that the broadcaster actually operates. The game terminal 400 is realized, for example, by a PC, or a console and controller for a consumer game. The game terminal 400 communicates with the broadcasting terminal 300 via wired or wireless communication. Specifically, the game terminal 400 transmits an image of the game screen that it has created to the broadcasting terminal 300. This allows the broadcasting terminal 300 to obtain a play screen that shows the execution status of the game on the game terminal 400, and include it in the content.

The game terminal 400 may receive various instructions from the broadcasting terminal 300, such as an instruction to send a game screen. The game terminal 400 may also receive information from the broadcasting terminal 300 indicating an input operation performed via an input device or the like of the broadcasting terminal 300, and progress the game based on the information. In other words, the broadcaster may be able to remotely operate the game terminal 400 via the broadcasting terminal 300.

When the game terminal 400 receives a support instruction from the distribution server 200 via the game server 500, the game terminal 400 generates a support effect in the game being executed in response to the support instruction. In other words, a support effect is generated in the game being executed by the game terminal 400 in response to the first input operation performed on the viewing terminal 100.

As shown in the figure, the viewing terminal 100 and the game terminal 400 are not directly connected. Furthermore, the viewing terminal 100 is a terminal for viewing content as described above, and is not directly involved in the execution of the game. In other words, the viewer is not using the viewing terminal 100 to play a game together with the distributor.

In this way, the support system 1 according to this embodiment can support the broadcaster in playing the game in response to the first input operation on the viewing terminal 100 of a viewer who is not playing the game with the broadcaster. In other words, a viewer can intervene in the progress of the game included in the content simply by watching a live broadcast and performing the first input operation. This can therefore increase the interest of the content.

In this embodiment, an example will be described in which the distribution server 200 and the distribution terminal 300 are separate devices. However, the distribution server 200 and the distribution terminal 300 may be an integrated device. For example, one PC may have both the functions of the distribution server 200 and the functions of the distribution terminal 300.

In this embodiment, an example will be described in which the game terminal 400 and the game server 500 are separate devices. However, the game terminal 400 and the game server 500 may be an integrated device. For example, a single PC may have both the functions of the game terminal 400 and the game server 500.

In this embodiment, an example will be described in which the distribution terminal 300 and the game terminal 400 are separate devices. However, the distribution terminal 300 and the game terminal 400 may be an integrated device. For example, a single PC may have both the functions of the distribution terminal 300 and the game terminal 400.

In this embodiment, an example will be described in which the distribution server 200 and the game server 500 are separate devices. However, the distribution server 200 and the game server 500 may be an integrated device. For example, one server may have both the functions of the distribution server 200 and the function of the game server 500.

<Hardware configuration of support system 1>
1 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration of a support system 1. As shown in the figure, the support system 1 includes a distribution server 200, a game server 500, a plurality of viewing terminals 100, a distribution terminal 300, and a game terminal 400. The viewing terminals 100, the distribution terminals 300, and the game server 500 are connected to the distribution server 200 via a network 4. The game terminal 400 may also be connected to the distribution server 200 via the network 4. The game terminal 400 is connected to the game server 500 via the network 4. The game terminal 400 may also be connected to the distribution terminal 300 via the network 4.

(Network 4)
The network 4 is composed of the Internet and various mobile communication systems constructed by wireless base stations (not shown), etc. Examples of such mobile communication systems include so-called 3G and 4G mobile communication systems, LTE (Long Term Evolution), and wireless networks (e.g., Wi-Fi (registered trademark)) that can be connected to the Internet via a predetermined access point.

(Distribution server 200)
The distribution server 200 (computer, information processing device) may be a general-purpose computer such as a workstation or a personal computer. The distribution server 200 includes a processor 20, a memory 21, a storage 22, a communication IF 23, and an input/output IF 24. These components included in the distribution server 200 are electrically connected to each other by a communication bus.

(Game Server 500)
The game server 500 (computer, information processing device) may be a general-purpose computer such as a workstation or a personal computer. The game server 500 includes a processor 50, a memory 51, a storage 52, a communication IF 53, and an input/output IF 54. These components of the game server 500 are electrically connected to each other by a communication bus.

(Viewing terminal 100)
The viewing terminal 100 (computer, information processing device) may be a mobile terminal such as a smartphone, a feature phone, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), or a tablet computer. The viewing terminal 100 may be a playback device suitable for playing back content. As shown in the figure, the viewing terminal 100 includes a processor 10, a memory 11, a storage 12, a communication interface (IF) 13, an input/output IF 14, and a touch screen 15 (display unit). These components of the viewing terminal 100 are electrically connected to each other by a communication bus. Note that the viewing terminal 100 may include an input/output IF 14 to which a display (display unit) configured separately from the viewing terminal 100 body can be connected instead of or in addition to the touch screen 15.

As shown in FIG. 2, the viewing terminal 100 may be configured to be able to communicate with one or more controllers 1020. The controller 1020 establishes communication with the viewing terminal 100 according to a communication standard such as Bluetooth (registered trademark). The controller 1020 may have one or more buttons, etc., and transmits output values based on user input operations on the buttons, etc., to the viewing terminal 100. The controller 1020 may also have various sensors such as an acceleration sensor and an angular velocity sensor, and transmits output values of the various sensors to the viewing terminal 100.

The controller 1020 may be configured to be detachable from the viewing terminal 100. In this case, a connection part for the controller 1020 may be provided on at least one surface of the housing of the viewing terminal 100. When the viewing terminal 100 and the controller 1020 are connected by a wire via the connection part, the viewing terminal 100 and the controller 1020 transmit and receive signals via the wire.

As shown in FIG. 2, the viewing terminal 100 may accept the attachment of a storage medium 1030 such as an external memory card via the input/output IF 14. This allows the viewing terminal 100 to read programs and data recorded in the storage medium 1030. The program recorded in the storage medium 1030 is, for example, a viewing program.

The viewing terminal 100 may store in the memory 11 of the viewing terminal 100 a viewing program acquired by communicating with an external device such as the distribution server 200, or may store in the memory 11 a viewing program acquired by reading it from the storage medium 1030.

As described above, the viewing terminal 100 includes a communication IF 13, an input/output IF 14, and a touch screen 15 as examples of mechanisms for inputting information to the viewing terminal 100. Each of the above-mentioned components as input mechanisms can be considered as an operation unit configured to accept input operations by the user.

For example, if the operation unit is configured with a touch screen 15, the viewing terminal 100 identifies and accepts a user operation performed on the input unit 151 of the touch screen 15 as a user input operation. Alternatively, if the operation unit is configured with a communication IF 13, the viewing terminal 100 identifies and accepts a signal (e.g., an output value) transmitted from the controller 1020 as a user input operation. Alternatively, if the operation unit is configured with an input/output IF 14, the viewing terminal 100 identifies and accepts a signal output from an input device (not shown) other than the controller 1020 connected to the input/output IF 14 as a user input operation.

(Distribution terminal 300)
The distribution terminal 300 (computer, information processing device) may be a mobile terminal such as a smartphone, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), or a tablet computer. The distribution terminal 300 may also be a computer such as a server, a desktop computer, a notebook computer, or a tablet computer, or a group of computers that combines these.

The distribution terminal 300 may be a group of devices in which a display device, an input device, and an information processing device are connected in a manner suitable for live distribution. As shown in the figure, the distribution terminal 300 includes a processor 30, a memory 31, a storage 32, a communication interface (IF) 33, an input/output IF 34, and a touch screen 35 (display unit). These components of the distribution terminal 300 are electrically connected to each other by a communication bus. Note that the distribution terminal 300 may include an input/output IF 34 to which a display (display unit) configured separately from the distribution terminal 300 main body can be connected instead of or in addition to the touch screen 35.

Also, as shown in FIG. 1, the distribution terminal 300 may be configured to be able to communicate wirelessly or via wires with peripheral devices such as one or more microphones 3010, one or more motion capture devices 3020, and one or more controllers 3030. Wirelessly connected peripheral devices establish communication with the distribution terminal 300 according to a communication standard such as Bluetooth (registered trademark). Furthermore, a group of devices including these peripheral devices may be considered as one set of distribution terminal 300.

The microphone 3010 captures surrounding sound and converts it into an electrical signal. The converted electrical signal is sent to the distribution terminal 300 as audio data and is received by the distribution terminal 300 via the communication IF 33.

The motion capture device 3020 tracks the motion (including facial expressions, mouth movements, etc.) of a tracking target (e.g., a person) and transmits output values as tracking results to the distribution terminal 300. The output value, which is motion data, is received by the distribution terminal 300 via the communication IF 33. The motion capture method of the motion capture device 3020 is not particularly limited. Depending on the method adopted, the motion capture device 3020 selectively includes any mechanism for capturing motion, such as a camera, various sensors, markers, a suit worn by the model (person), and a signal transmitter.

The controller 3030 may have one or more physical input mechanisms such as buttons, levers, sticks, and wheels. The controller 3030 transmits to the distribution terminal 300 an output value based on an input operation input to the input mechanism by the operator of the distribution terminal 300. The controller 3030 may also have various sensors such as an acceleration sensor and an angular velocity sensor, and may transmit the output values of the various sensors to the distribution terminal 300. The output values described above are received by the distribution terminal 300 via the communication IF 33. In the following, a person who performs some input operation on the distribution terminal 300 using an operation unit provided in the distribution terminal 300 or various input mechanisms communicably connected to the distribution terminal 300 is referred to as an operator. The operator includes a person who operates the distribution terminal 300 using the input unit 351, the controller 3030, etc., a voice actor who inputs voice via the microphone 3010, and a model who inputs movement via the motion capture device 3020.

The distribution terminal 300 may be equipped with a camera and a distance measurement sensor, not shown. Instead of or in addition to the distribution terminal 300 being equipped with such a device, the motion capture device 3020 and the controller 3030 may each have a camera and a distance measurement sensor.

As described above, the distribution terminal 300 includes a communication IF 33, an input/output IF 34, and a touch screen 35 as an example of a mechanism for inputting information to the distribution terminal 300. If necessary, the distribution terminal 300 may further include a camera and a distance measuring sensor. Each of the above-mentioned parts as an input mechanism can be considered as an operation unit configured to accept input operations by the user.

The operation unit may be configured with a touch screen 35. In this case, the distribution terminal 300 identifies and accepts a user operation performed on the input unit 351 of the touch screen 35 as a user input operation. Alternatively, if the operation unit is configured with a communication IF 33, the distribution terminal 300 identifies and accepts a signal (e.g., an output value) transmitted from the controller 3030 as a user input operation. Alternatively, if the operation unit is configured with an input/output IF 34, the distribution terminal 300 identifies and accepts a signal output from an input device (not shown) connected to the input/output IF 34 and different from the controller 3030 as a user input operation.

(Gaming terminal 400)
The game terminal 400 (computer, information processing device) may be a mobile terminal such as a smartphone, a feature phone, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), or a tablet computer. The game terminal 400 may be a game device suitable for playing a game. As shown in the figure, the game terminal 400 includes a processor 40, a memory 41, a storage 42, a communication interface (IF) 43, an input/output IF 44, a touch screen 45 (display unit), a camera 47, and a distance measurement sensor 48. These components of the game terminal 400 are electrically connected to each other by a communication bus. Note that the game terminal 400 may include an input/output IF 14 to which a display (display unit) configured separately from the game terminal 400 body can be connected instead of or in addition to the touch screen 15.

As shown in FIG. 2, the game terminal 400 may be configured to be able to communicate with one or more controllers 4020. The controller 4020 establishes communication with the game terminal 400 according to a communication standard such as Bluetooth (registered trademark). The controller 4020 may have one or more buttons, etc., and transmits output values based on user input operations on the buttons, etc., to the game terminal 400. The controller 4020 may also have various sensors such as an acceleration sensor and an angular velocity sensor, and transmits output values of the various sensors to the game terminal 400.

In addition to or in addition to the game terminal 400 being equipped with the camera 47 and distance measurement sensor 48, the controller 4020 may have the camera 47 and distance measurement sensor 48.

For example, when starting a game, the game terminal 400 desirably has the user using the controller 4020 input user identification information, such as the user's name or login ID, via the controller 4020. This enables the game terminal 400 to link the controller 4020 with the user, and based on the source (controller 4020) of the received output value, it can identify which user the output value belongs to.

When the game terminal 400 communicates with multiple controllers 4020, each user can hold a controller 4020 to realize a multi-play on the single game terminal 400 without communicating with other devices such as the game server 500 via the network 4. In addition, the game terminals 400 can also realize a multi-play locally by connecting to each other via a wireless standard such as a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) standard (connecting to communicate without going through the game server 500). When realizing the above-mentioned multi-play locally using a single game terminal 400, the game terminal 400 may further include at least some of the various functions of the game server 500 described below. In addition, when realizing the above-mentioned multi-play locally using multiple game terminals 400, the multiple game terminals 400 may have various functions of the game server 500 described below in a distributed manner.

Even when the above-mentioned multiplayer mode is implemented locally, the game terminal 400 may communicate with the game server 500. For example, information indicating the results of a game, such as the score or win/loss, may be associated with user identification information and transmitted to the game server 500.

The controller 4020 may be configured to be detachable from the game terminal 400. In this case, a connection part for the controller 4020 may be provided on at least one surface of the housing of the game terminal 400. When the game terminal 400 and the controller 4020 are connected by a wire via the connection part, the game terminal 400 and the controller 4020 transmit and receive signals via the wire.

As shown in FIG. 2, the game terminal 400 may accept the attachment of a storage medium 4030 such as an external memory card via the input/output IF 44. This allows the game terminal 400 to read programs and data recorded in the storage medium 4030. The program recorded in the storage medium 4030 is, for example, a game program.

The game terminal 400 may store in the memory 41 of the game terminal 400 a game program acquired by communicating with an external device such as a game server 500, or may store in the memory 41 a game program acquired by reading it from the storage medium 4030.

As described above, the game terminal 400 includes a communication IF 43, an input/output IF 44, a touch screen 45, a camera 47, and a distance sensor 48 as an example of a mechanism for inputting information to the game terminal 400. Each of the above-mentioned components as an input mechanism can be considered as an operation unit configured to receive input operations from the user.

For example, when the operation unit is composed of at least one of the camera 47 and the distance sensor 48, the operation unit detects an object 4010 in the vicinity of the game terminal 400, and identifies an input operation from the detection result of the object. As an example, a user's hand or a marker of a predetermined shape is detected as the object 4010, and the input operation is identified based on the color, shape, movement, or type of the object 4010 obtained as the detection result. More specifically, when the user's hand is detected from an image captured by the camera 47, the game terminal 400 identifies and accepts a gesture (a series of movements of the user's hand) detected based on the captured image as the user's input operation. Note that the captured image may be a still image or a video.

Alternatively, if the operation unit is configured with a touch screen 45, the game terminal 400 identifies and accepts a user operation performed on the input unit 451 of the touch screen 45 as a user input operation. Alternatively, if the operation unit is configured with a communication IF 43, the game terminal 400 identifies and accepts a signal (e.g., an output value) transmitted from the controller 4020 as a user input operation. Alternatively, if the operation unit is configured with an input/output IF 44, the game terminal 400 identifies and accepts a signal output from an input device (not shown) other than the controller 4020 connected to the input/output IF 44 as a user input operation.

<Hardware components of each device>
Processor 10 controls the overall operation of viewing terminal 100. Processor 20 controls the overall operation of distribution server 200. Processor 30 controls the overall operation of distribution terminal 300. Processor 40 controls the overall operation of game terminal 400. Processor 50 controls the overall operation of game server 500. Processors 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 each include a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), and a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit).

Processor 10 reads the program from storage 12, which will be described later, and expands it in memory 11, which will be described later. Processor 20 reads the program from storage 22, which will be described later, and expands it in memory 21, which will be described later. Processor 30 reads the program from storage 32, which will be described later, and expands it in memory 31, which will be described later. Processor 40 reads the program from storage 42, which will be described later, and expands it in memory 41, which will be described later. Processor 50 reads the program from storage 52, which will be described later, and expands it in memory 51, which will be described later. Processor 10, processor 20, processor 30, processor 40, and processor 50 execute the expanded programs.

Memories 11, 21, 31, 41, and 51 are main storage devices. Memories 11, 21, 31, 41, and 51 are composed of storage devices such as ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory). Memory 11 provides a working area for processor 10 by temporarily storing programs and various data read by processor 10 from storage 12 (described later). Memory 11 also temporarily stores various data generated while processor 10 is operating according to the program. Memory 21 provides a working area for processor 20 by temporarily storing various programs and data read by processor 20 from storage 22 (described later). Memory 21 also temporarily stores various data generated while processor 20 is operating according to the program. Memory 31 provides a working area for processor 30 by temporarily storing various programs and data read by processor 30 from storage 32 (described later). Memory 31 also temporarily stores various data generated while processor 30 is operating according to the program. Memory 41 provides a working area for processor 40 by temporarily storing programs and various data that processor 40 reads from storage 42, which will be described later. Memory 41 also temporarily stores various data generated while processor 40 is operating according to the programs. Memory 51 provides a working area for processor 50 by temporarily storing programs and various data that processor 50 reads from storage 52, which will be described later. Memory 51 also temporarily stores various data generated while processor 50 is operating according to the programs.

In this embodiment, the program executed by the processor 30 may be a distribution program for realizing live distribution of content. In this embodiment, the program executed by the processor 10 may be a viewing program for realizing a function of streaming playback of content and a function of supporting the broadcaster in playing the game from the viewing terminal 100. Hereinafter, the function of supporting the broadcaster in playing the game will be simply referred to as the "support function."

In this embodiment, the program executed by the processor 20 may be the above-mentioned distribution program or the above-mentioned viewing program. The processor 20 executes either the distribution program or the viewing program, or both, in response to a request from the viewing terminal 100 or the distribution terminal 300. Note that the distribution program and the viewing program may be executed in parallel.

In other words, the distribution program may be a distribution program for realizing live distribution through cooperation between the distribution server 200 and the distribution terminal 300. Also, the viewing program may be a viewing program for realizing a streaming playback function and an assistance function through cooperation between the viewing terminal 100 and the distribution server 200.

In this embodiment, the program executed by processor 40 and processor 50 may be a game program for realizing a game by game terminal 400. Alternatively, the program may be a game program for realizing the game through cooperation between game terminal 400 and game server 500. The game realized through cooperation between game terminal 400 and game server 500 may be, as one example, a game executed on a browser launched in game terminal 400.

Alternatively, the program may be a game program for realizing the game through cooperation between multiple game terminals 400. The various data includes data related to the game, such as user information and game information, as well as instructions or notifications transmitted and received between each device of the game system 3.

Storages 12, 22, 32, 42, and 52 are auxiliary storage devices. Storages 12, 22, 32, 42, and 52 are configured with storage devices such as flash memory or HDDs (Hard Disk Drives). Various data related to the game is stored in storages 12, 22, 32, 42, and 52.

The communication IF 13 controls the transmission and reception of various data in the viewing terminal 100. The communication IF 23 controls the transmission and reception of various data in the distribution server 200. The communication IF 33 controls the transmission and reception of various data in the distribution terminal 300. The communication IF 43 controls the transmission and reception of various data in the game terminal 400. The communication IF 53 controls the transmission and reception of various data in the game server 500. The communication IFs 13, 23, 33, 43, and 53 control, for example, communication via a wireless LAN (Local Area Network), Internet communication via a wired LAN, a wireless LAN, or a mobile phone line network, and communication using short-range wireless communication, etc.

The input/output IF 14 of the viewing terminal 100 is an interface through which the viewing terminal 100 accepts data input, and is also an interface through which the viewing terminal 100 outputs data. The input/output IF 14 may input and output data via a USB (Universal Serial Bus) or the like. The input/output IF 14 may include, for example, a physical button, a camera, a microphone, or a speaker of the viewing terminal 100. The input/output IF 24 of the distribution server 200 is an interface through which the distribution server 200 accepts data input, and is also an interface through which the distribution server 200 outputs data. The input/output IF 24 may include, for example, an input unit that is an information input device such as a mouse or a keyboard, and a display unit that is a device that displays and outputs images. The input/output IF 34 of the distribution terminal 300 is an interface through which the distribution terminal 300 accepts data input, and is also an interface through which the distribution terminal 300 outputs data. The input/output IF 34 may include, for example, information input devices such as a mouse, keyboard, stick, lever, etc., devices that display and output images such as an LCD display, and connections for transmitting and receiving data between peripheral devices (microphone 3010, motion capture device 3020, and controller 3030).

The input/output IF 44 of the game terminal 400 is an interface for the game terminal 400 to receive input of data, and is also an interface for the game terminal 400 to output data. The input/output IF 44 may input and output data via a USB (Universal Serial Bus) or the like. The input/output IF 44 may be, for example, a physical button of the viewing terminal 100,
It may include a camera, a microphone, a speaker, etc.

The input/output IF 54 of the game server 500 is an interface through which the game server 500 accepts data input, and is also an interface through which the game server 500 outputs data. The input/output IF 54 may include, for example, an input unit that is an information input device such as a mouse or keyboard, and a display unit that is a device that displays and outputs images.

The touch screen 15 of the viewing terminal 100 is an electronic component that combines an input unit 151 and a display unit 152. The touch screen 35 of the distribution terminal 300 is an electronic component that combines an input unit 351 and a display unit 352. The touch screen 45 of the game terminal 400 is an electronic component that combines an input unit 451 and a display unit 452. The input units 151, 351, and 451 are, for example, touch-sensitive devices, and are formed, for example, by a touchpad. The display units 152, 352, and 452 are, for example, formed by a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display, etc.

The input units 151, 351, and 451 have a function of detecting the position where a user operation (mainly a physical contact operation such as a touch operation, a slide operation, a swipe operation, or a tap operation) is input on the input surface, and transmitting information indicating the position as an input signal. The input units 151, 351, and 451 may be provided with a touch sensing unit (not shown). The touch sensing unit may be of any type, such as a capacitive type or a resistive film type.

Although not shown, the viewing terminal 100 and the game terminal 400 may have one or more sensors for identifying the holding orientation of the viewing terminal 100 and the game terminal 400. The sensor may be, for example, an acceleration sensor or an angular velocity sensor. When the viewing terminal 100 or the game terminal 400 has a sensor, the processor 10 or the processor 40 can identify the holding orientation of the viewing terminal 100 or the game terminal 400 from the output of the sensor and perform processing according to the holding orientation. For example, when the viewing terminal 100 or the game terminal 400 is held vertically, the processor 10 or the processor 40 may display a vertical screen on the display unit 152 or 452. On the other hand, when the viewing terminal 100 or the game terminal 400 is held horizontally, the processor 10 or the processor 40 may display a horizontal screen on the display unit. In this way, the processor 10 or the processor 40 may be able to switch between a vertical screen display and a horizontal screen display according to the holding orientation of the viewing terminal 100 or the game terminal 400.

The camera 47 includes an image sensor and generates a captured image by converting the light incident through the lens into an electrical signal.

The distance measurement sensor 48 is a sensor that measures the distance to the measurement object. The distance measurement sensor 48 includes, for example, a light source that emits pulse-converted light and a light receiving element that receives the light. The distance measurement sensor 48 measures the distance to the measurement object based on the timing of light emission from the light source and the timing of receiving reflected light that is generated when the light emitted from the light source hits the measurement object and is reflected. The distance measurement sensor 48 may have a light source that emits directional light.

<Functional configuration of support system 1>
3 is a block diagram showing the functional configurations of the viewing terminal 100, the distribution server 200, the distribution terminal 300, the game terminal 400, and the game server 500 included in the support system 1. Each of the viewing terminal 100, the distribution server 200, the distribution terminal 300, the game terminal 400, and the game server 500 may include a functional configuration required to function as a general computer (not shown), and a functional configuration required to realize well-known functions in a game.

The viewing terminal 100 functions as an input device that accepts user input operations, and as an output device that outputs game images and sounds. The viewing terminal 100 functions as a control unit 110 and a storage unit 120 through cooperation between the processor 10, memory 11, storage 12, communication IF 13, and input/output IF 14.

The distribution server 200 has a function of communicating with the distribution terminal 300 and the viewing terminal 100 to assist the distribution terminal 300 in live distribution of content to the viewing terminal 100. The distribution server 200 functions as a control unit 210 and a storage unit 220 through cooperation of the processor 20, memory 21, storage 22, communication IF 23, input/output IF 24, etc.

The distribution terminal 300 has a function of creating content and live-distributing the content to the viewing terminal 100 via the distribution server 200. The distribution terminal 300 functions as a control unit 310 and a storage unit 320 through cooperation of the processor 30, memory 31, storage 32, communication IF 33, input/output IF 34, etc.

The gaming terminal 400 functions as an input device that accepts user input operations, and as an output device that outputs game images and sounds. The gaming terminal 400 functions as a control unit 410 and a storage unit 420 through cooperation between the processor 40, memory 41, storage 42, communication IF 43, and input/output IF 44.

The game server 500 has a function of communicating with the game terminal 400 and supporting the game terminal 400 in progressing through the game. The game server 500 also has a function of acting as an intermediary between the distribution server 200 and the game terminal 400. The game server 500 functions as a control unit 510 and a storage unit 520 through cooperation of the processor 50, memory 51, storage 52, communication IF 53, input/output IF 54, etc.

(Data stored in the memory unit of each device)
The storage unit 120 stores a viewing program 131 and viewer information 132 of a viewer corresponding to the viewing terminal 100. The storage unit 320 stores a distribution program 331 and distributor information 332 of a distributor corresponding to the distribution terminal 300. The storage unit 220 stores the viewing program 131, viewer information 132, distribution program 331, and distributor information 332. The storage unit 220 collectively stores the distributor information 332 collected from each distribution terminal 300. The storage unit 220 collectively stores the viewer information 132 collected from each viewing terminal 100.

The viewing program 131 is a program executed by the viewing terminal 100 and the distribution server 200. On the other hand, the distribution program 231 is a program executed by the distribution terminal 300 and the distribution server 200.

It should be noted that execution of the viewing program 131 and the distribution program 331 by the distribution server 200 is not essential. For example, if the viewing terminal 100 can realize the content streaming playback function and the support function by executing the viewing program 131 alone, the distribution server 200 does not need to execute the viewing program 131. Also, for example, if the distribution terminal 300 can realize live distribution by executing the distribution program 331 alone, the distribution server 200 does not need to execute the distribution program 331.

The viewer information 132 is data that the control unit 110 refers to when executing the viewing program 131. The viewer information 132 is data that is managed for each viewer. For example, the viewer information 132 may include information indicating the name of the viewer, that is, the name of the account of the viewer corresponding to the viewing terminal 100, the amount of valuable data held by the account, or the quantity of a specific item held by the account. The viewer information 132 may also include a content viewing history, a message sending/receiving history, and an input history of a first input operation in the account of the viewer corresponding to the viewing terminal 100. The viewer information 132 may also include a purchase history of valuable data, and a purchase or acquisition history of a specific item.

Distributor information 332 is data that is referenced by control unit 210 when executing distribution program 231. Distributor information 332 is data that is managed for each distributor. For example, distributor information 332 may include information indicating the name of the account of the distributor to which distribution terminal 300 corresponds. Distributor information 332 may also include various information related to the distributed content, such as the content distribution history and the number of plays of the distributed content, and the history of sending and receiving messages, in the account of the distributor to which distribution terminal 300 corresponds.

The memory unit 420 and the memory unit 520 store a game program 431, game information 432, and user information 433. The memory unit 420 stores user information 433 of the user corresponding to the game terminal 400. On the other hand, the memory unit 520 stores the user information 433 collected from each game terminal 400 collectively.

The game program 431 is a game program executed by the game terminal 400 and the game server 500. The game information 432 is data that the control unit 410 and the control unit 510 refer to when executing the game program 431. The user information 433 is data that is managed for each user account.

(Functional configuration of distribution server 200)
The control unit 210 executes a distribution program 231 stored in the storage unit 220 to comprehensively control the distribution server 200. For example, the control unit 210 receives content in real time from the distribution terminal 300 and live distributes the content to the viewing terminal 100. The control unit 210 communicates with the viewing terminal 100 and the distribution terminal 300 as necessary to transmit and receive various information.

The control unit 210 functions as a transmission/reception unit 211, a server processing unit 212, and a data management unit 213 according to the description of the distribution program 231. The control unit 210 can also function as other functional blocks (not shown) to support live distribution of content from the distribution terminal 300, streaming playback of the content by the viewing terminal 100, and distributor support.

The transmission/reception unit 211 receives various data and requests from the distribution terminal 300. For example, the transmission/reception unit 211 receives part or all of the distributor information 332 from the distribution terminal 300. The transmission/reception unit 211 transmits various data and requests to the distribution terminal 300.

The transmission/reception unit 211 also receives various data and requests from the viewing terminal 100. For example, the transmission/reception unit 211 receives a request for live streaming from the viewing terminal 100. The transmission/reception unit 211 transmits various information to the viewing terminal 100. For example, the transmission/reception unit 211 live streams content to the viewing terminal 100.

The server processing unit 212 performs the calculations required for live distribution and streaming playback of content, as well as for supporting distributors. The server processing unit 212 instructs the transmission/reception unit 211 to transmit various types of data. The server processing unit 212 instructs the data management unit 213 to add, update, or delete various types of information.

The data management unit 213 manages the data stored in the memory unit 220. The data management unit 213 adds, updates, or deletes various pieces of information included in the distributor information 132 and the viewer information 132 in response to instructions from the server processing unit 212. The data management unit 213 may read at least one of the distributor information 132 and the viewer information 132 from the memory unit 220 in response to instructions from the server processing unit 212.

(Functional configuration of the viewing terminal 100)
The control unit 110 performs overall control of the viewing terminal 100 by executing the viewing program 131 stored in the storage unit 120. For example, the control unit 110 performs streaming playback of content in accordance with the viewing program 131 and user operations. In addition, the control unit 110 communicates with the distribution server 200 as necessary during content playback to transmit and receive information.

The control unit 110 functions as an operation reception unit 111, a playback unit 112, a display control unit 113, a communication unit 114, and a support instruction unit 115 according to the description of the viewing program 131. The control unit 110 can also function as other functional blocks (not shown) to realize streaming playback and distributor support.

The operation reception unit 111 detects and receives user input operations on the input unit 151. The operation reception unit 111 determines what kind of input operation has been performed based on the actions performed by the user on the touch screen 15 and the console via the other input/output IF 14, and outputs the results to each element of the control unit 110.

For example, the operation reception unit 111 receives an input operation on the input unit 151, detects the coordinates of the input position of the input operation, and identifies the type of the input operation. The operation reception unit 111 identifies, for example, a touch operation, a slide operation, a swipe operation, a tap operation, etc. as the type of input operation. Furthermore, when a continuously detected input is interrupted, the operation reception unit 111 detects that the contact input from the touch screen 15 has been released.

The playback unit 112 performs streaming playback. The playback unit 112 plays the content received from the distribution server 200 via the communication unit 114.

The display control unit 113 causes the display unit 152 to display the content streamed by the playback unit 112. The display control unit 113 may control and draw 2D or 3D game objects (UI objects) for constructing a UI (user interface). For example, the display control unit 113 may display UI objects necessary for various operations for viewing the content and supporting the distributor on the screen of the display unit 152, superimposed on the content or together with the content. Examples of UI objects include icons, buttons, lists, and menu screens. The UI objects are tools that the viewer uses on the viewing terminal 100 to view the content and support the distributor. The UI objects are tools that the viewing terminal 100 uses to notify the viewer of various information while the content is being played back on the viewing terminal 100.

The communication unit 114 transmits various data and requests to the distribution server 200. For example, the communication unit 114 transmits a request for content distribution and part or all of the viewer information 132 to the distribution server 200. The communication unit 114 receives various information related to live distribution from the distribution server 200. For example, the communication unit 114 receives content and part or all of the distributor information 332 from the distribution server 200.

When the operation receiving unit 111 receives the first input operation, the support instruction unit 115 creates input information corresponding to the first input operation and transmits it to the distribution server 200. Details of the input information will be described later. The support instruction unit 115 may create and transmit the input information in exchange for consumption of valuable data or a specific item. This makes it possible to set a limit on the number of times a viewer can support a broadcaster, thereby making the viewer think about the timing and number of times to support the broadcaster. This therefore increases the interest of the content.

(Functional configuration of distribution terminal 300)
The control unit 310 executes a distribution program 331 stored in the storage unit 320 to comprehensively control the distribution terminal 300. For example, the control unit 310 creates content in accordance with the distribution program 331 and the operation of the distributor, and supplies the content to the viewing terminal 100 via the distribution server 200. The control unit 310 communicates with the distribution server 200 and the game terminal 400 to transmit and receive information.

The control unit 310 functions as an operation reception unit 311, a distribution unit 312, a display control unit 313, and a communication unit 314 according to the description of the distribution program 331. The control unit 310 can also function as other functional blocks (not shown) according to the nature of the content to be distributed in the distribution system 2.

The operation reception unit 311 detects and accepts input operations by the operator to the input unit 351. The operation reception unit 311 determines what input operation has been performed from the action performed by the operator on the touch screen 35 and the console via the other input/output IF 34, and outputs the result to each element of the control unit 310. The detailed functions of the operation reception unit 311 are almost the same as those of the operation reception unit 111 in the viewing terminal 100.

The distribution unit 312 executes various processes related to the distribution of content. The distribution unit 312 includes a distribution screen creation unit 312A, a content creation unit 312B, and a notification unit 312C.

The distribution screen creation unit 312A creates a screen for the distributor to assist the distributor in operating the content creation. Hereinafter, the screen for the distributor is also referred to as the distribution screen. There are no particular limitations on the configuration of the distribution screen. For example, the distribution screen creation unit 312A creates a distribution screen that allows a list of various components included in the content, such as avatars, game screens, and various parameter displays. The distribution screen created by the distribution screen creation unit 312A is displayed on the touch screen 35 via the display control unit 313.

The content creation unit 312B creates the content to be distributed live. The specific method for creating content by the content creation unit 312B will be described later.

The notification unit 312C creates and outputs various notifications for the broadcaster. For example, the notification unit 312C notifies the broadcaster that broadcaster support has been provided.

The display control unit 313 outputs to the display unit 352 of the touch screen 35 a display screen reflecting the results of the processing performed by each of the above-mentioned elements. The details of the function of the display control unit 313 are almost the same as those of the display control unit 113 in the viewing terminal 100. For example, the display control unit 313 may superimpose UI objects required for various operations for live streaming on the screen of the display unit 352, or display them together with the content.

The communication unit 314 transmits various data and requests to the distribution server 200. For example, the communication unit 314 transmits content and some or all of the distributor information 332 to the distribution server 200. The communication unit 314 receives various information related to live distribution from the distribution server 200. For example, the communication unit 314 receives some or all of the viewer information 132 from the distribution server 200. The communication unit 314 also communicates between the distribution terminal 300 and the game terminal 400. For example, the communication unit 314 receives images of the game screen from the game terminal 400 in real time.

(Functional configuration of game terminal 400)
The control unit 410 executes the game program 431 stored in the storage unit 420 to comprehensively control the game terminal 400. For example, the control unit 410 progresses the game in accordance with the game program 431 and the user's operations. Furthermore, while the game is progressing, the control unit 410 communicates with the game server 500 as necessary to transmit and receive information.

The control unit 410 functions as an operation reception unit 411, a game progression unit 412, a display control unit 413, and a communication unit 414 according to the description of the game program 431. The control unit 410 can also function as other functional blocks (not shown) to progress the game according to the nature of the game being executed.

The operation reception unit 411 detects and receives user input operations on the input unit 451. The operation reception unit 411 determines what input operation has been performed based on the user's actions on the touch screen 45 and the console via the other input/output IF 44, and outputs the results to each element of the control unit 410.

For example, the operation reception unit 411 receives an input operation on the input unit 451, detects the coordinates of the input position of the input operation, and identifies the type of the input operation. The operation reception unit 411 identifies, for example, a touch operation, a slide operation, a swipe operation, a tap operation, etc. as the type of input operation. Furthermore, when a continuously detected input is interrupted, the operation reception unit 411 detects that the contact input from the touch screen 45 has been released.

The game progression unit 412 performs various processes related to the progression of the game. For example, the game progression unit 412 identifies the user's instructions based on the coordinates of the position of the input operation accepted by the operation acceptance unit 411, the type of operation, and the progress of the game. The game progression unit 412 also performs various determination processes related to the progress of the game. The game progression unit 412 also adds, updates, or deletes various pieces of information included in the game information 432 and user information 433 stored in the memory unit 420.

The display control unit 413 creates an image of the game screen and transmits the image in real time to the distribution terminal 300 via the communication unit 414. The display control unit 413 generates an image including, for example, a game object and a background image that serves as the background of the game object, and transmits the image to the distribution terminal 300. The display control unit 413 may also cause the image of the game screen to be displayed on the display unit 452.

The display control unit 413 may control and draw 2D or 3D game objects (UI objects) for constructing a UI (user interface). For example, the display control unit 413 may display a game screen in which UI objects necessary for various game operations, such as icons, buttons, lists, and menu screens, are superimposed on a background image. A UI object is a tool that allows the user to make inputs to the game terminal 400 that are necessary for the progress of the game. A UI object is also a tool that allows the user to obtain information from the game terminal 400 that is output during the progress of the game.

The communication unit 414 transmits various data and requests to the game server 500. For example, the communication unit 414 transmits part or all of the game information 432 or the user information 433 to the game server 500. The communication unit 414 receives various data and requests from the game server 500. For example, the communication unit 414 receives part or all of the game information 432 or the user information 433 from the game server 500.

The communication unit 414 also communicates between the game terminal 400 and the distribution terminal 300. For example, the communication unit 414 transmits an image of the game screen created by the display control unit 413 to the distribution terminal 300 in real time.

(Functional Configuration of Game Server 500)
The control unit 510 executes the game program 431 stored in the storage unit 520 to comprehensively control the game server 500. The control unit 510 may also communicate with a plurality of game terminals 400 and mediate data exchange between the game terminals 400.

The control unit 510 functions as a transmission/reception unit 511, a server processing unit 512, and a data management unit 513 according to the description of the game program 431. The control unit 510 can also function as other functional blocks (not shown) to support the progress of the game on the game terminal 400 according to the nature of the game being executed.

The transmission/reception unit 511 receives various data and requests from the game terminal 400. For example, the transmission/reception unit 511 receives some or all of the game information 432 or user information 433 from the game terminal 400.

The transmission/reception unit 511 transmits various data and requests to the game terminal 400. For example, the transmission/reception unit 511 transmits a support instruction received from the distribution server 200 to the game terminal 400.

The server processing unit 512 performs the calculations required to provide the game. The server processing unit 512 instructs the transmission/reception unit 511 to transmit various data. The server processing unit 512 instructs the data management unit 513 to add, update, or delete various pieces of information contained in the game information 432 and the user information 433.

The data management unit 513 manages the data stored in the memory unit 520. The data management unit 513 adds, updates, or deletes various information included in the game information 432 and the user information 433 in response to instructions from the server processing unit 512. The data management unit 513 may read at least one of the game information 432 and the user information 433 from the memory unit 520 in accordance with instructions from the server processing unit 512. The data management unit 513 may read from the memory unit 520 a portion of the game program 431 to be executed on a certain game terminal 400, and transmit it to the game terminal 400.

The functions of the viewing terminal 100, distribution server 200, distribution terminal 300, game terminal 400, and game server 500 shown in FIG. 3 are merely examples. For example, the distribution server 200 may have at least a part of the functions of the viewing terminal 100 or the distribution terminal 300. For another example, the viewing terminal 100 or the distribution terminal 300 may have at least a part of the functions of the distribution server 200. For another example, the game server 500 may have at least a part of the functions of the game terminal 400. For another example, the game terminal 400 may have at least a part of the functions of the game server 500.

The viewing terminal 100 may also cooperate with other components other than those described above, or other devices connected to the viewing terminal 100. For example, the viewing terminal 100 may cause other components or other devices to execute part of the processing in the viewing terminal 100.

In addition, the distribution system 2 may have other devices other than the distribution server 200 and the distribution terminal 300 as components of the distribution system 2, and may have the other devices execute part of the processing in the distribution system 2. That is, in this embodiment, the computer that executes the distribution program 231 may be any of the distribution server 200, the distribution terminal 300, and other devices, or may be realized by a combination of multiple devices.

In addition, the game system 3 may include devices other than the game terminal 400 and the game server 500 as components of the game system 3, and may have the other devices execute part of the processing in the game system 3. That is, in this embodiment, the computer that executes the game program 431 may be any one of the game terminal 400, the game server 500, or another device, or may be realized by a combination of multiple devices.

<Flow of distribution process>
4 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the flow of data transmission and reception between devices and processing when creating and live-distributing content. Note that the game server 500 is not shown in FIG. 4 because there is no essential processing in the flow from content creation to distribution.

In step S100, the game progression unit 412 of the game terminal 400 starts the game. The game progression unit 412 starts the game when, for example, the operation reception unit 411 receives an input operation instructing the start of the game. The game progression unit 412 instructs the display control unit 413 to create a game screen according to the progress of the game. In response to this instruction, the display control unit 413 creates the game screen.

In step S102, the communication unit 414 transmits the image of the game screen created by the display control unit 413 to the distribution terminal 300 in real time. Note that the game screen may be displayed on the display unit 452 of the game terminal 400.

In step S104, the communication unit 314 of the distribution terminal 300 receives the image of the game screen in real time. The communication unit 314 sends the received image of the game screen to the distribution unit 312 as needed.

In step S106, the distribution unit 312 creates content and transmits the content in real time to the distribution server 200 via the communication unit 314. The method of creating the content will be described in detail later. After that, the distribution unit 312 continues live distribution of the content, for example, until the operation reception unit 311 receives an input operation instructing the end of the live distribution.

In step S108, the transmission/reception unit 211 of the distribution server 200 receives the content in real time. The transmission/reception unit 211 may store the received content in the storage unit 220 temporarily or non-temporarily. The distribution server 200 waits until it receives a request for live distribution from the viewing terminal 100.

In step S110, the operation reception unit 111 of the viewing terminal 100 receives an input operation from the viewer instructing viewing of the content. When the operation reception unit 111 receives the instruction, the reproduction unit 112 executes step S112.

In step S112, the playback unit 112 requests content delivery via the communication unit 114.

In step S114, the server processing unit 212 of the distribution server 200 receives the distribution request via the transmission/reception unit 211. When the server processing unit 212 receives the request, it executes the process of step S116.

In step S116, the server processing unit 212 distributes the content received from the distribution terminal 300 to the viewing terminal 100 in real time. After that, the server processing unit 212 continues live distribution of the content, for example, until the transmitting/receiving unit 211 stops receiving content from the distribution terminal 300 or until the viewing terminal 100 notifies the user that viewing has ended.

In step S118, the communication unit 114 of the viewing terminal 100 receives the content in real time.

In step S120, the playback unit 112 performs streaming playback of the content received by the communication unit 114 at any time. After this, the playback unit 112 continues streaming playback until it determines YES in step S122 or YES in step S124.

In step S122, the control unit 110 determines whether the operation reception unit 111 has received an input operation to end viewing. If the answer is YES in step S122, that is, if the operation reception unit 111 has received an input operation to end viewing, the playback unit 112 executes step S126.

In step S126, the playback unit 112 ends streaming playback of the content. The playback unit 112 also notifies the distribution server 200 of the end of viewing via the communication unit 114. When the server processing unit 212 of the distribution server 200 receives the notification, it stops live distribution to the viewing terminal 100.

On the other hand, if the answer is NO in step S122, i.e., if the operation reception unit 111 has not received an input operation to end viewing, the control unit 110 further executes the process of step S124.

In step S124, the control unit 110 determines whether or not the live streaming has ended. For example, the control unit 110 may determine that the live streaming has ended when the reception of the content by the communication unit 114 has ended. If the answer is NO in step S124, the control unit 110 repeats the process from step S122. On the other hand, if the answer is YES in step S124, the playback unit 112 executes the process of step S126. That is, the playback unit 112 ends the streaming playback of the content.

According to the above process, content including a play screen of the game in progress on the game terminal 400 and an avatar of the distributor is created and distributed in real time. This allows the viewer to view the avatar of the distributor and a play screen of the game being played by the distributor by viewing the content via the viewing terminal 100.

(Content creation and playback screen)
5 is a diagram showing how a distributor creates content and an example of a display screen when the content is played back on the viewing terminal 100. Hereinafter, the display screen when the content is being played back on the viewing terminal 100 is referred to as a "playback screen." In the following description, it is assumed that the game realized by the game system 3 is a gun shooting game in which a stage is cleared by shooting and defeating enemies. In the following description, it is assumed that an effect of increasing the number of remaining bullets of the distributor in the gun shooting game, that is, an effect of reloading the gun, is activated as a support effect in response to the first input operation.

State (A) in FIG. 5 shows how a distributor creates content. The distributor 701 creates content by inputting various information to the distribution terminal 300. For example, the distributor 701 inputs his/her own voice 700 to the distribution terminal 300 via the microphone 3010.

Motion capture data of a model 702, which is part of the distributor, may also be input to the distribution terminal 300. The distribution unit 312 reflects the movements indicated by the motion capture data supplied from the motion capture device 3020 in the movements of the distributor's avatar. The motion capture data is the movements of the model 702 acquired via the motion capture device 3020.

In addition, as described above, game screens are supplied from the game terminal 400 to the distribution terminal 300 at any time. The content creation unit 312B of the distribution terminal 300 sequentially synthesizes content based on the audio, motion capture data, and game screens that are input in real time.

For example, content creation unit 312B draws an image of a character object representing the distributor's avatar. At this time, content creation unit 312B moves the posture of the character object to a posture that corresponds to the movement of model 702 indicated by the motion capture data.

The content creation unit 312B combines the image of the character object described above with the game screen. This makes it possible to create content that includes the distributor's avatar and the game play screen of the game that the distributor is playing.

The content creation unit 312B may also synthesize audio having the same content as the audio 700 uttered by the distributor 701 into the content. Here, "audio having the same content" means the audio 700 itself, audio obtained by subjecting the audio 700 to a specified voice processing, or audio in which the content of the audio 700 is mechanically amplified by text-to-speech software or the like. The content creation unit 312B may also synthesize a character string or the like input via the touch screen 35 or the like of the distribution terminal 300 into the content.

5B is a diagram showing an example of a playback screen in the viewing terminal 100. The playback screen 800 includes at least an avatar 801 of the broadcaster and a game play screen 802. The playback screen 800 may also include a field 807 that displays the amount of valuable data or a specific item owned by the viewer. The playback screen 800 may also include a button 805 and a button 806 for accepting a first input operation. The buttons 805 and 806 are buttons for causing different support effects. In other words, the first input operation for the button 805 and the first input operation for the button 806 are accepted as different types of first input operations by the control unit 110. Note that the playback screen 800 may include only one of the buttons 805 and 806. In this way, by including and displaying a UI object for accepting the first input operation in the playback screen 800, the viewer can perform broadcaster support with a simple operation.

The playback screen 800 may also include a button 804 for sending a message to the distributor. The viewing terminal 100 may also output audio 803 from an output device such as a speaker, the audio having the same content as the audio input by the distributor.

<Support process flow>
Fig. 6 is a sequence diagram showing an example of data transmission/reception and processing flow between devices when a viewer supports a distributor's gameplay during live distribution. The sequence diagram shown in Fig. 6 is a sequence diagram in the case where the distribution server 200 and the distribution terminal 300 are live distributing content, and the viewing terminal 100 is playing the content. In other words, the sequence diagram shown in Fig. 6 shows an example of data transmission/reception and processing flow executed from step S120 to step S122 in the sequence diagram shown in Fig. 4.

In step S200, the control unit 110 determines whether the operation reception unit 111 has received the first input operation. If the answer is NO in step S200, i.e., if the operation reception unit 111 has not received the first input operation, the control unit 110 waits for the reception of the first input operation while playing back the content with the playback unit 112. If the answer is YES in step S200, i.e., if the operation reception unit 111 has received the first input operation, the assistance instruction unit 115 executes step S202. The first input operation is, for example, an input operation to button 805 or 806 included in the playback screen 800 shown in FIG. 5.

Figure 7 is a diagram showing an example of the change in the playback screen 800 before and after the viewer performs a first input operation. State (A) in Figure 7 shows the playback screen 800 before the viewer A performs a first input operation on the button 805. On the other hand, state (B) in Figure 7 shows the playback screen 800 after the first input operation has been performed.

As shown in state (A) of FIG. 7, when an input operation is performed on the button 805, for example, an input operation of pressing the display area of the button 805 on the touch screen 15, the operation reception unit 111 receives the input operation as a first input operation. When the first input operation is received, the assistance instruction unit 115 executes step S202.

In step S202, the support instruction unit 115 creates input information according to the type of the first input operation, and transmits the input information to the distribution server 200. For example, the support instruction unit 115 accepts an input operation performed on either button 805 or 806 included in the playback screen 800, identifies which button the input operation is for, and creates input information corresponding to each button.

The input information may be information that can at least notify the viewing terminal 100 that a first input operation has been performed. There are no particular limitations on the data structure of the input information, so long as it includes information necessary for the distribution terminal 300 to create a support instruction.

Figure 8 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of input information. In the example shown, the input information includes information in a "User ID" column, a "User name" column, a "Date and time" column, an "Instructions" column, and a "Consumption amount" column. The input information in Figure 8 is an example of input information generated when an input operation on button 805 is accepted in state (A) of Figure 7.

The "user ID" column stores information for identifying the viewer. The "user name" column stores information indicating the name of the viewer's account, for example, a handle name. Hereinafter, the name of the viewer's account will also be referred to as the viewer's name. The "date and time" column stores information indicating the date and time when the first input operation was performed. The date and time may be measured using a control clock of the control unit 110 or the like. The "instruction" column stores information indicating the type of the first input operation. In the example of FIG. 8, the input information is input information when the first input operation indicating instruction A is performed. The "consumption amount" column stores information indicating the amount of valuable data or a specific item consumed when the first input operation is accepted and the input information is created. When both valuable data and a specific item are available for supporting the distributor, it is desirable that the "consumption amount" column also stores information indicating the type of what was consumed, i.e., the type of valuable data and the specific item consumed.

In step S204, the support instruction unit 115 notifies the user via the display control unit 113 that the broadcaster has been supported. For example, the support instruction unit 115 instructs the display control unit 113 to create a playback screen 800 including a notification that the first input operation has been accepted. In another example, the support instruction unit 115 instructs the display control unit 113 to create a playback screen 800 including a notification of the consumption of valuable data or a specific item by the first input operation. In another example, the support instruction unit 115 causes the display control unit 113 to display a pop-up image or the like notifying the user of the support effect caused by the first input operation. Note that the playback unit 112 may execute the various notifications described above by audio or the like.

In step S206, the server processing unit 212 of the distribution server 200 receives the input information. The server processing unit 212 creates a support instruction based on the received input information. The data structure of the support instruction is not particularly limited as long as it contains information necessary for the control unit 410 of the game terminal 400 to realize the support effect. For example, the distribution server 200 may store support information in the storage unit 220, which is information that associates the type of the first input operation, i.e., the type of instruction in the viewing terminal 100, with the content of the broadcaster support. The server processing unit 212 then refers to the support information to identify the content of the support effect from the first input operation indicated by the input information. The server processing unit 212 then creates a support instruction indicating the content of the identified support effect.

Figure 9 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of a support instruction created by the server processing unit 212 of the distribution server 200. The support instruction data shown in Figure 9 indicates a support instruction created in response to the input information shown in Figure 7. In the example shown, the support instruction includes a "support effect" column and an "effect amount" column.

The "Support Effect" column stores information that specifies the content of the support effect. If the support effect is an effect that changes the value of a specific in-game parameter related to the game, the "Support Effect" column stores information indicating the parameter to be changed. Furthermore, if the amount of change in the value of the parameter is variable, the "Support Effect" column stores information indicating how the parameter is changed. The "Support Effect" column may also include information indicating the amount of change in the parameter.

For example, in the illustrated example, the information stored in the "Support Effect" column specifies that an in-game parameter, the number of possessed in-game items called "bullets," is to be "reloaded," i.e., increased. Note that in the illustrated example, the number of bullets is assumed to be the variable x.

The "Effect Amount" column stores information indicating the amount of change in a specific parameter related to the game, i.e., the effect amount of the support effect. In the illustrated example, the effect amount is fixed at 10, but the effect amount may be determined, for example, according to the amount of valuable data or a specific item consumed. Specifically, when two specific items are consumed, the effect amount may be determined to be twice as much as when one item is consumed. Note that if the "Support Effect" column contains information indicating the amount of change in a parameter, the support instruction does not need to contain information in the "Effect Amount" column.

The input information may include information that specifies the content of the support effect. For example, the input information shown in FIG. 8 may include the information indicated in the "Support effect" column and the "Effect" column shown in FIG. 9 instead of or in addition to the information indicated in the "Instruction" column. In this case, the storage unit 120 of the viewing terminal 100 stores the support information. The support instruction unit 115 identifies the content of the support effect corresponding to the first input operation and creates input information including that content. In this case, the server processing unit 212 may transmit the received input information as is to the game server 500 as a support instruction. In this case, the distribution server 200 may not include the support information.

The support instruction may include information indicating the type of the first input operation, instead of the content of the support effect. For example, instead of the information indicated in the "Support effect" column and the "Effect" column shown in FIG. 9, the information indicated in the "Instruction" column of the input information shown in FIG. 8 may be included. In this case, the storage unit 520 of the game server 500 or the storage unit 420 of the game terminal 400 stores the support information. In addition, the content of the support effect corresponding to the first input operation is specified in either the game server 500 or the game terminal 400 that stores the support information. When the game server 500 specifies the content of the support effect, the content is transmitted from the game server 500 to the game terminal 400. In this case, the distribution server 200 does not need to include the support information.

In step S208, the server processing unit 212 transmits the created support instruction to the game server 500.

In step S210, the game server 500 receives the support instruction.

In step S212, the game server 500 transmits a support instruction to the game terminal 400. That is, the game server 500 transfers the support instruction received from the distribution server 200 to the game terminal 400.

In step S214, the game progression unit 412 of the game terminal 400 receives the support instruction via the communication unit 414.

In step S216, the game progression unit 412 activates the support effect indicated by the support instruction within the game in progress. Here, the game screen created by the display control unit 413 is transmitted to the distribution terminal 300 at any time. Therefore, the fact that the game progression unit 412 has activated the support effect is reflected in the game screen transmitted to the distribution terminal 300.

In step S218, the display control unit 413 of the game terminal 400 transmits the game screen to the distribution terminal 300 via the communication unit 414.

In step S220, the distribution unit 312 of the distribution terminal 300 receives the game screen. The content creation unit 312B of the distribution terminal 300 creates content including the received game screen, i.e., the play screen of the distributor's game, and distributes it live via the distribution server 200. The playback unit 112 and display control unit 113 display the playback screen including the content on the touch screen 15. As a result, the play screen after the support effect has been activated is displayed on the touch screen 15 of the viewing terminal 100.

(Playback screen after first input operation)
7B shows the playback screen 800 after an input operation is performed on the button 805. When the input operation on the button 805, i.e., the first input operation, is performed, the support instruction unit 115 reduces the valuable data or the specific item held by the viewer A by a predetermined amount. Then, in exchange for the consumption of the valuable data or the specific item, the support instruction unit 115 creates the above-mentioned input information and transmits it to the distribution server 200.

For example, the support instruction unit 115 updates the amount of valuable data or specific items held by the viewer, which is stored in the viewer information 132. This amount is referenced when the playback unit 112 and the display control unit 113 create the playback screen 800. Therefore, as shown in state (B) of FIG. 7, the amount of valuable data or specific items held, displayed in column 807 of the playback screen 800, is also updated. In the illustrated example, the amount of valuable data (gems) held by the viewer has decreased by 10.

The input information is transmitted from the support instruction unit 115 to the distribution server 200. A support instruction is then created in the distribution server 200, and a support effect is activated in the game terminal 400 of the game system 3 based on the support instruction.

This increases the number of remaining bullets for the player, i.e., the broadcaster, in the gun shooting game. In other words, viewer A can consume valuable data by performing an input operation on button 805 to help the broadcaster reload his or her gun in the game. Game screen 802 on playback screen 800 includes a field 802A that shows the number of remaining bullets in the gun. In the illustrated example, the support effect has increased the number of remaining bullets in the gun by 10.

Also, as shown in state (B) of FIG. 6, the playback screen 800 may display a pop-up 808 notifying the amount of valuable data consumed by an input operation on the button 805 and the support effect caused by the input operation.

By the way, when the distribution server 200 sends the assistance instruction in step S208, it also executes step S222.

In step S222, the server processing unit 212 of the distribution server 200 transmits the input information to the distribution terminal 300.

In step S224, the distribution unit 312 of the distribution terminal 300 receives the input information. This allows the distribution unit 312 to recognize that distributor support has been provided.

In step S226, the notification unit 312C of the distribution unit 312 notifies the distributor that distributor support has been provided. If the input information includes a viewer name, it is preferable that the notification unit 312C notifies the distributor of the viewer's name who provided the distributor support along with the notification that distributor support has been provided.

The method of notification in step S226 is not particularly limited. For example, the notification unit 312C may notify the broadcaster that broadcaster support has been provided by audio from a speaker of the broadcasting terminal 300. The notification unit 312C may also notify the broadcaster that broadcaster support has been provided by displaying a pop-up image or the like indicating that broadcaster support has been provided on the broadcast screen created and displayed by the broadcast screen creation unit 312A.

In the above description, steps S208 to S220 are followed by steps S222 to S226. However, the order of steps S208 and S222 is not particularly limited. Steps S208 and S222 may be performed in parallel.

Therefore, the order of steps S210 to S220 and steps S224 to S226 is not particularly limited. For example, the distribution terminal 300 may notify the distributor that support has been received after receiving the game screen after the support effect has been activated. In other words, the process of step S226 may be executed after the process of step S200.

In addition, it is not essential that the distribution server 200 transmits input information to the distribution terminal 300 in step S222. For example, when the game terminal 400 activates the support effect in step S216, the game terminal 400 may notify the distribution terminal 300 that the support effect has been activated. In this case, when the distribution terminal 300 receives the notification from the game terminal 400, it performs the notification in step S226.

In this way, the support system 1 according to this embodiment can support the broadcaster's game play in response to the first input operation on the viewing terminal 100. In other words, the viewer can intervene in the broadcaster's game play by watching the live broadcast and performing the first input operation. This can therefore increase the interest of the content.

<Content Variation>
In the above explanation, the game provided by the game system 3 is independent of the content distributed by the distribution system 2, and the game screen is imported from the game terminal 400 to the distribution terminal 300, whereby the game screen is included in the content.

However, the support system 1 may be a system in which the distribution system 2 and the game system 3 are integrated. For example, the distribution terminal 300 and the game terminal 400 may be configured as an integrated unit, and the distribution screen creation unit 312A may work with the game progression unit 412 and the game server 500, etc. to create a game screen that also serves as a distribution screen. The distribution screen creation unit 312A may work with the game progression unit 412 and the game server 500, etc. to provide a game for the distributor or the distributor's avatar to play on the distribution screen. In this case, the game play screen included in the content is the content itself, including the distributor's avatar.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of a playback screen. The playback screen 900 shown in FIG. 10 displays content as a game screen, including an avatar 901 of the broadcaster. The playback screen 900 includes the broadcaster's avatar 901. The playback screen 900 also includes a button 905 for accepting a first input operation. The playback screen 900 may also include objects 902 and 908 related to the progress of the game, a field 907 showing the amount of valuable data or a specific item held, and a button 904 for sending a message to the broadcaster.

The operation reception unit 111 receives a first input operation, such as an input operation of touching the button 905 on the playback screen 900. The subsequent processing is similar to the processing described above. For example, in response to the first input operation on the button 905, the support system 1 may increase the remaining time in the illustrated game that is realized on the distribution terminal 300 as a support effect.

[Embodiment 2]
The operation reception unit 111 of the viewing terminal 100 may receive a second input operation, which is an input operation from the viewer instructing the viewer to send a message to the distributor. Furthermore, when the control unit 110 of the viewing terminal 100 receives the second input operation, it may transmit a message to the distribution system 2. Furthermore, the display control unit 113 may display, on the touch screen 15, the message transmitted from the viewing terminal 100 to the distribution system 2, and a message transmitted from another viewing terminal 100 by a viewer other than the viewer, together with the content and a UI object for receiving the first input operation.

The display control unit 113 may also display on the touch screen 15 a UI object for accepting a second input operation together with the content and a UI object for accepting a first input operation. A second embodiment of the present invention will be described below. Note that the same content as that described in the first embodiment will not be described again.

(Sending and viewing messages)
11 is a diagram showing an example of a playback screen when a message is input and transmitted on the viewing terminal 100. In the following example, a playback screen 850 on the viewing terminal 100 of a viewer whose user name stored in the viewer information 132 is "Mr. A", that is, Mr. A's viewing terminal 100 will be described as an example.

State (A) in FIG. 11 shows the playback screen 850 when accepting the second input operation. The content creation unit 312B of the distribution terminal 300 according to this embodiment creates content including a display area for messages from viewers, and distributes the content live. Messages from each viewing terminal 100 are displayed in the display area as needed.

The playback unit 112 of the viewing terminal 100 plays back the content including the above-mentioned display area. Therefore, the playback screen includes a display area 810 that displays a message from the viewer, as in the illustrated playback screen 850.

When the operation reception unit 111 receives a predetermined input operation from the viewer, the display control unit 113 of the viewing terminal 100 displays a UI object 811, which is a software keyboard for inputting a message, and a message input field 812 on the playback screen 850. Note that the predetermined input operation is, for example, an input operation on the button 804 on the playback screen 800 shown in state (B) of FIG. 5 .

The operation reception unit 111 of the viewing terminal 100 receives a second input operation, which is an input operation to instruct the sending of a message to the distributor. In the illustrated example, the second input operation is an input operation to confirm the input message, i.e., an input operation to the decision button of the software keyboard 811. As illustrated, it is assumed that an input operation to the decision button of the software keyboard 811 is performed with "Good luck!" entered in the input field 812. In this case, the control unit 110 reads out the viewer name stored in the viewer information 132, and transmits the viewer name and information indicating the confirmed message, i.e., the character string "Good luck!", to the distribution server 200 of the distribution system 2.

Note that the message is addressed to the distributor, but the content of the message itself is not particularly limited. For example, the content of the message may be an opinion about the content, or a reply comment to a comment from another viewer, etc.

In this case, the server processing unit 212 of the distribution server 200 receives the message and viewer name from A's viewing terminal 100 via the transmission/reception unit 211. The server processing unit 212 transfers the received viewer name and message to the distribution terminal 300.

The distribution unit 312 of the distribution terminal 300 receives the viewer name and message from the distribution server 200. The content creation unit 312B combines the text string of the message and viewer name with content components such as UI images, game screens, and avatars so that the message is displayed in the message display area of the content together with the message destination, i.e., the viewer name, and distributes it live.

The playback unit 112 of the viewing terminal 100 receives and plays back the live-streamed content. As a result, a playback screen 850 shown in state (B) of FIG. 11 is displayed on the touch screen 15. State (B) of FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the playback screen 850 on Man A's viewing terminal 100 after the message "Good luck!" shown in state (A) of the same figure is sent from Man A's viewing terminal 100. For example, the message 810A is displayed in the display area 810 of the playback screen 850 in association with the name of the user who sent the message (Man A).

Because there may be multiple viewing terminals 100, the distribution server 200 of the distribution system 2 receives viewer names and messages from the multiple viewing terminals 100 in the manner described above and transfers them to the distribution terminal 300. The content creation unit 312B of the distribution terminal 300 then creates content by combining the messages and viewer names with other content components so that the messages are displayed in the display area together with the name of the viewer who sent the messages. Therefore, for example, messages other than Mr. A's message included in the content may be displayed on the playback screen 850 of Mr. A's viewing terminal 100.

State (C) in FIG. 11 shows a playback screen 850 on A-kun's viewing terminal 100 when B-ta sends a message using a viewing terminal 100 other than A-kun's viewing terminal 100, i.e., B-ta's viewing terminal 100. As shown in the figure, A-kun's viewing terminal 100 displays a playback screen 850 in which a message 810B sent by a viewer other than A-kun (B-ta) is displayed in the display area 810.

According to the above process, the viewing terminal 100 can show a viewer the message that the viewer instructed to send and the messages sent by other viewers from other viewing terminals 100. In this way, by showing messages from other viewers to a certain viewer, the viewer can be made aware of the presence of others who are watching the same content while watching the content. For example, when Mr. A looks at the playback screen 850 shown in state (C) of FIG. 11, he can recognize that Mr. B is watching the same content. Furthermore, Mr. A and Mr. B can converse by sending messages to each other. This allows the viewer to experience the experience of multiple people watching the content. Furthermore, the viewer can respond to the distributor or others with messages, which increases the interest of the content.

The distribution screen creation unit 312A of the distribution terminal 300 may display the message received from the viewing terminal 100 and the name of the viewer who sent the message on the distribution screen. Alternatively, the distribution unit 312 may notify the distributor by voice, via a speaker or the like of the distribution terminal 300, of the content of the message received from the viewing terminal 100 and the name of the viewer.

This allows the distributor to know who sent what kind of message. Therefore, for example, as shown in state (C) of FIG. 11, the distributor can reply to the message with voice 813 or the like. This can stimulate interaction between the viewer and the distributor, making the content more interesting.

(Processing flow for notification of support)
When an assistance instruction is sent from the distribution system 2 to the game system 3 based on input information from another viewing terminal 100, the display control unit 113 of the viewing terminal 100 may notify the viewer of the name of the other viewer corresponding to the other viewing terminal 100 and that the other viewer has supported the broadcaster's game play.

Figure 12 is a sequence diagram showing an example of data transmission and reception between devices and the process flow for notifying a viewer that another viewer has assisted the broadcaster in playing the game. As an example, Figure 12 shows the process flow when two viewers, A and C, are watching content using their respective viewing terminals 100, and C assists the broadcaster.

The process of steps S300 to S326 in FIG. 12 is the same as the process flow of steps S200 to S226 in FIG. 6. However, in the example of FIG. 12, the viewing terminal 100 transmits input information including a user ID and a viewer name to the distribution server 200. Also, in step S326, the notification unit 312C of the distribution terminal 300 notifies the viewer that support for the distributor has been provided, as well as the viewer's name who provided support for the distributor.

After transmitting the support instruction to the game server 500 in step S308, or after transmitting the input information to the distribution terminal 300 in step S322, the distribution server 200 executes step S328.

In step S328, the server processing unit 212 of the distribution server 200 notifies the viewing terminals 100 that are playing back the content, other than the viewing terminal 100 that sent the input information, of the assistance content and the name of the viewer who provided assistance. For example, the server processing unit 212 sends the aforementioned notification to the viewing terminals 100 other than the viewing terminal 100 associated with the user ID indicated by the received input information.

In the example of FIG. 12, the server processing unit 212 notifies A's viewing terminal 100 of the support content and the name of the viewer who provided the support. Note that the distribution server 200 may notify all viewing terminals 100 currently playing the content of the support notification and the name of the viewer who provided the support.

In step S330, the control unit 110 of Mr. A's viewing terminal 100 receives a notification from the distribution server 200.

In step S332, the display control unit 113 of A's viewing terminal 100 reflects the notification received in step S330 on the playback screen. The display control unit 113 creates, for example, a pop-up image showing the name of Assistant C who provided broadcaster support and the details of the broadcaster support performed at Assistant C's instruction, and displays it superimposed on the playback screen.

When the game terminal 400 activates the support effect in step S216, the game terminal 400 may notify the distribution terminal 300 that the support effect has been activated. Furthermore, when the distribution terminal 300 receives the notification from the game terminal 400, the distribution terminal 300 may forward the notification to the distribution server 200. Then, when the server processing unit 212 of the distribution server 200 receives the notification at the transmission/reception unit 211, the server processing unit 212 may execute step S328. This makes it possible to notify each viewing terminal 100 of the support content, etc., when the support effect is actually activated in the game. Therefore, when the support effect is actually activated in the game, each viewing terminal 100 can display the support content and the name of the account of the viewer who provided the support on the playback screen.

(Display of support notification)
Fig. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a playback screen on the viewing terminal 100 when another viewing terminal 100 corresponding to another viewer executes distributor support. A playback screen 860 shown in states (A) to (C) in Fig. 13 is a playback screen displayed on A's viewing terminal 100 after the playback screen 850 shown in state (C) in Fig. 11.

State (A) in Figure 13 shows the playback screen when another viewer, Assistant C, performs broadcaster support from Assistant C's terminal. As explained in Figure 12, when input information is sent from Assistant C's viewing terminal 100 to the distribution server 200, the distribution server 200 sends a support instruction to the game server 500 and notifies the viewing terminals 100, including Mr. A's viewing terminal 100, of the name of Assistant C who has instructed the support and the content of the support.

The display control unit 113 of A's viewing terminal 100 creates a pop-up image 814 showing the name of C's assistant who provided support to the distributor and the details of the support, and displays it superimposed on the playback screen. In this way, by informing a viewer that another viewer has provided support, and by showing the details of the support and the name of the supporter, the viewer who is viewing the content can be made aware of the presence of other people who are viewing the same content. For example, in the example of state (A) in FIG. 13, A can be made aware that C's assistant is viewing the same content and has provided support to the distributor. This allows the viewer to experience the feeling that multiple people are viewing the content. Also, by making other viewers aware that a certain viewer has provided support to the distributor, it is possible to stimulate the competitive spirit of the other viewers and encourage them to provide support to the distributor.

Also, as explained in step S326 of FIG. 12, the broadcaster is notified of the name of the viewer who provided broadcaster support. This allows the broadcaster to respond to the viewer who provided broadcaster support by voice 815 or the like, as shown in state (A) of FIG. 13. Furthermore, since the broadcaster can recognize the name of the viewer who provided broadcaster support, he or she can respond by reading the name, as in voice 815 shown in the figure.

The audio 815 is distributed as content to all viewing terminals 100 in the same way. Therefore, when the distributor returns a response like audio 815, Assistant C can listen to and see the response to the distributor he or she assisted by viewing the content. Therefore, Assistant C can not only view the content, but also have two-way interaction with the distributor of the content. This increases the interest of the content.

In addition, a viewer other than Assistant C, for example, Mr. A, can recognize on his viewing terminal 100 that the broadcaster has mentioned Assistant C's name in his response. In this way, by showing a viewer the interaction between the broadcaster and other viewers, the viewer can be encouraged to proactively engage with the content through broadcaster support.

State (B) in FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the playback screen on Mr. A's viewing terminal 100 when Mr. A provides broadcaster support after state (A) in the same figure. As shown in the figure, when Mr. A provides broadcaster support, the fact that he has provided support is displayed on the playback screen 860, for example, as a pop-up 816. As in the case of Assistant C, the broadcaster is notified of the name of the viewer who provided broadcaster support, and the broadcaster can also respond to Mr. A, for example, as a voice 817.

State (C) in FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the playback screen on Mr. A's viewing terminal 100 when Assistant C further provides broadcaster support after State (B) in the same figure. As shown in the figure, pop-ups 814, 816, and 818 indicating that each viewer has provided broadcaster support may be displayed arranged in chronological order in a certain direction on the playback screen 860. In the example shown, the pop-ups indicating newer notifications are displayed toward the bottom of the playback screen 860. Note that the display control unit 113 may erase these pop-ups from the playback screen 860 after a certain period of time has elapsed.

In addition, the viewing terminal 100 may notify the user, i.e., the viewer, of the date and time when the distributor support was performed in step S304. Also, the distribution server 200 may transmit the date and time when the distributor support was performed to each viewing terminal 100 in step S328 of FIG. 12. In this case, the distribution server 200 may identify the date and time when the distributor support was performed from the input information.

Then, in step S332, each viewing terminal 100 may display the date and time when the distributor support was provided on the playback screen 860. For example, the display control unit 113 may display the date and time when the distributor support was provided in the pop-ups 814, 816, and 818 shown in each diagram of FIG. 13.

In addition, instead of notifying the viewing terminal 100 of the support content and the viewer's name from the distribution server 200 and showing the content of the notification on the playback screen of the viewing terminal 100, the distribution terminal 300 may distribute the same content as the content of the notification in the content itself. For example, the distribution server 200 and the viewing terminal 100 do not need to execute steps S328 to S332 of FIG. 12. In this case, the content creation unit 312B of the distribution terminal 300 may include in the content a notification in the form of audio or image indicating the content of the notification received in step S326, i.e., the name of the viewer who provided support to the distributor and the content of the support. In this way, each viewing terminal 100 can reflect the above-mentioned notification on the playback screen by playing back the content.

(Distributor screen)
The distribution system 2 may distribute in real time content including an avatar of a distributor and a play screen of a game being played by the distributor using a game terminal 400 included in the game system 3. The distribution system 2 may receive, from one or more viewing terminals 100, input information based on a first input operation, the input information including a viewer name associated with the viewing terminal 100. The distribution system 2 may cause an effect of supporting the distributor in the game by transmitting a support instruction corresponding to the input information to the game system 3. Then, when the distribution system 2 receives the input information, it may notify the distributor of the viewer name and the content of the support effect.

For example, when the communication unit 314 receives input information, the distribution screen creation unit 312A of the distribution terminal 300 may display the viewer name and the content of the support effect included in the input information to the distributor on the distribution screen.

Figure 14 is a diagram showing an example of a distribution screen created by distribution screen creation unit 312A. Note that the illustrated distribution screen 950 shows the distribution screen when creating the content displayed on the playback screen 860 shown in state (C) of Figure 13.

The distribution screen 950 includes, for example, an avatar 951 of the distributor and a game play screen 952. The position, posture, facial expression, etc. of the avatar 951 may be displayed in the same manner as in the display mode on the playback screen. This allows the distributor to check, via the distribution screen 950, how the avatar will be displayed on the playback screen.

Furthermore, the distribution screen 950 may include, for example, a display area 960 for displaying messages from viewers, and messages 960A and 960B sent from each viewer. Since the distribution server 200 and distribution terminal 300 accept messages at any time during live distribution, messages are displayed in real time in the display area 960. Note that, as shown in the figure, each message may include the name of the viewer who sent the message.

The distribution screen 950 may also be provided with a display area 955 that displays the name of the viewer who provided support to the distributor and the details of the support effect of the support. The display area 955 may also display the date and time when the support to the distributor was provided. This allows the distributor to recognize that support to the distributor has been provided, and may, for example, send a reply to the viewer who provided support to the distributor. This stimulates interaction between the viewer and the distributor, and increases the interest of the content.

The distribution screen 950 may also have a field 953 that displays at least one of the number of viewers currently viewing the content and the cumulative number of viewers of the content. The numbers in field 953 may be updated in real time. This allows the distributor to know the number of viewers viewing the content through the distribution screen 950.

The distribution screen 950 may also have a field 954 that displays the amount of valuable data or specific items that the viewer of the content has consumed to support the distributor in the content. The numbers in field 954 may be updated in real time. This allows the distributor to understand the implementation status of distributor support from a quantitative perspective through the distribution screen 950.

[Embodiment 3]
The viewing terminal 100 of the support system 1 may have a function as a game terminal. The "function as a game terminal" referred to here may be a function to realize the same game as the game realized by the game terminal 400, or a function to realize another game different from the game. Here, the "other game" may be, for example, a game that gives a reward to a viewer according to information received by a GPS receiver (not shown) provided in the viewing terminal 100, i.e., location information.

The support instruction unit 115 of the viewing terminal 100 according to this embodiment accepts a first input operation in exchange for consuming valuable data or a specific item. Furthermore, the control unit 110 of the viewing terminal 100 according to this embodiment progresses the same game as the game realized by the game terminal 400, or another game, in response to the viewer's input operation. The control unit 110 further grants the viewer the valuable data or the specific item consumed to execute the first input operation, in response to the progress of the aforementioned game or another game.

According to the above configuration, the viewer can be given valuable data or specific items necessary for support as a reward for playing the game or another game. In other words, by playing the game or another game in advance before the content is scheduled to be distributed, the viewer can secure valuable data or specific items necessary to support the distributor when viewing the content.

This allows viewers to obtain valuable data or specific items to support the streamer's gameplay. This makes it easier for viewers to support the streamer's gameplay. This can further stimulate interaction between viewers and streamers. This can also motivate viewers to play the game and other games.

[Embodiment 4]
The viewing terminal 100 may receive operation information indicating that a distributor has performed a predetermined operation from the distribution system 2. Furthermore, when the viewing terminal 100 receives the operation information, the viewing terminal 100 may display a UI object for accepting the first input operation. Alternatively, when the viewing terminal 100 receives the operation information, the viewing terminal 100 may enable acceptance of the first input operation for the above-mentioned UI object.

Note that specific examples of the "predetermined operation" of the distributor are not particularly limited. For example, the distributor's "predetermined operation" may be an input operation on the distribution terminal 300, such as an input operation related to creating content. For example, the predetermined operation may be an input operation performed by the distribution terminal 300 on the touch screen 35 or the like, or a voice input operation using the microphone 3010. Note that when a voice input operation is accepted, the control unit 310 performs voice recognition on the input voice to identify the operation content.

For example, if the game is the gun shooting game described above, and the broadcaster speaks into the microphone saying "I'm out of bullets," as in voice 700 in FIG. 5, the operation reception unit 311 of the broadcasting terminal 300 receives this, and the control unit 310 identifies the input operation corresponding to the voice through voice recognition. If the input operation corresponds to the above-mentioned predetermined input operation, the control unit 310 transmits operation information to the broadcasting server 200 indicating that the predetermined operation has been executed.

The "predetermined operation" of the distributor may be an operation performed by the distributor on the game terminal 400, that is, an input operation related to the progress of the game. For example, if the game is the aforementioned gun shooting game, the aforementioned predetermined operation may be an input operation to determine the stage to be played. For example, if the game is an action game including fighting with enemies, the aforementioned predetermined operation may be an input operation to select a predetermined chat icon in the game. In these cases, the operation reception unit 411 of the game terminal 400 determines whether the received input operation is a predetermined operation. If it is not a predetermined operation, the game terminal 400 does not perform any special processing. On the other hand, if it is a predetermined operation, the communication unit 414 of the game terminal 400 transmits operation information indicating that the distributor has performed a predetermined operation to the distribution terminal 300. When the communication unit 314 of the distribution terminal 300 receives the operation information, it transfers the operation information to the distribution server 200.

When the transmission/reception unit 211 of the distribution server 200 receives the operation information, it transfers the operation information to the viewing terminal 100 that is viewing the content. The communication unit 114 of the viewing terminal 100 receives the operation information. When the communication unit 114 receives the operation information, the display control unit 113 displays a UI object for accepting the first input operation, such as buttons 805 and 806 in FIG. 5, on the playback screen. Alternatively, the display control unit 113 enables the acceptance of the first input operation for the UI object displayed on the playback screen.

This allows the distributor to control whether or not to accept the first input operation on the viewing terminal 100, i.e., the operation for supporting the distributor, by using his/her own input operation. For example, during periods when the distributor does not want the viewer to intervene or wants the viewer to concentrate on watching, the distributor can hide buttons 805 and 806, etc., or disable the acceptance of input operations.

In addition, whether or not to accept operations for streamer support can be controlled according to the input operations performed by the streamer in the game. Therefore, streamer support can be accepted at the appropriate time.

In addition, viewers can easily determine when to support the broadcaster based on whether a UI object is displayed or hidden, or whether input operations on the UI object are accepted. This can further stimulate viewers to support the broadcaster.

Note that there may be multiple types of predetermined operations by the distributor. Then, the display control unit 113 of the viewing terminal 100 may display a UI object according to the type of predetermined operation indicated by the operation information. Alternatively, the display control unit 113 may enable the acceptance of a first input operation for the UI object according to the type. For example, buttons 805 and 806 in FIG. 5 may be controlled in terms of whether or not to accept display or input operations according to different predetermined operations. In this way, when there are multiple types of methods of distributor support, whether or not to accept them can be controlled separately according to the distributor's operation. Therefore, it is possible to allow the viewer to perform appropriate distributor support at a more appropriate time.

[Embodiment 5]
The viewing terminal 100 may receive progress information indicating that the progress of the game played by the distributor has reached a predetermined state from the distribution system 2. Furthermore, when the viewing terminal 100 receives the progress information, the viewing terminal 100 may display a UI object for accepting a first input operation. Alternatively, when the viewing terminal 100 receives the progress information, the viewing terminal 100 may enable acceptance of the first input operation for the above-mentioned UI object.

In this case, the game progress unit 412 of the game terminal 400 determines whether the game progress has reached a predetermined state, and if the predetermined state has been reached, creates progress information indicating that the predetermined state has been reached and transmits it to the distribution terminal 300.

Specific examples of the aforementioned "predetermined situation" are not particularly limited. For example, if the game is the aforementioned gun shooting game, the game progression unit 412 may create and transmit progress information when the number of bullets held by the character operated by the streamer in the game, i.e., the number of remaining bullets, falls below a certain value. For another example, if the game is an action game that includes combat with enemies, the game progression unit 412 may create and transmit progress information when the vitality value of the character operated by the streamer falls below a certain value. For another example, the game progression unit 412 may create and transmit the progress information when a predetermined event starts in the game.

When the communication unit 314 of the distribution terminal 300 receives the progress information, it transfers the progress information to the distribution server 200.

When the transmission/reception unit 211 of the distribution server 200 receives the progress information, it transfers the progress information to the viewing terminal 100 that is viewing the content. The communication unit 114 of the viewing terminal 100 receives the progress information. When the communication unit 114 receives the progress information, the display control unit 113 displays a UI object for accepting a first input operation, such as buttons 805 and 806 in FIG. 5, on the playback screen. Alternatively, the display control unit 113 enables the acceptance of a first input operation for a UI object displayed on the playback screen.

This makes it possible to control whether or not to accept operations for streamer support depending on the situation of the streamer's gameplay. Therefore, the streamer can accept streamer support at appropriate timing in gameplay. Furthermore, viewers can easily determine the timing to support the streamer based on whether a UI object is displayed or hidden, or whether or not input operations for the UI object are accepted. This makes it possible to further stimulate viewers' support of the streamer.

[Other Modifications]
In the above embodiment, the viewing terminal 100 displays a button 805 or the like for receiving a support instruction from the user of the viewing terminal 100 to the distributor, superimposed on the content received by the viewing terminal 100. In addition, the viewing terminal 100 may be configured to be able to provide a support instruction in response to a touch operation or the like performed by the user of the viewing terminal 100 on an object in a game screen displayed on the viewing terminal 100. For example, the distribution terminal 300 transmits (1) motion capture data of the distributor, (2) data on the operation content performed by the distributor on the game terminal 400 (for example, the timing at which a specific button on the game controller was pressed, etc.) and data on the progress of the game (such as which quest is being played), and (3) voice 700 emitted by the distributor, etc., via the distribution server 200 to the viewing terminal 100. The viewing terminal 100 operates the distributor's avatar 801 based on the (1) motion capture data of the distributor sequentially received from the distribution terminal 300. The distributor's avatar 801 is placed in a virtual space and rendered in real time based on the motion capture data. The viewing terminal 100 also holds an emulator program for running a game program equivalent to the game program 431 running on the game terminal 400. The viewing terminal 100 (2) can reproduce the game play situation of the distributor in real time based on data of the operation content performed by the distributor on the game terminal 400 and data of the progress of the game of the distributor, and can display the reproduced result on the touch screen or the like of the viewing terminal 100. Therefore, the viewing terminal 100 can specify which object in the game screen has been specified by the user of the viewing terminal 100 based on the user's operation on a pointing device such as a touch screen. The viewing terminal 100 transmits information on the object specified by the user to the game server 500 via the distribution server 200. Here, the effect of the support instruction may be associated with each object that the user can specify. For example, in the example of FIG. 11, the support effect of replenishing the remaining bullets can be reflected in the game by detecting the touch operation of the user of the viewing terminal 100 on the field 802A. In addition, by detecting a touch operation on a stamina bar on the game screen by the user of the viewing terminal 100, a support effect of recovering stamina can be reflected in the game. In addition, by detecting a touch operation on the avatar 801, a predetermined support effect may be exerted.
The game played by the distributor may be a single-player game. The viewer can support the distributor by performing predetermined actions (e.g., recovery actions, refilling remaining bullets, etc.) that the distributor can perform in the single-player game on behalf of the distributor.

[Software implementation example]
Each control block of the control units 110, 210, 310, 410, and 510 may be realized by a logic circuit (hardware) formed on an integrated circuit (IC chip) or the like, or may be realized by software using a CPU (Central Processing Unit).

In the latter case, an information processing device having at least one of the control units 110, 210, 310, 410, and 510 includes a CPU that executes the commands of a program, which is software that realizes each function, a ROM (Read Only Memory) or storage device (these are referred to as "recording media") in which the program and various data are recorded so as to be readable by a computer (or CPU), and a RAM (Random Access Memory) in which the program is expanded. The object of the present invention is achieved by having the computer (or CPU) read and execute the program from the recording medium. As the recording medium, a "non-transient tangible medium" such as a tape, a disk, a card, a semiconductor memory, or a programmable logic circuit can be used. The program may also be supplied to the computer via any transmission medium (such as a communication network or a broadcast wave) capable of transmitting the program. One aspect of the present invention may also be realized in the form of a data signal embedded in a carrier wave in which the program is embodied by electronic transmission.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. The technical scope of the present invention also includes embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in different embodiments.

[Additional Notes]
The contents related to one aspect of the present invention are as follows.

(Item 1)
A viewing program (131) has been described. According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the viewing program is executed by a computer as a viewing terminal (100) including a processor (10) and a memory (11). The viewing program causes the processor to execute the following steps: receiving content that is distributed in real time using a distribution system, the content including an avatar of a distributor of the content and a play screen of a game that the distributor is playing using a game terminal included in a game system (step S118); playing the content (step S120); accepting a first input operation of a viewer who is viewing the content using the viewing terminal (step S200); and, when the first input operation is accepted, transmitting input information corresponding to the first input operation to the distribution system, thereby causing the distribution system to transmit a support instruction, which is an instruction for causing an effect of supporting the distributor in the game, to the game system (step S202).

According to the above process, it is possible to support the distributor's game play in response to the first input operation. In other words, the viewer can participate in the distributor's game play by watching the content distributed in real time and performing the first input operation. This can therefore increase the interest of the content.

(Item 2) In (Item 1), the step of transmitting the assistance instruction may include, when the first input operation is accepted, transmitting input information corresponding to the first input operation in exchange for the viewer's valuable data or consumption of a specific item.

The above process allows a limit to be placed on the number of times a viewer can support a broadcaster, which allows the viewer to consider the timing and number of times they support the broadcaster. This increases the interest of the content.

(Item 3) In (Item 2), the viewing program may further cause the processor to execute the steps of progressing a game identical to the game or another game different from the game, and granting the valuable data or the specific item to the viewer depending on the progress of the game or the other game.

According to the above process, valuable data or specific items necessary for support can be granted to the viewer in accordance with their playing of the game or another game. Therefore, for example, a viewer can secure valuable data or specific items necessary to support the distributor when watching the content by playing the game or another game in advance before the content is scheduled to be distributed.

This allows viewers to obtain valuable data or specific items to support the streamer's gameplay. This makes it easier for viewers to support the streamer's gameplay. This can further stimulate interaction between viewers and streamers. This can also motivate viewers to play the game and other games.

(Item 4) In any one of items 1 to 3, the viewing program may further cause the processor to display, on a display unit of the viewing terminal, the content to be played in the playing step and a UI (user interface) object for receiving the first input operation. According to the above process, the viewer can perform distributor support with a simple operation.

(Item 5) In (Item 4), the viewing program may further cause the processor to execute the steps of receiving operation information from the distribution system, the operation information indicating that the distributor has performed a predetermined operation, and, if the operation information is received in the step of receiving the operation information, executing a step of displaying the UI object, or a step of enabling acceptance of the first input operation for the UI object displayed in the step of displaying the UI object.

According to the above process, the broadcaster can control whether or not to accept the first input operation on the viewing terminal 100, i.e., the operation for broadcaster support, by using his/her own input operation. For example, during periods when the broadcaster does not want the viewer to intervene or wants the viewer to concentrate on watching, the broadcaster can hide the UI object or disable the acceptance of input operations. In addition, the broadcaster can control whether or not to accept operations for broadcaster support depending on the input operation performed by the broadcaster in the game. Therefore, broadcaster support can be accepted at the appropriate time.

In addition, viewers can easily determine when to support the broadcaster based on whether a UI object is displayed or hidden, or whether input operations to the UI object are accepted. This can further stimulate viewers to support the broadcaster.

(Item 6) In (Item 4) or (Item 5), the viewing program may further cause the processor to execute the steps of receiving progress information from the distribution system, which indicates that the progress of the game played by the distributor has reached a predetermined state, and, when the progress information is received in the step of receiving the progress information, executing the step of displaying the UI object, or the step of enabling acceptance of the first input operation for the UI object displayed in the step of displaying the UI object.

According to the above process, it is possible to control whether or not to accept operations for streamer support depending on the situation of the streamer's gameplay. Therefore, the streamer can accept streamer support at appropriate timing in gameplay. Furthermore, the viewer can easily determine the timing to support the streamer based on whether a UI object is displayed or hidden, or whether or not input operations for the UI object are accepted. Therefore, it is possible to further stimulate viewers' support of the streamer.

(Item 7) In any one of items 4 to 6, the viewing program further causes the processor to execute the steps of accepting a second input operation, which is an input operation of the viewer and is an input operation instructing the viewer to send a message to the distributor, and transmitting the message to the distribution system when the second input operation is accepted. The displaying step may display the content and the UI object together with the message transmitted in the message transmitting step, and a message transmitted from another viewing terminal by a viewer other than the viewer.

The above process makes it possible to show a viewer the message that the viewer instructed to send, and messages sent by other viewers from other viewing terminals. In this way, by showing a viewer messages from other viewers, the viewer can be made aware of the presence of others watching the same content while watching the content. This allows the viewer to experience the feeling that multiple people are watching the content, which increases the interest of the content.

(Item 8) In (Item 7), the viewing program may further notify the processor of the name of the other viewer corresponding to the other viewing terminal and the fact that the other viewer has supported the distributor's game play when the support instruction is sent from the distribution system to the game system based on input information from the other viewing terminal.

According to the above process, it is possible to inform a viewer that another viewer has provided support, as well as to show the content of the support and the name of the supporter, so that a viewer who is watching content can be made aware of the presence of others who are watching the same content. This allows the viewer to experience the feeling that multiple people are watching the content. Furthermore, by making other viewers aware that a viewer has supported a broadcaster, it is possible to stimulate the competitive spirit of the other viewers and encourage them to support the broadcaster. This can therefore stimulate viewers to support broadcasters.

(Item 9) A distribution program (331) has been described. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the distribution program is executed by a distribution system (2) including one or more processors (20, 30) and memories (21, 31). The distribution program causes the processor to execute the steps of: distributing in real time content including an avatar of the distributor and a play screen of a game being played by the distributor using a game terminal included in the game system (step S116); receiving input information based on the first input operation from one or more viewing terminals (100) described in any one of (item 1) to (item 8), the input information including the name of a viewer associated with the viewing terminal (step S306); causing an effect of supporting the distributor in the game by sending the support instruction corresponding to the input information to the game system (step S308); and, when the input information is received, notifying the distributor of the name of the viewer and the content of the effect caused by the support instruction sent in the causing step (step S326).

The above process allows the distributor to recognize that they have been supported, and can, for example, send a reply to the viewer who supported the distributor. This invigorates interaction between viewers and distributors, and increases the interest of the content.

(Item 10) A method for a computer to execute a viewing program has been described. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the viewing program (131) is executed by a computer including a processor (10) and a memory (11). The method is a method in which the processor executes each of the steps described in (Item 1). The method according to (Item 10) has the same effect as the viewing program according to (Item 1).

(Item 11) A method for a computer to execute a distribution program has been described. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the distribution program (331) is executed by a computer including a processor (20, 30) and a memory (21, 31). The method is a method in which the processor executes each of the steps described in (Item 9). The method according to (Item 11) has the same effect as the distribution program according to (Item 9).

(Item 12) An information processing device has been described. According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the information processing device includes a memory (11) that stores a viewing program related to (Item 1), and a processor (10) that controls the operation of the information processing device (viewing terminal 100) by executing the viewing program. The information processing device related to (Item 12) achieves the same effect as the viewing program related to (Item 1).

(Item 13) An information processing system has been described. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the information processing system includes one or more memories (21, 31) that store a distribution program according to (Item 9) and one or more processors (20, 30) that execute the distribution program to control the operation of the information processing system (distribution system 2). The information processing system according to (Item 13) achieves the same effects as the distribution program according to (Item 9).

1 Support system, 2 Distribution system, 3 Game system, 4 Network, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 Processor, 11, 21, 31, 41, 51 Memory, 12, 22, 32, 42, 52 Storage, 15, 35, 45 Touch screen, 48 Distance measurement sensor, 47 Camera, 100 Viewing terminal, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510 Control unit, 111, 311, 411 Operation reception unit, 112 Playback unit, 113, 313, 413 Display control unit, 114, 314, 414 Communication unit, 115 Support instruction unit, 120, 220, 320, 420, 520 Storage unit, 431 Game program, 131 Viewing program, 132 Viewer information, 332 Distributor information, 151, 351, 451 Input unit, 152, 352, 452 Display unit, 200 Distribution server, 211, 511 Transmission/reception unit, 212, 512 Server processing unit, 213, 513 Data management unit, 231, 331 Distribution program, 300 Distribution terminal, 312 Distribution unit, 312A Distribution screen creation unit, 312B Content creation unit, 312C Notification unit, 400 Game terminal, 412 Game progress unit, 432 Game information, 433 User information, 500 Game server, 1020, 3030, 4020 Controller, 1030, 4030 Storage medium, 3010 Microphone, 3020 Motion capture device, 4010 Object, 13, 23, 33, 43, 53 Communication IF, 14, 24, 34, 44, 54 Input/output IF

Claims (2)

Computer,
A content receiving means for receiving content that is distributed in real time and includes a game being played by a distributor;
a playback means for playing back the content;
A receiving means for receiving a first input operation from a viewer who is viewing the content;
a transmitting means for transmitting, when the first input operation is received, a support instruction, which is an instruction for causing an effect of supporting the distributor in the game, the support instruction including information for notifying the viewer who has provided support and the content of the support;
a display means for displaying the content to be reproduced by the reproduction means and a UI (user interface) object for receiving the first input operation;
a progress information receiving means for receiving progress information indicating that a progress status of the game played by the distributor has reached a predetermined status;
a validation unit that, when the progress information receiving unit receives the progress information, displays the UI object or validates acceptance of the first input operation for the UI object displayed on the display unit;
A program that makes things work. A content receiving means for receiving content that is distributed in real time and includes a game being played by a distributor;
a playback means for playing back the content;
A receiving means for receiving a first input operation from a viewer who is viewing the content;
a transmitting means for transmitting, when the first input operation is received, a support instruction for causing an effect of supporting the distributor in the game, the support instruction including information for notifying the viewer who has provided support and the content of the support;
a display means for displaying the content to be reproduced by the reproduction means and a UI (user interface) object for receiving the first input operation;
a progress information receiving means for receiving progress information indicating that a progress status of the game by the distributor has reached a predetermined status;
a validation unit that, when the progress information receiving unit receives the progress information, displays the UI object or validates acceptance of the first input operation for the UI object displayed on the display unit;
A system comprising:

Images