JP6869291B2 - Systems, methods, and programs that deliver digital content - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to systems, methods, and programs for delivering digital content.

Conventionally, there is a system in which a user who views digital content such as a moving image can input input information such as an evaluation and a comment for the content. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-143919 discloses a system configured so that a user who views live content can input an evaluation item during viewing. The input information such as the evaluation item is typically reflected on the screen for playing back the content in response to the input, and as a result, is shared with other users. Therefore, the user can not only view the content but also participate in the content distribution by himself / herself and enjoy communication with other users through the input of the input information.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2015-143919

However, for example, a user who has viewed digital content from the middle does not know the content of the content before the start of viewing, so that the situation at that time of the content (for example, the situation of live-streamed performance, event, etc.) Is difficult to grasp. In particular, when viewing content using a device such as a smartphone having a small screen, the amount of information that can be obtained from the screen is likely to be limited, so that it can be even more difficult to grasp the situation.

If the situation at that time cannot be grasped, it becomes difficult to properly input input information such as evaluations and comments for digital contents, so that some users may hesitate to input the input information. As a result, there is a risk that the excitement of content distribution and the activation of communication through the input of input information will be hindered.

One of the objects of the embodiment of the present invention is to make it possible to easily grasp the status of the content to be viewed. Another object of the embodiment of the present invention is to promote the input of appropriate input information by a user who views the content. Other objects of the embodiments of the present invention will become apparent by reference to the entire specification.

A system according to an embodiment of the present invention is a system comprising one or more computer processors and delivering digital content, in response to the one or more computer processors executing readable instructions. , A step of presenting a distribution screen for playing back the digital content distributed by the distribution user to the viewing user in the first mode, and a step of accepting input information input by the viewing user via the distribution screen of the first mode. , The mode of the distribution screen is changed from the first mode to the second mode, and the distribution screen is presented to the viewing user in the second mode, via the distribution screen of the second mode. The step of accepting the input information input by the viewing user is executed, and the distribution screen displays the input information that can be input in the first mode and the input information that can be input in the second mode. Is different.

A method according to an embodiment of the present invention is a method of distributing digital content executed by one or a plurality of computers, in which a user viewing a distribution screen for playing digital content distributed by the distribution user in a first mode. The step of receiving the input information input by the viewing user via the distribution screen of the first mode, and the mode of the distribution screen is changed from the first mode to the second mode. The distribution screen includes a step of presenting the distribution screen to the viewing user in the second mode and a step of receiving input information input by the viewing user via the distribution screen of the second mode. The input information that can be input in the first mode is different from the input information that can be input in the second mode.

A program according to an embodiment of the present invention is a program that distributes digital content, and is digitally distributed by a distribution user to the one or more computers according to execution on one or more computers. The step of presenting the distribution screen for playing back the content to the viewing user in the first mode, the step of accepting the input information input by the viewing user via the distribution screen of the first mode, and the mode of the distribution screen. A step of changing from the first mode to the second mode and presenting the distribution screen to the viewing user in the second mode, and an input input by the viewing user via the distribution screen of the second mode. The step of receiving information and the step of receiving the information are executed, and the input information that can be input in the first mode and the input information that can be input in the second mode are different on the distribution screen.

Various embodiments of the present invention may allow the situation of the content to be viewed to be easily grasped or may facilitate the input of appropriate input information by the user who views the digital content.

The block diagram which shows schematic the structure of the network including the distribution system 10 which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. The block diagram which shows the function of the distribution system 10 schematicly. The figure which shows an example of the information managed in the user management table 411. The figure which shows an example of the information managed in the distribution space management table 412. A flow chart showing an example of content distribution processing. The figure which shows an example of the main screen 60. The figure which shows an example of the distribution room creation screen 70. The figure which shows an example of the distribution screen 80 for a distribution user. The figure which shows an example of the distribution screen 80 for a distribution user. The figure which shows an example of the distribution screen 90 for a viewing user of a normal mode. The figure which shows an example of the item selection screen 100. The figure which shows an example of the distribution screen 90 for a viewing user of a special mode. The figure which shows an example of the distribution screen 90 for a viewing user of an evaluation mode.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram schematically showing a configuration of a network including a distribution system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the distribution system 10 is communicably connected to a plurality of user terminals 30 (30-1, 30-2, ... 30-N) via a network 20 such as the Internet. Provided is a content distribution service that distributes digital contents (hereinafter, may be simply referred to as "contents") such as moving images or sounds (including performances) to the plurality of user terminals 30.

The distribution system 10 is configured as a general computer, and as shown in FIG. 1, a CPU (computer processor) 11, a main memory 12, a user I / F13, a network I / F14, and a storage (storage). The device) 15 is provided, and each of these components is electrically connected via a bus or the like (not shown).

The CPU 11 reads various programs stored in the storage 15 or the like into the main memory 12 and executes various instructions included in the programs. The main memory 12 is composed of, for example, a DRAM or the like.

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

The network I / F14 is implemented as hardware such as a network adapter, various communication software, and a combination thereof, and is configured to realize wired or wireless communication via the network 20 or the like.

The storage 15 is composed of, for example, a magnetic disk, a flash memory, or the like. The storage 15 stores various programs including an operating system, various data, and the like.

In this embodiment, the distribution system 10 can be configured using a plurality of computers, each of which has the hardware configuration described above. For example, the distribution system 10 can be configured by one or more server devices.

The distribution system 10 configured in this way has functions as a web server and an application server, and executes various processes in response to a request from a web browser installed on the user terminal 30 and other applications. , Screen data (for example, HTML data), control data, and the like corresponding to the result of the processing are transmitted to the user terminal 30. The user terminal 30 displays a web page and other screens based on the received data.

The user terminal 30 is configured as a general computer, and as shown in FIG. 1, a CPU (computer processor) 31, a main memory 32, a user I / F33, a network I / F34, and a storage (storage). A device) 35, and each of these components is electrically connected via a bus or the like (not shown).

The CPU 31 reads various programs stored in the storage 35 or the like into the main memory 32 and executes various instructions included in the programs. The main memory 32 is composed of, for example, a DRAM or the like.

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

The network I / F34 is implemented as hardware such as a network adapter, various communication software, and a combination thereof, and is configured to realize wired or wireless communication via the network 20 or the like.

The storage 35 is composed of, for example, a magnetic disk, a flash memory, or the like. The storage 35 stores various programs including an operating system, various data, and the like. The program stored in the storage 35 may include various applications downloaded and installed from the application market or the like.

In the present embodiment, the user terminal 30 can be configured as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a wearable device, a personal computer, a game-dedicated terminal, and the like.

The user of the user terminal 30 configured in this way distributes the content provided by the distribution system 10 by executing communication with the distribution system 10 via a web browser installed in the storage 35 or the like and other applications. You can use the service.

Next, the functions of the distribution system 10 of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing the functions of the distribution system 10. As shown in the figure, the distribution system 10 has an information storage management unit 41 that stores and manages various information, a basic function control unit 43 that controls the basic functions of the content distribution service, and a content distribution control that controls the distribution of the content. It has a part 45 and. These functions are realized by the hardware such as the CPU 11 and the main memory 12 and various programs and data stored in the storage 15 and the like operating in cooperation with each other. For example, they are read into the main memory 12. This is realized by the CPU 11 executing the instructions included in the program. Further, a part or all of the functions shown in FIG. 2 may be realized by the cooperation of the distribution system 10 and the user terminal 30, or may be realized by the user terminal 30.

The information storage management unit 41 stores and manages various information in the storage 15 and the like. As shown in FIG. 2, the information storage management unit 41 has, for example, a user management table 411 that stores various information about a user who uses the content distribution service, and a distribution space that is a virtual space for distributing the content. It has a distribution space management table 412 that manages various information related to the information.

The basic function control unit 43 of the distribution system 10 executes various processes related to the control of the basic functions of the content distribution service. For example, the basic function control unit 43 transmits HTML data or control data of various screens related to the basic function to the user terminal 30, and responds to an operation input by the user via the screen displayed on the user terminal 30. Various processes are executed, and HTML data or control data according to the result of the process is transmitted to the user terminal 30. The basic functions controlled by the basic function control unit 43 include, for example, login authentication, billing control, user management (for example, updating of the user management table 411, etc.) and the like.

In the present embodiment, the basic function control unit 43 can present to the user a list of a plurality of digital contents being distributed by the plurality of distribution users who distribute the digital contents. The list of the plurality of digital contents may be configured so that the digital contents in which the mode of the distribution screen is the first mode described later can be identified from the digital contents other than the first mode.

The content distribution control unit 45 of the distribution system 10 executes various processes related to the control of content distribution in the content distribution service. For example, the content distribution control unit 45 presents a distribution screen for reproducing the digital content distributed by the distribution user to the viewing user who views the digital content. For example, the content distribution control unit 45 receives digital content from the user terminal 30 of the distribution user, and displays the HTML data or control data of the distribution screen having a reproduction area for reproducing the received digital content on the user terminal 30 of the viewing user. Send to.

Here, in the present embodiment, the digital content may include various electronic contents. For example, digital content includes video or audio. Further, the moving image or audio is input via an input device such as a camera and a microphone of the user terminal 30 of the distribution user (hereinafter, may be referred to as "captured moving image or the like"), and the user terminal 30. Includes those corresponding to screens and sounds output via output devices such as displays and speakers (hereinafter, may be referred to as "screen moving images"). Further, such a captured moving image and a screen moving image are distributed (in real time) at the same time as input / output on the user terminal 30 of the distribution user, or are temporarily stored in the distribution system 10 (for example, storage 15 or the like) and then stored. Can be delivered in non-real time.

Further, the content distribution control unit 45 changes the mode of the distribution screen and presents the distribution screen according to the mode to the viewing user. For example, the content distribution control unit 45 presents the distribution screen to the viewing user in the first mode, changes the mode of the distribution screen from the first mode to the second mode, and changes the distribution screen to the second mode. Present to the viewing user.

Here, in the present embodiment, at least a part of the appearance, the output sound (sound effect, etc.) and the like may be different between the distribution screen of the first mode and the distribution screen of the second mode. For example, the distribution screen is at least partially different between the background image in the first mode and the background image in the second mode.

In the present embodiment, the mode change of the distribution screen can be executed at various timings according to various criteria. For example, the content distribution control unit 45 may change the mode of the distribution screen from the first mode to the second mode in response to an instruction from the distribution user. Further, the content distribution control unit 45 may change the mode of the distribution screen from the first mode to the second mode when the duration of the first mode reaches the first time.

Further, the content distribution control unit 45 receives the input information input by the viewing user via the distribution screen. For example, when the viewing user inputs input information via the distribution screen displayed on the user terminal 30 of the viewing user, the content distribution control unit 45 receives the input information and distributes the information storage management unit 41 (for example, distribution). Store in the space management table 412). In addition, the content distribution control unit 45 can execute various subsequent processes for the received input information. For example, the content distribution control unit 45 can execute various operations based on the received input information (including calculation of a reward for the distribution user) and various subsequent processes related to display.

In the present embodiment, the distribution screen is configured such that the input information that can be input in the first mode and the input information that can be input in the second mode are different. For example, the distribution screen may be configured such that the input information that can be input in the second mode is more limited than the input information that can be input in the first mode. For example, the distribution screen may be configured such that a plurality of types of input information can be input in the first mode, and one specific type of input information can be input in the second mode. .. In this case, the specific type of input information that can be input in the second mode may be inputtable in the first mode, or may not be input in the first mode. Further, for example, the distribution screen of the first mode may be configured not to accept any input information.

Further, in the present embodiment, the distribution screen is different from the input information that can be input in the first mode and / or the second mode and the input information that can be input in the third mode described later. Can be configured in.

Here, in the present embodiment, the input information includes a virtual item (including a virtual currency, a coin, etc.). In this case, the distribution screen may be configured so that at least free items can be input in the first mode, and only paid items can be input in the second mode.

In the present embodiment, the content distribution control unit 45 may present the distribution screen to the viewing user in the third mode in response to the distribution user starting the distribution of the digital content. Further, the content distribution control unit 45 may change the mode of the distribution screen from the third mode to the first mode, and present the distribution screen to the viewing user in the first mode. As described above, the mode of the distribution screen can be changed at various timings according to various criteria, and the content distribution control unit 45, for example, changes the mode of the distribution screen in response to an instruction from the distribution user. The third mode can be changed to the first mode.

Further, in the present embodiment, the content distribution control unit 45 may change the mode of the distribution screen from the second mode to the third mode, and present the distribution screen to the viewing user again in the third mode. As described above, the mode change of the distribution screen can be executed at various timings according to various criteria, but the content distribution control unit 45 has reached, for example, the duration of the second mode at the second time. Occasionally, the mode of the distribution screen may be changed from the second mode to the third mode. In this case, the distribution screen of the second mode may be configured to display the remaining time until the duration of the second mode reaches the second time.

Further, in the present embodiment, the distribution screen of the second mode may be configured to display the input status of the input information by the specific viewing user specified from the plurality of viewing users. For example, the distribution screen of the second mode may be configured to identify the viewing user who has input the input information and notify the input content of the input information by the viewing user. Further, for example, the distribution screen of the second mode may be configured to identify a viewing user who has not input the input information and prompt the viewing user to input the input information.

Further, in the present embodiment, the distribution screen of the second mode may be configured to display the reception status of the input information input by the plurality of viewing users. For example, the distribution screen of the second mode may be configured to display information regarding the total number of input information input by the plurality of viewing users.

Next, a specific operation of the distribution system 10 of the present embodiment having such a function will be described with reference to a specific example. As described above, the type of digital content distributed by the distribution system 10 of the present embodiment is not particularly limited, but hereinafter, a photographed moving image or the like input via an input device such as a camera and a microphone of the user terminal 30 of the distribution user and the like. Will be described as an example when is delivered in real time. It should be noted that such distribution of shot videos and the like may be referred to as "live distribution" and the like.

FIG. 3 shows an example of information managed in the user management table 411 of the information storage management unit 41. The user management table 411 manages information about users of the content distribution service, and as shown in the figure, is associated with a "user ID" that identifies an individual user, and is associated with the basic user such as account name, age, gender, and avatar. Information "basic information", information about virtual items owned by this user "owned item information", information about the history of content distribution by this user "delivery history information", others by this user It manages information such as "viewing history information" which is information related to the viewing history of the content distributed by the user.

Of the information managed in the user management table 411, the basic information is set as the information input by the user at the timing of new registration (account creation) in the content distribution service, and then according to the instruction by the user. It will be updated accordingly. In addition, the distribution history information and the viewing history information are appropriately updated according to the distribution and viewing of the content by the user.

The possessed item information includes the number of possessed items for each item owned by the user. This possessed item information is appropriately updated according to the acquisition and consumption (use) of the item by the user. Items include free items and paid items. For example, a user obtains a free item at a timing such as when a user newly registers for a content distribution service or when the level is upgraded (for example, the level may be configured according to the number of contents viewed). .. In addition, the user obtains (purchases) a paid item through an item shop or the like.

FIG. 4 shows an example of the information managed in the distribution space management table 412. The distribution space management table 412 manages information about a distribution room as a virtual space in which a user distributes content, and as shown in the figure, associates this distribution room with a “distribution room ID” that identifies an individual distribution room. "Distribution user ID" that identifies the distribution user corresponding to, "Room name" that is the name of this distribution room, "Room description" that is the text that describes this distribution room, the current distribution screen of this distribution room "Mode" indicating the mode of, "Special mode remaining time" indicating the remaining time of the special mode (first mode) which is one of the modes of the distribution screen, and the evaluation mode (the first mode) which is one of the modes of the distribution screen. Information such as "evaluation mode remaining time" indicating the remaining time of (2 mode) and "viewing user information" which is information about a viewing user who is in the distribution room (viewing the content) is managed.

In this example, there are a normal mode (third mode), a special mode (first mode), and an evaluation mode (second mode) as the modes of the distribution screen, and the modes of the distribution space management table 412 include the normal mode (third mode), the special mode (first mode), and the evaluation mode (second mode). , A value corresponding to any of these modes is set.

Among the information managed in the distribution management table 412, the distribution room ID, the distribution user ID, the room name, and the room description are set when the user creates the distribution room. In addition, the mode, the remaining time in the special mode, the remaining time in the evaluation mode, and the viewing user information are appropriately updated during the distribution of the content.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing an example of content distribution processing executed by the distribution system 10. In the content distribution process, first, as shown in FIG. 5, the content distribution is started in response to the instruction of the distribution user (step S100). The instruction to start distribution by the distribution user is given via the screen for the content distribution service displayed on the user terminal 30. First, a specific example of the screen for the content distribution service will be described.

FIG. 6 shows an example of the main screen 60 which is a starting point when a user of the content distribution service uses the service. The main screen 60 is displayed, for example, when an application for a content distribution service is started on the user terminal 30, or when the user terminal 30 accesses a website for a content distribution service provided by the distribution system 10 via a web browser. It is displayed when you do.

As shown in FIG. 6, the main screen 60 has a genre selection area 62 for selecting a genre of content (live distribution) to be displayed, and a content display area for displaying content being distributed corresponding to the selected genre. 64 and. The content display area 64 has a special mode list area 66 for displaying the content distributed in the special mode among the contents being distributed. Further, in the lower right corner of the content display area 64, a distribution start button 68 displayed as "distribute" is arranged.

In the content display area 64, the order in which the content currently being distributed corresponding to the genre selected in the genre selection area 62 is according to a specific rule (for example, the order in which the newer the distribution start time is prioritized, the number of viewing users is higher). List in order of priority, etc.). The genre of the content (distribution room) can be managed in the distribution space management table 412, for example. The information regarding the displayed content includes the name of the distribution room (displayed as "XXX", "YYY", etc. in the example of FIG. 6) and the information of the distribution user. As described above, among the contents being delivered, the contents being delivered in the special mode are displayed in the special mode list area 66. Therefore, the main screen 60 displays the contents in the special mode from the contents in the mode other than the special mode. It can be said that it is displayed in an identifiable manner. The user can start viewing the content by selecting any of the contents displayed in the content display area 64.

When the user selects the distribution start button 68 on the main screen 60, the distribution room creation screen 70 illustrated in FIG. 7 is displayed on the user terminal 30. As shown in the figure, the distribution room creation screen 70 displays a name input area 72 for inputting the name of the distribution room, a description input area 74 for inputting a description of the distribution room, and "registration". It also has a registration button 76.

When the user inputs a desired name and description in the name input area 72 and the description input area 74 and then selects the registration button 76, the distribution room is registered and distribution of the content is started. Here, after the distribution room is registered, the distribution may be started further via an instruction by the user. Further, in the case of a user who has already registered the distribution room, if the distribution start button 68 on the main screen 60 is selected, the distribution of the content can be started immediately without going through the distribution room creation screen 70. good. When the distribution room is registered, a new record is created in the distribution space management table 412.

FIG. 8 is an example of the distribution user distribution screen 80 displayed on the user terminal 30 of the distribution user immediately after the content distribution is started. As shown in the figure, the distribution user distribution screen 80 displays a virtual space 200 corresponding to the distribution room in the entire screen area, and a comment list display area 84 is arranged on the lower side of the screen so as to overlap the screen. The distribution menu button 86 labeled "Distribution menu" is placed in the lower right corner of the screen. The comment list display area 84 is configured as a transparent area, and the user can also visually recognize the virtual space 200 behind the area 84.

The virtual space 200 is composed of a display object 202 that displays (reproduces) contents, a stage 204, and an audience area 206. The display object 202 displays the content distributed by the distribution user, and specifically, displays a real-time captured moving image (live moving image) input via an input device such as a camera and a microphone of the distribution user's user terminal 30. Will be done. The stage 204 and the audience area 206 are areas in which the avatar corresponding to the viewing user is displayed when the viewing user starts viewing the content (when entering the distribution room).

The distribution menu button 86 is a button for making various settings / instructions regarding content distribution, and is, for example, a button corresponding to a menu for giving an instruction for changing the mode of the distribution screen, an instruction for ending distribution, and the like. ..

When the distribution user starts distribution of the content, the content is displayed as the content being distributed in the content display area 64 of the main screen 60, and other users can view the content as a viewing user. FIG. 9 is an example of the distribution user distribution screen 80 when three users have started viewing the content (entering the distribution room). As shown, the avatar 208 corresponding to each of the three viewing users is displayed in the audience area 206 of the virtual space 200.

Returning to the flow chart of FIG. 5, when the distribution of the content is started, the content distribution in the normal mode is continued until the distribution user gives an instruction to change to the special mode (step S110). FIG. 10 is an example of the distribution screen 90 for viewing users in the normal mode displayed on the user terminal 30 of the viewing user. As shown in the figure, the viewing user distribution screen 90 displays the virtual space 200 in the entire screen area as in the distribution user distribution screen 80, and the information display area 92 is arranged so as to overlap the lower side of the screen. The comment input area 94 is overlapped and arranged at the substantially center of the lower end of the screen, and the item input button 96 is overlapped and arranged at the lower right corner of the screen. The information display area 92 is configured as a transparent area, and the user can also visually recognize the virtual space 200 behind the area 94.

As shown in the figure, the information display area 92 is configured as a tab-type area in which three tabs of "delivery user", "comment", and "delivering" can be switched. FIG. 10 shows an example in which the comment tab is selected, and the comments input by the viewing user are listed in chronological order. In the information display area 92, when the distribution user tab is selected, information about the distribution user (for example, distribution history) is displayed, and when the distribution tab is selected, other content being distributed is related. Information is listed. The viewing user can also change the content to be viewed (move to another distribution room) by selecting the other content being distributed that is displayed in the list.

The comment input area 94 is configured so that the viewing user can input a desired character string or the like, and when the viewing user instructs the viewing user to transmit the input character string or the like, the comment input area 94 is displayed in the comment tab of the information display area 92. At the same time, it is displayed in a balloon format from the corresponding avatar 208 in the virtual space 200. In this way, the viewing user is another user who has entered the same virtual space 200 (viewing the same content) by the comment displayed in the information display area 92 and the virtual space 200 (speech balloon of the avatar 208). You can share the content of the comment and enjoy text chat. Further, the comment input via the comment input area 94 is similarly displayed on the distribution user distribution screen 80. Therefore, the viewing user can also enjoy communication with the distribution user by the text chat function.

The item input button 96 is a button for instructing the user to input an item. The item input button 96 displays an item selected in advance by the viewing user and the number of possessed items (in the example of FIG. 10, a star-shaped item is selected, and the star-shaped item is displayed. I have 9 items). The user can input (input) a preselected item by selecting the item input button 96. When an item is input, a visual effect (animation display) is executed in the virtual space 200 such that the preselected item is thrown from the avatar corresponding to the viewing user in the direction of the display object 202. Further, when an item is input, the number of possessed items in the user management table 411 is updated.

FIG. 11 is an example of the item selection screen 100 for the viewing user to select an item to be input. The item selection screen 100 is displayed by long-pressing (long-tapping) the item input button 96 of the viewing user distribution screen 90. As shown in the figure, the item selection screen 100 displays a list of items that can be input together with the number of possessed items. By selecting a desired item on the item selection screen 100, the user can select in advance the item to be input when the item input button 96 is selected.

As mentioned above, items include free items and paid items. In this example, the items that can be selected via the item selection screen 100 in the normal mode (that is, the items that can be input via the distribution screen 90 for the viewing user in the normal mode) are both free items and paid items. included. For example, in the example of FIG. 11, the star-shaped item is a free item, and the sun-shaped item is a paid item. For example, the viewing user can express a favorable feeling toward the distribution user by inputting an item.

Here, the visual effect executed in the virtual space 200, the reward acquired by the distribution user, the reward acquired by the viewing user, etc. are made different depending on whether the free item is input or the paid item is input. Is also good. For example, when a paid item is entered, a rare visual effect is performed, a reward that the distribution user earns is larger, and a viewing user is entered than when a free item is entered. Can be made to increase the rewards earned by.

Returning to the flow chart of FIG. 5, when the distribution user gives an instruction to change to the special mode (step S110), the mode of the distribution screen is changed from the normal mode to the special mode (step S120). The change instruction is executed via the distribution menu 86 or the like on the distribution user distribution screen 80. FIG. 12 is an example of the distribution screen 90 for viewing users after the mode has been changed to the special mode. On the viewing user distribution screen 90 in the special mode, as shown in the figure, a special frame 202A is added to the outer edge of the display object 202 in the virtual space 200. Further, a temporary visual effect (for example, a temporary display of an animation notifying that the mode has been changed to the special mode) may be executed at the timing when the mode is changed from the normal mode to the special mode.

The special mode is operated, for example, as a mode in which the distribution user performs a special performance. After instructing the distribution user to change to the special mode, the distribution user distributes the state of executing the special performance to the viewing user as a live video.

As described above, the viewing user distribution screen 90 is such that at least a part of the background image in the normal mode (third mode) and the background image in the special mode (first mode) are different. It is configured. Here, the difference in the background image (presence or absence of the special frame 202A) in this example is an example of a background image that is at least partially different, and other components of the background image (for example, other objects in the virtual space 200). (Including stage 204 and spectator area 206) or each component (including information display area 92, comment input area 94, item input button 96) outside the virtual space 200 is different so that some or all of them are different. It is also possible to configure the distribution screen 90 for the viewing user of the mode.

For example, a user who has viewed the content from the middle has changed the content from the normal mode to the special mode by visually recognizing the special frame 202A of the display object 202 (for example, a special performance has started, etc.). ) Can be recognized.

Then, when the duration of the special mode elapses a predetermined time T1 (for example, 5 minutes) or the distribution user instructs the end of the special mode (step S130), the special mode is changed to the evaluation mode. (Step S140). The end instruction of the special mode is executed via the distribution menu 86 or the like on the distribution user distribution screen 80.

FIG. 13 is an example of the distribution screen 90 for viewing users after the mode has been changed to the evaluation mode. In the evaluation mode viewing user distribution screen 90, as shown in the figure, a special frame 202B is added to the outer edge of the display object 202 in the virtual space 200 instead of the special frame 202A.

Further, on the distribution screen 90 for viewing users in the evaluation mode, the items input according to the selection of the item input button 96 are limited to the items dedicated to the evaluation mode (in the example of FIG. 13, coin-shaped items). .. The item dedicated to the evaluation mode is a paid item.

In this way, since the items (input information) that can be input on the distribution screen 90 for the viewing user in the evaluation mode are limited to the items dedicated to the evaluation mode, the user may be confused about the selection of the item to be input. Absent.

Further, on the distribution screen 90 for viewing users in the evaluation mode, the live character 210 and the item reception status gauge 212 are displayed on the information display area 92. The live character 210 is configured to notify various information via a balloon. For example, the commentary character 210 notifies information about the remaining time in the evaluation mode. Further, for example, the live character 210 identifies one viewing user from a plurality of viewing users, and notifies a comment according to the input status of the item by the specified viewing user. For example, the live character 210 identifies the viewing user who has input the item, and notifies the information of the input item (for example, "User A, thank you for three items!") Along with the account name of the viewing user. Further, for example, the live character 210 identifies a viewing user who has not input an item, and a comment prompting the input of the item together with the account name of the specified viewing user (for example, "User B, is not inputting the item soon !?" Etc.) will be notified. The content (live content) notified by the live character 210 is not limited to that illustrated here, and the live character 210 may notify various situations in the evaluation mode.

The item reception status gauge 212 displays the reception status of items input by a plurality of viewing users. In this example, the target value of the number of items input from the viewing user in the evaluation mode is set for the distribution user. Then, the item reception status gauge 212 displays the ratio (progress degree) of the total number of items that actually received input to the target value.

Further, a temporary visual effect (for example, a temporary display of an animation notifying the change to the evaluation mode) may be executed at the timing when the special mode is changed to the evaluation mode.

As described above, the viewing user distribution screen 90 is such that at least a part of the background image in the special mode (first mode) and the background image in the evaluation mode (second mode) are different. It is configured. Here, the difference in the background image in this example (difference between the special frame 202A and the special 202B, the presence / absence of the live character 210 and the item reception status gauge 212) is an example of a background image that is at least partially different, and is a background image. The distribution screen 90 for viewing users in each mode can also be configured so that some or all of the other components of the above are different.

For example, a user who has viewed the content from the middle can visually recognize the special frame 202B of the display object 202, the live character 210, and the item reception status gauge 212 to indicate that the content has been changed from the special mode to the evaluation mode. Can be recognized.

In addition, the user who has viewed the content from the middle can grasp the input / reception status of the item by another viewing user from the display contents of the live character 210 and the item reception status gauge 212.

The evaluation mode is operated as, for example, a mode in which the viewing user evaluates the special performance executed in the special mode. The mode can also be said to be a mode in which the viewing user rewards the distribution user for a special performance. Therefore, a special reward may be given to the distribution user according to the input of the item dedicated to the evaluation mode or when the number of input items reaches the above target value.

Then, when the duration of the evaluation mode elapses for a predetermined time T2 (for example, 30 seconds) (step S150), the evaluation mode is changed to the normal mode again (step S160). The distribution screen 90 for viewing users in the normal mode has already been described. After that, the distribution of the content is terminated in response to the instruction of the distribution user (step S170), and the content distribution process is terminated.

Here, in the above-described specific example, the items (input information) that can be input via the viewing user distribution screen 90 are not changed between the normal mode (third mode) and the special mode (first mode). However, it may be configured so that the items that can be input are changed between the modes. For example, the distribution screen 90 for viewing users in the special mode can be configured so that no item can be input. For example, when the special mode is operated as a mode in which the distribution user executes a special performance, it is possible to encourage the viewing user to concentrate on viewing the performance by preventing the input of items.

The distribution system 10 according to the present embodiment described above presents the distribution screen for reproducing the digital content distributed by the distribution user to the viewing user in the first mode, and changes the mode of the distribution screen from the first mode to the second mode. The mode is changed, and the distribution screen is presented to the viewing user in the second mode. Therefore, the viewing user can easily grasp the status of the content depending on the mode of the presented distribution screen.

Further, the distribution system 10 according to the present embodiment receives input information input by the viewing user via each of the distribution screens of the first mode and the second mode, and the distribution screen is in the first mode. The input information that can be input to is different from the input information that can be input in the second mode. Therefore, it is possible to input appropriate input information for each mode, and as a result, the viewing user can easily input appropriate input information.

As described above, the embodiment of the present invention can easily grasp the situation of the content to be viewed, or can promote the input of appropriate input information by the user who views the digital content.

The processes and procedures described herein are implemented by software, hardware, or any combination thereof, other than those expressly described. For example, the processes and procedures described herein are realized by implementing logic corresponding to the processes and procedures on a medium such as an integrated circuit, a volatile memory, a non-volatile memory, or a magnetic disk. Further, the processes and procedures described in the present specification can be implemented as a computer program corresponding to the processes and procedures, and can be executed by various computers.

Even if it is explained that the processes and procedures described herein are performed by a single device, software, component, module, such processes or procedures are performed by multiple devices, multiple software, multiple devices. Can be executed by a component of, and / or multiple modules. The software and hardware components described herein can also be realized by integrating them into fewer components or by breaking them down into more components.

In the present specification, when the components of the invention are described as either singular or plural, or even when the components of the invention are described without limitation to either singular or plural, they should be understood separately in the context. Except for, the component may be either singular or plural.

10 Distribution system 20 Network 30 User terminal 41 Information storage management unit 43 Basic function control unit 45 Content distribution control unit 60 Main screen 70 Distribution room creation screen 80 Distribution user distribution screen 90 Viewing user distribution screen 100 Item selection screen

Claims (7)

A system that has one or more computer processors and distributes digital content.
The one or more computer processors respond to the execution of readable instructions.
The step of presenting the distribution screen to the viewing user to play the digital content distributed by the distribution user,
Steps to manage the mode related to the distribution screen of the digital content being distributed, and
Perform the steps of presenting a list of multiple digital contents being distributed by multiple distribution users to the viewing user.
The step of managing the mode includes changing the mode during distribution of digital content.
The list of the plurality of digital contents is configured so that the digital contents in which the mode is a specific mode can be identified from the digital contents in which the mode is not the specific mode.
system. The step of managing the mode includes managing the remaining time of the mode.
The system of claim 1. The distribution screen is configured to display the remaining time of the mode.
The system of claim 2. The step of managing the mode comprises changing the mode on the basis of the duration of said mode,
The system according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The step of managing the mode includes changing the mode in response to an instruction from the user.
The system according to any one of claims 1 to 4. A method of delivering digital content that is performed by one or more computers.
The step of presenting the distribution screen to the viewing user to play the digital content distributed by the distribution user,
Steps to manage the mode related to the distribution screen of the digital content being distributed, and
Perform the steps of presenting a list of multiple digital contents being distributed by multiple distribution users to the viewing user.
The step of managing the mode includes changing the mode during distribution of digital content.
The list of the plurality of digital contents is configured so that the digital contents in which the mode is a specific mode can be identified from the digital contents in which the mode is not the specific mode.
Method. A program that delivers digital content
To the one or more computers, depending on running on one or more computers.
The step of presenting the distribution screen to the viewing user to play the digital content distributed by the distribution user,
Steps to manage the mode related to the distribution screen of the digital content being distributed, and
To execute the step of presenting the viewing user with a list of a plurality of digital contents being distributed distributed by a plurality of distribution users.
The step of managing the mode includes changing the mode during distribution of digital content.
The list of the plurality of digital contents is configured so that the digital contents in which the mode is a specific mode can be identified from the digital contents in which the mode is not the specific mode.
program.

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