JP7074449B2 - Content distribution system, computer system, server system, and content distribution method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a content distribution system or the like that distributes content including at least video provided by a providing user to a user terminal of each viewing user.

Social networking services (SNS) that allow users to send texts and images by functions called chat functions and text functions, content distribution services, and the like are known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Communication between users is promoted by using the chat function and the text function. For example, in the case of a video distribution service, by sending and posting each text while watching the video, it is possible to enjoy a virtual experience as if everyone is watching the video together.

When not only text but also an image can be transmitted as a chat function or a text function, the transmission of the image may be called "image posting" or the like. For example, by transmitting an image of a character with dialogue in a balloon or an image of a character performing actions such as emotions (in this case, also called a post), emotions and feelings that cannot be expressed in words are straightforward. Can be sent to.

It can be said that the various user experiences brought about by the functions related to the transmission of texts and images have become an indispensable standard in recent social networking services (SNS) and content distribution services.

JP-A-2017-91393

An object of the present invention is to provide a technique for creating new added value using a text or image transmission function and enriching the user experience.

The first invention for solving the above-mentioned problems is a content distribution system that distributes content including at least a video provided by a providing user to a user terminal of each viewing user.
On the user terminal, a viewing screen including a content display unit for displaying the content and an operation unit for a transmission operation that the viewing user can input to the content being viewed is displayed.
A transmission reflection control means (for example, FIG. 1) that receives from the user terminal that the transmission operation for the content being viewed is input and controls the reflection display on which the transmission operation is performed to be displayed on the viewing screen. Control board 1150, server processing unit 200s in FIG. 9, distribution service management unit 210, transmission reflection control unit 214, step S156 in FIG. 23).
When the given scale requirement is satisfied by continuing to satisfy the chain condition including at least the continuity certification condition for certifying the continuity of the transmission operation based on the timing at which the transmission operation is performed. , Special display effect control means for executing the effect of special display on the viewing screen (for example, control board 1150 in FIG. 1, special display effect 86 in FIG. 8, server processing unit 200s in FIG. 9, distribution service management unit 210, special. It is a content distribution system including a display effect control unit 219, step S190 in FIG. 24, and step S194).

According to the first invention, it is possible to execute a special effect display (special display effect) when the viewing user is continuously performing transmission operations related to viewing the content and the display is reached to a certain scale. can. Then, the user experience can be further improved by this special effect display (special display effect).

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the outgoing call operation includes at least a default outgoing call operation indicating a default intention display, and the outgoing call reflection control means views the default display body as a reflection display on which the default outgoing call operation is performed. This is the content distribution system of the first invention, which controls the display on the screen.

According to the second invention, when the default transmission operation indicating some intention display by the viewing user is continuously executed until it reaches a certain scale, the special effect display control is realized at that time. It is possible to further enhance the feelings of the viewing user.
For example, when multiple viewing users make a call that highly evaluates the content one after another and the number reaches 10 people, the background of the viewing screen is changed from a simple design to a gorgeous design. Special effect display control such as is conceivable. According to this special effect display control, it is possible to provide a user experience in which a plurality of viewing users are all excited and viewing the content together, and it is possible to give the viewing user an uplifting feeling and impression.

A third aspect of the invention is the content distribution of the first or second invention, wherein the chain condition further includes a relevance recognition condition for certifying the relevance between the transmission operations input by the plurality of viewing users. It is a system.

According to the third invention, the relationship between the transmission operations, for example, the relationship between the contents transmitted by the transmission operation (transmission content) can be included in the chain condition.
Therefore, since any content is acceptable, the special effect display is not executed when the content is continuously transmitted until it reaches a certain scale, but the content having a predetermined relevance is continuously transmitted to some extent. Once scaled, the special staging display can be performed. By making the relevance a requirement, the complexity and fun of selecting the transmission content so as to satisfy the requirement is added, and the transmission operation itself can be one of the user experiences.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the outgoing call operation includes a plurality of types of outgoing call operations, and the relevance certification condition defines a condition based on a combination of the input types of the outgoing call operation. This is the content distribution system of the invention.

According to the fourth invention, when the type of continuous transmission operation forms a combination of a certain pattern, the special effect display can be executed. As a result, the viewing user selects the outgoing operation while imagining his or her own thoughts about which combination to form and the thoughts of other viewing users, which makes the outgoing operation as a user experience more interesting. be able to.

In the fifth aspect of the invention, the outgoing operation includes a message transmission operation that can be arbitrarily set by the user terminal, and the relevance certification condition includes the relevance certification condition related to the message transmission operation. , The content distribution system of the third or fourth invention, in which conditions based on the content of the message are defined.

According to the fifth invention, the relevance of the message can be a condition for executing the special effect display. For example, if all the continuously transmitted messages are similar to "cheering", if the special effect display control that changes to a red background is performed, the feelings of the cheering user will be further enhanced and the user experience will be further enhanced. It will be possible to improve.

A sixth aspect of the invention is the content distribution system of any one of the first to fifth inventions, wherein the scale requirement includes a number or time-based condition that satisfies the chaining condition.

According to the sixth invention, the special effect display can be executed when the number of transmissions satisfying the chain condition reaches a specific number or when the transmission is continued for a specific time.

A seventh aspect of the invention is the content distribution of the first to sixth aspects, wherein the scale requirement includes a condition based on the number of viewing users who have performed the transmission operation satisfying the chain condition. It is a system.

According to the seventh invention, even in the same continuous transmission, the special effect display is not executed unless the number of viewing users who are performing the continuous transmission satisfies the condition. Therefore, it is possible to make the situation where the special effect display is performed more diverse.

According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the chain condition setting means for variably setting the chain condition according to the type of the content (for example, the chain condition setting unit 216 of FIG. 9, the chain condition setting data 640 of FIG. 19, and FIG. 23). The content distribution system according to any one of the first to seventh inventions, comprising step S174).

According to the eighth invention, the chain condition can be changed depending on the type of content.

In the ninth aspect of the present invention, the scale requirement setting means for variably setting the scale requirement according to the type of the content (for example, the scale requirement setting unit 218 of FIG. 9, the application scale requirement 648 of FIG. 19, and the step of FIG. 24). S178), the content distribution system according to any one of the first to eighth inventions.

According to the ninth invention, the scale requirement can be changed according to the type of content.

A tenth aspect of the present invention is a privilege control executing means (for example, the control board 1150 of FIG. 1) for executing privilege control that grants a given privilege to the viewing user and / or the providing user when the scale requirement is satisfied. The content distribution system according to any one of the first to ninth inventions, comprising the server processing unit 200s of FIG. 9, the distribution service management unit 210, the privilege control execution unit 220, and step S192) of FIG. 24.

According to the tenth invention, a given privilege can be given to a viewing user or a providing user when the scale requirement is satisfied. Therefore, the user experience can be enriched.

The eleventh invention is the first to the eleventh invention provided with a chain condition setting means in which the content is a game play video and the chain condition is variably set according to the game situation related to the game play video being viewed. The content distribution system according to any one of the seventh inventions.

According to the eleventh invention, when the game play video is distributed, the chain condition can be changed according to the game situation in the distributed video.

The twelfth invention is the first to the present invention provided with a scale requirement setting means in which the content is a game play video and the scale requirement is variably set according to the game situation related to the game play video being viewed. The content distribution system according to any one of the seventh and eleventh inventions.

According to the twelfth invention, when the game play video is distributed, the scale requirement can be changed according to the game situation in the distributed video.

In the thirteenth invention, the content is a gameplay video, and when the scale requirement is satisfied, the privilege is variably determined according to the game situation related to the gameplay video being viewed, and the viewing user. And / or the content distribution system according to any one of the first to seventh, eleventh, and twelfth inventions, comprising a privilege control executing means for executing privilege control given to the providing user.

According to the thirteenth invention, when the game play video is distributed, a privilege according to the game situation in the distributed video can be given.

The fourteenth invention is the content distribution system according to any one of the eleventh to thirteenth inventions, wherein the content is a live broadcast content of a game play video.

According to the fourteenth invention, the game screen in which the game is being played can be live-streamed.

The fifteenth invention is a history information display control means (for example, the history information display control unit 222 of FIG. 9 and the transmission log of FIG. 18) for controlling the display of the history information of the transmission operation for each viewing user on the user terminal. The content distribution system according to any one of the first to fourteenth inventions, comprising data 610 and steps S200 and S202) of FIG. 24.

According to the fifteenth invention, the history of transmission operations for each viewing user can be displayed on the user terminal. If you are wondering what other viewing users have made so far, you can prepare a mechanism to know it. If the past behavior of another person is known, it becomes a stimulus, the transmission operation of the viewing user becomes more active, the probability of occurrence of the special effect display control is increased, and the user experience related to the viewing of the content can be further improved.

The sixteenth invention is an avatar display control means for displaying an avatar for each viewing user on the viewing screen (for example, the avatar display control unit 212 in FIG. 9, the avatar display management data 634 in FIG. 19, and step S102 in FIG. 22. ), And the transmission reflection control means controls the display so that the avatar of the viewing user related to the transmission operation performs a given action operation when the transmission operation is performed. The content distribution system according to any one of the first to fifteenth inventions.

According to the sixteenth invention, the reflection display can be realized in the form accompanied by the action of the avatar of the viewing user. Therefore, the user experience can be further improved.

The seventeenth invention is a computer system including a user terminal of each viewing user and a content distribution system according to any one of the first to sixteenth inventions.

The term "computer system" as used herein means a system consisting of a single computer or a system in which a plurality of computers are connected so as to be able to communicate with each other.
According to the seventeenth invention, it is possible to realize a computer system having the same effect as that of the first invention.

The eighteenth invention is a server system for displaying and controlling a screen for displaying a display based on a transmission operation input by each user on a user terminal of each user, and the user indicates that the transmission operation is input. To certify the continuity of the transmission operation based on the transmission reflection control means that receives from the terminal and controls to display the reflection display on which the transmission operation is performed on the screen and the timing at which the transmission operation is performed. A special display effect control means for executing a special display effect on the screen when a given scale requirement is satisfied by continuing to satisfy the chain condition including at least the continuity certification condition. It is a server system.

According to the eighteenth invention, it is possible to realize a server system having the same effect as that of the first invention.

The nineteenth invention has a first display unit based on the transmission operation of the first user, a second display unit based on the transmission operation of the second user, and the transmission operation of the first user in the screen. An eighteenth invention comprising a means for controlling the display of a third display unit for displaying a special display based on the relationship between the second user and the transmission operation (for example, the distribution service management unit 210 in FIG. 9). Server system

According to the nineteenth invention, the display unit is divided according to the user's category, and the display unit for special display is divided so that the source of the display based on the outgoing call operation can be easily understood, and the special display can be changed from the display based on the outgoing call operation. It can be easily identified separately and the user experience can be easily obtained.

The figure which shows the configuration example of the content distribution system. The front view which shows the configuration example of a user terminal. The figure for demonstrating the structure of the viewing screen for viewing content. The figure which shows the display example of the pop-up which is displayed at the time of the assignment change operation. The figure for explaining the new added value that a delivery service has. The figure for demonstrating the example which is judged to be relevant. The figure for demonstrating the example of the content difference of privilege control according to the number of chains. The viewing screen figure which shows the example which informs the user that the call-out combo is generated and the privilege control is executed. A functional block diagram showing an example of functional configuration of a distribution server system. The figure which shows the example of the program and data which the server storage part stores. The figure which shows the data structure example of the image definition data for transmission. The figure which shows the data structure example of the relevance certification condition definition data. The figure which shows the data structure example of the scale requirement definition data. The figure which shows the data structure example of privilege definition data. The figure which shows the data structure example of the avatar display change definition data. The figure which shows the data structure example of the combo occurrence notification definition data. The figure which shows the data structure example of the provided user registration data. The figure which shows the data structure example of the user management data. The figure which shows the data structure example of distribution management data. The functional block diagram which shows the functional composition example of the user terminal which becomes a viewing terminal. The functional block diagram which shows the functional composition example of the user terminal which becomes a provision terminal. A flowchart for explaining a flow of processing related to live distribution by one streaming format in a distribution server system. The flowchart which continues from FIG. The flowchart which continues from FIG. A flowchart for explaining the flow of processing related to viewing content on a user terminal serving as a viewing terminal. The flowchart which continues from FIG. The flowchart which continues from FIG. A flowchart for explaining the flow of processing in a user terminal serving as a providing terminal. The figure which shows the display example of the chat screen when applied to the chat function of the social networking service.

Hereinafter, examples of embodiments of the present invention will be described, but it goes without saying that the embodiments to which the present invention can be applied are not limited to the following embodiments.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a content distribution system to which the present invention is applied. The content distribution system 1000 is a computer system that provides a distribution service for enjoying content by an unspecified number of people at the same time, and is a distribution server system 1100 connected to enable data communication with each other via a communication line 9, and a plurality of users. Includes terminals 1500 (1500a, 1500b, ...).

The communication line 9 means a communication path capable of data communication. That is, the communication line 9 includes a telephone communication network, a cable network, a communication network such as the Internet, as well as a LAN (Local Area Network) using a dedicated line (dedicated cable) for direct connection and Ethernet (registered trademark). It is meaningful, and the communication method may be wired or wireless.

The distribution server system 1100 distributes the content including at least the video provided from the user terminal 1500T of the providing user 2t to the user terminal 1500 (1500a, 1500b, ...) Of each viewing user 2 (2a, 2b, ...). It is a computer system that realizes a content distribution system, and is a server that displays and controls a screen for displaying based on a transmission operation input by each viewing user on a user terminal 1500 (1500a, 1500b, ...) Of each viewing user. It is a system.

Specifically, the distribution server system 1100 has a main body device 1101, a keyboard 1106, a touch panel 1108, and a storage 1140, and the main body device 1101 is equipped with a control board 1150.

The control board 1150 is equipped with various microprocessors such as CPU (Central Processing Unit) 1151, GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) and DSP (Digital Signal Processor), various IC memory 1152 such as VRAM, RAM and ROM, and communication device 1153. Has been done. A part or all of the control board 1150 may be realized by an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or a SoC (System on a Chip).

Then, in the distribution server system 1100, the control board 1150 performs arithmetic processing based on a predetermined program and data.
1) User management function related to user registration, etc.
2) Content distribution function and
3) A user transmission service function that distributes texts and images transmitted (also called posts) from the user terminal 1500, and
4) An online shopping function that enables online purchase of outgoing images that can be sent (posted) using the user outgoing service function, and
To realize. Of course, a configuration that can realize functions other than these is also possible. For example, a social networking service function and a chat function as a part thereof may be realized.

The distribution function in the present embodiment is the viewing user 2 (2a, 2a, which is a user who has acquired content data for distribution such as video data from the user terminal 1500T of the providing user 2t who is the user who provides the content and registered the viewer. This is a so-called streaming distribution function that distributes the acquired content data to the user terminals 1500 (1500a, 1500b, ...) Of 2b, ...) in a format that allows viewing while downloading the acquired content data. Of course, it may be realized by other distribution formats.

The user transmission service function transmits texts and images transmitted from the user terminal 1500 (1500a, 1500b ...) Of the viewing user 2 (2a, 2b ...) to the user terminal 1500 (1500a ...) of the viewing user 2 (2a, 2b ...). 1500b ...) And the user terminal 1500T of the providing user 2t, and display a reflection display reflecting the content transmitted at the delivery destination.

Although the distribution server system 1100 is described as a single unit, it may be configured such that a plurality of blade servers sharing each function are mounted and connected to each other via an internal bus so that data communication is possible. Alternatively, a configuration may be configured in which a plurality of independent servers installed at remote locations perform data communication via the communication line 9 to function as the distribution server system 1100 as a whole.

The user terminal 1500 (1500a, 1500b, ..., 1500T) is a computer system used by the user 2 (2a, 2b, ..., 2t), and by changing the program to be executed, the multimedia provided for distribution can be provided. It will function as a providing terminal to be created or a viewing terminal that enables viewing of distributed contents. In the example of FIG. 1, the user terminal 1500T corresponds to the providing terminal, and the user terminals 1500a and 1500b correspond to the viewing terminal. The user terminal 1500 of the present embodiment is a device called a so-called smartphone, but may be a portable game device, a personal computer, a tablet computer, a wearable computer, or the like.

FIG. 2 is a front view showing a configuration example of the user terminal 1500 according to the present embodiment.
The user terminal 1500 includes a direction input key 1502, a button switch 1504, a touch panel 1506 that functions as an image display device and a contact position input device, a speaker 1510, a built-in battery 1509, a microphone 1512, an image sensor module 1520, and the like. It includes a control board 1550 and a memory card reader 1542 capable of reading and writing data from a memory card 1540 which is a computer-readable storage medium. In addition, a power button, a volume control button, etc. (not shown) are provided. Further, an IC card reader capable of reading and writing data in a non-contact manner with respect to an IC card type credit card or a prepaid card capable of paying for game play may be provided.

The control board 1550 is used for wireless communication with various microprocessors such as CPU 1551, GPU, and DSP, various IC memories 1552 such as VRAM, RAM, and ROM, and a mobile phone base station or wireless LAN base station connected to the communication line 9. It is equipped with a wireless communication module 1553, an interface circuit 1557, and the like.

The interface circuit 1557 includes a driver circuit of the touch panel 1506, a circuit for receiving signals from the direction input key 1502 and the button switch 1504, an output amplifier circuit for outputting an audio signal to the speaker 1510, and an audio signal collected by the microphone 1512. It includes an input signal generation circuit to be generated, a circuit for inputting image data of an image taken by the image sensor module 1520, a signal input / output circuit to a memory card reader 1542, and the like.

These elements mounted on the control board 1550 are electrically connected via a bus circuit or the like, and are connected so as to be able to read / write data and send / receive signals. A part or all of the control board 1550 may be configured by ASIC, FPGA, or SoC.
Then, the control board 1550 stores a moving image providing program for realizing the function as a providing terminal, a viewing program for realizing the function as a viewing terminal, and various data in the IC memory 1552.

In the present embodiment, the user terminal 1500 is a program (for example, a providing terminal program that enables creation and provision of content, a viewing terminal program that enables viewing of distributed content and transmission of text and images) and the like. Although the configuration is such that various setting data are downloaded from the distribution server system 1100, it may be configured to be read from a storage medium such as a separately obtained memory card 1540.

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of a viewing screen for viewing the content in the present embodiment.
On the user terminal 1500 executing the viewing program, the viewing screen W3 is displayed on the touch panel 1506. The viewing screen W3 is
1) Ancillary information display unit 31 that displays ancillary information declared and set by the providing user regarding the distributed content such as a program title, and
2) A content display unit 32 that displays the distributed content, and
3) General-purpose display unit 33 and
4) Text transmission operation unit 34 for inputting and transmitting text, and
5) Avatar 4 (4a, 4b, ...) Of the viewing user, a reflection display unit 35 that reflects the contents of the transmitted text and image, and a reflection display unit 35.
6) An image transmission operation icon 36 for performing a transmission operation (image transmission operation) of the transmission image 8 and
7) A shopping icon 37 for instantly purchasing the outgoing image 8 online, and
including.

In the content display unit 32, at least content including a video (for example, a live broadcast of a performance or performance by the provider himself / herself, a live broadcast of a game play played by the provider user, an edited version of a recorded game play video, or a provider user Displays the video of the video work that was shot or edited by.

The incidental information displayed by the incidental information display unit 31 may include, for example, a title, a genre, a shooting date and time, a shooting location, information about a subject, a situation description, a message from a providing user, and the like. If the content is a gameplay video, the play content and game status (for example, information on the stage and location being played, information on equipment, names of enemy characters, capture status, remaining time and elapsed time until the stage is cleared) , Available rare item names, etc.) can be included. In the present embodiment, the incidental information is set by the providing user himself / herself before the content is provided, but it may be set by the operator of the distribution service, or if it is a gameplay video, the game being played may be set. It may be automatically acquired from the play information and set.

The general-purpose display unit 33 is an area used without fixing the purpose for various notifications, effect displays, display of the avatar 4, and the like. It is also used as an extended area of the reflection display unit 35.

The text transmission operation unit 34 includes an input field for comment and message text (characters, numbers, symbols), a transmission execution operation icon, and the like.

The reflection display unit 35 displays the avatar 4 of the viewing user 2 who is viewing the content. Then, the text transmitted from the viewing user 2 is displayed in a balloon 5 (5b, 5c, ...) Showing that the user's avatar 4 is speaking. Further, the transmission image 8 transmitted from the viewing user 2 is displayed as appearing as if it pops out from the user's avatar 4 or as if the avatar 4 was taken out. That is, the text and the transmission image 8 are reflected and displayed. The reflection display is displayed in front of the background image.

The image transmission operation icon 36 is a one-touch operation icon that can be assigned an image to be transmitted in advance. With just one touch on the icon, the assigned transmission image 8 will be transmitted (posted).

Although the details will be described later, the transmission image 8 referred to here is an image prepared by the administrator or operator of the content distribution system 1000 of the present embodiment and given to the viewing user 2 for free or for a fee. The viewing user 2 can obtain and purchase the transmission image 8, retain them, and use them for transmission (posting). The transmitted transmission image 8 is consumed from the number of viewing users 2 possessed.

Any type of transmission image 8 currently owned by the viewing user can be assigned to the image transmission operation icon 36.
Specifically, when a predetermined assignment change operation (for example, a two-finger touch operation to the icon) is performed, the pop-up display W4 as shown in FIG. 4 is displayed on the viewing screen W3. On the pop-up display W4, transmission images 8 (8a, 8b, ...) Owned by the viewing user 2 are displayed together with the number of possessed images for each type. The viewing user 2 can touch any one of them to set the assignment to the image transmission operation icon 36. A check mark 40 indicating a selected state is attached and displayed on the display of the currently assigned transmission image 8.
Although the same operation icon is located at the same position on the viewing screen W3, different transmission operations can be performed by changing the assigned transmission image 8.

The type of the transmission image 8 can be appropriately set. Not limited to a still image, an image with a change such as an animated GIF may be used. The transmission image 8 is basically designed in various ways so as to be an item for communication between the viewing users 2. Among them are messages that evaluate the content you are watching (for example, like, no good, funny, uninteresting, amazing, cool, ...), support for the users who provide it, and messages of envy (for example, do your best, Includes an outgoing image 8 with a design that shows the caller's default intent (eg, like, funny, etc. rating message, cheering, do your best, ...), calm down ...). ..

When the image transmission operation icon 36 is operated while the transmission image 8 of the design including such a message or intention display is assigned, the operation is to perform a message transmission operation or a default transmission operation indicating a default intention display. become.

For example, the transmission image 8 assigned to the image transmission operation icon 36 can be a graphic figure having a natural object such as a flower or a star as a motif, such as transmission images 8a, 8b, and 8c. It is preferable to send flowers and stars at the timing of favorable intention display such as joy, fun, and thinking about the object. In addition, it may be a graphic figure with a large-sized text as a motif that cannot be displayed in the text. It is also possible to prepare a series (for example, a spring flower series, a summer flower series, etc.) with a plurality of types of transmission images 8 having the same shape but different sizes and color schemes.

Further, as the transmission image 8 assigned to the image transmission operation icon 36, some item (in the example of FIG. 4, a star is attached to the tip of the stick and held in the hand) such as the transmission images 8d and 8e. It can be a content with cheering goods that are used by shaking it, or an image in which the character is performing some action (for example, throwing kiss, laughing, disappointing, etc.). Even if you have the same item, you can make it different if the character is different. Also, even if the same action is performed, different characters can be used for different types.

Further, as the transmission image 8 assigned to the image transmission operation icon 36, an image including a word or a word in the image, such as the transmission image 8f, is also possible. The character may be represented with a balloon and designed as if the character were speaking the word or word. Of course, the word or wording may be an onomatopoeia like a manga sound effect expression. For example, it is possible to create an image in which a character that looks surprised is accompanied by the characters "Giku!", And a character that looks excited is added with the characters "Waku Waku!".

Further, although the transmission image 8 (8a, 8b, ...) Of the present embodiment is prepared in advance by the operator of the distribution service, it may be configured so that the image created by the user can be used. .. Of course, it is not limited to graphic design, illustrations, and fonts, and live-action images may be used.

As shown in FIG. 3, the viewing screen W3 of the video distribution service of the present embodiment arranges and displays the avatars 4 (4a, 4b, ...) Of the viewing user 2, which is much smaller than that, in front of the large content display unit 32. It is laid out so that it provides the user with an atmosphere as if they were gathering and watching the content.

In addition, by displaying the text transmitted by each viewing user 2 in the balloon 5 of the avatar 4 and reflecting and displaying the transmission image 8 so as to appear and display from the avatar 4, it is as if everyone is watching the content. It creates an atmosphere where you can express your thoughts and talk to your friends. Since the transmission image 8 does not have to be read one by one like a text, it is possible to instantly, symbolically and simply convey what the viewing user 2 feels and thinks. Also, the effect of excitement of the place is greater than that of the text.

In this way, the viewing screen W3 of the present embodiment feels as if the providing user who provides the content for distribution and the viewing user 2 who views the content cooperate to excite one live stage or stage. It is devised so that it is easy to obtain.

Then, in the present embodiment, it is devised to bring a new added value that enhances a sense of unity and solidarity between the viewing users 2 by using the user transmission function of the text or the transmission image 8.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining new added value provided in the distribution service of the present embodiment.
In the present embodiment, when a text or image transmission operation is performed on the user terminal 1500 (1500a, 1500b, ...) Of the viewing user 2 (2a, 2b, ...), Information on when and what was transmitted, that is, the transmission record. Information is stored in the distribution server system 1100. Then, it is transmitted to the user terminals 1500 of all the viewing users 2 who are simultaneously viewing the content via the distribution server system 1100, and is reflected and displayed on each viewing screen W3.

Therefore, the distribution server system 1100 executes privilege control to enhance the viewing atmosphere of the content in response to the occurrence of "outgoing combo (abbreviation of user outgoing combination)" in which outgoing calls from different callers are chained to a predetermined scale or more. do.

The occurrence certification of the outgoing combo is affirmative judgment (certification judgment) when the state that satisfies the chain condition is continued to the extent that the scale requirement is satisfied.

As for the chain condition, when the transmission timing (transmission timing) is continuous and the transmission contents are related, it is determined affirmatively that the chain condition is satisfied.

In the determination of continuity, when the time difference of the transmission timing is equal to or less than the predetermined “continuity recognition time difference Δt”, they are positively determined as “with continuity”.
The continuity certification time difference Δt can be set as appropriate. For example, it is preferable to set around 5 seconds. The continuity certification time difference Δt can be set to a value common to all distribution services, but in the present embodiment, different values are prepared depending on the content such as the genre of the content to be distributed.

The determination of relevance is performed on a plurality of transmission contents determined to be "continuous", and is performed based on the common points of the plurality of transmission contents and the presence / absence of a pattern created by them. In other words, if there is a relationship between the outgoing call operations, it is determined affirmatively as "relevant".

FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an example determined to be related.
FIGS. 6 (1) to 6 (6) show examples of different types that are determined to be related, and show the content (continuity) of the transmission that is determined to have continuity to be determined for relevance. An example of the transmission content) is shown arranged in the order of transmission from left to right. It should be noted that the examples of the contents of the transmitted transmissions arranged and the number thereof are for convenience of illustration, and are not limited to these in actual operation.

As shown in FIGS. 6 (1) to 6 (4), when a plurality of transmitted contents having continuity have a common point, it is determined that they are related.
In the example of FIG. 6 (1), all of them are transmission images 8a, and since the types are common, it is determined that they are related. The common points are not limited to the types of transmission images 8. The color scheme and shape of a plurality of transmission images 8 having continuous transmission contents may be used. In the case of a color scheme, a main color scheme indicating the widest area, a color scheme of a color scheme higher in the order of area occupancy, or the like may be used. As a whole, the conditions of relevance may be determined by paying attention to the common shape of the outer shape such as a round shape, a Δ shape, and a square shape.

You may also pay attention to the commonality of the drawn contents. For example, as shown in FIG. 6 (2), even if the characters drawn in the transmission image 8 are different, but the poses and actions are common, it can be determined that they are related.

As shown in FIG. 6 (3), the characters, poses, and actions are strictly different, but even if the poses and actions have a common theme, it can be determined that they are related. In the example of FIG. 6 (3), since there is something in common in the theme of music performance, it is determined that there is a relevance. If there are three other actions such as "waving a flag", "screaming with a megaphone", and "applause", there is a common theme of "supporting", so it can be judged that they are related. .. Furthermore, if the characters drawn in the transmission image 8 form one group motion as a whole (for example, a wave motion used for cheering at a stadium), it is determined to be relevant. You can also do it.

Furthermore, focusing on the text included in the image, as shown in FIG. 6 (4), it is related even if the meaning and content of the text included in the outgoing image 8 are the same or have a common theme. It can be determined that there is sex. In the example of FIG. 6 (4), all of them mean "cute", so they are considered to be related.

As shown in FIGS. 6 (5) to 6 (6), when the transmitted contents having continuity form a pattern when they are arranged in the order of transmission (outgoing order), or a predetermined combination. When all of them are aligned, it is determined that they are related.

In the example of FIG. 6 (5), although there is nothing in common with all the transmission contents having continuity, the transmission image 8f and the transmission image 8b form a time-series pattern in which transmission images are alternately transmitted in the transmission order. Therefore, it is considered to be relevant. The contents of the time-series pattern that is recognized as relevant can be set as appropriate.

Further, also in the example of FIG. 6 (6), the transmission images 8a, 8b, 8s, and 8t are different types, but since a predetermined "flower" series is formed, it can be determined that they are related. can.

Returning to FIG. 5, the determination of the scale requirement is affirmatively determined when the number of times the chain condition is continuously satisfied (in other words, the number of chains) or the time length reaches the reference value. In the present embodiment, the number of times that the chain condition is continuously satisfied is set to "3 chains or more", but a value of 2 chains or more can be appropriately set. Alternatively, the time length “3 × Δt or more” that continuously satisfies the chain condition may be set by multiplying the number of times of the continuity recognition time difference Δt.

When the scale requirement is satisfied, it is recognized that "outgoing combo has occurred", and the number representing the scale (the number of chains in this embodiment) is "the number of combos" and "the number of combos". Then, when the outgoing combo occurs, the privilege control is executed.

The content of the privilege control can be set as appropriate. In the present embodiment, a viewing screen that grants benefits to the viewing user 2 and the providing user (for example, granting items, coupons, lottery tickets, points, etc.), and makes the background applied to the viewing screen W3 special. Contents such as displaying a special effect on W3 and generating a special event (for example, a specific transmission image 8 can be used free of charge for a certain period of time) are set.

Then, as shown in FIG. 6, the contents of the privilege control are assigned different contents according to the conditions for determining the relevance. “Bonus A1”, “Bonus A2”, etc. in FIG. 6 correspond to this. In other words, the privilege control to be executed changes according to the relevance certification conditions satisfied when it is recognized that the outgoing combo has occurred.

Depending on the content of the privilege control, the content of the privilege control is further different depending on the number of chains, and various privilege controls are performed in the entire content distribution system 1000. For example, as shown in FIG. 7 (1), when the privilege control is the content of granting an item, the number of grants per user to be granted is set to increase as the number of chains increases. There is. Further, as shown in FIG. 7 (2), when a special event occurs, the content of the event is set to be different according to the number of chains.

FIG. 8 is a viewing screen diagram showing an example of notifying the user that the transmission combo has been generated and the privilege control has been executed. When the occurrence of the outgoing combo is confirmed, the display of the special display effect and the notification regarding the grant of the privilege are executed. Specifically, on the viewing screen W8, a special display effect 86 such as a combo generation notification 80, a privilege execution notification 82, and an effect display 84 is displayed on the general-purpose display unit 33. Of course, the setting of the display location is not limited to the general-purpose display unit 33, and may be anywhere in the screen.

The combo generation notification 80 includes the number of chains of outgoing combos, and is set so that the notification content is displayed in different fonts and different sizes according to the number of chains.
The privilege execution notification 82 announces the content of the privilege control being executed.
The effect display 84 displays types according to the number of chained transmission combos and the content of privilege control, and enhances the atmosphere of video viewing.

[Explanation of function configuration]
FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram showing a functional configuration example of the distribution server system 1100 according to the present embodiment. The distribution server system 1100 in the present embodiment includes an operation input unit 100s, a server processing unit 200s, a sound output unit 390s, an image display unit 392s, a communication unit 394s, and a server storage unit 500s.

The operation input unit 100s is a means for inputting various operations for managing the server. The keyboard 1106 of FIG. 1 corresponds to this.

The server processing unit 200s is realized by, for example, a microprocessor such as a CPU or GPU, or an electronic component such as an ASIC or an IC memory, and inputs / outputs data to / from each functional unit including an operation input unit 100s and a server storage unit 500s. Take control. Then, various arithmetic processes are executed based on predetermined programs and data, operation input signals from the operation input unit 100s, data received from the user terminal 1500, and the like, and the operation of the distribution server system 1100 is controlled in an integrated manner. do.

The server processing unit 200s of the present embodiment communicates with the user management unit 202, the online shopping management unit 204, the distribution service management unit 210, the timekeeping unit 280s, the sound generation unit 290s, and the image generation unit 292s. Includes control unit 294s. Of course, functional parts other than these can be included as appropriate.

The user management unit 202 manages the processing related to the user registration procedure and the data of each user associated with the user account. In the present embodiment, the user management unit 202 1) assigns a unique user account to a registered user, 2) manages registration information for registering and managing personal information for each user account, and 3) a billing element (in this embodiment). It has the functions of book management of electronic payment media consumed by payment (online shopping, etc.), usage history management that manages login and logout histories, and 5) creation / editing functions of avatar 4. .. Of course, other data management functions associated with accounts other than these can be included as appropriate.

The online shopping management unit 204 is responsible for controlling online shopping and can be realized by appropriately using known online shopping techniques. In the present embodiment, the viewing user 2 can purchase the transmission image 8 and the like by online shopping. Other than these, the sales target in online shopping can be set as appropriate.

The distribution service management unit 210 performs various processes related to execution management of the video distribution service. Then, the distribution service management unit 210 of the present embodiment performs various processes for realizing the content distribution service (core function of the content providing service). For example, it is possible to execute a content distribution schedule management process, a viewing user management process, a process of acquiring content data for distribution from a providing terminal, a distribution process, and the like. Of course, processing other than these can be included as appropriate.

In the present embodiment, the distribution service management unit 210 includes an avatar display control unit 212, a transmission reflection control unit 214, a chain condition setting unit 216, a scale requirement setting unit 218, and a special display effect control unit 219. It has a privilege control execution unit 220 and a history information display control unit 222. Of course, functional parts other than these may be included as appropriate.

The avatar display control unit 212 controls to display an avatar for each viewing user on the viewing screen. In the present embodiment, this includes distribution of data for displaying an avatar for each viewing user.

The transmission reflection control unit 214 receives from the user terminal (viewing terminal) of the viewer user that a transmission operation for the content being viewed has been input, and displays the reflection display of the transmission operation on the viewing screen of the viewing terminal. Control to display, specifically, for example, control to display the default display body in the viewing screen as a reflection display in which the default transmission operation is performed.

In the present embodiment, the process of receiving the transmission content data together with the transmission request from the viewing terminal, temporarily storing the data, and distributing the transmission content data to all the viewing terminals and the providing terminals corresponds to this. .. Then, in the present embodiment, the viewing terminal side controls the display of the reflection display in which the display body on which the received transmission content is reflected is displayed on the reflection display unit 35 (see FIG. 3). Specifically, the display of text by the balloon 5 and the appearance display of the transmission image 8 correspond to this. That is, the transmission reflection control unit 214 can control the display so that the avatar of the viewing user 2 involved in the transmission operation performs a given action operation.

If the distribution server system 1100 also targets the image itself displayed as the reflection display unit 35 for distribution, the transmission reflection control unit 214 may generate the image.

The chain condition setting unit 216 variably sets the chain condition, which is one of the conditions for certifying the occurrence of the "outgoing combo" in the present embodiment, according to the type of the content to be delivered and the like. When the content to be delivered is a gameplay video, the chain condition can be variably set according to the game situation related to the gameplay video being viewed. Further, when setting the chain condition, the chain condition is set so as to further include the relevance recognition condition for certifying the relevance between the transmission operations input by the plurality of viewing users.

The scale requirement setting unit 218 sets the scale requirement, which is one of the conditions for certifying the occurrence of the "outgoing combo" in the present embodiment, variably according to the type of the content to be delivered. When the content to be delivered is a gameplay video, the scale requirement can be variably set according to the game situation related to the gameplay video being viewed. In addition, when setting the scale requirement, set the scale requirement so that the condition based on the number or time that satisfies the chain condition and the condition based on the number of viewing users who performed the outgoing operation satisfying the chain condition are included. Can be done.

The special display effect control unit 219 continues to satisfy the chain condition including at least the continuity certification condition for certifying the continuity of the transmission operation based on the timing at which the transmission operation is performed, so that the given scale When the requirements are met, a special display effect is executed on the viewing screen. In the present embodiment, the control for displaying the special display effect 86 including the combo generation notification 80, the privilege execution notification 82, and the effect display 84 on the viewing screen W8 (see FIG. 8) of the viewing terminal corresponds to this.

The privilege control execution unit 220 continues to satisfy the chain condition including at least the continuity certification condition for certifying the continuity of the transmission operation based on the timing at which the transmission operation is performed, so that the given scale requirement When the above conditions are satisfied, privilege control for granting a given privilege to the viewing user and / or the providing user is executed. At that time, it is possible to variably control the privilege to be given when the scale requirement is satisfied according to the type of content. Further, when the content to be delivered is a game play video, the privilege to be given can be variably controlled according to the game situation related to the game play video.

The history information display control unit 222 controls to display the history information of the transmission operation for each viewing user on the user terminal.

The timekeeping unit 280s uses the system clock to measure the current date and time, the time limit, and the like.

The sound generation unit 290s is realized by executing an IC or software that generates and decodes voice data, and generates or decodes voice data such as operation sounds and BGM related to system management of the distribution server system 1100 and video distribution. Then, the audio signal related to the system management is output to the sound output unit 390s.

The sound output unit 390s emits an audio signal. In the example of FIG. 1, a speaker (not shown) provided in the main body device 1101 and the touch panel 1108 corresponds to this.

The image generation unit 292s can generate an image or the like related to the system management of the distribution server system 1100. Then, the image related to the system management can be output to the image display unit 392s.

The image display unit 392s displays various images for system management based on the image signal input from the image generation unit 292s. For example, it can be realized by an image display device such as a flat panel display, a cathode ray tube (CRT), a projector, and a head-mounted display. In the example of FIG. 1, the touch panel 1108 corresponds.

The communication control unit 294s executes data processing related to data communication, and realizes data exchange with an external device via the communication unit 394s.

The communication unit 394s connects to the communication line 9 to realize communication. For example, it is realized by a wireless communication device, a modem, a TA (terminal adapter), a jack of a communication cable for wiring, a control circuit, and the like. In the example of FIG. 1, the communication device 1153 corresponds.

The server storage unit 500s stores programs, various data, and the like for realizing various functions for making the server processing unit 200s control the distribution server system 1100 in an integrated manner. Further, it is used as a work area of the server processing unit 200s, and temporarily stores the calculation results and the like executed by the server processing unit 200s according to various programs. This function is realized by, for example, an IC memory such as RAM or ROM, a magnetic disk such as a hard disk, an optical disk such as a CD-ROM or DVD, or online storage. In the example of FIG. 1, the storage medium such as the IC memory 1152 and the hard disk mounted on the main unit 1101 and the storage 1140 correspond to this.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a program and data stored in the server storage unit 500s in the present embodiment. The server storage unit 500s in the present embodiment stores the server program 503, the distribution providing terminal program 505, the distribution viewing terminal program 507, the sales product management data 509, and the distribution service initial setting data 510.

Further, the server storage unit 500s stores the provided user registration data 590, the ranking data 599, the user management data 600, the distribution management data 620, and the current date and time 800 as the data sequentially generated and managed in relation to the distribution. Remember. In addition, information such as timers, counters, and various flags can be stored as appropriate.

The server program 503 is a program for realizing the functions of the user management unit 202, the online shopping management unit 204, and the distribution service management unit 210 by reading and executing the server processing unit 200s (see FIG. 9). ).

The distribution providing terminal program 505 is the original application program downloaded to the user terminal 1500 used as the providing terminal, and by executing this, the user terminal 1500 can function as the providing terminal.
The distribution providing terminal program 505 can also be configured to be included in a game program for executing a game having a live distribution function.

The distribution viewing terminal program 507 is the original application program downloaded to the user terminal 1500 used as the viewing terminal, and by executing this, the user terminal 1500 can function as the viewing terminal.

The sales item management data 509 stores data for defining and managing sales items by online shopping. For example, the data that can be purchased, the number of inventories, and the billing consideration (corresponding to the amount of withdrawal from the payment medium) are stored in association with each other.

The distribution service initial setting data 510 stores various initial setting data for executing the distribution service of the present embodiment. In this embodiment, background data 514, transmission image definition data 520, continuity certification condition definition data 530, relevance certification condition definition data 540, scale requirement definition data 550, privilege definition data 560, and avatar The display change definition data 570 and the combo generation notification definition data 580 are included. Of course, data other than these can be included as appropriate. For example, material data for creating / editing the avatar 4 and material data for displaying various effects can be included.

The background data 514 is image data that can be used as a background image of the viewing screen. In the present embodiment, one type as a default and a plurality of types of data as an option when the background change is executed as privilege control are prepared.

The transmission image definition data 520 is data that defines the transmission image 8.
As shown in FIG. 11, for example, one transmission image definition data 520 reflects and displays the transmission image type 521, the transmission image data 522, the selling price 523, the rarity 524, and the transmission image. Includes the display duration 525 until the display form is changed such as disappearing from, and the avatar control definition data 526 at the time of reflection display. Of course, data other than these can be included as appropriate.

The avatar control definition data 526 at the time of reflection display is a case where special control is performed on the avatar 4 displayed on the viewing screen as the transmission image is reflected and displayed on the reflection display unit 35 of the viewing terminal. Stores the data that defines its control. For example, the outgoing image 8 which is usually set to "no setting" and the selling price 523 is very expensive or the rarity 524 is very high, or the large and gorgeous outgoing image 8 (for example, an oversized image 8 made of a rare flower). When a wreath) is transmitted, it is advisable to store data for causing some surprising action in each of the displayed avatars 4. So to speak, by incorporating reactions other than the sender, it is possible to enrich the virtual experience in which everyone is watching the content and create an atmosphere.

Returning to FIG. 10, the continuity certification condition definition data 530 stores information that defines a condition for determining that temporally adjacent transmission operations by different viewing users have continuity. In this embodiment, the continuity certification time difference Δt (see FIG. 5) is defined. In the present embodiment, the continuity certification condition definition data 530 has only one continuity certification time difference Δt, but when it is desired to change the conditions for certifying continuity according to the content, for example, the genre. , The continuity certification time difference Δt, which differs depending on the selection condition, may be stored in association with each other.

The relevance certification condition definition data 540 stores various data that define the conditions for certifying the relevance.
As shown in FIG. 12, for example, one relevance certification condition definition data 540 includes a unique relevance ID 541, a selection condition 542 that describes a condition for which the definition data is selected and applied, and a relevance certification condition 544. ,including. Of course, data other than these can be included as appropriate.

The selection condition 542 further includes a condition regarding the content which is regarded as ancillary information of the content. In the present embodiment, the genre condition 542a, the providing user condition 542b, the subject condition 542c, and the situation condition 542d are included, and are described as an AND condition or an OR condition thereof.

The genre condition 542a is a condition regarding the genre of the content to be viewed. For example, it is possible to prepare a relevance certification condition that is applied only at the time of "game play live".

The providing user condition 542b is a condition for information about the providing user. For example, conditions for user account, user history, age, gender, player level and title in a specific game title, ranking ranking of popularity ranking in distribution service, and degree can be set.

The subject condition 542c is a condition for the main subject of the content to be viewed. For example, the providing user himself, a child, an animal, a dish, a car, a team, a game character, and the like. Their proper names can also be included in the condition. In that case, a plurality of proper names may be defined as an AND condition or an OR condition.

The status condition 542d is a condition regarding the status of the content to be viewed. Information about the situation is also included in the information incidental to the content provided by the providing user. For example, "I tried playing (song title)" "I tried dancing (ending of the program name)" "Opening (product name)" "Clearing the difficult stage of (game title)" "(game title) 4th "Stage boss character capture", etc. Therefore, the situation condition 542d can be defined by setting the keywords included in them.

Further, the selection condition 542 has continuity with the viewing user number condition 542e, which is a condition for the number of viewing users at that time, and the combo occurrence number condition 542f, which is a condition for the number of outgoing combos certified to occur so far. Includes a continuous number condition of 542 g, which is a condition for the number of plurality of transmissions determined to have.

It should be noted that these conditions (genre condition 542a to continuous number condition 542g) included in the selection condition 542 may be "no setting".

The relevance recognition condition 544 is described as an AND condition or an OR condition of the common point condition 544a and the combination condition 544b. Any of these conditions included in the relevance certification condition 544 may include "no setting".

The common point condition 544a defines a requirement that should be common to the transmission image 8 and the text, which are the transmission contents of a plurality of transmissions having continuity. For example, it is possible to set the type of the transmission image 8, the common text included (drawn) in the transmission image 8, the main color scheme, the list of subject types recognized as common, and the like. The main color scheme can be applied not only to the transmitted image 8 but also to the font color of the transmitted text.

The combination condition 544b defines a combination of transmission images 8 and texts, which are transmission contents of a plurality of transmissions having continuity. For example, a list of types of outgoing image 8, a list of the main color schemes of the outgoing image 8, a list of texts (drawn) contained in the outgoing image 8, a combination of combat characters in the transmitted text, etc. The type of the transmission image 8 and the combination of texts, etc., and the transmission order thereof can be included in the definition.

More specifically, for example, assuming that there is a series of transmission images 8 titled "Four Seasons Flowers", if a list of types of transmission images 8 constituting the series is defined, the four seasons flowers can be obtained. By arranging them in chronological order as a reflection display, it is possible to define the conditions that are recognized as relevant. Further, if the constituent colors of the rainbow are set in the list of the main color schemes so that the transmission order is the same as their arrangement order in the rainbow, the transmitted transmission image 8 (continuity) is considered to have continuity. Whatever is drawn in the transmission operation group), it is possible to define the condition for recognizing the relevance as long as it constitutes the same color scheme as the rainbow when arranged in the order of transmission.

Returning to FIG. 10, the scale requirement definition data 550 stores data that defines a condition (scale requirement) regarding the scale of continuous transmission, which is required to recognize the occurrence of the transmission combo. One scale requirement definition data 550 includes a unique scale requirement ID 551, a selection condition 552, and a number of requirements 553, as shown in FIG. 13, for example. Of course, data other than these can be included as appropriate.

The selection condition 552 is configured in the same manner as the selection condition 542 (see FIG. 12) of the relevance certification condition definition data 540.

The requirement number 553 is a value that defines the scale that satisfies the chain condition in the present embodiment and continues. In this embodiment, a reference number of a plurality of transmissions found to be continuous and related is defined. It may be defined by multiplying the continuity certification time difference Δt (see FIG. 5) by the requirement number 553 and defining it as the length of the duration.

Returning to FIG. 10, the privilege definition data 560 is prepared for each content of the privilege control executed when the occurrence of the transmission combo is recognized, and stores various data defining the privilege control.
For example, FIG. 14 is a diagram listing typical examples of privilege definition data 560 having different contents. Of course, the content of the privilege definition data 560 is not limited to these. One privilege definition data 560 includes a unique privilege ID 561, an application relevance ID list 562, a privilege execution notification material 563, and privilege execution data 564.

In the example of FIG. 14 (1), the privilege execution notification material 563 is set to "divide the items by the viewing user", and the privilege execution data 564 includes the item data that defines the item to be assigned and the number of grants. Contains functions for setting. The function includes the number of chains in one of the variables.

In the example of FIG. 14 (2), the privilege execution notification material 563 is set as a "gift to the providing user", and the privilege execution data 564 includes the definition data of the present product and the information for setting the number of gifts. Is stored. The number of grants may be the number of chains.

In the example of FIG. 14 (3), the privilege execution notification material 563 is set to "background change" for changing the background of the reflection display unit 35 of the viewing screen W3 (see FIG. 3), and is set in the privilege execution data 564. Stores the background data to be changed or the identification information of the data.

In the example of FIG. 14 (4), the privilege execution notification material 563 is set to "event occurrence", and the privilege execution data 564 includes data for executing the event, a function for determining the event occurrence probability, and the like. It is stored. The content of the event can be set as appropriate. For example, the content may be such that the "fever state" of transmission can be enjoyed by all the viewing users so that any number of special transmission images 8 can be continuously transmitted for a certain period of time for free. It is preferable that the event occurrence probability is set so that the larger the number of chains, the more likely it is to occur.

The content of the privilege can be set as appropriate in addition to these. By preparing a variety of privilege contents, it is possible to encourage more active transmission to viewing users while preventing rut.

Returning to FIG. 10, the avatar display change definition data 570 stores various data defining the contents of changing the display of the avatar 4 according to the transmission performance of the viewing user 2.
For example, as shown in FIG. 15, the avatar display change definition data 570 stores the change condition 571, which is a condition for carrying out the change, the change destination position 572, the size 573, and the additional change 574 in association with each other. do.

The change condition 571 uses a content that changes according to the transmission performance of the viewing user 2. In the present embodiment, "Condition A: Among the viewing users 2 who are watching at that time, the number of used images 8 for transmission corresponds to the top 5" "Condition B: Viewing users who are watching at that time" Of 2, the total price of the transmitted image 8 used, which corresponds to the top 5 people, and "condition A and condition B" are included. Of course, contents other than these can be set as conditions.

The change destination position 572 defines the change destination of the position displayed by the avatar 4. In the present embodiment, a plurality of positions (for example, S position, A position, B position, ...) Are set in a relative positional relationship with respect to the content display unit 32 (see FIG. 3) in the same manner as the stage or the audience seat rank of the stage. is doing. The change destination position 572 is set to a position closer to the content display unit 32 and closer to the front than the change condition 571, which is difficult to achieve. In other words, it is set to be a more prominent position in the viewing screen. Normally, the avatar 4 is automatically arranged on the reflection display unit 35 (see FIG. 3) to the extent that it does not overlap, but when the viewing user 2 makes more and more transmissions, the avatar 4 of the viewing user 2 is displayed on the viewing screen. The placement position is changed to a more prominent position. There may be a setting of "no change".

The size 573 defines the display size of the avatar 4. In the present embodiment, the standard display size is set to "small" and is set to be changed to "medium", "large", and "extra large" according to the change condition 571. There may be a setting of "no change".

The addition / change 574 defines the contents to be added / changed other than the change of the display position and the change of the display size. For example, it may be possible to set an attached display of a special additional display object. Avatar 4 may be made to perform a special action.

It can be said that the avatar 4 of the viewing user 2 who has a high transmission record is a key player who is actively trying to liven up the atmosphere of the place where everyone is watching the distribution. Therefore, for the avatar 4 of the corresponding viewing user 2, the display position, display size, and the like are changed to give an apparent preferential treatment in the viewing screen. In addition, the preferential treatment can encourage positive transmission to other viewing users 2.

Returning to FIG. 10, the combo generation notification definition data 580 is prepared for each situation in which the occurrence of the transmission combo is notified to the viewing user 2 and the like, and stores various data defining the method and contents of the notification.
One combo generation notification definition data 580 stores the application relevance ID list 581 and the notification material data 582, as shown in FIG. 16, for example.

The application relevance ID list 581 is a condition to which the definition data is applied and defines the type of relevance that should be satisfied when the occurrence of the outgoing combo is recognized.
The notification material data 582 includes material data (image data or text), font type, display size, display position, combo generation notification 80, privilege execution notification 82, and effect display 84 displayed on the viewing screen W8 (see FIG. 8). Stores display time, etc. The display position is not limited to the general-purpose display unit 33, and can be appropriately set to be the outer periphery of the viewing screen or the background.

Returning to FIG. 10, the provided user registration data 590 is special registration data prepared for each experienced person of the provided user among the registered users. One provided user registration data 590 includes, for example, a user account 591, distribution material data 592, and cumulative boom points 593, as shown in FIG.

The distribution material data 592 is prepared for each distribution material provided by the providing user, and stores unique distribution titles, content data, incidental information, and the like. In the case of non-live distribution, it will be prepared in advance according to the providing operation of the providing user. In the case of live distribution, distribution data received from the providing terminal may be sequentially stored as content data during distribution.

The cumulative boom point 593 is a cumulative value of boom points, which is an index value indicating the degree of excitement and the degree of popularity when the distribution is regarded as one program, stage, or stage. The liveliness points are given according to the number of transmissions of the viewing user 2, the number of viewing users 2, the total viewing time, and the like. Ranking data 599 (see FIG. 10) is determined by the accumulated boom points.

Returning to FIG. 10, the user management data 600 is prepared for each registered user and stores various data associated with the account, which is unique identification information. In the present embodiment, for example, as shown in FIG. 18, one user management data 600 includes a unique user account 601, a payment medium book data 602, an avatar setting data 603, and an image management data 604 for possession transmission. Includes outgoing log data 610. Of course, data other than these can be included as appropriate.

The payment medium book data 602 includes the amount of replenishment / consumption of the payment medium for electronic payment (for example, virtual currency, in-service currency, specific item) associated with the user, the reason for replenishment / consumption, and the date and time of change. It is a so-called book that stores the information of and in association with each other. It can be read as billing history data or billing history information.

The avatar setting data 603 stores the setting data of the user's avatar 4 (see FIG. 3).

The possessed transmission image management data 604 is prepared for each type of transmission image 8 possessed by the user, and various data describing the latest possession state of the transmission image 8 are stored. For example, the type of transmission image 8 and the number of possessed images are included. Of course, data other than these, such as the expiration date, can be included as appropriate.

The transmission log data 610 is created every time the user performs a transmission operation as a viewing user 2. One transmission log data 610 stores, for example, the transmission date and time, the transmission target distribution title, the user account of the transmission target providing user, and the transmission content. Of course, data other than these can be included as appropriate.

Returning to FIG. 10, the distribution management data 620 is prepared for each distribution and stores various data describing the distribution status. As shown in FIG. 19, for example, one distribution management data 620 includes a distribution title 621, a distribution schedule 622, content data 623, incidental information 624, viewing user management data 630, background data 632, and an avatar display. It includes management data 634, transmission record data 636, chain condition setting data 640, application scale requirement 648, chain number 650, and combo occurrence number 652. Of course, data other than these can be included as appropriate.

The viewing user management data 630 is prepared for each viewing user 2 and is stored until the viewing is completed. One viewing user management data 630 includes a user account, viewing terminal access information which is information for starting a communication line 9 and making a communication connection to the viewing terminal of the viewing user 2 (for example, an IP address), and viewing. Stores the start date and time and the viewing end date and time. When the same viewing user 2 views the video at intervals, the viewing start date and time and the viewing end date and time are stored each time.

The background data 632 defines the background of the viewing screen W3.

The avatar display management data 634 is prepared for each avatar of the viewing user 2 during viewing, and stores various data describing the latest display state. One avatar display management data 634 stores the user account of the viewing user 2, the avatar data, the arrangement position coordinates, the display field size, and the appendage data. Of course, data other than these can be included as appropriate.

The transmission record data 636 is created every time the viewing user 2 makes a transmission operation on the viewing terminal.
One transmission record data 636 includes a user account of the viewing user 2 who is the caller, a transmission timing, and transmission content data. In the case of text transmission, the transmission content data includes text such as a message, font, size, and the like. In the case of image transmission, transmission image data 522, display duration 525, and reflection display avatar control definition data 526 are included (see FIG. 11). Of course, data other than these can also be included in the transmission record data 636.

The chain condition setting data 640 includes the application continuity certification condition definition data 641 and the application relevance certification condition definition data 642.
In the present embodiment, since the continuity certification condition is fixed, the continuity certification condition definition data 530 (see FIG. 10) is copied to the applied continuity certification condition definition data 641, but it is selected from a plurality of candidates. In that case, the selected condition data or its identification information is stored.
The application relevance certification condition definition data 642 stores the relevance ID 541 of the definition data in which the selection condition 542 is satisfied among the relevance certification condition definition data 540 (see FIG. 12) having a plurality of types.

The applicable scale requirement 648 stores the setting result of the scale requirement. In the present embodiment, the number of requirements 553 of the definition data that meets the selection condition 552 is copied from the plurality of scale requirement definition data 550 (see FIG. 13).

The number of chains 650 is updated every time the continuity is determined, and the number of transmissions determined to satisfy the continuity is stored. At the time of update, it actually simply indicates the continuous number, but when it is determined that the relevance is satisfied, it indicates the number of times the chain condition is continued, that is, the number of combos. become.

The initial value of the combo occurrence number 652 at the start of distribution is "0", and is increased by "1" each time the occurrence of the outgoing combo is recognized.

FIG. 20 is a functional block diagram showing a functional configuration example of a user terminal 1500 (1500a, 1500b, ...) Which is a viewing terminal in the present embodiment. The user terminal 1500 to be a viewing terminal includes an operation input unit 100, an image pickup unit 102, a terminal processing unit 200, a sound output unit 390, an image display unit 392, a communication unit 394, and a terminal storage unit 500. ..

The operation input unit 100 outputs an operation input signal corresponding to various operation inputs made by the user to the terminal processing unit 200. For example, it can be realized by a push switch, a joystick, a touch pad, a trackball, an accelerometer, a gyro, a CCD module, or the like. The direction input key 1502, the button switch 1504, and the touch panel 1506 in FIG. 2 correspond to this.

The image pickup unit 102 receives the light from the image pickup target, converts it into an electric signal, generates digital image data, and outputs the digital image data to the terminal processing unit 200. For example, it is realized by a lens, a mechanical shutter, a shutter driver, a photoelectric conversion element such as a CCD image sensor module or a CMOS image sensor module, a digital signal processor (DSP) that reads the amount of electric charge from the photoelectric conversion element and generates image data, and an IC memory. Ru. The image sensor module 1520 of FIG. 2 corresponds to this.

The terminal processing unit 200 is realized by, for example, a microprocessor such as a CPU or GPU and an electronic component such as an IC memory, and controls input / output of data with each functional unit including an operation input unit 100 and a terminal storage unit 500. conduct. Then, various arithmetic processes are executed based on predetermined programs and data, operation input signals from the operation input unit 100, and various data received from the distribution server system 1100 to control the operation of the user terminal 1500 as a viewing terminal. do. The control board 1550 of FIG. 2 corresponds to this. The terminal processing unit 200 of the viewing terminal in the present embodiment includes a viewing terminal calculation unit 260, a timing unit 280, a sound generation unit 290, and a communication control unit 294.

The viewing terminal calculation unit 260 includes an operation signal transmission control unit 261 and a viewing screen display control unit 262.

The operation signal transmission control unit 261 executes a process for transmitting various data and requests to the distribution server system 1100 in response to an operation performed on the operation input unit 100.

The viewing screen display control unit 262 controls to display the viewing screens W3 (see FIG. 3) and W8 (see FIG. 8) based on various data received from the distribution server system 1100.

The sound generation unit 290 is realized by, for example, a digital signal processor (DSP), a processor such as a voice synthesis IC, an audio codec capable of playing a voice file, and the like, and is used for displaying the sound of the content to be viewed and the transmission content of the viewing user. Sound signals of the effect sound, BGM, and various operation sounds are generated and output to the sound output unit 390.

The sound output unit 390 is realized by a device that outputs sound effects, BGM, and the like based on the sound signal input from the sound generation unit 290. The speaker 1510 in FIG. 2 corresponds to this.

The image display unit 392 displays various game images based on the image signal input from the viewing screen display control unit 262. For example, it can be realized by an image display device such as a flat panel display, a cathode ray tube (CRT), a projector, and a head-mounted display. In this embodiment, the touch panel 1506 of FIG. 2 corresponds to this.

The communication control unit 294 executes data processing related to data communication, and realizes data exchange with an external device via the communication unit 394. The communication unit 394 connects to the communication line 9 to realize communication. For example, it is realized by a wireless communication device, a modem, a TA (terminal adapter), a jack of a communication cable for wiring, a control circuit, and the like, and the wireless communication module 1553 of FIG. 2 corresponds to this.

The terminal storage unit 500 stores in the terminal processing unit 200 a program for realizing various functions for controlling the user terminal 1500 as a viewing terminal in an integrated manner, various data, and the like. Further, it is used as a work area of the terminal processing unit 200, and temporarily stores the calculation result executed by the terminal processing unit 200 according to various programs, the input data input from the operation input unit 100, and the like. Such a function is realized by, for example, an IC memory such as RAM or ROM, a magnetic disk such as a hard disk, an optical disk such as a CD-ROM or DVD, or the like. The IC memory 1552 and the memory card 1540 mounted on the control board 1550 of FIG. 2 correspond to this.

The terminal storage unit 500 of the viewing terminal stores the viewing terminal program 504, the received distribution data group 700, the transmission image allocation setting 708, and the reflection display management data 710. Of course, programs and data other than these can be stored as appropriate.

The viewing terminal program 504 is application software for realizing the function as the viewing terminal calculation unit 260 by being read and executed by the terminal processing unit 200. In the present embodiment, it is a copy of the distribution viewing terminal program 507 (see FIG. 10) provided by the distribution server system 1100.

The received distribution data group 700 stores various distribution data received from the distribution server system 1100 in relation to distribution. In the present embodiment, the avatar display management data 704 and the possessed transmission image management data 706 are stored. The possessed transmission image management data 706 is copied with the possessed transmission image management data 604 (see FIG. 18) when the user logs in or when the viewing user is registered.

The transmission image allocation setting 708 indicates the allocation of the transmission image 8 to the image transmission operation icon 36 (see FIG. 3). Specifically, the transmission image type and the like of the assigned transmission image 8 are stored.

The reflection display management data 710 is created every time the viewing user 2 performs a reflection display of the transmission operation, and stores various data related to the display management. One reflection display management data 710 stores transmission content data, a display position, a display size, a display start date and time, and a display duration. Of course, data other than these can be included as appropriate.

FIG. 21 is a functional block diagram showing a functional configuration example of the user terminal 1500 (1500T) which is the providing terminal in the present embodiment. The user terminal 1500 serving as a providing terminal includes an operation input unit 100, an image pickup unit 102, a terminal processing unit 200, a sound output unit 390, an image display unit 392, a communication unit 394, and a terminal storage unit 500. ..

The terminal processing unit 200 is realized by, for example, a microprocessor such as a CPU or GPU and an electronic component such as an IC memory, and controls input / output of data with each functional unit including an operation input unit 100 and a terminal storage unit 500. conduct. Then, various arithmetic processes are executed based on predetermined programs and data, operation input signals from the operation input unit 100, and various data received from the distribution server system 1100 to control the operation of the user terminal 1500 as a providing terminal. do. The terminal processing unit 200 of the providing terminal in the present embodiment includes a providing terminal calculation unit 270, a timing unit 280, a sound generation unit 290, and a communication control unit 294.

The providing terminal calculation unit 270 includes an operation signal transmission control unit 272, a content provision control unit 274, and an operation screen display control unit 276.

The operation signal transmission control unit 272 executes a process for transmitting various data and requests to the distribution server system 1100 in response to the operation performed to the operation input unit 100.

The content provision control unit 274 performs processing related to generation of content data for distribution and control of provision to the distribution server system 1100. In the case of live distribution, the function as a live streaming encoder that encodes the images taken by the imaging unit 102 one by one and controls them to the distribution server system 1100 is realized.

The operation screen display control unit 276 controls to display the operation screen as the providing terminal.

The terminal storage unit 500 stores in the terminal processing unit 200 a program for realizing various functions for controlling the user terminal 1500 as a viewing terminal in an integrated manner, various data, and the like. Further, it is used as a work area of the terminal processing unit 200, and temporarily stores the calculation result executed by the terminal processing unit 200 according to various programs, the input data input from the operation input unit 100, and the like. Such a function is realized by, for example, an IC memory such as RAM or ROM, a magnetic disk such as a hard disk, an optical disk such as a CD-ROM or DVD, or the like. The IC memory 1552 and the memory card 1540 mounted on the control board 1550 of FIG. 2 correspond to this.

The terminal storage unit 500 of the providing terminal includes the providing terminal program 506, the received distribution data group 700, the distribution title 720 at the time of registration, the distribution schedule 722 at the time of registration, the incidental information 724 at the time of registration, and the content data 726 for provision. , Outgoing combo occurrence statistical data 728 and current date and time 800 are stored. Of course, programs and data other than these can be stored as appropriate.

The provided terminal program 506 is application software for realizing the function as the provided terminal arithmetic unit 270 by being read and executed by the terminal processing unit 200. In the present embodiment, it is a copy of the distribution providing terminal program 505 (see FIG. 10) provided by the distribution server system 1100.

The received distribution data group 700 stores various distribution data received from the distribution server system 1100.

The registration-time distribution title 720, the registration-time distribution schedule 722, and the registration-time incidental information 724 each store information declared and set when the distribution registration procedure is performed as a providing user.

The content data 726 for provision is the original data of the content for distribution.

The outgoing combo occurrence statistical data 728 is statistical data of information on the notification of the outgoing combo occurrence distributed from the distribution server system 1100. For example, the cumulative number of outgoing combos since the start of distribution, the average number of combos, the maximum number of combos, and the like. The statistical contents can be set as appropriate.
The statistical data is displayed on the provision screen, which is a monitor screen and an operation input screen displayed while the content is being provided.

[Explanation of operation]
Next, the operation of the content distribution system 1000 will be described.
First, FIGS. 22 to 24 are flowcharts for explaining the flow of processing related to live distribution in one streaming format in the distribution server system 1100. The processing flow described here is realized by the server processing unit 200s executing the server program 503. It is assumed that the distribution title and the distribution schedule have already been set in advance according to the distribution registration procedure by the providing user. In addition, it is assumed that the viewing terminal of the viewing user has been separately logged in.

As shown in FIG. 22, the distribution server system 1100 first initializes the distribution management data 620 (see FIG. 19) created when the providing user registers the distribution title and the distribution schedule (step S100).

That is, the distribution title 621, the distribution schedule 622, and the incidental information 624 are set according to the distribution registration procedure. Since the content data 623 is live distribution, it is not stored until the distribution starts. If it is not live distribution, the data of the contents prepared in advance will be stored.

The viewing user management data 630 and the avatar display management data 634 are not set until the viewing request is received from the viewing terminal. The initial value of the background data 632 is set so that a predetermined background is displayed. The transmission record data 636 and the chain condition setting data 640 are not stored at this point. The number of chains 650 and the number of combo occurrences 652 are initialized to "0".

Next, the distribution server system 1100 starts distribution of the background data 632, the avatar display management data 634, the transmission record data 636, and the like to the viewing terminal based on the viewing user management data 630 (step S102). The distribution timing may be a predetermined cycle, or may be distributed each time a new viewing user is registered or the target data is added / deleted / updated.

In addition, free distribution of the predetermined transmission image 8 to the viewing user is started (step S104). For example, the transmission image is given free of charge every time the viewing time elapses for a certain period of time. Along with this, the image management data 604 for holding and transmitting the viewing user is updated, so that the distribution server system 1100 distributes the updated image management data for holding and transmitting 604 for each viewing user.

Next, the distribution server system 1100 determines whether or not a viewing request has been received (step S110).
A viewing request is made from the viewing terminal to the distribution server system 1100 when a predetermined viewing operation is performed after the viewing user selects a distribution title to be viewed on the user terminal 1500 (1500a, 1500b, ...) Which is functioning as a viewing terminal. It is sent together with information such as the user account.

Then, when the distribution server system 1100 receives the viewing request (YES in step S110), the distribution server system 1100 newly creates the viewing user management data 630 (see FIG. 19), registers the user who requested the viewing as a viewing user, and newly creates the viewing user. The avatar display management data 634 is created so that the user's avatar 4 is displayed on the viewing screen (step S112). Then, since a new avatar has been added, the placement positions of all avatars are updated so as to be dispersed as much as possible so that the avatars of the viewing users do not overlap each other on the reflection display unit 35 (see FIG. 3) of the viewing screen. (Step S114).

Since the distribution of the avatar display management data 634 has been started in step S102 as described above, the avatar display management data 634 whose placement position has been updated is also distributed to the viewing terminal. In the viewing terminal, the display position of each avatar 4 is changed based on the distributed avatar display management data 634. On the viewing screen, it appears as if a new virtual viewer has appeared in front of the screen.

This enriches the virtual experience of viewing the delivered content together, creating a sense of unity among the viewers. Then, the sense of unity of the viewers became the desire to liven up the viewing environment together, which encouraged the viewing users to actively transmit, and finally the distribution service of this embodiment was more enjoyable and fulfilling than the conventional distribution service. It is one of the factors that bring about the user experience.

Next, the distribution server system 1100 determines whether or not there is a text transmission request (step S120).
The text transmission request is sent to the distribution server when the viewing user inputs text on the text transmission operation unit 34 (see FIG. 3) on the user terminal 1500 (1500a, 1500b, ...) Of the viewing terminal and performs a predetermined transmission operation. It is sent to the system 1100 together with the user account and the entered text.

When the distribution server system 1100 receives the text transmission request (YES in step S120), the distribution server system 1100 additionally creates transmission record data 636 (see FIG. 19) for the received new text transmission (step S122).

Since the distribution of the transmission record data 636 is started in step S102 as described above, the new text transmission information is also distributed to the viewing terminal. On the viewing terminal, the transmission content is displayed in the balloon 5 of the viewing user's avatar 4 that has transmitted the text based on the transmission record data 636 additionally distributed, and it looks as if the avatar spoke. This also enriches the virtual experience of watching the delivered content together.

Next, the distribution server system 1100 determines whether or not there is a purchase request for the outgoing image (step S124).
The purchase request is transmitted to the distribution server system 1100 when the viewing user performs a predetermined purchase operation (for example, an operation on the shopping icon 37 in FIG. 3) on the viewing terminal.

When the distribution server system 1100 receives the purchase request (YES in step S124), the distribution server system 1100 executes a process related to online shopping of the transmission image 8 (step S126). Along with this purchase, the possessed transmission image management data 604 of the user management data 600 (see FIG. 18) of the viewing user who requested the purchase is newly added or updated. Further, the possessed transmission image management data 706 (see FIG. 20) stored in the viewing terminal of the viewing user to be purchased is also updated in the same manner.

In this way, even before the live distribution, the viewing user can send a text or purchase the image 8 for transmission, and the viewing users can freely talk about their expectations for the live before the live starts. Ready to send images in preparation for the start of the live.

When the scheduled start time of live distribution is reached (YES in step S130), the distribution server system 1100 starts live distribution of the content (step S132).

After moving to FIG. 23 and starting the distribution of the content, the distribution server system 1100 monitors the reception of the purchase request. Then, when the request is received (YES in step S140), the purchase process of the transmission image 8 is executed (step S142).

Further, after starting the distribution of the content, the distribution server system 1100 monitors the reception of the text transmission request. Then, when the request is received (YES in step S144), new transmission record data 636 and transmission log data 610 (see FIG. 18) of the viewing user who requested are created and updated (step S146).

Further, after starting the distribution of the content, the distribution server system 1100 monitors the reception of the image transmission request (step S150).
The image transmission request is made when the viewing user performs a predetermined image transmission operation (for example, a touch operation to the image transmission operation icon 36 in FIG. 3) on the viewing terminal, the user account, the transmission timing, and the transmission content. The identification information of the image 8 or the image data itself is transmitted to the distribution server system 1100.

When the distribution server system 1100 receives the image transmission request (YES in step S150), the distribution server system 1100 refers to the image management data 604 (see FIG. 18) for transmission owned by the viewing user who made the request, and is regarded as the transmission content. Confirm that there is a remaining number of images 8 (step S152).
Then, if there is a remaining number (YES in step S152), the distribution server system 1100 consumes one of the transmission images and returns the remaining number (step S154), and new transmission record data 636 (FIG. FIG. 19) and the outgoing log data 610 (see FIG. 18) of the requested viewing user are additionally created and updated (step S156).

Since the distribution of the transmission record data 636 is started in step S102 as described above, the new image transmission information is also distributed to the viewing terminal. On the viewing terminal, based on the transmission record data 636 additionally distributed, the transmission image 8 of the transmission content appears and is displayed so as to pop out from the avatar 4 of the viewing user who transmitted the image. This makes the avatar look like throwing a bouquet on the stage, enriching the virtual experience of watching the delivered content together.

Next, the distribution server system 1100 refers to the avatar display change definition data 570 (see FIG. 15), and determines whether or not the viewing user who transmitted the image this time satisfies the change condition 571. Then, in the case of affirmation (YES in step S160), the display of the avatar of the viewing user is changed, and all the avatars are rearranged accordingly (step S162).

Next, the distribution server system 1100 determines the presence / absence of a plurality of transmission record data satisfying the continuity certification condition (step S170).
Specifically, from the outgoing call record data 636 (see FIG. 19), the outgoing call timing is traced in order from the newest one, and 1) the outgoing call record data 636 whose outgoing call timing is before or after is different from the user account indicating the caller. And 2) the time difference of the transmission timing from the transmission record data 636 immediately before the transmission timing is less than or equal to the continuity certification time difference Δt of the continuity certification condition definition data 530 (see FIG. 10). Data 636 is extracted. If there are a plurality of transmission record data 636s to be extracted, a positive judgment is made as "there are a plurality of continuous transmissions".

Then, in the case of "there are a plurality of transmissions having continuity" (YES in step S170), the distribution server system 1100 counts those numbers and sets the number of chains to 650 (see FIG. 19) (step S172). From the plurality of relevance certification condition definition data 540 (see FIG. 12), the definition data to which the selection condition 542 is matched is searched, and the relevance certification condition to be applied this time is set (step S174). In other words, the chain condition applied to the certification of the outgoing combo this time is set. The search result is stored in the application relevance certification condition definition data 642 of the chain condition setting data 640 (see FIG. 19).

Moving on to FIG. 24, the distribution server system 1100 then determines whether the content of the plurality of transmissions having continuity satisfies the applicable relevance certification condition. Then, in the case of affirmative determination, that is, when the chain condition is satisfied (YES in step S176), the distribution server system 1100 meets the selection condition 552 from the plurality of scale requirement definition data 550 (see FIG. 13). The definition data to be applied is searched and the scale requirement to be applied this time is set (step S178). The number of requirements 553 of the searched scale requirement definition data 550 is set in the applicable scale requirement 648 (see FIG. 19).

Then, it is determined whether or not the plurality of transmissions previously determined to satisfy the chain condition satisfy the scale requirement (step S180). Specifically, if the number of chains 650 (see FIG. 19) indicating the number of transmissions determined to satisfy the chain condition reaches the applicable scale requirement 648, it is determined that the scale requirement is satisfied.

As a result, the chain condition is satisfied and the scale requirement is satisfied. Therefore, the distribution server system 1100 recognizes that "the outgoing combo has occurred" and notifies the viewing terminal of the occurrence of the outgoing combo. Distribute material data and the like (step S190).

Specifically, from the plurality of combo generation notification definition data 580 (see FIG. 16), the relevance set in the application relevance certification condition definition data 642 (see FIG. 19) in the application relevance ID list 581. Select the definition data that includes the ID. Then, related information such as the number of chains 650 is distributed to the viewing terminal and the providing terminal together with the notification material data 582. The viewing terminal receives this and displays the combo generation notification 80 and the effect display 84 on the general-purpose display unit 33 or the like of the viewing screen.

Next, the distribution server system 1100 executes privilege control according to the situation in which the occurrence of the outgoing combo is recognized (step S192).
Specifically, from among the plurality of privilege definition data 560 (see FIG. 14), the application relevance ID list 562 includes the relevance ID set in the application relevance certification condition definition data 642 (see FIG. 19). The defined definition data is selected, and privilege control is started based on the privilege execution data 564 of the definition data.

Next, the distribution server system 1100 distributes the privilege execution notification material 563 for notifying the privilege execution on the viewing terminal (step S196).
Specifically, the privilege execution notification material 563 of the privilege definition data 560 selected earlier is distributed to the viewing terminal. The viewing terminal receives this and displays the privilege execution notification 82 on the general-purpose display unit 33 or the like of the viewing screen.

Next, the distribution server system 1100 calculates the boom point and gives it to the providing user (step S196). The method of calculating the liveliness points here can be set as appropriate. For example, it may be a booming point that gives the sum of the basic point and the additional point based on the number of chains 650. Of course, a fixed value (including 0) may be used. The calculated liveliness points are accumulated in the cumulative liveliness points 593 of the provided user registration data 590 (see FIG. 17).

Next, after the distribution of the content is started, the distribution server system 1100 monitors the reception of the "image transmission log viewing request" from the viewing terminal (step S200).
The image transmission log viewing request is made by performing a predetermined log viewing operation (for example, two-finger tap, double tap, etc.) on the avatar 4 (see FIG. 3) of another user who is interested in the viewing user on the viewing terminal. Then, it is transmitted from the viewing terminal together with the user account of the viewing user who is the user and the information of the viewing target user (for example, the identification information of the avatar operated to view the log, the user account of the avatar, etc.).

When the distribution server system 1100 receives the image transmission log viewing request (YES in step S200), the transmission target providing user account of the transmission target user's transmission log data 610 is the content providing user currently being distributed. In addition, the log data whose transmission content is the transmission image is extracted and returned to the requesting viewing terminal (step S202). The viewing terminal receives this and displays the log.

The distribution server system 1100 repeats steps S140 to S202 until the distribution is completed (NO in step S210).

When the distribution is completed (YES in step S210), the distribution server system 1100 grants liveliness points to the providing user as a summary of the content distribution this time, and distributes the notification of the given liveliness points to the viewing terminal (step S212). .. Specifically, the booming points as a summary are variables such as the number of viewing users (the total number of people is acceptable), the total viewing time by all viewing users, the average viewing time, the cumulative number of text transmissions and image transmissions, etc. Prepare and determine the function and table data that will be higher as the value is larger.

Then, the distribution server system 1100 ends a series of processes.

25 to 27 are flowcharts for explaining the flow of processing related to content viewing on the user terminal 1500 (1500a, 1500b, ...) Which is the viewing terminal in the present embodiment. It is assumed that the viewing terminal program 504 is in the executing state in the user terminal 1500 which is the viewing terminal.

As shown in FIG. 25, the viewing terminal first executes a login process (step S300). Then, when a predetermined viewing operation (including selection of the content to be viewed) for viewing the distribution of the content is detected (YES in step S310), a viewing request is transmitted to the distribution server system 1100 (step S312: communication A). ..

When the viewing request is received by the distribution server system 1100, the viewing user is registered, and distribution of the avatar display management data 634, transmission record data 636, and the like is started to the viewing terminal (distribution α).

The viewing terminal receives these, stores them in the received distribution data group 700 (see FIG. 20), and starts displaying the viewing screen W3 (see FIG. 3) (step S314).

Further, when the viewing terminal detects the purchase operation of the transmission image 8 (YES in step S320), the viewing terminal transmits a purchase request to the distribution server system 1100 (step S322), and executes the purchase procedure process (step S324). Along with the procedure processing, the possessed transmission image management data 706 (see FIG. 20) stored in the viewing terminal is updated.

Further, when the viewing terminal detects the text input operation by the text transmission operation unit 34 (see FIG. 3) (YES in step S330), the viewing terminal executes the text input editing process (step S323). Then, if the text transmission operation is detected (YES in step S334), the text transmission request including the input text is transmitted to the distribution server system 1100 (step S336).

When the distribution server system 1100 receives the request, it updates and distributes the transmission record data 636 (see FIG. 19). Since the viewing terminal has started the display control of the viewing screen based on various distribution data in step S314 as described above, the text transmitted by the viewing user is displayed in the viewing screen.

Further, when the viewing terminal detects the operation of changing the assignment of the outgoing image to the image transmission operation icon 36 (see FIG. 3) (YES in step S340), the allocation change including the display control of the pop-up display W4 (see FIG. 4). The process is executed to change the transmission image allocation setting 708 (see FIG. 20) (step S342).

Moving to FIG. 26, when the viewing terminal detects the image transmission operation (YES in step S350), the viewing terminal transmits an image transmission request to the distribution server system 1100 (step S352), and the remaining number of transmission images 8 of the transmission content is displayed. The image management data 706 for transmission (see FIG. 20) is updated so as to reduce "1" (step S354).

When the distribution server system 1100 receives the request, it updates and distributes the transmission record data 636 (see FIG. 19).
When the viewing terminal receives the transmission record data 636 newly distributed from the distribution server system 1100 (YES in step S360), the viewing terminal creates new reflection display management data 710, and displays the display start date and time of the new reflection display. The duration is set (step S362).

Then, the newly transmitted text is displayed from the caller's avatar 4 with a balloon 5, and the newly transmitted transmission image 8 is reflected and displayed so as to appear from the caller's avatar 4 (step S364; See Figure 3).
At that time, when the transmission content is the transmission image 8, the transmission record data 636 includes the transmission image data 522, the display duration 525, and the avatar control definition data 526 at the time of reflection display, and is delivered. Therefore, the avatar 4 other than the caller is made to take an action based on the avatar control definition data 526 at the time of reflection display.

The distribution server system 1100 erases the reflected display that exceeds the display duration one by one (step S366). That is, of the reflection display management data 710 (see FIG. 20), the reflection display (transmitted text, transmitted transmission image) whose display duration exceeds the display start time is deleted.

When the viewing terminal receives the notification material data or the like for notifying the occurrence of the transmission combo distributed from the distribution server system 1100 (YES in step S370), the combo generation notification 80 and the effect display 84 are displayed based on the material data. Is displayed on the viewing screen (step S372; see FIG. 3).

Further, when the viewing terminal receives the data for notifying the privilege execution distributed from the distribution server system 1100 (YES in step S374), the viewing terminal displays the privilege execution notification 82 on the viewing screen based on the data (step S376). See Figure 3).

Moving to FIG. 27, when the viewing terminal detects the image transmission log viewing operation to the avatar 4 displayed in the viewing screen (YES in step S380), the viewing terminal transmits an image transmission log viewing request to the distribution server system 1100. (Step S382). Then, the history of image transmission is displayed on the viewing screen based on the returned transmission log data 610 (step S384). For example, the history may be displayed in a balloon format from the avatar 4 operated to view the image transmission log.

Until the distribution is completed (NO in step S390), steps S320 to S384 are executed.

When the distribution is completed (YES in step S390), the viewing terminal displays the awarding record of the lively points distributed from the distribution server system 1100 and the ranking information (step S392), and ends the series of processes.

FIG. 28 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of processing in the user terminal 1500 (1500T) which is the providing terminal in the present embodiment. It is assumed that the providing terminal program 506 (see FIG. 21) is executed in the user terminal 1500 of the providing terminal. Further, when the content is a live broadcast content of a gameplay video, it is assumed that a game program is separately executed.

The providing terminal first executes a login process and starts display control of the providing screen (step S500). The provided screen is an operation screen that accepts various operations for live distribution of content, and also serves as a monitor screen for monitoring the distribution status.

Next, the providing terminal performs the setting / registration procedure processing of the distribution title, the distribution schedule, and the incidental information (step S502). Then, when the scheduled delivery time arrives, the provision of the content is started (step S504). Since the present embodiment assumes live distribution, for example, in the case of live distribution by live shooting, the providing terminal adds the sound collected by the microphone 1512 to the image taken by the image sensor module 1520 of the own machine. The content data is sequentially created, the live streaming encoding is performed, and the content data is transmitted to the distribution server system 1100. If the content is video data prepared in advance, it is uploaded to the distribution server system 1100 together with the registration procedure for the distribution title and the like without waiting for the scheduled distribution time. When live-streaming the gameplay screen, content data is sequentially created by adding game audio to the video that captures the game screen.

When the notification of the occurrence of the outgoing combo is received from the distribution server system 1100 after the content is started to be provided (YES in step S510), the providing terminal displays the notification (step S512) and the outgoing combo generation statistical data 728 (FIG. FIG. 21) is updated to update the display of the latest statistics (step S514).

In other words, the provider terminal can monitor the latest occurrence of the outgoing combo and can check the statistics of the outgoing combo occurrence from the start of distribution one by one, so the providing user can check the liveliness of viewing related to the distributed content. You can live stream while doing it. For example, since it is possible to update the content such as adding an ad lib based on it, there is a high possibility that the quality of the content will be improved and the user experience of the viewing user will be improved. Also, in the case of live distribution, adding a thank-you note for the occurrence of the outgoing combo to the viewers by ad-lib will contribute to fostering a sense of unity with the viewers. It will also trigger further outgoing combos and improve the user experience.

Further, when the privilege execution notification material 563 is received from the distribution server system 1100 (step S520), the providing terminal displays a log of the privilege execution notification on the providing screen (step S522).

Then, when the distribution of the content is completed (YES in step S524), the series of processes is terminated.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to create a new added value called a transmission combo in the content distribution service by using the transmission function of the user text or the image. Therefore, the virtual user experience in which a plurality of viewing users gather together to view one content can be enriched, and the distribution service can be improved.

[Modification example]
Although the embodiment to which the present invention is applied has been described above, the embodiment to which the present invention is applied is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and components can be added, omitted, or changed as appropriate.

[Part 1]
For example, in the above embodiment, the distribution service is realized by the client-server type computer system, but it may be realized by the computer system in which a plurality of user terminals 1500 are connected peer-to-peer. In that case, any user terminal 1500 is made to take on the function as the distribution server system 1100. Alternatively, the functions of the distribution service management unit 210 may be shared among the plurality of user terminals 1500.

[Part 2]
Further, the above embodiment can be applied to other services as long as a plurality of users are accessing at the same time and each of them is a service capable of transmitting a text or an image.

For example, in the viewing screen W3 of FIG. 3, the screen portion below the content display unit 32 may be a screen to which the chat function of the social networking service is applied. FIG. 29 is a diagram showing a display example in that case.

The first display unit 91 is set on the substantially left side of the lower chat screen W29. Then, by the transmission reflection control unit 214 (see FIG. 9) of the distribution service management unit 210, in the first display unit 91, the avatar 4a of the user who uses the user terminal 1500 on which the screen is displayed and the transmission operation by the user. The text is reflected and displayed in the balloon 5, and the outgoing image 8 operated by the user is reflected and displayed.

Similarly, the second display unit 92 is set on the substantially right side of the chat screen W29. Then, the transmission reflection control unit 214 of the distribution service management unit 210 displays the avatars 4b, 4c, ... Of other users on the second display unit 92, as well as the balloon 5 of the text that they have transmitted and the transmission. Image 8 is displayed.

Further, a third display unit 93 is set on the substantially lower left side of the chat screen W29, and a special display effect 86 is displayed by the special display control unit 219 of the distribution service management unit 210.
In addition, in FIG. 29, in order to facilitate understanding, the boundary between the first display unit 91, the second display unit 92, and the third display unit 93 is intentionally clearly shown, but it is actually a part. Can be set to overlap each other.

Then, when the background of the chat screen W29 is given special background data as privilege control, the display is switched to the same special background on the user terminals 1500 of all the accessing users. Further, in the intermediate layer between the display layer on which the avatar 4, the balloon 5, and the transmission image 8 are displayed, the combo generation notification 80, the privilege execution notification 82, the effect display 84, and the like are displayed. .. As a privilege control, this intermediate layer can also be used when displaying a special effect display 84s.

2 (2a, 2b, ...) ... Viewing user 2t ... Providing user 4 ... Avatar 8 ... Outgoing image 32 ... Content display unit 33 ... General-purpose display unit 34 ... Text transmission operation unit 35 ... Reflection display unit 36 ... Image transmission operation icon 80 ... Combo generation notification 82 ... Bonus execution notification 84 ... Effect display 86 ... Special display effect 91 ... 1st display unit 92 ... 2nd display unit 93 ... 3rd display unit 200s ... Server processing unit 210 ... Distribution service management unit 212 ... Avatar display control unit 214 ... Transmission reflection control unit 216 ... Chain condition setting unit 218 ... Scale requirement setting unit 220 ... Bonus control execution unit 222 ... History information display control unit 260 ... Viewing terminal calculation unit 270 ... Provided terminal calculation unit 274 ... Content Providing control unit 500s ... Server storage unit 503 ... Server program 504 ... Viewing terminal program 505 ... Providing terminal program 506 for distribution ... Providing terminal program 507 ... Viewing terminal program for distribution 510 ... Distribution service initial setting data 520 ... Image definition data for transmission 530 ... Continuity certification condition definition data 540 ... Relevance certification condition definition data 550 ... Scale requirement definition data 560 ... Benefit definition data 570 ... Avatar display change definition data 580 ... Combo occurrence notification definition data 590 ... Provided user registration data 600 ... User Management data 603 ... Avatar setting data 604 ... Owned transmission image management data 610 ... Transmission log data 620 ... Distribution management data 623 ... Content data 630 ... Viewing user management data 634 ... Avatar display management data 636 ... Transmission record data 640 ... Chain condition Setting data 641 ... Applicability certification condition definition data 642 ... Applicability relevance certification condition definition data 648 ... Applicable scale requirement 650 ... Number of chains 700 ... Received distribution data group 710 ... Reflection display management data 1000 ... Content distribution system 1100 ... Distribution Server system 1500 ... User terminal W3 ... Viewing screen W8 ... Viewing screen W29 ... Chat screen

Claims (20)

It is a content distribution system that distributes content including at least video provided by the providing user to the user terminal of each viewing user.
On the user terminal, a viewing screen including a content display unit for displaying the content and an operation unit for a transmission operation that the viewing user can input to the content being viewed is displayed.
A transmission reflection control means that receives from the user terminal that the transmission operation for the content being viewed is input, and controls the reflection display on which the transmission operation is performed to be displayed on the viewing screen.
By continuing to satisfy the chain condition including at least the continuity certification condition for certifying the continuity of the transmission operation defined as the time difference condition based on the time difference of the timing at which the transmission operation is performed. A special display effect control means for executing a special display effect on the viewing screen when the given scale requirement is satisfied, and a special display effect control means.
Content distribution system with. The outgoing call operation includes at least a default outgoing call operation indicating a default intention display.
The transmission reflection control means controls to display the default display body in the viewing screen as the reflection display on which the default transmission operation is performed.
The content distribution system according to claim 1. The chain condition further includes a relevance certification condition for certifying the relevance between the transmission operations input by the plurality of viewing users.
The content distribution system according to claim 1 or 2. There are a plurality of types of outgoing call operations in the outgoing call operation.
The relevance certification condition defines a condition based on the combination of the input types of the outgoing call operation.
The content distribution system according to claim 3. The outgoing operation includes a message outgoing operation that can be arbitrarily set by the user terminal.
In the relevance certification condition, a condition based on the content of the message is defined as a relevance certification condition related to the transmission operation of the message.
The content distribution system according to claim 3 or 4. The scale requirement includes a number or time-based condition that meets the chain condition.
The content distribution system according to any one of claims 1 to 5. The scale requirement includes a condition based on the number of viewing users who have performed the outgoing operation that satisfies the chain condition.
The content distribution system according to any one of claims 1 to 6. A chain condition setting means for variably setting the chain condition according to the type of the content,
The content distribution system according to any one of claims 1 to 7. Scale requirement setting means for setting the scale requirement variably according to the type of the content,
The content distribution system according to any one of claims 1 to 8. A privilege control execution means for executing privilege control that grants a given privilege to the viewing user and / or the providing user when the scale requirement is satisfied.
The content distribution system according to any one of claims 1 to 9. The content is a gameplay video and is
A chain condition setting means for variably setting the chain condition according to the game situation related to the game play video being viewed.
The content distribution system according to any one of claims 1 to 7. The content is a gameplay video and is
A scale requirement setting means for variably setting the scale requirement according to the game situation related to the gameplay video being viewed.
The content distribution system according to any one of claims 1 to 7 and 11. The content is a gameplay video and is
Privilege control execution that variably determines the privilege according to the game situation related to the gameplay video being viewed when the scale requirement is satisfied, and executes the privilege control given to the viewing user and / or the providing user. means,
The content distribution system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, 11 and 12. The content is a live broadcast content of a gameplay video.
The content distribution system according to any one of claims 11 to 13. A history information display control means for controlling the display of the history information of the transmission operation for each viewing user on the user terminal.
The content distribution system according to any one of claims 1 to 14. An avatar display control means for displaying an avatar for each viewing user on the viewing screen,
Equipped with
The transmission reflection control means performs the reflection display by controlling the display so that the avatar of the viewing user related to the transmission operation performs a given action operation when the transmission operation is performed.
The content distribution system according to any one of claims 1 to 15. A computer system including a user terminal of each viewing user and the content distribution system according to any one of claims 1 to 16. A server system that controls the display of a screen for displaying based on the outgoing call operation input by each user on the user terminal of each user.
A transmission reflection control means that receives from the user terminal that the transmission operation has been input and controls the reflection display on which the transmission operation has been performed to be displayed on the screen.
By continuing to satisfy the chain condition including at least the continuity certification condition for certifying the continuity of the transmission operation defined as the time difference condition based on the time difference of the timing at which the transmission operation is performed. A special display effect control means for executing a special display effect on the screen when the given scale requirement is satisfied, and a special display effect control means.
Server system with. In the screen, the first display unit based on the transmission operation of the first user, the second display unit based on the transmission operation of the second user, the transmission operation of the first user, and the second user. A means for controlling the display of the third display unit for displaying a special display based on the relationship of the outgoing call operation.
18. The server system according to claim 18. It is a content distribution method for controlling the content distribution system to distribute at least the content including video provided by the providing user to the user terminal of each viewing user.
On the user terminal, a viewing screen including a content display unit for displaying the content and an operation unit for a transmission operation that the viewing user can input to the content being viewed is displayed.
It receives from the user terminal that the transmission operation for the content being viewed is input, and controls to display the reflection display on which the transmission operation is performed on the viewing screen.
Given that the chain condition including at least the continuity certification condition for certifying the continuity of the transmission operation defined as the time difference condition based on the time difference of the timing at which the transmission operation is performed continues to be satisfied. Controlling to execute a special display effect on the viewing screen when the scale requirement is satisfied, and
Content delivery method including.

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