JP7313511B2 - System, method and program for distributing live video - Google Patents

Description

Application of Patent Law Article 30, Paragraph 2 Apr. 8, 2019 <Android version> https://play. google. com/store/apps/details? id=com. dena. pokota, <iOS version> https://itunes. apple. com/jp/app/id1175969205

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

Conventionally, there has been proposed a system for providing a live video distribution service for distributing live video (see, for example, Patent Literature 1 below). In such a live video distribution service, the distribution itself is typically livened up by input of items, comments, and the like by viewers. In addition, some live video distribution services allow enthusiastic viewers to acquire special roles for distributors, such as through an auction method that consumes in-service currency. For example, when a viewer with such a special role enters a room (starts viewing) and inputs comments, etc., a special display different from that of other viewers is displayed on the screen for viewing the live video.

JP 2019-022219 A

However, in the conventional service, although a special display is performed according to the action of the viewer who has the special role described above, if the viewer does not perform the action, the distribution itself may lack excitement. Therefore, by promoting actions by viewers who have a special role, it is believed that live video distribution will become even more exciting.

One object of the embodiments of the present invention is to support the excitement of distribution of live moving images. Other objects of embodiments of the present invention will become apparent upon review of the specification as a whole.

A system according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises one or more computer processors, and is a system for distributing live video, wherein the one or more computer processors, in response to execution of readable instructions, perform a process of distributing a live video provided by a distributor to a plurality of viewers, a process of receiving input of an item by a viewer during distribution of the live video, and a process of assigning a predetermined role associated with the distributor to the viewer, wherein the process of providing the predetermined role is associated with a specific distributor. Accompanied by the provision of the predetermined role to the specific viewer, the method includes providing the specific viewer with an exclusive item that can be input only for the live video provided by the specific distributor.

A method according to an embodiment of the present invention is a method for distributing a live video, which is executed by one or more computers, and comprises the steps of: distributing a live video provided by a distributor to a plurality of viewers; receiving an input of an item by a viewer during distribution of the live video; giving the specific viewer a dedicated item that can only be entered for the live video provided by the viewer.

A program according to an embodiment of the present invention is a program for distributing a live video, which, when executed on one or more computers, causes the one or more computers to perform a process of distributing a live video provided by a distributor to a plurality of viewers, a process of accepting input of an item by a viewer during distribution of the live video, and a process of assigning a predetermined role associated with the distributor to the viewer, wherein the process of applying the predetermined role includes specifying the predetermined role associated with the specific distributor. to the viewer, giving the specific viewer a dedicated item that can be input only for the live video provided by the specific distributor.

Various embodiments of the present invention help boost live video distribution.

1 is a configuration diagram schematically showing the configuration of a network including a video distribution server 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing functions of a video distribution server 10; FIG. 4 is a diagram exemplifying information managed in a user information table 411; FIG. A diagram for explaining the rank. 4 is a diagram exemplifying information managed in a distribution management table 412; FIG. 4 is a diagram exemplifying information managed in a role management table 413; FIG. 4 is a view exemplifying a top screen 60; FIG. FIG. 7 is a view exemplifying a distributor screen 70; FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a viewer screen 80; FIG. The figure which illustrates the item selection screen 200. FIG. FIG. 10 is a view exemplifying a role information display screen 90; FIG. FIG. 11 is a view exemplifying a role appointment confirmation screen 210; FIG. A diagram for explaining the correspondence between the assumed role, the number of coins consumed, and the dedicated item given. The figure which illustrates the item selection screen 200 when the viewer assumes a role. The figure which illustrates the item selection screen 200 of the state after one exclusive item was input from the state of FIG. 14 (it was used). FIG. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating processing executed by the server 10 when updating ranks; FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a rule for updating rank meter values; FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the correspondence relationship between updated contents of ranks and necessary rank meter values; 4 is a diagram illustrating a rank meter object 100; FIG. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating processing executed by the server 10 when giving diamonds;

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

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram schematically showing the configuration of a network including a video distribution server 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated, the moving picture distribution server 10 is communicably connected to a user terminal 30 via a communication network 20 such as the Internet. Although only one user terminal 30 is illustrated in FIG. 1 , the server 10 is communicably connected to a plurality of user terminals 30 . The moving image distribution server 10 provides users via the user terminals 30 with a live moving image distribution service for distributing and viewing live moving images. In this embodiment, the user operating the user terminal 30 can distribute live moving images as a distributor, and can also view live moving images provided by other users as a viewer. The moving picture distribution server 10 is an example of a device implementing part or all of the system of the present invention.

The video distribution server 10 is configured as a general computer, and includes a computer processor 11, a main memory 12, an input/output I/F 13, a communication I/F 14, and a storage (storage device) 15, as shown in FIG.

The computer processor 11 is configured as a CPU, GPU, or the like, reads various programs stored in the storage 15 or the like into the main memory 12, and executes various instructions included in the programs.

The input/output I/F 13 includes various input/output devices for exchanging information with a user or the like. The input/output I/F 13 includes, for example, information input devices such as keyboards and pointing devices (for example, mice, touch panels, etc.), voice input devices such as microphones, and image input devices such as cameras. The input/output I/F 13 includes an image output device such as a display and an audio output device such as a speaker.

The communication I/F 14 is implemented as hardware such as a network adapter, various types of communication software, or a combination thereof, and is configured to enable wired or wireless communication via the communication network 20 or the like.

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

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

The video distribution server 10 configured in this way can be configured to have functions as a web server and an application server. In this case, it executes various processes in response to requests from a web browser and other applications (for example, an application for a live video distribution service) installed in the user terminal 30, and transmits screen data (for example, HTML data) and control data according to the results of the processing to the user terminal 30. A web page or other screen based on the received data may be displayed at the user terminal 30 .

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

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

The input/output I/F 33 includes various input/output devices for exchanging information with a user or the like. The input/output I/F 33 includes, for example, information input devices such as keyboards and pointing devices (for example, mouse, touch panel, etc.), voice input devices such as microphones, and image input devices such as cameras. The input/output I/F 33 includes an image output device such as a display and an audio output device such as a speaker.

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

The storage 35 is configured by, for example, a magnetic disk or flash memory. The storage 35 stores various programs including an operating system, various data, and the like. A program stored in the storage 35 can be downloaded from an application market or the like and installed.

In this embodiment, the user terminal 30 can be configured as a smart phone, tablet terminal, wearable device, personal computer, dedicated game terminal, or the like.

A user operating the user terminal 30 configured in this way can use the live video distribution service provided by the video distribution server 10 by executing communication with the video distribution server 10 via a web browser or other application installed in the storage 35 or the like.

Next, functions of the video distribution server 10 of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing the functions of the video distribution server 10. As shown in FIG. As illustrated, the server 10 has an information storage management unit 41 that stores and manages various information, a basic function control unit 43 that controls the basic functions of the live video distribution service, and a video distribution control unit 45 that controls distribution of the live video. These functions are realized by the cooperation of hardware such as the computer processor 11 and the main memory 12, and various programs and data stored in the storage 15, etc. For example, the computer processor 11 executes instructions included in the program read into the main memory 12. Also, part or all of the functions of the server 10 shown in FIG.

The information storage management unit 41 of the video distribution server 10 stores and manages various information in the storage 15 or the like. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the information storage management unit 41 is configured to have a user information table 411 that manages information about users of the live video distribution service, a distribution management table 412 that manages information about distribution of individual live videos, and a role management table 413 that manages information about roles assigned to viewers.

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

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

In this embodiment, the moving image distribution control unit 45 is configured to receive an item input by the viewer during the distribution of the live moving image. The entered items are presented, for example, to the broadcaster and other viewers. For example, the video distribution control unit 45 is configured to present a live video to viewers via a screen for viewers displayed on each viewer terminal 30, and to display an item input by one viewer via the screen on the screen of each viewer terminal 30 and on the screen for the distributor displayed on the distributor terminal 30 (for example, display the live video overlaid on it). The display of items includes the addition of production effects (image/audio effects) according to the type of item.

In addition, the moving image distribution control unit 45 is configured to assign a predetermined role associated with the distributor to the viewer, and along with the assignment of the predetermined role, provide the viewer with a dedicated item that can be input only for the live video provided by the distributor. For example, during distribution of a live video provided by a specific distributor, the video distribution control unit 45 is configured to grant a predetermined role associated with the specific distributor to the specific viewer in response to a request from a specific viewer viewing the live video, and to provide the specific viewer with a dedicated item that can be input only while viewing the live video provided by the specific distributor. Information about exclusive items held by viewers is managed in the user information table 411 or the role management table 413, for example.

In this way, the video distribution server 10 in the present embodiment provides a viewer with a predetermined role associated with a distributor with a dedicated item that can be input only for the live video of the distributor. Therefore, it is possible to prompt the viewer who has the predetermined role to view the live video of the distributor related to the role and to input the dedicated item while viewing the live video. As a result, the moving picture distribution server 10 supports live moving picture distribution.

In this embodiment, when giving a predetermined role to a viewer, the viewer may consume a predetermined value (including, for example, virtual items, coins, points, etc.) possessed by the viewer. The predetermined value can also be said to be a price for a dedicated item given with a predetermined role. For example, the moving image distribution control unit 45 is configured to consume a predetermined value possessed by the viewer in response to the granting to the viewer of a predetermined role, and to consume the predetermined value possessed by the viewer in response to the input of a general item different from the exclusive item by the viewer while not consuming the predetermined value possessed by the viewer in response to the input of the exclusive item by the viewer when accepting the input of the item by the viewer. In other words, in the present embodiment, the items to be input during the distribution of the live video can be configured to include dedicated items that are given by paying a consideration in advance when a predetermined role is given, and general items that are paid for when they are input. Information about the predetermined value held by the viewer is managed in the user information table 411, for example. In such a configuration, a viewer having a predetermined role acquires a dedicated item by consuming a predetermined value in advance, so use of the dedicated item (input during viewing of live video) is further promoted.

In addition, the moving image distribution control unit 45 can be configured to increase a predetermined parameter associated with the distributor according to the viewer's input of a dedicated item or a general item. The predetermined parameter can also be said to be a parameter (points, etc.) for evaluating the distributor, and can be configured to increase based on various parameters other than the number of input items (e.g., the number of comments/“likes” input, the number of viewers, the distribution time, etc.). Such a configuration promotes the use (input) of the exclusive item by viewers who want to contribute to the distributor because the predetermined parameter increases at the timing of using the exclusive item, not at the timing of obtaining the exclusive item (for example, the timing of consuming the consideration).

In addition, the moving image distribution control unit 45 can be configured to present the live moving image to the viewer via a predetermined screen when distributing the live moving image. The predetermined screen can be configured to have a viewer display area for displaying a plurality of viewers who watch the live moving image, and the viewer display area can be configured so that viewers who have a predetermined role are prioritized over viewers who do not have a predetermined role. For example, the viewer display area is configured so that the order of arrangement of viewers who have a predetermined role is higher than the order of arrangement of viewers who do not have a prescribed role, and as a result, the viewers who have a prescribed role are displayed in the initial state (without switching by flick operation/slide operation, etc.). Also, for example, the viewer display area is configured such that a viewer having a predetermined role is displayed with a predetermined decoration that makes it stand out. Such a configuration can make viewers with a given role feel special, and thus encourage viewers to take on a given role.

In addition, the video distribution control unit 45 can be configured to accept input of comments from viewers during distribution of the live video. Inputted comments are presented to the distributor and other viewers, for example. In this case, the predetermined screen for presenting the live moving image to the viewer is configured to have a comment display area for displaying comments input by the viewer, and the comment display area can be configured so that comments of viewers who have a predetermined role are prioritized over comments of viewers who do not have a predetermined role. For example, the comment display area is configured such that comments of viewers who have a predetermined role are displayed for a longer period of time than comments of viewers who do not have the predetermined role, or are displayed with conspicuous predetermined decorations. Such a configuration can make a viewer in a given role feel special, thereby promoting the viewer's acquisition of the given role.

In this embodiment, a given role can be configured to be valid only for a specific period of time, and in this case, exclusive items granted with the given role can also be configured to be inputtable only for the specific period of time. For example, the video distribution control unit 45 may be configured to assign a predetermined role in response to a request from a viewer during distribution of a live video provided by a distributor participating in an event for which the specific period is set. The event is configured, for example, as an event in which a plurality of distributors compete for ranking, and when a distributor applies to participate in a specific event, during the period of the specific event, points based on the distribution status (distribution time, number of viewers, number of input items, number of comments/“likes” input, etc.) are aggregated and ranking is set. In such a configuration, the effective period of a predetermined role and exclusive items is limited to a specific period such as an event, so the rarity value of these items is improved, and as a result, acquisition of roles by viewers and use of exclusive items are promoted.

In addition, the video distribution control unit 45 can be configured to selectively assign one of a plurality of roles to the viewer, and to assign a dedicated item based on the type of role to the viewer along with the assignment of the role. That is, the moving image distribution control unit 45 can be configured to provide a first exclusive item with the assignment of the first role, and provide a second exclusive item with the assignment of the second role. For example, the first and second exclusive items are configured to have different values. Such a configuration increases the variety of roles given to viewers and exclusive items, and as a result, it is possible to respond to various viewers who are different in their enthusiasm for supporting the broadcasters.

Next, a specific example of the video distribution server 10 of this embodiment having such functions will be described. FIG. 3 illustrates information managed in the user information table 411 in this example. The user information table 411 manages information about users of the live video distribution service. As shown in the figure, the user information table 411 is associated with "user accounts" that identify individual users, and includes "basic information" including account name, age, gender, etc., "distribution history information" that is information about the distribution history of live videos, "viewing history information" that is information about the viewing history of live videos distributed by other users, "follow user information" that is information about other users followed by this user, and information about other users (followers) that are following this user. "Follower information", "rank" indicating the user's rank as a distributor, "rank meter value" which is a parameter value for determining rank up/down, "number of coins held" indicating the number of virtual coins held in the live video distribution service, "number of diamonds held" similarly indicating the number of virtual diamonds held, and "participation event information" which is information about events that users have applied for participation as a distributor.

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the "rank" of the distributor in this example. As shown, in this example, there are six rank bands of "S", "A", "B", "C", "D", and "E", and each of the five rank bands of "S", "A", "B", "C", and "D" is divided into three ranks (for example, "S+", "S", "S-", a rank obtained by adding "+" to the alphabet indicating the rank band, a rank of only the alphabet, and a rank of "-" to the alphabet). added rank). In addition, the "E" rank band is composed of one rank "E". That is, in this example, there are 16 ranks (3×5+1=16).

In addition, the rank band is highest on the "S" side and lowest on the "E" side. The ranks in the same rank band are highest on the "+" side and lowest on the "-" side. In this example, the user's rank is set to "D-" as an initial value.

FIG. 5 illustrates information managed in the distribution management table 412 in this example. The distribution management table 412 manages information related to the distribution of individual live videos, and as shown in the figure, is associated with a "distribution ID" that identifies an individual distribution, and includes a "distributor user account" that identifies the distributor of this distribution, a "distribution date and time", a "distribution time" that indicates the duration of distribution, a "number of viewers (current value and maximum value)", a "number of comments" that is the number of comments input by viewers, a "number of likes" that is the number of "likes" input by viewers, and an item input by viewers. It manages information such as "item points" that are added according to the distribution, "distribution points" that are points given for this distribution, and the like.

FIG. 6 illustrates information managed in the role management table 413 in this example. The role management table 413 manages information about the roles given to the viewers, and as shown in the figure, it is associated with a combination of a "distributor user account" that identifies the distributor and a "viewer user account" that identifies the viewer, and the "role" that the corresponding viewer assumes as the role for the corresponding distributor, the "number of owned mega-night-specific items" that is the number of possession by the viewer of the mega-night-specific item that is one of the exclusive items that can be entered only for the live video of the broadcaster, and the number of night-only items that are also one of the exclusive items. It manages information such as "the number of night-only items held", which is the number of possession by the viewer, and "the number of mini-night-only items," which is the number of mini-night exclusive items owned by the viewer. In this example, the role is set to a value corresponding to one of "mega-knight," "knight," and "mini-knight." As will be described later in detail, a mega-knight-only item is a special-purpose item given to a viewer upon taking office as a mega-night, a knight-only item is a special-purpose item given to a viewer upon taking office as a knight, and a mini-night-only item is a special-purpose item given to a viewer upon taking office as a mini-night.

FIG. 7 exemplifies the top screen 60 of the live video distribution service. As shown, the screen 60 has a filter area 62 displaying "Follow", "Popular" and "All", a list display area 64 displaying a list of live videos currently being distributed, and a distribution start button 66 displaying "Distribution".

The filter area 62 is an area for setting filtering for live moving images being distributed displayed in the list display area 64 . Specifically, when "Follow" is selected in the filter area 62, the live videos listed in the list display area 64 are narrowed down to live videos of other users followed by the user. Similarly, when “Popular” is selected in the filter area 62, the live videos listed in the list display area 64 are extracted according to a predetermined extraction condition for extracting popular videos (for example, live videos whose number of viewers (current value) is equal to or greater than a threshold) are narrowed down. Also, when "all" is selected in the filter area 62, all live videos being distributed without filtering are displayed as a list.

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

The distribution start button 66 is an object for the user to start distribution of live moving images as a distributor. When the distribution start button 66 is selected by the user, the distribution of the live moving image is started. Specifically, the transmission of the moving image composed of the image input via the camera of the user terminal 30 and the sound input via the microphone of the user terminal 30 to the server 10 is started. Also, a new record is created in the distribution management table 412 in accordance with the start of distribution of the live moving image. Note that the user can also select radio distribution that does not include video (images input via the camera of the user terminal 30) when starting distribution of the live video.

FIG. 8 illustrates a distributor screen 70 displayed on the distributor terminal 30 in response to selection of the distribution start button 66 (that is, start of distribution of the live moving image). The screen 70 has a moving image display area 71 corresponding to the entire screen, a basic information display area 721 located in the upper left corner of the screen, a viewer display area 722 located in the upper right corner of the screen, an action information display area 73 located in the lower left corner of the screen, and a circular distribution stop button 76 located in the center of the lower end of the screen.

The moving image display area 71 displays a live moving image to be distributed, that is, an image input via the camera of the distributor terminal 30 . Since the distributor usually takes a picture of the distributor himself/herself via the in-camera of the distributor terminal 30, the distributed live video includes the distributor himself/herself. In the case of radio distribution, a predetermined image (still image or moving image) is displayed in area 71 .

The basic information display area 721 displays the basic information of this distribution, specifically, the distributor information (profile image, etc.), the number of viewers of this distribution (current value), and the number of "likes" input by viewers to this distribution.

The viewer display area 722 displays a list of a plurality of viewers who are watching this delivery, and more specifically, displays the profile images of each of the plurality of viewers side by side in the horizontal direction. The area 722 is configured such that the displayed viewer can be switched by a flick operation/slide operation or the like in the horizontal direction.

The action information display area 73 displays information about actions performed by the viewer. Specifically, in the area 73, a plurality of action objects 731 each corresponding to an individual action are arranged vertically. The action information display area 73 is configured such that when the viewer performs a new action, the corresponding action object 731 is added to the lower side, and the existing action objects 731 move upward in turn. The action information display area 73 is configured such that the displayed action object 731 is switched by a vertical flick operation/slide operation or the like. Actions by the viewer displayed in the action information display area 73 include entering the room (starting viewing), inputting "Like", inputting comments, and inputting items.

The distribution stop button 76 is an object for the distributor to stop distribution of the live moving image. When the distribution stop button 76 is selected by the distributor, distribution of the live moving image (transmission of the live moving image from the distributor terminal 30 to the server 10) is stopped.

FIG. 9 exemplifies a viewer screen 80 displayed on the viewer terminal 30 . For example, when an arbitrary live video is selected by the viewer through the list display area 64 of the top screen 60, a viewer screen 80 for viewing the selected live video is displayed on the viewer terminal 30. As illustrated, the screen 80 has a video display area 81, a basic information display area 821, a viewer display area 822, and an action information display area 83, similar to the distributor screen 70 described above. The viewer screen 80 also has a comment input area 84, a "Like" button 85 displaying a heart mark, and an item input button 86 displaying a gift pattern at the bottom of the screen. The viewer screen 80 also has a castle object 87 having the appearance of a castle below the viewer display area 822 in the upper right corner of the screen. The castle object 87 is displayed when the broadcaster is participating in any event (when the current date and time is within the holding period of the event for which the broadcaster applied for participation).

The comment input area 84 is an area for the viewer to input comments. When a viewer inputs a comment through the area 84, action objects 731 and 831 corresponding to the input comment are added to the action information display areas 73 and 83 of the distributor screen 70 of the distributor terminal 30 and the viewer screen 80 of each viewer terminal 30, respectively. The action object 731, 831 corresponding to the comment displays the comment itself (text) together with the account name of the viewer who entered the comment. Also, when a comment is input, the number of comments in the distribution management table 412 is updated (added by 1).

The like button 85 is an object for the viewer to input "like" to the distributor. When the button 85 is selected by the viewer, "Like" is input, and action objects 731 and 831 corresponding to "Like" are added to the action information display areas 73 and 83, respectively. Action objects 731 and 831 corresponding to "Like" display the account name of the viewer who entered "Like" and text indicating that "Like" was performed. Also, when "Like" is input, a predetermined image effect (for example, an animation effect in which a heart-shaped object is displayed so as to flow from the bottom to the top of the screen) is added to the moving image display areas 71 and 81. Also, when "like" is input, the "number of likes" in the distribution management table 412 is updated (added by 1).

The item input button 86 is an object for the viewer to input an item. When the button 86 is selected by the viewer, an item selection screen 200 illustrated in FIG. 10 is superimposed on the viewer screen 80 and displayed. The screen 200, as shown, lists a plurality of individual display areas 2021 each displaying information about an item. The individual display area 2021 displays an image corresponding to the item and the number of coins required to input the item.

In this example, a plurality of general items that can be input by the viewer are predetermined, and the number of coins as the price (value) is preset for each general item. The item selection screen 200 displays a list of a plurality of general items that can be entered. When any general item is selected by the viewer through the item selection screen 200, the selected general item is input.

When a general item is input, action objects 731 and 831 corresponding to the general item input are added to the action information display areas 73 and 83 . Action objects 731 and 831 corresponding to the input of general items display the name of the input item together with the account name of the viewer who input the item. Also, when a general item is input, a predetermined production effect (image/audio effect) corresponding to the input item is added to the moving image display areas 71 and 81 . Also, when a general item is input, an item point corresponding to the number of coins of the input item (for example, the point increases as the number of coins increases) is given to this distribution, and is added to the item point of the corresponding distribution in a distribution management table 412.例文帳に追加Also, when a general item is input, the number of coins for the input item is subtracted from the number of coins possessed by the corresponding user (viewer who has input the item) in the user information table 411 . In other words, general items are paid for (purchased) when they are input (when used).

A castle object 87 is an object for a viewer to assume a role for this broadcaster. When the object 87 is selected by the viewer, a role information display screen 90 illustrated in FIG. 11 is superimposed on the viewer screen 80 and displayed. As shown, the screen 90 includes a mega-knight display area 911 that displays a list of viewers who are the mega-knights of the distributor, a knight display area 912 that lists the viewers who are the knights of this distributor, a mini-night display area 913 that lists the viewers who are the mini-knights of the distributor, a mega-knight button 921 that displays "become a mega-knight", a knight button 922 that displays "become a knight", and a "be a mini-knight" button. It has a mini-knight appointment button 923 displayed.

Areas 911 to 913 display the profile images of the viewers who play the corresponding types of roles side by side in the horizontal direction, and the displayed viewers are switched by flicking/slide operations in the horizontal direction. In addition, when any viewer's profile image is selected in these areas 911 to 913, the corresponding viewer's profile screen is displayed. In this example, the number of viewers who can assume each role is not limited, but in other examples of this embodiment, at least some of the roles may be limited in the number of viewers who can assume.

Buttons 921-923 are objects for the viewer to assume the corresponding type of role. FIG. 12 exemplifies a role assumption confirmation screen 210 displayed in place of the role information display screen 90 in response to selection of the mega knight appointment button 921 . 12, the screen 210 displays the number of coins (55555 coins in the example of FIG. 12) to be consumed for assuming the corresponding role (Mega Knight in the example of FIG. 12), displays information on the exclusive items obtainable upon taking the corresponding role (in the example of FIG. 12, five Mega Knight exclusive items), and has a confirm button 212 and a cancel button 214 displaying "take". The information on the exclusive item includes the expiration date of the exclusive item. The expiration date is the end date and time of the event in which the distributor is participating (the end point of the holding period).

FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the correspondence relationship between the assumed role, the number of coins consumed, and the dedicated item given in this example. As shown, in this example, 55555 coins are required for the viewer to become a Meganite, and five Meganite exclusive items are awarded in response to becoming a Meganite. In addition, 11111 coins are required for the viewer to become a knight, and four knight-only items are given according to the appointment as a knight. In addition, 3333 coins are required for the viewer to become a Mini-Knight, and three items dedicated to Mini-Knight are provided according to the appointment of the viewer as a Mini-Knight. In this way, the three types of roles differ in the number of coins required for assuming the role and the dedicated items provided. In addition, the three types of roles can be said to have the highest role being the mega-knight, the next highest role being the knight, and the lowest role being the mini-knight.

When the confirmation button 212 of the role assumption confirmation screen 210 is selected by the viewer, the viewer assumes the corresponding role. Assuming a role, the amount of coins corresponding to the type of role is consumed, and the corresponding number of coins is subtracted from the number of coins possessed by the corresponding user (viewer who assumed the role) in the user information table 411. In addition, according to the assumption of a role, a dedicated item corresponding to the type of role is given. The assumed role and the type and quantity of dedicated items granted are registered in the role management table 413 .

When the viewer assumes any role, the viewer can input the obtained special item. FIG. 14 exemplifies the item selection screen 200 when the viewer is on mini-night. As shown in the figure, the item selection screen 200 when the player assumes any role is divided into an upper first display area 202 that displays information about general items and a lower second display area 204 that displays information about exclusive items.

The first display area 202 lists a plurality of individual display areas 2021 each displaying information about a general item. The individual display area 2021 displays the image corresponding to the item and the number of coins required to input the item, as described above.

The second display area 204 lists a plurality of individual display areas 2041 each displaying information about a dedicated item. The number of individual display areas 2041 displayed in the second display area 204 corresponds to the number of given dedicated items. That is, one individual display area 2041 in the second display area 204 corresponds to one dedicated item held by the viewer.

When the viewer selects the individual display area 2041 of the second display area 204, the corresponding dedicated item is entered. When a special item is input, action objects 731 and 831 corresponding to the input of the item are added to action information display areas 73 and 83 in the same way as when a general item is input, and the name of the input item is displayed on the action objects 731 and 831 together with the account name of the viewer who input the item. Also, when a dedicated item is input, a predetermined performance effect (image/sound effect) corresponding to the input item is added to the moving image display areas 71 and 81 in the same manner as when a general item is input. Also, when a dedicated item is input, similarly to the case of inputting a general item, item points corresponding to the number of coins of the input item (for example, the points increase as the number of coins increases) are given to this distribution, and are added to the item points of the corresponding distribution in the distribution management table 412.例文帳に追加

Here, the number of coins for exclusive items used to calculate item points is a value obtained by dividing the number of coins consumed when assuming the corresponding role by the number of granted exclusive items. Specifically, the number of coins for Mega Knight-only items is 11111 (=55555/5) coins, the number of coins for Knight-only items is 2777 (≈11111/4) coins, and the number of coins for Mini-Knight-only items is 1111 (=3333/3) coins. Note that when a special item is input, unlike when a general item is input, coins are not consumed (the number of owned coins in the user information table 411 is updated). When a dedicated item is input, the number of dedicated items of the corresponding type held by the combination of the corresponding distributor and viewer (the number of held mega-night-only items, the number of night-only items held, or the number of held mini-night-only items) is updated (subtracted by 1) in the role management table 413.

FIG. 15 exemplifies the item selection screen 200 after one dedicated item has been input (used) from the state of FIG. 14 . In this case, as shown in the figure, in the leftmost individual display area 2041 of the three individual display areas 2041 in the second display area 204, an input completed object 2041A displayed as "input completed" is arranged. The individual display area 2041 in which the object 2041A is arranged is configured so as not to be selectable. That is, the second display area 204 in the state of FIG. 15 is configured to enable selection of the remaining two individual display areas 2041 (input of the remaining two dedicated items).

In this way, when the viewer assumes one of the roles, it becomes possible to input the acquired exclusive item. Furthermore, when the viewer assumes any role, the viewer is preferentially displayed in the viewer display areas 722 and 822 of the viewer screen 70 and the distributor screen 80 . Specifically, the regions 722 and 822 are configured so that the profile images of each of the plurality of viewers are arranged side by side in the horizontal direction, but the profile images of the viewers who have roles are arranged on the top (left end) side. More specifically, the viewer display areas 722 and 822 are configured to display, in order from the top (left end) side, viewers who are in Mega Knight, viewers who are in Knight, viewers who are in Mini Night, and viewers who do not have a role. Furthermore, the profile image of the viewer having a role is decorated according to the type of role assumed (for example, adding an icon according to the type of role). The order of arrangement of the plurality of viewers having the same type of role and the order of arrangement of the plurality of viewers having no role are set according to a predetermined rule, for example, in descending order of contribution to item points according to item input. The viewer display areas 722 and 822 are configured such that the displayed viewer is switched by a flick operation/slide operation or the like in the horizontal direction.

In this way, when a viewer assumes one of the roles, it is preferentially displayed in the viewer display areas 722 and 822 . Furthermore, when one of the roles is assumed, the viewer's comment is preferentially displayed in the action information display areas 73 and 83 of the viewer screen 70 and distributor screen 80 . Specifically, when a viewer who has a role inputs a comment, the action objects 731 and 831 added to the action information display areas 73 and 83 are decorated according to the type of the assumed role (for example, addition of an icon according to the type of role).

Thus, in this example, a viewer who assumes any role can input a dedicated item, which is preferentially displayed in the viewer display areas 722 and 822, and the input comment is preferentially displayed in the action information display areas 73 and 83. It should be noted that a predetermined effect (image/sound effect) may be added to the moving image display areas 71 and 81 according to the assumption of the role.

In this example, viewers can repeatedly assume the same or different types of roles for a single broadcaster. In this case, each time a player assumes a role, a corresponding amount of coins is consumed and a corresponding dedicated item is granted. In this case, the viewer's role may be overwritten with the most recently assumed role, or may be set to the highest-ranking role among multiple roles repeatedly assumed.

Also, in this example, the assumed role is canceled when the event in which the broadcaster is participating ends. In other words, when the end date and time of the event in which the distributor is participating has passed, it becomes impossible to input the exclusive item, and the above-mentioned priority display in the viewer display areas 722 and 822 and the action information display areas 73 and 83 is also not performed.

When the distributor selects the distribution stop button 76 on the distributor screen 70, the distribution of the live moving image ends. When the distribution of the live moving image ends, the server 10 sets distribution points for the distribution. In this example, distribution points are calculated based on the number of viewers (maximum value), number of likes, number of comments, and item points. Distribution points are configured to increase as the number of viewers (maximum value), number of likes, number of comments, and item points increase. The calculated delivery points are registered in the delivery management table 412 .

Also, in this example, the current day's rank is determined (updated) based on the delivery points that the user earned the previous day. FIG. 16 is a flow diagram illustrating the processing performed by the server 10 when updating each user's rank. These processes are executed at midnight every day (for example, at 3:00 am every day).

The server 10 first updates the rank meter value of each user as shown (step S300). FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining a rule for updating rank meter values. As shown, in this example, the rank meter value fluctuates based on the ranking of distribution points earned by the user on the previous day within the rank zone to which the user belongs. The distribution points earned by a specific user on the previous day are calculated by referring to the distributor user account, distribution date and time, and distribution points in the distribution management table 412 . Note that if the user performs multiple deliveries in one day, the delivery points earned by each of the multiple deliveries are summed up.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 17, the update rule of the rank meter value is, first, when the ranking of distribution points in the rank band is included in the top 10%, the change in the rank meter value is "+2" (increase of 2 points). Similarly, the change is "+1" when the ranking is included in the top 11 to 30% (the remaining 20% excluding the top 10% from the top 30%), the variation is "±0" (no increase or decrease) when the ranking is included in the middle 30% (top 31 to 60%), and the variation is "-1" (1 point decrease) when the ranking is included in the bottom 40%. Note that if there was no distribution on the previous day, the change in the rank meter value is "-1" regardless of the ranking within the rank band.

In step S300, each user's rank meter value is updated according to the update rule illustrated in FIG. If the user has a negative rank meter value and the change in the rank meter value this time is an increase (specifically, +2 or +1), the rank meter value may be cleared to 0 and then increased. That is, for example, if the current value of the rank meter value is "-1" and the current change is "+2", the rank meter value is cleared to 0 and then increased by 2, and the rank meter value after the change becomes "+2" (instead of "+1"). In this way, even a user with a negative rank meter value (for example, a user with a low distribution frequency) can increase the rank meter value at once, thus promoting the distribution of live moving images.

After updating the rank meter value of each user, the server 10 then updates the rank based on the updated rank meter value (step S310). FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining the correspondence relationship between the update contents of the rank and the necessary rank meter value. As shown in the figure, the rank meter value required to rank up across rank bands (in other words, to rank up from the highest rank in each rank band) is +4. That is, a user belonging to the highest rank (eg, A+) within each rank band is ranked up to the lowest rank (eg, S−) within the directly above rank band when the rank meter value reaches +4. In addition, when ranking up within the same rank band (in other words, when ranking up from the middle or lowest rank in each rank band), the necessary rank meter value is +2. In other words, users belonging to the middle or lowest rank (e.g., B or B-) within each rank band will rank up to the immediately higher rank (e.g., B+ or B) within the same rank band when the rank meter value becomes +2.

Similarly, as exemplified in FIG. 18, the rank meter value required to rank down within the same rank band (in other words, to rank down from the highest or middle rank in each rank band) is −2. In other words, users belonging to the highest or middle rank (eg, B+ or B) within each rank band will rank down to the immediately lower rank within the same rank band (eg, B or B-) when the rank meter value becomes -2. Also, the rank meter value required to rank down across rank bands is -6. In other words, a user belonging to the lowest rank (eg, A-) within each rank band is downgraded to the highest rank (eg, B+) in the immediately lower rank band when the rank meter value reaches -6. Thus, in this example, rank up/down across rank bands requires a larger absolute rank meter value than rank up/down within the same rank band. As a result, rapid rank up/down in a short period of time is suppressed.

In step S310, the rank is updated based on the rank meter value according to the correspondence illustrated in FIG. Note that the rank meter value of the user whose rank has been updated (the user whose rank has been increased/decreased) is cleared to zero.

FIG. 19 illustrates a rank meter object 100 displaying a user's rank meter value. The object 100 is arranged, for example, on a profile screen or the like that displays the user's basic information. As illustrated, the rank meter object 100 has a needle object 102 having a needle-like shape and a scale object 104 having a C-shaped alphabet opening downward. The user's current rank (“A rank” in the example of FIG. 19) is displayed below the needle object 102 . The needle object 102 is configured to swing (rotate) rightward when the rank meter value increases, and swing leftward when the rank meter value decreases. The needle object 102 in FIG. 19 is in an upright state (pointing in the direction of 12 o'clock), corresponding to a state with a rank meter value of zero. The needle object 102 tilts to the right as the rank meter value increases in the positive direction, and tilts to the left as the rank meter value decreases in the negative direction. A rank-up area 1041 corresponding to the rank meter value required for rank-up is set on the lower right side of the scale object 104, and a rank-down area 1042 corresponding to the rank meter value required for rank-down is set on the lower left side of the scale object 104.例文帳に追加Through the rank meter object 100, the user can grasp the current status of the rank meter value toward rank up/down.

Also, in this example, diamonds, which are rewards for users as distributors, are given based on the previous day's distribution time and rank (rank on the previous day). FIG. 20 is a flow diagram illustrating processing executed by the server 10 when giving diamonds to each distributor. These processes are executed at midnight every day, for example, at a time (for example, midnight every day) before the process executed when updating the rank of each user illustrated in FIG. 16 .

The server 10 first calculates the previous day's delivery time for each user, as shown in the figure (step S400). Specifically, the delivery time of the previous day for a specific user is calculated by referring to the delivery user account of the delivery management table 412 and the delivery date and time. If the user has multiple deliveries in one day, the delivery times for each of the multiple deliveries are summed.

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

In the above example, the period in which the viewer can assume the role may be limited to a predetermined time (for example, 30 minutes before) before the end date and time (end point of the holding period) of the event in which the distributor is participating. In this case, for example, the castle object 87 on the viewer screen 80 cannot be selected after the predetermined time before the end date and time of the event. By doing so, it is possible to prevent an extremely short period of time from taking on any role until the event ends and the role becomes invalid.

Further, in the above example, if the viewer has an unused (uninput) exclusive item at a predetermined time (for example, 15 minutes before) the end date and time of the event, the exclusive item may be automatically (forcibly) entered. Alternatively, when the event ends with the dedicated item unused, the operator of the live video distribution service may purchase the dedicated item (give the corresponding amount of coins (refund)). In this way, it is possible to prevent the event from ending while the exclusive item given to the player assuming the role remains unused and the exclusive item to become invalid.

Further, in the above-described example, predetermined production effects (image/audio effects) may be added to the video display areas 71 and 81 through predetermined operation input by the distributor in response to the viewer taking on a role and/or inputting a dedicated item. The time range in which the predetermined operation input can be executed may be restricted within a predetermined time range from the assumption of a role or the input of a dedicated item, for example. In this way, it is possible to activate communication between the distributor and the viewers in response to taking on roles/inputting exclusive items.

The video distribution server 10 of the present embodiment described above gives a viewer a predetermined role (mega-knight, knight, or mini-night) associated with a distributor, and gives the viewer a dedicated item that can be input only for the live video of the distributor. Therefore, it is possible to prompt the viewer who has the predetermined role to view the live video of the distributor related to the role and to input the dedicated item while watching the live video. As a result, the moving picture distribution server 10 supports live moving picture distribution.

The processes and procedures described herein, other than those explicitly described, may be implemented in software, hardware, or any combination thereof. For example, the processes and procedures described herein are implemented by implementing logic corresponding to the processes and procedures in media such as integrated circuits, volatile memory, non-volatile memory, magnetic disks, and the like. Moreover, the processes and procedures described in this specification can be implemented as computer programs corresponding to the processes and procedures, and can be executed by various computers.

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

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

10 video distribution server 11 computer processor 15 storage (storage device)
20 communication network 30 user terminal 41 information storage management unit 43 basic function control unit 45 video distribution control unit 60 top screen 70 screen for distributor 722 viewer display area 73 action information display area (comment display area)
80 Viewer screen (predetermined screen)
822 viewer display area 83 action information display area (comment display area)
87 Castle object 90 Role information display screen 100 Rank meter object 200 Item selection screen 210 Role appointment confirmation screen

Claims (8)

A system for delivering live video, comprising one or more computer processors, comprising:
The one or more computer processors, in response to executing readable instructions,
The process of distributing the live video provided by the distributor to multiple viewers;
A process of receiving an item input by a viewer during the delivery of a live video;
giving the viewer a predetermined role that is associated with the distributor and that is valid only for a specific period of time ;
The process of assigning the predetermined role includes assigning a dedicated item that can be input only to the live video provided by the specific distributor and only in the specific period to the specific viewer, along with the provision of the predetermined role associated with the specific distributor to the specific viewer.
The one or more computer processors further execute a process of giving the viewer another item corresponding to the exclusive item when the specific period expires while the exclusive item is unused.
system. The process of granting the predetermined role includes consuming a predetermined value held by the specific viewer along with granting the predetermined role to the specific viewer,
The process of accepting the input of the item includes not consuming the predetermined value owned by the specific viewer when the specific viewer inputs the dedicated item, and consuming the predetermined value owned by the specific viewer when the specific viewer inputs a general item different from the dedicated item.
The system of Claim 1. The process of accepting the input of the item includes increasing a predetermined parameter associated with the distributor according to the viewer's input of the dedicated item or the general item.
3. The system of claim 2 . The process of delivering the live video includes presenting the live video to the viewer via a predetermined screen,
The predetermined screen is configured to have a viewer display area for displaying a plurality of viewers viewing the live video,
The viewer display area is configured such that viewers who have the predetermined role have priority over viewers who do not have the predetermined role.
4. The system of any one of claims 1-3. The one or more computer processors further perform a process of accepting input of comments by viewers during distribution of the live video,
The process of delivering the live video includes presenting the live video to the viewer via a predetermined screen,
The predetermined screen is configured to have a comment display area for displaying comments input by viewers,
The comment display area is configured such that comments of viewers who have the predetermined role are prioritized over comments of viewers who do not have the predetermined role.
5. The system of any one of claims 1-4. The process of assigning the predetermined role includes assigning the predetermined role in response to a request from a viewer during distribution of a live video provided by a distributor participating in an event in which the specific period is set.
6. The system of any one of claims 1-5 . A method for delivering live video, executed by one or more computers, comprising:
a step of distributing a live video provided by a distributor to a plurality of viewers;
Receiving input of items by a viewer during the delivery of the live video;
giving the viewer a predetermined role associated with the broadcaster that is valid only for a specific period of time ;
The step of assigning the predetermined role includes assigning a dedicated item that can be input only to the live video provided by the specific distributor and only in the specific period to the specific viewer, along with the provision of the predetermined role associated with the specific distributor to the specific viewer;
The method further comprises giving the viewer another item corresponding to the exclusive item when the specific period expires without the exclusive item being used.
Method. A program for delivering live video,
in response to being executed on one or more computers, to said one or more computers,
The process of distributing the live video provided by the distributor to multiple viewers;
A process of accepting input of items by viewers during delivery of a live video;
giving the viewer a predetermined role that is associated with the distributor and that is valid only for a specific period of time ;
The process of assigning the predetermined role includes assigning a dedicated item that can be input only to the live video provided by the specific distributor and only in the specific period to the specific viewer, along with the provision of the predetermined role associated with the specific distributor to the specific viewer;
causing the one or more computers to further execute a process of giving the viewer another item corresponding to the exclusive item when the specific period expires while the exclusive item is unused;
program.

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