JP7405877B2 - Content distribution system, computer system and content distribution method - Google Patents

Description

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

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

Communication between users is facilitated by using chat and text functions. For example, with a video distribution service, by transmitting and posting text while watching the video, you can enjoy a virtual experience as if you were all watching the video together.

When not only text but also images can be sent as a chat function or text function, sending the images is sometimes called "image posting" or the like. For example, by posting an image of a character with speech bubbles or an image of a character performing an action such as joy, anger, sadness, or happiness (in this case, also called a post), you can clearly express emotions and feelings that cannot be expressed in words. can be sent to.

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

JP 2017-91393 Publication

An object of the present invention is to provide a technology for enriching the user experience by using text and image transmission functions.

A first invention for solving the above problems is a content distribution system (for example, , streaming server 1100 of FIG. 1), the user terminal includes a content display unit that displays the content, and displays a viewing screen on which a call operation can be performed during viewing, and at least based on the call operation, When the support point calculation means (for example, the support point calculation unit 213 in FIG. 9) that calculates the support points related to the content and the event occurrence conditions including at least the conditions based on the call operation are satisfied, the same call operation is performed. In contrast, content distribution includes an event control unit (event control unit 225 in FIG. 9) that generates an event for which the support points can be calculated to be larger when the event occurs than when the event does not occur. It is a system.

According to the first invention, support points related to the content can be calculated based on a transmission operation by a viewing user who is viewing the content. Then, when the event occurrence conditions including the conditions based on the call operation are satisfied, larger support points can be calculated than when no event occurs for the same call operation (in other words, when the event does not occur) You can generate events (earn support points). Therefore, it is possible to prompt each viewing user to make a call operation in order to generate an event and increase the support points related to the content being viewed, thereby making it possible to increase the sending power. According to this, it is possible to provide a user experience in which a plurality of viewing users gather together and enjoy the content while viewing it together, thereby giving the viewing users a sense of elation and excitement.

Further, as a second invention, the event control means is configured to set a predetermined state in which a chain condition including at least a continuity certification condition for certifying the continuity of the transmission operation based on the timing at which the transmission operation is performed is satisfied. The content distribution system of the first invention may be configured to include the above-mentioned continuation in the event occurrence condition and determine whether the event occurrence condition is satisfied.

According to the second invention, the viewing user who is viewing the content continuously performs transmission operations, and when the transmission operations reach a certain level, an event can be generated. For example, if a plurality of viewing users make calls one after another and the calls reach 10 operations, it is possible to generate an event in which more support points can be earned than when no event occurs. According to this, it becomes possible to further enhance the feeling that all the viewing users are enlivening the content and further improve the user experience.

Further, as a third invention, the chain condition further includes that the plurality of calling operations to be determined satisfy a relevance recognition condition for determining the relevance of the calling operations. A content distribution system may be configured.

According to the third invention, a condition (relevance certification condition) for the relationship between transmission operations, for example, the content transmitted by the transmission operation (transmission content) can be included in the chain condition. Therefore, rather than triggering an event when any kind of content is transmitted continuously up to a certain scale, an event is generated when related content is transmitted continuously to a certain scale. can be made to occur. Furthermore, by setting relevance as a condition, it becomes more complex and interesting to select the contents of the transmission so as to satisfy the condition, and the transmission operation itself can be made into a part of the user experience.

Further, as a fourth invention, the system further includes a chain notification control means (for example, the chain notification control unit 221 in FIG. 9) that performs control to notify the user terminal of the current continuation status of the state in which the chain condition is satisfied. The content distribution system described in the second or third invention may be configured.

According to the fourth invention, it is possible to make the viewing user aware of the occurrence of an event by showing the viewing user how long the transmission operation that satisfies the chain condition continues at the present moment.

Further, as a fifth invention, the event control means changes the end time of the event based on a state in which the chain condition is satisfied in the generated event. A content distribution system of the invention may be configured.

According to the fifth invention, the end time of an event that has occurred can be changed based on the state in which the chain condition is satisfied. For example, if the chain condition continues to be satisfied during the event that has occurred, it is possible to extend the end of the event.

Further, as a sixth invention, the content distribution system according to any one of the first to fifth inventions, wherein the event control means determines that the event condition is satisfied when the total number of call operations reaches a predetermined number. may be configured.

According to the sixth invention, an event can be generated when a viewing user who is viewing content performs many calling operations. In this case, the event can be generated earlier by each viewing user repeating the calling operation, rather than when only one of the viewing users performs the calling operation many times. Therefore, it becomes possible to further increase the desire of each viewing user to enjoy the content and further improve the user experience.

Further, as a seventh invention, there are multiple types of the calling operation, and some of the multiple types are associated with the providing user or the content, and the event control means is configured to The content distribution system according to any one of the first to sixth inventions may be configured to include means for determining whether or not the event condition is satisfied based on the type of transmission operation.

According to the seventh invention, it becomes possible to generate an event based on the provider user of the content being viewed or the type of transmission operation associated with the content.

Further, as an eighth invention, a ranking calculation means (for example, the ranking calculation unit 227 in FIG. 9, the ranking calculation unit 227A in FIG. 25, ), the content distribution system according to any one of the first to seventh inventions may be configured.

According to the eighth invention, it is possible to calculate a ranking in which support points earned by distributed content are ranked by providing user or by content.

Further, as a ninth invention, it is determined whether or not to give a benefit to the viewing user based on the result of the ranking, and when it is determined to give a benefit, depending on the track record of the calling operation of the viewing user, The content distribution system of the eighth invention may be configured to include a first viewing user benefit granting means (for example, the first benefit granting processing unit 229 in FIG. 9) that grants a benefit to each viewing user.

According to the ninth invention, for example, it is possible to provide a viewing user who has viewed a content with a high ranking ranking with a benefit according to the performance of the call operation while viewing the content. That is, instead of uniformly giving benefits to users who view content with a higher ranking, luxurious benefits can be given to viewing users who have contributed to the acquisition of support points. Alternatively, benefits can be given only to such viewing users.

Further, as a tenth invention, the event control means determines whether the event occurrence condition is satisfied based on the transmission operation of the viewing user belonging to the group for each group consisting of the viewing users of the content currently being viewed. The content distribution system of the first to ninth inventions may be configured to determine the content of the event and control the occurrence of the event on a group-by-group basis.

According to the tenth invention, it is possible to determine whether the event generation condition is satisfied for each group based on the transmission operation of the viewing user belonging to the group, and to control the occurrence of an event for each group.

Further, as an eleventh invention, the support point calculation means calculates the support points for each group, and ranks the groups based on the support points for each group (for example, as shown in FIG. A content distribution system according to a tenth invention may be configured, including a ranking calculation unit 227A).

According to the eleventh invention, support points can be calculated for each group based on the operator of the calling operation. The groups can then be ranked in order of support points.

Further, as a twelfth invention, it is determined whether or not to provide a benefit to the viewing user belonging to the group based on the ranking of the group ranked by the group ranking means, and when it is determined that the benefit is to be provided. , a second viewing user benefit granting means (for example, the second benefit granting processing unit 233A in FIG. 25) that grants a benefit to each viewing user belonging to the group according to the performance of the calling operation of the viewing user. A content distribution system according to a tenth aspect of the present invention may also be configured.

According to the twelfth invention, for example, it is possible to give a benefit to a viewing user who has contributed to the acquisition of support points among viewing users belonging to a group with a high ranking.

Further, as a thirteenth invention, the support point calculation means calculates the support points for each viewing user, and ranks the viewing users based on the support points for each viewing user. (For example, the ranking calculation unit 227A in FIG. 25) may be configured as a content distribution system according to any one of the first to twelfth inventions.

According to the thirteenth invention, support points can be calculated for each viewing user based on the operator of the calling operation. Then, viewing users can be ranked in order of support points.

Further, as a fourteenth invention, a viewing user to whom a benefit is to be given and a viewing user to whom a benefit is to be given are determined based on the ranking of the viewing users ranked by the viewing user ranking means. The content distribution system of the thirteenth invention may be configured to include a third viewing user benefit granting means (for example, the third benefit granting processing unit 235A in FIG. 25) that grants the determined benefit to the user.

According to the fourteenth invention, it is possible to determine which viewing users are to be granted and which benefits are to be granted according to the ranking of the viewing users. For example, higher-ranked viewing users can be given more luxurious benefits than lower-ranked viewing users.

Further, as a fifteenth invention, the event control means is configured to cause the event to occur when the providing user performs an event instruction operation, regardless of whether or not the event generation condition is satisfied. The content distribution system according to any one of the fourteenth invention may be configured.

According to the fifteenth invention, an event can be generated in response to a generation instruction operation by a providing user. The event may be generated immediately in response to the generation instruction operation.

Further, as a sixteenth invention, a content distribution system according to a fifteenth invention is configured, comprising a consideration collection means (for example, the consideration collection processing unit 223 in FIG. 9) that collects the consideration for the generation instruction operation from the providing user. You may.

According to the sixteenth invention, it is possible to collect consideration from the providing user and accept the generation instruction operation.

Further, as a seventeenth invention, the event control means causes the viewing user to cause the event in exchange for consumption of a specific item or virtual currency by the viewing user, regardless of whether or not the event occurrence condition is satisfied. The content distribution system according to any one of the first to sixteenth inventions may be configured to generate the event when a charge generation instruction operation is performed.

According to the seventeenth invention, an event can be generated in response to a viewing user's operation to instruct paid generation. Also, at that time, an event can be generated in exchange for consumption of specific items or virtual currency.

Further, as an eighteenth invention, there is a plurality of types of the calling operation, and the support point calculation means calculates support points according to the type of the calling operation. A content distribution system may also be configured.

According to the eighteenth invention, support points can be calculated according to the type of call operation.

Further, as a nineteenth invention, a computer system (for example, the content providing system 1000 in FIG. 1) is configured, comprising a user terminal of each viewing user and the content distribution system of any one of the first to eighteenth inventions. You may.

The term "computer system" as used herein may be a single computer system or a system in which multiple computers are communicably connected. According to the nineteenth invention, it is possible to realize a computer system that has the same effects as the first invention.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a content providing system. The figure which shows the example of a device configuration of a user terminal. The figure which shows the example of a screen structure of a viewing screen. The figure which shows the display example of the pop-up displayed at the time of assignment change operation. A diagram illustrating conditions for continuous combo occurrence. A diagram illustrating conditions for generating a combination combo. A diagram for explaining an example in which it is determined that there is relevance. The figure which shows an example of a viewing screen during fever time. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of a streaming server in the first embodiment. The figure which shows the example of the program and data which the server storage part of 1st embodiment 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 relevance certification condition definition data. The figure which shows the data structure example of combination combo scale requirement definition data. The figure which shows the data structure example of fever time definition data. The figure which shows the data structure example of user management data. The figure which shows the data structure example of distribution management data. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of a viewing terminal. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of a providing terminal. Flowchart showing the process flow of the streaming server. 20 is a flowchart showing the process flow of the streaming server following FIG. 19. 21 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of the streaming server following FIG. 20; Flowchart showing the flow of processing of the viewing terminal. Flowchart showing the process flow of the providing terminal. The figure which shows the example of a viewing screen in 2nd Embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of a streaming server 1100 in a second embodiment. The figure which shows the example of the program and data which the server storage part of 2nd embodiment stores. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a chat screen displayed when the present invention is applied to a chat function of a social networking service. The figure which shows the other display example of a chat screen.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below, and the forms to which the present invention can be applied are not limited to the following embodiments. In addition, in the drawings, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[First embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a content providing system 1000 to which the present invention is applied. The content providing system 1000 is a computer system that provides a distribution service that allows an unspecified number of people to simultaneously enjoy content such as multimedia content. When distributing content, streaming distribution will be described as an example, but it goes without saying that other methods of distribution may be used. The content providing system 1000 includes a streaming server 1100 and a plurality of user terminals 1500 (1500a, 1500b, . . . , 1500T), which are connected to each other via a communication line 9 so as to be capable of data communication.

The communication line 9 means a communication path that allows data communication. In other words, the communication line 9 includes a dedicated line (dedicated cable) for direct connection, a LAN (Local Area Network) using Ethernet (registered trademark), etc., as well as communication networks such as a telephone communication network, a cable network, and the Internet. In addition, the communication method may be wired or wireless.

The streaming server 1100 streams content including at least video provided from the user terminal 1500 (1500T) of the providing user 2 (2t) to the user terminal 1500 (1500a, 1500b, . . . ) of each viewing user 2 (2a, 2b, . . . ). ) is a computer system that realizes a content distribution system that distributes content to

Specifically, the streaming server 1100 includes a main unit 1101, a keyboard 1106, a touch panel 1108, and a storage 1140. The main unit 1101 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 1151, a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), and a DSP. It has a built-in control board 1150 on which electronic components such as a processor such as a digital signal processor (Digital Signal Processor), various IC memories 1152 such as VRAM, RAM, and ROM, and a communication device 1153 are mounted. Note that part or all of the control board 1150 may be realized using an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field-programmable Gate Array), or an SoC (System on a Chip).

Then, the streaming server 1100 performs arithmetic processing based on a predetermined program and data by the control board 1150.
1) User management functions related to user registration, etc.
2) Content distribution service function,
3) a user transmission service function that distributes text and images (for example, images for transmission) transmitted (also referred to as posted) from the user terminal 1500;
4) An online shopping function that makes it possible to purchase images for transmission online that can be transmitted using the user transmission service function;
Realize. Of course, configurations that can realize functions other than these are also possible. For example, it may be possible to implement a social networking service function or a chat function as part of the function.

The distribution service function acquires content such as video data from the user terminal 1500T of the providing user 2t who is the user who provides the content, and transmits the acquired content to the viewing user 2 (2a, 2b, . . . who is the user who has registered as a viewer). ) to user terminals 1500 (1500a, 1500b, . . . ) in a format that allows content files to be viewed while being downloaded.

The user transmission service function transmits text and transmission images transmitted from user terminals 1500 (1500a, 1500b, ...) of viewing users 2 (2a, 2b, ...) to each viewing user 2 (2a, 2b, ...). This is a function that distributes to the user terminals 1500 (1500a, 1500b, . . . ) and the user terminal 1500T of the providing user 2t, and displays the transmission content at the distribution destination.

The online shopping function is a function for purchasing images for transmission by consuming virtual currency equivalent points (hereinafter simply referred to as "currency points") held by the viewing user 2, and electronic payment is made in response to a request from the user terminal 1500. It cooperates with an external electronic payment server operated by a vendor, etc., and performs the purchase procedure (billing process) for currency points. During billing processing, the electronic payment server responds to an inquiry from the streaming server 1100 and performs processing to settle the purchase amount of currency points using the user's credit card, prepaid card, or the like. The streaming server 1100 then grants the user currency points equivalent to the purchase amount settled by the electronic payment server.

Note that the streaming server 1100 is not limited to the single configuration shown in FIG. 1, but may have a configuration in which a plurality of blade servers that share each function are installed and connected to each other via an internal bus to enable data communication. . Alternatively, a configuration may be adopted in which a plurality of independent servers installed at remote locations are caused to perform data communication via the communication line 9, thereby functioning as the streaming server 1100 as a whole.

User terminals 1500 (1500a, 1500b, ..., 1500T) are computer systems used by users 2 (2a, 2b, ..., 2t), which create content to be provided for distribution by changing the programs they execute. The terminal functions as a providing terminal for providing distributed content, or as a viewing terminal that enables viewing of distributed content. 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 terminals. Note that the user terminal 1500 of this embodiment is a device called a smartphone, but it may also be a portable game device, a personal computer, a tablet computer, a wearable computer, or the like.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the device configuration of a smartphone, which is an example of the user terminal 1500. As shown in FIG. 2, the user terminal 1500 includes a direction input key 1502, a home key 1504, a touch panel 1506 that functions as an image display device and a contact position input device, a built-in battery 1509, a speaker 1510, and a microphone 1512. , an image sensor module 1520, a control board 1550, and a memory card reader 1542 that can read and write data to and 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. Furthermore, an IC card reader or the like may be provided that can read and write data in a non-contact manner with respect to an IC card-type credit card or prepaid card that can be used to pay for game play.

The control board 1550 includes various microprocessors such as a CPU 1551, GPU, and DSP, various IC memories 1552 such as VRAM, RAM, and ROM, and for wireless communication with a mobile phone base station, a wireless LAN base station, etc. connected to the communication line 9. A wireless communication module 1553, an interface circuit 1557, and the like are installed. The interface circuit 1557 includes a circuit that receives signals from the direction input key 1502 and the home key 1504, a driver circuit for the touch panel 1506, an output amplifier circuit that outputs an audio signal to the speaker 1510, and an audio signal collected by the microphone 1512. , a circuit for inputting image data of an image photographed by the image sensor module 1520, a signal input/output circuit for the memory card reader 1542, and the like. Each of the elements mounted on the control board 1550 is electrically connected to each other via a bus circuit or the like, so that data can be read and written and signals can be transmitted and received. Note that part or all of the control board 1550 may be configured with ASIC, FPGA, or SoC.

In the control board 1550, the IC memory 1552 stores a video providing program (for example, a providing terminal program that enables creation and provision of content) for realizing the function of a providing terminal, and a program for realizing the function of a viewing terminal. Viewing programs (for example, viewing terminal programs that enable viewing of distributed content and transmission of texts and images for transmission), data necessary to execute these programs, and the like are stored. Then, the CPU 1551 and the like execute the providing terminal program and the viewing terminal program to perform arithmetic processing, and control each part of the user terminal 1500 according to operation inputs to the touch panel 1506, direction input keys 1502, and home key 1504. It enables the user terminal 1500 to provide/view content.

In this embodiment, the user terminal 1500 is configured to download the providing terminal program, viewing terminal program, and various setting data from the streaming server 1100, but it may also be configured to read it from a storage medium such as a separately obtained memory card 1540. good.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a screen configuration of a viewing screen for viewing content. In the user terminal 1500 running the viewing program, the viewing screen W1 illustrated in FIG. 3 is displayed on the touch panel 1506. The viewing screen W1 is, for example,
1) an incidental information display section 31 that displays incidental information of the distributed content being viewed (hereinafter also referred to as "distributed content" as appropriate);
2) a content display section 32 that displays the distributed content;
3) a text transmission operation section 33 for inputting text and performing a transmission operation (text transmission operation);
4) an image transmission operation icon 34 for performing a transmission operation (image transmission operation) of the transmission image 8;
5) a general-purpose display section 35;
6) a transmission content display section 36 that displays the avatars 4 (4a, 4b, . . . ) of each viewing user 2 (2a, 2b, . . . ), the text operated for transmission, and the contents of the transmission image 8;
7) a shopping icon 37 for instantly purchasing the transmission image 8 online;
including.

The additional information displayed on the additional information display section 31 includes, for example, the title, genre, shooting date and time, shooting location, information about the subject, situation description, profile information of the providing user 2t, messages from the providing user 2t, etc. It can be done. In addition, if the distributed content is a gameplay video, the incidental information may include the content of the play and the game status (for example, information on the game stage and location being played, information on equipment, enemy character names, strategy status, etc.) (Player level, remaining time and elapsed time until stage clearing, names of rare items available, etc.) may be included.

The supplementary information may be set by the providing user 2t himself or herself before providing the distributed content, or may be set by the operator of the distribution service. Further, in the case of a game play video, the information may be automatically acquired and set from the play information of the game being played. In this embodiment, the providing user 2t sets his own profile information in advance as information regarding the providing user 2t. Profile information includes, for example, age, gender, date of birth, place of birth, etc., as well as things you like and dislike, such as your favorite animal, favorite food, favorite color, favorite genre of music, etc. Includes items related to hobbies and preferences.

The content display section 32 displays content including at least videos (for example, live broadcasts of performances, entertainment, etc. by the providing user 2t, game plays played by the providing user 2t, live broadcasts of game plays, and edited video of recorded game play). video works shot and edited by the providing user 2t) are displayed.

The text transmission operation section 33 includes an input field for inputting text (letters, numbers, symbols) such as comments and messages to be transmitted, and a transmission execution operation icon for transmitting the text in the input field.

The image transmission operation icon 34 is a one-touch operation icon to which a transmission image 8 to be transmitted can be assigned in advance. By simply touching the image sending operation icon 34, the assigned sending image 8 will be sent (posted).

The transmission image 8 is an image prepared by the operator of the distribution service and provided to the viewing user 2 for free or for a fee. Each of the viewing users 2 can obtain and purchase the transmission image 8 and use it for transmission. The transmitted images 8 for transmission are consumed based on the number owned by the viewing user 2.

Here, any type of transmission image 8 currently held by the viewing user 2 can be assigned to the image transmission operation icon 34. As a result, although the same icon is located at the same position on the viewing screen W1, different calling operations can be performed by changing the assigned calling image 8.

Specifically, when a predetermined allocation change operation (for example, a two-finger touch operation on the image transmission operation icon 34) is performed, a pop-up display W3 as shown in FIG. 4 is displayed on the viewing screen W1. In the pop-up display W3, the outgoing images 8 (8a, 8b, . . . ) owned by the viewing user 2 are displayed for each type along with the number of owned images and the number of added points. The number of points to be added is set in advance for each type of transmission image 8. For example, a higher score can be set for an item with a higher selling price. The viewing user 2 can set the assignment of the transmission image 8 to the image transmission operation icon 34 by touching any transmission image 8 in this pop-up display W3. A check mark 40 indicating the selected state is displayed attached to the currently assigned transmission image 8 .

The type of image 8 for transmission can be set as appropriate, and is not limited to a still image, but may also be an image with changes such as an animated GIF (Graphic Interchange Format). Basically, the sending image 8 is designed in various ways to serve as an item for communication between the viewing users 2. These messages include messages to evaluate the distributed content (e.g., good, bad, interesting, not interesting, amazing, cool, etc.), messages of support and gratitude to the provider user 2t (e.g., do your best, calm down, etc.). ,...), and a transmission image 8 with a design indicating the sender's predetermined expression of intention (for example, a message of evaluation such as "like", "interesting", etc., "I support you", "Good luck", etc.), and the like.

Therefore, if an image transmission operation is performed with the transmission image 8 with a design that includes such a message or declaration of intention assigned to the image transmission operation icon 34, the operation is a message transmission operation or a default transmission operation that indicates a default declaration of intention. becomes.

For example, the transmission image 8 assigned to the image transmission operation icon 34 can be a graphic figure with a motif of a natural object such as a flower or a star, such as transmission images 8a, 8b, and 8c. Flowers and stars are best sent at times when the person is expressing a positive attitude, such as being happy, having fun, or thinking well of the person. Alternatively, it may be a graphic figure with a motif of large text that cannot be displayed as text. It is also possible to prepare a series (for example, a spring flower series, a summer flower series, etc.) of multiple types of transmission images 8 that have the same shape but differ in size, color scheme, etc.

Also, the transmission image 8 assigned to the image transmission operation icon 34, like the transmission images 8d and 8e, is an item (in the example of FIG. 4, the stick has a star on the tip and is held in the hand). content in which the character is holding a cheering goods (to be used by shaking it), content in which the character plays music as shown in the transmission images 8k, 8m, and 8n illustrated in FIG. For example, it can be an image of someone blowing a kiss, smiling, feeling disappointed, etc. Even if you have the same item, different characters can have different types. Furthermore, even if the characters perform the same action, they can be of different types if the characters are different.

Further, the sending image 8 assigned to the image sending operation icon 34 can also include an image that includes words or phrases, like the sending image 8f. The character may be represented with a speech bubble to make it appear as if the character is speaking the word or phrase. Of course, the word or phrase may be an onomatopoeia, such as a sound effect expression in a manga. For example, an image may include a character looking surprised with the words "Gikku!" and a character looking excited with the words "Wakuwaku!" attached.

Note that although it is assumed that the transmission images 8 (8a, 8b, . . . ) in this embodiment are prepared in advance by the operator of the distribution service, a configuration may also be adopted in which images created by the users themselves can be used. Of course, it is not limited to graphic design, illustrations, and fonts, and may also use actual images.

In the present embodiment, when the viewing user 2 touches the image transmission operation icon 34 to which the transmission image 8 is assigned and set as described above, and the transmission image 8 is transmitted (that is, when the viewing user 2 When the user performs an image transmission operation), the number of additional points is added to the support points related to the distribution content. Therefore, if many viewing users perform many image transmission operations from the start to the end of distribution, support points will be added accordingly, and the distributed content can earn many support points. Furthermore, the larger the number of points added to the transmission image 8 transmitted in each image transmission operation, the more points are added, and ultimately more support points are accumulated. In other words, the support points can be said to represent the degree of excitement or popularity when the distribution of the distribution content is regarded as one program, stage, or stage.

Returning to FIG. 3, the general-purpose display section 35 is an area that is used without a fixed purpose, such as displaying various notifications and presentations. In this embodiment, it is mainly used for displaying support points and displaying fever time that occurs when predetermined event occurrence conditions are met. Specifically, the general-purpose display section 35 includes a support point display section 351 that displays the current value of support points.

In addition, the general-purpose display unit 35 displays the current continuation status of the image sending operation that satisfies the "continuous combo" chain condition (described later) (the current number of chains related to continuous combos: continuous combo chain) when fever time occurs. A combo gauge 353 for indicating the number) is displayed. The display of the combo gauge 353 is controlled so that the gauge value becomes full when the number of chains related to consecutive combos reaches a reference value, and when the reference value is reached, fever time occurs. The reference value is set in advance as a scale condition for continuous combo occurrence conditions, which will be described later. Therefore, the viewing user 2 can use the combo gauge 353 to know how many more image transmission operations must be chained before fever time will occur, and can perform image transmission operations with awareness of the occurrence of fever time. becomes.

In addition, the forced occurrence item 355 held by the viewing user 2 is displayed as an icon on the general-purpose display unit 35 when fever time is not occurring. Although details will be described later, the forced item 355 is a specific item that can be purchased at its selling price in exchange for consuming currency points, and can be used by touching its icon.

The transmission content display section 36 displays avatars 4 (4a, 4b, . . . ) of the users 2 (2a, 2b, . . .) viewing the distributed content. The text transmitted from the viewing user 2 is displayed in a speech bubble 5 (5b, 5c) indicating that the avatar 4 (4b, 4c) of the viewing user 2 is speaking. Further, the transmission image 8 transmitted from the viewing user 2 (viewing user 2a in FIG. 3) is displayed so as to jump out from the avatar 4 (4a) of the viewing user 2 (2a), or as if taken out by the avatar 4 (4a). Appearance is displayed by an action like this. In this embodiment, these texts and the image for transmission 8 are displayed on the transmission content display section 36 for a predetermined display time, and are then erased. However, the transmission image 8 may be displayed as the background of the transmission content display section 36 until the distribution ends.

When the shopping icon 37 is touched, a sales screen showing a list of outgoing images 8 to be sold pops up, and the desired outgoing image 8 can be purchased at the selling price in exchange for consuming currency points. Additionally, on the sales screen, other forced items 355 can be purchased.

As shown in FIG. 3, the viewing screen W1 configured as described above is laid out so that the avatars 4 of each viewing user 2 are displayed on the front side (lower side) of the content display section 32. To provide users with an atmosphere as if they were gathering together to appreciate distributed content.

In addition, by displaying the text sent by each viewing user 2 in the speech bubble 5 of the avatar 4, and by displaying the sending image 8 appearing from the avatar 4, it is possible for everyone to watch the distributed content and express their impressions as they wish. It creates an atmosphere where you feel like you are talking to your friends. Since the transmission image 8 does not have to be read one by one like text, it is possible to convey what the viewing user 2 is feeling and thinking instantaneously, symbolically, and concisely. Furthermore, the effect of enlivening the atmosphere is greater than that of text.

In this way, the viewing screen W1 shows that the providing user 2t who provides the distributed content and the viewing users 2 (2a, 2b,...) who view the content are working together to enliven one live stage or stage. It is designed to make it easier to get a sense of it.

In this embodiment, the text and image user transmission service function is used to increase the transmission power of each viewing user 2, thereby creating a new added value that further enhances the sense of unity and solidarity between the viewing users 2. It is designed to bring.

[principle]
When a user terminal 1500 (1500a, 1500b, . . . ) of each viewing user who is viewing distributed content performs an operation to send text or an image, information about when and what was sent, that is, information on the sending record is sent to the streaming server 1100. is accumulated in Furthermore, the streaming server 1100 aggregates image sending operations based on the sending record, and updates and manages support points related to the distribution content. Then, the transmission results and the current value of support points are simultaneously transmitted to the user terminals 1500 of all viewing users via the streaming server 1100, and displayed on the respective viewing screens W1 (the transmission content display section 36 and the support point display section 351). be done. The support points are also transmitted to the providing user's user terminal 1500 and displayed on the providing screen.

Therefore, the streaming server 1100 performs control (event control) to generate fever time as an event to liven up the viewing atmosphere of the distributed content when event generation conditions including conditions based on the image transmission operation are satisfied.

In this embodiment, the image sending operation is reflected in the support points, and the event generation conditions are determined for the image sending operation to generate fever time, but the text sending operation is also reflected in the support points. It may also be reflected in Then, event generation conditions (continuous combo conditions, combination combo generation conditions, and operation count conditions) including the text transmission operation may be determined.

1. Event Occurrence Conditions In this embodiment, a plurality of event occurrence conditions are predetermined, and fever time occurs each time any event occurrence condition is met. In this embodiment, the event occurrence conditions are, for example, a continuous combo occurrence condition, a combination combo occurrence condition, an operation count condition, and a forced occurrence condition.

(1) Conditions for generating continuous combos/conditions for generating combination combos FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining conditions for generating continuous combos, and FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining conditions for generating combination combos. The streaming server 1100 determines as an event occurrence condition the occurrence of a "call combo (abbreviation for combination of user calls)" in which the senders of the sender images 8 are chained to a predetermined scale or more by the same or different callers. In this embodiment, the occurrence of two types of outgoing combos, "continuous combo" and "combination combo", is recognized.

The occurrence of the outgoing combo is determined to be affirmative (certified determination) when the state of satisfying the chain condition continues to the extent that the scale requirement is satisfied.

First, as shown in FIG. 5, it is determined that the chain condition of a continuous combo is satisfied if there is continuity in the timing of transmission (call timing).

Continuity is determined to be "continuous" if the time difference between transmission timings is less than or equal to a predetermined "continuity certified time difference Δt". The continuity certification time difference Δt can be set as appropriate. For example, it is preferable to set the time to around 5 to 30 seconds. Note that the continuity certification time difference Δt may be a common value for the distribution services, or may be a different value depending on supplementary information such as the genre of the distribution content.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 6, when the combination combo chain condition has the above-mentioned continuity in the transmission timing and the transmission contents are related, it is determined that the chain condition is satisfied. The determination of relevance is performed on a plurality of transmission contents that have been determined to be "continuous," and is performed based on common points among the plurality of transmission contents and the presence or absence of patterns created by them. In other words, if there is a relationship between the calling operations, an affirmative determination is made that “there is a relationship”.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining an example in which it is determined that there is relevance. Figures 7(a) to (f) show examples of different types of transmissions that are determined to be relevant. Examples of transmission contents) are shown arranged from left to right in the order of transmission. Note that the examples of the contents of the dispatches arranged and the number thereof are for convenience of illustration, and are not limited to these in actual operation.

For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 7(a) to 7(d), when a plurality of continuous transmission contents have a common point, it is determined that they are related. In the example of FIG. 7A, all of the images are transmission images 8a, and since they have the same type, it is determined that they are related. The common feature is not limited to the type of image 8 for transmission. The color scheme and shape of a plurality of transmission images 8 having continuous transmission content may be used. In the case of a color scheme, it may be a main color scheme that indicates the largest area, a color scheme that ranks higher in the order of area occupancy, or the like. Relevance conditions may be determined by focusing on common external shapes such as a round shape, a Δ shape, and a square shape as a whole.

Alternatively, attention may be paid to the commonality of the depicted contents. For example, as shown in FIG. 7B, even if the characters depicted in the sending images 8 are different but have the same poses and actions, it can be determined that they are related.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 7C, although the characters, poses, and actions are strictly different, if the poses and actions have a common theme, it can be determined that they are related. In the example of FIG. 7(c), there is a commonality in the theme of music performance, so it is determined that there is a relationship. In addition, if certain actions such as ``waving a flag,'' ``shouting through a megaphone,'' and ``clap'' are all together, it can be determined that they are related because there is a common theme of ``cheering''. . 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, etc.), it is determined that there is a relationship. You can also.

Furthermore, if we focus on the text included in the image, as shown in Figure 7(d), even if the text included in the sending image 8 has the same meaning or a common theme, there is a possibility that the text is related. It can be determined that there is. In the example of FIG. 7(d), since both words mean "cute", they are determined to be related.

In addition, if the content of continuous transmissions forms a pattern when arranged in the order in which they were transmitted (order of transmission), or if a predetermined series is completed, it may be determined that there is a relationship. can.

For example, in the example shown in FIG. 7(e), there is no common feature among all the continuous transmission contents, but the transmission images 8f and 8b form a time-series pattern in which they are transmitted alternately in the transmission order. Therefore, it is considered relevant. The contents of time-series patterns that are recognized to be relevant can be set as appropriate.

Also, in the example of FIG. 7(f), although the transmission images 8a, 8b, 8s, and 8t are of different types, they can be determined to be related because they form a predetermined "flower" series. can.

Next, the scale requirement is determined to be positive when the number of times the chain condition is continuously satisfied (in other words, the number of chains) reaches a reference value. Specifically, the reference value for continuous combos (continuous combo reference value) is set to "10 chains" as shown in FIG. However, the number of chains is not limited to 10, and the number of chains of 2 or more can be set as appropriate. On the other hand, a reference value of a combination combo (combination combo reference value) is predetermined for each relationship that can be certified by a chain condition. The relationship between the relevance and the reference value may be set in advance. For example, the reference value can be a different number of chains depending on the relationship, such as ``10 chains'' for the relationship in Figure 7(a) and ``5 chains'' for the relationship in Figure 7(b). . Further, for a relationship that is recognized as a combination of specific actions, the number of combinations of the actions can be used as a reference value. The example in Figure 6 shows an example where the standard value is "three chains", and if there is continuity in the transmission of three different transmission images that have a common theme of music performance, the occurrence of a combination combo is recognized. be done.

Note that the scale condition may be set as the length of time that satisfies the chain condition by multiplying the continuity certified time difference Δt by a reference value. For example, in the case of a continuous combo, the scale condition may be satisfied when the time length reaches "10 x Δt", and in the case of a combination combo, the scale condition may be satisfied when the time length reaches "3 x Δt".

(2) Condition for number of operations The streaming server 1100 determines the total number of image sending operations (total number of sending operations) by all viewing users as an event occurrence condition. For example, the number of image sending operations from the start of distribution of the distribution content is counted, and when the number of image sending operations exceeds a reference value (total number of sending operations reference value), it is determined that the number of operations condition is satisfied. In this embodiment, the reference value is a value obtained by multiplying the number of viewing users by a predetermined number (for example, 20 times). However, it may be a fixed value regardless of the number of viewing users.

(3) Forced generation condition The forced generation condition is a condition that causes fever time to occur immediately regardless of the operation status of the image transmission operation. In this embodiment, the forced occurrence conditions include conditions related to the viewing user's operation and conditions related to the providing user's operation.

First, the condition related to the operation by the viewing user 2 is that "the viewing user 2 has performed an operation instructing generation of a fee." In this embodiment, a touch operation on the forced generation item 355 is accepted as a paid generation instruction operation on the general-purpose display unit 35, and fever time is generated in exchange for consumption of the forced generation item 355.

Note that the configuration is not limited to generating fever time through the use of the forced generation item 355 obtained and purchased by the viewing user, but it is also possible to arrange a forced generation button on the general-purpose display section 35, etc., and use the touch operation as a paid generation instruction operation. It may be configured to accept the request. That is, when the viewing user performs a touch operation on the forced generation button, fever time may be generated in exchange for consumption of currency points corresponding to the selling price of the forced generation item 355.

On the other hand, the condition related to the operation by the providing user 2t is that "the providing user 2t has performed the generation instruction operation." The generation instruction operation is accepted, for example, by arranging a fever generation button within the provision screen displayed on the user terminal 1500 of the providing user 2t during distribution and touching the button. When performing this generation instruction operation, the compensation is collected from the providing user. Collection of consideration can be realized by generating fever time in exchange for consumption of currency points owned by the providing user.

More specifically, the generation instruction operation has a limit number of times, such as once per content provision or once per predetermined time (for example, 1 hour), and once the generation instruction operation is performed, The button will be disabled until the restriction is lifted. Also, when fever time occurs, selection becomes impossible. Therefore, the providing user cannot perform the generation instruction operation unnecessarily, and the timing of the operation is one of the strategies for acquiring many support points. In this embodiment, the limit number of times is one per providing one piece of content.

2. Event Control When the event occurrence condition is satisfied, the streaming server 1100 generates a fever time in which larger support points can be calculated than when the event does not occur. In this embodiment, when an image transmission operation is performed when fever time occurs, the number of additional points for the transmitted transmission image 8 is multiplied by a predetermined number (for example, 1.5) and added to the support points. With event control here, if you perform an image sending operation when fever time occurs, you can earn more support points than when fever time does not occur.

The length of fever time (fever time length) is determined in advance for each event occurrence condition, and may be extended. In this embodiment, if the continuous combo chain condition continues to be satisfied even after the fever time has occurred, the fever time will be increased for a time length (extended time length) corresponding to the number of chains Cs after the fever time has occurred. Extend the end time of

Also, if the operation count condition is satisfied during the fever time, the end time of the fever time is extended by a predetermined extension time. The extension time length in this case is fixed (for example, 15 seconds) in this embodiment.

When the streaming server 1100 generates the fever time, it displays an effect on the viewing screen to the effect that the fever time is in progress. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the viewing screen W11 during fever time. As shown in FIG. 8, when fever time occurs, a notification that the fever time is in progress and a notification of the remaining time of the fever time are displayed on the general-purpose display section 35. In addition, as shown surrounded by a broken line in FIG. 8, the appearance display of the transmission image 8 transmitted from the viewing user 2 (viewing user 2a in FIG. 8) during the fever time is different from when the fever time does not occur. For example, the appearance display is made more colorful. Note that the notification may be displayed anywhere on the general-purpose display section 35 as long as it is within the screen. Further, an effect display such as changing the background of the viewing screen W11 to a background for fever time may be performed.

3. Ranking As mentioned above, the support points represent the degree of excitement or popularity of the distributed content. Therefore, the streaming server 1100 calculates rankings based on support points at a predetermined cycle, such as every month or every week. In this embodiment, rankings are calculated every month. The targets of ranking are contents distributed within the period of the cycle (here, the past one month), but all distributed contents may be targeted.

Specifically, the streaming server 1100 reads the maximum value of support points for each providing user from among the content provided by each providing user within the period, and arranges the read maximum values in ascending order of the content provided by each providing user. Calculate the ranking (ranking by provider user). Furthermore, the contents distributed within the period are arranged in order of their support points to calculate a ranking by content (ranking by content).

Then, the streaming server 1100 executes a process (first benefit granting process) of granting a benefit to the providing user based on the ranking by providing user and granting a benefit to the viewing user based on the ranking by content.

The details of the benefits to be provided can be set as appropriate. Specifically, examples include the provision of items (for example, items that allow the use of a specific transmission image 8 for free for a certain period of time), coupons, lottery tickets, points that can be used as currency points, and the like.

More specifically, the benefits to be given for each ranking of the providing user ranking and the content ranking are set in advance. For example, the number of items, points, etc. to be given may be set to increase as the ranking becomes higher, or the types of items, etc. to be given may be increased. Further, items with higher value may be given as the ranking becomes higher, or a combination of them may be set. Furthermore, the ranking order to which benefits are given may be appropriately limited to, for example, 1st to 10th.

Then, the provision of benefits to the providing users based on the ranking by providing user is performed by providing the benefits of the corresponding ranking order to the providing users of each ranking order. On the other hand, the granting of benefits to viewing users based on the ranking by content is performed by distributing the benefits of the ranking order to the viewing users who have viewed the corresponding content. Specifically, the image transmission operations performed during viewing are aggregated for each viewing user, and more benefits (or high-value benefits) are given to viewing users with a high transmission record (high number of image transmission operations). Divide into piles according to the amount given. The division ratio may be determined based on the number of image transmission operations. Alternatively, the total number of points added to the support points in the image transmission operation may be determined for each viewing user, and this may be used as the transmission performance, and the dividing ratio may be determined. In other words, any method of distribution that increases the distribution of benefits to viewing users who have contributed to the acquisition of support points may be used.

Note that a configuration may be adopted in which benefits are given not only to the providing users but also to the viewing users based on the ranking for each providing user. For example, benefits may be distributed and given to users who view content that has acquired the support points of a provider user with a high ranking.

As explained above, in this embodiment, fever time is generated when the event generation condition is satisfied. If the image transmission operation is performed when the fever time occurs, more support points will be added than when the image transmission operation is performed when the fever time does not occur. Therefore, for the purpose of adding points, each viewing user cooperates with each other to perform image transmission operations as appropriate while viewing the transmission images 8 from other viewing users that appear and are displayed on the combo gauge 353 and the transmission content display section 36. While changing the assignment setting of the sending image 8 to the icon 34, it is possible to perform an image sending operation that satisfies the chain condition of continuous combo or combined combo. In addition, fever time can be generated by individually repeating the image transmission operation to achieve the operation number condition, or by sometimes performing a paid generation instruction operation using a forced generation item. Alternatively, the viewing user can contribute to the acquisition of support points by performing an image transmission operation during the fever time generated by the distribution content providing user performing the transmission instruction operation. Therefore, it is possible to easily feel that many users are supporting the providing users and that the place is lively, and it is possible to bring about new added value that further enhances the sense of unity and solidarity among the viewing users.

Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the rankings for each providing user and the rankings for each content are calculated at predetermined intervals (for example, every month) based on the support points acquired by distributed contents. Then, based on the ranking results of the rankings for each provider user, benefits commensurate with the ranking order are given to the content provider user. On the other hand, based on the ranking results of the content-specific rankings, benefits are given to users who view the content according to their rankings. At this time, the benefit is distributed to each viewing user in groups according to the transmission performance (the number of times the image transmission operation was performed) when viewing the content. In other words, many benefits or high-value benefits are allocated to viewing users with a high transmission record. Therefore, viewing users may perform image transmission operations or pay for content provided by their favorite (supporting) provider users, content in their favorite genres, etc. while viewing, with the aim of entering the rankings, or receiving benefits associated with it. You can aim to earn more support points by performing generation instruction operations. In addition, the providing user performs an instruction operation when providing the content (during distribution) with the aim of ranking the content he/she provides and receiving benefits associated with it, and urges the viewing user to perform the image sending operation. be able to.

[Functional configuration]
1. Streaming Server FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the streaming server 1100 in the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 9, the streaming server 1100 includes an operation input section 100s, a server processing section 200s, an image display section 390s, a sound output section 392s, a communication section 394s, and a server storage section 500s.

The operation input unit 100s is for inputting various operations for system management, maintenance, etc., and can be realized by, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, etc. In FIG. 1, this corresponds to the keyboard 1106.

The server processing section 200s can be realized by a processor that is an arithmetic circuit such as a CPU, GPU, ASIC, or FPFA, or an electronic component such as an IC memory, and can be implemented by a processor that is an arithmetic circuit such as a CPU, GPU, ASIC, or FPFA, or an electronic component such as an IC memory. Controls data input/output. Then, it performs various calculation processes based on predetermined programs and data, operation input signals from the operation input unit 100s, data received from the user terminal 1500, etc., and centrally controls the operation of the streaming server 1100. In FIG. 1, this corresponds to the control board 1150 and its CPU 1151.

This server processing section 200s includes a user management section 202, an online shopping management section 204, a distribution service management section 206, an avatar display control section 208, an outgoing service management section 210, a timekeeping section 280s, and an image generation section 290s. , a sound generation section 292s, and a communication control section 294s.

The user management unit 202 performs processing related to user registration and manages data of each registered user linked to a user account. For example, processing for granting unique user accounts to registered users, registration information management processing for registering and managing personal information for each user account, electronic payment media (e.g., virtual It is possible to execute a book management process for currency (currency points), a usage history management process for managing log-in and log-out history, etc., a process for creating/editing the avatar 4, etc. Of course, management processing of other data linked to user accounts other than these can also be included as appropriate.

The online shopping management unit 204 is responsible for controlling online shopping, and can be implemented using known online shopping techniques as appropriate. In this embodiment, the viewing user can purchase images for transmission, forced generation items, and the like through online shopping.

The distribution service management unit 206 performs various processes to implement a content distribution 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, processes other than these can also be included as appropriate.

The avatar display control unit 208 performs control to display the avatar for each viewing user on the transmission content display unit 36 in the user terminal 1500 (1500a, 1500b, . . . ) of each viewing user, which is a viewing terminal.

The origination service management unit 210 performs various processes for realizing a user origination service in parallel with the distribution service. The outgoing service management section 210 includes a outgoing content display control section 212, a support point calculation section 213, an event occurrence condition determination section 215, a chain notification control section 221, a consideration collection processing section 223, and an event control section 225. , a ranking calculation section 227, and a first benefit provision processing section 229.

The transmission content display control unit 212 receives from the viewing terminal that a transmission operation (text transmission operation/image transmission operation) for the distribution content has been input, and displays the transmission content related to the transmission operation on each viewing terminal. It controls what is displayed on the display unit 36. Through this control, display of the text in the speech bubble 5 on the transmission content display section 36 of the viewing terminal and appearance display of the transmission image 8 are realized. Note that if the streaming server 1100 targets the image itself displayed as the transmission content display section 36 as a distribution target, the transmission content display control section 212 may generate the image.

The support point calculation unit 213 receives from the viewing terminal that an image transmission operation has been input, and executes a process (support point calculation process) of summing up the image transmission operation and updating and managing support points.

The event occurrence condition determining unit 215 determines event occurrence conditions such as a continuous combo occurrence condition, a combination combo occurrence condition, an operation number condition, and a forced occurrence condition. The event occurrence condition determination unit 215 includes a continuous combo determination unit 217 that determines continuous combo occurrence conditions, and a combination combo determination unit 219 that determines combination combo occurrence conditions.

The continuous combo determining unit 217 executes a process (continuous combo determining process) of determining whether a continuous combo occurrence condition is satisfied by determining the occurrence of a continuous combo.

The combination combo determination unit 219 executes a process (combination combo determination process) of determining whether a combination combo occurrence condition is satisfied by determining the occurrence of a combination combo.

The chain notification control unit 221 transmits a combo gauge 353 whose gauge value is the current continuous combo chain number 619 (see FIG. 16) set and updated in the continuous combo determination process to each viewing terminal when fever time does not occur. Control is performed to display the information on the general-purpose display section 35.

The consideration collection processing unit 223 performs a process of collecting the consideration when the providing user performs the generation instruction operation. For example, the payment medium ledger data 592 is updated by consuming a predetermined number of currency points from the providing user who performed the generation instruction operation.

The event control unit 225 performs event control when event generation conditions (in this embodiment, continuous combo generation conditions, combined combo generation conditions, operation count conditions, and forced generation conditions) including conditions based on image transmission operations are satisfied. Do this and cause fever time.

This event control section 225 includes a fever time extension processing section 226. The fever time extension processing unit 226 determines whether or not the continuous combo chain condition continues to be satisfied after generating fever time in response to the satisfaction of the continuous combo generation condition, and generates fever time. The fever time end time 633 is extended according to the subsequent chain number Cs. Specifically, during the fever time, while the continuous combo chain condition continues to be satisfied, the number of consecutive combo chains is counted and the current number of consecutive combo chains 619 is updated. Then, at the fever time end time 633, the extension time length is determined according to the extension setting of the fever time definition data 580, and the fever time end time 633 is updated. That is, the difference between the current continuous combo chain number 619 and the applied continuous combo reference value 703 is determined as the chain number Cs, and the extension time length multiplied by a predetermined time (for example, 3 seconds) is added to the fever time end time 633 and updated. Further, the fever time extension processing unit 226 reads the extension time length from the extension setting of the fever time definition data 580 and updates the fever time end time 633 when the operation count condition is satisfied during the fever time. Note that it is preferable to set an upper limit on the extension time.

The ranking calculation unit 227 calculates rankings based on support points at a predetermined period, such as every month, for example. In this embodiment, rankings by providing user and rankings by content are calculated.

The first benefit granting processing unit 229 executes a first benefit granting process of granting a benefit to the providing user based on the ranking by providing user and granting a benefit to the viewing user based on the ranking by content.

The clock section 280s clocks the current date and time, time limit, etc. using the system clock.

The image generation unit 290s generates an image related to system management of the streaming server 1100, and outputs it to the image display unit 390s.

The sound generation unit 292s is realized by executing an IC or software that generates and decodes audio data, and generates or decodes audio data such as operation sounds and BGM related to system management of the streaming server 1100 and video distribution. Audio signals related to system management are output to the sound output section 392s.

The communication control unit 294s performs communication connection and data processing for data communication with an external device (for example, the user terminal 1500) via the communication unit 394s, and realizes data exchange with the external device.

The image display section 390s displays various screens for system management etc. based on the image signal input from the image generation section 290s. For example, it can be realized by an image display device such as a flat panel display, a cathode ray tube (CRT), a projector, or a head-mounted display. In FIG. 1, this corresponds to the touch panel 1108.

The sound output section 392s emits the sound signal input from the sound generation section 292s. In FIG. 1, this corresponds to a speaker (not shown) included in the main body device 1101 and the touch panel 1108.

The communication unit 394s connects to the communication line 9 to realize communication. For example, it can be realized by a wireless communication device, a modem, a TA (terminal adapter), a jack for a wired communication cable, a control circuit, etc. In FIG. 1, the communication device 1153 corresponds to this.

In the server storage unit 500s, programs for operating the streaming server 1100 and realizing various functions of the streaming server 1100, data used during the execution of this program, etc. are stored in advance, or data is stored each time processing is performed. Stored temporarily. For example, it can be realized by an IC memory such as a RAM or ROM, a magnetic disk such as a hard disk, an optical disk such as a CD-ROM or DVD, or the like. In FIG. 1, this corresponds to the IC memory 1152.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of programs and data stored in the server storage unit 500s of the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 10, the server storage unit 500s includes a server program 503, a distribution viewing terminal program 505, a distribution providing terminal program 507, sales product management data 509, and outgoing service initial setting data 510. User management data 590, distribution management data 600, continuous combo condition setting 700, combination combo condition setting 710, operation count condition setting 720, application magnification 730, ranking data 740, and current date and time 900 are stored. Ru. In addition, necessary data such as image data of background images of the viewing screens W1 and W11, material data for creating and editing an avatar, and the like are stored as appropriate.

The server program 503 is a program for causing the server processing unit 200s to function as the user management unit 202, the online shopping management unit 204, the distribution service management unit 206, the avatar display control unit 208, and the outgoing service management unit 210. Note that programs that function as the image generation section 290s, the sound generation section 292s, and the communication control section 294s can also be included as appropriate.

The distribution providing terminal program 507 is original data of an application program that is downloaded to the user terminal 1500 used as a providing terminal, and by executing this, the user terminal 1500 becomes able to function as a providing terminal. . Note that the distribution providing terminal program 507 can also be configured to be included in a game program for making it possible to execute a game in which a live distribution function is implemented.

The distribution viewing terminal program 505 is original data of an application program downloaded to the user terminal 1500 used as a viewing terminal, and by executing this, the user terminal 1500 becomes able to function as a viewing terminal. .

Sales item management data 509 is data for defining and managing sales items (sales objects) through online shopping. For example, the sales item management data 509 stores purchasable data in association with the number of items in stock, billing consideration (corresponding to the amount withdrawn from an electronic payment medium), and the like.

The calling service initial setting data 510 stores various initial setting data for the user calling service. In this embodiment, it includes image definition data for transmission 520, event occurrence condition data 530, fever time definition data 580, and benefit definition data 543.

The transmission image definition data 520 is data that defines the transmission image 8. One transmission image definition data 520 includes, for example, as shown in FIG. 11, transmission image type 521, transmission image data 523, number of points to be added 525, selling price 527, and the transmission content of the transmission image. It includes a display duration 529 from when it is displayed on the display section 36 until it disappears.

The event occurrence condition data 530 is data that defines event occurrence conditions, and includes continuity certification condition definition data 531, relevance certification condition definition data 540, continuous combo scale requirement definition data 550, and combination combo scale requirement definition data. 560 and operation count condition definition data 570.

The continuity recognition condition definition data 531 defines conditions for determining that temporally adjacent image transmission operations have continuity. In this embodiment, a continuity certification time difference Δt (see FIG. 5) is defined. Note that the continuity certification condition definition data 531 is not limited to the configuration in which one continuity certification time difference Δt is defined. For example, if you want to change the continuity certification condition depending on the contents of the distributed content such as genre, Different continuity certification time differences Δt may be defined in association with each selection condition (eg, genre).

Relevance certification condition definition data 540 stores data that defines conditions for certifying relevance. One piece of relevance certification condition definition data 540, for example, as shown in FIG. including.

The selection condition 542 includes, for example, a genre condition 542a, a providing user condition 542b, a subject condition 542c, a situation condition 542d, and a viewing user number condition 542e, and is described as an AND condition or an OR condition thereof. Any of these conditions included in the selection condition 542 may include "no setting".

The genre condition 542a is a condition regarding the genre of distribution content. For example, it is also possible to prepare relevancy certification conditions that are applied only to "live broadcasts."

The providing user condition 542b is a condition regarding information regarding the providing user. For example, conditions can be set regarding the providing user's age, gender, profile information such as favorite things, player level and title in a specific game title, ranking order of the providing user in the distribution service, and the like.

The subject condition 542c is a condition regarding the main subject of the distributed content. For example, it is the providing user himself/herself, children, animals, dishes, cars, teams, game characters, etc., and their proper names can also be included. In that case, a plurality of proper names may be defined as an AND condition or an OR condition.

The situation condition 542d is a condition regarding the situation of the contents of the distributed content. Additional information about the content includes, for example, ``I tried playing (song title),'' ``I tried dancing the ending of (program name),'' ``Unboxing (product name),'' and ``Cleared the difficult stage of (game title).'' It is possible to include a situation explanatory text such as "Conquer the 4th stage boss character of (game title)." The situation conditions 542d can be defined by setting keywords included therein.

The viewing user number condition 542e is a condition regarding the number of viewing users of the distributed content.

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

The common point condition 544a defines requirements that should be common to the sending images 8, which are the sending contents of a plurality of continuous image sending operations. For example, it is possible to set a list of types of outgoing images that have common features, common text included (drawn) in the outgoing images 8, a list of main color schemes, and a list of subject types that are recognized as common. Note that when determining the relevance not only of the image transmission operation but also of the text transmission operation, it is sufficient to define requirements that should be common between the texts that are transmission contents or between the transmission image 8 and the text. In that case, the main color scheme can be applied not only to the sending image 8 but also to the font color of the sent text.

More specifically, for example, while defining a list of image types for transmission with the same main color scheme (for example, red) as the common point condition 544a, "favorite color is red" is set in the providing user condition 542b. Then, it is possible to define a relevancy certification condition that determines that there is a relationship when the main color scheme of each transmission image 8 that is considered to have continuity matches the provider user's favorite red color, and thereby, the provider user and The transmission image 8 can be associated with the transmission image 8 .

The series condition 544b defines a combination of transmission images 8 that are transmission contents of a plurality of continuous image transmission operations. For example, there is a list of types of images for transmission related to the combination, a list of main color schemes related to the combination, a list of texts included (drawn) in the image for transmission 8 related to the combination, etc., and the order in which they are sent is also included. can be included in the definition. In addition, when determining the relevance of not only image sending operations but also text sending operations, for example, the combination of keywords included in the sent text, the combination of the image type for sending and text (keyword), etc. are defined. You can keep it.

More specifically, for example, if there is a series of outgoing images 8 titled "Flowers of the Four Seasons," and a list of types of outgoing images that make up the series is defined, then It is possible to define a relevance recognition condition under which it is determined that images 8 are relevant when the transmissions of the images 8 are arranged in chronological order. Furthermore, if the constituent colors of the rainbow are set so that the order of transmission is the same as the order of arrangement in the rainbow as a list of the main color schemes, the colors depicted in each transmission image 8 that are considered to have continuity can be Whatever it is, if it forms the same color pattern as a rainbow when arranged in the order of transmission, it is possible to define a relevancy recognition condition in which it is recognized as having relevancy.

Alternatively, if the series condition 544b defines a list of types of images for transmission whose content is the action of music performance, and the genre condition 542a is set to "music performance," each transmission image 8 determined to have continuity can be set. It is possible to define a relevancy certification condition for determining that there is relevance when the image for transmission 8 matches the genre of the distributed content, and thereby the distributed content and the image for transmission 8 can be associated.

Returning to FIG. 10, the continuous combo scale requirement definition data 550 defines the scale requirements required when certifying the occurrence of a continuous combo. In this embodiment, a continuous combo reference value (for example, 10 chains) is defined. In addition, if you want to change the scale requirements depending on the contents of the distributed content, such as genre, for example, you can use multiple continuous combo scale requirement definition data that are associated with the same relational conditions as the selection conditions 542 of the relevance certification condition definition data 540. All you have to do is prepare.

The combination combo scale requirement definition data 560 stores data that defines the scale requirements required when certifying the occurrence of a combination combo. For example, as shown in FIG. 13, one combination combo scale requirement definition data 560 includes a unique scale requirement ID 561, a correspondence relationship ID 563 storing a corresponding relationship ID 541, and a combination combo reference value 565, It is associated with the relevance certification condition definition data 540 by the relevance ID 563.

The operation count condition definition data 570 defines a reference value for the total number of outgoing operations. In this embodiment, the reference value for the total number of calling operations is set as the number of viewing users x a predetermined number (20 times).

As shown in FIG. 14, the fever time definition data 580 stores a magnification (for example, 1.5 times) 581 to be applied when fever time occurs, and also stores each event occurrence condition (continuous combo occurrence condition, combination combo occurrence condition, The fever time length and extension setting are stored in association with the number of operations condition and the forced occurrence condition. The fever time length is the length of fever time that is generated when the corresponding event generation condition is satisfied. The extension setting stores extension time lengths for continuous combo occurrence conditions and operation count conditions under which the fever time can be extended. For example, the extended time length of the continuous combo generation condition is defined as the time length obtained by multiplying the chain number Cs by a predetermined time (3 seconds in FIG. 14). On the other hand, the extension time length of the operation count condition is set as a fixed length (15 seconds in FIG. 14). Note that the magnification 581 is not limited to a value uniformly applied to each event occurrence condition as illustrated, but may be configured to set a separate value for each type of event occurrence condition.

The benefit definition data 543 includes benefit definition data 543 for providing users and benefit definition data 543 for viewing users. In the benefit definition data 543 for providing users, the contents of benefits to be given to the corresponding providing users are set in association with each ranking rank related to the ranking by providing user. On the other hand, in the benefit definition data 543 for viewing users, the contents of benefits to be given (divided into portions) to the viewing users of the corresponding content are set in association with each ranking order related to the ranking by content.

User management data 590 is prepared for each registered user. One user management data 590 includes, for example, as shown in FIG. 15, a unique user account 591, payment medium ledger data 592, avatar setting data 593, a list of images to be held for sending 594, and the number of items that must be held 595. and transmission log data 596.

The payment medium ledger data 592 includes information on the income and expenditure of the electronic payment medium (currency points in this embodiment) linked to the user, such as the purchase date and time of currency points, the history of the number of purchases (charged amount), and the consumption of currency points. Stores the date and time, history of consumption, etc.

The avatar setting data 593 stores setting data of the avatar 4 of the user.

The owned sending image list 594 stores the number of held images in association with the sending image type of the sending images 8 held by the user.

The transmission log data 596 is created every time the user performs a transmission operation (text transmission operation/image transmission operation) as a viewing user. One piece of transmission log data 596 stores, for example, the transmission date and time, the distribution title of the transmission target, the user account of the providing user who provided the transmission target content, the transmission content (transmitted text and the type of image for transmission), etc. .

Distribution management data 600 is prepared for each distribution and stores various data describing the distribution status. One distribution management data 600 includes, for example, as shown in FIG. 16, a distribution title 601, a distribution schedule 603, content data 605, supplementary information 607, viewing user management data 609, avatar display management data 611, Text transmission performance data 613, image transmission performance data 615, current support points 617, current number of continuous combo chains 619, current number of combined combo chains 621, current total number of transmission operations 623, occurrence instruction operation flag 625, fever and time occurrence status data 630. In addition, for example, background data defining the background of the viewing screen (for example, viewing screen W1 and viewing screen W11) and material data for displaying various effects during fever time are stored.

The viewing user management data 609 stores various data regarding viewing users who are registered as viewers for the content related to the distribution (distributed content). For example, access information (for example, IP address) for communication connection to the user terminal 1500 of the viewing user via the communication line 9 is stored in association with the user account of all the viewing users registered as the viewing user. .

The avatar display management data 611 stores various data describing the display status of each viewing user's avatar in the transmission content display section 36. For example, avatar data, placement position coordinates, display size, etc. are set in association with the user account of each viewing user.

Image transmission performance data 615 is created every time a viewing user performs an image transmission operation on a viewing terminal. One image transmission record data 615 includes the user account of the viewing user who is the sender, the transmission timing, transmission content data (transmitted transmission image data), and its display duration (a copy of the display duration 529). including.

The text transmission performance data 613 is created every time the viewing user performs a text transmission operation on the viewing terminal. One piece of text transmission performance data 613 includes the user account of the viewing user who is the sender, transmission timing, transmission content data (transmitted text, font, font size, etc.), and its display duration.

The generation instruction operation flag 625 stores the presence or absence of a generation instruction operation by the providing user (Yes: ON/No: OFF). The event occurrence condition determining unit 215 initializes the occurrence instruction operation flag 625 to "OFF" when starting distribution of the content, and only accepts the event generation instruction operation from the providing user while the occurrence instruction operation flag 625 is "OFF". When receiving from the providing terminal that the generation instruction operation has been input, the generation instruction operation flag 625 is updated to "ON".

The fever time occurrence status data 630 stores a fever time occurrence flag (when occurring: ON/when not occurring: OFF) 631 and a fever time end time 633.

Returning to FIG. 10, the continuous combo condition setting 700 includes an applied continuity certification condition 701 and an applied continuous combo reference value 703. In this embodiment, the continuity certification condition is fixed, so the continuity certification condition definition data 531 is copied to the applied continuity certification condition 701. The continuous combo scale requirement definition data 550 is copied to the applied continuous combo reference value 703.

The combination combo condition setting 710 includes an applied continuity certification condition 711, an applied relevance certification condition 713, and an applied combination combo reference value 715. The continuity certification condition definition data 531 is copied to the applied continuity certification condition 711 . The relevance ID 541 of the definition data that is searched as matching the selection condition 542 from among the plurality of types of relevance qualification condition definition data 540 is copied to the applied relevance qualification condition 713 . The combination combo standard value 565 of the combination combo scale requirement definition data 560 in which the relevance ID of the applied relevance certification condition 713 is set as the corresponding relevance ID 563 is copied to the applied combination combo standard value 715 .

The operation count condition definition data (outgoing operation total number reference value) 570 is copied to the operation count condition setting 720 .

The applied magnification 730 is set to "equal magnification" when fever time does not occur, and is set to the magnification 581 of the fever time definition data 580 when fever time occurs.

The ranking data 740 stores the ranking results of the ranking by providing user and the ranking result of the ranking by content, which are calculated by the ranking calculation unit 227 at predetermined intervals.

2. Viewing Terminal FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of user terminals 1500 (1500a, 1500b, . . . ) serving as viewing terminals. As shown in FIG. 17, user terminals 1500 (1500a, 1500b, ...) serving as viewing terminals include an operation input section 100, an imaging section 102, a sound collection section 104, a terminal processing section 200, and an image display section 390. , a sound output section 392 , a communication section 394 , and a terminal storage section 500 .

The operation input unit 100 is for the user to input various operations, and can be realized by, for example, a button switch, a joystick, a touch pad, a trackball, an acceleration sensor, an angular velocity sensor, or the like. In FIG. 2, the direction input key 1502, home key 1504, and touch panel 1506 correspond to this.

The imaging unit 102 receives light from an object to be photographed, converts it into an electrical signal, generates digital image data, and outputs the digital image data to the terminal processing unit 200. For example, it can be realized using 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 charge from the photoelectric conversion element and generates image data, an IC memory, etc. . In FIG. 2, this corresponds to the image sensor module 1520.

The sound collection unit 104 converts the collected sound into an electrical signal and outputs the electrical signal. In FIG. 2, this corresponds to microphone 1512.

The terminal processing unit 200 can be realized by a processor, which is an arithmetic circuit such as a CPU, GPU, ASIC, or FPGA, or an electronic component such as an IC memory, and can be implemented by an electronic component such as an IC memory. Controls data input/output. Then, it performs various calculation processes based on predetermined programs and data, operation input signals from the operation input unit 100, data received from the streaming server 1100, etc., and centrally controls the operation of the user terminal 1500 as a viewing terminal. In FIG. 2, this corresponds to the control board 1550 and its CPU 1551. The terminal processing section 200 of the viewing terminal in this embodiment includes a viewing terminal calculation section 260, a clock section 280, a sound generation section 292, and a communication control section 294.

The viewing terminal calculation section 260 includes an operation signal transmission control section 262 and a viewing screen display control section 264.

The operation signal transmission control unit 262 performs processing for transmitting various data and request information to the streaming server 1100 in response to an operation input to the operation input unit 100.

The viewing screen display control unit 264 performs control to display the viewing screens W1 and W11 based on various data received from the streaming server 1100.

The sound generation unit 292 is realized by, for example, a processor such as a DSP or a voice synthesis IC, an audio codec capable of playing audio files, etc., and generates sound signals for sound effects, BGM, and various operation sounds related to video distribution, and outputs sound signals. Output to 392.

The communication control unit 294 performs communication connection and data processing for data communication with an external device (for example, the streaming server 1100) via the communication unit 394, and realizes data exchange with the external device.

The image display section 390 displays various screens such as the viewing screens W1 and W11 based on image signals input from the viewing screen display control section 264. For example, it can be realized by an image display device such as a flat panel display, a cathode ray tube (CRT), a projector, or a head-mounted display. In this embodiment, the touch panel 1506 in FIG. 2 corresponds to this.

The sound output unit 392 outputs BGM or the like based on the sound signal input from the sound generation unit 292. In FIG. 2, this corresponds to speaker 1510.

The communication unit 394 connects to the communication line 9 to realize communication. For example, it can be realized by a wireless communication device, modem, TA, wired communication cable jack, control circuit, etc. In FIG. 2, this corresponds to the wireless communication module 1553.

The terminal storage unit 500 stores in advance a program for operating the user terminal 1500 as a viewing terminal and realizing the function of the viewing terminal provided in the user terminal 1500, data used during the execution of this program, and the like. , or temporarily stored each time processing is performed. For example, it can be realized by an IC memory such as a RAM or ROM, a magnetic disk such as a hard disk, an optical disk such as a CD-ROM or DVD, or the like. In FIG. 2, the IC memory 1552 and the memory card 1540 correspond to this.

Further, the terminal storage unit 500 of the viewing terminal stores a viewing terminal program 504, a received distribution data group 800, a transmission image allocation setting 802, and a current date and time 900. Of course, programs and data other than these can also be stored as appropriate.

The viewing terminal program 504 is a program for causing the terminal processing section 200 to function as the viewing terminal calculation section 260. In this embodiment, it is a copy of the distribution viewing terminal program 505 (see FIG. 10) provided from the streaming server 1100.

The received distribution data group 800 stores various distribution data received from the streaming server 1100 upon distribution.

The transmission image assignment setting 802 indicates the assignment of the transmission image 8 to the image transmission operation icon 34. Specifically, the transmission image type of the assigned transmission image 8 is stored.

3. Providing Terminal FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a user terminal 1500 (1500T) serving as a providing terminal. Note that in FIG. 18, the same components as the user terminals 1500 (1500a, 1500b, . . . ) serving as viewing terminals are denoted by the same reference numerals.

In the user terminal 1500 (1500T) serving as the providing terminal, the terminal processing unit 200 performs various calculation processes based on predetermined programs and data, operation input signals from the operation input unit 100, data received from the streaming server 1100, etc. and performs overall control over the operation of the user terminal 1500 as a providing terminal. The terminal processing section 200 of the providing terminal includes a providing terminal calculation section 270, a clock section 280, a sound generation section 292, and a communication control section 294.

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

The operation signal transmission control unit 272 performs processing for transmitting various data and request information to the streaming server 1100 in response to operation input 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 streaming server 1100. In the case of live distribution, a function as a live streaming encoder is realized in which images captured by the imaging unit 102 are encoded one by one and provided to the streaming server 1100.

The provision screen display control unit 276 performs control for displaying the provision screen. The provision 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.

The terminal storage unit 500 stores in advance a program for operating the user terminal 1500 as a providing terminal and realizing the function of the providing terminal provided in the user terminal 1500, data used during the execution of this program, and the like. , or temporarily stored each time processing is performed. For example, it can be realized by an IC memory such as a RAM or ROM, a magnetic disk such as a hard disk, an optical disk such as a CD-ROM or DVD, or the like.

Further, the terminal storage unit 500 of the providing terminal stores a providing terminal program 506, a received distribution data group 800, provided content data 810, and a current date and time 900. Of course, programs and data other than these can also be stored as appropriate.

The providing terminal program 506 is a program for causing the terminal processing section 200 to function as the providing terminal calculation section 270. In this embodiment, it is a copy of the distribution providing terminal program 507 (see FIG. 10) provided from the streaming server 1100.

The received distribution data group 800 stores various distribution data received from the streaming server 1100 when providing content.

The provided content data 810 includes a registration distribution title 811, a registration distribution schedule 813, registration supplementary information 815, and provision content data 817. The distribution title at the time of registration 811, the distribution schedule at the time of registration 813, and the additional information at the time of registration 815 each store setting data when performing a distribution registration procedure as a providing user. The content data for provision 817 is original data of content for distribution.

[Processing flow]
1. Streaming Server FIGS. 19 to 21 are flowcharts showing the flow of processing related to live distribution of content in the streaming server 1100. The processing described here is realized by the server processing unit 200s reading and executing the server program 503. Note that the calculation of rankings by providing users and rankings by content by the ranking calculation unit 227 and the granting of benefits based on these rankings by the first benefit granting processing unit 229 (first benefit granting process) are performed in a predetermined manner separately from this process. Perform every cycle.

Here, it is assumed that the distribution title, distribution schedule, and supplementary information of the content have already been set in accordance with the distribution registration procedure by the provider user. Further, it is assumed that the viewing user's viewing terminal has undergone a separate login procedure.

First, the distribution service management unit 206 initializes the distribution management data 600 (step S100). Note that the distribution title 601, distribution schedule 603, and supplementary information 607 have already been set in accordance with the distribution registration procedure. Since the content data 605 is live distribution, it is not stored until the distribution starts. If it is not live distribution, data of content prepared in advance will be stored.

Next, based on the viewing user management data 609, the distribution service management unit 206 stores, for example, avatar display management data 611, text transmission performance data 613, image transmission performance data 615, current support points 617, current number of continuous combo chains 619, Various distribution data for viewing terminals and providing terminals, such as the current combination combo chain number 621, current total number of calling operations 623, generation instruction operation flag 625, fever time occurrence status data 630, list of held calling images 594, number of held forced generation items 595, etc. (Step S102: Distribution α). The distribution timing can be, for example, when the distribution data is added, deleted, or updated, or when a new viewing user is registered, or it may be distributed at a predetermined period.

After that, the distribution service management unit 206 monitors reception of the viewing request (step S104). A viewing request is sent to the streaming server 1100 along with information such as a user account when the viewing user selects a distribution title that he/she wishes to view on a user terminal 1500 (1500a, 1500b,...) functioning as a viewing terminal and performs a predetermined viewing operation. sent to.

Upon receiving this viewing request (YES in step S104), the distribution service management unit 206 creates new viewing user management data 609 and registers the user of the viewing terminal as a viewing user (step S106).

Then, the avatar display control unit 208 creates new avatar display management data 611, and causes the avatar related to the viewing user to be displayed on the transmission content display unit 36 (step S108).

Since distribution of the avatar display management data 611 has started in step S102 as described above, the newly created avatar display management data 611 is also distributed to the viewing terminal. The viewing terminal will update the display of each avatar based on this. As a result, on the viewing screen W1, it appears as if a new virtual viewer has appeared in front of the screen.

This makes the virtual experience of viewing the broadcast together richer, creating a sense of unity among viewers. The sense of unity among the viewers led to the desire for everyone to liven up the viewing environment, which encouraged viewing users to actively communicate, and finally, the distribution service of this embodiment became more enjoyable and fulfilling than conventional distribution services. This is one of the factors that brings about the user experience.

Subsequently, the online shopping management unit 204 monitors reception of the purchase request (step S110). The purchase request is transmitted to the streaming server 1100 when the viewing user performs a predetermined purchase operation (eg, operation on the shopping icon 37 in FIG. 3) on the viewing terminal.

Upon receiving this purchase request (YES in step S110), the online shopping management unit 204 executes processes related to online shopping, such as purchasing images for sending and forced items (step S112). Along with this purchase, the list of images for transmission owned by the viewing user who requested the purchase 594 and the number of forced possession items 595 are updated, and these are also distributed to the viewing terminal.

Further, the transmission service management unit 210 monitors the reception of the text transmission request (step S114). When a viewing user performs a text transmission operation on a viewing terminal, a text transmission request is transmitted to the streaming server 1100 together with information such as a user account and transmission content (text).

Upon receiving this text transmission request (YES in step S114), the transmission service management unit 210 creates text transmission performance data 613 regarding the received new transmission content, and creates transmission log data 596 of the viewing user who made the request. Update (step S116).

In this way, even before the live broadcast, viewing users can send texts and purchase images for broadcasting, and before the live broadcast begins, viewing users can freely discuss their expectations for the live performance. You can prepare images for transmission in preparation for the start of the live performance.

Thereafter, when the scheduled start time of live distribution is reached (YES in step S118), the distribution service management unit 206 starts live distribution of the content (step S120). Through this process, reception of content data from the providing terminal and distribution to the viewing terminal are started.

Once content distribution has started, the continuous combo determining unit 217 starts continuous combo determining processing (step S122). In the continuous combo determination process started here, first, the continuity certification condition definition data 531 is stored in the applied continuity certification condition 701, and the continuous combo scale requirement definition data 550 is stored in the applied continuous combo reference value 703. Also, the current continuous combo chain number 619 is initialized to "0".

In the continuous combo determination process, the following process is performed every time an image transmission request is received. That is, first, based on the applied continuity certification condition (continuity certification time difference Δt) 701, it is determined whether the time difference in the transmission timing with the previous transmission performance data 636 is equal to or less than Δt. If it is less than Δt, the current continuous combo chain number 619 is increased by one and updated. Then, if the current number of continuous combo chains 619 reaches the applied continuous combo reference value 703 and satisfies the scale requirement, it is determined that the continuous combo generation condition is satisfied. Note that if it exceeds Δt, the current number of consecutive combo chains 619 is set to "0".

Further, the combination combo determination unit 219 starts a combination combo determination process (step S124). In the combination combo determination process started here, first, the continuity certification condition definition data 531 is stored in the applied continuity certification condition 711. Next, definition data that matches the selection condition 542 is searched from among the plurality of relevance certification condition definition data 540, and the searched relevance certification condition definition data 540 is stored in the applied relevance certification condition 713. Then, definition data in which the relevance ID of the applicable relevance certification condition 713 is set as the corresponding relevance ID 563 is searched from among the plurality of combination combo scale requirement definition data 560, and the searched combination combo scale requirement definition data 560 The combination combo reference value 565 is stored in the applied combination combo reference value 715. Also, the current combination combo chain number 621 is initialized to "0".

In the combination combo determination process, the following process is performed every time an image transmission request is received. That is, first, based on the applicable continuity certification condition (continuity certification time difference Δt) 711, it is determined whether the time difference in the transmission timing with the previous transmission performance data 636 is equal to or less than Δt. If Δt or less, it is determined whether or not the current transmission image 8 and the previous transmission image 8 satisfy the relevance certification condition of the applicable relevance certification condition 713, and if they are satisfied, the current transmission image 8 is determined. The number of combination combo chains 621 is increased by one and updated. Then, if the current continuous combo chain number 619 reaches the applied combination combo reference value 715 and satisfies the scale requirement, it is determined that the combination combo generation condition is satisfied. Note that if it exceeds Δt, the current number of consecutive combo chains 619 is set to "0".

Further, the event occurrence condition determining unit 215 stores the operation count condition definition data 570 in the operation count condition setting 720 (step S126).

Further, the support point calculation unit 213 starts support point calculation processing (step S128). In the support point calculation process started here, the support point calculation unit 213 monitors reception of the image transmission request. When the viewing user performs an image transmission operation on the viewing terminal, the image transmission request is transmitted to the streaming server 1100 together with the user account and the transmission image type of the transmission image 8 that is the content of the transmission. The configuration may be such that the image data itself of the transmission image 8 is transmitted.

Then, each time an image transmission request is received, the number of points to be added 525 for the transmission image 8 is multiplied by an applied magnification 730 to be adjusted and added to the support points. In step S178, which will be described later, the applied magnification 730 during fever time is changed from "equal magnification" to, for example, "1.5 times" for fever time. Therefore, during fever time, the number of additional points is multiplied by 1.5 and added to the support points.

After that, as shown in FIG. 20, the online shopping management unit 204 monitors the reception of the purchase request (step S130). If a purchase request is received (YES in step S130), processing related to online shopping is executed (step S132).

Further, the transmission service management unit 210 monitors the reception of the text transmission request (step S134). If a text transmission request is received (YES in step S134), text transmission record data 613 is created for the received new transmission content, and transmission log data 596 of the viewing user who made the request is created and updated (step S134). S136).

Further, the transmission service management unit 210 monitors reception of the image transmission request (step S138). If an image transmission request is received (YES in step S138), image transmission performance data 615 is created for the received new transmission content, and transmission log data 596 of the viewing user who made the request is created and updated (step S138). S140). In addition, one transmitted image for transmission 8 is consumed to update the held image for transmission list 594 (step S142).

Further, in response to the event generation condition determination unit 215 determining that the event generation condition is satisfied, the event control unit 225 performs event control to generate fever time. That is, first, if it is determined that the continuous combo generation condition is satisfied in the continuous combo determination process started in step S122, or if it is determined that the combination combo generation condition is satisfied in the combination combo determination process started in step S124, (step (YES in S144), the fever time occurrence flag 631 is determined. If the fever time occurrence flag 631 is "OFF" and fever time is not occurring (step S146: YES), the fever time occurrence flag 631 is updated to "ON" (step S148), and in step S144 The fever time length corresponding to the continuous combo occurrence condition or combination combo occurrence condition determined to be satisfied is read from the fever time definition data 580, and the fever time end time 633 is set (step S150). Thereafter, the process moves to step S178 in FIG. 21.

Next, when the current total number of call operations 623 reaches the operation count condition setting 720 (step S152: YES), the fever time occurrence flag 631 is determined. If the fever time occurrence flag 631 is "OFF" (step S154: YES), it is updated to "ON" (step S156), and the fever time length corresponding to the operation number condition is set in the fever time definition data 580. , and set the fever time end time 633 (step S158). On the other hand, if the fever time occurrence flag 631 is "ON" (NO in step S154), the extension time length corresponding to the operation count condition is read from the fever time definition data 580, and the read extension time length is set as the fever time end time 633. This is updated in addition to (step S160). After that, the process moves to step S178.

Next, as shown in FIG. 21, if the viewing terminal receives a notification that the paid generation instruction operation has been accepted (step S162: YES), one forced generation item is consumed to increase the number of held forced generation items. 595 is updated (step S164). Then, the fever time occurrence flag 631 is updated to "ON" (step S166), and the fever time length corresponding to the paid occurrence instruction operation of the forced occurrence condition is read from the fever time definition data 580, and the fever time end time 633 is set. settings (step S168). After that, the process moves to step S178.

Next, when receiving a notification that the generation instruction operation has been accepted at the providing terminal (step S170: YES), the consideration collection processing unit 223 collects currency points equivalent to the consideration for the generation instruction operation from the providing user. The process to do so is performed (step S172). After that, the event control unit 225 updates the fever time occurrence flag 631 to "ON" (step S174), reads out the fever time length corresponding to the generation instruction operation of the forced occurrence condition from the fever time definition data 580, and A time end time 633 is set (step S176). After that, the process moves to step S178.

Then, in step S178, the event control unit 225 stores the magnification 581 in the applied magnification 730.

Furthermore, during the fever time, the event control unit 225 monitors the fever time end time 633. If the fever time end time 633 is reached (YES in step S180), or if the fever time is due to satisfying the continuous combo generation condition (YES in step S182), the extension time length is determined using the chain number Cs. This is calculated and added to the fever time end time 633 to update it (step S184). On the other hand, if the fever time is not due to satisfying the continuous combo generation condition (YES in step S180), or if the extension time calculated in step S184 is 0 (that is, the number of chains Cs is 0) and the fever time is not extended ( (YES in step S186), the applied magnification 730 is returned to "equal magnification" (step S188).

After that, the process returns to step S130 in FIG. 20 and repeats the above-described process until the distribution is completed (NO in step S190). Then, when the distribution ends (YES in step S190), the series of processes ends.

2. Viewing Terminal FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing related to viewing content on user terminals 1500 (1500a, 1500b, . . . ) serving as viewing terminals. The processing described here is realized by the terminal processing unit 200 reading and executing the viewing terminal program 504.

As shown in FIG. 22, the viewing terminal first executes a login process (step S300). Thereafter, when a predetermined viewing operation (including selection of content to view) for viewing the content distribution is detected (YES in step S310), the operation signal transmission control unit 262 transmits a viewing request to the streaming server 1100. (Step S312: Communication A). In response to the viewing request here, the streaming server 1100 registers the user of the viewing terminal as a viewing user, and starts distributing various distribution data for displaying the viewing screens W1 and W11 to the viewing terminal. (distribution α). Then, in the viewing terminal, the viewing screen display control unit 264 receives these, stores them in the received distribution data group 800, and starts displaying the viewing screen (step S314). By displaying the viewing screen started here, the viewing screen W1 can be displayed when fever time does not occur, and the viewing screen W11 can be displayed when fever time occurs.

Further, when detecting a purchase operation for a sale target such as the sending image 8 or a forced item (step S320: YES), the operation signal transmission control unit 262 transmits a purchase request to the streaming server 1100 (step S322: communication B ).

Further, when the operation signal transmission control unit 262 detects a text transmission operation (YES in step S330), it executes text input editing processing (step S332), and transmits a text transmission request together with the input text to the streaming server 1100. (Step S334: Communication C). Further, if an image transmission operation of one-touching the image transmission operation icon 34 is detected (YES in step S336), an image transmission request is sent to the streaming server 1100 along with the selected transmission image type and the selected transmission image type. (Step S338: Communication D).

Here, the viewing terminal starts display control of the viewing screens W1 and W11 based on various distribution data in step S314, as described above. Therefore, in steps S330 and S336, the content of the transmission performed by the viewing user on the relevant viewing terminal or another viewing terminal is displayed on the transmission content display section 36. Specifically, a newly transmitted text is displayed as a speech bubble 5 from the sender's avatar 4, or a newly transmitted image 8 is displayed as appearing from the sender's avatar 4. Note that the display of the outgoing call content that exceeds the display duration time is erased one by one.

Further, when a paid generation instruction operation of touching the forced generation item 355 on the general-purpose display unit 35 is detected (YES in step S340), a notification to that effect is transmitted to the streaming server 1100 (step S342: communication E). .

Further, when the viewing terminal detects an operation to change the assignment of the image for transmission to the image transmission operation icon 34 (YES in step S350), the viewing terminal executes the assignment change process including display control of the pop-up display W4, and allocates the image for transmission. The settings 802 are changed (step S352).

After that, the process returns to step S320 and repeats the above-described process until the distribution ends (NO in step S360). Then, when the distribution ends (YES in step S360), the series of processes ends.

3. Providing Terminal FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing related to providing content at the user terminal 1500 (1500T) serving as the providing terminal. The processing described here is realized by the terminal processing unit 200 reading and executing the providing terminal program 506. Note that when the content is live broadcast content of a game play video, it is assumed that a separate game program is being executed.

As shown in FIG. 23, the viewing terminal first executes a login process (step S500). After that, the provision screen display control unit 276 starts display control of the provision screen (step S502).

Subsequently, the content provision control unit 274 sets the distribution title, distribution schedule, and supplementary information of the content to be provided, and performs a registration procedure therefor (step S504). Then, at the scheduled distribution time, provision of the content is started (step S506: Communication F). In this embodiment, live distribution is assumed, so in the case of live distribution using live action, for example, the content provision control unit 274 adds audio collected by the sound collection unit 104 to the video captured by the imaging unit 102. Content data is created sequentially, live streaming encoded, and transmitted to the streaming server 1100. When live streaming a gameplay video, content data is created one by one by adding game audio to the captured game screen video. If the content is video data prepared in advance, it is uploaded to the streaming server 1100 without waiting for the scheduled distribution time.

Further, if a generation instruction operation of touching the fever generation button on the provision screen is detected (YES in step S508), a notification to that effect is transmitted to the streaming server 1100 (step S510: communication G).

Then, when the distribution of the content is finished (YES in step S512), the series of processes is finished.

As described above, according to the first embodiment, in a content distribution service, it is possible to provide a more enjoyable and fulfilling user experience than conventional services by using the text and image transmission function, and the distribution service can be improved. .

[Second embodiment]
In the first embodiment, fever time is generated by totaling support points related to distributed content for image transmission operations of all viewing users. On the other hand, viewing users may be divided into groups, support points may be calculated for each group, and fever time may be generated for each group.

FIG. 24 is a diagram showing an example of a viewing screen when fever time does not occur in the second embodiment. In this embodiment, it is assumed that content is distributed in which a plurality of characters C1 (C1-1 to C1-3) appear, and the content is provided as a video of each character C1 dancing to music. Therefore, the viewing user 2 can register his/her favorite character (fan character) C from among the characters C1 prior to distribution of the content.

First, in this embodiment, the streaming server 1100 aggregates the image sending operations performed on the user terminal 1500 of each viewing user 2 from the start to the end of the distribution for each operation subject (viewing user 2). , update and manage individual support points (support points for each viewing user). In addition, the viewing users 2 are divided into groups according to which character C1 each viewing user 2 is a fan of, and the image sending operations of the viewing users 2 belonging to each group are totaled for each group, and the support points for each group ( Update and manage support points for each group. In FIG. 24, a group G1 of viewing users 2a, 2c, 2e of each avatar 4a, 4c, 4e who have registered as a fan of character C1-1, and a group G1 of viewing users 2a, 2c, 2e of each avatar 4b, 4f, 4g who have registered as fans of character C1-3. A group G2 of viewing users 2b, 2f, and 2g is illustrated surrounded by a broken line. In this case, for example, the group support points for group G1 are calculated based on the image transmission operations performed by the three viewing users 2a, 2c, and 2e.

Therefore, the viewing screen includes, on the general-purpose display unit 35, a support point display area 3511 for each viewer related to the viewing user 2 (viewing user 2a in FIG. 24), and a group related to the group G1 to which the viewing user 2 (2a) belongs. A separate support point display section 3513 is provided. Additionally, the general-purpose display unit 35 displays a combo gauge 3531 indicating the number of consecutive combo chains based on the image sending operation of the viewing user 2, and a combo gauge 3531 indicating the number of consecutive combo chains based on the image transmission operation of the viewing user 2, and each viewing user 2a, 2c, 2e of the group G1 to which the viewing user 2 (2a) belongs. A combo gauge 3533 indicating the number of consecutive combo chains based on the image sending operation is displayed.

Then, the streaming server 1100 determines the continuous combo generation condition, the combination combo generation condition, and the operation count condition for each group, and generates fever time for each group. Regarding the condition related to the operation of the viewing user 2 as a forced generation condition, when any viewing user 2 performs a paid call instruction operation, fever time is generated for the group to which the viewing user 2 belongs. In other words, when a fever time occurs in a certain group, the number of additional points for the sending image 8 sent by the viewing user 2 belonging to the group is multiplied by the applicable multiplier (for example, 1.5 times) to support each viewing user. It will be added to the points and support points for each group.

In addition, at that time, the viewing user 2 who was involved in the occurrence of the fever time is specified as the viewing user to be adjusted. For example, if it is fever time due to satisfying the continuous combo generation condition, the adjustment target viewing user 2 who performed the image transmission operation related to the continuous combo is specified. For example, if two viewing users 2a and 2c repeat an image transmission operation, resulting in a continuous combo, and the viewing user 2e does not perform an image transmission operation even once during that time, the viewing user 2a , 2c are the viewing users to be adjusted. Then, for the specified adjustment target viewing user 2, the applied magnification is further added. In the above example, adjustment is made by adding a predetermined value (for example, 0.3) to the applied magnification (1.5 times) for the viewing user 2a and the viewing user 2c. Then, when the viewing user 2a or the viewing user 2c performs an image transmission operation during fever time, the number of points added for the transmitted transmission image 8 is multiplied by 1.8, and the support for each viewing user is It will be added to the points and support points for each group. On the other hand, when the viewing user 2e performs an image transmission operation during fever time, the applied magnification remains 1.5 times.

Next, in the present embodiment, when the distribution of the content is finished, the streaming server 1100 arranges each viewing user 2 in the order of support points for each viewing user, calculates a ranking for each viewing user (ranking for each viewing user), and calculates a ranking for each viewing user (ranking for each viewing user). are arranged in order of support points for each group to calculate a ranking for each group (ranking for each group).

Then, the streaming server 1100 executes a process of granting a benefit to the viewing user 2 based on the group ranking (second benefit granting process). That is, in the second benefit granting process, first, it is determined whether or not to grant a benefit to the viewing users 2 of each group based on the ranking order of the group ranking. Then, the privilege is given to the viewing user 2 who is determined to be given the benefit. For example, it is possible to give a benefit only to the viewing user 2 who belongs to the group with the first ranking. Note that it is possible to appropriately set up to what rank in the ranking the benefits are granted. The benefits to be given may be set in advance in association with the ranking order.

In addition, at that time, each viewing user 2 uses the transmission results during viewing (the number of image transmission operations, the total value of additional points added to the support points by the image transmission operation, etc.) of the viewing user 2 who has been determined to be granted. Allocate benefits to. Distribution (dividing into piles) can be performed in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

Furthermore, the streaming server 1100 executes a process of granting a benefit to the viewing user 2 based on the ranking for each viewing user (third benefit granting process). That is, in the third benefit granting process, first, it is determined whether or not to grant a benefit to each viewing user 2 based on the ranking order of the ranking for each viewing user. Then, the privilege is given to the viewing user 2 who is determined to be given the benefit. The rank of the ranking to which the privilege is to be given can be set as appropriate in the same way as in the second privilege granting process, and the privilege to be given may also be set in advance in association with the ranking.

[Functional configuration]
FIG. 25 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the streaming server 1100 in the second embodiment, and FIG. 26 is a diagram showing an example of programs and data stored in the server storage unit 500s in the second embodiment. In each of FIGS. 25 and 26, the same components as in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals. As shown in FIG. 25, in this embodiment, the outgoing service management unit 210A of the server processing unit 200s includes a group setting unit 211A, a outgoing content display control unit 212, a support point calculation unit 213A, and an event occurrence condition determination unit. 215A, a chain notification control section 221, a consideration collection processing section 223, an event control section 225A, a ranking calculation section 227A, a second benefit provision processing section 233A, and a third benefit provision processing section 235A.

The group setting unit 211A performs a process of dividing the registered viewing users into groups at the start of content distribution. For example, as shown and illustrated in FIG. 24, in addition to a configuration in which the viewing user registers a specific character being distributed into groups, a configuration in which the viewing user selects the group to which he or she belongs may be used. Then, the group setting unit 211A allocates a group ID to each divided group, associates each group ID with the user account of the viewing user belonging to the corresponding group, and generates group setting data 750A.

The support point calculation unit 213A totalizes the image transmission operations for each viewing user to calculate support points for each viewing user, and also totals the image transmission operations for each group to calculate support points for each group.

The event occurrence condition determining unit 215A does not target all viewing users as in the above embodiment, but determines the event occurrence condition on a group-by-group basis.

When the event occurrence condition determining section 215A determines that the event occurrence condition is satisfied, the event control section 225A causes fever time to occur for the group. The event control section 225A includes a fever time extension processing section 226 and an application magnification adjustment section 231A.

The applied magnification adjustment unit 231A identifies the adjustment target viewing user involved in the occurrence of the fever time, and adjusts the applied magnification 730 applied to the image transmission operation of the adjustment target user during the fever time.

At the end of content distribution, the ranking calculation unit 227A calculates rankings for each viewing user based on support points for each viewing user, and also calculates rankings for each group based on support points for each group.

The second benefit granting processing unit 233A executes a second benefit granting process of granting a benefit to the viewing user based on the ranking by group.

The third benefit granting processing unit 235A executes a third benefit granting process of granting a benefit to the viewing user based on the ranking for each viewing user.

As shown in FIG. 26, the server storage unit 500s includes a server program 503A, a distribution viewing terminal program 505, a distribution providing terminal program 507, sales product management data 509, and outgoing service initial setting data 510. , user management data 590, distribution management data 600A, continuous combo condition setting 700, combination combo condition setting 710, operation count condition setting 720, group setting data 750A, application magnification 730A, and ranking data 740A. , current date and time 900 are stored. In addition, necessary data such as image data of a background image of a viewing screen, material data for creating and editing an avatar, and the like are stored as appropriate.

The distribution management data 600A can be realized with a data structure that is generally similar to the distribution management data 600 of the above-described embodiment shown in FIG. is set, and the current total number of calling operations 623 is set to the current value of the total number of calling operations for each group. Further, fever time occurrence status data 630 is prepared for each group.

Group setting data 750A stores information on grouping of each viewer user set by group setting section 211A.

The applied magnification 730A stores the applied magnification for each viewer user. The applied magnification 730A is set to "same magnification" for all viewing users when fever time does not occur. On the other hand, when fever time occurs, the applied magnification for viewing users belonging to the corresponding group is set to 1.5 times, and a predetermined value (for example, 0.3) is added to the applied magnification for the adjusted viewing users. The sum is added to be "1.8 times."

The ranking data 740A stores the ranking results of the ranking by viewing user and the ranking result of the ranking by group, which are calculated by the ranking calculation unit 227A at the end of the distribution of the content.

[Processing flow]
Processing related to live distribution of content in the streaming server 1100 of the second embodiment can be performed in roughly the same procedure as the processing procedure of the above embodiment shown in FIGS. 19 to 21. However, in this embodiment, the viewing users who have been registered as viewers are divided into groups at the start of content distribution. Furthermore, in the support point calculation process after the start of distribution, support points for each viewing user and support points for each group are calculated. Then, various processes such as determination of event occurrence conditions and event control are performed for each group, and fever time is generated for each group. In addition, at the end of content distribution, rankings for each viewing user and rankings for each group are calculated, and the second and third benefit granting processes are sequentially executed to grant the target benefit to the target viewing user 2 ( distribution).

As described above, according to the second embodiment, the same effects as the first embodiment can be achieved. In addition, it becomes possible for viewing users to individually support a specific character (for example, a character) in the distributed content, or for viewing users who support the same character to form a group and support each other. It is possible to further enhance the feeling of enlivening the content and further improve the user experience.

Note that the form to which the present invention can be applied is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and components may be added, omitted, or changed as appropriate.

[Modification 1]
For example, in each of the above-described embodiments, the distribution service is implemented using a client-server type computer system, but it may also be implemented using a computer system in which a plurality of user terminals 1500 are connected peer-to-peer. In that case, one of the user terminals 1500 is made to function as the streaming server 1100. Alternatively, a configuration may be adopted in which a plurality of user terminals 1500 share the functions of the distribution service management unit 206.

[Modification 2]
Further, each of the embodiments described above can be applied to other services as long as the services are accessed by a plurality of users at the same time and each user can operate the transmission of text or images.

For example, the screen portion of the viewing screen below the general-purpose display section 35 may be made into a chat screen to which a chat function of a social networking service is applied. FIGS. 27 and 28 are diagrams showing display examples in that case.

On the left side of the lower chat screen 38, an avatar 4a of the viewing user 2a who uses the user terminal 1500 on which the screen is displayed is displayed, and the text that the viewing user 2a has operated to send is displayed in a speech bubble 5a. , the transmission image 8 that the viewing user 2 operated to transmit appears from the avatar 4 and is displayed. On the other hand, on the right side of the chat screen 38, avatars 4b, etc. of other viewing users 2b, etc. are displayed, text that they have operated to send is displayed in a speech bubble 5, and the sending image 8 that they have operated to send an image is displayed as their avatar. Appears and is displayed from 4 onwards. In this modification, the background of the chat screen 38 is appropriately changed to special background data during fever time, and the appearance of the transmission image 8 operated by each viewing user 2 to transmit is produced.

Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 28, a screen configuration may be used in which a content screen 39 composed of an additional information display section 31, a content display section 32, and a general-purpose display section 35 of the viewing screen is displayed in the center of the chat screen 38. good. On both sides of the content screen 39, as in the case of FIG. 27, the avatar 4a of the viewing user 2a who uses the user terminal 1500 on which the screen is displayed, the avatar 4b of other viewing users 2b, etc. are displayed. The text is displayed in a speech bubble 5 and the appearance of the transmission image 8 is displayed. The display position of the content screen 39 is fixed and is always displayed in the center of the chat screen 38, while the appearance of the avatar 4, speech bubble 5, and sending image 8 on both sides surrounded by broken lines is changed to a new one. A scrolling display is displayed when a call operation is performed.

1000...Content provision system 1100...Streaming server 200s...Server processing section 202...User management section 204...Online shopping management section 206...Distribution service management section 208...Avatar display control section 210, 210A...Outgoing service management section 212...Outgoing content display Control unit 213, 213A...Support point calculation unit 215, 215A...Event occurrence condition determination unit 217...Continuous combo determination unit 219...Combination combo determination unit 221...Chain notification control unit 223...Compensation collection processing unit 225, 225A...Event control unit 226...Fever time extension processing section 227, 227A...Ranking calculation section 229...First privilege granting processing section 211A...Group setting section 233A...Second privilege granting processing section 235A...Third privilege granting processing section 500s...Server storage section 503, 503A...Server program 505...Distribution viewing terminal program 507...Distribution providing terminal program 509...Sales product management data 510...Call service initial setting data 590...User management data 600,600A...Distribution management data 700...Continuous combo condition setting 710 ...Combination combo condition setting 720...Operation number condition setting 730,730A...Applicable magnification 740,740A...Ranking data 750A...Group setting data 1500 (1500a, 1500b,..., 1500T)...User terminal 100...Operation input section 102...Imaging section 104... Sound collection section 200... Terminal processing section 262, 272... Operation signal transmission control section 264... Viewing screen display control section 274... Content provision control section 276... Provision screen display control section 390... Image display section 392... Sound output section 394 ...Communication department 500...Terminal storage section 504...Viewing terminal program 506...Providing terminal program 800...Received distribution data group 802...Outgoing image allocation setting 810...Provided content data 811...Distribution title at registration 813...Distribution schedule at registration 815 ...Additional information at the time of registration 817...Content data for provision 9...Communication line 2 (2a, 2b,..., 2t)...User W1, W11...Viewing screen 31...Additional information display section 33...Text sending operation section 34...Image sending operation Icon 35...General-purpose display section 36...Outgoing content display section 37...Shopping icon 38...Chat screen 4 (4a, 4b,...)...Avatar 8...Outgoing image

Claims (23)

A content distribution system that distributes content including at least video provided by a providing user to a user terminal of each viewing user, the content distribution system comprising:
The user terminal includes a content display unit that displays the content, and displays a viewing screen that allows a call operation while viewing the content and displays an effect indicating that the call operation has been performed;
event control means for generating an event of a given length of time when a given event occurrence condition is met;
An effect display control means for controlling an effect display on the viewing screen, wherein when the event occurrence control is performed by the event control means, an effect display regarding the fact that the transmission operation has been performed is performed when the event has occurred. effect display control means for controlling the effect display to be different from that before the occurrence of the event during the period of time during which the event occurs;
A content distribution system equipped with The effect display control means performs control to display on the user terminal of each viewing user that the event is occurring during the length of time during which the event is occurring.
The content distribution system according to claim 1. The event control means controls the occurrence of the event based on the event occurrence condition based on the transmission operation.
The content distribution system according to claim 1 or 2. The event control means determines that the event has occurred, and indicates that a state in which a chain condition including at least a continuity certification condition for certifying the continuity of the call operation has continued for a predetermined period based on the timing at which the call operation has been performed is performed. including it in the conditions and determining whether the event occurrence condition is satisfied;
The content distribution system according to claim 3. The chain condition further includes that the plurality of transmission operations to be determined satisfy a relationship recognition condition for determining the relevance of the transmission operations.
The content distribution system according to claim 4. chain notification control means for controlling to notify the user terminal of the current continuation of the state in which the chain condition is satisfied;
The content distribution system according to claim 4 or 5, comprising: A content distribution system that distributes content including at least video provided by a providing user to a user terminal of each viewing user, the content distribution system comprising:
The user terminal displays a viewing screen that includes a content display unit that displays the content and allows a call operation to be performed during viewing;
an event control means for generating an event when a given event generation condition is met;
Effect display control means for controlling an effect display on the viewing screen based on the transmission operation, the effect display control means controlling different effect displays depending on whether or not an event occurs by the event control means;
Equipped with
The event control means includes:
The event occurrence condition includes that a state in which a chain condition including at least a continuity certification condition for certifying the continuity of the call operation based on the timing at which the call operation is performed continues for a predetermined period or more; Determining whether event occurrence conditions are met;
changing the end time of the event based on a state in which the chain condition is satisfied during the event that has occurred;
I do,
Content distribution system. The event control means determines that the event occurrence condition is satisfied when the total number of the calling operations reaches a predetermined number.
The content distribution system according to any one of claims 3 to 7. There are multiple types of the sending operation, and some of the multiple types are associated with the providing user or the content,
The event control means includes means for determining whether the event occurrence condition is satisfied based on the associated type of transmission operation.
The content distribution system according to any one of claims 3 to 8. A content distribution system that distributes content including at least video provided by a providing user to a user terminal of each viewing user, the content distribution system comprising:
The user terminal displays a viewing screen that includes a content display unit that displays the content and allows a call operation to be performed during viewing;
an event control means for generating an event when a given event generation condition is met;
Effect display control means for controlling an effect display on the viewing screen based on the transmission operation, the effect display control means controlling different effect displays depending on whether or not an event occurs by the event control means;
Equipped with
The event control means determines whether the event occurrence condition is satisfied based on the transmission operation of the viewing user belonging to the group for each group consisting of viewing users of the content currently being viewed, and controls the event. control the outbreak,
Content distribution system. A content distribution system that distributes content including at least video provided by a providing user to a user terminal of each viewing user, the content distribution system comprising:
The user terminal displays a viewing screen that includes a content display unit that displays the content and allows a call operation to be performed during viewing;
an event control means for generating an event when a given event generation condition is met;
Effect display control means for controlling an effect display on the viewing screen based on the transmission operation, the effect display control means controlling different effect displays depending on whether or not an event occurs by the event control means;
Equipped with
The event control means is configured to control the event control unit to control the event control unit to control the event control unit to control the event control unit to control the event control unit to control the event control unit when the provider user performs a paid occurrence instruction operation to cause the event to occur in exchange for the consumption of virtual currency by the provider user, regardless of whether the event occurrence condition is satisfied or not. generate an event,
Content distribution system. A content distribution system that distributes content including at least video provided by a providing user to a user terminal of each viewing user different from the providing user, the content distribution system comprising:
The user terminal displays a viewing screen that includes a content display unit that displays the content and allows a call operation to be performed during viewing;
event control means for generating an event of a given length of time when a given event occurrence condition is met;
Effect display control means for controlling an effect display on the viewing screen based on the transmission operation, the effect display control means controlling different effect displays depending on whether or not an event occurs by the event control means;
Equipped with
The event control means causes the event to occur when the providing user performs an operation to instruct generation, regardless of whether or not the event generation condition is satisfied;
The effect display control means performs control to display on the user terminal of each viewing user that the event is occurring during the length of time during which the event is occurring.
Content distribution system. consideration collection means for collecting consideration for the generation instruction operation from the providing user;
The content distribution system according to claim 12 , comprising: A content distribution system that distributes content including at least video provided by a providing user to a user terminal of each viewing user, the content distribution system comprising:
The user terminal displays a viewing screen that includes a content display unit that displays the content and allows a call operation to be performed during viewing;
Support point calculation means for calculating support points related to the content based on at least the transmission operation;
Event control for generating an event in which, when a given event generation condition is satisfied, the support point can be calculated to be larger when the event occurs than when the event does not occur for the same transmission operation. means and
A content distribution system equipped with A content distribution system that distributes content including at least video provided by a providing user to a user terminal of each viewing user, the content distribution system comprising:
The user terminal displays a viewing screen that includes a content display unit that displays the content and allows a call operation to be performed during viewing;
an event control means for generating an event when a given event generation condition is met;
Effect display control means for controlling an effect display on the viewing screen based on the transmission operation, the effect display control means controlling different effect displays depending on whether or not an event occurs by the event control means;
Equipped with
Regardless of whether or not the event occurrence conditions are met, the event control means causes the event to occur in exchange for the consumption of a specific item or virtual currency by the viewing user, when the viewing user performs a paid occurrence instruction operation. causing said event to occur,
Content distribution system. A computer system comprising a user terminal of each viewing user and the content distribution system according to any one of claims 1 to 15. A content distribution method for distributing content including at least video provided by a providing user to a user terminal of each viewing user, the method comprising:
The user terminal includes a content display unit that displays the content, and displays a viewing screen that allows a call operation while viewing the content and displays an effect indicating that the call operation has been performed;
generating an event of a given length of time when a given event occurrence condition is met;
controlling an effect display on the viewing screen, wherein when the event occurs, an effect display regarding the call operation is performed during the time period during which the event occurs; control to display a different effect than before the occurrence of the
content delivery methods, including; A content distribution method for distributing content including at least video provided by a providing user to a user terminal of each viewing user, the method comprising:
The user terminal displays a viewing screen that includes a content display unit that displays the content and allows a call operation to be performed during viewing;
Generating an event when a given event generation condition is met;
controlling an effect display on the viewing screen based on the transmission operation, controlling a different effect display depending on whether or not the event occurs;
including;
Generating the event includes:
The event occurrence condition includes that a state in which a chain condition including at least a continuity certification condition for certifying the continuity of the call operation based on the timing at which the call operation is performed continues for a predetermined period or more; Determining whether event occurrence conditions are met;
changing the end time of the event based on a state in which the chain condition is satisfied during the event that has occurred;
including,
Content delivery method. A content distribution method for distributing content including at least video provided by a providing user to a user terminal of each viewing user, the method comprising:
The user terminal displays a viewing screen that includes a content display unit that displays the content and allows a call operation to be performed during viewing;
Generating an event when a given event generation condition is met;
controlling an effect display on the viewing screen based on the transmission operation, controlling a different effect display depending on whether or not the event occurs;
including;
Generating the event includes:
controlling the occurrence of the event by determining whether the event occurrence condition is satisfied based on the transmission operation of the viewing user belonging to the group for each group made up of viewing users of the content being viewed;
including,
Content delivery method. A content distribution method for distributing content including at least video provided by a providing user to a user terminal of each viewing user, the method comprising:
The user terminal displays a viewing screen that includes a content display unit that displays the content and allows a call operation to be performed during viewing;
Generating an event when a given event generation condition is met;
controlling an effect display on the viewing screen based on the transmission operation, controlling a different effect display depending on whether or not the event occurs;
including;
Generating the event includes:
Regardless of whether or not the event occurrence conditions are met, the event is caused to occur when the provider user performs a paid occurrence instruction operation to cause the event to occur in exchange for the consumption of virtual currency by the provider user;
including,
Content delivery method. A content distribution method for distributing content including at least video provided by a providing user to a user terminal of each viewing user different from the providing user, the method comprising:
The user terminal displays a viewing screen that includes a content display unit that displays the content and allows a call operation to be performed during viewing;
generating an event of a given length of time when a given event occurrence condition is met;
controlling an effect display on the viewing screen based on the transmission operation, controlling a different effect display depending on whether or not the event occurs;
including;
Generating the event includes:
causing the event to occur when the providing user performs an operation to instruct the event to occur, regardless of whether or not the event generation condition is met;
including;
Controlling the effect display includes:
performing control to display on the user terminal of each viewing user that the event is occurring during the length of time during which the event is occurring;
including,
Content delivery method. A content distribution method for distributing content including at least video provided by a providing user to a user terminal of each viewing user, the method comprising:
The user terminal displays a viewing screen that includes a content display unit that displays the content and allows a call operation to be performed during viewing;
Calculating support points related to the content based on at least the sending operation;
When a given event occurrence condition is satisfied, an event is generated in which the support points can be calculated to be larger when the event occurs than when the event does not occur for the same transmission operation. ,
content delivery methods, including; A content distribution method for distributing content including at least video provided by a providing user to a user terminal of each viewing user, the method comprising:
The user terminal displays a viewing screen that includes a content display unit that displays the content and allows a call operation to be performed during viewing;
Generating an event when a given event generation condition is met;
controlling an effect display on the viewing screen based on the transmission operation, controlling a different effect display depending on whether or not the event occurs;
including;
Generating the event includes:
Regardless of whether the event occurrence conditions are met, the event occurs when the viewing user performs a paid generation instruction operation that causes the event to occur in exchange for consumption of a specific item or virtual currency by the viewing user. to let;
including,
Content delivery method.

Images