JP7427129B2 - System, method, and program for delivering live video - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a system, method, and program for delivering live video.

Conventionally, various services for distributing live video have been provided (for example, see Patent Document 1 below). These services typically allow users, including the general public, to distribute live videos as distributors, and provide viewers with live videos on various topics.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-022219

However, with conventional live video distribution services, it is impossible to know the current content (topic) until you start watching the live video. Although this point is not so much of a problem for regular viewers, it may be difficult for new users to start casually viewing live videos. If it is difficult to acquire new viewers, the motivation for live video distribution will decrease, and the activation of the service will be hindered.

One of the objectives of the embodiments of the present invention is to promote viewing of live video. Other objects of embodiments of the present invention will become apparent upon reference to the entire specification.

A system according to an embodiment of the present invention is a system for delivering live video, comprising one or more computer processors, wherein the one or more computer processors are configured to , executes a process of presenting information about a live video being distributed to the user, and a process of managing association of tags with the live video, and the process of managing the association is performed while viewing the first live video. associating a first tag input by a first user of the first live video with the first live video, the presenting process presenting information about the live video being distributed based at least on the associated tag. Including presenting.

A method according to an embodiment of the present invention is a method for distributing live video that is executed by one or more computers, and includes the steps of: presenting information about the live video being distributed to a user; managing the association of tags with videos, and the step of managing the association includes assigning a first tag input by a first user who is viewing a first live video to the first live video. and the presenting step includes presenting information about the live video being streamed based at least on the associated tag.

A program according to an embodiment of the present invention is a program for distributing live video, and in response to being executed on one or more computers, the program transmits a live video being distributed to the one or more computers. A process of presenting information regarding a video to a user and a process of managing association of tags with respect to a live video are executed, and the process of managing the association is performed by a first user who is viewing a first live video. and the presenting process includes presenting information about the live video being distributed based at least on the associated tag. .

Various embodiments of the invention facilitate viewing live video.

1 is a configuration diagram schematically showing the configuration of a network including a video distribution server 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing the functions of a video distribution server 10. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating information managed in a user information table 411. FIG. Diagram for explaining ranks. 4 is a diagram illustrating information managed in a distribution management table 412. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating information managed in a tag management table 413. FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a top screen 60; FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a distribution screen 70. FIG. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a viewing screen 80; FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an item selection screen 200. FIG. 3 is a flow diagram illustrating a process executed by the server 10 in response to input of a tag. 6 is a diagram illustrating display contents of an individual display area 641. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a top screen 60 when “topic” is selected in a selection area 62. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating display contents of an individual display area 642. FIG. FIG. 3 is a flow diagram illustrating a process executed by the server 10 in response to the start of viewing a live video (entering the distribution room) by an arbitrary user. FIG. 3 is a flow diagram illustrating a process executed by the server 10 when updating a rank. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a rule for updating a rank meter value. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the correspondence between rank update contents and required rank meter values. FIG. 3 is a flow diagram illustrating a process executed by the server 10 when giving diamonds. The figure which illustrates 60 A of top screens in other examples. A diagram illustrating a video list screen 90 classified by tag. A diagram illustrating an example of content that is automatically posted to an external SNS.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

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

The video distribution server 10 is configured as a general computer, and as shown in FIG. ) 15, and these components are electrically connected via a bus (not shown) or the like.

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

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

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

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

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

The video distribution server 10 configured in this way can be configured to have the functions of a web server and an application server, and in this case, the video distribution server 10 configured as described above can be configured to have the functions of a web server and an application server. In response to requests from a live video distribution service application), various processes are executed, and screen data (for example, HTML data), control data, etc. according to the results of the processes are transmitted to the user terminal 30. A web page or other screen based on the received data may be displayed on the user terminal 30.

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

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

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

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

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

In this embodiment, the user terminal 30 may be configured as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a personal computer, a wearable device, or the like.

A user who operates the user terminal 30 configured in this manner can communicate with the video distribution server 10 via a web browser or other application installed in the storage 35 or the like. You can use the live video distribution service provided.

Next, the functions possessed by the video distribution server 10 of this embodiment will be explained. FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing the functions that the video distribution server 10 has. As shown in the figure, the server 10 includes an information storage management unit 41 that stores and manages various information, a basic function control unit 43 that controls basic functions of the live video distribution service, and a video distribution management unit 43 that controls the distribution of live video. It has a control section 45. These functions are realized by the cooperative operation of hardware such as the computer processor 11 and main memory 12, as well as various programs and data stored in the storage 15 and the like. This is realized by the computer processor 11 executing instructions included in the loaded program. Further, some or all of the functions of the server 10 shown in FIG. 2 may be realized by the server 10 and the user terminal 30 working together, or may be realized by the user terminal 30.

The information storage management unit 41 of the video distribution server 10 stores and manages various information in the storage 15 and the like. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the information storage management unit 41 includes a user information table 411 that manages information regarding users of the live video distribution service, and a distribution management table 412 that manages information regarding distribution of individual live videos. It is configured to include a tag management table 413 that manages information regarding tags associated with live videos.

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

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

In this embodiment, the video distribution control unit 45 is configured to present information regarding the live video being distributed to the user. For example, the video distribution control unit 45 is configured to transmit screen data or control data of a screen including information regarding the live video being distributed to the user terminal 30. Information regarding the live video being distributed is obtained, for example, by referring to the distribution management table 412 and the like.

Further, the video distribution control unit 45 is configured to execute various processes related to management of association of tags with live videos. For example, the video distribution control unit 45 is configured to associate a tag input by a user (viewer) viewing a live video with the live video. The tag in this embodiment is typically configured as information including a character string, and contributes to classification of live videos. The correspondence between a live video and a tag associated with the live video is managed, for example, in the tag management table 413.

Further, in the present embodiment, the video distribution control unit 45 is configured to present information regarding the live video being distributed based at least on the associated tag. For example, information regarding a live video being distributed may be configured to include information regarding a tag associated with the live video, or information processed based on the tag. Further, for example, information regarding live videos being distributed may be extracted based on associated tags, or configured as a list of live videos sorted based on the tags.

In this way, the video distribution server 10 in this embodiment associates a tag input by a user who is viewing a live video with the live video, and also displays information regarding the live video being distributed based on the associated tag. By presenting the information, the user can know the current content (topic) of the live video being distributed based on information based on tags input by actual viewers. As a result, for example, it becomes easier for new users to start viewing live videos, and viewing of live videos is promoted.

In this embodiment, the status of tags associated with live videos may be managed. For example, the video distribution control unit 45 manages tags whose elapsed time after association is within a predetermined time (for example, 5 minutes) as tags in a predetermined state, and at least based on the tags in the predetermined state. The tags may be configured to present information about live video being streamed (e.g., excluding tags whose elapsed time since being associated exceeds a predetermined amount of time). A tag in a predetermined state can also be referred to as a tag that is currently valid (valid at that time) and has a relatively short elapsed time since being input, and the predetermined time can also be referred to as the tag's valid time. . Such a configuration is useful because when presenting information about a live video being streamed, tags that have been entered for a long time are excluded, e.g. based on tags that are no longer appropriate for the current content of the live video. Information is prevented from being presented.

Further, the video distribution control unit 45 may be configured to limit the number of tags in the predetermined state that are associated with one live video. For example, the video distribution control unit 45 is configured to disable (reject) association of new tags while the number of tags in a predetermined state associated with a specific live video is at the upper limit. Ru. Such a configuration can prevent the number of tags from becoming excessively large, and as a result, can prevent the function of tags as a classification of live videos from being impaired.

Further, the video distribution control unit 45 may be configured to limit the number of tags that can be associated with one live video within a predetermined time. For example, the video distribution control unit 45 disables (rejects) the association of new tags while the number of tags associated with a specific live video from now until a predetermined time is the upper limit. It is composed of Such a configuration can prevent the number of tags from becoming excessively large, and as a result, can prevent the function of tags as a classification of live videos from being impaired.

Further, the video distribution control unit 45 may be configured to limit the number of tags that can be associated with one live video by one user within a predetermined time. For example, the video distribution control unit 45 makes it impossible to associate new tags while the number of tags associated with a specific live video by a specific user from now until a predetermined time ago is the upper limit ( be configured to refuse). For example, if the number of tags that can be associated within a predetermined time is limited to "1", continuous input of tags by one user is restricted (it is necessary to leave a predetermined time interval). You can also say. Such a configuration suppresses tags associated with live videos from being biased toward tags input by a specific user.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, users who can input tags may be restricted. For example, the video distribution control unit 45 may be configured to limit users who can input tags based on at least a predetermined attribute possessed by the user. For example, users who can input tags are limited to users whose level is a predetermined value or higher. Further, for example, users who can input tags may be limited to users who have a predetermined relationship with the user (distributor) who distributes the live video (for example, a member of a group supporting the distributor). The predetermined attributes are managed in the user information table 411, for example. Such a configuration suppresses the deterioration of tag quality by limiting the users who can input data.

Further, the video distribution control unit 45 may be configured to accept comments input via a viewing screen for viewing a live video, as well as tags input via the viewing screen. The input comments are typically displayed on each viewer's viewing screen. In this case, the viewing screen is a predetermined area in which a character string can be input, and while the character string input in the first state is recognized as a comment, the character string input in the second state is It may be configured to have the predetermined area recognized as a tag. Switching between the first and second states may be performed in response to an operational input by the user, or may be performed without any operational input by the user. Such a configuration makes it possible to input a tag with the same operation as inputting a comment, and as a result, good operability regarding tag input is achieved.

In this embodiment, the information regarding the live video being distributed that is presented to the user includes information in various formats. For example, the video distribution control unit 45 may be configured to present a list of tags respectively associated with a plurality of live videos being distributed. In this case, the list of tags may be configured such that tags with a large number of associated live videos are prioritized (for example, placed at the top of the list). Such a configuration makes it possible to easily inform the user of the content (topics) of live video in the entire live video distribution service.

Furthermore, the information regarding live videos being distributed that is presented to the user includes a list of live videos. For example, the video distribution control unit 45 may be configured to present a list of live videos being distributed based at least on tags associated with each of the plurality of live videos being distributed. For example, the list may be configured as a list in which tags respectively associated with a plurality of live videos being distributed are arranged in chronological order along with corresponding live videos (associated live videos). The list can also be referred to as a timeline of tags; for example, each time a new tag is associated with any live video, the new tag is added to the list along with the corresponding live video. Such a configuration makes it possible to inform the user of the tags and the corresponding live video in chronological order.

Further, for example, the video distribution control unit 45 may display a list of live videos that is composed of a plurality of live videos that are associated with a specific tag (for example, a tag specified by a user or a tag that is automatically identified). may be configured to present. Such a configuration, for example, improves retrieval performance of live videos that are associated with specific tags (eg, tags that the user is interested in).

In addition, in response to the start of viewing by any user of a specific live video via the list of live videos based on the tags described above, the video distribution control unit 45 displays a viewing screen for viewing the specific live video. , may be configured to provide a predetermined notification regarding the tag corresponding to the specific live video in the list of the live video. For example, the predetermined notification includes a notification regarding the start of viewing by the user via the corresponding tag. Also, for example, the predetermined notification includes a notification regarding a user who has associated the corresponding tag with the particular live video. Such a configuration may enable notification upon initiation of live video viewing via the tag, which may encourage the viewer to input the tag.

Furthermore, in response to the start of viewing by any user of a specific live video via the list of live videos based on the tags described above, the video distribution control unit 45 responds to the specific live video in the list of live videos. may be configured to increase the value of a predetermined parameter for a user who has associated a tag with that particular live video. The predetermined parameter may be configured, for example, as the number of other users who have started watching the live video via a tag with which the user has associated. For example, the basic function control unit 43 may be configured to set rankings based on the values of such predetermined parameters. Such a configuration may improve the game of tag association and thus encourage the viewer to input tags.

In addition, as the tag is associated with the live video (for example, before/after the association), the video distribution control unit 45 automatically posts posting content that introduces the live video to a predetermined SNS. It can be configured as follows. The content for posting includes tags associated with the live video. For example, the video distribution control unit 45 posts content for posting that includes the tag as a hashtag and has a link to the live video to be introduced to an SNS such as Twitter (registered trademark) or Instagram (registered trademark). Configured to post automatically. Automatic posting is performed through or without a confirmation operation by the user. Such a configuration supports the spread of live video via SNS.

Further, the video distribution control unit 45 may be configured to associate a tag input by a user who is viewing a live video with the user (distributor) who distributes the live video in addition to the live video. Tags associated with a distributor may be managed, for example, in the user information table 411, and displayed on a predetermined screen (for example, a screen displaying the profile of the distributor, etc.). Such a configuration makes it possible to utilize tags input by viewers as part of the broadcaster's attributes (profile).

Next, a specific example of the video distribution server 10 of this embodiment having such a function will be described. FIG. 3 illustrates information managed in the user information table 411 in this example. The user information table 411 manages information related to users of the live video distribution service, and as shown in the figure, stores "basic information" including account name, age, gender, etc. in association with "user account" for identifying individual users. ", "Distribution history information" that is information about the distribution history of live videos, "Viewing history information" that is information about the viewing history of live videos distributed by other users, and information about other users that this user is following. ``Following user information'', which is information about other users (followers) who follow this user, ``Family information'', which is information about families to which this user has joined as a family member, "Rank" indicates the user's rank as a broadcaster, "Rank meter value" is a parameter value for determining rank up/down, and "Coin holding count" indicates the number of virtual coins held in the live video distribution service. ", "Number of diamonds held" which also indicates the number of virtual diamonds held, "Tag point information" which is information about tag points (predetermined parameters) that increase according to tag input as a viewer, "Tag point information" as a broadcaster It manages information such as ``tag information,'' which is information about tags input by viewers during live video distribution, and ``classification text,'' which is the classification of the broadcaster set by the user.

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the "rank" of the distributor in this example. As shown in the figure, in this example, there are six rank bands: "S", "A", "B", "C", "D", and "E"; Each of the five rank bands of "B", "C", and "D" has three ranks (for example, "+" is added to the alphabet indicating the rank band, such as "S+", "S", and "S-"). , a rank with only the alphabet, and a rank with a ``-'' added to the alphabet). Moreover, the rank band of "E" is made up of one rank "E". That is, in this example, there are 16 ranks (3×5+1=16).

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

FIG. 5 illustrates information managed in the distribution management table 412 in this example. The distribution management table 412 manages information regarding the distribution of individual live videos, and as shown in the figure, identifies the distributor of this distribution in association with a "distribution ID" that identifies an individual distribution (live video). ``Broadcaster user account'', ``Broadcast date and time'', ``Broadcast time'' indicating the duration of the stream, ``Number of viewers (current value and maximum value)'', ``Number of comments'' that is the number of comments entered by viewers. ”, “Number of Likes” which is the number of “Likes” input by viewers, “Item Points” which increases according to the input of items by viewers, and “Points” which are given for this distribution. Manage information such as "Delivery Points".

FIG. 6 illustrates information managed in the tag management table 413 in this example. The tag management table 413 manages information regarding tags associated with live videos, and as shown in the figure, includes a "distribution ID" that identifies an individual distribution and a "tag" that identifies an individual tag in the distribution (live video). In association with the combination of "ID", "input user user account" which is the user account of the viewer who entered the tag (tag input person), "tag content" which is the content (character string) of the tag, and the tag is assigned. Management of information such as "date and time of grant (year, month, day, hour, minute, second)".

FIG. 7 illustrates a top screen 60 of the live video distribution service displayed on the user terminal 30. The screen 60 is the starting point for users who use the live video distribution service, and as shown in the figure, it includes a selection area 62 displaying "Follow," "Popular," "Topical," and "All," and It has a list display area 64 located below the area 62 and a circular distribution start button 66 located at the upper right corner of the screen.

The selection area 62 is an area for selecting display content in the list display area 64. Specifically, when "Follow" is selected in the selection area 62, a list of live videos being distributed by other users that the user is following is displayed in the list display area 64. Similarly, when "Popular" is selected in the selection area 62, the list display area 64 displays live videos (for example, the number of viewers (current value ) is greater than or equal to the threshold. Furthermore, when "topic" is selected in the selection area 62, the tags attached to (associated with) the live videos are displayed in a chronological list together with the corresponding live videos in the list display area 64, which will be described in detail later. Is displayed. Furthermore, when "all" is selected in the selection area 62, all live videos being distributed are displayed in a list in the list display area 64.

The top screen 60 in FIG. 7 corresponds to the case where "Popular" is selected in the selection area 62. In the list display area 64 in this case, as shown in the figure, a plurality of individual display areas 641 each displaying information regarding an individual live video are arranged in two rows. The individual display area 641 is configured so that viewing of the corresponding live video can be started in response to a selection by the user. The list display area 64 is configured such that the displayed individual display area 641 can be switched by flicking/sliding in the vertical direction. The configuration of the list display area 64 when "Follow" and "All" are selected in the selection area 62 is the same as the configuration described above when "Popular" is selected. Note that the configuration of the list display area 64 when "topic" is selected in the selection area 62 will be described later.

The distribution start button 66 is an object for a user to start distribution of a live video as a distributor. When the distribution start button 66 is selected by the user, distribution of live video is started, and specifically, an image input through the camera of the user terminal 30 and an image input through the microphone of the user terminal 30 are also transmitted. Transmission of the moving image composed of the input audio to the server 10 is started. Additionally, a new record is created in the distribution management table 412 in response to the start of live video distribution.

FIG. 8 illustrates a distribution screen 70 that is displayed on the distributor terminal 30 in response to selection of the distribution start button 66 (that is, the start of distribution of live video). As shown, the screen 70 includes a video display area 71 corresponding to the entire screen, a basic information display area 72 located at the upper left corner of the screen, a comment display area 73 located at the lower left corner of the screen, and a video display area 71 corresponding to the entire screen, a comment display area 73 located at the lower left corner of the screen, and It has a tag display area 74 located at the top and a circular delivery stop button 76 located at the center of the bottom edge of the screen.

The video display area 71 displays a live video to be distributed, that is, an image input via the camera of the distributor terminal 30. Since the distributor usually photographs himself or herself via the in-camera of the distributor terminal 30, the distributed live video includes the distributor himself.

The basic information display area 72 displays basic information about this distribution, specifically, distributor information (profile image, etc.), the number of viewers for this distribution (current value), and the number of viewers for this distribution. Displays the number of "likes" etc. entered by.

The comment display area 73 displays user comments input by viewers or system comments automatically input by the server 10. Specifically, the area 73 displays a plurality of comments, each corresponding to an individual comment. Comment objects 731 are arranged vertically. The comment display area 73 is configured such that when a new comment is input, a corresponding comment object 731 is added to the bottom, and existing comment objects 731 are moved upward in order. The comment display area 73 is configured so that the displayed comment object 731 can be switched by flicking/sliding in the vertical direction.

The tag display area 74 displays information regarding tags assigned to this distribution (live video), and specifically, the area 74 displays a plurality of tag objects 741, each of which corresponds to an individual tag. They are configured to be arranged side by side in the left and right direction. Details of the tag display area 74 will be described later.

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

FIG. 9 illustrates a viewing screen 80 displayed on the viewer terminal 30. For example, when a viewer selects an arbitrary live video via the list display area 64 of the top screen 60, a viewing screen 80 for viewing the selected live video is displayed on the viewer terminal 30. As illustrated, the screen 80 has a video display area 81, a basic information display area 82, a comment display area 83, and a tag display area 84, like the distribution screen 70 described above. The viewing screen 80 also includes, at the bottom end of the screen, an input mode switching button 85, a comment input area 86, a "like" button 87 with a heart mark displayed, and an item input button 88 with a present symbol displayed. and has.

The comment input area 86 is an area for the viewer to input comments. A sending object 861 is arranged at the right end of the area 86, and when the object 861 is selected, the character string input in the comment input area 86 is sent as a user comment, and a comment corresponding to the comment is sent. Objects 731 and 831 are added to the comment display areas 73 and 83 of the distribution screen 70 of the distributor terminal 30 and the viewing screen 80 of each viewer terminal 30, respectively. In comment objects 731 and 831 corresponding to user comments, the comment itself (character string) is displayed together with the account name of the viewer who entered the comment. Further, when a comment is input, the number of comments in the distribution management table 412 is updated (added by 1).

The like button 87 is an object for the viewer to input "like" to the distributor. When the button 87 is selected by the viewer, a "like" is input and a system comment regarding the "like" input is input, and the corresponding comment objects 731, 831 are displayed in the comment display areas 73, 83. will be added. Comment objects 731 and 831 corresponding to system comments regarding the input of "like" display text indicating that "like" has been performed along with the account name of the viewer who has input "like". . In addition, when "like" is input, a predetermined visual effect (for example, an animation effect in which a heart-shaped object is displayed flowing from the bottom of the screen to the top) is displayed in the video display areas 71 and 81. will be added. Furthermore, when a "like" is input, the "number of likes" in the distribution management table 412 is updated (added by 1).

The item input button 88 is an object for the viewer to input an item. When the button 88 is selected by the viewer, an item selection screen 200 illustrated in FIG. 10 is displayed superimposed on the viewing screen 80. As shown, the screen 200 displays a list of a plurality of individual display areas 202, each of which displays information regarding an item. The individual display area 202 displays an image corresponding to an item and the number of coins required to input the item.

In this example, a plurality of items that can be input by the viewer are predetermined, and each item has a number of coins set in advance as its price (value). The item selection screen 200 displays a list of a plurality of inputtable items. When any item is selected by the viewer via the item selection screen 200, the selected item is input.

When an item is input, a system comment regarding the input of the item is input, and corresponding comment objects 731 and 831 are added to the comment display areas 73 and 83. Comment objects 731 and 831 corresponding to system comments regarding input of items display the name of the input item along with the account name of the viewer who input the item. Further, when an item is input, a visual effect corresponding to the input item is added to the video display areas 71 and 81. Furthermore, when an item is input, item points corresponding to the number of coins of the input item (for example, the more the number of coins, the more points) are given to this distribution, and in the distribution management table 412, It will be added to the item points of the corresponding distribution. Further, when an item is input, the number of coins of the input item is subtracted from the number of coins held by the corresponding user (the viewer who input the item) in the user information table 411.

Here, the operation related to adding tags to live videos in this example will be explained. The input mode switching button 85 on the viewing screen 80 is an object for inputting a tag via the comment input area 86. While the input mode switching button 85 is in the non-selected state, the comment input area 86 is in the normal comment input mode, and as described above, the characters input in the comment input area 86 are changed according to the selection of the transmission object 861. Columns are sent as comments. On the other hand, when the input mode switching button 85 is in the selected state, the comment input area 86 becomes a tag input mode, and in response to the selection of the transmission object 861, the character string input in the comment input area 86 is transmitted as a tag.

In this example, input of tags is limited to family members (users with a predetermined relationship) of the broadcaster of the live video that is tagged (that is, is currently being viewed). Specifically, the input mode switching button 85 on the viewing screen 80 is selectable (enabled) when the viewer is a family member of the broadcaster, but when the viewer is not a family member of the broadcaster. In some cases, it becomes unselectable (invalidated).

FIG. 11 is a flow diagram illustrating a process executed by the server 10 in response to a tag input (transmission) by an arbitrary viewer. When tags are input, the server 10 first determines that the number of tags currently valid (valid at that time) in the target live video (distribution) is less than 3 (in other words, 2 or less), as shown in the figure. (step S100). In this example, tags attached to live videos are managed as currently valid until 5 minutes have passed since they were attached.In other words, in this example, the "number of currently valid tags" can be said to be the number of tags assigned from now until 5 minutes ago. A currently valid tag is specified by referring to the date and time of assignment in the tag management table 413.

If the number of currently valid tags is less than 3 (YES in step S100), then the server 10 determines that one minute or more has passed since the previous tag was added to the target live video by the same user. (Step S110). The time when the tag was last attached by the same user is specified by referring to the user account of the input user and the date and time when the tag was attached in the tag management table 413.

If one minute or more has passed since the previous tag was added by the same user (YES in step S110), then the server 10 applies the tag content (character string) to the target live video. It is confirmed that there is no overlap with tags that were added within 10 minutes (step S120). The contents of the tags added within 10 minutes are specified by referring to the tag contents and the date and time of addition in the tag management table 413. As mentioned above, in this example, tags that have been attached for 5 minutes are no longer valid, so "tags that were attached within 10 minutes" means "currently valid tags and A tag that has been inactive for less than 5 minutes.

If the content of the tag does not overlap with a tag input within 10 minutes (YES in step S120), then the server 10 registers the input tag (adds it to the live video). (Step S130). Specifically, a new record is registered in the tag management table 413. Additionally, the tag information in the user information table 411 of the corresponding distributor is updated (the current tag is added).

On the other hand, if the number of currently valid tags is 3 or more (NO in step S100), if more than one minute has not passed since the previous tag was added by the same user (NO in step S110), or if the number of tags is If the content overlaps with a tag added within 10 minutes (NO in step S120), the server 10 notifies the user who entered the tag of an error (step S140). In this case, the input tag is not registered (assigned to the live video) and is discarded. Thus, in this example, the number of currently valid tags that can be added to one live video is limited to three, and can be added to one live video by one user within one minute. The number of identical tags is limited to one, and the number of identical tags that can be added to one live video within 10 minutes is limited to one. Note that in this example, restrictions regarding the contents of the tag (for example, restrictions on the number of characters, restrictions on NG words, etc.) may be provided.

When a tag is attached, tag objects 741 and 841 corresponding to the attached tag are added to the tag display areas 74 and 84 of the distribution screen 70 of the distributor terminal 30 and the viewing screen 80 of each viewer terminal 30, respectively. Ru. In the tag display areas 74 and 84, tag objects 741 and 841 corresponding to currently valid tags are arranged side by side in the left-right direction so that the tags on the left side are newer (applied at later times). Therefore, tag objects 741 and 841 corresponding to the newly added tags are added to the left end of the tag display areas 74 and 84. Note that when five minutes have passed since the tag was attached and the tag is no longer in a valid state, the corresponding tag object 741, 841 is deleted (for example, it disappears with an animation effect of moving to the right).

The tag objects 741 and 841 in this example display the content of the tag in the form of a hash tag in which "#" is added to the beginning of the character string. For example, if the content of the tag is "Tokyo sightseeing", "#Tokyo sightseeing" is displayed in the tag objects 741 and 841. The length of the tag objects 741 and 841 in the left and right direction is automatically adjusted according to the length of the character string to be displayed.

Further, when a tag is attached, a system comment regarding the attachment of the tag is input, and corresponding comment objects 731 and 831 are added to the comment display areas 73 and 83. Comment objects 731 and 831 corresponding to system comments regarding tagging display the account name of the viewer who added (input) the tag, as well as the content of the tag. #Tokyo tourism” has been tagged. ” is displayed.

In this example, the tag given to the live video is used to display information regarding the live video being distributed on the top screen 60. For example, a tag given to a live video is displayed as part of the information regarding the live video in the individual display area 641 of the list display area 64.

FIG. 12 illustrates the display contents of the individual display area 641. The individual display area 641 displays a still image preset by the live video distributor, the distributor's account name, and the number of viewers (current value), and as shown in the figure, at the bottom thereof, A first tag object 6411 and a second tag object 6412 are arranged side by side in the left-right direction. The first tag object 6411 stores classification text (managed in the user information table 411) that is the classification of the distributor set by the distributor itself in the form of a hash tag (with a "#" at the beginning of the character string). (In the example of FIG. 12, "#Gluttony Delivery" is displayed.) Furthermore, the second tag object 6412 also displays the currently valid tag attached to the corresponding live video in the form of a hashtag (in the example of FIG. 12, "#curry" is displayed). . Note that if the corresponding live video has multiple currently valid tags, one tag selected according to a predetermined rule (for example, a randomly selected tag or the latest tag) will be used. Is displayed. In this way, by displaying both the classification text set by the broadcaster himself and the tag input by the viewer in the individual display area 641, information regarding the content of the live video can be more appropriately informed to the user. I can do it.

Further, for example, tags added to live videos are used to extract and select live videos to be displayed as a list on the top screen 60. FIG. 13 illustrates the top screen 60 when “topic” is selected in the selection area 62. In this case, the top screen 60 displays a list of tags attached to any live video in chronological order in a list display area 64. In other words, in the list display area 64 when "topic" is selected in the selection area 62, a list of tags and corresponding live videos arranged in descending order of assignment date and time is displayed.

In the list display area 64, a plurality of individual display areas 642 are arranged in the vertical direction, each of which displays information regarding an individual tag and a corresponding live video. When a new tag is added to any live video, a corresponding individual display area 642 is added to the top of the list display area 64.

FIG. 14 illustrates the display contents of the individual display area 642. As shown, in the area 642, a tag object 6421 is arranged in the upper left corner, and the profile image, account name, etc. of the distributor of the corresponding live video (to which the tag has been added) are displayed. A link to the corresponding live video is set in each individual display area 642, and the user can view the corresponding live video by selecting any of the multiple individual display areas 642 displayed in the list display area 64. You can start watching. In this example, for example, if a single live video is assigned multiple different tags in a short period of time, multiple individual display areas 642 corresponding to the multiple tags are arranged, and these areas 642, a link to the same live video will be set.

The operations related to adding tags to live videos have been described above. Next, the operation when the user starts viewing a live video will be described. FIG. 15 is a flow diagram illustrating a process executed by the server 10 in response to the start of viewing a live video (entering the distribution room) by any user. When an arbitrary user starts viewing a live video, first, as shown in the figure, if the user has not started viewing the live video via a tag (NO in step S200), the server 10 A system comment regarding normal room entry is input (step S210). In this example, "start viewing a live video via a tag" is executed via the list display area 64 when "topic" is selected in the selection area 62 of the top screen 60 (the corresponding (by selecting any one of the plurality of individual display areas 642 listed in the area 64) to start viewing the live video.

When a system comment regarding normal room entry is input, comment objects 731 and 831 corresponding to the system comment are added to the comment display areas 73 and 83. Comment objects 731 and 831 corresponding to system comments regarding normal room entry display the account name, etc. of the user who started viewing (entered the room).

On the other hand, if the user who has started viewing the live video has started viewing the live video via the tag (YES in step S200), the server 10 next provides a system related to room entry via the tag (entrance via tag). A comment is input (step S220). When the system comment is input, the corresponding comment object 731, 831 is added to the comment display area 73, 83, as described above.

In this example, comment objects 731 and 831 corresponding to system comments regarding entry via a tag display the tag through which the user entered the room in addition to the account name. The passed tag is a tag corresponding to the individual display area 642 selected in the list display area 64 of the top screen 60. For example, the comment objects 731 and 831 contain a comment that says "Mr. A came to visit us from "#xxx"" ("Mr. A" is the user who entered the room, and "xxx" is the tag that passed through.) is displayed.

When the system comment regarding entry via the tag is input in this way, the server 10 next performs (step (YES in S230), tag points are given to the person who entered the tag through the route (Step S240). Specifically, tag point information in the user information table 411 is updated for the input user. The tag input person is identified by referring to the input person user account in the tag management table 413.

In this example, the tag point information includes tag points for each family (that is, for each broadcaster) in which the corresponding user (input person) is a family member, and in step S240, predetermined tag points are assigned to the tag points of the corresponding family. points will be added. Note that in this example, rankings of tag points (for example, rankings within the same family) are set and published periodically.

In this example, when the user enters the room via a tag and the user who enters the room is a first-time user, a corresponding system comment may be further input. The corresponding system comment includes, for example, the number of people who entered the tag via the tag and the number of first-time users who entered the room via the tag. For example, the corresponding comment objects 731 and 831 include "Mr. ``So yy people came to see me for the first time.'' is displayed. In addition, the corresponding system comment is, for example, for each first-time user who entered the room through all the tags (this tag and other tags) input during a predetermined period (for example, the current month) by the person who entered the tag through. For example, in the corresponding comment objects 731 and 831, a comment such as "Zzz first-time visitors came to visit us this month with Mr. X's tag" is displayed.

The operation when the user starts viewing a live video has been described above. Next, an explanation will be given of the operation when the distributor ends the distribution. As described above, when the distributor selects the distribution stop button 76 on the distribution screen 70, distribution of the live video ends. When the distribution of the live video ends, the server 10 sets distribution points for the distribution. In this example, distribution points are calculated based on the number of viewers (maximum value), number of likes, number of comments, and item points. Distribution points are configured to increase as the number of viewers (maximum value), number of likes, number of comments, and item points increase. The calculated distribution points are registered in the distribution management table 412.

Furthermore, in this example, the rank for the current day is determined (updated) based on the distribution points that the user acquired on the previous day. FIG. 16 is a flow diagram illustrating the process executed by the server 10 when updating the rank of each user. These processes are executed every day late at night (for example, at 3 a.m. every day).

First, the server 10 updates the rank meter value of each user (step S300). FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining the rank meter value update rule. As shown in the figure, in this example, the rank meter value changes based on the ranking of distribution points earned by the user on the previous day within the rank band to which the user belongs. The distribution points that a specific user acquired on the previous day are calculated by referring to the distributor user account, distribution date and time, and distribution points in the distribution management table 412. Note that if the user performs multiple distributions in one day, the distribution points earned from each of the multiple distributions are added up.

Specifically, the update rule for the rank meter value is as shown in FIG. 17. First, if the distribution point ranking within the rank band is in the top 10%, the change in the rank meter value is "+2". (2 points increase). Similarly, if the relevant ranking is included in the top 11-30% (the remaining 20% after removing the top 10% from the top 30%), the change is "+1"; -60%), the change is "±0" (no increase or decrease), and when the rank is in the bottom 40%, the change is "-1" (1 point decrease). Note that if the previous day's distribution was not performed, the change in the rank meter value will be "-1" regardless of the rank within the rank band.

In step S300, each user's rank meter value is updated according to the update rules illustrated in FIG. 17. In addition, if you are a user whose rank meter value is negative and the current change in rank meter value is an increase (specifically, +2 or +1), the rank meter value will be cleared to 0 and then increased. You may also let them do so. In other words, for example, if a user's current rank meter value is "-1" and the current change is "+2", the rank meter value is cleared to 0 and then increased by 2, and the rank meter value after the change is It becomes "+2" (instead of "+1"). In this way, even if a user has a negative rank meter value (for example, a user whose distribution frequency is low), the rank meter value can be increased at once, thereby promoting the distribution of live videos.

After updating each user's rank meter value, the server 10 then updates the rank based on the updated rank meter value (step S310). FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining the correspondence between rank update contents and necessary rank meter values. As shown in the figure, the rank meter value required to rank up across rank bands (in other words, to rank up from the highest rank within each rank band) is +4. That is, when a user belonging to the highest rank (for example, A+) in each rank band has a rank meter value of +4, the user is ranked up to the lowest rank (for example, S-) in the rank band immediately above. Further, the required rank meter value is +2 when increasing the rank within the same rank band (in other words, when increasing the rank from the middle or lowest rank within each rank band). In other words, a user who belongs to the middle or lowest rank (for example, B or B-) within each rank band will be automatically assigned a rank immediately above the same rank band (for example, B+ or B-) when the rank meter value reaches +2. ) to rank up.

Similarly, as illustrated in FIG. 18, the rank meter value required to rank down within the same rank band (in other words, to rank down from the highest or middle rank in each rank band) is -2. In other words, a user who belongs to the highest or middle rank within each rank band (for example, B+ or -). In addition, the required rank meter value when moving down the rank across rank bands is -6. That is, when a user belonging to the lowest rank (for example, A-) in each rank band has a rank meter value of -6, the user is ranked down to the highest rank (for example, B+) in the rank band immediately below. In this way, in this example, the absolute value of the required rank meter value is larger for rank up/down across rank bands, compared to rank up/down within the same rank band. As a result, a rapid increase/decrease in rank in a short period of time is suppressed.

In step S310, the rank is updated based on the rank meter value according to the correspondence relationship illustrated in FIG. Note that the rank meter value of the user whose rank has been updated (the user whose rank has been increased/decreased) is cleared to 0.

Further, in this example, diamonds are given as a reward to the user as a distributor based on the previous day's distribution time and rank (rank on the previous day). FIG. 19 is a flow diagram illustrating the process executed by the server 10 when giving diamonds to each distributor. These processes are executed at midnight every day, and are executed at a time before the process (for example, at midnight every day) when updating the ranks of each user illustrated in FIG. 16, for example.

As shown in the figure, the server 10 first calculates the distribution time of each user on the previous day (step S400). Specifically, the distribution time of the previous day for a specific user is calculated by referring to the distributor user account and the distribution date and time in the distribution management table 412. If a user performs multiple distributions in one day, the distribution time of each of the multiple distributions is added up.

Subsequently, the server 10 gives each user a number of diamonds based on the calculated delivery time and the standard number of diamonds (step S410). Specifically, each user is given a number of diamonds equal to the calculated distribution time multiplied by the standard number of diamonds. The standard number of diamonds is set in advance for each rank so that it increases as the rank increases, and the standard number of diamonds corresponding to the rank of each user on the previous day is applied. When diamonds are given to a user, the number of diamonds held in the user information table 411 is updated. In this example, diamonds can be exchanged for coins or real currency.

The top screen 60 in the example described above is an example of a screen that displays information regarding the live video being distributed, and other screens may be applied in other examples of this embodiment. FIG. 20 is a top screen 60A in another example of this embodiment, and illustrates the top screen 60A when "topic" is selected in the selection area 62. In this case, the top screen 60A includes a tag search area 63 for searching for tags, and the tag that is the most talked about (the tag that has the largest number of live videos currently assigned as a valid tag). It has a first list display area 64A that displays a list of live videos being distributed, and a second list display area 65 that displays a list of currently valid tags attached to each of the plurality of live videos being distributed.

In the first list display area 64A, a plurality of individual display areas 641 each displaying information regarding an individual live video are arranged side by side in the left-right direction. When any one of the plurality of individual display areas 641 is selected, viewing of the corresponding live video is started. The start of viewing according to the selection of the individual display area 641 is determined as entering the room via the tag (start of viewing).

In the second list display area 65, a plurality of tag objects 651 are arranged, each of which corresponds to an individual tag. In the area 65, tag objects 651 corresponding to tags with a large number of attached live videos are arranged at the top, and tag objects 651 arranged at the same height are A tag object 651 corresponding to a large number of tags is located on the left side.

When any one of the plurality of tag objects 651 is selected, a tag-based video list screen 90 illustrated in FIG. 21 is displayed overlapping the top screen 60A. The screen 90 is a screen for displaying a list of live videos to which a specific tag is currently attached as a valid tag.As shown in the figure, the content of the tag specified as the specific tag (selected It has a tag display object 91 that displays the content of the tag corresponding to the tag object 651, and a list display area 92 that displays a list of live videos to which the specified tag is currently assigned as a valid tag. In the area 92, a plurality of individual display areas 921, each of which displays information regarding an individual live video, are arranged side by side in the vertical direction. The individual display area 921 displays the distributor's profile image, account name, and the like. When any one of the plurality of individual display areas 921 is selected, viewing of the corresponding live video is started. The start of viewing in response to the selection of the individual display area 921 is determined as entry into the room (start of viewing) via the tag. Note that even when a currently valid tag is searched and selected via the tag search area 63, the tag-based video list screen 90 corresponding to the selected tag is displayed.

In the example described above, automatic posting to an external SNS may be performed as a tag is added to a live video. FIG. 22 illustrates an example of content that is automatically posted to an external SNS. Automatic posting is performed using the SNS account of the person inputting the tag (for example, it can be managed in the user information table 411), and the content for posting is based on the settings of OGP (Open Graph protocol). generated. For example, the content for posting includes a message that includes each of a broadcaster's account name, a service name of a live video distribution service, a currently valid tag, and classification text as a hashtag. For example, the content includes the text "Mr. , ``curry'' is the currently valid tag, and ``glutton delivery'' is the classification text.).

In the example described above, the tags are added by the viewers of the live video, but in addition to this, the tags may be added by the distributor himself/herself who is delivering the live video.

In the example described above, the tag added to the live video may be allowed to be deleted by the broadcaster. For example, the corresponding tag may be deleted through an operation of selecting a tag object 741 placed in the tag display area 74 of the distribution screen 70 (for example, a long press operation). When a tag is deleted, the corresponding record is deleted in the tag management table 413 and also deleted from the tag information in the user information table 411.

In the above example, it may be possible to input a tag that requires the consumption of coins. In this case, the validity period of the tag may become longer as the number of coins consumed increases.

In the above example, the live video archive may be viewed later. In this case, since all the tags added to the archived live video during distribution are managed in the tag management table 413, it may be possible to search using the tags. For example, on a screen displaying a broadcaster's profile, a list of tags input by viewers in the past (managed in the tag information of the user information table 411) is displayed, and any When a tag is selected, archived live videos to which the selected tag is attached may be searched and displayed.

The video distribution server 10 of the present embodiment described above associates (adds) a tag input by a user who is watching a live video with the live video, and the live video being distributed based on the associated tag. Therefore, the user can know the current content (topic) of the live video being distributed based on information based on tags input by actual viewers. As a result, for example, it becomes easier for new users to start viewing live videos, and viewing of live videos is promoted.

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

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

In this specification, even if a constituent element of the invention is described as either singular or plural, or without being limited to either singular or plural, it should be interpreted differently depending on the context. Except for , the component may be singular or plural.

10 Video distribution server 11 Computer processor 15 Storage (storage device)
20 Communication network 30 User terminal 41 Information storage management unit 43 Basic function control unit 45 Video distribution control unit 60, 60A Top screen 70 Distribution screen 80 Viewing screen 85 Input mode switching button 86 Comment input area (predetermined area)
90 Video list screen by tag 200 Item selection screen

Claims (8)

A system including a server and a plurality of viewer terminals,
The server is
means for managing a specific user who has a specific relationship with a distributor on a storage device;
comprising means for associating and managing the contents of the input tag and the account of the specific user who input the tag ;
Each of the plurality of viewer terminals is
means for receiving a tag input by the specific user for a live video being distributed by the distributor;
means for displaying the tag input via each of the plurality of viewer terminals in a tag display area of the screen displaying the live video being distributed;
The display means displays the plurality of input tags side by side in the tag display area.
system . The screen is configured to accept input of a tag.
The system of claim 1. The displaying means displays a tag object corresponding to the input tag in the tag display area,
The tag object is automatically adjusted according to the length of the tag string.
The system of claim 1. means for receiving a tag input for the live video being distributed by the distributor;
further comprising a distributor terminal comprising means for receiving an instruction from the distributor to delete a tag input by the specific user or the distributor ;
The system of claim 1. Each of the plurality of viewer terminals further includes means for displaying a list of the plurality of live videos being distributed,
In the list, each of the plurality of live videos is arranged side by side with a corresponding tag,
The system of claim 1. In the list, a profile image of each broadcaster of the plurality of live videos is arranged side by side with the corresponding tag.
6. The system of claim 5. Each of the plurality of viewer terminals further includes means for accepting input of comments on the live video being distributed.
The system of claim 1. A method performed by a server and a plurality of viewer terminals , the method comprising:
a step in which the server manages a specific user who has a specific relationship with a distributor on a storage device;
a step in which each of the plurality of viewer terminals receives a tag input by the specific user for a live video being distributed by the distributor;
a step in which the server associates and manages the contents of the input tag and the account of the specific user who input the tag;
a step in which each of the plurality of viewer terminals displays the tag input through each of the plurality of viewer terminals in a tag display area of a screen displaying the live video being distributed; Equipped with
The displaying step includes displaying the plurality of input tags side by side in the tag display area.
Method.

Images