WO2021251346A1

WO2021251346A1 - Video distribution system, computer program used therein, and control method

Info

Publication number: WO2021251346A1
Application number: PCT/JP2021/021616
Authority: WO
Inventors: 茂千葉; 弘谷渕; 純貴平井; 快井上; 嗣郎進邦; 昭酒井; 俊明金原
Original assignee: 株式会社コナミデジタルエンタテインメント
Priority date: 2020-06-12
Filing date: 2021-06-07
Publication date: 2021-12-16
Also published as: TW202205868A; JP2021197614A; TWI793633B

Abstract

Provided is a video distribution system capable of reflecting, to an event, the reaction of a viewer who viewed a captured video of the event, as a production by production equipment. A video distribution system (1) is connected, via a network (NT), to a user terminal device (4) and speakers (SP) installed at an event facility (EF), and distributes a captured video to the user terminal device (4) such that a video screen (50) including the captured video, which is a result of the capture of an event held at the event facility (EF), is displayed to a monitor (46) disposed on the user terminal device (4). In addition, if any of the viewers viewing the captured video contributes a post for adding a comment cheering the event to the video screen (50) via the user terminal device (4), the video distribution system (1) converts the post to an audio production to be performed by the speakers (SP). The video distribution system (1) controls the speakers (SP) so as to add the audio production to the event.

Description

Video distribution system, computer program used for it, and control method

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention is connected to a user terminal device used by each user and a production device installed in an event facility so as to add an effect, and is held at the event facility on a display device provided in the user terminal device. The present invention relates to a video distribution system or the like that distributes a shot video to a user terminal device so that a video screen including a shot video as a shooting result of shooting an event is displayed.

An event held at an event facility is connected to a user terminal device used by each user and a production device installed in the event facility so as to add an effect via a network, and to a display device provided in the user terminal device. There is a video distribution system that distributes the shot video to the user terminal device so that the video screen including the shot video as the shot result is displayed. For example, as such a photographed video, a server that distributes content such as a live broadcast video is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In addition, Patent Document 2 and Non-Patent Document 1 exist as prior art documents related to the present invention.

Japanese Patent No. 6430059 Japanese Patent No. 6382468

On the server of Patent Document 1, when the audience of the live broadcast video selects an item and pays the price, the selected item may be displayed superimposed on the live broadcast video. However, this server is not configured so that the selection of items affects the content of the live video. More specifically, for example, when the shooting result of an event in an event facility is used as a live broadcast video, the item selection result does not affect the control of the production equipment installed in the event facility. In other words, the reaction of the audience of the live broadcast video is not linked (related) to the production through the production equipment at the event. On the other hand, the selection of items that involve payment of consideration (audience reaction) tends to increase according to the excitement (satisfaction) of the audience. As a result, even if the live video audience is satisfied with the event and gets excited through the selection of items, the excitement will not be reflected in the actual event.

Further, in the video distribution system of Patent Document 2, a video including an animation of a character object generated based on the movement of an actor is distributed. In this system, actors perform in a studio unit, but there are no spectators in this studio unit. On the other hand, in the studio unit, a screen on which a moving image delivered to a client device is projected may be arranged in front of an actor or the like. In this case, the actor may be able to see the reaction of the viewer of the video through the screen. In this case, the actor may be able to reflect such a reaction in his performance. However, depending on the content of the performance or the actor, there may be no room for such confirmation. In the first place, it is left to the judgment of the actor whether or not the reaction of the viewer is reflected in the performance (contents of the video), and it is not directly reflected.

On the other hand, in recent years, at sporting events such as professional baseball and sumo wrestling, there may be unattended games that do not include spectators. In such a case, even if it is televised, there is only live audio for home runs and the audio of the players, which may give an impression of lack of excitement. At least it's likely that the atmosphere will be different than usual (when there is an audience). In order to bring such an atmosphere closer to normal, Non-Patent Document 1 introduces an initiative to place a large number of speakers at the top of the outfield seats of the stadium and play a chance theme song when a player stands at bat in the scoring position. ing. However, in this effort, chance theme songs are only played in preset situations such as scoring positions, and the reaction of TV broadcast viewers is not reflected. As a result, the production may be monotonous.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a video distribution system or the like that can reflect the reaction of a viewer who has watched a shot video of an event in the event as a production by a production device.

The video distribution system of the present invention is connected to a user terminal device used by each user and a production device installed in an event facility so as to add an effect to a display device provided in the user terminal device. It is a video distribution system that distributes the shot video to the user terminal device so that a video screen including a shot video as a shot result of shooting an event held at the event facility is displayed, and the shot video is viewed. When each viewer as a user executes a support action for imparting a support effect for supporting the event to the video screen via the user terminal device, the effect device should execute the support action. It includes an effect conversion means for converting into an event effect, and a device control means for controlling the effect device so that the event effect is added to the event as the effect.

On the other hand, the computer program of the present invention is configured so that the computer connected to the user terminal device and the effect device via the network functions as each means of the above-mentioned video distribution system.

Further, the control method of the present invention is connected to a user terminal device used by each user and a production device installed in an event facility so as to add an effect via a network, and is provided on the user terminal device. The shooting is performed on a computer incorporated in a video distribution system that distributes the shot video to the user terminal device so that a video screen including the shot video as a shot result of shooting the event held at the event facility is displayed. When each viewer as a user who watches the video executes a cheering action for imparting a cheering effect for supporting the event to the video screen via the user terminal device, the effect device performs the cheering action. The effect conversion procedure for converting into an event effect to be executed and the device control procedure for controlling the effect device so that the event effect is added to the event as the effect are executed.

The figure which shows the schematic structure of the video distribution system which concerns on one embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows the schematic structure of the video distribution system which concerns on 1st form. The functional block diagram which shows the main part of the control system of the video distribution system which concerns on 1st Embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the flow of the production service which concerns on the 1st form. The figure which shows an example of the structure of a device data. The figure which shows an example of the structure of production data. A flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the effect control process. A flowchart showing an example of the procedure of post-production processing. The figure which shows the schematic structure of the video distribution system which concerns on the 2nd form. The functional block diagram which shows the main part of the control system of the video distribution system which concerns on the 2nd form. The figure which shows an example of the flow of the production service which concerns on the 2nd form. A flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the effect adjustment process.

Hereinafter, an example of the video distribution system according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described. First, with reference to FIG. 1, the overall configuration of the video distribution system according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described. The video distribution system 1 is a system for distributing a video (image) showing the status of an event held at the event facility EF to the user of the user terminal device 4. Specifically, the video distribution system 1 includes a center server 2 as a server device and an effect device EA connected to the center server 2 via a predetermined network NT. The center server 2 is configured as one logical server device by combining the

server units

2A, 2B, etc. as a plurality of computer devices. However, the center server 2 may be configured by a single server unit. Alternatively, the center server 2 may be logically configured by using cloud computing.

The network NT may be appropriately configured as long as the effect device EA can be connected to the center server 2. As an example, the network NT is constructed by the Internet as a WAN and a LAN connecting each of the center server 2 and the effect device EA to the Internet. It should be noted that various computer devices may be appropriately interposed between the effect device EA and the LAN. In this case, such a computer device and the effect device EA may be constructed as one local system, and such a local system may be connected to the center server 2 via the network NT.

The production device EA is a device for realizing various productions. The effect device EA may be appropriately configured as long as such effect can be realized, but as an example, it is configured as a network device (so-called IOT device) that can be connected to the network NT. The effect device EA may be an output device that realizes various effects or an input device used for such effects, and may appropriately include various devices, but in the example of FIG. 1, the effect is produced. A speaker SP and a camera CA are shown as an example of the device EA. The speaker SP is a well-known audio output device that performs an auditory effect by reproducing (outputting) various sounds. The camera CA is a well-known device that captures images. The production equipment EA such as these may be appropriately installed in various facilities and the like, but in the example of FIG. 1, it is installed in the event facility (venue) EF. The event facility EF is a facility where various events are held.

The user terminal device 4 may be connected to the video distribution system 1 via the network NT. The user terminal device 4 is a computer device that can be connected to a network and is used for personal use by the user. By implementing various computer software, the user terminal device 4 can allow the user to enjoy various services provided by the center server 2. For example, the user terminal device 4 functions as a display terminal capable of displaying various moving images when a predetermined application (software) is executed. An appropriate computer device may be used as the user terminal device 4, but in the example of FIG. 1, a mobile terminal device 4A such as a mobile phone (including a smartphone), a portable tablet terminal device 4B, and a book type (stationary type) are used. A user terminal device such as a personal computer 4C (which may be) is shown. These are appropriately connected to the network NT through, for example, an access point AP or the like. In addition, various computer devices such as stationary home-use game machines or portable game machines that can be connected to a network and are used for personal use by the user are appropriately used as the user terminal device 4. good.

The center server 2 provides various device services to the production device EA. The effect device EA may be controlled, for example, by the event operator in the event facility EF via the local system, or indirectly or directly by the center server 2 via the local system. In other words, the effect device EA may be connected to a local system (for example, a system including an appropriate computer device such as a speaker control device for controlling the speaker SP) and controlled by the local system. In this case, the center server 2 may be prepared by the operator of the event facility EF for both the local system and the effect device EA in such a local system, and the operator is the operator of the video distribution system 1. It may be an appropriate signal for controlling (which may be different from) (which causes the effect device EA to realize an appropriate effect) (the local system can cause the effect device EA to perform the effect). For example, when the type of effect realized by the effect device EA and the specific control for realizing the type are recorded in the local system, it may be a signal indicating the execution of any one of them). Then, the actual control of the effect device EA may be indirectly executed via the local system (resulting in the role of a relay device) that has received the control instruction. As described above, the effect device EA may be appropriately controlled, but when controlled indirectly or directly by the center server 2, for example, the device service includes a service for controlling the effect device EA. Specifically, as a service for controlling such an effect device EA, the device service is, for example, when the shooting result of the camera CA is used in a video distribution system, the shooting conditions (shooting direction, shooting range) of the camera CA. , Angle of view, shooting time, etc.), and a video recording service that acquires shooting results and records them as moving image data. Similarly, the device service includes, for example, a production service for causing the speaker SP to reproduce (output) various production voices. Details of the production service will be described later.

Similarly, the center server 2 provides various Web services to the user of the user terminal device 4 via the network NT. For example, Web services include video distribution services, video-related services, and billing services. The video distribution service is a service that distributes a video of the event status to the user terminal device 4. Various types of images may be appropriately included in such images, but as an example, an image (moving image) corresponding to a shooting result (including an appropriately edited image) taken by the camera CA is included. The video distribution service may be configured to appropriately distribute video data for displaying an event status video to the user terminal device 4, but as an example, it is configured to distribute video data at any time using packet communication. .. Further, the video of such an event situation may be a recorded video recording the status of a past event, but is delivered as a live video in which the current play status is delivered live (almost real time), for example. That is, the event status at the event facility EF is streamed to the user terminal device 4 at any time through the video distribution service in near real time.

The video-related service is a service related to the video of the event status delivered through the video distribution service. The video-related service may appropriately include various services related to the video of the event situation, but includes an event support service as an example. The event support service is a service for a user of the user terminal device 4 (hereinafter, may be referred to as a viewer) to watch the event status (live video) via the video distribution service to support the event. Such support may be realized as appropriate, but as an example, it is realized by letting the viewer of the live video (event situation) express emotions (impressions) regarding the event situation. Further, such an expression may be realized as appropriate, but as an example, it is realized by at least one of throwing money, purchasing an item, or posting a comment. As a result, the event support service functions as a service that realizes at least one of these throwing money, purchasing an item, or posting a comment.

Posting comments is a function for each viewer to post their own comments. Posting of comments may be realized as appropriate, and is realized through a screen different from the screen displayed on the user terminal device 4 (hereinafter, may be referred to as a video screen) for displaying a video showing the status of the event. It may be done, but it is realized through a video screen as an example. Also, posting a comment produces the effect of displaying the comment. The display (the comment) may be appropriately shared with other viewers through a screen different from the video screen, but as an example, it is shared with other viewers through the video screen. That is, posting a comment has a function of displaying each viewer's comment (character information expressing various emotions) on the video screen. Posting this comment may be paid (in exchange for collection of consideration) or free of charge (without collection of consideration).

On the other hand, throwing money is a function that realizes the provision of value from the viewer to the performers (players, performers, etc.) of the event. As such a value, various virtual currencies (including appropriate currencies with a limited range such as in-game currency and local currency) may be used, but in many cases money is used. Purchasing an item is a function of purchasing an item related to an event (provided in exchange for a predetermined consideration). Various items may be appropriately used as such items, but in many cases, items related to the performers of the event are used, and in such a case, the purchase of the item has the same role as throwing money. Both the throwing money and the purchase of the item may be realized through a screen different from the video screen as in the case of posting a comment, and may be realized as appropriate, but as an example, it is realized through the video screen. In addition, both of these thrown money and the purchase of the item appropriately produce various effects such as totaling the thrown money (or purchase) amount or displaying the occurrence of the thrown money (or purchase). Such effects do not have to be shared with other viewers and may occur as appropriate, but as an example, they are shared through the video screen as in the comments. In other words, an appropriate effect (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a cheering effect) occurs with throwing money, purchasing an item, or posting a comment, but the cheering effect is added to the video screen and shared with other viewers. To. As a result, the support service also has a function of adding such a support effect to the video screen. In this case, the act of throwing money, the act of purchasing an item, or the act of posting a comment functions as an act of supporting the present invention.

The cheering effect may be the same regardless of the content of the thrown money, etc., but as an example, it differs (changes) depending on the content of the thrown money, etc. Specifically, the cheering effect may be the amount of money thrown (either for one viewer or the total amount including other viewers, and even if it is a single amount, for a predetermined period of time. It may be the cumulative amount in.) It changes to be luxurious or simple depending on the amount. Similarly, the cheering effect varies depending on the purchase price or type of the item. Also, when posting comments, depending on the content of the comment including a predetermined keyword, the number of characters, or the number of comments including other viewers in a predetermined period (in other words, the number of viewers who posted a comment). The cheering effect changes.

The billing service is a service for collecting various charges (compensations) from each user of the user terminal device 4 through a well-known payment process. Such charges include various charges depending on the content of the Web service such as a video distribution service or a video-related service, but as an example, the consideration for throwing money in the event support service or the purchase of an item (posting a comment). If there is a charge, the consideration for posting a comment is included). That is, the consideration (charge) required for the event support service is collected through the billing service. In addition, the Web service includes, for example, a data distribution service that distributes various data or software (including updates of data and the like) to each user terminal device 4, and an ID that assigns a user ID for identifying each user. It may include a granting service, an authentication service that receives user identification information from the user terminal device 4, and authenticates the user.

Next, the difference in the configuration of the video distribution system 1 according to the event will be explained. At the event facility EF, various events accompanied by the production by the production equipment EA may be held as appropriate, but the configuration of the production equipment EA differs depending on the type of event, and as a result, the configuration of the video distribution system 1 also differs. May be done. In the following, two events will be taken as an example of the types of events held at the event facility EF, and the configuration of the video distribution system 1 according to the two forms corresponding to those events will be described for each form. The same reference numerals are given to the configurations common to the above-mentioned video distribution system 1 in the following drawings, and the description thereof will be omitted.

(First form)
The video distribution system 1A according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 8. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the video distribution system 1A according to the first embodiment. The video distribution system 1A according to the first embodiment corresponds to an example of the configuration of the video distribution system 1 when an event related to sports is held at the event facility EF as an event type. As such an event, an appropriate event related to various sports may be held, but the example of FIG. 2 is a baseball event (a sport in which each player plays using an actual ball or the like) at the event facility EF. The configuration of the video distribution system 1A when (hereinafter, may be referred to as a baseball event) is held is shown. In this case, as shown in FIG. 2, a baseball stadium is used as the event facility EF, and the production device EA is installed in such a stadium. Further, the effect device EA can include an appropriate number of various devices for producing (exciting) a baseball event, but in the example of FIG. 2, a plurality of speaker SPs and one camera CA are shown.

Next, the main parts of the control system of the video distribution system 1A according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. First, the center server 2 is provided with a control unit 21 and a storage unit 22 as storage means. The control unit 21 is configured as a computer in which a CPU as an example of a processor that executes various arithmetic processes and operation controls according to a predetermined computer program, and an internal memory and other peripheral devices necessary for the operation are combined. Further, although various effect devices EA can be connected to the control unit 21, the camera CA and the speaker SP are shown in the example of FIG. In addition, for example, an input device such as a keyboard, an output device such as a monitor, or the like may be connected to the control unit 21 as needed. However, those illustrations are omitted.

The storage unit 22 is an external storage device realized by a storage unit including a non-volatile storage medium (computer-readable storage medium) such as a hard disk array. The storage unit 22 may be configured to hold all the data in one storage unit, or may be configured to distribute and store the data in a plurality of storage units. The server program PG1 is recorded in the storage unit 22 as an example of a computer program that causes the control unit 21 to execute various processes necessary for providing various services to the user. Further, the storage unit 22 stores the server data 23 necessary for providing various services. The server data 23 includes various data necessary for providing a service for a device or a Web service, and in the example of FIG. 3, as a kind of such various data, a video data VD, a device data DD, and various data are included. The production data ED is shown.

The video data VD is well-known video data for displaying the video of the event status on the user terminal device 4. The video of the event status includes, for example, a video of the shooting result of an appropriate number of camera CAs, and a video of a game screen displayed by an appropriate number of game machines in the case of a game event (event using a game machine) described later. (Including images that have been appropriately processed, such as appropriate combinations of these). Therefore, the video data VD may be configured as moving image data for displaying these various types of video, but in the example of FIG. 3, the video of the event taken by the camera CA (including appropriately processed video, hereinafter included. It is configured as moving image data for displaying). The device data DD is data for managing the production device EA installed in the event facility EF. Further, the effect data ED is data for realizing the effect through the effect device EA. Details of the device data DD and the effect data ED will be described later. The server data 23 may include, for example, various data for realizing various services. For example, such data may include ID management data for managing various IDs such as user IDs. However, those illustrations are omitted.

The control unit 21 is provided with a device service management unit 26 and a Web service management unit 27 as logical devices realized by combining the hardware resources of the control unit 21 and the server program PG1 as software resources. .. The device service management unit 26 executes various processes for realizing the above-mentioned device service for the effect device EA. Specifically, the device service management unit 26 executes the effect control process and the post-effect process as one of the processes for realizing the above-mentioned effect service, for example. The details of the procedure of the effect control process and the post-effect process will be described later.

On the other hand, the Web service management unit 27 executes various processes for realizing the Web service such as the above-mentioned video distribution service, video-related service, or billing service for the user terminal device 4. For example, the Web service management unit 27 executes a well-known process for realizing streaming distribution of a game video as a process for realizing a video distribution service. Further, the Web service management unit 27 executes a well-known billing process (including cooperation with another billing system) as a process for realizing the billing service. Similarly, the Web service management unit 27 executes an appropriate process according to the content of the provided service as a process for realizing the video-related service, and the process is a process for realizing the support service. Is included. Specifically, the Web service management unit 27 realizes, for example, a process for throwing money, purchasing an item, posting a comment, or the like, as a process for realizing such a support service. Such a process may be a well-known process and may be appropriately realized.

The user terminal device 4 is provided with a control unit 41 as a computer and a storage unit 42 as a storage means. The control unit 41 is configured as a computer in which a CPU as an example of a processor that executes various processes according to a predetermined computer program and an internal memory and other peripheral devices necessary for its operation are combined.

The storage unit 42 is an external storage device realized by a storage unit including a non-volatile storage medium (computer-readable storage medium) such as a hard disk or a semiconductor storage device. The terminal program PG2 is recorded in the storage unit 42 as an example of a computer program that causes the control unit 41 to execute various processes necessary for providing various services to the user. Further, the storage unit 42 records the terminal data TD necessary for enjoying the Web service such as the display of the captured image. Various types of data are included in the terminal data TD, and in the example of FIG. 3, video data VD is shown as one of them. The video data VD is provided from the center server 2 so as to include a part necessary as a part of the video distribution service (or data distribution service) or the video-related service. In addition, the terminal data TD may include, for example, ID management data and the like appropriately provided from the center server 2. Similarly, the terminal data TD may include, for example, image data for displaying various images related to distribution of captured video, audio data for reproducing various sounds such as BGM, and the like. However, these illustrations are omitted.

In the control unit 41, various logical devices are configured by the combination of the hardware resource of the control unit 41 and the terminal program PG2 as the software resource. Then, various processes necessary for enjoying the Web service are executed through these logical devices, and as the logical devices related to these, the video control unit 43 and the data management unit 44 are shown in the example of FIG. Has been done. The video control unit 43 is a logical device that performs various processes for displaying various images (including moving images). Such processing includes processing for displaying the captured video (video) (processing for enjoying the video distribution service) and displaying various images related to the captured video for enjoying the video-related service. And the processing for enjoying the billing service related to these. For example, the video control unit 43 collaborates with or independently of the Web service management unit 27 of the center server 2 as a process for realizing the support service included in the video-related service, such as throwing money, purchasing items, and Execute the process to realize the posting of comments. On the other hand, the data management unit 44 is a logical device that performs various processes related to the management of the terminal data TD recorded in the storage unit 42. Such processing includes a process of acquiring video data VD from the center server 2. Further, a process of updating various data such as video data VD, or a process of providing (transmitting) the updated data to the center server 2 may be included as necessary.

The user terminal device 4 may be appropriately provided with various output devices and input devices according to the type of the user terminal device such as the mobile terminal device 4A, but in the example of FIG. 3, such an output device is used. The monitor 46, the speaker 47, and the touch panel TP are shown respectively. The monitor 46 and the speaker 47 are well-known display devices for displaying various images such as game images and well-known audio reproduction devices for reproducing audio, respectively. On the monitor 46, various screens (images) related to the service provided by the user terminal device 4 including the Web service, such as the above-mentioned video screen, are displayed. The touch panel TP is a well-known input device (detection device) that detects the position of the user's touch operation and outputs a signal corresponding to the position. Through such a touch operation on the touch panel TP, an appropriate touch operation (act for the service) for using the video distribution service, the video-related service, or the billing service is input. The touch panel TP is arranged on the monitor 46 so as to cover the monitor 46 so that such a touch operation can be detected on the entire display surface of the monitor 46.

Next, the details of the production service will be described with reference to FIG. The production of the production device EA may be provided independently of the support service, but as an example, it is provided so as to be linked with the support service. The example of FIG. 4 shows an example of the flow of the production service in such a case. Further, the example of FIG. 4 shows a case where a service for posting a comment is provided as an example of such a support service. That is, the example of FIG. 4 shows an example of the flow of the production service when the production device EA is produced in conjunction with the posting of comments (support service). In this case, as shown in FIG. 4, the support service includes four procedures from F1 to F4, and the production service includes two procedures of F5 and F6. As a result, the production service, that is, the production by the production device EA for the baseball event in the stadium is realized through these six procedures from F1 to F6.

Specifically, first, the shooting result of the camera CA is transmitted to the center server 2 (F1). When the shooting result is transmitted from the camera CA, the center server 2 distributes the shooting image based on the shooting result to the user terminal device 4 (F2). The user terminal device 4 may appropriately provide the captured image to the user, but as an example, the photographed image is provided through the image screen 50. Therefore, various objects taken by the camera CA are appropriately displayed as shot images on the video screen 50, but in the example of FIG. 4, the stadium image EFI corresponding to the stadium (event facility) EF is displayed. .. Further, when the posting of a comment is provided as a support service, the video screen 50 includes a posting button 51. The post button 51 functions as a position (area) where a touch operation should be performed when posting a comment. When the touch operation is executed on the post button 51, the video screen 50 changes to the comment input mode (not shown). The comment input mode may be appropriately provided depending on the comment input method and the like. As an input method of a comment, an appropriate method such as a method of selecting from a plurality of candidates prepared in advance may be adopted, but for example, when a free input in which a user can input an arbitrary character is adopted, such a character is adopted. A well-known keyboard image for inputting is displayed, and the video screen 50 changes to the comment input mode including such a keyboard image. In this example, the touch operation on the post button 51 or the touch operation on the keyboard image or the like in the comment input mode functions as the post operation of the present invention.

When a comment is input (posted) in the comment input mode, the user terminal device 4 transmits the input result (comment) to the center server 2 (F3). Then, the center server 2 displays the received comment (input result) to all viewers (users who posted the comment, and other users) who watch the same shot video so that the comment is displayed on the video screen 50. ) To the user terminal device 4 (F4). The display of the comment may be realized as appropriate, and may be realized on the side of each user terminal device 4 or on the side of the center server 2. That is, even if the center server 2 distributes the video screen 50 with a comment, each user terminal device 4 that has received the comment information may add a comment to the video screen 50. In any case, with the posting of the comment, the posting is reflected on the video screen 50. Further, the reflection destination of the comment is only the video screen 50 of the viewer who posted the comment (hereinafter, may be referred to as a poster), or vice versa, only the video screen 50 of a viewer other than the poster. Etc., it may be limited to the video screen 50 of an appropriate part of all viewers who watch the same shot video, but as an example, the comment is reflected on the video screen 50 of all viewers without such limitation. Will be done. That is, the posting (support) of a comment by one viewer is reflected not only on the video screen 50 of the poster but also on the video screen 50 of other viewers as the display (support effect) of the comment.

As an example, the support service is provided by such a procedure, but since the posting of comments is displayed so as to be added to the captured video of the video screen 50, what is the video distribution service and the support service (posting comments)? Provided in parallel, F1 and F2 serve as a procedure for a video distribution service. In this case, the video distribution service may function as a part of the support service, or conversely, the support service may function as a part of the video distribution service. Alternatively, the video distribution service and the support service may be grasped as services independent of each other.

On the other hand, when a comment post is received from the user terminal device 4, the center server 2 converts the comment post into a production through the production device EA in the stadium EF (F5). This conversion may be realized by various methods, but as an example, it is realized through the effect data ED. The details of the production data ED will be described later, but as an example, the production data ED is a production that should be realized through the production equipment EA in response to the support action such as posting a comment and the action (hereinafter, may be referred to as an event production). It is configured to relate to. Such event production may be set to change according to the content (including the degree of number, etc.) of the cheering act. Specifically, for example, when a comment is posted as a cheering act, even if the comment and the event production are related so that the event production changes according to the comment (number of characters, a predetermined keyword, etc.), for example. good. Similarly, when the number of comments (in other words, viewers) posted in a predetermined period is totaled, the comment and the event production may be associated so that the event production changes according to the number. In this way, the event effect may be set as appropriate, but as an example, the same effect (however, a plurality of effects may be prepared depending on the time and situation) is set uniformly regardless of the content of the comment. That is, regardless of the content of the comment, the comment is uniformly converted into a predetermined event production as the comment is posted.

As the event production, various productions may be prepared as appropriate, and the same production may be prepared regardless of the content of the event, but as an example, a production according to the content of the event is prepared. Specifically, as event production, various types of support performed in each event, such as a production in which soccer support is categorized in the case of a soccer event, and a production in which sumo support is categorized in the case of a sumo event. Is used as an appropriately categorized production. Therefore, in the example of FIG. 4, a production that typifies the support that is often performed in baseball is prepared as an event production. For example, at a baseball event, the cheers of the audience such as "Wow" and "Oh" are often generated as cheering. Therefore, these cheers may be appropriately prepared as an event production, but in the example of FIG. 4, a voice production imitating the cheers of "Wow" is prepared as an event production. As a result, the posting of one comment is converted into a sound production that imitates the cheers of "Wow".

Further, the center server 2 controls the production device EA so that the event production is actually realized through the production device EA at the event facility EF after the comment is converted into the event production (voice production) (F6). The production device EA that executes this event production does not have to change regardless of the content of the comment (support) or the situation of the baseball (game) (it may be the same uniformly), but as an example, the comment (support). It changes according to the content of the act). Such a change may occur in the content of the event production, such as changing the cheers of "Wow" to "Do your best!", But in the example of FIG. 4, the production equipment EA that should execute the event production, that is, the event facility. It is realized by the difference of the speaker SP to be produced (controlled) such as whether it is all the speaker SPs of the EF or some speaker SPs. Specifically, in the example of FIG. 4, only the speaker SP installed on the third base side is controlled so as to realize the sound effect imitating the cheers of "Wow", not all the speaker SPs of the event facility EF. .. That is, only some speaker SPs realize the event production according to the content of the comment and the like.

The speaker SP to be directed may be determined as appropriate, but as an example, if the content of the comment is to support the visitor team (generally the team on the third base side), or when the visitor team attacks (generally first attack). When a comment is posted to (the attack may be specified appropriately, for example, the information of the attacking side may be appropriately input by the event operator etc. and specified based on that information), the third base side The production device EA installed on the third base side is controlled as the target for executing the production in the situation where the production of the above should be strengthened. The same applies to situations where the production on the first base side should be strengthened, such as when a comment is posted when the home team (generally the team on the first base side) attacks. On the other hand, in a situation where the whole event facility EF should be lively, for example, when a comment for a home run is posted, all the speaker SPs installed in the event facility EF are used to add the event production. When a plurality of speaker SPs are installed in the event facility EF in this way (generally at different positions), the speaker SPs (directing equipment EA) are appropriate units such as all or part of them. It is used to add event production.

The event production corresponding to the posting of comments (supporting act) may be added collectively after totaling in a predetermined period, but as an example, it is added for each posting of comments. Further, such an effect may be added without limitation, but as an example, it is added with appropriate limitation. Specifically, for example, the time when a baseball event actually excites (the time when the baseball event should be enlivened) such as the moment when a home run or a hit occurs (predetermined time set in advance) may be used. Whether or not it may be determined as appropriate, but as an example, the event operator provides information for determining whether or not the current time corresponds to that time.) When the time when the production is added overlaps, the production is performed. The addition time of is shifted. That is, the addition of event production is limited during the time when the baseball event actually gets excited (hereinafter, may be referred to as a time limit).

Event renditions corresponding to the posting of comments during the time limit (not only the time when the baseball event actually gets excited, but also the time when the addition of the rendition should be avoided) are added appropriately after the time limit elapses. good. For example, after the lapse of the time limit, the same number of audio effects corresponding to the number of posts at that time may be added, but as an example, the audio effects corresponding to those posts are aggregated into one. Therefore, the number of posts in the time limit is totaled, and one audio effect different from the total number is added. Differences (changes) in the sound production according to the total number (number of comments posted) may occur as appropriate, but as an example, the larger the number of posts (total number) in the time limit, the more lively the sound will be. The production (voice that imitates cheers) changes. Such an effect may be performed by some appropriate speaker SPs, but as an example, it is performed through all the speaker SPs of the event facility EF. As an example, through such a procedure, the production (production service) of the speaker SP (production equipment EA) in the stadium EF is realized in conjunction with the posting of comments (support service). In this example, the time limit serves as the predetermined time of the present invention.

When the time limit is set, the number may be appropriate, and for example, a plurality of time limits may be set for one event. Also, when two or more time limits are set at relatively short intervals (for example, when multiple time limits are set at short intervals in one home run), the interval between the two time limits (hereinafter, interval time). ) And the effect time of the sound effect added at the interval may be appropriately set. For example, the interval time and the production time may be the same or different. Further, when the interval time and the effect time are different, the effect time may be shorter or longer than the interval time. For example, when the production time is longer than the interval time, the volume of the production may be gradually reduced with the arrival of the next time limit. In this case, it is possible to realize a more natural (less uncomfortable feeling) production as compared with the case where the audio production ends (the interval time and the production time match) when the next time limit arrives. In addition, it is possible to express the afterglow of the sound production through such a change in volume. The production time may be set to be longer than the end of the next time limit. In this case, it is possible to duplicately add a voice effect corresponding to the previous time limit (a lingering effect in which the volume gradually decreases) and a sound effect corresponding to the current time limit (the effect in which the volume is maximum). Because it can be done, it is possible to realize a production closer to the cheers that occur in a real event.

Furthermore, the interval time may be omitted. That is, the time limit may be set continuously without interposing the interval time. In this case, the audio effect corresponding to the aggregation result in one time limit may be added at an appropriate time including the subsequent time limit. Specifically, the voice effect corresponding to the aggregation result in one time limit may be added, for example, in the next time limit. In other words, the time limit is a sound effect that reflects each comment individually (a normal sound effect that reflects each comment individually as it is, not a sound effect that corresponds to the aggregation of a predetermined time). While limiting, it may be configured as a time that allows a voice effect (an example of a special sound effect different from the normal sound effect) corresponding to the aggregation result in the corresponding time limit. As a result, the time limit may serve as a mere aggregation period to reflect the audio effects corresponding to the plurality of comments. Further, the time limit and the effect time may be appropriately set, not limited to the case where two or more time limits are set at relatively short intervals. Similarly, the volume change (including the case where it does not change) during the effect time may be appropriately set.

Next, the details of the device data DD and the production data ED will be described. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the device data DD. The example of FIG. 5 shows the device data DD when the effect device EA to be controlled changes according to the content of the comment. In this case, as shown in FIG. 5, the device data DD includes a device record DDR that manages the position of each effect device EA. Further, in order to realize such management, the device record DDR includes, for example, "device ID", "type", and "position" information.

The "device ID" is information indicating a unique device ID for each effect device EA in order to identify each effect device EA. The device ID is uniquely assigned to each physical device. Therefore, for example, two different device IDs are assigned to the two speaker SPs. The "type" is information indicating the type of the effect device EA. The effect device EA is distinguished by a unit such as a speaker SP or a camera CA according to the type of information. Therefore, for example, although the type of information differs between the speaker SP and the camera CA, the same type of information is given between the two speaker SPs. The "position" is information indicating the position where each effect device EA is arranged in the event facility EF. The position of each effect device EA may be appropriately set according to the range of the effect target, but for example, the range such as the first base side and the third base side (in the second embodiment described later, each game is identified so that each player is identified). It may be a unit of machine). The device record DDR records such information so as to be related to each other. The device data DD is not limited to these pieces of information, and may manage appropriate information in response to, for example, a request for control. Alternatively, some of this information may be omitted as appropriate.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the effect data ED. As shown in FIG. 6, the effect data ED includes an effect record EDR that manages the conditions for each event effect realized by the effect device EA. Further, in order to realize such management, the effect record EDR includes, for example, information of "effect ID", "effect", "condition", and "target".

The "effect ID" is information indicating a unique production ID for each production in order to identify each production. "Direction" is information indicating an effect to be realized through the effect device EA. Specifically, for example, when the speaker SP is used as the effect device EA and the sound effect is added as the event effect, the cheers of "Wow" as the sound effect to be reproduced by each speaker SP in the "effect". Information indicating the type) is described. In addition, there are cases where a voice effect other than a uniform sound effect (“Wow”) is prepared, such as a sound effect according to the number of comments in the above-mentioned time limit, but in such a case, it depends on the number of comments. Information indicating the sound effect is also described in the "effect". Specifically, for example, when a sound effect that reproduces a "cracking" (onomatopoeia indicating applause) sound is prepared as a three-stage (type) effect in which the volume differs depending on the number of comments, "cracking" is indicated. Information and information indicating the volume thereof are described in "Production".

On the other hand, the "condition" is information indicating the condition to which each event production is applied (realized). Each event production may be appropriately realized according to various conditions, but for example, when the same event production is uniformly realized with the posting of a comment, information indicating that the comment is posted is described in the "condition". Event. Further, for example, when an effect corresponding to the number of comments in the time limit is realized, information indicating the number of comments is described as a condition in the "condition". Specifically, for example, in the above-mentioned three-stage "cracking" audio production with different volumes, there is a condition indicating the number of comments, such as when the number of comments is 100 or less, 101 to 200, or 201 or more. Each is associated via "condition" information. Further, when the effect changes according to the content of the comment, such various contents (conditions) are described in the "condition".

The "target" is information indicating the production device EA of the target (control target) for which each production should be executed. The "object" is used when the effect device EA to be controlled changes according to the effect (in other words, when the effect device EA to be controlled does not change uniformly, such as when all or part of the effect device EA is uniformly controlled. May be omitted). In the "target", for example, appropriate information indicating the target production device EA such as the device ID may be described, but as an example, when all of the production device EA is the target, some information indicating all is described. In the case of the target, information indicating a part is described respectively. In addition, appropriate information may be used as information indicating a part according to the request of the control unit, but as an example, the support range corresponding to the support team of the comment (third base side when the visitor team is supported, etc.) Or, information indicating a condition for specifying a control target such as an attacker at the time of comment is described. In the production record EDR, such information is recorded so as to be related to each other. The effect data ED is not limited to this information, and manages appropriate information in response to a request for an effect to be managed (including the case where an effect device EA other than the speaker SP is used). good. Alternatively, some of this information may be omitted as appropriate.

Next, the effect control process and the post-effect process will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8. Both the effect control process and the post-effect process are processes for controlling the effect device EA so as to execute the event effect based on the act of cheering for the captured image. More specifically, the effect control process is a process for controlling the effect device EA based on the cheering action outside the time limit when the time limit is set. The example of FIG. 7 shows an example of the effect control process for realizing the control of the speaker SP (effect device EA) in the example of FIG. 2 in such a case. In this case, the device service management unit 26 starts the effect control process of FIG. 7 every time a comment is posted (a cheering act is executed) outside the time limit, and is first input via the user terminal device 4. The input result (posted comment) is acquired (step S101).

Subsequently, the device service management unit 26 converts the input result (posted comment) acquired in step S101 into an event effect (step S102). This conversion is realized based on the effect data ED. Specifically, the device service management unit 26 refers to the "condition" and "effect" information of the effect data ED, and determines the event effect corresponding to the condition with a comment. Then, the device service management unit 26 specifies the determined event effect as a conversion target. That is, the device service management unit 26 converts the posted comment into the specified event effect. When the effect changes according to the content of the comment, such various contents (conditions) are described in the "condition", so that the device service management unit 26 refers to those conditions in step S102. However, the event production that matches the conditions may be specified.

Next, the device service management unit 26 specifies the speaker SP to be controlled, that is, the speaker SP to execute the event effect converted in step S102 (step S103). This identification is realized as follows based on the information of the "object" of the effect data ED and the device data DD. The device service management unit 26 first refers to the information of the “target” of the effect data ED, and determines the conditions for specifying the control target to execute the event effect converted in step S102. For example, when the control target changes according to the support team of the comment, information indicating the support range of the support team or the like is described in the “target”. Therefore, the device service management unit 26 determines the support team based on the content of the comment. Then, the device service management unit 26 further refers to the information of the "position" of the device data DD, and specifies each speaker SP located in the range (first base side, etc.) corresponding to the determined support team as a control target. .. Similarly, when the control target changes according to the time when the comment is posted, information such as the attacking side at the time of comment is described as a condition in the "target". In this case, the device service management unit 26 refers to the "position" information of the device data DD while determining when the comment is posted, and controls each speaker SP located on the attacking side at the time of posting the comment. Identify.

Subsequently, the device service management unit 26 controls the speaker SP specified in step S103 so that the event effect converted in step S102 is realized (step S104). That is, the device service management unit 26 realizes the event effect converted in step S102 through the speaker SP specified in step S103. Then, after such control, the device service management unit 26 ends the current effect control process. As a result, the act of cheering for the shot video (posting a comment) is converted into an effect by the speaker SP, and the effect is actually installed in the event facility EF, but is realized by the speaker SP. In addition, the production is realized through the speaker SP related to the cheering act at the event facility EF. That is, with the support of the viewer of the captured video, the event production according to the content is added to the event at the event facility EF through the speaker SP.

On the other hand, the post-production process is a process for controlling the effect device EA based on the cheering action executed during the time limit when the time limit is set. The example of FIG. 8 shows an example of the post-effect processing for realizing the control of the speaker SP (effect device EA) in the example of FIG. Further, the production based on the cheering act (posting a comment) in the time limit may be added at an appropriate time after the time limit elapses, but the example of FIG. 8 is a case where it is added at a predetermined time after the time limit elapses. Is shown. In this case, the device service management unit 26 starts the post-production process of FIG. 8 every time a predetermined time after the time limit elapses, and is first input via the user terminal device 4 within the latest time limit. The input result (posted comment) is acquired (step S201).

Subsequently, the device service management unit 26 counts (aggregates) the number of comments input in the latest time limit based on the input result acquired in step S201 (step S202). This count may be realized as appropriate. For example, if the type of event production differs depending on the content of the cheering act, it may be executed for each type, but it is uniform regardless of the content as the comment is posted. When the event effect of is added, it is simply executed so that the cumulative number of comments in the time limit can be obtained.

Next, the device service management unit 26 converts the posting of comments (supporting act) in the time limit into event production based on the acquisition result of step S201 and the count result of step S202 (step S203). This conversion is realized based on the effect data ED, as in the conversion in step S102 of the example of FIG. 7. Specifically, the device service management unit 26 refers to the "condition" and "effect" information of the effect data ED, and determines the event effect having the number of comments counted in step S201 as a condition. Then, the device service management unit 26 specifies the determined event effect as a conversion target. That is, the device service management unit 26 converts all the comments posted during the time limit into one specified event production so as to be aggregated into one.

Subsequently, the device service management unit 26 specifies the speaker SP to be controlled, that is, the speaker SP to execute the event effect converted in step S203 (step S204). This specification is realized as follows based on the "target" information of the effect data ED and the device data DD, as in the specification in step S103 of the example of FIG. 7. The device service management unit 26 first refers to the information of the “target” of the effect data ED, and determines the conditions for specifying the control target to execute the event effect converted in step S203. This determination is the same as step S103 in the example of FIG. 7, but for example, when the information indicating all is described in the “target”, the device service management unit 26 refers to the device data DD and refers to the event facility EF. All the speaker SPs installed in the above are specified as control targets.

Subsequently, the device service management unit 26 controls the speaker SP specified in step S204 so that the event effect converted in step S203 is realized (step S205). That is, the device service management unit 26 realizes the event effect converted in step S203 through the speaker SP specified in step S204. Then, after such control, the device service management unit 26 ends the post-production process this time. As a result, the number of comments posted (the number of cheering actions) during the time limit is counted, and the event production according to the number of posts is realized by the speaker SP (for example, all speaker SPs) actually installed in the event facility EF. ..

As described above, according to the first aspect, the cheering act of the viewer who watches the shot video of the event is converted into the event production, and the converted event production is added to the event. EA is controlled. More specifically, the posting of a comment by the viewer of the video screen 50 is converted into a sound effect imitating the cheers of "Wow", and the speaker SP is controlled so as to reproduce the sound effect. That is, the video screen 50 including the shot video of the baseball event is displayed on the user terminal device 4, and the posting of a comment for adding a comment to the video screen 50 is accepted, but the posting of the comment is performed by the speaker SP. It is converted into a voice effect, and the sound effect is actually added to the baseball event. As a result, the viewer's reaction of posting a comment to the shot video can be reflected in the baseball event as a sound effect by the speaker SP installed in the stadium EF. Specifically, it is possible to reflect the excitement of the viewer in an actual baseball event through audio production, such as posting a comment in a tense scene or in the case of an active supporter. As a result, it is possible to realize a baseball event with a sense of presence for the player who plays baseball (or the viewer who watches it) as compared with the case where such a sound effect is not added.

In addition, when the event production changes according to the cheering act, it is possible to promote a specific cheering act through such a change in the event production. For example, in the example of FIG. 4, a uniform sound effect is added as an event effect outside the time limit, but the time limit is set to be more lively as the cumulative number increases according to the cumulative number of comments during that time. Event production is added. In this case, it is possible to promote an increase in the number of comments posted during the time limit through such changes in the event production. As a result, for example, when the time limit is set at the time of a home run, the posting of comments for such a home run can be further promoted, so that the event production for the subsequent home run can be made more lively.

Also, at baseball events, a voice production that imitates the cheers of "Wow" is adopted as an event production corresponding to the posting of comments, but such a voice production changes according to the type of event. For example, in the case of soccer, a production that imitates the cheers of soccer is adopted as an event production. Generally, effective productions tend to differ depending on the type of event, but if different audio productions are adopted according to the cheers of the event depending on the type of event, this tendency is reflected. It is possible to realize more effective event production.

In the first embodiment, the device service management unit 26 of the center server 2 functions as the effect conversion means and the device control means of the present invention by executing the effect control process of FIG. 7 or the post-effect process of FIG. .. Specifically, the device service management unit 26 of the center server 2 functions as an effect conversion means by executing the process of step S102 of FIG. 7 or the process of step S203 of FIG. Further, the device service management unit 26 of the center server 2 functions as a device control means by executing the process of step S104 of FIG. 7 or the process of step S205 of FIG.

(Second form)
The video distribution system 1B according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 to 12. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the video distribution system 1B according to the second embodiment. The video distribution system 1B according to the second aspect is the video distribution system 1 when an event using a game provided by the game machine 3 (hereinafter, may be referred to as a game event) is held as an event type. Corresponds to an example of the configuration. In this case, as shown in FIG. 9, the game machine 3 installed in the event facility EF is connected to the center server 2 via the network NT.

The game machine 3 is a device that provides a game. As the game machine 3, various computer devices (including the user terminal device 4) used for personal purposes such as a stationary or portable game machine (including a tablet or a smartphone) or a stationary or book type personal computer. However, in the example of FIG. 9, an arcade game machine is used. An arcade game machine is a computer device installed in various facilities such as a store for the main purpose of making a large number of users repeatedly play a game to generate profits. Therefore, the game machine 3 is a commercial (commercial) game machine (a game machine that provides a game for a fee) that allows the user to play a game within a range corresponding to the play fee in exchange for payment of a predetermined play fee. ). The game machine 3 may provide the game in exchange for a predetermined play fee when it is installed in the event facility EF or in a store or the like, but in the example of FIG. 9, it is free of charge for the event. Provide game play.

The game machine 3 may provide an appropriate game such as an action game, a simulation game, a role playing game, a timing game (music game), or a sports game for a game event. The game machine 3 may provide these games as one-person (single) play or may be provided as multiple play. Further, in the case of multiple play, the game is in an appropriate format such as one-to-one, one-to-many (team), or many-to-many (the number of people is appropriate and may or may not match each other). It may be provided as a competitive or cooperative game (including the case where the opponent or the collaborator is a computer). Therefore, an appropriate number of game machines 3 may be installed in the event venue EF according to such various games, but in the example of FIG. 9, two or more game machines 3 are installed in the event venue EF. ing. Then, in those two game machines 3, two users P (hereinafter, may be referred to as player P) who each play a game via those two game machines 3 play one-on-one. We offer competitive games.

The game event may be configured as a tournament in which the results are competed in an appropriate format such as a tournament format or a league match format, or may be simply configured as a meeting to show off the play. Further, the game event may be an event without spectators or an event with spectators. As described above, the game event may be appropriately configured according to the type of the game and the like, but in the example of FIG. 9, the play of two players P who play against each other via the two game machines 3 is observed on the stage. It is organized as an event with an audience in which an audience PA exists.

At the event venue EF, various effects for producing (enhancing) a game event may be executed, and the effect device EA may include various devices for realizing such various effects. The example of 9 includes a light unit LU, a speaker SP, a smoke device SU, a monitor MO, and a camera CA. In other words, these light units LU, speaker SP, smoke device SU, monitor MO, and camera CA are installed as directing device EA in the event venue EF (in the example of FIG. 9, any device is one). Although they are shown one by one, none of these is limited to one, and an appropriate number may be installed).

The light unit LU is a well-known lighting device that performs various visual effects by lighting (light) such as lighting, blinking, extinguishing, or appropriately developing a color. The smoke device SU is a well-known device that performs a visual effect by generating an appropriate amount of smoke (smoke). The monitor MO is a well-known display device that displays various images (for directing or including various information). On the monitor MO, for example, the shooting result of the camera CA or the game screen provided by each game machine 3 may be appropriately displayed as an image for directing.

Further, as described above, the device service can appropriately include various services, but in the case of the video distribution system 1B according to the second embodiment, the information acquisition service is included. The information acquisition service is a service for acquiring information (including replay data and image data) of the play status of each player P from each game machine 3. In addition to this, when the information of the play record of each player P is managed as a part of the server data 23 in the center server 2 via various data such as play data, the device service includes such data. It may include a data update service that reflects play status information.

FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram showing a main part of the control system of the video distribution system 1B according to the second embodiment. In the video distribution system 1B according to the second embodiment, the game machine 3 is added to the device connected to the center server 2 as compared with the video distribution system 1B (example of FIG. 2) according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 10, such a game machine 3 is provided with a control unit 31 as a computer and a storage unit 32 as a storage means. The control unit 31 is configured as a computer in which a CPU as an example of a processor that executes various arithmetic processes and operation controls according to a predetermined computer program, and an internal memory and other peripheral devices necessary for the operation are combined.

The control unit 31 is provided with a game control unit 33 and a data management unit 34 as logical devices realized by combining the hardware resources of the control unit 31 and the game program PG3 as software resources. The game control unit 33 executes various processes necessary for providing the game (including various processes necessary for enjoying the service for the device). Similarly, the data management unit 34 executes various processes (including various processes necessary for enjoying the device service) for managing the data stored in the storage unit 32. Such processing includes, for example, processing for generating or transmitting image data or the like for displaying a game screen.

The storage unit 32 is an external storage device realized by a storage unit including a non-volatile storage medium (computer-readable storage medium) such as a hard disk and a semiconductor storage device. Various data are recorded in the storage unit 32 together with the game program PG3 described above, and the game data GD is shown in the example of FIG. The game data GD is data that is appropriately referred to in order to allow the user to play the game according to the game program PG3. The game data GD may appropriately include various data such as voice data for reproducing the sound of the game, image data for displaying the game screen, the above-mentioned play data, and ID management data.

The game machine 3 may be appropriately provided with various output devices and input devices necessary for the arcade game machine and may be connected to the control unit 31, but in the example of FIG. 10, the monitor 36 and the monitor 36 are such output devices. The speaker 37 is provided with an input device IP as an input device. The monitor 36 and the speaker 37 are a well-known display device for displaying various images related to the game such as a game screen for providing a game, and a well-known audio output (reproduction) device for reproducing the sound. The input device IP is a device for inputting various play actions performed by the player P to play the game. As the input device IP, various input devices such as a push button switch or a touch panel may be appropriately adopted depending on the type of the game and the like. As described above, the effect device EA according to the second embodiment includes a light unit LU, a smoke device SU, a monitor MO, and the like, which are also connected to the center server 2, but in the example of FIG. 10, these are also connected. Is omitted, and only the camera CA and the speaker SP are shown as the effect device EA.

Next, with reference to FIG. 11, the details of the production service according to the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 11 shows an example of the flow of the production service according to the second embodiment. Further, the example of FIG. 11 shows a case where the production of the production device EA is linked with the support service and a service for posting a comment is provided as an example of the support service, as in the first mode. On the other hand, in the production service according to the second mode, the situation of the game machine 3 is reflected in the production linked to the cheering act (posting of comments). Therefore, as shown in FIG. 11, the procedure of F5A is added to the effect service according to the second form as compared with the effect service according to the first form (example of FIG. 4). As a result, the production service according to the second embodiment includes three procedures of F5A, F5B, and F6.

Specifically, the support service includes the procedures of F1 to F4 as in the example of FIG. These procedures may be implemented in the same manner as in the example of FIG. On the other hand, in the effect service according to the second aspect, information transmission is executed from the game machine 3 as a procedure not included in the example of FIG. 4 (F5A). This transmission may be executed at an appropriate cycle or triggered by various actions (processes) such as posting a comment (F3), but in the example of FIG. 11, the delivery of the comment to the video screen 50 (F4) is triggered. As a result, the distribution from the game machine 3 is executed in response to the request from the center server 2 along with the distribution (or after the distribution). Various situations in the game machine 3 may be appropriately reflected in the event production corresponding to the posting of the comment, depending on the convenience of the production, etc., but the game play status is reflected as an example. Therefore, when the comment is distributed, the game machine 3 transmits information on the game play status at the time of the comment distribution to the center server 2.

When the center server 2 acquires the play status information from the game machine 3, the comment is posted through the production device EA at the event facility EF (not only the speaker SP, but also the light unit LU, the smoke device SU, the monitor MO, etc.). May be used as appropriate) (F5B). This conversion is realized in the same manner as the procedure of F5 in the example of FIG. However, the play situation may be appropriately reflected in this conversion. For example, when a baseball game corresponding to baseball in the first embodiment is provided, information on the play status may be used (reflected) for determination at the time of attack. Further, for example, it may be reflected in the content of the event production as a voice effect (or a monitor MO display may be displayed) such as "Nice hit!" Immediately after the hit and "Nice home run!" Immediately after the home run. That is, the event production may change (difference) according to the play situation of the game. In this case, the “directing” of the production data ED indicates cheers corresponding to “nice hit!” Or “nice home run!” (Production including them when the production device EA such as a monitor MO is used for production). Information is described. Further, in the "condition" of the effect data ED, information indicating a hit condition or information indicating a home run condition is described. In any case, when the play situation is reflected in the conversion of the effect, the center server 2 converts the comment posting into the event effect based on the play situation.

After the conversion to the event effect, the center server 2 controls the effect device EA in the same manner as the procedure of F6 in the example of FIG. 4 so that the event effect is actually realized through the effect device EA in the event facility EF. (F6). However, the play situation may be appropriately reflected in this control. Specifically, for example, the attacking side is determined based on the play situation, and the effect device EA to be controlled is specified. That is, the effect device EA to be controlled is appropriately changed according to the play situation. Further, for example, when a baseball game corresponding to baseball in the first embodiment is provided, information on the play status may be used (reflected) for determining the time limit. Specifically, the center server 2 may refer to the information on the play status and determine whether or not a comment is posted during the excitement time (time limit) when a hit or the like occurs. Further, the center server 2 may aggregate the number of comments in the time limit and add them as one effect at the time of addition as in the case of the example of FIG. 4, but each comment in the time limit is individually timed. May be adjusted and added. For example, when the event operator sets a time limit, the time limit may be not only the moment of excitement such as immediately after a hit, but also a certain period before and after that. On the other hand, when the time limit is determined based on the play situation, there is a high possibility that the time limit will be set more accurately than the setting by the event operator, such as immediately after a hit. Therefore, in the second form, unlike the first form, the center server 2 does not aggregate and add the comment postings in the time limit to the additional time, but the effect corresponding to each comment posting. The timing of may be adjusted individually.

Next, the effect adjustment process will be described with reference to FIG. The effect adjustment process is executed instead of the effect control process of the example of FIG. 7 and the post-effect process of the example of FIG. 8 when the timing of the event effect corresponding to each comment posting in the time limit is adjusted individually. It is a process. More specifically, in the production adjustment process, when a time limit is set, the production corresponding to each comment posting outside the time limit is adjusted while individually adjusting the production timing corresponding to each comment posting within the time limit. It is a process to be realized at any time. For example, when the posting of each comment within the time limit is added as one event effect at a predetermined time, the effect control process of the example of FIG. 7 and the post-effect of the example of FIG. 8 are also performed in the second mode. The process may be executed. In this case as well, the information on the play status of the game may be referred to as appropriate, and may be referred to, for example, for determining the time limit. Alternatively, it may be referred to in the conversion in step S102 of the example of FIG. 7, the control in step S103, or the like.

The device service management unit 26 starts the effect adjustment process of FIG. 12 every time a comment is posted, and first acquires an input result (posted comment) input via the user terminal device 4 (step S301). ). Subsequently, the device service management unit 26 acquires the game play status from the game machine 3 (step S302). When the device service management unit 26 acquires the play status, the device service management unit 26 converts the comment posted based on the play status information and the input result acquired in step S301 into an event effect (step S303), but this conversion is performed. For example, it is realized in the same manner as the conversion in step S102 of the example of FIG. However, in this conversion, the device service management unit 26 may appropriately refer to the information on the game play status. Specifically, for example, when the event production differs depending on the play status of the game, the device service management unit 26 sets the play status while referring to the information of the "production" and "condition" of the production data ED. Realize conversion to event production according to.

Next, the device service management unit 26 determines whether or not the adjustment condition is satisfied (step S304). The adjustment conditions may be satisfied as appropriate, but if the adjustment is realized within the time limit, it will be satisfied when the comment posting time corresponds to the time limit. Therefore, the device service management unit 26 refers to the information on the play status acquired in step S302, and determines whether or not the comment posting time corresponds to the time limit (the excitement time when a hit or the like occurs). When the comment posting time corresponds to the time limit (the adjustment condition is satisfied), the device service management unit 26 adjusts the event production time (production time) corresponding to the comment posting (step S305). Specifically, the device service management unit 26 sets the production time to the comment posting time (the posting time may be slightly different depending on various processes or the communication environment of the network NT, but the difference is taken into consideration). Adjust so that it shifts to a predetermined time (for example, immediately after) after the time limit has elapsed. In addition, when a plurality of comments are posted in the time limit, the production time of each comment is shifted in order from the predetermined time so that the production corresponding to each comment is executed in order after the time limit has elapsed.

On the other hand, the device service management unit 26 specifies the control target when the comment posting time does not correspond to the time limit (adjustment conditions are not satisfied) or after adjusting the production time in step S305 (step S306). This identification is realized, for example, in the same manner as the identification in step S103 of the example of FIG. However, in this identification, the device service management unit 26 may appropriately refer to the play status. Specifically, for example, when the control target changes according to the posting time of the comment, the device service management unit 26 determines the "target" condition such as an attack while referring to the information on the play status.

Subsequently, the device service management unit 26 controls each speaker SP (step S307). This control is realized, for example, in the same manner as the control in step S104 of the example of FIG. As a result, as in the example of FIG. 7, the posting of each comment is converted into an effect, and the effect is actually realized at the event facility EF through the speaker SP or the like. In addition, when a comment is posted within the time limit, the timing of the event production corresponding to each comment is adjusted, and after the time limit elapses, the event production corresponding to each comment becomes an event at the event facility EF through the speaker SP or the like. It is added gradually.

As described above, according to the second form, as in the first form, the cheering act of the viewer who watches the shot video of the event is converted into an event production, and the converted event production is an event. The effect device EA is controlled so as to be added to. Therefore, the same effect as that of the first form can be obtained, but in the second form, the information on the play status of the game is further referred to for the conversion of the event effect, the identification of the effect device EA to be controlled, and the like. To. As a result, the play status of the game on the game machine 3 can be reflected in the event production. This makes it possible to realize more detailed and accurate event production.

In the second embodiment, the device service management unit 26 of the center server 2 functions as the effect conversion means and the device control means of the present invention by executing the effect adjustment process of FIG. 12. Specifically, the device service management unit 26 functions as an effect conversion means by executing step S303 in FIG. Further, the device service management unit 26 functions as the device control means of the present invention by executing the process of step S305 and the process of step S307 of FIG.

The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned form, and may be carried out in a form in which appropriate modifications or changes are made. For example, all or part of the role (various processes, etc.) of the center server 2 in the above-mentioned form is a local system, a game machine 3 (in the case of the second form), or another system (or device) such as a user terminal device 4. ) May be executed as appropriate. That is, the video distribution system of the present invention may appropriately include various other systems. On the other hand, only the center server 2 may function as the video distribution system of the present invention, or only the local system, the game machine 3 (in the case of the second embodiment), or other appropriate system such as the user terminal device 4. May function as the video distribution system of the present invention.

Various aspects of the present invention derived from each of the above-described embodiments and modifications are described below. In the following description, in order to facilitate understanding of each aspect of the present invention, the corresponding members shown in the accompanying drawings are added in parentheses, whereby the present invention is limited to the illustrated form. It's not a thing.

The video distribution system of the present invention is connected to a user terminal device (4) used by each user and an effect device (EA) installed in an event facility (EF) so as to add an effect via a network (NT). The captured image is displayed on the display device (46) provided in the user terminal device so that a video screen (50) including a captured image as a captured result of capturing an event held at the event facility is displayed. A video distribution system (1) that distributes to a user terminal device, wherein each viewer as a user viewing the captured video imparts a support effect of supporting the event to the video screen via the user terminal device. The effect conversion means (26) that converts the support action into an event effect to be executed by the effect device when the support act for the purpose is executed, and the event effect is added to the event as the effect. It is provided with a device control means (26) for controlling the effect device.

According to the present invention, the cheering act of the viewer who watches the shot video of the event is converted into the event production, and the production device is controlled so that the converted event production is added to the event as the production. That is, a video screen including a shot video of the event is displayed on the user terminal device, and a cheering act for giving a cheering effect to the video screen is accepted, but the cheering act is converted into an event production by the production device. , And the event production is actually added to the event. As a result, the viewer's reaction of cheering for the shot video can be reflected in the event as a production by the production equipment installed in the event facility. Specifically, for example, the excitement of the viewer can be reflected in the actual event through the event production. As a result, it is possible to realize an event with a sense of presence as compared with the case where such an event effect is not added.

The event production may be the same regardless of the content (conditions) such as the timing, number, and type of cheering actions, or may change according to the content. For example, in one aspect of the video distribution system of the present invention, the effect conversion means may convert the support action into the event effect so that the event effect changes according to the support action of each viewer. good. In this case, it is possible to promote the cheering act of a specific content through the change of the event production. For example, in this embodiment, the effect conversion means changes the event effect according to the number of the support actions in the predetermined time when a plurality of viewers execute the support actions in the predetermined time. , The cheering act may be converted into the event production. In this case, it is possible to promote an increase in the number of cheering acts in a predetermined time through a change in the event production.

As a cheering act, various acts that cause various effects on the video screen may be appropriately executed via the user terminal device. For example, as an act of cheering, the act of purchasing an item and providing various values (a value equivalent to a real currency or a virtual value used in a game, etc.) are provided (so-called throwing money). ) The act or the act of posting various comments on the video screen may be appropriately adopted. Then, these various actions may be appropriately converted into event production. Specifically, for example, in one aspect of the video distribution system of the present invention, the effect conversion means is a case where a posting operation for posting a comment displayed as the support effect on the video recording screen is input as the support act. In addition, the posting of the comment may be converted into the event production.

The event production may be uniform or variable as described above, but even if it is uniform, it may be uniform regardless of the event, or it may be uniform for each event. That is, the event production may or may not change for each event. For example, in one aspect of the video distribution system of the present invention, the effect conversion means may convert the cheering action into the event effect so that the event effect differs depending on the event. Generally, effective production tends to differ depending on the type of event, but in this case, it is possible to reflect such a tendency and realize more effective event production.

The production device may include various devices (devices) for realizing the production. For example, the effect device may appropriately include a display device, a light, a smoke device, and the like to add a visual effect. Further, the effect device may include an audio output device that adds an auditory effect. Then, an appropriate effect may be realized through these various effect devices. Specifically, for example, in one aspect of the video distribution system of the present invention, the effect conversion means includes an audio output device (SP) that outputs audio to the effect device, and the effect is audio through the audio. When the effect is included, the support act may be converted into the event effect so that the voice supporting the event is included in the event effect as the voice effect that differs depending on the event.

Various events may be held at the event facility as appropriate. For example, various sporting events such as baseball, sumo, soccer, and rugby may be held at an event facility. Similarly, various live events such as concerts may be held at the event facility. Alternatively, a game event using a game machine may be held at the event facility. Further, when various devices are installed in an event facility such as a game machine in a game event, the information of those devices may or may not be reflected in the event production. Specifically, for example, in one aspect of the video distribution system of the present invention, a game machine (3) for providing a game is installed in the event facility, and a game event using the game is held as the event. The device control means may control the effect device so as to adjust the timing of the event effect according to the situation of the game when the game machine is connected via the network (NT). good. Further, for example, in one aspect of the video distribution system of the present invention, a game machine (3) for providing a game is installed in the event facility, and a game event using the game is held as the event. Even if the effect conversion means converts the cheering action into the event effect so that the event effect differs depending on the situation of the game when the game machine is connected via the network (NT). good. In these cases, the situation of the game on the game machine can be reflected in the event production.

When a plurality of production devices are arranged in the event facility, the event production may be executed by all of them, or may be realized by some of them as appropriate. In addition, these target production devices (the target production devices that execute the event production, such as all when the event production is executed by all the production devices and some when the event production is executed by some parts) are fixed. It may be targeted or variable. When the target production equipment is variable (changes), the difference in the production equipment may be grasped as an event production including the difference in the production equipment, and the difference in the production equipment is grasped as an element different from the event production. You may. For example, in one aspect of the video distribution system of the present invention, when the device control means includes a plurality of effect devices arranged at different positions of the event facility, the device control means among the plurality of effect devices. The effect device for executing the event effect may be changed according to the situation of the game.

On the other hand, the computer program of the present invention is configured so that the computer (21) connected to the user terminal device and the effect device via the network functions as each means of the above-mentioned video distribution system. Is.

Further, in the control method of the present invention, the user terminal device (4) used by each user and the effect device (EA) installed in the event facility (EF) so as to add the effect are connected to the user terminal device (EA) via the network (NT). The captured image is displayed so that a video screen (50) including a captured image as a captured result of capturing an event held at the event facility is displayed on a display device (46) connected to the user terminal device. On the computer (26) incorporated in the video distribution system (1) to be distributed to the user terminal device, each viewer as a user who views the captured video supports the event on the video screen via the user terminal device. When the cheering action for imparting the cheering effect is executed, the effect conversion procedure for converting the cheering action into an event effect to be executed by the effect device and the event effect are added to the event as the effect. The device control procedure for controlling the effect device is executed. By executing these computer programs or control methods, the video distribution system of the present invention can be realized.

1 Video distribution system 2 Center server 3 Game console 4 User terminal device 21 Control unit (computer)
26 Equipment service management department (effect conversion means, equipment control means)
46 Monitor 50 Video screen EA Production equipment EF Event facility NT network SP Speaker (audio output device)
PG1 server program (computer program)

Claims

An event held at the event facility connected to a user terminal device used by each user and a production device installed in the event facility so as to add an effect via a network, and to a display device provided in the user terminal device. It is a video distribution system that distributes the shot video to the user terminal device so that a video screen including the shot video as the shooting result of the shooting is displayed.
When each viewer as a user who views the captured video executes a cheering action for imparting a cheering effect for supporting the event to the video screen via the user terminal device, the cheering action is performed. Production conversion means to convert to event production that the device should execute,
A device control means for controlling the effect device so that the event effect is added to the event as the effect.
A video distribution system equipped with.
The effect conversion means is the video distribution system according to claim 1, which converts the support action into the event effect so that the event effect changes according to the support action of each viewer.
The effect conversion means performs the support action so that when a plurality of viewers execute the support action at a predetermined time, the event effect changes according to the number of the support actions at the predetermined time. The video distribution system according to claim 2, which is converted into an event production.
The effect conversion means converts the posting of the comment into the event effect when the posting operation of posting the comment displayed as the support effect on the video screen is input as the support act. The video distribution system according to any one of 3.
The effect conversion means is the video distribution system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, which converts the support act into the event effect so that the event effect differs depending on the event.
The effect conversion means includes a sound output device that outputs sound to the effect device, and when the effect includes a sound effect through the sound, the sound supporting the event differs depending on the event. The video distribution system according to claim 5, which converts the cheering act into the event production so as to be included in the event production as the audio production.
A game machine that provides games is installed at the event facility.
As the event, a game event using the game is held,
The device control means controls the effect device so as to adjust the timing of the event effect according to the situation of the game when the game machine is connected via a network. One of the video distribution systems.
A game machine that provides games is installed at the event facility.
As the event, a game event using the game is held,
The effect conversion means converts the cheering action into the event effect so that the event effect differs depending on the situation of the game when the game machine is connected via the network. The video distribution system according to any one of 7 to 7.
When the effect device includes a plurality of effect devices arranged at different positions in the event facility, the device control means sets the effect device to be executed from the plurality of effect devices as the situation of the game. The video distribution system according to claim 7 or 8, which is changed according to the above.
A computer program configured to allow a computer connected to the user terminal device and the effect device via the network to function as each means of the video distribution system according to any one of claims 1 to 9.
An event held at the event facility is connected to a user terminal device used by each user and a production device installed in the event facility so as to add an effect via a network, and to a display device provided in the user terminal device. In a computer incorporated in a video distribution system that distributes the shot video to the user terminal device so that a video screen including the shot video as the shooting result is displayed.
When each viewer as a user who views the captured video executes a cheering action for imparting a cheering effect for supporting the event to the video screen via the user terminal device, the cheering action is performed. The effect conversion procedure to convert to the event effect that the device should execute,
A device control procedure for controlling the effect device so that the event effect is added to the event as the effect.
Control method to execute.