Server device, control method for server device, distribution system, and recording medium

Abstract

The program recorded in the recording medium can communicate with a game device capable of executing a game, and is characterized in that a processor of a server device that distributes videos to a terminal device acts as: an acquisition unit that acquires video information indicating a game video regarding the game from the game device; and a distribution unit that distributes the game video indicated by the video information to the terminal device, wherein when the game device generates specific information indicating that the game video is a specific video, and when the acquisition unit has acquired the video information and the specific information from the game device, the distribution unit distributes a specific advertisement regarding a specific product associated with the specific video to the terminal device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a server device, a control method for the server device, a distribution system, and a recording medium. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, technologies related to a server device for distributing advertisements to a terminal device have been well known. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a technology related to a server device: the server device determines the content of an advertisement to be distributed to a terminal device based on the age, gender, location, etc. of the user of the terminal device, and distributes the advertisement of the determined content to the terminal device.

[0003] Related Technical Documents

[0004] Patent Documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2019-040599 Summary of the Invention

[0006] Technical Problem

[0007] When a video is being played on a terminal device, it may be desired to distribute an advertisement related to the video being played on the terminal device. However, according to the conventional technology, since the content of the advertisement is determined without considering the content of the video being played on the terminal device, an advertisement unrelated to the video being played on the terminal device may be distributed to the terminal device.

[0008] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and one of the objectives is to provide a technology capable of distributing an advertisement that takes into account the video being played on a terminal device.

[0009] Technical Solution

[0010] To solve the above problems, the recording medium of the present invention is a recording medium that records a program, and the program causes a processor of a server device that distributes a video to a terminal device and is communicable with a game device capable of executing a game to act as: an acquirer configured to acquire video information indicating a game video of a game from the game device; and a distributor configured to distribute the game video indicated by the video information to the terminal device, and in a case where the game device has generated specific information indicating that the game video is a specific video, the distributor is configured to, in response to the acquirer acquiring the video information and the specific information from the game device, distribute a specific advertisement of a specific commercial item associated with the specific video to the terminal device.

[0011] A distribution system according to an aspect of the present invention is a distribution system including: a game device capable of executing a game; and a server device communicable with the game device and configured to distribute videos to a terminal device. The game device is configured to: generate video information indicating a game video of the game; and generate specific information indicating that the game video is a specific video when the game video is the specific video. The server device includes: an acquirer configured to acquire the video information and the specific information from the game device; and a distributor configured to distribute the game video indicated by the video information to the terminal device, and the distributor is configured to, in response to the acquirer acquiring the video information and the specific information from the game device, distribute a specific advertisement of a specific commercial item associated with the specific video to the terminal device.

[0012] Furthermore, a server device according to an aspect of the present invention is a server device that distributes videos to a terminal device, the server device being communicable with a game device capable of executing a game, and the server device includes: an acquirer configured to acquire video information indicating a game video of the game from the game device; and a distributor configured to distribute the game video indicated by the video information to the terminal device, and in a case where the game device has generated specific information indicating that the game video is a specific video, the distributor is configured to, in response to the acquirer acquiring the video information and the specific information from the game device, distribute a specific advertisement of a specific commercial item associated with the specific video to the terminal device.

[0013] Furthermore, a control method for a server device according to an aspect of the present invention is a control method for a server device that distributes videos to a terminal device, the server device being communicable with a game device capable of executing a game. The method includes causing a processor of the server device to act as: an acquirer configured to acquire video information indicating a game video of the game from the game device; and a distributor configured to distribute the game video indicated by the video information to the terminal device, and in a case where the game device has generated specific information indicating that the game video is a specific video, the distributor is configured to, in response to the acquirer acquiring the video information and the specific information from the game device, distribute a specific advertisement of a specific commercial item associated with the specific video to the terminal device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1 is an explanatory diagram of an outline of an example video distribution system Sys according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 2 is an explanatory diagram for displaying an example game video of HMV.

[0016] Figure 3 is an explanatory diagram of an example video distribution screen GG.

[0017] Figure 4 It is an explanatory diagram of the example video distribution screen GG.

[0018] Figure 5 It is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the game device 10.

[0019] Figure 6 It shows an example hardware configuration of the game device 10.

[0020] Figure 7 It is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the distribution server 30.

[0021] Figure 8 It is a diagram showing an example hardware configuration of the distribution server 30.

[0022] Figure 9 It is a diagram showing an example data configuration of the video management table TBL1.

[0023] Figure 10 It is a diagram showing an example data configuration of the advertisement management table TBL2.

[0024] Figure 11 It is a diagram showing an example data configuration of the viewer management table TBL3.

[0025] Figure 12 It is a diagram showing an example data configuration of the advertisement target user information table TBL4.

[0026] Figure 13 It is a sequence diagram showing an example operation of the video distribution system Sys.

[0027] Figure 14 It is a flowchart showing an example operation of the distribution server 30.

[0028] Figure 15 It is a flowchart showing an example operation of the distribution server 30.

[0029] Figure 16 It is an explanatory diagram of the outline of the video distribution system Sys-B for Variation 3. Detailed Implementation Manner

[0030] Hereinafter, modes for implementing the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the dimensions and ratios of elements may be different from the dimensions and ratios of the actual configurations as appropriate. The following described embodiments are preferred specific examples of the present invention. Therefore, various technically preferred limitations are included in the embodiments. However, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments, unless otherwise specifically limited to the present invention.

[0031] A. Embodiment

[0032] In the following, a description of an embodiment of the present invention will be given.

[0033] 1. Overview of Video Distribution System

[0034] Figure 1 It is an explanatory diagram for explaining the outline of the video distribution system (video stream system) Sys of the present embodiment. The outline of the video distribution system Sys will be described below with reference to Figure 1 Describe the outline of the video distribution system Sys.

[0035] As Figure 1 shown, the video distribution system Sys includes: a game device 10 capable of executing a baseball game (an example of a "game"); a distribution server 30 (an example of a "server device") communicating with the game device 10 via a network NW; a plurality of terminal devices 70-1 to 70-M (M is a natural number of 2 or more) communicable with the distribution server 30 via the network NW; and one or more distribution devices 80 communicable with the distribution server 30 via the network NW. Hereinafter, the m-th terminal device 70 among the plurality of terminal devices 70-1 to 70-M may be referred to as the terminal device 70-m (m is a natural number satisfying 1 ≤ m ≤ M).

[0036] In the present embodiment, the game device 10 can display a video of the baseball game being executed in the game device 10 on a display unit 21 provided in a display device 20 communicable with the game device 10. Hereinafter, the video of the baseball game displayed by the game device 10 on the display unit 21 may be referred to as a game video HMV for display (see Figure 2 ). In the present embodiment, the game video HMV for display may be a still image for display updated per unit time period (for example, a time period of 1 / 60 second). The still image for display is a still image displayed on the display unit 21 in each unit time period. In the present embodiment, the game device 10 can provide a video of the baseball game being executed in the game device 10 to the distribution server 30. Hereinafter, the video of the baseball game provided by the game device 10 to the distribution server 30 may be referred to as a game video MV for distribution (see Figure 3)。In this embodiment, the game video MV for distribution is an example of a "game video". In this embodiment, the game video MV for distribution may be a still image for distribution updated per unit time period. Here, the still image for distribution is a still image provided by the game device 10 to the distribution server 30 in each unit time period. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the game video MV for distribution is a video generated based on the game video HMV for display. Here, it is assumed that the game video MV for distribution has a lower resolution than the game video HMV for display. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the game video MV for distribution may be the same video as the game video HMV for display.

[0037] In this embodiment, as an example, it is assumed that the game device 10 is a home game device. However, any information processing device may be employed as the game device 10. For example, the game device 10 may be a commercial game device installed in a store or entertainment facility, a mobile device such as a portable phone or a smart phone, or a fixed information device such as a personal computer.

[0038] In this embodiment, the distribution device 80 may provide, for example, a video created by a user of the distribution device 80 to the distribution server 30. Hereinafter, as an example, it is assumed that the distribution device 80 provides a video of music (hereinafter referred to as a "music video") to the distribution server 30. Hereinafter, the game video MV for distribution and the music video may be collectively referred to as distribution videos.

[0039] In this embodiment, in response to providing a distribution video from the game device 10 or the distribution device 80 and in response to receiving a distribution request for the distribution video from the terminal device 70-m, the distribution server 30 distributes the distribution video supplied from the game device 10 or the distribution device 80 to the terminal device 70-m. In addition, in response to receiving a distribution request for distributing the video distribution screen GG for displaying the distribution video from the terminal device 70-m, the distribution server 30 distributes the video distribution screen GG to the terminal device 70-m (see Figure 3 ).

[0040] As Figure 1 shown, the terminal device 70-m includes a display unit 71-m. In response to receiving a distribution video from the distribution server 30, the terminal device 70-m displays the distribution video on the display unit 71-m. As the terminal device 70-m, any information processing device that can be connected to the Internet, such as a smart phone, a mobile phone, or a personal computer, may be employed.

[0041] 2. Outline of Videos Generated in the Video Distribution System

[0042] Hereinafter, reference will be made to Figures 2 to 4Describe various videos generated in the video distribution system Sys.

[0043] Figure 2 It is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the outline of the game video HMV for display generated by the game device 10.

[0044] As Figure 2 shown, the game video HMV for display in this embodiment is a video showing how a baseball game is played in a virtual space FD (such as a virtual baseball stadium). Specifically, the game video HMV for display in this embodiment shows, for example, a pitcher character CR1 throwing a ball object OB1 and a batter character CR2 hitting the ball object OB1 thrown by the pitcher character CR1 in the virtual space FD. For example, the game video HMV for display also shows a spectator character CR3 watching the baseball game in the virtual space FD.

[0045] Figure 3 and Figure 4 It is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the outline of the video distribution screen GG provided by the distribution server 30 to the terminal device 70-m.

[0046] As Figure 3 and Figure 4 shown, the video distribution screen GG includes a video player unit MP. The video player unit MP has a play start button ST, and when the game device 10 or the distribution device 80 is providing a distribution video to the distribution server 30, or in response to pressing the play start button ST after the game device 10 or the distribution device 80 has completed providing the distribution video to the distribution server 30, it plays the distribution video. The video player unit MP also has a full-screen display button ZG. In response to pressing the full-screen display button ZG at a certain timing while the video player unit MP is playing the distribution video, the size of the video player unit MP increases to fill the entire display unit 71-m.

[0047] In addition, the distribution server 30 of this embodiment can distribute advertisements of goods or services to the terminal device 70-m. Hereinafter, goods and services can be collectively referred to as commercial items GD. Specifically, the distribution server 30 of this embodiment can distribute advertisements of one or more commercial items GD selected from among Q commercial items GD[1] to GD[Q] (Q is a natural number of 2 or more) to the terminal device 70-m.

[0048] In this embodiment, it is assumed that the distribution server 30 provides two distribution modes of advertisements of the commercial item GD[q] to the terminal device 70-m. One distribution mode is to distribute through a banner image BN[q], and the other distribution mode is to distribute through a video advertisement AD[q] (q is a natural number satisfying 1 ≤ q ≤ Q).

[0049] Specifically, the distribution server 30 can cause the video distribution screen GG distributed to the terminal device 70-m to include a banner image BN[q] regarding the commercial item GD[q], as Figure 3 and Figure 4 shown. The banner image BN[q] is a still image or video separated from the distributed video, and is a still image or video regarding the commercial item GD[q]. In the present embodiment, the distribution server 30 positions the banner image BN[q] in an area of the video distribution screen GG different from the area where the video player unit MP is displayed. However, the present invention is not limited to this manner, and the distribution server 30 can, for example, overlay the banner image BN[q] as a pop-up image on the area of the video distribution screen GG where the video player unit MP is displayed.

[0050] In addition, as Figure 3 and Figure 4 shown, the distribution server 30 can merge the video advertisement AD[q] regarding the commercial item GD[q] into the distributed video distributed to the terminal device 70-m. Here, the video advertisement AD[q] is a still image or video image in which a part of the distributed video is changed, or is an audio that is merged into the distributed video and played by the video player unit MP together with the distributed video. Hereinafter, when the video advertisement AD[q] is a still image or video as a changed part of the distributed video, the video advertisement AD[q] can be referred to as an image advertisement AD-g[q]. In addition, hereinafter, when the video advertisement AD[q] is an audio played together with the distributed video, the video advertisement AD[q] can be referred to as an audio advertisement AD-s[q].

[0051] Figure 3 illustrates the following situation: in the video distribution screen GG displayed on the display unit 71-1 provided in the terminal device 70-1, a banner image BN[1] regarding the commercial item GD[1] is arranged, and the image advertisement AD-g[1] regarding the commercial item GD[1] and the audio advertisement AD-s[1] regarding the commercial item GD[1] are merged into the game video MV for distribution played in the video player unit MP provided in the video distribution screen GG. Figure 4 illustrates the following situation: in the video distribution screen GG displayed in the display unit 71-2 provided in the terminal device 70-2, a banner image BN[2] regarding the commercial item GD[2] is arranged, and the image advertisement AD-g[2] regarding the commercial item GD[2] is merged into the game video MV for distribution played in the video player unit MP provided in the video distribution screen GG.

[0052] Although details will be described below, in the present embodiment, the following example situation is assumed: The distribution server 30 merges the video advertisement AD only into the game video MV for distribution among the distributed videos, and not into the music video among the distributed videos. In the present embodiment, it is also assumed that the commercial item GD indicated by the banner image BN already included in the video distribution screen GG by the distribution server 30 is the same as the commercial item GD indicated by the video advertisement AD played in the video player unit MP included in the video distribution screen GG and merged into the game video MV for distribution.

[0053] As described above, according to the present embodiment, when distributing the game video MV for distribution to the terminal device 70-m, the distribution server 30 can distribute the video advertisement AD[q] for the commercial item GD[q] to the terminal device 70-m except for the banner image BN[q] for the commercial item GD[q]. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, even when the viewer watching the game video MV for distribution using the terminal device 70-m is concentrating on watching the game video MV for distribution, the presence of the video advertisement AD[q] can make them interested in the commercial item GD[q] indicated by the banner image BN[q]. In addition, according to the present embodiment, even when the viewer watching the game video MV for distribution using the terminal device 70-m presses the full-screen display button ZG to enlarge the video player unit MP, the presence of the video advertisement AD[q] can make the viewer interested in the commercial item GD[q] indicated by the banner image BN[q]. Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, since the distribution server 30 merges the video advertisement AD[q] into the game video MV for distribution by changing a part of the game video MV for distribution, the video advertisement [q] can be merged in a way that does not interfere with watching the baseball game indicated by the game video MV for distribution. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, compared with, for example, the way of covering and displaying a pop-up advertisement on the game video MV for distribution, the probability that the viewer of the game video MV for distribution may feel discomfort due to the advertisement can be reduced.

[0054] 3. Functions of the Video Distribution System

[0055] Hereinafter, reference will be made to Figures 5 to 12 give a description of the functions of the game device 10 and the distribution server 30.

[0056] Figure 5 is a functional block diagram showing an example configuration of the game device 10.

[0057] As Figure 5As shown, the game device 10 includes a controller 100 for controlling each element of the game device 10, a storage unit 130 for storing various information, a communicator 140 for performing communication with the distribution server 30, and an input unit 150 for receiving an input made by a user of the game device 10.

[0058] As Figure 5 shown, the controller 100 includes a game controller 110 and a device controller 120. The game controller 110 includes a game progressor 111 that causes a baseball game to proceed and generates progress status information JG indicating the progress result of the baseball game, and a video information generator 112 that generates video information JHM indicating a game video HMV for display based on the progress status information JG. The progress status information JG is information for managing the states of various game elements existing in the virtual space FD and the audio in the virtual space FD, where as the baseball game proceeds, the states of various game elements existing in the virtual space FD continuously change or audio is reproduced in the virtual space FD. Specifically, in the present embodiment, the progress status information JG is, for example, information including some or all of the position, shape, posture, or direction, color, pattern, movement speed, and movement direction of the game elements in the virtual space FD and the audio existing in the virtual space FD. The game video information JHM for display may be real-time information indicating a still image for display updated per unit time period. The game video information JHM for display may be cumulative information indicating a plurality of still images for display corresponding one-to-one to a plurality of unit time periods (information indicating a set of a plurality of still images for display accumulated over a plurality of unit time periods). The game video information JHM for display may be information indicating the audio in the virtual space FD added to one of the real-time information or the cumulative information. The still image for display represents the states of various game elements in each unit time period and the virtual space FD in each unit time period. The device controller 120 generates game video information JMV for distribution indicating a game video MV for distribution (an example of "video information") based on the game video information JHM for display. The game video information JMV for distribution may be real-time information indicating a still image for distribution updated per unit time period. The game video information JMV for distribution may be cumulative information indicating a plurality of still images for distribution corresponding one-to-one to a plurality of unit time periods (information indicating a set of a plurality of still images for distribution accumulated over a plurality of unit time periods). The game video information JMV for distribution may be information indicating the audio in the virtual space FD added to one of the real-time information or the cumulative information. The still image for distribution may be a still image having a lower resolution than the still image for display, or may be the same still image as the still image for display.

[0059] As Figure 5 shown, the storage unit 130 stores the game program PG-G and the device control program PG-S. The game program PG-G is an application program for the game device 10 to execute a baseball game. The device control program PG-S is an operating system program for the controller 100 to control each component of the game device 10.

[0060] Figure 6 is a configuration diagram showing an example hardware configuration of the game device 10.

[0061] As Figure 6As shown, the game device 10 includes a processor 1000 that controls each component of the game device 10, a storage device 1001 that stores various information, a communication device 1002 for communicating with external devices existing outside the game device 10, and an input device 1003 for receiving operations of a user of the game device 10. The storage device 1001 is a non-transitory recording medium and includes, for example, one or both of a volatile memory such as a random access memory (RAM) used as a work area of the processor 1000 and a non-volatile memory such as an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) that stores various information such as a game program PG-G and a device control program PG-S. The storage device 1001 serves as the storage unit 130. In the present embodiment, the storage device 1001 is given as an example of the "recording medium" that records the game program PG-G. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The "recording medium" that records the game program PG-G may be a storage device provided in an external device existing outside the game device 10. For example, the "recording medium" that records the game program PG-G may be a storage device that records the game program PG-G and is provided in a distribution server that exists outside the game device 10 and distributes the game program PG-G. In the present embodiment, the storage device 1001 is given as an example in the form of the "recording medium" that records the device control program PG-S. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The "recording medium" that records the device control program PG-S may be a storage device provided in an external device existing outside the game device 10. For example, the processor 1000 includes one or more central processing units (CPUs). The processor 1000 acts as a game controller 110 by executing the game program PG-G stored in the storage device 1001 and operating according to the game program PG-G. The processor 1000 also acts as a device controller 120 by executing the device control program PG-S stored in the storage device 1001 and operating according to the device control program PG-S. It should be noted that in addition to some or all of the one or more CPUs (or, instead of some or all of the one or more CPUs), the processor 1000 may also include hardware such as a graphics processing unit (GPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), or a field programmable gate array (FPGA). In this case, part or all of the game controller 110 and the device controller 120 implemented by the processor 1000 may be implemented by hardware such as a DSP. In addition, the processor 1000 may include some or all of one or more CPUs and one or more hardware elements.For example, when the processor 1000 includes multiple CPUs, some or all of the functions of the game controller 110 can be implemented by the multiple CPUs operating in cooperation according to the control program PRG, and some or all of the functions of the device controller 120 can be implemented by the multiple CPUs operating in cooperation according to the control program PRG. The communication device 1002 is hardware for communicating with external devices existing outside the game device 10 via one or both of a wired network and a wireless network, and serves as the communicator 140. The input device 1003 is, for example, an input button and serves as the input unit 150 that receives inputs implemented by the user of the game device 10. The input device 1003 may include one or more devices, including some or all of an input button, a touch panel, a keyboard, a joystick, and a pointing device (such as a mouse).

[0062] Although not shown in the drawings, the distribution device 80 generates music video information indicating a music video and transmits the generated music video information to the distribution server 30. Hereinafter, the game video information JMV for distribution indicating the game video MV for distribution and the music video information indicating the music video are collectively referred to as distribution video information. Therefore, the distribution video information indicates a distribution video.

[0063] Figure 7 is a functional block diagram showing an example configuration of the distribution server 30.

[0064] As Figure 7 shown, the distribution server 30 has a controller 300 that controls each element of the distribution server 30, a storage unit 330 that stores various types of information, and a communicator 340 that implements communication with the game device 10, the terminal device 70-m, and the distribution device 80.

[0065] As Figure 7 shown, the controller 300 includes: an acquirer 310 that acquires distribution video information (game video information JMV for distribution or music video information) from the game device 10 or the distribution device 80; and a distributor 320 that distributes the distribution video (game video MV for distribution or music video) indicated by the distribution video information to the terminal device 70-m. As Figure 7 shown, the storage unit 330 stores a video management table TBL1 (described later), an advertisement management table TBL2 (described later), a viewer management table TBL3 (described later), and an advertisement target user information table TBL4 (described later), as well as a server control program PG-SH (an example of a "program") for controlling each element of the distribution server 30.

[0066] Figure 8 is a configuration diagram showing an example hardware configuration of the distribution server 30.

[0067] AsFigure 8 As shown, the distribution server 30 is provided with a processor 3000 that controls each component of the distribution server 30, a storage device 3001 that stores various information, and a communication device 3002 that communicates with external devices existing outside the distribution server 30. The storage device 3001 is a non-transitory recording medium and includes, for example, one or both of a volatile memory such as a RAM that serves as a work area for the processor 3000 and a non-volatile memory such as an EEPROM that stores various information (such as the server control program PG-SH). The storage device 3001 serves as the storage unit 330. In the present embodiment, the storage device 3001 is given as an example of the "recording medium" that records the server control program PG-SH. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The "recording medium" of the server control program PG-SH may be a storage device provided in an external device existing outside the distribution server 30. The processor 3000 includes, for example, one or more CPUs. The processor 3000 acts as the controller 300 by executing the server control program PG-SH stored in the storage device 3001 and operating according to the server control program PG-SH. The communication device 3002 is hardware for communicating with external devices existing outside the distribution server 30 and acts as the communicator 340.

[0068] Figure 9 It is an explanatory diagram showing an example data configuration of the video management table TBL1.

[0069] As Figure 9 shown, the video management table TBL1 has a plurality of records that correspond one-to-one with the distribution videos provided from the game device 10 or the distribution device 80 and the distribution videos scheduled to be provided from the game device 10 or the distribution device 80. Each record of the video management table TBL1 includes a video ID, video specific information JX, and advertisement information JY to be distributed. The video ID is information for identifying each of the distribution videos provided by the game device 10 or the distribution device 80 and the distribution videos scheduled to be provided by the game device 10 or the distribution device 80.

[0070] The video specific information JX (an example of "specific information") is information for specifying the characteristics of the game video MV to be distributed. Specifically, in the present embodiment, the video specific information JX is, for example, information including some or all of the game ID, mode ID, and game match ID, or information indicating that the game ID, mode ID, and game match ID are not included. The information indicating that the game ID, mode ID, and game match ID are not included corresponds, for example, to the case where all of the game ID, mode ID, and game match ID indicate "null value". In the present embodiment, "generating specific information" means generating video specific information JX in which some or all of the game ID, mode ID, and game ID are different from "null value".

[0071] Here, the game ID (an example of "game identification information") is information for identifying the type of game among all types of games that can be executed on the game device 10. In the present embodiment, as an example, it is assumed that the game device 10 can execute one or more types of games other than the baseball game. In the present embodiment, the game device 10 outputs a game ID corresponding to the type of game executed in the game device 10. The mode ID (an example of "mode identification information") is information for identifying the operation mode among all operation modes of the game device 10 when the game device 10 executes a game. In the present embodiment, as an example, it is assumed that: the game device 10 executes each of some or all of the games executable in the game device 10, and each game can be executed in a plurality of operation modes corresponding to respective types of rules. For example, in the present embodiment, it is assumed that: the game device 10 can execute the baseball game in two competition modes: a user competition mode in which a user of the game device 10 plays against a user of another game device 10; and a computer competition mode in which a user of the game device 10 plays against a non-player character (NPC). In the present embodiment, the game device 10 outputs a mode ID corresponding to the operation mode of the game executed in the game device 10. The game match ID is information for identifying a game match in a game match using the games executable in the game device 10. In the present embodiment, in response to the game device 10 executing a game to participate in a game match, the game device 10 outputs a game match ID corresponding to the game match.

[0072] When the distribution video is a game video MV for distribution, the video specific information JX includes some or all of the game ID, the mode ID, and the game match ID. When the distribution video is a music video, the game ID, the mode ID, and the game match ID all indicate "null values".

[0073] The advertisement information JY to be distributed is information indicating one or more advertisement IDs corresponding to one or more advertisements to be distributed together with the distribution video when the distribution server 30 distributes the distribution video. The advertisement ID is information for identifying an advertisement among Q advertisements that the distribution server 30 can distribute to the terminal device 70-m.

[0074] Figure 10 It is an explanatory diagram showing an example data configuration of the advertisement management table TBL2.

[0075] As Figure 10As shown, the advertisement management table TBL2 has Q records corresponding one by one to Q types of advertisements that the distribution server 30 can distribute to the terminal device 70-m. Each record in the advertisement management table TBL2 includes an advertisement ID and advertisement distribution information JH. The advertisement distribution information JH is information indicating the advertisement content and the advertisement distribution method regarding the commercial item GD[q]. Specifically, the advertisement distribution information JH includes, for example, commercial item information JS, banner advertisement distribution information JB, and video advertisement distribution information JD.

[0076] The commercial item information JS is information indicating the outline of the commercial item GD[q]. The commercial item information JS includes, for example, a commercial item ID corresponding to the commercial item GD[q] and the name of the commercial item GD[q]. The commercial item ID is information for identifying the commercial item GD[q] among the Q commercial items GD[1]-GD[Q].

[0077] The banner advertisement distribution information JB is information regarding the distribution of the banner image BN[q] related to the commercial item GD[q]. The banner advertisement distribution information JB includes, for example, a banner ID, banner file information, and banner link information. Here, the banner ID is information for identifying the banner image BN[q] related to the commercial item GD[q] corresponding to the commercial item ID from among all the banner images BN that can be distributed by the distribution server 30. The banner file information is information indicating a still image file or a video file for displaying the banner image BN[q] corresponding to the banner ID. The banner link information is information indicating the address of the website to be displayed on the display unit 71-m in response to the selection of the banner image BN[q] displayed on the display unit 71-m, and the selection is made by the user of the terminal device 70-m. For example, the banner link information indicates the address of the website regarding the commercial item GD[q].

[0078] The video advertisement distribution information JD is information related to the distribution of the video advertisement AD[q] regarding the commercial item GD[q] corresponding to the advertisement ID. The video advertisement distribution information JD includes, for example, image advertisement distribution information and audio advertisement distribution information.

[0079] The image advertisement distribution information is information related to the distribution of the image advertisement AD-g[q] for the commercial item GD[q] corresponding to the advertisement ID. The image advertisement distribution information includes, for example, an image ID, image file information, and image position information. Here, the image ID is information for identifying the image advertisement AD-g[q] for the commercial item GD[q] corresponding to the advertisement ID from among all the image advertisements AD-g[q] that can be incorporated into the game video MV for distribution. The image file information is information indicating a still image file or a video file for displaying the image advertisement AD-g[q] corresponding to the advertisement ID. The image position information is information indicating the position in the game video MV for distribution; this position is the display position of the image advertisement AD-g[q] corresponding to the advertisement ID.

[0080] The audio advertisement distribution information is information related to the distribution of the audio advertisement AD-s[q] for the commercial item GD[q] corresponding to the advertisement ID. The audio advertisement distribution information includes, for example, an audio ID and audio file information. Here, the audio ID is information for identifying the audio advertisement AD-s[q] for the commercial item GD[q] corresponding to the advertisement ID from among all the audio advertisements AD-s[q] that can be incorporated into the game video MV for distribution. The audio file information is information indicating the audio file for playing the audio advertisement AD-s[q] corresponding to the advertisement ID.

[0081] Figure 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example data configuration of the viewer management table TBL3.

[0082] As Figure 11 shown, the viewer management table TBL3 has, for example, multiple records corresponding one-to-one to multiple viewers who can view the video distributed from the distribution server 30. Each record of the viewer management table TBL3 includes, for example, a viewer ID, viewer access information, and viewer information. Here, the viewer ID is information for identifying each viewer from among the multiple viewers who can view the video distributed from the distribution server 30. The viewer access information can be, for example, information indicating the account used by the viewer to access the distribution server 30, or information indicating the IP address of the viewer's terminal device 70. Additionally, the viewer information (an example of "attribute information") is information indicating the attributes of the viewer. In this modification, the viewer information includes, for example, information indicating the age of the viewer, information indicating the gender of the viewer, and information indicating the residential area of the viewer. The viewer information can also include information indicating the history of the viewer's Internet browsing.

[0083] Figure 12 is an explanatory diagram showing an example data configuration of the advertisement target user information table TBL4.

[0084] As Figure 12 shown, the advertisement target user information table TBL4 has, for example, Q records corresponding one-to-one to Q types of advertisements that can be distributed by the distribution server 30. Each record of the advertisement target user information table TBL4 includes, for example, an advertisement ID and advertisement target user information. Here, the advertisement target user information is information indicating the attributes of the viewers to whom the advertisement corresponding to the advertisement ID is to be distributed. Specifically, in this modification, the advertisement target user information includes, for example, information indicating the age of the viewers to whom the advertisement corresponding to the advertisement ID should be distributed (advertisement target age information), information indicating the gender of the viewers to whom the advertisement corresponding to the advertisement ID should be distributed (advertisement target gender information), and information indicating the residential area of the viewers to whom the advertisement corresponding to the advertisement ID should be distributed (advertisement target area information).

[0085] 4. Operations of the Video Distribution System

[0086] Hereinafter, a description of an example operation of the video distribution system Sys will be given with reference to Figure 13 FIG.

[0087] Figure 13 FIG. is a sequence diagram showing an example operation of the video distribution system Sys, which is implemented when, in response to providing a game video MV for distribution from the game device 10 to the distribution server 30, the distribution server 30 distributes the game video MV for distribution provided by the game device 10 to the terminal devices 70-1 and 70-2 (hereinafter referred to as "system operation example").

[0088] In Figure 13In the system operation example shown, as an example, it is assumed that a game video MV for distribution regarding a baseball game, a banner image BN[1] regarding a commercial item GD[1], and a video advertisement AD[1] are distributed from the distribution server 30 to the terminal device 70-1, and a game video MV for distribution regarding a baseball game, a banner image BN[2] regarding a commercial item GD[2], and a video advertisement AD[2] are distributed from the distribution server 30 to the terminal device 70-2. In addition, in the system operation example, the game video MV for distribution that does not include the video advertisement AD is referred to as the game video MV[0] for distribution; the game video information JMV for distribution that indicates the game video MV[0] for distribution is referred to as the game video information JMV[0] for distribution; and the game video MV for distribution that includes the video advertisement AD[1] for the commercial item GD[1] is referred to as the game video MV[1] for distribution. The game video information JMV for distribution that indicates the game video MV[1] for distribution is referred to as the game video information JMV[1] for distribution; the game video MV for distribution in which the video advertisement AD[2] for the commercial GD[2] is incorporated is referred to as the game video MV[2] for distribution; and the game video information JMV for distribution that indicates the game video MV[2] for distribution is referred to as the game video information JMV[2] for distribution. In addition, in the system operation example, for the sake of easy explanation, for the case where the distribution device 80 provides a music video to the distribution server 30 and the distribution server 30 distributes the music video provided by the distribution device 80 to the terminal devices 70-1 and 70-2, a supplementary description of the operation of the video distribution system Sys will also be appropriately given.

[0089] As Figure 13 shown, in the system operation example, the controller 100 of the game device 10 controls the respective components of the game device 10 so as to send a distribution start request (S10) to the distribution server 30. The distribution start request is information indicating that the game device 10 or the distribution device 80 starts to provide the game video MV for distribution or the music video to the distribution server 30. In step S10, when sending the distribution start request to the distribution server 30, the controller 100 of the game device 10 generates video specific information JX regarding the game video MV for distribution that the game device 10 will provide to the distribution server 30, and provides the generated video specific information JX to the distribution server 30. In the case where the distribution device 80 sends a distribution start request to the distribution server 30, the distribution device 80 can provide the distribution server 30 with video specific information JX in which all of the game ID, the mode ID, and the game ID indicate "null values".

[0090] Thereafter, the controller 300 of the distribution server 30 controls each component of the distribution server 30 such that when a distribution start request is provided from the game device 10, a response (permission response) to the distribution start request is sent to the game device 10 (S12). The controller 300 of the distribution server 30 controls each component of the distribution server 30 such that when a distribution start request is provided from the distribution device 80, a permission response is sent to the distribution device 80. Further, in step S12, the controller 300 of the distribution server 30 creates a new record in the video management table TBL1. Then, in step S12, the controller 300 of the distribution server 30 assigns a new video ID to notify the game device 10 or the distribution device 80 that sent the distribution start request in step S10 of this video ID. Further, in step S12, the controller 300 of the distribution server 30 stores the newly assigned video ID in the newly created record. In the system operation example, the video ID for distributing the video may be, for example, a uniform resource locator (URL) of a video distribution screen GG that provides a video player unit MP for playing the distributed video, or a string included in the URL (for example, a directory name or a string indicating a path name). Further, in response to the provision of video specific information JX from the game device 10 in step S10, the controller 300 of the distribution server 30 stores the video specific information JX in the newly created record in step S12.

[0091] Thereafter, the controller 100 of the game device 10 controls each component of the game device 10 such that game video information JMV[0] for a game video MV[0] for distribution is sent to the distribution server 30 (S14). Further, in step S14, the controller 100 of the game device 10 sends the video ID together with the game video information JMV[0] for distribution to the distribution server 30, and this video ID has been notified from the distribution server 30 in step S12. In a case where the controller 300 of the distribution server 30 sends a permission response to the distribution device 80 in step S12, the distribution device 80 sends a music video to the distribution server 30. In this case, the distribution device 80 sends the video ID notified by the distribution server 30 in step S12 together with the music video to the distribution server 30.

[0092] As Figure 13As shown, in the system operation example, assume the following situation: The terminal device 70-1 sends a video distribution screen request (S20) to the distribution server 30 during the period after the processing of step S14. The video distribution screen request is a request to send information on the video distribution screen GG that displays the distributed video. In the system operation example, assume that the video distribution screen request is a request to send the video distribution screen GG that displays the game video MV for distribution. In the present embodiment, assume that the distribution server 30 provides a web page on which a plurality of thumbnails corresponding to a plurality of distributed videos that can be distributed from the distribution server 30 are displayed. Also assume the following situation: In response to the selection of the thumbnail corresponding to the distributed video that the viewer wants to view using the terminal device 70-1, the terminal device 70-1 sends the video ID of the distributed video corresponding to the selected thumbnail to the distribution server 30 at step S20, and the selection is made by the viewer on the web page that displays the plurality of thumbnails. In the present embodiment, assume that the terminal device 70-1 sends the viewer access information of the viewer who views the video on the terminal device 70-1 to the distribution server 30 at step S20.

[0093] Then, the controller 300 of the distribution server 30 determines the advertisement to be distributed to the terminal device 70-1 based on the video ID and the viewer access information sent from the terminal device 70-1 (S22). Specifically, at step S22, the controller 300 of the distribution server 30 first identifies the record that records the viewer access information obtained from the terminal device 70-1 from among the multiple records in the viewer management table TBL3. Next, the controller 300 of the distribution server 30 identifies, from among the multiple records in the advertisement target user information table TBL4, each record that records the advertisement target user information including the age, gender, and region indicated by the viewer information in the record identified in the viewer management table TBL3. Then, by referring to the video management table TBL1, the controller 300 of the distribution server 30 identifies the advertisement ID included in the advertisement information JY to be distributed that corresponds to the video ID sent at step S20 from among the one or more advertisement IDs recorded in the one or more records identified in the advertisement target user information table TBL4. The controller 300 then determines that the advertisement with the identified advertisement ID is the advertisement to be distributed to the terminal device 70-1. In the system operation example, as an example, assume that the controller 300 of the distribution server 30 determines the advertisement regarding the commercial item GD[1] as the advertisement to be distributed to the terminal device 70-1.

[0094] Next, the controller 300 of the distribution server 30 controls each component of the distribution server 30 so as to distribute the video distribution screen GG to the terminal device 70-1 (S24). Further, in step S24, the controller 300 of the distribution server 30 controls each component of the distribution server 30 so as to distribute the banner image BN (banner image BN[1]) of the advertisement determined in step S22 to the terminal device 70-1.

[0095] Thereafter, in response to pressing the play start button ST in the video distribution screen GG displayed on the display unit 71-1 of the terminal device 70-1, the terminal device 70-1 transmits a video distribution request for the distributed video to the distribution server 30 (S26). In the system operation example, the terminal device 70-1 transmits a video distribution request for the game video MV to be distributed to the distribution server 30 in step S26. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the terminal device 70-1 transmits the video ID of the distributed video to be viewed on the terminal device 70-1 and the viewer access information of the viewer viewing the video on the terminal device 70-1 to the distribution server 30 in step S26.

[0096] In the case where the video ID transmitted in step S26 indicates the game video MV to be distributed, once the controller 300 of the distribution server 30 acquires the video distribution request transmitted from the terminal device 70-1, it generates distribution video information (game video information JMV[1] to be distributed) indicating the game video MV to be distributed by merging the video advertisement AD[1] into the game video MV[0] to be distributed indicated by the game video information JMV[0] to be distributed (S28).

[0097] Next, the controller 300 of the distribution server 30 controls each component of the distribution server 30 so as to transmit the distribution video information to the terminal device 70-1 (S30). In the system operation example, the controller 300 of the distribution server 30 controls each component of the distribution server 30 so as to transmit the game video information JMV[1] to be distributed to the terminal device 70-1 in step S30. In the case where the video ID acquired in step S26 indicates a music video, the controller 300 of the distribution server 30 controls each component of the distribution server 30 so as to transmit the music video without merging the video advertisement AD[q] to the terminal device 70-1 in step S30. In the system operation example, once the terminal device 70-1 receives the game video information JMV[1] to be distributed transmitted from the distribution server 30 in step S30, for example, the video distribution screen GG as shown in Figure 3 is displayed on the display unit 71-1 of the terminal device 70-1.

[0098] As Figure 13As shown, in the system operation example, assume the following situation: The terminal device 70-2 sends a video distribution screen request (S40) to the distribution server 30 during the period after the processing of step S14. In step S40, the terminal device 70-2 sends the video ID of the distribution video to be viewed on the terminal device 70-2 and the viewer access information of the viewer who will view the video on the terminal device 70-2 to the distribution server 30.

[0099] Then, the controller 300 of the distribution server 30 determines the advertisement to be distributed to the terminal device 70-2 based on the video ID and viewer access information sent from the terminal device 70-2 (S42). In the system operation example, as an example, assume that the controller 300 of the distribution server 30 determines the advertisement about the commercial item GD[2] as the advertisement to be distributed to the terminal device 70-2.

[0100] Next, the controller 300 of the distribution server 30 controls each component of the distribution server 30 so that the video distribution screen GG is distributed to the terminal device 70-2 (S44). Additionally, in step S44, the controller 300 of the distribution server 30 controls each component of the distribution server 30 so that the banner image BN (banner image BN[2]) about the advertisement determined in step S42 is distributed to the terminal device 70-2.

[0101] Thereafter, in response to pressing the play start button ST on the video distribution screen GG displayed on the display unit 71-2 of the terminal device 70-2, the terminal device 70-2 sends a video distribution request for the distribution video to the distribution server 30 (S46). In the system operation example, in step S46, the terminal device 70-2 sends a video distribution request for the game video MV for distribution to the distribution server 30. In the present embodiment, assume that the terminal device 70-2 sends the video ID of the distribution video to be viewed on the terminal device 70-2 and the viewer access information of the viewer who will view the video on the terminal device 70-2 to the distribution server 30 in step S46.

[0102] In the case where the video ID sent in step S46 indicates the game video MV for distribution, once the controller 300 of the distribution server 30 obtains the video distribution request sent from the terminal device 70-2, it generates the game video information JMV[2] indicating the game video MV[2] for distribution by merging the video advertisement AD[2] into the game video MV[0] for distribution indicated by the game video information JMV[0] for distribution (S48).

[0103] Next, the controller 300 of the distribution server 30 controls the respective components of the distribution server 30 so as to transmit the distribution video to the terminal device 70-2 (S50). In the system operation example, the controller 300 of the distribution server 30 controls the respective components of the distribution server 30 so as to transmit the game video information JMV[2] for distribution to the terminal device 70-2 in step S50. When the video ID acquired in step S46 indicates a music video, the controller 300 of the distribution server 30 controls the respective components of the distribution server 30 so as to transmit the music video without the merged video advertisement AD[q] to the terminal device 70-2 in step S50. In the system operation example, in response to the reception of the game video information JMV[2] for distribution transmitted from the distribution server 30 in step S50 at the terminal device 70-2, for example, Figure 4 the video distribution screen GG shown in

[0104] 5. Operation of the Distribution Server

[0105] Hereinafter, a description of the operation of the distribution server 30 will be given with reference to Figure 14 and Figure 15 FIGs.

[0106] Figure 14 and Figure 15 are flowcharts showing an example operation of the distribution server 30 (hereinafter referred to as "distribution server operation example"). Assume the following situation: The game device 10 or the distribution device 80 provides a distribution video to the distribution server 30, and the distribution server 30 distributes the distribution video provided by the game device 10 or the distribution device 80 to the terminal device 70-m.

[0107] As Figure 14 shown, the acquirer 310 determines whether the distribution server 30 has received a distribution start request provided from the game device 10 or the distribution device 80 (S100). The process of step S100 corresponds to the process of step S10 shown in Figure 13 FIG. If the determination result of step S100 is negative, the acquirer 310 advances the process to step S110.

[0108] If the determination result in step S100 is affirmative, the acquirer 310 creates a new record in the video management table TBL1 and stores the newly assigned video ID in the new record (S101). In addition, the acquirer 310 determines whether video-specific information JX indicating a value different from the null value is provided together with the distribution start request in step S100 (S102). If the determination result in step S102 is negative, the acquirer 310 advances the process to step S104. If the determination result in step S102 is affirmative, the acquirer 310 stores the video-specific information JX provided in step S100 in association with the video ID assigned in step S101 in the record created in step S101 in step S103. In the present embodiment, "acquire video-specific information JX" corresponds to "store video-specific information JX indicating a value different from the null value in the video management table TBL1". Therefore, in the present embodiment, it should be understood that when "video-specific information JX indicating the null value" is provided in step S100, the acquirer 310 does not acquire the video-specific information JX.

[0109] Next, the acquirer 310 sends a permission response to the game device 10 or the distribution device 80 (S104). In addition, in step S104, the acquirer 310 sends the video ID assigned in step S101 together with the permission response to the game device 10 or the distribution device 80. The processing of steps S101 to S104 corresponds to Figure 13 the processing of step S12 shown. Thereafter, the acquirer 310 acquires distribution video information provided from the game device 10 or the distribution device 80 (S106). The processing of step S106 corresponds to Figure 13 the processing of step S14 shown.

[0110] As Figure 14 shown, the acquirer 310 determines whether the distribution server 30 has received a video distribution screen request sent from the terminal device 70-m (S110). The processing of step S110 corresponds to Figure 13 the processing of step S20 or S40 shown. If the determination result in step S110 is negative, the acquirer 310 advances the process to step S120.

[0111] If the determination result in step S110 is affirmative, the acquirer 310 acquires the video ID and viewer access information provided from the terminal device 70-m together with the video distribution screen request.

[0112] Next, the distributor 320 determines the advertisement to be distributed to the terminal device 70-m based on the video ID obtained in step S112 and the viewer access information (S114). As described above, the distributor 320 identifies the record in which the video ID obtained in step S112 is recorded from among the multiple records included in the video management table TBL1. The distributor 320 determines the advertisement with the advertisement ID included in the advertisement information JY to be distributed in the identified record as the advertisement to be distributed to the terminal device 70-m. In other words, when the distribution video corresponding to the video ID obtained in step S112 is a game video MV for distribution and the video specific information JX corresponding to the video ID includes some or all of the game ID, mode ID, and match ID, the distributor 320 determines the advertisement regarding the commercial item GD[q] related to some or all of the game ID, mode ID, and match ID as the advertisement to be distributed to the terminal device 70-m.

[0113] In the present embodiment, when the video specific information JX corresponding to the video ID obtained in step S112 includes some or all of the game ID, mode ID, and match ID, the distribution video corresponding to the video ID is an example of a "specific video". Further, in the present embodiment, when the video specific information JX corresponding to the video ID obtained in step S112 includes some or all of the game ID, mode ID, and match ID, the commercial item GD[q] related to some or all of the game ID, mode ID, and match ID is an example of a "specific commercial item". Additionally, in the present embodiment, when the video specific information JX corresponding to the video ID obtained in step S112 includes some or all of the game ID, mode ID, and match ID, the advertisement determined in step S114 is an example of a "specific advertisement". Additionally, in the present embodiment, the commercial item GD[q] having the advertisement ID indicated by the advertisement information JY to be distributed corresponding to the video ID obtained in step S112 is an example of a "candidate commercial item". The process of step S114 corresponds to Figure 13 the process of step S22 or S42 shown.

[0114] Next, the distributor 320 controls the respective components of the distribution server 30 so as to distribute to the terminal device 70-m a video distribution screen GG for displaying the distribution video corresponding to the video ID obtained in step S112 and a banner image BN[q] corresponding to the advertisement determined in step S114 (S116). The process of step S116 corresponds to Figure 13 the process of step S24 or S44 shown.

[0115] As Figure 15As shown, the acquirer 310 determines whether the distribution server 30 has received a video distribution request sent from the terminal device 70-m (S120). The process of step S120 corresponds to Figure 13 the process of step S26 or S46 shown. If the determination result of step S120 is negative, the acquirer 310 advances the process to step S130.

[0116] If the determination result of step S120 is positive, the acquirer 310 acquires the video ID and viewer access information provided together with the video distribution request from the terminal device 70-m (S122). Then, the distributor 320 determines whether the distribution video corresponding to the video ID acquired in step S122 is a game video MV for distribution (S124). Specifically, in step S124, the distributor 320 determines whether the video specific information JX corresponding to the video ID acquired in step S122 includes at least one of a game ID, a mode ID, and a match ID. If the determination result of step S124 is negative, the distributor 320 advances the process to step S128.

[0117] If the determination result of step S124 is positive, the distributor 320 merges the video advertisement AD[q] corresponding to the advertisement determined in step S114 into the distribution video (game video MV for distribution) corresponding to the video ID acquired in step S122 (S126). The process of step S126 corresponds to Figure 13 the process of step S28 or S48 shown.

[0118] Then, the distributor 320 distributes (S128) the distribution video information indicating the distribution video corresponding to the video ID acquired in step S122 to the terminal device 70-m.

[0119] Thereafter, the distributor 320 determines whether a predetermined end condition is satisfied (S130). The predetermined end condition is, for example, a condition indicating to stop distributing the distribution video from the distribution server 30 to the terminal device 70-m. If the determination result of step S130 is negative, the distributor 320 advances the process to step S100. If the determination result of step S130 is positive, the distributor 320 terminates Figure 14 and Figure 15 the processes shown.

[0120] Summary of the embodiment

[0121] As described above, in the present embodiment, the distributor 320 obtains from the game device 10 video specific information JX indicating that the game video MV for distribution is a distribution video associated with a specific advertisement. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the distributor 320 can identify, from among a plurality of distribution videos distributable by the distributor 320, the game video MV for distribution associated with a specific advertisement. This enables the distributor 320 in the present embodiment to prevent the distribution of advertisements unrelated to the game video MV for distribution to the terminal device 70-m.

[0122] In addition, in the present embodiment, the distributor 320 merges the video advertisement AD[q] into the game video MV for distribution. Viewers of the game video MV for distribution of a baseball game are interested in the progress of the baseball game. According to the present embodiment, such viewers can be made aware of the existence of the banner image BN[q], and they can be made interested in the commercial item GD[q] indicated by the banner image BN[q].

[0123] B. Variation

[0124] Each of the above embodiments can be varied in various forms. Examples of specific modes of variation will be given below. Two or more forms freely selected from the following examples can be combined as long as they do not conflict with each other. For elements whose actions and functions are equivalent to those of the embodiments in the variations shown below, the reference numerals mentioned in the above description are used, and their detailed descriptions are appropriately omitted.

[0125] Variation 1

[0126] In the above embodiment, the video ID is information for identifying each distribution video among the distribution videos provided by the game device 10 or the distribution device 80 and the distribution videos scheduled to be provided by the game device 10 or the distribution device 80, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The video ID can be, for example, information for identifying each game video MV for distribution provided by the game device 10 and each game video MV for distribution scheduled to be provided by the game device 10. The video ID can also be information for identifying each game video MV for distribution that has been or will be provided from the game device 10. In this case, the distribution server 30 can control, in the video management table TBL1, information for identifying the music videos among the music videos provided by the distribution device 80 and the music videos scheduled to be provided by the distribution device 80 differently from the video ID.

[0127] When the video ID is information for identifying a game video MV for distribution among all game video MVs for distribution provided by the game device 10 in the past or in the future, the distribution server 30 may notify the game device 10 in advance of the game video MV for distribution and the corresponding video ID before a distribution start request is provided from the game device 10. In this case, the game device 10 may notify the distribution server 30 of the video ID together with the distribution start request. In this case, the distribution server 30 may determine that the distribution video corresponding to the distribution start request is the game video MV for distribution in response to the notification of the video ID received together with the distribution start request.

[0128] Variant 2

[0129] In the above-described embodiment and Variant 1, in addition to the distribution server 30 and the plurality of terminal devices 70-1 to 70-M, the video distribution system Sys may further include: a plurality of game devices 10 that communicate with the distribution server 30; and a game server (not shown) that also manages game match information related to the holding of a game match of a baseball game and is communicable with the plurality of game devices 10. Here, the game match information is information that manages a game ID, device identification information, and time period information in association with each other. The device identification information identifies the game device 10 that implements the baseball game of the game match corresponding to the game ID among the plurality of game devices 10, and the time period information indicates the holding time period of the game match corresponding to the game ID. In this variant, the game ID is information for identifying the game match of the baseball game among the plurality of game matches. In this variant, each game device 10 supplies the game ID to the distribution server 30 only when it executes the baseball game of the game match corresponding to the game ID during the time period of the game match corresponding to the game ID.

[0130] Hereinafter, a summary description of the operation of the video distribution system Sys in this variant up to the point where the game device 10 provides the game ID to the distribution server 30 will be given.

[0131] In this variation, the game server first refers to the game match information and, before the start of the period of the game match of the baseball game, sends an event notification to a plurality of game devices 10, the event notification indicating that a game match will be held. Then, the plurality of game devices 10 receive the event notification sent from the game server. Thereafter, in response to the application information for participating in the game match being sent from the game device 10 to the game server based on an input operation performed by the user of the game device 10, the game server updates the game match information so that the match ID corresponding to the game match, the device identification information corresponding to the game device 10, and the period information indicating the period of the game match are associated. When the game device 10 is to execute the baseball game of the game match at the arrival of the period of the game match, the game device 10 sends an execution notification to the game server, aiming to execute the baseball game of the game match. Thereafter, once the execution notification aiming to execute the baseball game of the game match is received from the game device 10, the game server notifies the game device 10 of the match ID corresponding to the game match. Then, the game device 10 receives the match ID corresponding to the game match from the game server. Thereafter, when the game device 10 executes the baseball game of the game match and sends a distribution start request to the distribution server 30 indicating that the game video MV for distribution regarding the baseball game is to be provided, the game device 10 notifies the distribution server 30 of the match ID of the game match.

[0132] Therefore, according to this variation, the distribution server 30 can distribute advertisements for the commercial item GD[q] related to the match ID of the game match to the terminal device 70-m only during the game match period.

[0133] Variation 3

[0134] In the above-described embodiment, Variation 1, and Variation 2, the video management table TBL1 and the advertisement management table TBL2 are stored in the storage unit 330 provided in the distribution server 30, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, one or both of the video management table TBL1 and the advertisement management table TBL2 may be provided in an external device separate from the distribution server 30.

[0135] Figure 16 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example configuration of the video distribution system Sys-B for this variation.

[0136] As Figure 16As shown, the difference between the video distribution system Sys-B and the video distribution system Sys of the present embodiment is that: the video distribution system Sys-B has an advertisement management server 50 that can communicate with the distribution server 30. In this variation, the advertisement management server 50 stores a video management table TBL1 and an advertisement management table TBL2. In addition, in this variation, the distribution server 30 does not store the video management table TBL1 or the advertisement management table TBL2. In this variation, while referring to the video management table TBL1 and the advertisement management table TBL2 stored in the advertisement management server 50, the distribution server 30 performs Figures 13 to 15 the various processes described in

[0137] Variation 4

[0138] In the above-described embodiment and Variations 1 to 3, the distribution server 30 can distribute the banner image BN[q] and the video advertisement AD[q] to the terminal device 70-m as advertisements for the commercial item GD[q], but the present invention is not limited thereto. The distribution server 30 may be able to distribute either the banner image BN[q] or the video advertisement AD[q] to the terminal device 70-m as an advertisement for the commercial item GD[q]. Specifically, the distribution server 30 may be able to distribute the banner image BN[q] to the terminal device 70-m as an advertisement for the commercial item GD[q], and may not have the function of incorporating the video advertisement AD[q] into the distributed video.

[0139] Variation 5

[0140] In the above-described embodiment and Variations 1 to 4, the distribution server 30 distributes an advertisement for the commercial item GD[q] selected from among Q commercial items GD[1] to GD[Q] to the terminal device 70-m. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The distribution server 30 may distribute one or more advertisements for one or more predetermined commercial items GD to the terminal device 70-m.

[0141] Variation 6

[0142] In the above-described embodiment and Variations 1 to 5, "baseball game" has been exemplified as an example of "game". In the present invention, any game may be adopted as the "game".

[0143] C. Supplementary Note

[0144] Based on the above description, for example, the present invention can be understood as follows. For the purpose of facilitating the understanding of each aspect, for convenience, the reference numerals in the drawings are added in parentheses below, but this is not intended to limit the present invention to the form shown in the drawings.

[0145] Supplementary Note 1

[0146] A recording medium according to an aspect of the present invention is a recording medium (e.g., storage device 3001) in which a program (e.g., server control program PG-SH) is recorded, and the program causes a processor (e.g., processor 3000) of a server device (e.g., distribution server 30) that distributes video to a terminal device (e.g., terminal device 70-m) and is communicable with a game device (e.g., game device 10) capable of executing a game (e.g., a baseball game) to act as: a fetcher (e.g., fetcher 310) configured to fetch video information (e.g., game video information JMV for distribution) indicating a game video (e.g., game video MV for distribution) of the game from the game device; and a distributor (e.g., distributor 320) configured to distribute the game video indicated by the video information to the terminal device, and in a case where the game device has generated specific information (e.g., video specific information JX) indicating that the game video is a specific video, the distributor is configured to distribute a specific advertisement of a specific commercial item associated with the specific video to the terminal device in response to the fetcher fetching the video information and the specific information from the game device.

[0147] In this regard, the distributor fetches specific information indicating that the game video is a specific video associated with a specific advertisement from the game device. Thus, in this regard, the distributor is able to identify, among a plurality of videos distributable by the distributor, the game video associated with the specific advertisement. In this regard, this enables the distributor to restrict the distribution of advertisements unrelated to the game video to the terminal device.

[0148] In the above aspect, the "game video" may be, for example, a set of a plurality of game images corresponding one-to-one to a plurality of unit time periods (e.g., time periods of 1 / 60 second). In this case, for example, the distributor may distribute, to the terminal device, game images corresponding to each unit time period before the start of the unit time period, so that the terminal device can display, in each unit time period, the game image corresponding to that unit time period. In this case, for example, the distributor may distribute, to the terminal device, game images corresponding to each unit time period for the terminal device to display the game images on the terminal device at a timing corresponding to the timing at which the terminal device receives the game images. In the above manner, the "game video" may include, for example, audio related to the game.

[0149] In the above aspects, the "specific video" can be, for example, a video about a specific game type, or a video about a game executed in a specific operation mode, or a video about a game executed for a specific purpose. Here, a game executed in a "specific operation mode" can, for example, mean that the game is executed under specific rules, or the game is executed to implement a specific task regarding the game. Additionally, a game executed for a "specific purpose" can, for example, mean that the game is executed in a specific event (such as a specific game competition), or the game is executed by a specific user (such as a member of a specific group).

[0150] In the above aspects, the "specific commercial item" can, for example, represent a specific product (commodity) or a specific service.

[0151] Furthermore, in the above aspects, the "specific advertisement" can be, for example: a still image about a specific commercial item, which is incorporated into the game video; a video about a specific commercial item, which is incorporated into the game video; an audio about a specific commercial item, which is incorporated into the game video; a still image about a specific commercial item, which is separately displayed from the game video on a display unit provided on a terminal device for displaying the game video; a video about a specific commercial item, which is separately displayed from the game video on the display unit; an audio about a specific commercial item, which is separately generated from the game video in the terminal device; or at least one of these.

[0152] Supplementary Note 2

[0153] The recording medium according to another aspect of the present invention is the recording medium described in Supplementary Note 1, and the distributor is configured to, in response to the acquirer acquiring video information and specific information from the game device, after incorporating the specific advertisement into the game video indicated by the video information, perform a process of distributing the game video to the terminal device.

[0154] In this aspect, the distributor is configured to incorporate a specific advertisement related to a specific commercial item into the game video. Therefore, according to this aspect, compared with the form of displaying an advertisement in an area different from the area for displaying the game video in the terminal device, viewers interested in the game progress of the game video can be made aware of the existence of the specific advertisement, and the viewers can be made interested in the specific commercial item. Furthermore, in this aspect, the distributor is configured to incorporate the specific advertisement into the game video. That is, in this aspect, the distributor can, for example, incorporate the specific advertisement into the game video in a manner that does not interfere with the visibility of the game video by the viewer of the game video. Therefore, according to this aspect, compared with the form of displaying an advertisement as a pop-up window superimposed on the game video, for example, the discomfort caused by the advertisement to the viewer of the game video can be reduced.

[0155] Supplementary Note 3

[0156] A recording medium according to another aspect of the present invention is the recording medium described in Supplementary Note 1 or 2. In a case where there are a plurality of candidate commercial items as candidates for a specific commercial item (for example, a commercial item corresponding to an advertisement ID indicated by advertisement information JY to be distributed) for a specific commercial project, the distributor is configured to select a specific commercial item from among the plurality of candidate commercial items based on attribute information (for example, viewer information) indicating the attributes of the user of the terminal device.

[0157] In this regard, the distributor selects a specific commercial item from among the plurality of candidate commercial items based on the attribute information, so as to distribute a specific advertisement regarding the specific commercial item. Therefore, in this regard, the distributor can distribute an advertisement through which an advertisement effect can be obtained to the user of the terminal device.

[0158] Supplementary Note 4

[0159] A distribution system according to one aspect of the present invention is a distribution system (for example, video distribution system Sys) including the following: a game device capable of executing a game; and a server device communicable with the game device and configured to distribute a video to a terminal device. The game device is configured to: generate video information indicating a game video of the game; and generate specific information indicating that the game video is a specific video in a case where the game video is a specific video. The server device includes: an acquirer configured to acquire the video information and the specific information from the game device; and a distributor configured to distribute the game video indicated by the video information to the terminal device, and the distributor is configured to, in response to the acquirer acquiring the video information and the specific information from the game device, distribute a specific advertisement of a specific commercial item associated with the specific video to the terminal device.

[0160] In this regard, the distributor acquires specific information indicating that the game video is a specific video associated with a specific advertisement from the game device. Therefore, in this regard, the distributor can restrict the distribution of advertisements unrelated to the game video to the terminal device.

[0161] Supplementary Note 5

[0162] A distribution system according to another aspect of the present invention is the distribution system described in Supplementary Note 4, and the specific information includes game identification information (for example, game ID) for identifying the game executed by the game device.

[0163] In this regard, the distributor acquires specific information for identifying the game from the game device. Therefore, in this regard, the distributor can identify the video of the game for which a specific advertisement of a specific commercial item should be distributed from among the plurality of videos that the distributor can distribute.

[0164] Supplementary Note 6

[0165] The distribution system according to another aspect of the present invention is the distribution system described in Supplementary Note 4. The game device can execute a game in a plurality of operation modes corresponding to a plurality of types of rules, and the specific information includes mode recognition information (e.g., mode ID) for identifying the operation mode executed by the game device.

[0166] In this regard, the distributor acquires specific information for identifying the operation mode of the game from the game device. Therefore, in this regard, the distributor can identify, from among a plurality of videos that the distributor can distribute, the video of the game that is being executed in accordance with the operation mode and for which a specific advertisement regarding a specific commercial item should be distributed.

[0167] Supplementary Note 7

[0168] The server device according to one aspect of the present invention is a server device that distributes videos to a terminal device. The server device is communicable with a game device capable of executing a game, and the server device includes: an acquirer configured to acquire video information indicating a game video of the game from the game device; and a distributor configured to distribute the game video indicated by the video information to the terminal device, and in a case where the game device has generated specific information indicating that the game video is a specific video, the distributor is configured to, in response to the acquirer acquiring the video information and the specific information from the game device, distribute a specific advertisement of a specific commercial item associated with the specific video to the terminal device.

[0169] In this regard, the distributor acquires specific information indicating that the game video is a specific video associated with a specific advertisement from the game device. Therefore, in this regard, the distributor can restrict the distribution of advertisements unrelated to the game video distributed to the terminal device.

[0170] Supplementary Note 8

[0171] A control method for a server device according to one aspect of the present invention is a control method for a server device that distributes videos to a terminal device. The server device is communicable with a game device capable of executing a game. The method includes causing a processor of the server device to act as: an acquirer configured to acquire video information indicating a game video of the game from the game device; and a distributor configured to distribute the game video indicated by the video information to the terminal device, and in a case where the game device has generated specific information indicating that the game video is a specific video, the distributor is configured to, in response to the acquirer acquiring the video information and the specific information from the game device, distribute a specific advertisement of a specific commercial item associated with the specific video to the terminal device.

[0172] In this regard, the distributor acquires specific information indicating that the game video is a specific video associated with a specific advertisement from the game device. Therefore, in this regard, the distributor can restrict the distribution of advertisements unrelated to the game video distributed to the terminal device.

[0173] List of attached reference numerals

[0174] 10... Game device, 30... Distribution server, 70-m... Terminal device, 300... Controller, 310... Obtainer, 320... Distributor, 3000... Processor, Sys... Video distribution system.

Claims

1. A recording medium having recorded thereon a program that causes a processor of a server device that distributes video to a terminal device and is communicable with a game device capable of executing a game to function as: An acquirer configured to acquire video information indicating a game video of the game from the game device; and A dispenser configured to determine, based on specific information, a specific advertisement for a specific commercial item as the advertisement to be transmitted to the terminal device, wherein, The specific information is generated by the game device, the specific information is information including at least a game ID and a mode ID, or information indicating that neither the game ID nor the mode ID is included, and the specific information indicates that the game video is a specific video, wherein the specific commercial item is associated with the specific video, and the distributor distributes the game video indicated by the video information to the terminal device, wherein the distributor is configured to distribute the specific advertisement to the terminal device in response to the acquirer acquiring the video information and the specific information from the game device.

2. The recording medium according to claim 1, wherein, The distributor is configured to, in response to the acquirer acquiring the video information and the specific information from the game device, after merging the specific advertisement into the game video indicated by the video information, perform a process of distributing the game video to the terminal device.

3. The recording medium according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, In a case where there are a plurality of candidate commercial items as candidates for the specific commercial item, the distributor is configured to select the specific commercial item from among the plurality of candidate commercial items based on attribute information indicating attributes of a user of the terminal device.

4. A distribution system, the distribution system including: A game device capable of executing a game; And A server device communicable with the game device and configured to distribute video to a terminal device, wherein, The game device is configured to: Generate video information indicating a game video of the game; and In a case where the game video is a specific video, generate specific information, wherein the specific information is information including at least a game ID and a mode ID, or information indicating that neither the game ID nor the mode ID is included, and the specific information indicates that the game video is a specific video, The server device includes: An acquirer configured to acquire the video information and the specific information from the game device; and A distributor configured to determine, based on the specific information, a specific advertisement for a specific commercial item as an advertisement to be transmitted to the terminal device, wherein the specific commercial item is associated with the specific video, and the distributor distributes the game video indicated by the video information to the terminal device, and The distributor is configured to distribute the specific advertisement to the terminal device in response to the acquirer acquiring the video information and the specific information from the game device.

5. The distribution system according to claim 4, wherein The specific information includes game identification information for identifying a game executed by the game device.

6. The distribution system according to claim 4, wherein, The game device can execute the game in multiple operation modes corresponding to multiple types of rules, and the specific information includes pattern recognition information for identifying the operation mode executed by the game device.

7. A server device that distributes videos to a terminal device. The server device is communicable with a game device capable of executing a game, and the server device includes: an acquirer configured to acquire video information indicating a game video of the game from the game device; and a distributor configured to determine a specific advertisement for a specific commercial item as an advertisement to be transmitted to the terminal device based on specific information. The specific information is generated by the game device, and the specific information is information that at least includes a game ID and a mode ID, or information indicating that neither the game ID nor the mode ID is included. The specific information indicates that the game video is a specific video, where the specific commercial item is associated with the specific video, and the distributor distributes the game video indicated by the video information to the terminal device, wherein the distributor is configured to distribute the specific advertisement to the terminal device in response to the acquirer acquiring the video information and the specific information from the game device.

8. A control method for a server device that distributes videos to a terminal device. The server device is communicable with a game device capable of executing a game, and the method includes the following steps: causing a processor of the server device to act as: an acquirer configured to acquire video information indicating a game video of the game from the game device; and a distributor configured to determine a specific advertisement for a specific commercial item as an advertisement to be transmitted to the terminal device based on specific information. The specific information is generated by the game device, and the specific information is information that at least includes a game ID and a mode ID, or information indicating that neither the game ID nor the mode ID is included. The specific information indicates that the game video is a specific video, where the specific commercial item is associated with the specific video, and the distributor distributes the game video indicated by the video information to the terminal device, wherein the distributor is configured to distribute the specific advertisement to the terminal device in response to the acquirer acquiring the video information and the specific information from the game device.

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