Information processing device, information processing method, and program

Abstract

To provide an information processing device, information processing method and program for assisting a viewing user in selecting gifts.SOLUTION: An information processing device of the present invention comprises: a delivery unit that delivers video content of a delivery user to a viewing user; an operation receiving unit that receives a granting operation performed by the viewing user to grant the delivery user with gifts that can be displayed in the video content; and a notification unit that, when a first gift is displayed in the video content, notifies the viewing user of a guide regarding a second gift corresponding to the first gift.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 18

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device, an information processing method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] It is already known that a broadcasting user's video content is broadcasted, and when a viewing user views the broadcasted video content, the viewing user bestows (gives) an object that can be displayed within the video content to the broadcasting user as a gift (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] In the system described in Patent Document 1, video content displaying an avatar of a broadcasting user is distributed as video content, and a viewing user can give the broadcasting user an object such as clothing that can be worn on the avatar as a gift. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-27576 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] When gifts are given multiple times to a distributor of the same video content, the viewing user needs to consider the gifts given in the past when selecting the type of gift to give each time, in order to avoid giving duplicate gifts. Therefore, it is required to support the viewing user in selecting a gift, and more specifically, to provide the viewing user with information that is effective in smoothly selecting a gift.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an information processing device, an information processing method, and a program for supporting a viewing user in selecting a gift. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An information processing device according to one embodiment of the present invention is characterized in having a distribution unit that distributes video content of a broadcasting user to a viewing user, an operation receiving unit that receives a granting operation performed by the viewing user to grant a gift that can be displayed in the video content to the broadcasting user, and a notification unit that, when a first gift is displayed in the video content, notifies the viewing user of information regarding a second gift corresponding to the first gift. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide viewing users with information that is effective in selecting a gift for a broadcasting user, thereby supporting the viewing users in giving gifts. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a conceptual diagram of a video distribution system including an information processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of video content. [Diagram 3] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen on which a list of gifts is displayed. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen for video content, and is a diagram showing a display screen for an avatar equipped with a gift. [Figure 5A] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of the process for notifying information regarding a second gift, showing the first stage. [Figure 5B] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of the flow of notifying information regarding a second gift, showing the second stage. [Figure 5C] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of the process for notifying information regarding a second gift, showing the third stage. [Figure 5D] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of the flow of notifying information regarding a second gift, showing the fourth stage. [Figure 6]FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a modified example of the guidance regarding the second gift. [Figure 7A] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of the flow of notifying information regarding a plurality of second gifts, showing the first stage. [Figure 7B] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of the flow of notifying information regarding multiple second gifts, showing the second stage. [Figure 7C] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of the flow of notifying information regarding a plurality of second gifts, showing the third stage. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for confirming the intention to give a gift. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a user terminal. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a server. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing user information. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing broadcast user information. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing avatar information. [Figure 14] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing viewing user information. [Figure 15] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing attachment object information. [Figure 16] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of functions of a broadcast user's user terminal. [Figure 17] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of functions of a user terminal of a viewing user. [Figure 18] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of functions of an information processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19A] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an information processing flow according to an embodiment of the present invention (part 1). [Figure 19B] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an information processing flow according to an embodiment of the present invention (part 2). [Figure 19C] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an information processing flow according to an embodiment of the present invention (part 3). [Figure 20] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a modified example of the display screen of the video content. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an information processing device, an information processing method, and a program according to the present invention will be described by way of specific embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. For convenience of explanation, the following may be explained from the viewpoint of GUI (Graphic User Interface). However, since the basic data processing technologies (communication / transmission technologies, data acquisition technologies, data recording technologies, data processing / analysis technologies, image processing technologies, visualization technologies, etc.) required to realize the contents are well-known technologies, explanations of them will be omitted.

[0011] In this specification, a "user" is a person who uses the functions of the information processing device of the present invention, and more specifically, a user can enjoy the benefits (services) provided by the functions of the information processing device of the present invention by operating a specific device. The specific device may be a device owned by the user (e.g., a user terminal 12 described later), or a device installed in a store or the like, which is not owned by the user but may be a terminal or computer that can be used by entering a PIN number, a password, or making a deposit when visiting the store or the like.

[0012] <<Summary of the Invention>> The present invention relates to an information processing technology for the distribution and display of video content and the associated details. An information processing device according to one embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as this embodiment) is composed of a server 10, which, as shown in Fig. 1, configures a video distribution system S together with a user terminal 12. A user can distribute video content to other users through the video distribution system S, and the other users can view the distributed video on the user terminal 12. For convenience of illustration, in FIG. 1, the number of user terminals 12 is three, but in reality, the number of user terminals 12 corresponds to the number of users who use the functions of the information processing device.

[0013] Hereinafter, a user who distributes video content will be referred to as a "distributing user", a user who views the distributed video content will be referred to as a "viewing user", and when there is no need to distinguish between them, they will simply be referred to as "users". Incidentally, when a distributing user is not distributing video content himself, he can also be a viewing user who views videos distributed by other distributing users. Furthermore, during the period in which the video content is distributed, the distributing user can view (check) that video content on his / her own user terminal 12.

[0014] Video content is content (more specifically, electronic data) including video data and audio data, and is the video content of the broadcasting user. Here, the video content of the broadcasting user is, for example, content created based on the broadcasting user's broadcasting operation. The broadcasting operation is a series of operations required for creating and distributing video content, such as starting a content distribution program installed in the broadcasting user's user terminal 12. The broadcasting operation includes an operation in which the broadcasting user photographs himself / herself with a camera mounted on the user terminal 12, and an operation in which the broadcasting user collects his / her own vocalizations or singing, etc., with a microphone mounted on the user terminal 12. The photographing operation, the sound collection operation, etc. may be performed by another person (for example, a collaborator of the broadcasting user, etc.) at the request of the broadcasting user.

[0015] The server 10 acquires video content from the user terminal 12 of the delivery user via the communication network N, identifies a viewing user who is to be the content delivery destination, and delivers the video content to the identified viewing user. The viewing user identified as the content delivery destination starts a content viewing program installed in his / her user terminal 12, and specifies the delivery user who is the content delivery source. The server 10 transmits the video content acquired from the delivery user specified by each viewing user to the user terminal 12 of each viewing user.

[0016] In this embodiment, the server 10 instantly distributes video content acquired from a distribution user to a viewing user. This allows the viewing user to view the distributed video content substantially in real time. In other words, the video content distribution method in this embodiment is a live distribution method. The live distribution may be realized using existing live distribution technologies such as HTTP Live Streaming, Common Media Application Format, Web Real-Time Communications, Real-Time Messasing Protocol, and MPEG DASH.

[0017] It should be noted that live streaming includes a streaming method in which, when video content (more specifically, elemental images at each point in time in the video content) is transmitted from the streaming user, the viewing user can view the video content with a certain delay. In terms of delay, at least a delay large enough to allow communication between the streaming user and the viewing user is acceptable. On the other hand, live streaming is distinguished from on-demand streaming in which the video content is temporarily stored in the server 10 and then the video content is distributed from the server 10 to the viewing user at any time in response to a request from the viewing user. However, the present invention is also applicable to on-demand video content distribution.

[0018] In this embodiment, the video content is video content that displays avatar A of the broadcast user, that is, an animated video of avatar A, as shown in Fig. 2. In the video content, avatar A is the main display object, and audio, music, still images, etc. may be added to the video content together with avatar A. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and audio, music, still images, etc. may be the main broadcast content, and avatar A may be displayed together with these contents as a character that acts as a commentator or facilitator of the content.

[0019] Avatar A is a virtual object that resembles, for example, a person or a character, and is created by a broadcasting user. The procedure for creating an avatar is well known, so a detailed explanation will be omitted, but for example, for each of the multiple body parts (parts) that make up the avatar, one part material is selected for each part from a part material candidate group that includes one or more part materials, and the avatar can be created by combining the part materials for each part.

[0020] The avatar A according to the present embodiment is, for example, a humanoid avatar, and includes at least the head, face, neck, shoulders, torso, arms, hands, waist, legs, and feet. In addition, in the video content, the avatar A moves based on the distribution operation of the distribution user, specifically, moves in conjunction with the filmed body movements of the distribution user, shows facial expressions according to the facial expressions of the distribution user, and emits sounds according to the vocalizations or singing of the distribution user.

[0021] 2 and 4, each part of avatar A can be fitted with a wearable object such as clothing and accessories, and the video content can display the avatar with the wearable object attached. In other words, the viewing user can use the wearable object (specifically, wear it on the avatar), and in that case, the video content is delivered in which the wearable object is superimposed on avatar A.

[0022] The parts of Avatar A that can be worn (hereinafter, referred to as "wearing parts") are predetermined, and the wearing object includes part information that is information indicating the wearing part. When the wearing object is used, a video content is created of Avatar A in a state in which the wearing object is worn on the wearing part indicated by the part information. In the video content, the wearing object follows the movement (displacement) of each part of Avatar A, and if the wearing object is clothing, it changes shape or displaces in accordance with the movement of the wearing part.

[0023] In addition, it is possible to replace the attachment object by attaching another attachment object to the same part (attachment part) of avatar A where an attachment object is already attached, that is, to change the clothes. Changing the clothes may be performed before the video content is distributed or may be performed during the video content distribution.

[0024] The wearable object can be obtained by paying a fee or the like. For example, a user can purchase a wearable object by following a prescribed procedure and possess the purchased wearable object. Here, possession means that the wearable object is possessed in a state in which it can be used in video content, and more specifically, data of the wearable object is associated with the ID or the like of the user who possesses it and is stored in a state in which the user can use it.

[0025] The procedure for purchasing a wearable object can be carried out by starting a program for distributing or viewing video content and using the functions of that program. The procedure for purchasing a wearable object will be explained in the section "Gift Granting" below. The settlement process (a series of information processes related to the payment of the price) associated with the purchase of a wearable object is the same as normal billing processing and is well known, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0026] Furthermore, in this embodiment, multiple attachment objects are prepared, and the status (status regarding use / possession) of each attachment object is managed for each user. The status of each attachment object is expressed, for example, as one of "wearing," "possessing," and "not possessing." Here, "wearing" is a state in which the attachment object is possessed and worn on the corresponding attachment part of avatar A, "possessing" is a state in which the attachment object is simply possessed without being worn, and "not possessing" is a state in which the attachment object has not yet been obtained (possessed).

[0027] Furthermore, wearable objects can be given (given) as gifts, and a viewing user can give a wearable object that he or she has purchased or that he or she currently owns as a gift to a distributing user. The distributing user can wear the wearable object that he or she received as a gift from the viewing user on avatar A, and distribute video content of avatar A wearing the wearable object. In the following description, wearing a wearable object given as a gift will be expressed as "wearing a gift."

[0028] In this embodiment, the attached gift is attached to avatar A for a preset time (set time). In other words, the display time of avatar A attached with a gift given by a viewing user in the video content is limited to a certain time, and when the set time has elapsed, the gift disappears from the video content. In addition, when a certain condition (hereinafter, extension condition) is satisfied, it is possible to extend the display time of avatar A attached with a certain gift.

[0029] <<Gift Granting>> Next, the procedure by which a viewing user gives (gives) a gift to a broadcasting user will be described. A viewing user can, for example, purchase a gift while viewing video content on the user terminal 12. To be more specific, as shown in Fig. 2, a purchase button Bt1 is provided on the screen on which the video content is displayed, and when the purchase button Bt1 is touched, a list LS shown in Fig. 3 is displayed.

[0030] In the list LS, information on gifts that can be purchased at that time (gift information) is posted for each gift. Each piece of gift information includes the appearance of the gift, the part to be worn, the purchase price, and additional information, and the additional information may include information on the gift seller (e.g., brand information, etc.), the specifications of the gift (e.g., color, pattern, or design concept such as summer or winter clothing, etc.), and the number of items sold (sales) to date.

[0031] Each piece of gift information in the list LS is displayed selectably, and the viewing user can purchase the gift by selecting one or more pieces of gift information and performing an operation for deciding to purchase (for example, an operation of pressing a button marked "Purchase" in FIG. 3). After that, the viewing user decides whether or not to give the purchased gift to the distribution user of the video content currently being viewed, and inputs the result of the decision.

[0032] Then, when the viewing user decides to give the purchased gift and performs an operation to give the gift to the broadcasting user (hereinafter, the giving operation), information indicating the operation content is sent from the user terminal 12 of the viewing user to the server 10. The server 10 accepts the giving operation of the viewing user by receiving the above information, and sets the gift given by the viewing user to a state where it can be used by the broadcasting user based on the accepted giving operation. This allows the broadcasting user to wear the gift given by the viewing user on avatar A, and as a result, as shown in FIG. 4, avatar A with the above gift attached is displayed in the video content. At this time, the broadcasting user may be inquired about whether or not the gift given by the viewing user has been used (worn), and if the broadcasting user answers that the gift will be used, the above gift may be attached to avatar A.

[0033] In addition, when a gift is given to the broadcasting user, the given gift may be equipped to avatar A and displayed in the video content each time. Alternatively, the display of the gift may be suspended until the number of gifts given reaches a predetermined number, and at the point when the predetermined number of gifts have been given, the predetermined number of gifts may be equipped to avatar A collectively and displayed in the video content. In this case, the broadcasting user may be notified of the gift each time a gift is given.

[0034] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the viewing user can purchase multiple gifts in a lump sum. In that case, the multiple gifts purchased in a lump sum are given (given) to the broadcasting user collectively, and the broadcasting user can equip avatar A with the multiple gifts he or she received at the same time. In other words, the multiple gifts purchased in a lump sum are displayed together in the video content, and are not displayed individually.

[0035] In addition, a method of purchasing gifts in bulk may be a method of purchasing multiple gifts individually within a predetermined time. In that case, information on each of the multiple purchased gifts may be notified to the distribution user in the order in which the gifts were purchased.

[0036] In addition, when multiple gifts that can be worn on the same attachment site are purchased together and given to the broadcast user, each of the multiple gifts may be displayed for a certain period of time within the video content. In other words, after one gift out of the multiple gifts is displayed for a certain period of time, the next gift may be displayed for a certain period of time.

[0037] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when multiple gifts are purchased in a lump sum, multiple viewing users can jointly purchase them. Specifically, one viewing user can act as a host user and call on other viewing users to purchase multiple gifts in a lump sum. The call is sent through the video distribution system S to the user terminals 12 of users who are viewing the same video content as the video content being viewed by the host viewing user. Then, the host viewing user and the other viewing users who responded to the call (hereinafter, responding users) each purchase one or more gifts. The gifts purchased by the host user and the responding users are given collectively to the distribution user.

[0038] In addition, a manner in which multiple viewing users purchase multiple gifts at once may include a manner in which multiple users individually purchase gifts within a certain period of time (more specifically, within the response period described below) with the same broadcasting user as the gift recipient, regardless of whether or not the host user has made an appeal.

[0039] In this embodiment, when a viewing user gives a new gift to a broadcasting user to whom a gift has already been given, a recommended gift is presented to the viewing user. Hereinafter, the gift previously given to the broadcasting user is referred to as the "first gift", the gift presented as a recommended gift is referred to as the "second gift", and the viewing user to whom the second gift is presented is referred to as the "target viewing user".

[0040] The user who gave the first gift may be the same user as the target viewing user, or may be another user other than the target viewing user, specifically another user who is viewing the same video content as the video content being viewed by the target viewing user. In addition, there may be a case where a distribution user watches a video content that the distribution user distributes and gives the first gift and the second gift to the video content. Therefore, the distribution user may also be included in the user who gives the first gift and / or the user who gives the second gift.

[0041] In addition, if multiple gifts have already been granted to the broadcast user, the gift that was granted most recently among the multiple gifts may be designated as the first gift, or all of the gifts currently attached to the avatar may be designated as the first gift. Furthermore, the first gift may be a gift that corresponds to a portion of the video content designated by the target viewing user or the broadcasting user, and specifically may be a gift designated by the target viewing user or the broadcasting user from among the gifts currently attached to avatar A. A gift is designated, for example, by the target viewing user or the broadcasting user touching on the screen any one of the gifts attached to avatar A appearing in the video content being viewed. In the following, the gift designated by the target viewing user from among the gifts worn by avatar A will be referred to as a first gift, and this case will be described as an example.

[0042] The second gift is a gift corresponding to the first gift, and is specified based on the gift information of the first gift. Specifically, while the target viewing user is viewing a video content, the target viewing user selects one or more gifts attached to the avatars displayed in the video content, and touches the gift on the screen as shown in FIG. 5A. The first gift is specified by this touch operation, and the result of the specification is sent to the server 10. The server 10 specifies the second gift corresponding to the specified first gift from one or more gifts (more specifically, gifts whose gift information is listed in the list LS) that can be given at present by the target viewing user.

[0043] In addition, the correspondence between the first gift and the second gift may be stored in advance as a LUT (Look Up Table). In this case, the server 10 may refer to this LUT to identify the second gift from the first gift designated by the target viewing user.

[0044] Furthermore, the number of second gifts identified based on the first gift, i.e., the number of second gifts associated with the first gift, may be 2 or more. In this case, the two or more second gifts may include gifts that are worn at the same wearing position on the avatar A, or may include gifts that are worn at different wearing positions.

[0045] Then, the server 10 notifies the target viewing user of the guidance regarding the specified second gift. Specifically, the guidance regarding the second gift is reflected in the video content being viewed by the target viewing user, and the content of the guidance is displayed in the video content. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 5B, a guidance object based on the second gift (hereinafter, guidance object GO) is created, and is displayed together with the avatar A in the video content being viewed by the target viewing user.

[0046] The guide object GO has the same appearance as the second gift and is a transparent or semi-transparent object with a high degree of transparency. The guide object GO is displayed at a location corresponding to the second gift in the video content being viewed by the target viewing user, specifically, at the same location on the avatar A where the second gift is worn. However, the guide object GO is not limited to the above object, and may be, for example, a text box or window in which gift information of the second gift is written, as shown in FIG. 6.

[0047] In addition, when the guide object GO is touched on the screen, a screen KS for purchasing the second gift shown in Fig. 5C is displayed, and the target viewing user can purchase the guided second gift through this purchase screen KS. In addition, the target viewing user can give the purchased second gift to the distribution user by the above-mentioned procedure.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 5D, the second gift given to the distribution user is worn by the target viewing user at the wearing part corresponding to the second gift on avatar A displayed in the video content being viewed. The worn second gift is displayed for a specified time in the video content. In addition, in this embodiment, when the second gift is worn, the display time of the first gift corresponding to the second gift (i.e., the first gift designated by the target viewing user) is extended, and for example, a time according to the display time of the second gift is added to the display time of the first gift. As a result, the first gift is displayed in the video content together with the second gift, and disappears together with the second gift when the display time of the second gift has elapsed.

[0049] 5C, in addition to the purchase button to be pressed when the purchase of the second gift is decided, a cancel button Bt2 to be used when the purchase of the second gift is to be postponed may be displayed on the purchase screen KS. When the cancel button Bt2 is pressed, the information regarding the second gift, i.e., the information object GO, disappears from the video content.

[0050] In addition, when multiple second gifts that can be worn on the same wearing part are specified and information on one of the second gifts is displayed, a switching button for switching to information on another second gift may be further provided on the purchase screen KS. For example, when multiple types of earrings are specified as second gifts and information on one of them is displayed, pressing the switching button may switch to information on another earring. Alternatively, information on one second gift may be displayed for a certain period of time, and then switched to information on another second gift.

[0051] In addition, when two or more second gifts (hereinafter referred to as "two or more different second gifts") that can be attached to different attachment sites are specified, a guide for each of the two or more different second gifts may be notified. In detail, as shown in FIG. 7A, a guide object GO may be displayed for each of the two or more different second gifts. In this case, as shown in FIG. 7B, a purchase screen KS that is displayed by touching each guide object GO is provided with a button Bt3 for single purchase, a button Bt4 for collective purchase, and a button Bt5 for collective purchase for multiple users. By pressing one of these buttons, the target viewing user can purchase the second gift in a manner corresponding to the pressed button.

[0052] Specifically, the target viewing user who presses the button Bt3 for single purchase can purchase the second gift with the touched guide object GO alone among two or more different second gifts. In this case, after purchasing the second gift, the grant confirmation screen FS shown in FIG. 8 may be displayed, and the target viewing user may select the grant form of the purchased second gift from three grant forms selectably displayed on this screen FS. The three selectable grant forms include a form in which the purchased second gift is granted alone, a form in which another gift is additionally purchased and granted together with the additionally purchased gift, and a form in which the gift is granted after waiting for another viewing user to purchase a gift within a response period to be described later.

[0053] The target viewing user who presses the bulk purchase button Bt4 can purchase two or more different second gifts in a lump sum by himself / herself. In this case, the two or more different second gifts purchased in a lump sum can be given to the distribution user all at once. As described above, the given two or more different second gifts are worn by avatar A at the same time in the video content being viewed by the target viewing user.

[0054] The target viewing user who pressed the button Bt5 for multiple user bulk purchase can call on other users to bulk purchase two or more second gifts as the host user. At this time, the person to whom the call is to be made to purchase two or more different second gifts in bulk may be specified. Also, the person to whom the call is to be made to purchase a specified gift from among two or more different second gifts may be specified. Users that the target viewing user can specify as the person to be called on are, for example, other viewing users who are viewing the same video content as the video content being viewed by the target viewing user.

[0055] Note that users that the target viewing user can designate as contacts may be limited to users who meet certain conditions, such as friends of the target viewing user, or registered members of the distribution user of the video content being viewed by the target viewing user. Friends of the target viewing user are other viewing users who have a certain relationship (friend relationship) with the target viewing user, and a friend relationship is established when one user accepts a request from the other user. Registered members of a distribution user are viewing users who have registered that distribution user as a favorite. Favorite registration is performed when the viewing user specifies the distribution user to be registered and makes a registration request to that distribution user.

[0056] Other users who respond to the call from the target viewing user can participate as responding users in the collective purchase of two or more different second gifts. Specifically, each responding user selects and purchases a gift that has not yet been purchased from among two or more different second gifts. Then, the target viewing user and the responding user can give the second gifts that they have each purchased to the distribution user under a joint name.

[0057] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the period during which a call from a target viewing user can be responded to (hereinafter, the response period) is limited to a certain time. The response period is the time during which a granting operation performed by a responding user to grant two or more gifts (specifically, the second gift) to the distribution user all at once is accepted. The length of the response period can be determined arbitrarily. Furthermore, the response period may be displayed on a screen such as the purchase screen KS. In this case, the remaining time of the response period may be displayed as text information, or may be displayed by an image such as an hourglass or an animation.

[0058] If two or more different second gifts are all purchased within the response period, the two or more different second gifts purchased collectively are given to the broadcast user at that time and are attached to avatar A in the video content as shown in Fig. 7C. At this time, as shown in Fig. 7C, the names of the viewing users who purchased each gift may be displayed in the video content. On the other hand, if some of the two or more different second gifts are not purchased within the response period, only the second gifts purchased at the end of the response period are given to the broadcast user.

[0059] As described above, when two or more different second gifts are specified, the viewing user can select one of single purchase, bulk purchase, and multiple user bulk purchase, and purchase some or all of the two or more different second gifts in the selected method. In addition, in this embodiment, among the above three purchasing methods, bulk purchase and multiple user bulk purchase can be selected only when the remaining time of the display time of the first gift is equal to or longer than a specified time. Specifically, on the purchase screen KS, the button Bt4 for bulk purchase and the button Bt5 for multiple user bulk purchase are displayed only when the remaining time of the display time of the first gift is equal to or longer than a specified time, and these buttons are not displayed when the remaining time is less than the specified time.

[0060] <<Example of video distribution system configuration>> Next, a configuration example of the video distribution system S will be described. In the video distribution system S, a server 10 and a user terminal 12 are communicatively connected to each other via a communication network N. The communication network N is a communication line network consisting of, for example, the Internet or a mobile communication network, and may include a LAN (Local Area Network), a WAN (Wide Area Network), an intranet, Ethernet (registered trademark), and the like.

[0061] The user terminal 12 is configured by a personal computer, a smartphone, a mobile phone, a tablet terminal, a television receiver capable of inputting information, a wearable terminal, or the like. In addition, a program for an OS (Operating System) and an application program (hereinafter, an app) for using video content are installed in the user terminal 12. This app includes a program for distributing video content and a program for viewing. When using video content, the user starts one of the above two programs that corresponds to the mode of use of the video content desired by the user (specifically, whether to distribute or view the video content).

[0062] 9, the user terminal 12 includes a processor 12a, a memory 12b, and a communication interface 12c. The configuration of these devices is similar to that of the devices (specifically, the processor 10a, the memory 10b, and the communication interface 10c) included in the server 10 described below. The user terminal 12 further includes an input device 12d including a touch panel, a mouse, a keyboard, and the like, and an output device 12e including a display, a speaker, and the like. The input device 12d includes a camera for taking pictures, a microphone for collecting sound, and the like.

[0063] User terminal 12 is used by a user, who performs various operations through user terminal 12. To be more specific, a distribution user performs a distribution operation through user terminal 12 in order to distribute video content. Also, a viewing user views video content on user terminal 12, and performs the above-mentioned gift granting operation (including a purchase operation) through user terminal 12 in order to grant a gift to the distribution user.

[0064] The server 10 is an example of a computer, and specifically, is configured by an SNS server or a server computer for cloud services. Server computers for cloud services include server computers for ASP (Application Service Provider), SaaS (Software as a Service), PaaS (Platform as a Service), or IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service). The server 10 may be a single computer or multiple computers distributed in parallel.

[0065] The server 10 executes various information processes related to the use of video content. Specifically, the server 10 acquires video content created by the broadcasting user by communicating with the user terminal 12 of the broadcasting user, and distributes the acquired video content to the viewing user. In addition, when the viewing user performs a granting operation to grant a gift to the broadcasting user, the server 10 accepts the granting operation, and specifically, communicates with the user terminal 12 of the viewing user to acquire information indicating the content of the granting operation. Having accepted the granting operation, the server 10 sets the gift granted by the viewing user to a state usable by the broadcasting user based on the content of the operation. Furthermore, when a broadcast user uses a gift, the server 10 broadcasts video content of avatar A wearing the gift that was used.

[0066] Regarding the configuration of the server 10, the server 10 has, as hardware devices, a processor 10a, a memory 10b, a communication interface 10c, and a storage 10d, as shown in FIG.

[0067] The processor 10a may be composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro-Processing Unit), an MCU (Micro Controller Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), a TPU (Tensor Processing Unit), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or the like. The memory 10b may be configured with semiconductor memories such as a Read Only Memory (ROM) and a Random Access Memory (RAM).

[0068] The communication interface 10c may be, for example, a network interface card, a communication interface board, etc. The standard of data communication by the communication interface 10c is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include communication by wireless LAN based on Wi-fi (registered trademark), communication by a 3G to 5G or later generation mobile communication system, and communication based on LTE (Long Term Evolution).

[0069] The storage 10d may be configured by a flash memory, a hard disc drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), a flexible disc (FD), a magneto-optical disc (MO disc), a compact disc (CD), a digital versatile disc (DVD), a secure digital card (SD card), a universal serial bus memory (USB memory), etc. The storage 10d may be built into the server 10, may be attached to the server body in an external form, or may be a network attached storage (NAS), etc.

[0070] Furthermore, the storage 10d may be configured by a third computer communicatively connected to the server 10, such as a database server or online storage. In this case, the server 10 and the third computer constituting the storage 10d constitute the information processing device of the present invention.

[0071] Various types of information are stored and accumulated in the storage 10d. Specifically, the storage 10d stores user information shown in FIG. 11. The user information includes a user's identification ID (user ID) and name, flag information (distribution flag) indicating whether or not the user is currently a distribution user, whether or not the user is currently a viewing user (viewing flag), whether or not the user has friends, the user IDs of the friends if the user has friends, and the amount of value held. Here, the value is used when using a paid service such as gift purchase during distribution or viewing of video content, and specifically refers to electronic money, a dedicated currency for using the service, virtual currency, or the like.

[0072] Furthermore, for the distributor user, distributor user information shown in Fig. 12 is generated and stored in storage 10d. The distributor user information includes the ID (content ID) of the video content to be distributed, the user ID of the viewing user who is viewing the video content, the user ID of the viewing user who has registered the video content as a favorite, and the type and number of wearable objects currently possessed. The wearable objects possessed include wearable objects given as gifts, and for the wearable objects given as gifts, the date and time of gifting of the gift and information on the viewing user who gave it are also stored.

[0073] The broadcast user information further includes avatar information shown in Fig. 13. The avatar information includes an avatar identification ID (avatar ID), information on each part constituting the avatar body, and information on currently worn worn objects. Worn worn objects include worn objects given as gifts. For worn gifts, the date and time of gifting and information on the viewing user who gave the gift are also stored.

[0074] Furthermore, for the viewing user, viewing user information shown in Fig. 14 is generated and stored in storage 10d. The viewing user information includes the content ID of the video content currently being viewed, the type and number of gifts possessed for gifting, and the user IDs of broadcast users who have registered the content as favorites.

[0075] The storage 10d also stores the wearing object information shown in Fig. 15. The wearing object information is information about a wearing object that can be purchased by the user at the present time, and specifically indicates an object identification ID, a design (appearance) of the wearing object, a wearing part, a purchase price, attributes, etc. The attributes are, for example, the seller (brand) of the wearing object, or the specifications of the gift (for example, a classification based on a design concept such as color, pattern, or summer or winter clothing, etc.), etc.

[0076] In addition, the server 10 has installed therein, as software, a program for an operating system (OS) and various processing programs related to video content. These programs correspond to the "programs" of the present invention. When the processor 10a of the server 10 operates according to the above programs, the server 10 functions as an information processing device of the present invention and executes a series of data processes related to the video content, including the distribution of the video content. The above-mentioned program may be acquired by reading it from a recording medium readable by the server 10, or may be acquired by receiving (downloading) it via a network such as the Internet or an intranet.

[0077] Next, a functional description will be given of the configuration of each of the server 10 and the user terminal 12. In addition, the user terminal 12 will be described separately into functions on the distribution user side and functions on the viewing user side.

[0078] (Functions provided on the distribution user's device) 16, the user terminal 12 of the distributor user has an input unit 21, a content creation unit 22, a content display unit 23, a content transmission unit 24, and a first operation data transmission unit 25. These functional units are realized by cooperation between the hardware devices of the user terminal 12 of the distributor user and software installed in that user terminal 12 (specifically, a program for video content distribution included in an app).

[0079] The input unit 21 receives input of information (input information) necessary for creating and distributing video content, and acquires the input information. The input information includes video information of the broadcasting user himself obtained by the broadcasting user filming himself, audio information obtained by collecting the voice of the broadcasting user, and operation information obtained by the broadcasting user operating the user terminal 12. The operation information also includes information regarding a request for distribution of video content, information regarding the purchase of a wearable object, information regarding the use of a wearable object including a gift, and information regarding selections and specifications made by the broadcasting user through the user terminal 12.

[0080] The content creation unit 22 creates video content based on the input information acquired by the input unit 21. Specifically, the content creation unit 22 creates video content of avatar A that moves in response to the video of the broadcast user and speaks in response to the voice of the broadcast user based on the video information and audio information. Also, when the broadcast user designates a wearing object that he currently owns and uses the designated wearing object, the content creation unit 22 creates video content of avatar A with the wearing object attached to the corresponding wearing part. Also, when the broadcast user uses a gift given by the viewing user, the content creation unit 22 creates video content of avatar A with the gift attached to the corresponding wearing part.

[0081] The content display unit 23 displays the video content created by the content creation unit 22 on a display provided in the user terminal 12 of the distribution user. The distribution user can check the video content to be distributed by looking at the video content displayed on the display.

[0082] The content transmission unit 24 transmits the video content created by the content creation unit 22 to the server 10. The first operation data transmission unit 25 digitizes operation information related to operations performed by the distribution user from among the input information acquired by the input unit 21, and transmits the obtained operation data to the server 10.

[0083] (Functions provided on the viewing user's device) 17, the user terminal 12 of the viewing user has a content output unit 31, an operation input unit 32, a second operation data transmission unit 33, and a call reception unit 34. These functional units are realized by cooperation between the hardware devices of the user terminal 12 of the viewing user and software installed in the user terminal 12 (specifically, a program for viewing video content included in an app).

[0084] The content output unit 31 receives video content from the server 10 through the communication network N, and outputs the received video content. As a result, a video of avatar A as the video content is displayed on the display of the user terminal 12 of the viewing user, and audio included in the content is output from the speaker of the user terminal 12 of the viewing user. In addition, in the user terminal 12 of the target viewing user, when a certain condition is satisfied while the content output unit 31 is displaying the video content, a notification regarding the second gift is sent, and specifically, a notification object GO is displayed together with avatar A in the video content (see Figures 5B and 7A).

[0085] The operation input unit 32 receives input of operations performed by the viewing user through the user terminal 12 while viewing video content, and acquires input operation information. The input operation information includes information on a gift giving operation, information on an operation of calling on other viewing users to purchase multiple gifts at once, information on an operation of responding to a call, and information on a selection and specification performed by the viewing user through the user terminal 12.

[0086] The second operation data transmission unit 33 digitizes the input operation information acquired by the operation input unit 32, and transmits the acquired operation data to the server 10. The call reception unit 34 receives a call for a bulk purchase of multiple gifts from the user terminal 12 of the viewing user (host user) via the server 10, and displays on the display of the user terminal 12 the content related to the bulk purchase of two or more gifts related to the call (more specifically, two or more different second gifts).

[0087] (Functions provided by the server) 18, the server 10 has an operation reception unit 41, a distribution unit 42, a gift giving unit 43, a display restriction unit 44, a notification unit 45, a guide display unit 46, and an extension unit 47. These functional units are realized by cooperation between the hardware devices of the server 10 and software (programs) installed in the server 10.

[0088] The operation reception unit 41 receives operations performed by each of the distribution user and the viewing user regarding the use of the video content, and specifically, receives data of operation information transmitted from the first operation data transmission unit 25 and the second operation data transmission unit 33 to receive operations of each user. The operations received by the operation reception unit 41 include various operations regarding the use of the video content, and specifically include selection, designation, instruction, request, command, permission or refusal, registration, reservation, and other input operations. For example, the operation reception unit 41 receives an assignment operation performed by the viewing user to assign a gift to the distribution user. In addition, when one or more viewing users respond to a call to purchase multiple gifts in a lump sum, the operation reception unit 41 receives an assignment operation from each of the host user who made the call and one or more responding users who responded to the call.

[0089] The distribution unit 42 receives video content transmitted from the user terminal 12 of the distribution user (more specifically, the content transmission unit 24). The distribution unit 42 also identifies a user (viewing user) who requests viewing of the received video content, and distributes the video content to the identified viewing user.

[0090] When a viewing user performs a granting operation, the gift granting unit 43 grants a gift to the broadcasting user in accordance with the content of the operation. The granted gift is set to a state in which it can be used by the broadcasting user. Furthermore, for the broadcasting user to whom a gift has been granted, broadcasting user information is updated based on the granted gift. Furthermore, when the broadcasting user uses a gift, the gift is attached to a corresponding attachment location on avatar A, and from that point on, video content of avatar A with the gift attached is distributed.

[0091] The display limiting unit 44 limits the display time of the gift in the video content to a set time. In other words, the display limiting unit 44 limits the display time of the gift in the video content of avatar A wearing the gift to a predetermined time, and causes the gift to disappear from the video content after the display time has elapsed.

[0092] In addition, in this embodiment, when multiple gifts are given to the same attachment site on avatar A, the display of each gift is set (reserved) based on the order of giving, specifically, the gift given first is displayed, and after the display time of the gift has elapsed, the gift given later is displayed. In addition, in this embodiment, when multiple gifts are purchased together and used (worn) at the same time, the display limiting unit 44 sets the display time of each gift to be longer than the display time when each gift is purchased individually. In other words, in this embodiment, when multiple gifts are given together, the display time of each of the multiple gifts is longer than the display time of the gift when a single gift is given.

[0093] When the first gift is displayed in the video content (in other words, when the first gift is attached to avatar A), the notification unit 45 notifies the target viewing user of information regarding the second gift. In this embodiment, the notification unit 45 displays a transparent or semi-transparent information object GO having the same appearance as the second gift in the video content as the information regarding the second gift, and more specifically, displays it at the attachment position of the second gift on avatar A.

[0094] In this embodiment, the notification unit 45 is configured to include a specification unit 48, a setting unit 49, and a guide display unit 50, as shown in FIG. 18. The specification unit 48 specifies the second gift from one or more gifts that can be given to the target viewing user. At this time, the specification unit 48 may specify the second gift from a wearing object possessed by the target viewing user (i.e., a wearing object that has already been purchased). The specification unit 48 may also specify the second gift from a wearing object that the target viewing user has not yet purchased but can purchase by paying the purchase price. The specification unit 48 may also specify a gift having an attribute common to the attribute of the first gift, such as a gift that has a seller or specifications in common with the first gift, as the second gift. The specification unit 48 may also specify a gift that can be worn on a part of the avatar A different from that of the first gift, as the second gift. The specification unit 48 may also specify the second gift by combining the above-mentioned specification patterns.

[0095] The setting unit 49 sets a viewing user who is to receive the notification regarding the second gift, that is, a target viewing user. In this embodiment, the setting unit 49 sets a viewing user who satisfies a predetermined condition (hereinafter, the applicable condition of the target viewing user), specifically, a user who is viewing the video content of the avatar A wearing the first gift, as the target viewing user. More specifically, the setting unit 49 sets a viewing user who performs a granting operation while viewing the video content, that is, a viewing user who touches the purchase button Bt1 to activate the gift granting function of the app, as the target viewing user. In addition, conditions other than the above may be added as the matching conditions of the target viewing user. For example, if a first gift given by a certain viewing user (hereinafter, the first viewing user) to a distribution user is displayed in the video content, being a friend of the first viewing user (hereinafter, the second viewing user) may be added as a matching condition of the target viewing user.

[0096] The guidance display unit 50 displays guidance regarding the second gift identified by the identification unit 48 on the user terminal 12 of the target viewing user set by the setting unit 49. In this embodiment, the guidance display unit 50 displays a transparent or semi-transparent guidance object GO having the same appearance as the second gift together with the avatar A displayed on the video content being viewed by the target viewing user. The guidance object GO is displayed at a position on the avatar A corresponding to the attachment part of the second gift, for example, at the same position as or near the attachment part of the second gift. The timing at which the guidance is displayed is not particularly limited, but for example, the guidance may be displayed when the target viewing user touches the location where the first gift is displayed in the video content being viewed, or a specified part of avatar A (specifically, a part where a gift is not attached).

[0097] In addition, when the identification unit 48 identifies a plurality of second gifts, the information display unit 50 can display information regarding each of the plurality of second gifts. In this case, the information regarding each of the plurality of second gifts may be displayed simultaneously, or may be displayed one by one in sequence for a certain period of time. Furthermore, when a second viewing user who is a friend of the first viewing user is set as a target viewing user, the information display unit 50 causes the user terminal 12 of the second viewing user to display information regarding the second gift.

[0098] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the first gift is displayed in the video content and the remaining display time of the first gift is equal to or longer than a specified time, the announcement display unit 50 notifies the target viewing user of an announcement regarding the second gift. Furthermore, when a target viewing user calls on multiple viewing users to purchase multiple second gifts in a lump sum, the guidance display unit 50 can display guidance on the second gifts that are the subject of the lump sum purchase on the user terminals 12 of the multiple viewing users. In this case, the display time of the guidance may be limited to a certain period of time (e.g., a response period). Alternatively, the guidance may continue to be displayed until the lump sum purchase call is withdrawn. Also, when a viewing user (responding user) who responded to the call or the target viewing user is in the process of purchasing a second gift among the multiple second gifts, a notation indicating that the purchase is in progress may be displayed on the guidance on the second gift.

[0099] When the extension condition is satisfied, the extension unit 47 extends the display time of the gift in the video content. To be more specific, during the display time during which the first gift is displayed, the second gift notified by the notification unit 45 is given to the broadcasting user by the viewing user and displayed in the video content (i.e., attached to avatar A displayed in the video content). In this case, the extension unit 47 extends the display time of the first gift in the video content.

[0100] Also, assume that during the display time during which the second gift granted to the distributor user by the target viewing user is displayed, another viewing user grants the same gift as the second gift to the same distributor user. In this case, the extension unit 47 extends the display time of the second gift (i.e., the second gift granted by the target viewing user) that was previously displayed in the video content.

[0101] <<Information processing method according to one embodiment of the present invention>> Next, an information processing flow relating to the use of video content will be described. The information processing flow according to this embodiment employs the information processing method of the present invention, and proceeds according to the flow shown in Figs. 19A to 19C. In other words, each step in the information processing flow (specifically, each step shown in Figs. 19A to 19C) corresponds to a component of the information processing method of the present invention. Note that the information processing flow described below is merely an example, and unnecessary steps may be deleted, new steps may be added, or the order of steps may be changed without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0102] In the information processing flow, the processors 10a, 12a of the server 10, the user terminal 12 of the broadcasting user, and the user terminal 12 of the viewing user execute the corresponding processes, and data communication is performed between the devices. Specifically, when the broadcasting user performs a broadcasting operation on the user terminal 12, the user terminal 12 of the broadcasting user creates video content for the broadcasting user and transmits it to the server 10 (S001). Specifically, video content for the broadcasting user's avatar A is created and transmitted to the server 10.

[0103] After receiving the video content, the server 10 identifies a user (viewing user) who requests viewing of the video content, and distributes the video content to the identified viewing user (S002). On the viewing user side, the distributed video content is received by the user terminal 12, and the content is displayed on the display of the user terminal 12. That is, the video content of avatar A is displayed on the screen of the user terminal 12 of the viewing user.

[0104] The viewing user views the above-mentioned video content through the user terminal 12, and while viewing the video content, can grant (give) a gift to the distribution user of that video content. Specifically, when the viewing user performs a granting operation to grant a gift to the distribution user (S004), the server 10 accepts the granting operation from the viewing user, and sets the gift to be granted to a state that can be used by the distribution user (S005).

[0105] The broadcast user to whom the gift has been granted can use the gift. When the broadcast user uses the granted gift (S006), the broadcast user's user terminal 12 creates video content in which the gift is displayed, more specifically, video content of avatar A with the gift attached to the corresponding attachment site, and transmits it to the server 10 (S007). The server 10 receives the video content transmitted in step S007, and distributes it to the same viewing users as in step S003 (S008).

[0106] On the viewing user's side, the video content distributed in step S008 is received by user terminal 12, and the content is displayed on the display of user terminal 12. In detail, the video content displaying the gift given by the viewing user (i.e., the video content of avatar A with the gift attached to the attachment part) is displayed on the screen of user terminal 12 of the viewing user (S009). The gift displayed in the video content at this stage corresponds to the first gift.

[0107] While viewing the video content in which the first gift is displayed, the viewing user can give a new gift to the distribution user of the video content. When the viewing user performs a giving operation to give a new gift to the distribution user (S010), the server 10 accepts the giving operation and determines whether the remaining display time of the first gift displayed in the video content is equal to or longer than a specified time (S011).

[0108] If the remaining time is less than the specified time, the viewing user can purchase a gift and give it to the broadcasting user in a similar procedure to step S005, and the server 10 sets the gift given by the viewing user to a state where it can be used by the broadcasting user.

[0109] On the other hand, if the remaining time is equal to or longer than the specified time, the server 10 sets the viewing user who performed the giving operation in step S010 as the target viewing user, and notifies the target viewing user of the information regarding the second gift corresponding to the first gift (S012). The second gift is specified from one or more gifts that the target viewing user can give.

[0110] A guide regarding the notified second gift is displayed on the user terminal 12 of the target viewing user (S013). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5B, a transparent or semi-transparent guide object GO having the same appearance as the second gift is displayed at a location corresponding to the second gift in the video content being viewed by the target viewing user. With the above guide displayed, the target viewing user can purchase the second gift in the above-mentioned procedure and give the purchased second gift to the distribution user. In other words, the server 10 sets the second gift given by the target viewing user to a state that can be used by the distribution user (S015).

[0111] In addition, in step S012, when two or more different second gifts are specified, the target viewing user is notified of information regarding each of the specified two or more different second gifts. In this case, the target viewing user can purchase two or more different second gifts collectively by himself or herself, or can call on multiple other viewing users to purchase two or more different second gifts collectively, and purchase multiple second gifts collectively together with the responding users who respond to the call.

[0112] The broadcasting user to whom the second gift has been granted can use the granted second gift. When the broadcasting user uses the second gift (S016), the broadcasting user's user terminal 12 creates video content in which the second gift is displayed, more specifically, video content of avatar A with the second gift attached to the corresponding attachment part, and transmits it to the server 10 (S017). The server 10 receives the video content transmitted in step S017, and distributes it to the same viewing users as in step S003 (S018).

[0113] On the viewing user side, the video content distributed in step S018 is received by user terminal 12, and the video content is displayed on the display of user terminal 12. In detail, the video content showing the second gift given by the viewing user (i.e., the video content of avatar A with the second gift attached to the attachment part) is displayed on the screen of user terminal 12 of the viewing user (S019).

[0114] In addition, if a second gift is given to a broadcast user and displayed in the video content while the first gift is being displayed in the video content, the display time of the first gift is extended accordingly, so that the second gift is displayed together with the first gift in the video content, i.e., both the first gift and the second gift are attached to avatar A in the video content at the same time.

[0115] The series of steps described above are repeatedly executed until the distributor user finishes distributing the video content (S020). Then, at the point when the distributor user finishes distributing the video content, the information processing flow ends.

[0116] <<Other embodiments>> Although specific embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the above embodiments are merely examples given to facilitate understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. In other words, the present invention may be modified or improved from the above embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Furthermore, the present invention includes equivalents thereof.

[0117] In addition, the screen examples shown in the drawings referenced in the description of the above embodiments are merely examples, and the screen configuration examples, the content of the information displayed, and the GUI (Graphical User Interface), etc., can be freely designed according to the system design specifications and user preferences, and can be changed as appropriate.

[0118] In addition, the means of notifying, contacting, and presenting various information in the above embodiment is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, notifying, contacting, and presenting by email, or may display a message or play a sound / audio on the user terminal 12. In addition, when notifying, contacting, and presenting information to a user who has an account for a social networking service (SNS), posting or exchanging messages on the SNS may be utilized. In addition, the screen on which messages and the like are displayed may be a screen displayed during viewing of video content (content viewing screen), or may be the initial screen of the user terminal 12 (specifically, the standby screen).

[0119] In the above embodiment, the manner of displaying on the user terminal 12 includes a manner of displaying on a display device (display) provided on the terminal itself, and a manner of displaying on a display device connected to the terminal in a wired or wireless manner. Note that the display device connected to the user terminal 12 may include a general stationary display, as well as an HMD (Head Mounted Display) such as VR goggles.

[0120] In addition, with regard to the present invention, a number of other embodiments (variations) different from the above-mentioned embodiment are possible. Each of the variations will be described below. Note that the following mainly describes the differences from the above-mentioned embodiment, and the description of the commonalities will be omitted.

[0121] (Modifications regarding the configuration of the information processing device) The information processing device of the present invention is not limited to being configured by the server 10, and some of the functions of the information processing device of the present invention may be provided in the user terminal 12. In that case, the information processing device of the present invention is configured by the cooperation of the server 10 and the user terminal 12.

[0122] (Modification of the creator of video content) In the above embodiment, the video content is created by the user terminal 12 of the broadcasting user, and the server 10 acquires the video content transmitted from the user terminal 12 and distributes the acquired video content to the viewing user. However, this is not limited to the above, and the video content may be created by the server 10 instead of the user terminal 12 of the broadcasting user. In this case, the server 10 may receive the broadcasting user's broadcasting operations, including shooting operations and sound collection operations, through the user terminal 12 of the broadcasting user, and create the video content based on the received operations.

[0123] (Gift Variations) In the above embodiment, the gift is paid and can be given by paying a value such as currency or electronic money, but the present invention is not limited to this and may be configured to give the gift free of charge. In this case, it is preferable to limit the number of times that the gift can be given within a certain period of time to a specified number of times.

[0124] (Variations of the notice regarding the second gift) In the above embodiment, the information about the second gift is notified while the first gift is displayed in the video content, and may be automatically notified during the display time of the first gift. Alternatively, when the viewing user performs a gifting operation to give the gift during the display time of the first gift, the information about the second gift may be notified to the viewing user who performed the gifting operation. 20, a notice button Bt6 may be provided on the display screen of the video content, and notice regarding the second gift may be notified while the notice button Bt6 is being pressed. Alternatively, notice regarding the second gift may be notified when a purchase button Bt1 provided on the display screen of the video content is pressed and held (long pressed) for a predetermined period or longer.

[0125] (Giving rewards to users who give gifts) In the above embodiment, in order to encourage the giving of gifts, a reward may be given to a viewing user who has given a gift when that user satisfies certain conditions (hereinafter, reward conditions). The reward condition may be, for example, that a viewing user gives a new gift to the same broadcasting user within a certain time period after the viewing user has given a gift to the same broadcasting user. Furthermore, when multiple viewing users give gifts to the same broadcasting user, the reward condition may be that the combination of gifts satisfies a predetermined relationship, such as multiple viewing users giving gifts from the same seller. The reward to be given may be determined according to the number of consecutive gift giving within a certain time period, or the number of viewing users (gift givers) who have given gifts within a certain time period. In this case, it is preferable that the value of the reward to be given increases or the number of rewards to be given increases as the number of consecutive gift giving or the number of gift givers increases. Furthermore, when multiple viewing users give gifts within a certain time period, a reward of higher value may be given to a viewing user who gives a gift earlier than a viewing user who gives a gift later.

[0126] (Return gift from the broadcaster) In the above embodiment, when multiple viewing users give gifts to the same distribution user, the distribution user may give a return gift to the multiple viewing users. In this case, the multiple viewing users who gave the gifts may be treated as one group, and a return gift may be given to the group. Here, the multiple viewing users constituting the group to which the return gift is to be given may be a host user who made a call to purchase multiple gifts in bulk, and a responding user who responded to the call. In addition, when multiple viewing users who purchased and gave the second gift based on the guidance regarding the second gift appear within a certain period of time, a return gift may be given to the group made up of the multiple viewing users. Alternatively, if multiple viewing users give multiple gifts to the same broadcast user within a certain period of time, a return gift may be given to a group consisting of the multiple viewing users. In this case, if each of the multiple gifts given to the broadcast user was purchased without following a guide regarding the second gift, the viewing user who gave that gift may be recognized as a user who gave a gift different from the second gift. The content of the return gift may be a message from the distribution user, or may be a commercial product, etc. The commercial product may be electronic data that can be displayed within the video content being viewed by the viewing user, such as a gift. Note that, apart from the return gift given to the group, a thank-you gift may be given separately and individually to each viewing user who is a member of the group.

[0127] (Changes in the number of gifts attached to one part) In the above embodiment, it is assumed that the number of gifts that can be worn on each part of avatar A is one, but this is not limited to the above. When multiple gifts are given to the same part, if the combination of the multiple gifts satisfies a predetermined condition, the multiple gifts may be worn on the same wearing part at the same time. For example, when a T-shirt and a jacket are given as gifts that can be worn on the torso (upper body) of an avatar, these gifts may be displayed at the same time by wearing the jacket on top of the T-shirt (layered). In addition, when multiple gifts that can be worn on the same part of the body are stacked and worn on top of each other, which gift is placed closer to the front (in a higher layer) can be determined based on the type of each gift and the order in which they were given, etc.

[0128] The elements and features of the multiple embodiments (including the modified examples of each embodiment) described above may be appropriately combined. In other words, the configuration of any of the multiple embodiments described above may be applied to the other embodiments, and the effects brought about by the configuration may be similarly achieved.

[0129] [summary] One object of the present invention is to assist a user in giving a broadcast user a gift that can be displayed in video content. More specifically, the present invention aims to solve the problems corresponding to [Appendix 1] to [Appendix 16] below.

[0130] [Appendix 1] One of the objectives of the present invention is to solve the problem corresponding to Appendix 1, specifically, to provide the viewing user with information regarding gifts that would be effective to give next time or later when the viewing user gives a gift to the distribution user. In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the information processing device of the present invention is characterized in that, as configured in Appendix 1, it has a distribution unit that distributes video content of a distribution user to a viewing user, an operation receiving unit that receives a granting operation performed by the viewing user to grant a gift that can be displayed in the video content to the distribution user, and a notification unit that, when a first gift is displayed in the video content, notifies the viewing user of information regarding a second gift corresponding to the first gift. According to the above configuration, by notifying the viewing user who is giving the gift of information regarding a second gift that corresponds to a first gift previously given, it is possible to provide the viewing user with information regarding gifts that would be effective to give next time onwards.

[0131] [Appendix 2] One of the objects of the present invention is to solve the problem corresponding to Supplementary Note 2, specifically, to improve the interest of video content for viewing users. In order to solve the above problems, in the information processing device of the present invention, as a configuration of Appendix 2, the video content is video content in which an avatar of a distribution user is displayed, the gift is an object that can be attached to the avatar, and when a first gift is attached to the avatar in the video content, the notification unit may notify the viewing user of information regarding the second gift. According to the above configuration, a viewing user can participate in the distribution of video content by giving a gift that can be worn by the broadcasting user to the broadcasting user. In addition, the viewing user can watch the video content of an avatar wearing the gift that the viewing user gave. This increases the interest of the video content for the viewing user.

[0132] [Appendix 3] One of the objects of the present invention is to solve the problem corresponding to Appendix 3, specifically, to appropriately specify the gift to be introduced (second gift). In order to solve the above problem, in the information processing device of the present invention, as a configuration of Supplementary Note 3, the first gift may be a gift corresponding to a portion in the video content designated by the viewing user or the broadcasting user. According to the above configuration, the first gift is determined according to the designated location of the viewing user or the broadcasting user, and information regarding the second gift corresponding to the first gift is notified, so that the second gift is appropriately identified.

[0133] [Appendix 4] One of the objects of the present invention is to solve the problem corresponding to Appendix 4, specifically, to appropriately specify the gift to be introduced (second gift). In order to solve the above problems, in the information processing device of the present invention, as a configuration of Appendix 4, when a first gift is displayed within video content, the notification unit may identify a second gift from one or more gifts that can be given by the viewing user, and notify the viewing user of information regarding the identified second gift. According to the above configuration, the second gift is identified from one or more gifts that can be given by the viewing user, so that the second gift can be appropriately identified.

[0134] [Appendix 5] One of the objects of the present invention is to solve the problem corresponding to Appendix 5, specifically, to appropriately determine the second gift to be introduced taking into account its relationship with the first gift. In order to solve the above problem, in the information processing device of the present invention, as a configuration of Supplementary Note 5, the notification unit may notify the viewing user of information regarding a second gift that has attributes in common with the attributes of the first gift. According to the above configuration, a gift having attributes common to the attributes of the first gift is introduced as the second gift, so that the second gift can be selected so as to have a sense of unity with the first gift.

[0135] [Appendix 6] One of the objects of the present invention is to solve the problem corresponding to Appendix 6, specifically, to appropriately determine the second gift to be introduced taking into account its relationship with the first gift. In order to solve the above problem, in the information processing device of the present invention, as a configuration of Supplementary Note 6, the notification unit may notify the viewing user of information regarding a second gift that can be worn on a part of the avatar different from the first gift. According to the above configuration, a gift that can be worn on a part of the avatar different from the first gift is introduced as the second gift, so that the second gift can be determined so that it can be worn on the avatar together with the first gift.

[0136] [Appendix 7] One of the objectives of the present invention is to solve the problem corresponding to Appendix 7, specifically, to properly notify information regarding the second gift. In order to solve the above problem, in the information processing device of the present invention, as the configuration of Supplementary Note 7, the notification unit may notify a viewing user who satisfies a predetermined condition of a guide regarding a second gift. According to the above configuration, the notification recipients of the notification about the second gift are limited to viewing users who satisfy a predetermined condition, so that the notification about the second gift can be appropriately sent.

[0137] [Appendix 8] One of the objects of the present invention is to solve the problem corresponding to Appendix 8, specifically, to appropriately notify information regarding a second gift taking into account its relationship with the first gift. In order to solve the above problem, in the information processing device of the present invention, as a configuration of Appendix 8, when a first gift granted to a distribution user by a first viewing user is displayed within video content, a notification unit may notify a second viewing user who has a predetermined relationship with the first viewing user of information regarding the second gift. According to the above configuration, by limiting the recipients of notifications regarding the second gift to second viewing users who have a specified relationship with the first viewing user, the notifications regarding the second gift can be appropriately sent taking into account the relationship with the first gift.

[0138] [Appendix 9] One of the objects of the present invention is to solve the problem corresponding to Supplementary Note 9, specifically, to promote the giving of gifts during the distribution of video content. In order to solve the above problems, the information processing device of the present invention may further include, as a configuration of Supplementary Note 9, a display limiting unit that limits the display time of the gift in the video content to a set time. According to the above configuration, the display time of the given gift is limited in the video content, so that the gift that has been displayed for a certain period of time disappears from the video content. This makes it possible to motivate the viewing user to display a new gift in the video content after a certain gift has disappeared from the video content due to the passage of the display time. As a result, it is possible to encourage the viewing user to give a gift.

[0139] [Appendix 10] One of the objects of the present invention is to solve the problem corresponding to Appendix 10, specifically, to appropriately notify information regarding a second gift by taking into account the display time of the first gift. In order to solve the above problem, in the information processing device of the present invention, as a configuration of Appendix 10, when a first gift is displayed within video content and the remaining display time of the first gift is equal to or longer than a specified time, the notification unit may notify the viewing user of information regarding the second gift. According to the above configuration, when a first gift is displayed in a video content and the remaining display time of the first gift is equal to or longer than a specified time, a notification regarding a second gift is notified. In other words, when a gift corresponding to the currently displayed first gift is to be notified as a second gift, the notification can be notified taking into consideration the remaining display time of the first gift.

[0140] [Appendix 11] One of the objectives of the present invention is to solve the problem corresponding to Appendix 11, specifically, to make more effective use of the first gift corresponding to the second gift when the second gift is granted. In order to solve the above problems, the information processing device of the present invention may further have, as a configuration of Appendix 11, an extension unit that extends the display time of the first gift in the video content when a second gift, about which information is notified by the notification unit, is given to the distribution user by the viewing user and displayed within the video content during the display time during which the first gift is displayed. According to the above configuration, the display time of the first gift is extended when the second gift is given, so that the second gift can be displayed together with the first gift in the video content, allowing the first gift to be used more effectively.

[0141] [Appendix 12] One of the objectives of the present invention is to solve the problem corresponding to Appendix 12, specifically, to grant two or more gifts more efficiently. In order to solve the above problem, in the information processing device of the present invention, as a configuration of Supplementary Note 12, the operation receiving unit may receive a giving operation from one or more viewing users, which is performed to collectively give two or more gifts to the broadcasting user. In this case, the reception time of the giving operation performed to collectively give two or more gifts to the broadcasting user may be limited to a set time. According to the above configuration, the acceptance time for the granting operation to grant two or more gifts at once to a broadcast user can be limited to a certain period of time, thereby making it possible to more efficiently grant gifts at once.

[0142] [Appendix 13] One of the objectives of the present invention is to solve the problem corresponding to Appendix 13, specifically, to properly notify information regarding the second gift. In order to solve the above problem, in the information processing device of the present invention, as a configuration of Appendix 13, the notification unit may display guidance regarding the second gift in an area corresponding to the second gift in the video content being viewed by the viewing user. According to the above configuration, guidance regarding the second gift is displayed in an area of ​​the video content being viewed by the viewing user that corresponds to the second gift, so that the guidance is displayed at an appropriate position in the video content based on its relationship with the second gift.

[0143] [Appendix 14] One of the objectives of the present invention is to solve the problem corresponding to Supplementary Note 14, specifically, to more appropriately display the second gift within the video content. In order to solve the above problems, the information processing device of the present invention may further have, as a configuration of Appendix 14, an extension unit that extends the display time of the second gift in the video content when a second gift about which information has been notified by the notification unit is given by the viewing user to the broadcasting user and displayed in the video content, and when the same second gift is given to the broadcasting user by another viewing user. According to the above configuration, the display time of a second gift given by one viewing user to a broadcasting user is extended when another viewing user gives the same second gift to the broadcasting user, thereby allowing gifts given by multiple viewing users to be displayed for a longer period of time in the video content.

[0144] [Appendix 15] One of the objectives of the present invention is to solve the problem corresponding to Appendix 15, specifically, to realize an information processing method that provides effective information to a viewing user when the viewing user gives a gift to a distribution user. In order to solve the above problems, in the information processing method of the present invention, as configured in Appendix 15, a processor distributes video content based on an operation of a distribution user to a viewing user, the processor accepts a granting operation performed by the viewing user to grant a gift that can be displayed in the video content to the distribution user, and when a first gift is displayed in the video content, the processor notifies the viewing user of information regarding a second gift corresponding to the first gift. According to the above method, useful information can be provided to the viewing user who gives the gift by notifying the viewing user of the information regarding the second gift corresponding to the first gift given earlier.

[0145] [Appendix 16] One of the objects of the present invention is to solve the problem corresponding to Appendix 16, specifically, to realize a program that provides effective information to a viewing user when the viewing user gives a gift to a distributor user. In order to solve the above problems, the program of the present invention, as configured in Appendix 16, is a program for causing a processor to execute the following processes: a process of distributing video content based on an operation of a distribution user to a viewing user; a process of accepting a granting operation performed by the viewing user to grant a gift that can be displayed in the video content to the distribution user; and a process of notifying the viewing user of information regarding a second gift corresponding to the first gift when a first gift is displayed in the video content. By executing the above program on a processor, effective information can be provided to the viewing user who is giving the gift by notifying them of a guide regarding a second gift that corresponds to the first gift previously given. [Explanation of symbols]

[0146] 10 Server (information processing device) 10a processor 10b Memory 10c Communication Interface 10d Storage 12 User terminal 12a Processor 12b Memory 12c communication interface 12d Input Device 12e output device 21 Input section 22 Content Creation Department 23 Content display section 24 Content Transmission Department 25 First operation data transmission unit 31 Content Output Section 32 Operation input section 33 Second operation data transmission unit 34 Call Reception Department 41 Operation reception section 42 Distribution Department 43 Gift Granting Department 44 Display Restriction Section 45 Notification Department 46 Information display section 47 Extension 48 Specific part 49 Setting section 50 Information display section A.Avatar FS Granting Confirmation Screen LS List KS purchase screen N Communication Network S video distribution system

Claims

1. An information processing apparatus comprising a processor, wherein the processor distributes video content of a distributing user to viewing users other than the distributing user, receives a giving operation performed by the viewing user to give a gift that can be displayed in the video content to the distributing user, and notifies the viewing user of guidance regarding a second gift corresponding to the first gift when the first gift is displayed in the video content.

2. A method for information processing, wherein a processor distributes video content of a distributing user to viewing users other than the distributing user, the processor receives a giving operation performed by the viewing user to give a gift that can be displayed in the video content to the distributing user, and the processor notifies the viewing user of guidance regarding a second gift corresponding to the first gift when the first gift is displayed in the video content.

3. A program for causing a processor to display video content of a distributing user in which a first gift is displayed on a display, receive guidance information regarding a second gift corresponding to the first gift in a state where the first gift is displayed, and display the guidance information together with the video content, receive an input from a viewing user with respect to the displayed guidance information, and cause the server to transmit information requesting giving of the second gift.

4. An information processing system comprising a server and a terminal, wherein the server distributes video content of a distributing user to terminals of viewing users other than the distributing user, receives a giving operation performed by the viewing user to give a gift that can be displayed in the video content to the distributing user from the terminal, and notifies the terminal of the viewing user of guidance regarding a second gift corresponding to the first gift when the first gift is displayed in the video content. ​

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