Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and program

Abstract

To provide an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a program that enable even a user with a limited budget to give an expensive gift to a distributor.SOLUTION: An information processing apparatus comprises: a video delivery unit that delivers a video of a distributor to a first user's terminal; and a gift control unit which, upon receiving selection of a gift to be given to a distributor from the first user, performs control such that payment on the gift can be made jointly by the first user and one or more second users.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, and a viewing user can select a gift to give to the broadcasting user from among a number of gifts, each of which has a set price. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2021-051578 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, even if gifts are available in a variety of price ranges, users who are short on funds have no option to give expensive gifts.

[0006] Therefore, one of the objects of the present invention is to enable even users who are short on funds to give expensive gifts to distributors. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An information processing device according to one embodiment of the present invention has a video distribution unit that distributes a video of a distributor to a terminal of a first user, and a gift control unit that, when a selection of a gift to be given from the first user to the distributor is accepted, controls the cost of the gift so that it can be shared by the first user and one or more second users. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, even users who are short on funds can give expensive gifts to distributors. [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 video content display screen. [Diagram 3] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a gift selection screen. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a condition setting screen. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a participation invitation screen. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a payment setting screen. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a participation invitation screen, and is a diagram showing another example of the screen in which invitation information has been updated. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a video content display screen, and is a diagram showing an example of the screen in a state in which a gift has been awarded. [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. [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 19] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an information processing flow according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of shared burden processing. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] The information processing device, information processing method, and program of the present invention will be described below with reference to the attached drawings, taking specific embodiments as examples. Note that, for convenience of explanation, the following description may be given from the perspective of a GUI (Graphic User Interface). However, since the basic data processing technologies (communication / transmission technology, data acquisition technology, data recording technology, data processing / analysis technology, image processing technology, visualization technology, etc.) required to realize the contents are well-known technologies, the description thereof 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 is an information processing technology for the distribution and display of video content and the associated contents. An information processing device according to one embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as this embodiment) is composed of a server 10, and 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. Note that, for convenience of illustration, the number of user terminals 12 in FIG. 1 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 is a distributor that distributes video content will be referred to as a "distribution user", and a user who is a viewer 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 distribution user is not distributing video content himself, he can also be a viewing user who views videos distributed by other distribution users. Furthermore, during the period in which the video content is distributed, the distribution user can view (check) that video content on his own user terminal 12.

[0014] A viewing user can also register any distribution user as a favorite. A favorite registration is performed by the viewing user specifying a distribution user to be registered and making a registration request to that distribution user. In addition, a predetermined relationship (friend relationship) may be established between viewing users or between a viewing user and a distribution user when a predetermined condition is satisfied. A friend relationship is established when one user accepts a request from the other user. Users who can make a request are not particularly limited, but may be limited to the registrants of the distribution user of the video content the viewing user is viewing, that is, viewing users who have registered that distribution user as a favorite.

[0015] Video content (corresponding to the video of the present invention) 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 audio 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.

[0016] 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.

[0017] 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.

[0018] 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.

[0019] Here, a screen (video content display screen) on which the distributed video content is displayed will be described with reference to Fig. 2. As shown in Fig. 2, the video content display screen has an avatar display area 51 in which an avatar A of a distributor, which will be described later, is displayed together with a background image and background music, a message display area 52 in which a viewing user and a distributor user, and viewing users can communicate with each other, and a message input field 53 in which a viewing user or a distributor user can input a message such as a comment, an emoticon, an image, a video, or a sound to be displayed in the message display area 52. Messages input by a viewing user in the message input field 53 are displayed in sequence from bottom to top according to the timing of posting in the message display area 52, and older messages flow upward in the message display area 52 as time passes.

[0020] The video content display screen is displayed on the user terminal 12 of the distributor user and the viewing user identified as described above. However, the same screen may be displayed for the viewing user and the distributor user for the message display area 52, etc., or a screen dedicated to the distributor user or a screen dedicated to the viewing user may be displayed for each of the distributor user and the viewing user. In addition, customization may be possible for each user, such as hiding some parts or changing the size of the display.

[0021] 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, without being limited thereto, 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.

[0022] 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.

[0023] 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.

[0024] In addition, wearable objects such as clothing and accessories can be attached to each part of Avatar A, and the video content can display the avatar with the wearable objects attached. In other words, the distribution user can use the wearable object (specifically, wear it on the avatar), and in that case, the video content is distributed in which the wearable object is superimposed on Avatar A.

[0025] 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.

[0026] Each object, such as part materials constituting Avatar A, such as hairstyle and skin, wearable objects such as clothing and accessories to be worn by Avatar A, and background images (including still images and videos) or background music to be displayed or played along with Avatar A, may be obtained by charging a fee or the like, or may be the subject of a gift, which will be described later. For example, a user can purchase the above-mentioned objects by going through a prescribed procedure and paying the price, and possess the purchased object. Here, possession means that the object is possessed in a state in which it can be used in the video content, and more specifically, the data of the object is associated with the ID, etc., of the user who possesses it, and is stored in a state in which the user can use it.

[0027] The procedure for purchasing an 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 an object will be explained in the section "Gifting a Gift" below. The settlement process (a series of information processes related to the payment of the price) associated with the purchase of an object is the same as normal billing processing and is well known, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0028] <Gift Granting> Next, the procedure by which a viewing user gives (gives) a gift to a broadcasting user will be described. For example, while viewing video content on the user terminal 12, the viewing user can purchase a gift selected by the viewing user at the cost of the gift, and give the purchased gift to the distributing user. To explain in detail, as shown in FIG. 2, a gift button 61 is provided on the video content display screen, and when the viewing user touches the gift button 61, as shown in FIG. 3, a gift selection screen G1 is displayed on the video content display screen. Note that in this embodiment, the gift selection screen G1 is displayed in a partial area of ​​the video content display screen, but is not limited to this. In addition, gifts that can be given from the viewing user to the distributing user are not limited to gifts purchased while viewing video content, and an object that the viewing user already owns can also be given as a gift to the distributing user at any timing while viewing the video content.

[0029] The gift selection screen G1 lists, for each gift, a portion of the information (gift information) on gifts that can be purchased by the viewing user, i.e., gifts that can be given by the viewing user to the broadcasting user. Each piece of gift information includes the name of the gift, the purchase price (value), and additional information, and the additional information may include information on the gift seller (e.g., brand information), specifications (e.g., information indicating the type of object, such as skin, wearable object, background image, and background music), and the number of items sold (sales) to date. In this embodiment, the gift selection screen G1 displays the name and purchase price of the gift, and the additional information of the gift is displayed when the viewing user performs an operation to select gift information (e.g., an operation to touch the check box corresponding to the relevant gift in FIG. 3).

[0030] In addition, gifts displayed on the gift selection screen G1 may be set for each broadcast user, and for example, objects that the broadcast user does not possess at that time may be displayed on the gift selection screen G1 as gift candidates. In addition, when preference information regarding the broadcast user's preferences is received from the broadcast user, the gift information displayed on the gift selection screen G1 may be updated, and gifts corresponding to the preference information, i.e., information on gifts designated by the broadcast user or automatically selected based on the broadcast user's profile, may be displayed preferentially. For example, the gift desired by the broadcast user may be displayed larger or higher on the list, so that the gift that corresponds to the broadcast user's preference information stands out and can be identified by the viewing user.

[0031] Each gift information is displayed selectably on the gift selection screen G1, and the viewing user touches a check box corresponding to the relevant gift to designate the desired gift and select a gift giving method. In this embodiment, a viewing user can present a gift to the distribution user by paying the full price of the gift alone, or multiple viewing users can share the price of the gift and present it to the distribution user (joint gifting). When one person pays the full price, the viewing user touches the individual gift button 62 displayed on the gift selection screen G1. On the other hand, when the price is shared, the viewing user touches the joint gift button 63 displayed on the gift selection screen.

[0032] In the following, a viewing user who selects a gift to be given to a broadcasting user and invites other users to participate in sharing the cost of the gift will be described as a "first user," and one or more other users who participate in sharing the cost of the gift will be described as a "second user." The second user is a user other than the first user, and includes other users who are watching the same video content as the video content being watched by the first user. In addition, the second user may be a user who has registered the first user as a favorite, or a user who is watching the content of the broadcasting user and has a friend relationship with the first user. It is also possible that a broadcasting user watches a video content that the broadcasting user is broadcasting and gives a gift to that video content himself. Therefore, the broadcasting user may also be included in the first user and / or the second user.

[0033] When the viewing user (first user) touches the joint gift button 63, the screen transitions from the gift selection screen G1 to the condition setting screen G2 shown in FIG. 4. The condition setting screen G2 is a screen where the first user sets the solicitation conditions for other users to participate in the joint payment of the gift price. For example, the first user sets the amount per share (the minimum amount per user), the number of shares to be collected (the number obtained by dividing the gift price by the amount per share), and the number of people to be collected (the number indicating the maximum number of people to be collected), etc. In this embodiment, the solicitation conditions are determined based on the input of the first user, but they may be automatically set according to the type of gift and the price, or the amount per share, etc. may all be automatically set to a uniform amount. In addition, the solicitation conditions may include user attributes such as the relationship with the first user or the distribution user (for example, a friend relationship), or user rank (when a rank is set for a user according to the number of views, viewing time, etc.). At this time, a period during which other users can participate in sharing the cost of the gift, i.e., a collection period, is also set. In this embodiment, the collection period is automatically set to a uniform time (e.g., 10 minutes), but the collection period may be set according to the type of gift or the value, or the first user may set an arbitrary period.

[0034] After the first user sets each of the solicitation conditions on the condition setting screen G2, the first user touches the condition decision button 64, and when the first user pays a part of the cost of the gift, for example, actually pays the amount per share, solicitation of participants to share the cost of the gift begins. Note that in this embodiment, the condition for starting the solicitation of participants to share the cost of the gift is that the first user actually pays a part of the cost of the gift, but this is not limiting, and solicitation may begin at the point in time when each of the above solicitation conditions is set.

[0035] Then, when the recruitment of participants to share the cost of the gift is started, other users are notified of the fact. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, a recruitment notification message 54 indicating that a joint donation is being recruited is displayed in a message display area 52 of the video content display screen. The recruitment notification message 54 may flow upward as time passes like other messages, or may remain in a certain place in the message display area 52 for a certain period of time (for example, during the recruitment period). When the recruitment notification message 54 flows, it may be displayed as a pop-up on the video content display screen or displayed again in the message display area 52 when the recruitment period is less than a predetermined period of time (for example, one minute). The recruitment notification message 54 may be displayed in a different color, larger, or the like so that it stands out more than other messages in the message display area 52. The notification of the start of the recruitment may be notified in a way other than the video content display screen, such as by a short mail or a message of another application.

[0036] The other users to be notified may be all users who are watching the video content of the same broadcast user (the broadcast user to be gifted), or may be limited to some users who meet the predetermined conditions as exemplified below. For example, the notification targets may be limited to users designated by the first user, users who have a friend relationship with the first user, users who have registered the first user or the target broadcast user as favorites, users who have registered the first user or the target broadcast user as favorites, or users who have not yet given a gift to the target broadcast user or other broadcast users. Note that the notification targets may be users who meet the above-mentioned predetermined conditions regardless of whether they are watching the video content of the broadcast user to be gifted, or may be limited to users who are watching the video content of the broadcast user to be gifted and who meet the above-mentioned predetermined conditions. For example, the notification targets may be users who are currently watching the video content of the broadcast user to be gifted among users who are friends with the first user.

[0037] If another user, for example, another viewing user who is viewing video content of the distribution user to whom a gift is to be given, touches the invitation notification message 54 displayed in the message display area 52, a participation invitation screen G3 shown in FIG. 5 is displayed. The participation invitation screen G3 displays invitation information including the name of the gift to be given, the name of the first user, the target amount (amount equivalent to the value of the gift), the current amount (total amount collected at the present time), the current number of participants, the amount per share, and the invitation period (remaining time), etc., set by the first user. In addition, the participation invitation screen G3 is provided with a participation application button 65, and when the viewing user touches the participation application button 65, the screen transitions from the participation invitation screen G3 to a payment setting screen G4 shown in FIG. 6.

[0038] The payment setting screen G4 is a screen where other users (users wishing to participate) who wish to participate in the sharing of the gift price apply (apply) to participate, and the user wishing to participate inputs the number of shares (application number) and the payment amount to be paid. After inputting the above information, the user wishing to participate touches the participation decision button 66, and the application to participate in the sharing of the gift price is completed. In other words, the user becomes the second user. In this embodiment, the first user needs to actually pay a part of the gift price, but the second user only needs to express his / her intention to participate in the payment setting screen G4, and when the collection period ends and the gift is actually given to the distribution user, the second user actually pays the set amount. At this point, a common wallet (virtual common wallet) is created between the first user and the second user, and the second user temporarily deposits the set amount in that wallet, and when the collection period ends and the gift is actually given to the distribution user, the gift price may be paid from that wallet. In this case, if the gift is cancelled, the amount deposited in the wallet will be refunded to the second user.

[0039] Then, when participation in the sharing of the gift price is accepted from other users, the solicitation information displayed on the participation solicitation screen G3 is updated. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, the updated participation solicitation screen G3 reflects the participation application status such as the number of second users and the amount to be borne by the second users, and among the above-mentioned solicitation information, information on the current amount and the current number of participants is updated to reflect the status. In addition, information indicating the solicitation period is also updated with the elapsed time from the start of solicitation. Note that the solicitation period may be extended by a predetermined time (e.g., 10 minutes) if the target amount equivalent to the gift price has not been collected and a participation application is made near the end (e.g., 1 minute before the end).

[0040] Then, when the target amount equivalent to the value of the gift is collected, that is, when the total amount of the amount paid by the first user and the amount paid by the second user reaches the amount equivalent to the value of the gift, the gift selected by the first user is given to the broadcasting user. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8, a display indicating that the gift has been given, for example, a gift box 55, is displayed on the video content display screen. The gift given to the broadcasting user is set to a usable state by the broadcasting user. As a result, the broadcasting user can receive the gifts given by the first user and the second user and use them as background images or background music for the video content, or by having avatar A wear them.

[0041] On the other hand, if the set collection period ends without reaching the target amount, the first user purchases a gift by paying the difference between the amount paid by the second user and the amount equivalent to the value of the gift, and the purchased gift is sent to the distribution user. However, the first user may be able to cancel the purchase of the gift. In this case, the possibility of canceling the purchase of the gift may be set depending on what percentage of the value of the gift the amount paid by the second user is, or the first user or both the first user and the second user may be allowed to select whether to cancel the purchase of the gift or to pay the remaining amount and purchase the gift. Furthermore, if no users other than the first user have participated (if there is no second user), the purchase of the gift may be allowed to be canceled, and if any users other than the first user have already participated (if there is at least one second user), the selection of the gift may not be allowed to be canceled. In addition, the possibility of cancellation may be set depending on the number of second users, for example, if there are three or less second users, the selection of the gift may be allowed to be canceled.

[0042] In addition, when a gift is given to a broadcasting user, the contents of the given gift may be displayed in the video content so that the broadcasting user or both the broadcasting user and the viewing user can confirm the contents. In addition, each time a gift is given, the broadcasting user may be notified of the gift giving and asked to confirm whether or not to use the gift, or the gift may be automatically set to a used state. In addition, when a gift is given, a notification that a gift has been given may be displayed in message display area 52 so that other viewing users can also know that a gift has been given.

[0043] <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.

[0044] 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).

[0045] 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.

[0046] User terminal 12 is used by a user, who performs various operations through user terminal 12. More specifically, a distribution user performs distribution operations and the like through user terminal 12 in order to distribute video content. A viewing user views video content on user terminal 12, and performs granting operations and the like through user terminal 12 in order to grant a gift to the distribution user. The granting operation includes an operation of selecting a gift, an operation of purchasing the selected gift, an operation of inviting participants to share the cost of the gift, an operation of participating in sharing the cost of the gift, and the like.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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. The server 10 that accepts the granting operation sets the gift granted by the viewing user to a state that can be used by the broadcasting user based on the content of the operation. In addition, when the broadcasting user uses a gift, the server 10 distributes video content of an avatar to which the used gift is applied.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] The memory 10b may be configured with semiconductor memories such as a Read Only Memory (ROM) and a Random Access Memory (RAM).

[0052] 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).

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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, together with the third computer constituting the storage 10d, constitutes the information processing device of the present invention.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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 objects currently possessed. The possessed objects include objects given as gifts, and for the objects given as gifts, the date and time of the gift and information on the viewing user who gave it are also stored.

[0057] 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 that constitutes the avatar body, and information on objects currently being used. The objects being used include objects that have been given as gifts. For gifts being used, the date and time the gift was given and information on the viewing user who gave it are also stored.

[0058] 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.

[0059] The storage 10d also stores object information shown in Fig. 15. The object information is information about objects that can currently be purchased by the user, and specifically indicates an object identification ID, an object design (appearance), an object name, a price (amount), attributes, etc. The attributes are, for example, the seller of the object (brand), or the specifications of the object (for example, the type of object), etc.

[0060] 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 video content, including the distribution of video content. The above programs may be obtained by reading them from a recording medium readable by the server 10, or may be obtained by receiving (downloading) them via a network such as the Internet or an intranet.

[0061] 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.

[0062] (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 an 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).

[0063] 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 based on a distribution operation), information regarding the purchase of an object (information based on a purchase operation), information regarding the use of an object including a gift (information based on a use operation), and various other information regarding the selection and designation made by the broadcasting user through the user terminal 12.

[0064] 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 an avatar 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 specifies an object currently owned and uses the specified object, the content creation unit 22 creates video content of an avatar to which the object is applied. Also, when the broadcast user uses a gift given by a viewing user, the content creation unit 22 creates video content of an avatar to which the gift is applied.

[0065] 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.

[0066] The content transmitting unit 24 transmits the video content created by the content creating unit 22 to the server 10.

[0067] The operation data transmission unit 25 converts operation information relating to operations performed by the broadcast user, out of the input information acquired by the input unit 21, into data, and transmits the obtained operation data to the server 10.

[0068] (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, and an operation data transmission unit 33. 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).

[0069] The content output unit 31 receives video content from the server 10 via the communication network N, and outputs the received video content. As a result, a video content display screen, i.e., a video of an avatar 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 emitted from the speaker of the user terminal 12 of the viewing user. In addition, while the content output unit 31 is displaying the video content, the user terminal 12 of the viewing user appropriately displays a gift selection screen G1 including selectable gifts that can be given to the distribution user, and a participation invitation screen G3 for inviting participants to share the cost of the gifts.

[0070] The operation input unit 32 receives input of an operation 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 based on the application operation, and various other information related to the selection and designation performed by the viewing user through the user terminal 12.

[0071] The operation data transmission unit 33 converts the input operation information acquired by the operation input unit 32 into data, and transmits the obtained operation data to the server 10.

[0072] (Functions provided by the server) 18, the server 10 has an operation reception unit 41, a video distribution unit 42, a display control unit 43, a gift control unit 44, and a notification unit 45. These functional units are realized by cooperation between the hardware devices of the server 10 and software (programs) installed in the server 10.

[0073] 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 by communicating with the user terminals 12 of the distribution user and the viewing user. Specifically, it receives operation information data transmitted from the operation data transmission unit 25 and the operation data transmission unit 33, thereby receiving the operations of each user. The operations received by the operation reception unit 41 include various operations regarding the use of the video content, specifically including selection, designation, instruction, request, command, permission or refusal, registration, reservation, and other input operations.

[0074] For example, the operation receiving unit 41 receives from the broadcasting user a broadcasting operation for broadcasting video content, a purchase operation for purchasing an object, and a use operation for using an object owned (including a gift given by a viewing user). The operation receiving unit 41 also receives from the viewing user a granting operation for granting a gift to the broadcasting user (including an operation for selecting a gift, an operation for purchasing a selected gift, an operation for inviting participants to share the cost of the gift, an operation for participating in sharing the cost of the gift, etc.).

[0075] The video distribution unit 42 receives video content transmitted from the user terminal 12 of the distribution user (more specifically, the content transmission unit 24) by communicating with the user terminal 12 of the distribution user. Then, the video distribution unit 42 identifies a user (viewing user) who requests viewing of the received video content, and distributes the video content to the identified viewing user by communicating with the user terminal 12 of the identified viewing user (e.g., a first user).

[0076] The display control unit 43 controls the user terminals 12 of the broadcasting user and the viewing user, and displays the video content of the broadcasting user, i.e., the video content including the avatar, on the screens of the user terminals 12 of the broadcasting user (the person himself) and the identified viewing user. Specifically, the display control unit 43 generates display data for displaying the results of information processing by the video broadcasting unit 42 and the like, and transmits the generated display data to the user terminal 12 via the network 14.

[0077] Furthermore, when the display control unit 43 receives an operation from the viewing user who is the first user to solicit participants to share the cost of the selected gift with other viewing users and jointly donate it to the distribution user, the display control unit 43 controls the user terminals 12 of the other viewing users who are viewing the video content of the same distribution user, and displays a participation solicitation screen G3 (e.g., FIG. 5) for participating in sharing the cost of the gift on the screen of the user terminal 12 of the viewing user. In this embodiment, the participation solicitation screen G3 may be displayed on the user terminal 12 of the viewing user at the time the first user selects a gift, or the participation solicitation screen G3 may be displayed on the user terminal 12 of the viewing user when the first user selects a gift and then actually pays a portion of the cost of the gift (e.g., the amount per share).

[0078] Furthermore, the display control unit 43 may display the participation invitation screen G3 only to other users other than the first user who are viewing the same video content as the video content being viewed by the first user, i.e., viewing users who are viewing the video content distributed by the distribution user to which the gift is to be sent, or may display the participation invitation screen G3 to other users as well. Furthermore, the viewing users to which the participation invitation screen G3 is displayed may be users who have received a notification, which will be described later, users designated by the first user, users who have a friend relationship with the first user, users who have registered the first user or the target distribution user as favorites, users who have registered the first user or the target distribution user as favorites, or users who have not yet sent a gift to the target distribution user or other distribution users. Furthermore, the viewing users to which the participation invitation screen G3 is displayed may be users who are currently viewing the video content of the target distribution user among users who have a friend relationship with the first user.

[0079] The display control unit 43 also displays on the participation invitation screen G3 invitation information including conditions for participating in the sharing of the gift price, such as the target amount, the current total amount, the current number of participants, the share amount, the collection period (remaining time), and other invitation conditions set by the first user. When displaying the participation invitation screen G3 on the user terminal 12, the display control unit 43 also updates and displays the above-mentioned invitation information displayed on the participation invitation screen G3 as appropriate. Specifically, when participation in the sharing of the gift price is accepted from another viewing user, the invitation information such as the current total amount, the current number of participants, and the collection period (remaining time) is updated according to the participation status, and the updated participation invitation screen G3 (for example, FIG. 7) is displayed on the screen of the user terminal 12 of the viewing user. Note that even if participation in the sharing of the gift price is not accepted from another viewing user, the Bosch information may be updated as appropriate.

[0080] When a viewing user performs a granting operation, the gift control unit 44 grants a gift to the broadcasting user according to the operation content. At this time, the gift granted to the broadcasting user by the viewing user is set to a usable state by the broadcasting user, and for the broadcasting user to whom the gift was granted, the broadcasting user information is updated based on the granted gift. In addition, the gift control unit 44 allows the broadcasting user to whom the gift was granted to select whether or not to use the gift, and if the broadcasting user selects to use the gift, provides the gift to the video content. Specifically, the gift is set as a background image or background music for the video content, or is attached to an avatar.

[0081] Furthermore, the gift control unit 44 controls so that the price of the gift to be given to the delivery user can be shared by the first user and one or more second users. Specifically, when an operation is received from a viewing user who is the first user to recruit participants to share the price of the selected gift with other viewing users and give it to the delivery user jointly, participants in sharing the gift price are recruited from among viewing users who are watching the video content of the delivery user. At this time, a recruitment period during which other users can participate in sharing the gift price and other conditions (amount of payment per unit, number of units to be recruited, number of people to be recruited, etc.) are set. The recruitment period and other conditions may be arbitrarily set by the first user, or may be automatically set according to the price of the gift. For example, when the price of the gift is high, it is preferable to make the recruitment period longer and the number of units to be recruited or the number of people to be recruited larger than when the price of the gift is low.

[0082] In addition, when the amount collected by the first user and the second user does not reach the target amount of the gift value, and the set collection period ends, the gift control unit 44 may cancel the purchase of the gift, or may purchase the gift by making the first user pay the difference between the amount paid by the second user (the amount collected) and the amount equivalent to the gift value. In this case, depending on what percentage of the gift value the amount paid by the second user corresponds to, it may be determined whether to cancel the purchase of the gift or to make the first user pay the remaining amount. In addition, if no user other than the first user has participated, the purchase of the gift may be made cancelable, and if a user other than the first user has already participated, that is, if a second user exists, the purchase of the gift may be made uncancellable. In addition, in the case of a shared payment, the gift control unit 44 controls the distributor to receive the gift when the total amount paid by the first user and the amount paid by the second user reaches the amount equivalent to the gift value.

[0083] When a viewing user (first user) is recruiting participants to share the cost of a gift, the notification unit 45 communicates with the user terminals 12 of the other users to notify the other users that the first user is recruiting participants to share the cost of the gift. The notification method may be, for example, by displaying a recruitment notification message 54 (FIG. 3) indicating the content in a message display area 52 on a video content display screen on which a distributor is distributing video content, or by displaying a dialog box (not shown) indicating the content on the video content display screen.

[0084] The notification unit 45 may limit the notification targets to a portion of users. The notification target users include users designated by the first user, users who have a friend relationship with the first user, users who have registered the first user or the target broadcast user as favorites, users who have registered the first user or the target broadcast user as favorites, or users who have not yet given a gift to the target broadcast user or other broadcast users. Furthermore, users who are friends with the first user and who are currently watching video content of the target broadcast user may be set as notification target users.

[0085] <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 with reference to Figures 19 and 20. The information processing flow according to this embodiment employs the information processing method of the present invention, and is realized by using a video distribution system S that functions as a computer system. In other words, each step in the information processing flow (specifically, each step shown in Figures 19 and 20) 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.

[0086] (Information processing flow) This information processing flow is information processing for video distribution, which is the basis of the present invention and includes shared processing, and proceeds, for example, according to the flow shown in FIG.

[0087] As shown in Fig. 19, 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 corresponding processes, and data communication is performed between the devices. To explain in more detail, 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 (S101). Specifically, video content of the broadcasting user's avatar is created and transmitted to the server 10.

[0088] 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 (S102). Meanwhile, 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 (S103). That is, a video content display screen including the video content of the avatar is displayed on the screen of the user terminal 12 of the viewing user.

[0089] The viewing user views the video content through the user terminal 12, and can also grant (give) a gift to the distribution user of the video content while viewing the video content. Specifically, when the viewing user performs an operation to give a gift to the distribution user, that is, when the viewing user performs an operation to select a gift to be given from the gifts displayed on the gift selection screen G1 and grant the gift to the distribution user (S104: YES), and further performs an operation to set the payment method of the selected gift as a shared payment (S105: YES), the server 10 accepts the giving operation from the first user and executes a shared payment process to share the gift price with other users (S106). Details of the shared payment process will be described later. On the other hand, when the operation to set the payment method of the selected gift as a shared payment has not been performed, that is, when it has been set as a single payment (S105: NO), the server 10 purchases the gift as it is without executing the shared payment process of step S106 and moves to the next process.

[0090] Then, when the amount paid by the first user (in the case of single payment) or the total amount paid jointly by the first user and the second user (in the case of joint payment) reaches an amount equivalent to the value of the gift and the gift is purchased, the server 10 grants the gift to the broadcasting user by setting the gift selected as the grant target to a state in which it can be used by the broadcasting user (S107). At this time, the fact that the gift has been granted to the broadcasting user may be displayed on the video content display screen so that the user can recognize it. Note that if the viewing user has not performed an operation to select a gift and grant it to the broadcasting user (S104: NO), the video content of the broadcasting user's avatar continues to be distributed.

[0091] The broadcast user to whom the gift has been granted can use the gift, i.e., set it as background image or background music for video content, or have it attached to an avatar. When the broadcast user uses the granted gift (S108: YES), the broadcast user's user terminal 12 creates video content to which the gift has been applied, and transmits it to the server 10 (S109). When the server 10 receives the video content to which the gift has been applied in step S109, it distributes the video content to the same viewing user as the viewing user identified as the distribution destination in step S102 (S110).

[0092] On the viewing user's side, the video content distributed in step S110 is received by user terminal 12, and the content is displayed on the display of user terminal 12. In detail, the video content to which the gift granted by the viewing user has been applied is displayed on the screen of user terminal 12 of the viewing user (S111). Note that if the broadcasting user has not used the granted gift (S108: NO), video content of the broadcasting user's avatar to which no gift has been applied continues to be distributed.

[0093] The series of steps described above are repeatedly executed until the distributor user finishes distributing the video content (S112: NO). In other words, the viewing user can continue to view the video content until the distribution of the video content ends, and can also give a new gift to the distributor user of the video content. Then, when the distributor user finishes distributing the video content (S112: YES), the information processing flow ends. The above is an example of the information processing flow of the present invention.

[0094] (Shared burden processing) Next, an example of shared expense processing will be described with reference to FIG. The shared payment process is a procedure executed by the server 10, and is executed in step S106 of the above information processing flow. Specifically, it is a process for controlling the gift price so that it can be shared by a plurality of users.

[0095] 20, first, the server 10 sets the conditions (including the collection period, etc.) for participating in the gift cost sharing based on the operation information received from the first user by communicating with the user terminal 12 of the first user (S201). Note that some or all of the conditions may be set automatically, regardless of the operation information of the first user.

[0096] Then, when the server 10 consumes a part of the value of the selected gift, for example, the minimum payment amount, from the owned amount of value associated with the first user, i.e., when the first user actually pays and pays an amount equivalent to a part of the gift value (S202), the server 10 displays recruitment information including conditions for participating in the sharing of the gift value to the other users by communicating with the user terminals 12 of the other users, and invites the other users to participate in the sharing of the gift value (S203). In addition, the server 10 notifies the users who satisfy the predetermined conditions that the first user is recruiting participants to share the gift value by communicating with the user terminals 12 of the users who satisfy the predetermined conditions (S204).

[0097] Next, when the server 10 determines that there has been an application to participate in the sharing of the cost of the gift based on the operation information received from the other user by communicating with the user terminal 12 of the other user (S205: YES), it updates the recruitment information displayed to the other users (S206). If there is no application from the other user (S205: NO), it proceeds directly to the next process.

[0098] After the set collection period ends (S207: YES), if the server 10 determines that the amount equivalent to the value of the gift has been collected through applications for participation from other users and that a joint contribution has been established (S208: YES), the first user and the second user share the value of the gift (S209). That is, the server 10 performs a process of deducting the amount of the gift value allocated to the first user from the amount of value associated with the first user, and deducting the amount of the gift value allocated to the second user from the amount of value associated with the second user. Note that if there are multiple second users and the amount of the gift value varies for reasons such as the number of applications being different for each second user, the amount of the gift value allocated to each second user is deducted from the amount of value associated with each second user.

[0099] On the other hand, when the server 10 judges that the amount equivalent to the value of the gift has not been collected and the joint payment has not been established (S208: NO), it first makes the second user pay a part of the value of the gift, and then makes the first user pay the difference between the amount paid by the second user and the amount equivalent to the value of the gift (S210). That is, the amount of the value of the gift allocated to the second user is subtracted from the amount of the value associated with the second user, and the remaining amount is subtracted from the amount of the value associated with the first user. Note that if there is no second user, the first user will pay the entire amount equivalent to the value of the gift.

[0100] Then, when the amount equivalent to the value of the gift has been paid in full by the first user or the first user and the second user, the server 10 allows the gift to be purchased by associating it with the user information of the first user or the first user and the second user and storing it (S211), and terminates the process. The above is an example of shared burden processing.

[0101] In the above-mentioned shared payment process, even if the shared payment is not established, the gift can be purchased by making the first user pay the shortfall in the price of the gift, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, if the ratio of the shortfall in the price of the gift is equal to or greater than a predetermined ratio (e.g., 50% or more), or if the shortfall is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount (e.g., 500 yen or more), the gift may not be purchased. Also, the first user or the first user and the second user may be allowed to select whether or not to purchase the gift. In this case, as described above, the selection may be possible only if the shortfall in the ratio or amount is equal to or greater than a predetermined ratio or a predetermined amount. Furthermore, if no users other than the first user have participated, that is, if there is no second user, the purchase may be cancelled (the first user may pay the full amount to purchase or may cancel the purchase), and if other users other than the first user have already participated, that is, if there is a second user, the purchase may not be cancelled (the first user must pay the difference to purchase).

[0102] <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.

[0103] 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.

[0104] 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 while the video content is being viewed (video content display screen), or may be the initial screen of the user terminal 12 (specifically, the standby screen).

[0105] 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.

[0106] In addition, with regard to the present invention, a number of other embodiments (variations) different from the above embodiment are possible. Each of the variations will be described below. Note that the following mainly describes the differences from the above embodiment, and a description of the commonalities will be omitted.

[0107] (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.

[0108] (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.

[0109] (Gift Variations) In the above embodiment, gifts are charged and can be given by paying a value such as currency or electronic money, but the present invention is not limited to this, and some gifts may be given free of charge. In addition, when the cost of a gift is shared, the cost of the gift may be discounted, or the value of the gift may be changed by increasing the amount of the gift or improving the quality of the gift. In addition, the number of times that gifts can be given within a certain period of time may be limited to a specified number of times.

[0110] (Giving rewards to users who give gifts) In the above embodiment, in order to promote the giving of gifts, a reward may be given to a viewing user who has given a gift when that user satisfies a certain condition (hereinafter, reward condition). The reward condition may be a joint donation in which the viewing user and other viewing users share the cost of the gift, or, for example, a combination of gifts may satisfy a predetermined relationship when a viewing user gives a gift to a broadcasting user, within a certain time after the viewing user has given the gift to the same broadcasting user, or, when multiple viewing users give gifts to the same broadcasting user, the combination of gifts may satisfy a predetermined relationship. The reward to be given may be determined according to the amount of the shared burden, the number of consecutive gift giving within a certain time, or the number of viewing users (gift givers) who have given gifts within a certain time. In this case, it is preferable that the value of the reward to be given or the number of rewards to be given increases as the amount of the shared burden, the number of consecutive gift giving, or the number of gift givers increases. In addition, in the case of a shared contribution, a first user may be given a reward of a higher value than a second user, and a second user who joins the shared contribution earlier may be given a reward of a higher value than a second user who joins the shared contribution later.

[0111] (Return gift from the broadcaster) In the above embodiment, when a viewing user gives a gift to a distribution user, the viewing user may receive a return gift from the distribution user. The content of the return gift may be a message from the distribution user, or may be a commercial product, etc. The message may be displayed on the video content in a state where other viewing users can confirm it, or may be sent to each viewing user individually. The commercial product may be electronic data that can be displayed in the video content being viewed by the viewing user, such as a gift. The content of the return gift may be changed depending on the amount of the shared burden. For example, when a distribution user sends a message to a viewing user on the video content, users who have paid a large amount of money may be displayed preferentially. The display mode of the message may be different depending on the amount of money paid, such as by using a flashy presentation for users who have paid a large amount of money.

[0112] In addition, in the above embodiment, for example, on the screen shown in Figure 3, if the value of the gift selected by the first user is greater than the amount of value possessed by the first user, the joint gift button 63 may be displayed (or made selectable), and if the value of the gift selected by the first user is equal to or less than the amount of value possessed by the first user, the joint gift button 63 may not be displayed (or made selectable).

[0113] 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.

[0114] <Summary> [General-purpose subject] One of the objects of the present invention is to make it easier for users to give gifts to distributors. Another object of the present invention is to increase the options for gifts that users can give to distributors. Another object of the present invention is to enable users to give expensive gifts to distributors, thereby increasing distributors' motivation to distribute videos, improving the quality of the distributed videos, and revitalizing the video distribution market.

[0115] Issues regarding [Appendix 1] One of the objects of the present invention is to enable even users with limited financial resources to give expensive gifts to distributors. [Appendix 1] The information processing device of this embodiment has a video distribution unit that distributes a video of a broadcaster to a terminal of a first user, and a gift control unit that, when a selection of a gift to be given from the first user to the broadcaster is accepted, controls the cost of the gift so that it can be shared by the first user and one or more second users. According to the above information processing device, when a user wishes to give a gift to a video distributor, the cost of the gift can be shared between the first and second users, so that even a user who is short on funds can give an expensive gift to the distributor.

[0116] Issues regarding [Appendix 2] One of the aims of the present invention is to facilitate gathering users to share the cost of a gift. [Appendix 2] The gift control unit of the information processing device described in [Appendix 1] controls the invitation to participate in sharing the cost of the gift from among users watching the broadcaster's video. This means that when sharing the cost of a gift, a first user can recruit second users from among users who are watching videos by the same broadcaster, making it easier to gather users to share the cost.

[0117] Issues regarding [Appendix 3] One of the objects of the present invention is to improve the reliability of the pooling of the value of a gift, making it easier for other users to join in the pooling. [Appendix 3] An information processing device as described in [Appendix 1], which has a display control unit that displays a participation invitation screen on the terminal of other users to participate in sharing the cost of the gift when a first user pays part of the cost of the gift. As a result, when a first user who selects a gift to send to a distributor actually pays part of the value of the gift, other users are invited to join in sharing the value of the gift, thereby improving the reliability of the sharing and making it easier for other users to participate.

[0118] Issues regarding [Appendix 4] One of the objects of the present invention is to make it easier for other users to participate in the sharing of the cost of a gift by clearly communicating the conditions for participation. [Appendix 4] The display control unit is an information processing device described in [Appendix 3] that displays the conditions for participating in sharing the cost of a gift on a participation invitation screen. This makes it easier for other users to participate by clearly communicating the conditions for participating in the shared burden.

[0119] Issues regarding [Appendix 5] One of the objects of the present invention is to improve the reliability of the pooling of the value of a gift, making it easier for other users to join in the pooling. [Appendix 5] The information processing device described in [Appendix 3], wherein the display control unit, when accepting participation in sharing the cost of a gift from another user, updates and displays recruitment information for participation in sharing the cost of a gift on the participation recruitment screen. As a result, when the recruitment information for accepting participation from other users and participating in the shared burden is changed, the recruitment information is updated to the latest information and displayed to other users, thereby improving the reliability of the shared burden and making it easier for other users to participate.

[0120] Issues regarding [Appendix 6] One of the objects of the present invention is to efficiently gather users who share the cost of a gift. [Appendix 6] An information processing device as described in [Appendix 1], having a notification unit that notifies other users who meet specified conditions of an invitation to participate in sharing the cost of a gift selected by the first user. This allows other users who satisfy the predetermined conditions to be notified of the invitation to participate in the shared burden, making it possible to efficiently gather users who will share the burden.

[0121] Issues regarding [Appendix 7] One of the objects of the present invention is to efficiently gather users who share the cost of a gift. [Appendix 7] The information processing device described in [Appendix 6], wherein the notification unit notifies users who have a specified relationship with the first user and are watching the broadcaster's video of an invitation to participate in sharing the cost of a gift selected by the first user. This allows the invitation to participate in the shared burden to be notified to users who have a predetermined relationship and are watching videos of the same distributor, among other users who satisfy predetermined conditions, so that users who will share the burden can be gathered more efficiently.

[0122] Issues regarding [Appendix 8] One of the objects of the present invention is to clarify the period during which users can apply to share the cost of a gift, thereby making it easier for other users to join in the sharing. [Appendix 8] The gift control unit of the information processing device described in [Appendix 1] sets a recruitment period during which other users can participate in sharing the cost of the gift. This makes it easier for other users to participate in sharing the cost of the gift since the period during which they can apply to share the cost becomes clear.

[0123] Issues regarding [Appendix 9] One of the objects of the present invention is to improve the reliability of the pooling of the value of a gift, making it easier for other users to join in the pooling. [Appendix 9] The information processing device described in [Appendix 8], wherein the gift control unit, when the collection period ends, makes the first user pay the difference between the amount paid by the second user and the amount equivalent to the value of the gift. This means that even if the amount collected from the second user is less than the amount equivalent to the value of the gift, the second user's participation will not be canceled, improving the reliability of the shared burden and making it easier for other users to participate.

[0124] Issues regarding [Appendix 10] One of the objects of the present invention is to improve the reliability of the pooling of the value of a gift, making it easier for other users to join in the pooling. [Appendix 10] The gift control unit of the information processing device described in [Appendix 1] allows the selection of a gift to be canceled if no users other than the first user are participating, and prevents the selection of a gift from being canceled if no users other than the first user have already participated. This improves convenience for the first user by allowing the first user to cancel the gift selection if the second user is not present, while the participation of second users who have already participated is not canceled, improving reliability of the shared burden and making it easier for other users to participate.

[0125] Issues regarding [Appendix 11] One of the objects of the present invention is to increase distributors' motivation to distribute videos and improve the quality of the distributed videos so that they can receive expensive gifts. [Appendix 11] The gift control unit of the information processing device described in [Appendix 1] controls the broadcaster to allow the gift to be received when the total amount of the amount paid by the first user and the amount paid by the second user reaches an amount equivalent to the value of the gift. This allows the distributor to receive the gift when the total amount paid jointly by the first user and the second user reaches an amount equivalent to the value of the gift. Therefore, for the distributor, satisfying many users leads to receiving an expensive gift, which increases the distributor's motivation to distribute videos and improves the quality of the distributed videos.

[0126] Issues regarding [Appendix 12] One of the objects of the present invention is to enable even users with limited financial resources to give expensive gifts to distributors. [Appendix 12] In the information processing method of this embodiment, a processor distributes a video of a broadcaster to a terminal of a first user, and when the processor accepts a selection of a gift from the first user to give to the broadcaster, controls the cost of the gift so that it can be shared by the first user and one or more second users. According to the above information processing method, even a user who is short on funds can give an expensive gift to a distributor.

[0127] Issues regarding [Appendix 13] One of the objects of the present invention is to enable even users with limited financial resources to give expensive gifts to distributors. [Appendix 13] The program of this embodiment causes a processor to distribute a video of a distributor to a terminal of a first user, and when the processor receives a selection of a gift from the first user to give to the distributor, controls the processor so that the price of the gift can be shared by the first user and one or more second users. According to the above program, even a user with limited funds can give an expensive gift to a distributor. [Explanation of symbols]

[0128] 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 Operation data transmission unit 31 Content Output Section 32 Operation input section 33 Operation data transmission unit 41 Operation reception section 42 Video Distribution Department 43 Display control unit 44 Gift Control Section 45 Notification Department 51 Avatar display area 52 Message display area 53 Message input field 54 Recruitment notification message 55 Gift Box 61 Gift Button 62 Single Gift Button 63 Joint Donation Button 64 Condition decision button 65 Participation application button 66 Participation Confirmation Button A.Avatar G1 Gift Selection Screen G2 Condition setting screen G3 participation recruitment screen G4 Payment settings screen N Communication Network S video distribution system

Claims

1. An information processing apparatus comprising a processor, wherein the processor: distributes a video of a distributor to terminals of a plurality of users including a first user and one or more second users; receives a selection of a gift to be given from the first user to the distributor, the gift being an object for changing a display mode in the video of the distributor, and controls so that the cost of the gift can be jointly borne by a group including the first user and one or more second users; when the joint burden is established, causes the object to be applied; and distributes the video to the terminals of the plurality of users in a display mode to which the object has been applied.

2. A processor distributes a video of a distributor to terminals of a plurality of users including a first user and one or more second users; the processor receives a selection of a gift to be given from the first user to the distributor, the gift being an object for changing a display mode in the video of the distributor; the processor controls so that the cost of the gift can be jointly borne by the first user and one or more second users; when the joint burden is established, the processor causes the object to be applied; and the processor distributes the video to the terminals of the plurality of users in a display mode to which the object has been applied. An information processing method.

3. causing a processor to: display a video of a distributor distributed from a server on a display unit; receive a selection operation of a gift to be given to the distributor, the gift being an object for changing a display mode in the video of the distributor, through a gift selection interface displayed on the display unit; and receive an operation indicating joint burden of the cost of the selected gift through a joint burden start interface displayed on the display unit. Cause the server to transmit information indicating a selection operation of the received gift and an operation indicating co-payment. Cause the display unit to display the video in the display mode to which the object is applied, which is distributed from the server when co-payment is established. A program for executing processing. **Claim 4**: A system comprising a server and a plurality of terminal devices including a first user terminal and at least one second user terminal communicably connected to the server. The server: Distribute the video of the distributor to the plurality of terminal devices. Receive a selection of a gift that the first user terminal gives to the distributor and that is an object for changing the display mode in the video of the distributor. Control the price of the gift to be jointly borne by the first user of the first user terminal and the second user of one or more second user terminals. When co-payment is established, apply the object. Distribute the video to the plurality of terminal devices in the display mode to which the object is applied. The plurality of terminal devices: Cause the display unit to display the video distributed from the server. System.

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