server

Abstract

To provide a live distribution technology capable of enriching connections between people.SOLUTION: A server includes the means of: receiving a start request including information of a first gift designated in a terminal and information of a target distributor from the terminal through a network; starting a period for enabling the use of a second gift different from the first gift in live distribution of the target distributor in response to the reception of the start request; holding a parameter to be updated each time the second gift is used; and enabling distribution to viewers of an electronic value associated with the first gift when a distribution condition including a time condition to be viewed related to a viewed time for which the live distribution of the target distributor is viewed by the viewers, and a parameter condition related to the parameter is satisfied.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a server and a method. [Background technology]

[0002] With the development of IT technology, the way information is exchanged has also changed. In the Showa era, one-way information transmission such as newspapers and television was the norm. In the Heisei era, mobile phones and personal computers became widespread and Internet communication speeds improved significantly, leading to the rise of instant two-way communication services such as chat services, and on-demand video distribution services became more popular as storage costs decreased. Now, in the Reiwa era, with the increasing functionality of smartphones and further improvements in network speeds such as 5G, services that enable real-time communication through video, especially live streaming services, are rapidly gaining recognition. Live streaming services are seeing an increase in users, especially among young people, as they allow everyone to share the same fun time even when they are far apart.

[0003] One mechanism for making live streaming more exciting is to give rewards to viewers who meet certain conditions. For example, Non-Patent Document 2 discloses that in live streaming, the more lucky gifts a viewer throws, the more a bar gauge increases, and when it exceeds a certain amount, the viewer is given a reward. Non-Patent Document 2 also discloses a gambling gift in which viewers can win lottery tickets by throwing them, and one of them can win a diamond in a lottery drawn every hour. [Prior art documents] [Non-patent literature]

[0004] [Non-Patent Document 1] "Liver Army", 17LIVE, URL: https: / / helpfeel.com / 17media-jp / %E3%83%A9%E3%82%A4%E3 %83%90%E3%83%BC%E3%82%A2%E3%83%BC%E3%83%9F%E3%83%BC-5d1b19ed60a44d0017857bf6 [Non-Patent Document 2] "About Items", Himari, URL: https: / / note.com / himarin25 / n / n2633e9600205 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] According to the mechanism described in Non-Patent Document 2, viewers are motivated to throw gifts, and therefore the amount of gifts used can be expected to increase. However, such a mechanism does not motivate viewers to enjoy the live broadcast of the broadcaster more and watch it for a longer time. It is difficult to enrich the healthy connection between the broadcaster and the viewers by simply inciting gambling. A new mechanism for live broadcasting to enrich the connection between people is required.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of these issues, and its purpose is to provide live streaming technology that can further enrich connections between people. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An aspect of the present disclosure relates to a server, which includes: a means for receiving a start request from a terminal via a network, the start request including information on a first gift specified in the terminal and information on a target broadcaster; a means for starting a period during which a second gift different from the first gift can be used in a live broadcast by the target broadcaster in response to receiving the start request; a means for storing parameters that are updated every time the second gift is used; and a means for enabling distribution of an electronic value associated with the first gift to a viewer when distribution conditions including a viewed time condition related to a viewed time during which the live broadcast by the target broadcaster was viewed by a viewer and a parameter condition related to the parameters are satisfied.

[0008] Another embodiment of the present invention is also a server comprising: means for receiving a start request from a terminal via a network, the start request including information on a first gift and information on a target broadcaster designated in the terminal; means for starting a period in response to receiving the start request; and means for enabling distribution of electronic value associated with the first gift to viewers when distribution conditions including a viewed time condition related to a viewed time during which a live broadcast by the target broadcaster is viewed by viewers during the period are satisfied.

[0009] In addition, any combination of the above components, or mutual substitution of the components or expressions of the present invention between an apparatus, a method, a system, a computer program, a recording medium storing a computer program, etc., are also valid aspects of the present invention. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a live distribution technology that can further enrich connections between people. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a live distribution system according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] 2 is a block diagram showing the functions and configuration of the user terminal of FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] 2 is a block diagram showing the functions and configuration of the server in FIG. 1. [Figure 4] 4 is a data structure diagram showing an example of a stream DB in FIG. 3. [Diagram 5] 4 is a data structure diagram showing an example of the army DB of FIG. 3. [Figure 6] 4 is a data structure diagram showing an example of a user DB in FIG. 3. [Figure 7] 4 is a data structure diagram showing an example of a gift DB in FIG. 3. [Figure 8] 4 is a data structure diagram showing an example of the return gift DB of FIG. 3. [Figure 9] 4 is a data structure diagram showing an example of a distribution condition DB of FIG. 3. [Figure 10] 4 is a data structure diagram showing an example of a receiving conditions DB of FIG. 3. [Figure 11] 2 is a flowchart showing the flow of a series of processes in the live distribution system of FIG. 1. [Figure 12] 2 is a flowchart showing a series of processes performed when starting live streaming in the live streaming system of FIG. 1. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a representative screen diagram of a live streaming room screen displayed on the display of a viewer's user terminal. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a representative screen diagram of a live streaming room screen displayed on the display of a user terminal of another viewer. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a representative screen diagram of an insertion gift selection screen displayed on the display of a user terminal of another viewer. [Figure 16] FIG. 13 is a representative screen diagram of a live streaming room screen displayed on the display of a user terminal of another viewer. [Figure 17] FIG. 13 is a representative screen diagram of a live streaming room screen displayed on the display of a user terminal of another viewer. [Figure 18] FIG. 13 is a representative screen diagram of a live streaming room screen displayed on the display of a user terminal of a broadcaster. [Figure 19]FIG. 13 is a representative screen diagram of a live streaming room screen displayed on the display of a user terminal of another viewer. [Figure 20] FIG. 13 is a representative screen diagram of a live streaming selection screen displayed on the display of a viewer's user terminal. [Figure 21] FIG. 13 is a representative screen diagram of a genre-specific live streaming selection screen displayed on the display of a viewer's user terminal. [Figure 22] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the functions and configuration of a server according to a second embodiment. [Diagram 23] 23 is a data structure diagram showing an example of a gift DB in FIG. 22. [Figure 24] A data structure diagram showing an example of the return gift DB of Figure 22. [Diagram 25] 23 is a data structure diagram showing an example of the winning probability DB of FIG. 22. [Figure 26] 23 is a data structure diagram showing an example of a lottery history DB of FIG. 22. [Figure 27] 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of a series of processes in a live distribution system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 28] FIG. 13 is a representative screen diagram of a live streaming room screen displayed on the display of a viewer's user terminal. [Figure 29] FIG. 13 is a representative screen diagram of a lottery gift selection screen displayed on the display of a viewer's user terminal. [Diagram 30] FIG. 13 is a representative screen diagram of a rejection notice screen displayed on the display of a viewer's user terminal. [Diagram 31] FIG. 13 is a representative screen diagram of a winning notification screen displayed on the display of a viewer's user terminal. [Diagram 32] 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an information processing device according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Hereinafter, the same or equivalent components, members, processes, and signals shown in each drawing will be given the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations will be omitted as appropriate. Also, some of the members that are not important for the explanation will be omitted in each drawing.

[0013] (First embodiment) The live streaming system according to the first embodiment introduces a refund gift as a new type of gift. When a broadcaster or viewer uses a refund gift in a live stream, a refund gift period begins and an object to be added is placed on the room screen of the live stream. Viewers use dedicated gifts to add points to the object to be added (or "accumulate" points). When the viewed time, which is the time that a viewer has watched a live stream by a broadcaster in which an object to be added is placed, exceeds a reference value and the accumulated points reach a reference value, the accumulated points are distributed or refunded to viewers who meet certain receiving conditions.

[0014] Since the accumulated points include points corresponding to the value of the return gift, the points returned to the viewer are usually more than the points that the viewer put in. Therefore, more viewers are attracted to live broadcasts in which the object to be put in is installed. In addition, since the condition for opening the object to be put in is the broadcaster's viewing time, viewers are motivated to watch the broadcaster's live broadcast for a longer period of time. This creates an opportunity for the broadcaster to promote himself or herself, or for the viewer to promote the broadcaster, and promotes the discovery of new broadcasters. As a result, it is possible to provide an opportunity for, for example, new or mid-level broadcasters to become more prominent broadcasters.

[0015] In addition, viewers can use these cashback gifts in live streams by their favorite streamers, paying a fee in exchange for attracting more viewers to the streamer's live streams, and feel a sense of accomplishment in supporting their favorite streamer.

[0016] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a live distribution system 1 according to a first embodiment. The live distribution system 1 provides an interactive live distribution service in which a distributor (also called a live streamer) LV and a viewer (also called an audience) AU (AU1, AU2, ...) can communicate with each other in real time. As shown in FIG. 1, the live distribution system 1 includes a server 10, a user terminal 20 on the distributor side, and a user terminal 30 (30a, 30b, ...) on the viewer side. The distributor and the viewer may be collectively referred to as users. The server 10 may be configured by one or more information processing devices connected to a network NW. The user terminals 20 and 30 may be, for example, mobile terminals such as smartphones, tablet terminals, laptop PCs, recorders, portable game consoles, and wearable devices, or may be stationary devices such as desktop PCs. The server 10, the user terminals 20, and the user terminals 30 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other via various wired or wireless networks NW.

[0017] The live distribution system 1 involves a distributor LV, a viewer AU, and an administrator (not shown) who manages a server 10. The distributor LV is a person who transmits content in real time by recording and filming his / her own songs, talks, performances, fortune telling, game commentary, and the like on his / her own user terminal 20 and uploading the recorded content to the server 10 as is. The administrator provides a platform for live distribution of content on the server 10, and also mediates or manages real-time exchanges between the distributor LV and the viewer AU. The viewer AU accesses the platform with a user terminal 30, selects desired content, and views it. During the live distribution of this content, the viewer AU performs an operation to make comments or support via the user terminal 30, and the distributor LV providing the content responds to such comments or support, and the reaction is transmitted to the viewer AU by video and / or audio, thereby establishing two-way communication.

[0018] In this specification, "live distribution" may mean a data transmission mode that realizes a state in which content recorded on a user terminal 20 of a distributor LV is played back and made viewable on a user terminal 30 of a viewer AU in substantially real time, or may mean distribution itself realized by such a transmission mode. 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 Messaging Protocol, and MPEG DASH. Live distribution includes a transmission mode in which a viewer AU can view content with a predetermined delay while a distributor LV is recording the content. The amount of delay is at least as large as the amount of communication between the distributor LV and the viewer AU. However, live distribution is distinguished from so-called on-demand distribution in which the entire recorded data of the content is temporarily stored on a server, and the data is provided to a user from the server at any time thereafter in response to a request from the user.

[0019] In this specification, "moving image data" refers to data including image data (also called video data) generated by the imaging function of the user terminals 20 and 30, and audio data (also called audio data) generated by the audio input function of the user terminals 20 and 30. The moving image data is played back on the user terminals 20 and 30, allowing users to view the content. In this embodiment, it is assumed that processing such as compression, decompression, encoding, decoding, transcoding, and other processing is performed to change the format, size, and specifications of the data from when the moving image data is generated on the distributor's user terminal until it is played back on the viewer's user terminal. Since the contents (e.g., moving images and audio) represented by the moving image data before and after such processing are substantially unchanged, this embodiment will be described assuming that the moving image data after such processing is the same as the moving image data before such processing. In other words, when moving image data is generated on the distributor's user terminal and then played back on the viewer's user terminal via the server 10, the moving image data generated on the distributor's user terminal, the moving image data passing through the server 10, and the moving image data received and played on the viewer's user terminal are all the same moving image data.

[0020] In the example of Fig. 1, a broadcaster LV is live-streaming a talk. The user terminal 20 of the broadcaster LV records and records the image and audio of the broadcaster LV while he or she is talking, generating video data, and transmits the video data to the server 10 via the network NW. The user terminal 20 also displays the recorded video image VD of the broadcaster LV on the display of the user terminal 20, thereby enabling the broadcast content by the broadcaster LV to be confirmed.

[0021] The user terminals 30a, 30b of the viewers AU1, AU2 who have requested the platform to watch the live broadcast of the broadcaster LV each receive video data related to the live broadcast via the network NW, and play the received video data to display the videos VD1, VD2 on the display and output audio from the speaker. The videos VD1, VD2 displayed on each user terminal 30a, 30b are substantially identical to the video VD captured by the user terminal 20 of the broadcaster LV, and the audio output from each user terminal 30a, 30b is also substantially identical to the audio recorded by the user terminal 20 of the broadcaster LV.

[0022] The recording and recording in the user terminal 20 of the distributor LV and the playback of the video data in the user terminals 30a and 30b of the viewers AU1 and AU2 are performed substantially simultaneously. When one viewer AU1 inputs a comment on the content of the talk of the distributor LV to the user terminal 30a, the server 10 displays the comment in real time on the user terminal 20 of the distributor LV and also on the user terminals 30a and 30b of each viewer AU1 and AU2. When the distributor LV reads the comment and develops a talk that overlaps the content, the video and audio of the talk are output on the user terminals 30a and 30b of each viewer AU1 and AU2, and it is recognized that a conversation between the distributor LV and the viewer AU1 has been established. In this way, the live distribution system 1 realizes live distribution that enables two-way communication, not one-way.

[0023] Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the functions and configuration of the user terminal 20 in Fig. 1. The user terminal 30 has the same functions and configuration as the user terminal 20. Each block shown in Fig. 3 and the following block diagrams can be realized in hardware terms by elements and mechanical devices such as a computer CPU, and in software terms by a computer program, etc., but here, functional blocks realized by the cooperation of these are depicted. Therefore, those skilled in the art who have read this specification will understand that these functional blocks can be realized in various ways by combining hardware and software.

[0024] The distributor LV and the viewer AU download and install a live distribution application program (hereinafter, referred to as a live distribution app) according to this embodiment from a download site to the user terminals 20 and 30 via the network NW. Alternatively, the live distribution app may be pre-installed in the user terminals 20 and 30. When the live distribution app is executed by the user terminals 20 and 30, the user terminals 20 and 30 communicate with the server 10 via the network NW to realize various functions. Hereinafter, functions realized by the user terminals 20 and 30 (processors such as CPUs) executing the live distribution app will be described as functions of the user terminals 20 and 30. These functions are actually functions that the live distribution app causes the user terminals 20 and 30 to realize. Note that in other embodiments, these functions may be realized by a computer program written in a programming language such as HTML (HyperText Markup Language), which is transmitted from the server 10 to a web browser of the user terminals 20 and 30 via the network NW and executed by the web browser.

[0025] The user terminal 20 comprises a distribution unit 100 that generates video data recording an image and voice of the user and provides the video data to the server 10, and a viewing unit 200 that acquires the video data from the server 10 and plays it. The user activates the distribution unit 100 when distributing, and the viewing unit 200 when viewing. A user terminal on which the distribution unit 100 is active is a user terminal on the distributor side, that is, a user terminal on the generating side of video data, and a user terminal on which the viewing unit 200 is active is a user terminal on the viewer side, that is, a user terminal on the playing side of video data.

[0026] The delivery unit 100 includes an imaging control unit 102, an audio control unit 104, a video transmission unit 106, and a delivery-side UI control unit 108. The imaging control unit 102 is connected to a camera (not shown in FIG. 2) and controls the imaging by the camera. The imaging control unit 102 acquires image data from the camera. The audio control unit 104 is connected to a microphone (not shown in FIG. 2) and controls audio input by the microphone. The audio control unit 104 acquires audio data from the microphone. The video transmission unit 106 transmits video data including the image data acquired by the imaging control unit 102 and the audio data acquired by the audio control unit 104 to the server 10 via the network NW. The video transmission unit 106 transmits the video data in real time. That is, the generation of video data by the imaging control unit 102 and the audio control unit 104 and the transmission of the generated video data by the video transmission unit 106 are substantially simultaneously performed. The delivery-side UI control unit 108 controls a UI for the distributor. 2, and displays a moving image on the display by playing back the video data to be transmitted by the video transmission unit 106. The distribution-side UI control unit 108 displays operation objects and instruction receiving objects on the display, and receives tap inputs from the distributor.

[0027] The viewing unit 200 includes a viewing side UI control unit 202, a superimposition information generating unit 204, and an input information transmitting unit 206. The viewing unit 200 receives video data related to live distribution from the server 10 via the network NW. The viewing side UI control unit 202 controls a UI for viewers. The viewing side UI control unit 202 is connected to a display and a speaker (not shown in FIG. 2), and plays the received video data to display a video image on the display and output audio from the speaker. The output of an image on the display and the output of audio from the speaker can be collectively referred to as "video data being played". The viewing side UI control unit 202 is connected to input means such as a touch panel, a keyboard, and a display (not shown in FIG. 2), and acquires user input via the input means. The superimposition information generating unit 204 superimposes a predetermined frame image on the image of the video data acquired from the server 10. The frame image includes various user interface objects (simply referred to as objects in this specification) for receiving input from the user, comments entered by the viewer, and information acquired from the server 10. The input information transmitting unit 206 transmits the user input acquired by the viewer-side UI control unit 202 to the server 10 via the network NW.

[0028] Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing the functions and configuration of the server 10 in Fig. 1. The server 10 includes a distribution information providing unit 302, a relay unit 304, an army management unit 306, a normal gift processing unit 308, a payment processing unit 310, a return gift processing unit 312, a stream DB 314, a user DB 316, a gift DB 318, a return gift DB 320, an army DB 322, a distribution condition DB 324, and a receiving condition DB 326.

[0029] FIG. 4 is a data structure diagram showing an example of the stream DB 314 in FIG. 3. The stream DB 314 holds information on live streaming currently being performed. The stream DB 314 holds a stream ID that identifies a live streaming in a live streaming platform provided by the live streaming system 1, a broadcaster ID that is a user ID that identifies a broadcaster of the live streaming, and a viewer ID that is a user ID that identifies a viewer of the live streaming, in association with each other. In the live streaming platform provided by the live streaming system 1 according to the present embodiment, when a user broadcasts live, the user becomes a broadcaster, and when the same user watches a live streaming broadcast by another user, the user becomes a viewer. Therefore, the distinction between broadcaster and viewer is not fixed, and a user ID that is registered as a broadcaster ID at one time may be registered as a viewer ID at another time.

[0030] FIG. 5 is a data structure diagram showing an example of the army DB 322 in FIG. 3. The army DB 322 holds army information of each broadcaster. The army DB 322 holds a user ID and an army ID, which is a user ID of a user who is the army of the user, in association with each other. The army of a certain user (hereinafter, referred to as a marshal user) is a user who subscribes to a subscription service for the marshal user, and can also be said to be a member of the marshal user's fan club. If a user subscribes to an army, he or she must pay a predetermined registration fee to the administrator on a regular basis, such as every month or every three months. The administrator grants at least a part of the registration fee to the marshal user. If a viewer is a member of the marshal user's army, he or she can receive benefits such as special gifts and special entrance animations while watching a live broadcast in which the marshal user is a broadcaster. The army may be realized using the technology described in Non-Patent Document 1.

[0031] FIG. 6 is a data structure diagram showing an example of the user DB 316 in FIG. 3. The user DB 316 holds information about users. The user DB 316 holds a user ID for identifying a user, points owned by the user, follower IDs which are user IDs of other users following the user, and followee IDs which are user IDs of other users followed by the user, in association with each other. Points are electronic values ​​circulated within a live streaming platform. When a streamer receives a gift from a viewer during a live streaming session, the streamer's points are increased by a value corresponding to the gift. The points may be used, for example, to determine the amount of remuneration or money that the streamer receives from the administrator of the live streaming platform.

[0032] Fig. 7 is a data structure diagram showing an example of the gift DB 318 in Fig. 3. The gift DB 318 holds information about gifts that can be used by viewers in live distribution. A gift is electronic data that has the following characteristics. -Can be purchased with points or money, or given free of charge. Something that viewers can give to the streamer. Giving a gift to a streamer is also called using a gift or throwing a gift. In some cases, the purchase and use of the gift occur simultaneously as a set, while in other cases the viewer can use the gift at any time after purchasing it. Normally, when a viewer gives a gift to a broadcaster, the broadcaster is given the corresponding points. There are also types of gifts, such as the return gift and the investment gift in this embodiment, in which points are given to the viewer rather than the broadcaster. When a Gift is used, an effect associated with the Gift may occur. For example, an effect corresponding to the Gift may appear on the live streaming screen.

[0033] The gift DB318 holds a gift ID for identifying a gift, grant points that are points granted to a distributor when the gift is given to the distributor, value points that are a value to be paid when using the gift, and a type of gift, in association with each other. A viewer can give a gift to a distributor by paying value points for a desired gift while watching a live broadcast. The payment of the value points may be made by an appropriate electronic payment means, for example, by the viewer paying the value points to the administrator. Alternatively, payment by bank transfer or credit card may be used. The relationship between the grant points and the value points can be arbitrarily set by the administrator. For example, the grant points may be set to be equal to the value points. Alternatively, the value points may be set to points obtained by multiplying the grant points by a predetermined coefficient such as 1.2, or the value points may be set to points obtained by adding a predetermined handling fee points to the grant points.

[0034] There are three types of gifts: normal, return, and deposit. When a normal gift is used, the reward points are subtracted from the points of the giver's viewer and the points are added to the points of the recipient's broadcaster. When a return gift is used, the reward points are subtracted from the points of the user (viewer or broadcaster) who used it and the reward gift period for the target broadcaster is started. When a return gift is used, the reward points are subtracted from the points of the user (viewer or broadcaster) who used it and the reward gift period for the target broadcaster is started. When a return gift is used, the reward points are subtracted from the points of the giver's viewer and the reward points are added to the cumulative points for the corresponding return gift period. In the example of FIG. 7, the return gift "SPA" is associated with three input gifts "QQ1", "QQ2", and "QQ3". When a return gift "SPB" is associated with three input gifts "QQ1", "QQ2", and "QQ3". When a return gift "SPC" is associated with three input gifts "QQ1", "QQ2", and "QQ3".

[0035] FIG. 8 is a data structure diagram showing an example of the return gift DB320 of FIG. 3. The return gift DB320 holds information about the return gift used. While a broadcaster is registered in the return gift DB320, the broadcaster is a broadcaster in the return gift period. Therefore, the return gift period for a broadcaster starts when the return gift used for the broadcaster is registered in the return gift DB320. The return gift DB320 holds a target broadcaster ID, which is the user ID of the target broadcaster, a return gift ID of the return gift used, a start time of the return gift period, a total viewed time accumulated for all viewers who watched the live broadcast of the target broadcaster during the return gift period, the viewing time of each viewer during the return gift period, a point accumulation that is updated or increased each time an input gift is used in the live broadcast of the target broadcaster, an inputter ID, which is the user ID of a viewer who used an input gift in the live broadcast of the target broadcaster, an inputter number, which is the number of viewers who used an input gift in the live broadcast of the target broadcaster, and a broadcast count, which is the number of live broadcasts performed by the target broadcaster during the return gift period, in association with each other. The return gift DB 320 may further hold the number of consecutive viewings by each viewer during the return gift period, and the number of comments by each viewer during the return gift period.

[0036] In this specification, the "view duration" is a parameter associated with a pair of a viewer and a broadcaster, and refers to the time (view duration) that the viewer watches a live broadcast by the broadcaster. In this specification, the term "viewed duration" is a parameter associated with a broadcaster, and refers to the duration for which the broadcaster's live broadcast is viewed by a viewer. In this case, the viewer may be a randomly selected individual, a randomly selected subset of viewers, or all viewers. Alternatively, the viewed duration may be an average value calculated across viewers. The viewed duration is an index of the extent to which the broadcaster's live broadcast is viewed by the viewer. In this specification, "total viewed time" is one aspect of viewed time, and is the time obtained by adding up the viewing time of all viewers who watched the live broadcast of the target broadcaster during the return gift period.

[0037] For example, if a cashback gift is given to broadcaster A during a live stream and broadcaster A enters the cashback gift period, and during that cashback gift period viewer B watches broadcaster A's live stream for 2 hours, viewer C watches it for 3 hours, and viewer D watches it for 4 hours, the following will occur: Viewer B's viewing time = 2 hours Viewer C's viewing time = 3 hours Viewer D's viewing time = 4 hours Total viewed time of streamer A's live stream = 2 + 3 + 4 = 9 hours Average viewing time for streamer A’s live stream = 9 / 3 = 3 hours Viewing time of broadcaster A's live broadcast: This may be the total viewing time or the average viewing time.

[0038] FIG. 9 is a data structure diagram showing an example of the distribution condition DB324 of FIG. 3. The distribution condition DB324 holds distribution conditions that should be satisfied to enable the points indicated by the cumulative points accumulated during the return gift period to be returned or distributed to the viewers. The distribution conditions include at least one of a condition related to the viewed time, a condition related to the cumulative points, a condition related to the number of users who have made inputs, and a condition related to the number of broadcasts. The distribution condition DB324 holds the return gift ID of the return gift to which the distribution condition is applied, a reference value of the total viewed time, a reference value of the cumulative points, a reference value of the number of users who have made inputs, and a reference value of the number of broadcasts in association with each other. Each reference value is a lower limit or threshold value that the corresponding parameter should reach or exceed in order for the distribution condition to be satisfied. The distribution condition DB324 is configured so that the administrator can set the contents as appropriate.

[0039] In the example of FIG. 9, in order to enable distribution of the return gift specified by the return gift ID "SPA" to a viewer, it is necessary to satisfy all of the following: (1) the total viewed time exceeds 10 hours, and (2) the accumulated points reach 200 points. In order to enable distribution of the return gift specified by the return gift ID "SPC" to a viewer, it is necessary to satisfy all of the following: (1) the total viewed time exceeds 100 hours, (2) the accumulated points reach 5000 points, (3) the number of donors exceeds 30, and (4) the number of broadcasts during the return gift period is three or more. Since the corresponding compensation points for the return gift ID "SPC" are large, the required total viewed time and accumulated points are also large, so it is not expected that these conditions will be satisfied in one broadcast, and it is expected that the broadcaster will broadcast multiple times during the return gift period. In other words, the viewer attraction effect of this return gift will continue across multiple broadcasts.

[0040] FIG. 10 is a data structure diagram showing an example of the receiving condition DB326 of FIG. 3. The receiving condition DB326 holds the receiving conditions that the viewer must meet to receive the return or distribution of points indicated by the cumulative points accumulated during the return gift period. The receiving conditions include at least one of the following: a condition related to viewing time, a condition related to whether or not an input gift is used, a condition related to the number of consecutive viewings, and a condition related to the number of comments. The receiving condition DB326 holds the return gift ID of the return gift to which the receiving condition is applied, a reference value of viewing time, whether or not an input item is used, a reference value of the number of consecutive viewings, and a reference value of the number of comments in association with each other. Each reference value is a lower limit or threshold value that the corresponding parameter must reach or exceed in order for the receiving condition to be satisfied. The receiving condition DB326 is configured so that the administrator can set the contents as appropriate. The number of consecutive viewings is the number of times that a viewer has consecutively viewed multiple live broadcasts by the target broadcaster during the return gift period. The number of comments is the number of comments entered by the viewer in the live broadcasts by the target broadcaster during the return gift period. For example, if a target broadcaster performs three live broadcasts during the gift return period, and viewer A watches the first and second live broadcasts and leaves three and five comments, respectively, the viewer's number of consecutive views will be two and the number of comments will be eight. Also, for example, if a target broadcaster performs three live broadcasts during the gift return period, and viewer A watches the first and third live broadcasts, the viewer's number of consecutive views will be one. Note that, although the number of comments used in this example is the total value of the live broadcasts, an average value or a representative value may be used in other embodiments.

[0041] In the example of Figure 10, it is shown that in order to receive a share of the return gift identified by the return gift ID "SPA", all of the following conditions must be met: (1) the viewing time must exceed 15 minutes, and (2) an invested gift must be used. In order to receive a share of the return gift identified by the return gift ID "SPC", it is shown that all of the following conditions must be met: (1) the viewing time must exceed 1 hour, (2) an invested gift must be used, (3) the number of consecutive views during the invested gift period must be 3 or more, and (4) the number of comments must be 10 or more.

[0042] Returning to Fig. 3, the army management unit 306 performs processes related to army management such as registering and cancelling an army, paying points periodically as compensation for an army, and adding special effects to an army. For example, when the army management unit 306 receives an application from a viewer's user terminal 30 to become an army of a specific distributor, the army management unit 306 updates the army DB 322 so that the user ID of the viewer is added to the army ID corresponding to the user ID of the specific distributor.

[0043] When the distribution information providing unit 302 receives a notification from the user terminal 20 of the distributor via the network NW that a live distribution will start, the distribution information providing unit 302 registers a stream ID that identifies the live distribution and a distributor ID of the distributor of the live distribution in the stream DB 314. When the distribution information providing unit 302 receives a request for providing information about a live distribution from the viewing unit 200 of the user terminal 30 of the viewer via the network NW, the distribution information providing unit 302 refers to the stream DB 314 and generates a list of live distributions that can be currently viewed. For each live distribution included in the generated list, the distribution information providing unit 302 refers to the return gift DB 320 and determines whether the live distribution is a live distribution by the distributor during the return gift period. The distribution information providing unit 302 adds a flag indicating the result of the determination, that is, whether each live distribution is a live distribution by the distributor during the return gift period, to the list. The distribution information providing unit 302 transmits the generated list to the user terminal 30 that is the request source via the network NW. The viewer-side UI control unit 202 of the requesting user terminal 30 generates a live streaming selection screen based on the received list, and displays it on the display of the user terminal 30.

[0044] When the input information sending unit 206 of the user terminal 30 accepts the selection of live streaming by the viewer on the live streaming selection screen, it generates a delivery request including the stream ID of the selected live streaming and sends it to the server 10 via the network NW. The delivery information providing unit 302 starts providing the live streaming specified by the stream ID included in the received delivery request to the requesting user terminal 30. The delivery information providing unit 302 updates the stream DB 314 so that the viewer ID of the stream ID includes the user ID of the viewer of the requesting user terminal 30.

[0045] The relay unit 304 relays the transmission of video data from the user terminal 20 of the distributor to the user terminal 30 of the viewer in the live distribution started by the distribution information providing unit 302. The relay unit 304 receives a signal indicating a user input by the viewer during the reproduction of the video data from the input information transmitting unit 206. The signal indicating the user input may be a gift designation signal indicating the designation of a gift object displayed on the display of the user terminal 30. The gift designation signal includes the viewer ID of the viewer who gave the gift, the distributor ID of the recipient distributor (= the distributor ID of the distributor who is performing the live distribution that the viewer who gave the gift is watching), and the gift ID of the gift corresponding to the designated gift object. Similarly, the relay unit 304 receives a signal indicating a user input by the distributor during the reproduction of the video data, for example, a gift designation signal, from the distribution unit 100 of the user terminal 20. In this case, the gift designation signal includes the distributor ID of the distributor and the gift ID of the gift corresponding to the designated gift object.

[0046] The relay unit 304 refers to the gift DB 318 and identifies the gift type of the gift identified by the gift ID included in the received gift designation signal. When the gift type identified for the gift designation signal received from the viewer's user terminal 30 is a refund gift, the relay unit 304 receives the gift designation signal as a refund gift period start request including the gift ID of the refund gift specified in the user terminal 30 and the broadcaster ID of the target broadcaster. When the gift type identified for the gift designation signal received from the broadcaster's user terminal 20 is a refund gift, the relay unit 304 receives the gift designation signal as a refund gift period start request including the gift ID of the refund gift specified in the user terminal 20 and the broadcaster ID of the target broadcaster.

[0047] When the gift specified by the gift ID included in the gift designation signal is a normal gift, the normal gift processing unit 308 updates the user DB 316 so as to increase the points of the distributor according to the points granted for the normal gift. The normal gift processing unit 308 refers to the gift DB 318 and specifies the points granted corresponding to the gift ID included in the received gift designation signal. The normal gift processing unit 308 updates the user DB 316 so as to add the specified points granted to the points corresponding to the user ID included in the gift designation signal.

[0048] The payment processing unit 310 processes the payment of the value of the gift by the viewer or the distributor in response to receiving the gift designation signal. The payment processing unit 310 performs the same payment processing for all of the normal gift, the return gift, and the deposited gift. The payment processing unit 310 refers to the gift DB 318 and specifies the value points of the gift specified by the gift ID included in the gift designation signal. When the gift designation signal is transmitted from the user terminal 30 of the viewer, the payment processing unit 310 updates the user DB 316 so as to subtract the specified value points from the points of the viewer specified by the viewer ID included in the gift designation signal. When the gift designation signal is transmitted from the user terminal 20 of the distributor, the payment processing unit 310 updates the user DB 316 so as to subtract the specified value points from the points of the distributor specified by the distributor ID included in the gift designation signal.

[0049] The return gift processing unit 312 updates the return gift DB 320 when the gift specified by the gift ID included in the gift designation signal is a return gift or an input gift. In response to receiving the return gift period start request, the return gift processing unit 312 starts a return gift period during which an input gift other than the return gift can be used in the live broadcast of the target broadcaster. When the distribution conditions stored in the distribution condition DB 324 are satisfied, the return gift processing unit 312 enables the distribution of the accumulated points associated with the return gift to the viewers. The return gift processing unit 312 includes a period start unit 328, a DB update unit 330, a condition determination unit 332, a distribution instruction reception unit 334, a distribution destination specification unit 336, and a distribution execution unit 338.

[0050] When the gift specified by the gift ID included in the gift designation signal is a refund gift, the period start unit 328 starts the refund gift period by registering a new entry in the refund gift DB 320. The period start unit 328 registers the distributor ID included in the gift designation signal, the gift ID of the refund gift, the time when the refund gift was used in the user terminal, and the initial value of the accumulated points in the target distributor ID, the refund gift ID, the start time, and the accumulated points in the refund gift DB 320, respectively. The period start unit 328 calculates the initial value of the accumulated points based on the value points of the refund gift. The initial value of the accumulated points may be derived by a calculation formula that can be arbitrarily set by the administrator. For example, the initial value may be a value obtained by multiplying the value points of the refund gift by a constant smaller than 1, for example, 0.8. Alternatively, the value points of the refund gift themselves may be the initial value.

[0051] When the gift specified by the gift ID included in the gift designation signal is an inserted gift, DB update unit 330 updates the corresponding entry in return gift DB 320. DB update unit 330 adds the value points of the inserted gift specified by the gift ID included in the gift designation signal to the cumulative points of an entry in return gift DB 320 that has the broadcaster ID included in the gift designation signal as the target broadcaster ID. When the viewer ID included in the gift designation signal is not registered as the broadcaster ID of the entry, DB update unit 330 registers the viewer ID as the broadcaster ID and also increments the number of broadcasters of the entry by one.

[0052] The DB update unit 330 periodically or at a predetermined time interval refers to the return gift DB 320 and the stream DB 314 to identify live broadcasts broadcast by broadcasters identified by target broadcaster IDs registered in the return gift DB 320. The DB update unit 330 measures the viewing time of viewers for each identified live broadcast, and updates the viewing time of each viewer in the corresponding entry in the return gift DB 320. The DB update unit 330 updates the total viewed time of the corresponding entry based on the updated viewing time of each viewer. The DB update unit 330 updates the number of broadcasts in the corresponding entry in the return gift DB 320.

[0053] For example, for a given target distributor, assume that the target distributor has finished the first live distribution during the gift return period, and the total viewing time was 2 hours, the viewing time of viewer A was 1 hour, and the viewing time of viewer B was 1 hour. Assume that the target distributor has started the second live distribution during the gift return period, and viewer B watched the live distribution for 0.5 hours and viewer C watched it for 0.3 hours. In this case, the DB update unit 330 monitors the second live distribution and measures the viewing times of viewers B and C as 0.5 hours and 0.3 hours. The DB update unit 330 updates the viewing time of each viewer in the corresponding entry in the gift return DB 320, which was recorded as "viewer A: 1 hour, viewer B: 1 hour," to "viewer A: 1 hour, viewer B: 1.5 hours, viewer C: 0.3 hours," updates the total viewing time of the entry from "2 hours" to "2.8 hours," and updates the number of distributions of the entry from "1" to "2."

[0054] The condition determination unit 332 determines whether or not the corresponding distribution condition registered in the distribution condition DB324 is satisfied for each entry of the return gift DB320. The condition determination unit 332 refers to the distribution condition DB324 and acquires a reference value of the total viewed time, a reference value of the accumulated points, a reference value of the number of users who have input (if any), and a reference value of the number of distributions (if any) corresponding to the return gift ID of the entry of the return gift DB320. The condition determination unit 332 determines whether or not the viewed time condition is satisfied by comparing the total viewed time of the entry in the return gift DB320 with the acquired reference value of the total viewed time. If the total viewed time exceeds the reference value, it is determined that the viewed time condition is satisfied. The condition determination unit 332 determines whether or not the point accumulation condition is satisfied by comparing the point accumulation of the entry in the return gift DB320 with the acquired reference value of the accumulated points. If the accumulated points reach the reference value, it is determined that the point accumulation condition is satisfied. The condition determination unit 332 determines whether the number of users who make inputs of the entry in the return gift DB 320 is satisfied by comparing the number of users who make inputs of the entry with the acquired reference value of the number of users who make inputs. If the number of users who make inputs exceeds the reference value, the number of users who make inputs is determined to be satisfied. The condition determination unit 332 determines whether the number of distributions condition is satisfied by comparing the number of distributions of the entry in the return gift DB 320 with the acquired reference value of the number of distributions. If the number of distributions is equal to or greater than the reference value, the number of distributions condition is determined to be satisfied. The condition determination unit 332 determines whether the distribution condition is satisfied for the entry in the return gift DB 320 when both the viewed time condition and the point accumulation condition are satisfied and the reference value of the number of users who make inputs is acquired and the number of distributions condition is satisfied and the reference value of the number of distributions is acquired.

[0055] When the condition determination unit 332 determines that the distribution condition is satisfied, the distribution instruction receiving unit 334 starts waiting for an instruction to start distribution. The distribution instruction receiving unit 334 transmits a request for an instruction to start distribution to the user terminal 20 of the target distributor via the network. The distribution instruction receiving unit 334 receives an instruction to start distribution from the user terminal 20 via the network.

[0056] When the distribution instruction receiving unit 334 receives an instruction to start distribution for a return gift that satisfies the distribution conditions, the distribution destination specifying unit 336 specifies, among the viewers of the live distribution of the target distributor, viewers who satisfy the corresponding receiving conditions registered in the receiving condition DB 326 as viewers to whom the accumulated points associated with the return gift will be distributed. The distribution destination specifying unit 336 refers to the receiving condition DB 326 and obtains the reference value of the viewing time corresponding to the return gift ID of the entry in the return gift DB 320 for which it has been determined that the distribution conditions have been satisfied, the necessity of using the inserted gift, the reference value of the number of consecutive viewings (if any), and the reference value of the number of comments (if any). The distribution destination specifying unit 336 makes the following determinations for each viewer registered in the "viewing time of each viewer" of the entry in the return gift DB 320. (1) The recipient specification unit 336 determines whether the viewing time condition is satisfied by comparing the viewing time of the viewer recorded in the corresponding entry in the return gift DB 320 with the reference value of the obtained viewing time. If the viewing time exceeds the reference value, it is determined that the viewing time condition is satisfied. (2) When the necessity of using the inserted gift is determined to be necessary, the distribution destination determination unit 336 determines whether the usage conditions are met by determining whether the viewer ID of the viewer is registered in the donor ID. If registered, it is determined that the usage conditions of the inserted gift are met. This usage condition is met when the viewer uses the inserted gift in the live distribution of the target distributor during the return gift period. (3) The distribution destination determination unit 336 determines whether the continuous viewing count condition is satisfied by comparing the viewer's continuous viewing count recorded in the corresponding entry in the return gift DB 320 with the acquired reference value of the continuous viewing count. If the continuous viewing count is equal to or greater than the reference value, it is determined that the continuous viewing count condition is satisfied. (4) The distribution destination determination unit 336 determines whether the comment number condition is satisfied by comparing the number of comments of the viewer recorded in the corresponding entry in the return gift DB 320 with the reference value of the acquired number of comments. If the number of comments is equal to or greater than the reference value, it is determined that the comment number condition is satisfied. The distribution destination determination unit 336 determines, for each viewer, the viewer as a distribution destination viewer if the viewing time condition is satisfied, the use condition is satisfied if the use of the inserted gift is required, the consecutive viewing count condition is satisfied if a reference value for the consecutive viewing count is acquired, and the comment count condition is satisfied if a reference value for the number of comments is acquired.

[0057] When the distribution instruction receiving unit 334 receives an instruction to start distribution for a return gift that satisfies the distribution conditions, and the distribution destination specifying unit 336 specifies a viewer to which the return gift is to be distributed, the distribution executing unit 338 performs processing to distribute the accumulated points associated with the return gift to the specified viewer. The distribution executing unit 338 determines the points to be distributed. For example, the distribution executing unit 338 determines the accumulated points at the time when the distribution conditions are satisfied as the points to be distributed. The points to be distributed thus determined include an initial value that is a contribution from the consideration of the return gift, and points added by using the invested gift. For example, assume that a return gift with a consideration point of 10,000 points is used, and the initial value of the accumulated points corresponding to this return gift is 8,000 points. If the reference value of the accumulated points is 10,000 points, the accumulated points will increase by 2,000 points from the initial value of 8,000 points to 10,000 points when the distribution conditions are satisfied due to the use of the invested gift. In this example, the points to be distributed are 10,000 points, of which 8,000 points are contributed by the value of the return gift and 2,000 points are contributed by the use of the input gift.

[0058] The distribution execution unit 338 determines the amount of points to be distributed to each distribution destination viewer. The distribution execution unit 338 may determine the amount of points to be distributed to each viewer by dividing the points to be distributed, i.e., by dividing them equally among the total number of distribution destination viewers. Alternatively, the distribution execution unit 338 may set a gradient in the amount of points to be distributed according to the viewing time. In other words, the distribution execution unit 338 may distribute more points to a distribution destination viewer the longer the viewing time of the distribution destination viewer. The distribution execution unit 338 may determine the amount of points to be distributed to the distribution destination viewer such that the amount of points to be distributed to the distribution destination viewer is greater than the total amount of the value of the inserted gifts used by the distribution destination viewer.

[0059] In addition to the above distribution criteria, the distribution execution unit 338 may distribute more points to a recipient viewer if the viewer satisfies at least one of the following three conditions than if the viewer does not satisfy any of the following three conditions: (Condition 1) Watch a live stream from the eligible streamer for the first time during the rebate gift period. (Condition 2) Follow the eligible streamer during the gift rebate period. (Condition 3) Join the target streamer's army during the rebate gift period. For example, the distribution rate may be increased by 1% if one of conditions 1, 2, and 3 is met, by 2% if two are met, and by 5% if three are met. In another example, viewers to whom the points are distributed may be divided into groups based on the number of conditions that are met, and the more conditions that are met, the more points are distributed to a group.

[0060] The distribution execution unit 338 updates the user DB 316 so that the amount of points to be distributed determined as described above is added to the points of the distribution destination viewer specified by the distribution destination specification unit 336. The distribution execution unit 338 deletes the entry of the return gift for which distribution has been completed from the return gift DB 320. This ends the return gift period corresponding to the deleted entry.

[0061] The operation of the live distribution system 1 configured as above will now be described. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a series of processing steps in the live distribution system 1. The server 10 receives a return gift period start request from the viewer's user terminal 30 or the broadcaster's user terminal 30 (S202). The server 10 performs payment processing for the return gift specified in the return gift period start request (S204). The server 10 registers the return gift specified in the return gift period start request in the return gift DB 320 (S206). Specifically, a new entry corresponding to the return gift is added to the return gift DB 320. This starts the return gift period. The server 10 notifies the user terminals 20 and 30 participating in the live distribution of the target broadcaster of the start of the return gift period (S208). When the return gift is registered in the return gift DB 320, the period start unit 328 transmits a start notification including the gift ID of the return gift and the initial value of the point accumulation to the user terminal 20 of the target broadcaster and the user terminal 30 of the viewer of the live distribution of the broadcaster via the network.

[0062] The server 10 updates the total viewed time and the viewing time of each viewer of the entry added to the return gift DB 320 in step S206 (S210). The server 10 judges whether the distribution condition is satisfied for the entry added to the return gift DB 320 in step S206 by referring to the distribution condition DB 324 (S212). If it is judged that the distribution condition is not satisfied (N in S212), the server 10 judges whether the inserted gift was used in the live distribution of the target broadcaster (S214). If it is not used (N in S214), the process returns to step S210. If it is used (Y in S214), the server 10 performs a payment process for the inserted gift (S216) and updates the point accumulation, the inserter ID, and the number of inserters of the entry added to the return gift DB 320 in step S206 (S218). The process then returns to step S210.

[0063] If it is determined in step S212 that the distribution conditions are met (Y in S212), the server 10 starts waiting for an instruction to start distribution from the user terminal 20 of the target distributor (S220). If an instruction to start distribution is received (Y in S222), the server 10 refers to the receiving conditions stored in the receiving condition DB 326 and identifies the viewers who will be the distribution destinations (S224). The server 10 calculates the amount of points to be distributed to each distribution destination (S226). The server 10 updates the user DB 316 so that the amount of points calculated in step S226 is distributed to the distribution destination viewers identified in step S224 (S228). The server 10 notifies each distribution destination user terminal 30 of the distributed points (S230). When the distribution is completed, the distribution execution unit 338 transmits a distribution completion notification including the amount of distributed points to the user terminal 30 of each distribution destination viewer via the network.

[0064] Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing a series of processing steps when starting live streaming in the live streaming system 1. As described above, depending on the type of return gift, it is assumed that the target broadcaster will perform multiple live streams during the return gift period. The processing flow in Fig. 12 is for determining whether the live stream will be during the gift rebate period or a normal live stream depending on whether the broadcaster is in the gift rebate period or not, when starting a live stream, and whether the start of the gift rebate period was requested at the same time.

[0065] When the distribution information providing unit 302 receives a notification from the user terminal 20 of the distributor via the network NW to start live distribution, it judges whether the distributor is a distributor during the return gift period (S240). The distribution information providing unit 302 refers to the return gift DB320, and if the user ID included in the received notification is registered as a target distributor ID in the return gift DB320, it judges that the distributor is a distributor during the return gift period, and if not registered, it judges that the distributor is not a distributor during the return gift period. If it is judged that the distributor is a distributor during the return gift period (Y in S240), the distribution information providing unit 302 starts live distribution as a live distribution during the return gift period (S250). The distribution information providing unit 302 obtains the return gift ID, total viewing time, cumulative points, and number of users who have input the entry with the user ID included in the received notification as the target distributor ID from the return gift DB320. The distribution information providing unit 302 transmits a return gift period continuation notification including the acquired return gift ID, total viewing time, total points, and number of users who have donated to the user terminal 20 of the distributor and the user terminal 30 of the viewer via the network NW in conjunction with the start of the live distribution. The user terminals 20 and 30 that receive the return gift period continuation notification display the live distribution room screen shown in FIG. 14 described later on from the beginning of the live distribution. Therefore, it is possible to specify or use an input gift from the beginning of this live distribution.

[0066] If it is determined in step S240 that the broadcaster is not in the gift return period (N in S240), the broadcast information providing unit 302 determines whether or not a gift return period start request has been received from the broadcaster's user terminal 20 together with the notification of the start (S242). When the broadcaster starts live broadcasting, the live broadcast start setting screen displayed on the display of the user terminal 20 includes an area for selecting whether or not to set a gift return. If the broadcaster selects setting in this area and inputs an instruction to start live broadcasting, the notification transmitted from the user terminal 20 to the server 10 in step S240 includes a gift return period start request. If this gift return period start request has not been received (N in S242), the broadcast information providing unit 302 starts normal live broadcasting, that is, outside the gift return period (S244). In this case, the user terminal 20, 30 displays a live broadcast room screen as shown in FIG. 13 described later on the display. In this state, the viewer cannot specify an input gift.

[0067] When a request to start the gift return period is received in step S242 (Y in S242), the payment processing unit 310 performs payment processing for the gift return (S246), the gift return processing unit 312 registers the gift return in the gift return DB 320 (S248), and the distribution information providing unit 302 starts live distribution within the gift return period (S250). Thus, in this embodiment, the gift return period can be started in four ways: (1) a viewer uses a gift return while watching a live distribution, (2) a distributor uses a gift return while distributing a live distribution, (3) a distributor starts live distribution during the gift return period, and (4) a distributor selects the use of a gift return and starts live distribution.

[0068] FIG. 13 is a representative screen diagram of a live streaming room screen 602 displayed on the display of the user terminal 30a of the viewer AU1 in FIG. 1. The live streaming room screen 602 in FIG. 13 corresponds to a normal live streaming, i.e., outside the return gift period, and is therefore configured not to accept the designation of an input gift. The live streaming room screen 602 has an image 604 of the distributor LV obtained by playing the video data received from the server 10, a normal gift object 606 corresponding to the normal gift, and a return gift object 608 corresponding to the return gift. In the example of FIG. 13, the return gift object includes three return gift objects 608 corresponding to the three return gifts identified by the gift IDs "SPA", "SPB", and "SPC" in FIG. 7.

[0069] When playback of video data starts, that is, when viewing of live streaming starts, the distribution information providing unit 302 of the server 10 refers to the gift DB 318 to identify an available gift ID. When starting normal live streaming, the distribution information providing unit 302 excludes gift IDs whose gift type is "inserted" from the available gift IDs. The distribution information providing unit 302 generates gift information including the identified gift ID and transmits it to the user terminal 30a. The superimposition information generating unit 204 of the user terminal 30a includes in the frame image a normal gift object 606 of the normal gift and a return gift object 608 of the return gift, which are identified by the gift ID included in the gift information. The viewer-side UI control unit 202 causes the video on which the frame image is superimposed to be displayed on the display.

[0070] 13, the return gift object 608 is displayed together with the normal gift object 606 on the live streaming room screen 602, but in other examples, an icon for displaying the return gift object 608 may be provided on the live streaming room screen 602. In this case, when the viewer AU1 taps the icon, the viewer-side UI control unit 202 starts displaying the return gift object 608 in association with the tapped icon.

[0071] The viewer AU1 taps the return gift object of the desired return gift to support or "push" the broadcaster LV. When the viewer side UI control unit 202 accepts the designation of the return gift by the viewer AU1, i.e., the designation of the return gift object, the input information transmission unit 206 generates a return gift period start request including the return gift ID of the designated return gift, the viewer ID of the viewer AU1, and the broadcaster ID of the broadcaster LV, and transmits it to the server 10 via the network NW. The process in the server 10 after receiving the return gift period start request is as described above. The user terminals 20, 30a, and 30b receive a start notification corresponding to the transmitted return gift period start request from the server 10. Based on the start notification, the user terminals 20, 30a, and 30b display the live streaming room screen 610 during the return gift period on the display.

[0072] FIG. 14 is a representative screen diagram of a live streaming room screen 610 displayed on the display of the user terminal 30b of another viewer AU2 in FIG. 1. The live streaming room screen 610 in FIG. 14 corresponds to a live streaming during the return gift period, and is therefore configured to be able to accept the designation of an input gift. The live streaming room screen 610 has an image 604 of the broadcaster LV, an input target object 612 corresponding to a return gift specified by a return gift ID included in the start notification, a point accumulation display area 614 showing the initial value of the point accumulation included in the start notification, a number of input users display area 616 showing the number of input users, and a total viewed time gauge 618 showing the total viewed time. The start notification is also transmitted to the user terminal 30a of the viewer AU1 and the user terminal 20 of the broadcaster LV, so that a screen similar to the live streaming room screen 610 is also displayed on the display of these terminals. In the example of FIG. 14, the input target object 612 functions as a flow line for designating an input gift. In another example, in addition to or instead of the object to be thrown 612, an throw-in gift object, which will be described later, may be displayed on the live broadcasting room screen 610.

[0073] In response to receiving the start notification, the superimposition information generating unit 204 includes the object to be invested 612, the accumulated points display area 614, the number of people who invested 616, and the total viewed time gauge 618 in the frame image. The viewing side UI control unit 202 displays the moving image on which the frame image is superimposed on the display. While the viewing unit 200 receives and plays back video data related to the live distribution (for example, while another viewer AU2 is watching the live distribution), it generates an update request to acquire updated values ​​of parameters related to the return gift period periodically or at a predetermined time interval, and transmits the request to the server 10 via the network NW. The update request includes the broadcaster ID of the broadcaster LV of the live distribution. Upon receiving the update request, the return gift processing unit 312 refers to the return gift DB 320 and acquires the total viewed time, accumulated points, and number of people who invested for the entry having the broadcaster ID included in the update request as the target broadcaster ID. The return gift processing unit 312 generates an update response including the acquired information, and transmits the response to the user terminal 30b via the network NW. The overlay information generating unit 204 updates the display contents of the accumulated points display area 614, the number of users who input the content display area 616, and the total viewed time gauge 618 of the frame image in accordance with the information contained in the received update response.

[0074] When another viewer AU2 taps on the object 612 to be inserted on the live distribution room screen 610 in FIG. 14, the viewer-side UI control unit 202 displays an insertion gift selection screen 620 on the display.

[0075] Fig. 15 is a representative screen diagram of an input gift selection screen 620 displayed on the display of the user terminal 30b of another viewer AU2. The input gift selection screen 620 is a screen in which an input gift selection pop-up 622 is superimposed on the live streaming room screen 610 of Fig. 14. The input gift selection pop-up 622 includes three input gift objects 624 corresponding to the three input gifts identified by the gift IDs "QQ1", "QQ2", and "QQ3" of Fig. 7.

[0076] Another viewer AU2 taps the input gift object of the input gift of the desired value. When the viewer side UI control unit 202 accepts the designation of the input gift by the other viewer AU2, i.e., the designation of the input gift object, the input information transmission unit 206 generates a gift designation signal including the input gift ID of the designated input gift, the viewer ID of the other viewer AU2, and the broadcaster ID of the broadcaster LV, and transmits it to the server 10 via the network NW. The processing in the server 10 after receiving the gift designation signal is as described above. When the payment processing in response to the reception of the gift designation signal and the update of the return gift DB320 are completed, the return gift processing unit 312 acquires the total viewed time, the accumulated points, and the number of people who have input the gift of the entry having the broadcaster ID included in the gift designation signal as the target broadcaster ID. The return gift processing unit 312 generates an input completion notice including the acquired information, and transmits it to the user terminal 30b via the network NW. The overlay information generating unit 204 updates the display contents of the accumulated points display area 614, the number of people who have put in points display area 616, and the total viewed time gauge 618 of the frame image according to the information contained in the received input completion notification.

[0077] Fig. 16 is a representative screen diagram of a live streaming room screen 630 displayed on the display of the user terminal 30b of another viewer AU2. When another viewer AU2 taps on the input gift object of the input gift of "100" on the input gift selection screen 620 of Fig. 15, the live streaming room screen 630 of Fig. 16 is displayed on the display. The display contents of each display area, the point accumulation display area 614, the input user number display area 616, and the total viewed time gauge 618, are updated according to the information included in the input completion notification. A visual effect is given to the input target object 612, indicating that points have been added by using the input gift.

[0078] In this way, the inserted gift can be used in the broadcaster's live broadcast during the gift return period, but cannot be used in the broadcaster's live broadcast outside the gift return period.

[0079] FIG. 17 is a representative screen diagram of a live distribution room screen 640 displayed on the display of the user terminal 30 of another viewer AU2. When a predetermined period of time, such as 1 second, 5 seconds, etc., has elapsed on the live distribution room screen 630 of FIG. 16, the live distribution room screen 640 of FIG. 17 is displayed on the display. The live distribution room screen 640 has an already-inputted object 642 indicating that the input gift has already been used, instead of the input target object 612. In this embodiment, an input condition is adopted in which a viewer can use an input gift only once during the return gift period of the target broadcaster. Unlike the input target object 612, the already-inputted object 642 does not display the input gift selection pop-up 622 even if tapped or specified. This allows the viewer to recognize that he or she has already used the input gift. In addition, by removing the flow line for using the input gift, it is possible to prevent duplicate input due to error.

[0080] The control of the use of the deposited gift according to the deposit conditions may be realized, for example, by providing a deposit history registration unit, a deposit history DB, and a deposit condition determination unit in the user terminal 20, 30 or the server 10. When the deposited gift is used, the deposit history registration unit registers in the deposit history DB the gift ID of the deposited gift, the time when the deposited gift was used, the viewer ID of the viewer who used the deposited gift, the broadcaster ID of the broadcaster of the live broadcast in which the deposited gift was used, and the stream ID of the live broadcast in which the deposited gift was used, in association with each other. The deposit condition determination unit determines whether or not to permit the use of the deposited gift based on the set deposit conditions and the use history of the deposited gift registered in the deposit history DB. When the return gift period of a certain broadcaster ends, the deposit history registration unit deletes an entry having the broadcaster ID of the broadcaster from the deposit history DB.

[0081] The input conditions may be any of the following: (1) Only once during the gift period During the gift return period of the target distributor, the viewer can use the inserted gift only once. In other embodiments, the number of times the inserted gift can be used may be limited to two or three times. (2) Time Recovery When a viewer uses a gift, he or she must watch the live broadcast for a certain period of time before the viewer can use another gift. This period of time may be fixed or may be set to be longer the more times the gift is used. (3) Once via live streaming During the live stream of the eligible streamer during the gift rebate period, viewers can only use the gift once. When the live stream ends, it will be reset, and viewers can use the gift once again during the next live stream during the gift rebate period. (4) Maximum total amount There will be a limit on the total amount of gifts that can be used by eligible streamers during the gift rebate period.

[0082] FIG. 18 is a representative screen diagram of a live distribution room screen 646 displayed on the display of the user terminal 20 of the distributor LV in FIG. 1. The live distribution room screen 646 in FIG. 18 is a screen displayed on the display of the user terminal 20 that has received a request for an instruction to start distribution in step S220 in FIG. 11. The live distribution room screen 646 has an image 648 of the distributor LV obtained by playing the video data to be transmitted to the server 10, an object to be input 612, a point accumulation display area 614, a number of input users display area 616, a total viewed time gauge 618, and a distribution start instruction input area 650. In response to receiving the request for an instruction to start distribution, the distribution side UI control unit 108 superimposes and displays the distribution start instruction input area 650 on the live distribution room screen. The distributor LV can tap the "Yes" button in the distribution start instruction input area 650 at any timing. When the distribution-side UI control unit 108 detects a tap on the “Yes” button, it generates an instruction to start distribution and transmits it to the server 10 via the network NW. When the “Later” button in the distribution-start instruction input area 650 is tapped, the distribution-side UI control unit 108 temporarily hides the distribution-start instruction input area 650, and displays it again after a predetermined period of time has elapsed.

[0083] In this way, after the distribution conditions are met, the streamer LV can start distribution at any time, which helps the streamer LV to be considerate of viewers, such as by inviting important viewers who happen not to be present before starting distribution.

[0084] FIG. 19 is a representative screen diagram of a live distribution room screen 652 displayed on the display of the user terminal 30b of the other viewer AU2. The live distribution room screen 652 of FIG. 19 is a screen displayed on the display of the user terminal 30b that received the distribution completion notification in step S230 of FIG. 11. When the distributor LV taps the "Yes" button on the live distribution room screen 646 of FIG. 18, the live distribution room screen 652 of FIG. 19 is displayed on the display of the user terminal 30b of the other viewer AU2. The live distribution room screen 652 has an image 604 of the distributor LV and a message 654 including text indicating the amount of points distributed to the other viewer AU2. The superimposition information generation unit 204 generates the message 654 according to the amount of distributed points included in the received distribution completion notification, and includes it in the frame image.

[0085] FIG. 20 is a representative screen diagram of a live streaming selection screen 656 displayed on the display of the viewer's user terminal 30. The live streaming selection screen 656 includes thumbnails 658, 660 showing each live streaming in the list of currently viewable live streaming received from the server 10. The viewer's UI control unit 202 generates the live streaming selection screen 656 based on the list of live streaming acquired from the server 10 and displays it on the display. The viewer's UI control unit 202 refers to the flag included in the list and displays thumbnails 658 of live streaming by a broadcaster during the gift return period and thumbnails 660 of live streaming by a broadcaster not during the gift return period in different modes. An object 662 indicating that an object to be inserted is placed in the live streaming by the broadcaster is added to the thumbnail 658 of the live streaming by a broadcaster during the gift return period.

[0086] In the live broadcast selection screen 656, thumbnails 658 of the live broadcasts of the broadcaster during the gift-back period are placed in a more prominent position, such as at the top of the screen, than thumbnails 660 of the live broadcasts of the broadcaster who are not during the gift-back period. This allows the broadcaster's live broadcasts during the gift-back period to be promoted on the live broadcast platform.

[0087] FIG. 21 is a representative screen diagram of a genre-specific live streaming selection screen 664 displayed on the display of the viewer's user terminal 30. The genre-specific live streaming selection screen 664 displays thumbnails of live streaming that can be viewed by genre. In the example of FIG. 21, the top row displays thumbnails 658 of live streaming by a broadcaster during the "piggy bank installation" period, i.e., the return gift period, the middle row displays thumbnails 660 of live streaming in the "fortune telling" genre, and the bottom row displays thumbnails 660 of live streaming in the "chat" genre. In the genre-specific live streaming selection screen 664, the genre of live streaming by a broadcaster during the return gift period is placed in a more prominent position than other genres, for example, at the top of the screen. This allows the broadcaster's live streaming during the return gift period to be promoted on the live streaming platform.

[0088] In the above-mentioned embodiment, examples of the storage unit are a hard disk and a semiconductor memory. Furthermore, based on the description in this specification, it will be understood by those skilled in the art who have read this specification that each unit can be realized by a CPU (not shown), an installed application program module, a system program module, a semiconductor memory that temporarily stores the contents of data read from a hard disk, or the like.

[0089] According to the live streaming system 1 of the present embodiment, the broadcaster himself or a viewer who supports the broadcaster can use the return gift to attract more viewers to the broadcaster's live stream. Furthermore, by including a viewing time condition in the distribution conditions of the return gift, the broadcaster's live stream can be viewed by more viewers for a longer period of time. This creates an opportunity to promote the broadcaster. Also, viewers are provided with an opportunity to discover new high-quality live streams. The return gift can provide an opportunity for broadcasters who have just started live streaming or mid-level broadcasters to become higher-level broadcasters (broadcasters who attract more attention).

[0090] In addition, in the live distribution system 1 according to the present embodiment, an initial value according to the value of the return gift is given to the accumulated points. Therefore, in many cases, a viewer who has used an input gift can be returned with more points than the viewer spent using the input gift. As a result, more viewers will gather in search of profits during the return gift period to the live distribution by the distributor, and will watch the live distribution for a longer period in order to satisfy the distribution and receiving conditions. This is an opportunity for the distributor to promote the merits of his / her live distribution to many viewers. Also, a viewer who has given a return gift will lose points in total, but in return, the purpose of promoting the recipient distributor can be achieved.

[0091] In addition, in the live distribution system 1 according to the present embodiment, the distribution conditions include a total viewing condition, and the receiving conditions include a viewing time condition. Therefore, in order for a viewer to receive point redemption, it is not enough to simply use the invested gift, but it is necessary to continue watching the live distribution of the target distributor for a long time. In this way, the goodness of the distributor becomes easier to convey by extending the viewing time and the viewed time, and the viewer's engagement with the live distribution can be increased.

[0092] Furthermore, in the live distribution system 1 according to the present embodiment, the use of invested gifts is restricted by the investment conditions. In particular, the same viewer is restricted from repeatedly using invested gifts or from using high-value invested gifts. Therefore, in order to receive a refund quickly, viewers will actively promote the live distribution of the target distributor through a means of dissemination such as SNS (Social Networking Service) in order to attract more viewers. This encourages viewers to discover live distribution.

[0093] Furthermore, in the live streaming system 1 according to the present embodiment, live streams by streamers who are in a gift return period are displayed in a more prominent position on the live streaming selection screen than live streams that are not in a gift return period. This allows the needs of streamers who want new fans and users who want new streamers to be met quickly.

[0094] (Second embodiment) In the first embodiment, the viewer uses an input gift to increase the accumulated points, and when the distribution conditions, including the viewing time condition, are met, the points indicated by the accumulated points can be distributed to the viewer. In the second embodiment, a lottery is held instead of meeting the distribution conditions. When a viewer uses an input gift, a lottery is held with the probability of winning increasing the longer the viewer watches the live broadcast of the target broadcaster. If the viewer wins the lottery, the points indicated by the accumulated points are distributed to the viewer.

[0095] 22 is a block diagram showing the functions and configuration of the server 50 according to the second embodiment. The server 50 includes a distribution information providing unit 302, a relay unit 304, an army management unit 306, a normal gift processing unit 308, a payment processing unit 310, a return gift processing unit 350, a stream DB 314, a user DB 316, a gift DB 364, a return gift DB 366, an army DB 322, a winning probability DB 368, and a lottery history DB 370.

[0096] FIG. 23 is a data structure diagram showing an example of the gift DB 364 of FIG. 22. The gift DB 364 holds a gift ID, given points, consideration points, and gift type in association with each other. The types of gifts include normal, return, and lottery. A lottery gift is a gift that can be used only during the return gift period of the corresponding return gift, and when used, the consideration points are subtracted from the points of the giver viewer and the consideration points are added to the cumulative points for the corresponding return gift period, and a lottery is started. In the example of FIG. 23, the return gifts "JKPA", "JKPB", and "JKPC" correspond to the lottery gifts "TICKETA", "TICKETB", and "TICKETC", respectively.

[0097] Fig. 24 is a data structure diagram showing an example of the return gift DB 366 of Fig. 22. The return gift DB 366 stores a target broadcaster ID, a return gift ID, a start time of the return gift period, a viewing time of each viewer during the return gift period, a point total that is updated or increased each time a lottery gift is used in the live broadcast of the target broadcaster, and a lottery count of each viewer who used a lottery gift in the live broadcast of the target broadcaster, in association with each other. The return gift DB 366 may store other parameters such as the number of comments of each viewer in the live broadcast of the target broadcaster during the return gift period.

[0098] FIG. 25 is a data structure diagram showing an example of the winning probability DB368 of FIG. 22. The winning probability DB368 holds a calculation formula for calculating the winning probability. The winning probability DB368 holds the return gift ID of the return gift to which the calculation formula is applied and the calculation formula for calculating the winning probability in association with each other. The calculation formula is set so that the winning probability increases as the viewing time of the viewer who used the lottery gift increases. When the number of lotteries is adopted as the parameter, the calculation formula is set so that the winning probability increases as the number of lotteries increases. When the number of comments is adopted as the parameter, the calculation formula is set so that the winning probability increases as the number of comments increases. Other parameters related to live distribution may be incorporated into the calculation formula.

[0099] Fig. 26 is a data structure diagram showing an example of the lottery history DB370 of Fig. 22. The lottery history DB370 holds a history of the use of lottery gifts. The lottery history DB370 holds, in association with each other, a lottery gift ID of a used lottery gift, a time when the lottery gift was used, a viewer ID of a viewer who used the lottery gift, a broadcaster ID of a broadcaster of a live broadcast in which the lottery gift was used, and a cumulative viewing time, which is a cumulative viewing time of a live broadcast of a target broadcaster by a viewer who used the lottery gift from the time when the viewer used the lottery gift to the present time.

[0100] Returning to FIG. 22, the return gift processing unit 350 updates the return gift DB 366 when the gift specified by the gift ID included in the gift designation signal is a return gift or a lottery gift. In response to receiving the return gift period start request, the return gift processing unit 350 starts a return gift period during which a lottery gift different from the return gift can be used in the live distribution of the target distributor. When a viewer uses a lottery gift in the live distribution of the target distributor during the return gift period, the return gift processing unit 350 performs a lottery using a winning probability that increases as the viewing time of the viewer watching the live distribution of the target distributor increases. When the viewer wins the lottery, the return gift processing unit 350 enables the distribution of the accumulated points associated with the corresponding return gift to the viewer. The return gift processing unit 350 includes a period start unit 352, a DB update unit 354, a winning probability calculation unit 356, a lottery unit 358, an input condition determination unit 360, and a distribution execution unit 362.

[0101] When the gift specified by the gift ID included in the gift designation signal is a refund gift, the period start unit 352 starts the refund gift period by registering a new entry in the refund gift DB 366. The period start unit 352 registers the distributor ID included in the gift designation signal, the gift ID of the refund gift, the time when the refund gift was used on the user terminal, and the initial value of the accumulated points in the target distributor ID, refund gift ID, start time, and accumulated points in the refund gift DB 366, respectively. The period start unit 352 calculates the initial value of the accumulated points based on the value points of the refund gift.

[0102] When the gift specified by the gift ID included in the gift designation signal is a lottery gift, the DB update unit 354 updates the corresponding entry in the return gift DB 366. The DB update unit 354 adds the value points of the lottery gift specified by the gift ID included in the gift designation signal to the cumulative points of the entry in the return gift DB 366, which has the broadcaster ID included in the gift designation signal as the target broadcaster ID. The DB update unit 366 increments the number of lottery draws corresponding to the viewer ID included in the gift designation signal by 1 for the number of lottery draws for each viewer of the entry, which has the broadcaster ID included in the gift designation signal as the target broadcaster ID (if the viewer ID does not exist, it is newly registered).

[0103] When the gift specified by the gift ID included in the gift designation signal is a lottery gift, DB update unit 354 registers a corresponding new entry in lottery history DB 370. DB update unit 354 registers the gift ID of the lottery gift included in the gift designation signal, the time when the lottery gift was used in the user terminal, the viewer ID, and the broadcaster ID in the lottery history DB 370 as the lottery gift ID, the time of use, the viewer ID, and the target broadcaster ID, respectively.

[0104] The DB update unit 354 periodically or at a predetermined time interval refers to the return gift DB 366 and the stream DB 314 to identify live broadcasts broadcast by broadcasters identified by the target broadcaster IDs registered in the return gift DB 366. The DB update unit 354 measures the viewing time of viewers for each identified live broadcast, and updates the viewing time of each viewer in the corresponding entry in the return gift DB 366. The DB update unit 354 also updates the cumulative viewing time in the lottery history DB 370. If the cumulative viewing time exceeds a predetermined value, for example, 10 minutes, as a result of the update, the DB update unit 354 deletes the entry from the lottery history DB 370.

[0105] When the gift specified by the gift ID included in the gift designation signal is a lottery gift, the winning probability calculation unit 356 calculates the winning probability by referring to the return gift DB 366 and the winning probability DB 368. The winning probability calculation unit 356 refers to the winning probability DB 368 and specifies a calculation formula for calculating the winning probability and parameters required for the calculation (such as viewing time and the number of draws) for the return gift corresponding to the lottery gift. The winning probability calculation unit 356 refers to an entry in the return gift DB 366 that has the broadcaster ID included in the gift designation signal as the target broadcaster ID, and acquires the value of the specified parameter. For example, when viewing time is specified as a parameter, the winning probability calculation unit 356 refers to an entry in the return gift DB 366 that has the broadcaster ID included in the gift designation signal as the target broadcaster ID, and acquires the viewing time of the viewer specified by the viewer ID included in the gift designation signal. In this case, the viewing time of the viewer who used the lottery gift in the broadcaster's live broadcast during the return gift period and watched the broadcaster's live broadcast during the return gift period is acquired. The winning probability calculation unit 356 calculates the winning probability using the acquired parameter values ​​and the specified formula.

[0106] The lottery unit 358 performs a lottery process using the winning probability calculated by the winning probability calculation unit 356. The technology for performing a lottery based on a predetermined probability is well known and will not be described in detail in this specification. If the result of the lottery process is a loss, the lottery unit 358 transmits a loss notification to the user terminal that transmitted the gift designation signal. The lottery unit 358 includes the updated point total in the loss notification.

[0107] The input condition determination unit 360 controls the viewer's use of the lottery gift in accordance with the input condition. When the input condition determination unit 360 receives a usage permission determination request from the viewer's user terminal 30, it determines whether or not to permit the use of the lottery gift in accordance with the input condition related to the viewing time. In this embodiment, recovery based on viewing time is adopted as the input condition. In this input condition, once a viewer uses a lottery gift, he or she must watch a live broadcast by the target broadcaster for a predetermined period of time, for example 10 minutes, before the viewer can use the lottery gift again.

[0108] The input condition determination unit 360 refers to the lottery history DB 370 and checks whether there is an entry corresponding to the viewer ID and the distributor ID included in the use possibility determination request. If there is no corresponding entry, the input condition determination unit 360 generates a permission signal that permits the use of the lottery gift. The input condition determination unit 360 transmits the generated permission signal to the user terminal 30 that is the transmission source of the use possibility determination request via the network NW. If the input condition determination unit 360 finds a corresponding entry, it compares the cumulative viewing time of the entry with a reference value, for example, 10 minutes. If the cumulative viewing time exceeds the reference value, the input condition determination unit 360 transmits a permission signal to the user terminal 30 that is the transmission source of the use possibility determination request via the network NW. The input condition determination unit 360 also deletes the corresponding entry from the lottery history DB 370. If the cumulative viewing time is equal to or less than the reference value, the input condition determination unit 360 generates a non-permission signal that does not permit the use of the lottery gift and transmits it to the user terminal 30.

[0109] When the return gift period of a certain broadcaster ends, the input condition determination unit 360 deletes the entry having the broadcaster ID of that broadcaster from the lottery history DB 370.

[0110] As the input condition, any of the following may be adopted instead of or in addition to recovery based on viewing time. (1) Only once during the gift period During the eligible streamer's gift rebate period, viewers can use the lottery gift only once. (2) Once via live streaming Viewers can only use the lottery gift once during the live stream of the eligible streamer during the rebate gift period. It will be reset when the live stream ends, and viewers can use the lottery gift once again during the next live stream during the rebate gift period. (3) Limit on the number of lottery draws There will be a limit on the number of lottery gifts that can be used by eligible streamers during the rebate gift period.

[0111] If the result of the lottery process in the lottery unit 358 is a win, the distribution execution unit 362 performs a process for distributing the accumulated points associated with the win-related return gift to the viewer. The distribution execution unit 362 determines the points to be distributed. For example, the distribution execution unit 362 determines the accumulated points at the time of the win as the points to be distributed.

[0112] The distribution execution unit 362 determines the amount of points to be distributed to each viewer who is the distribution destination. The distribution execution unit 362 determines the amount of points to be distributed to the viewer who used the lottery gift related to the winning so that the most points are distributed to the viewer. The distribution execution unit 362 acquires the number of lotteries for each viewer from the entry of the return gift related to the winning in the return gift DB 366. The distribution execution unit 362 determines the amount of points to be distributed to the viewer so that the points to be distributed are greater than the total amount of the points paid by each viewer to use the lottery gift. For example, if the points to be distributed are 7000, viewer A uses a lottery gift with a value of 1000 points twice and wins the second time, and viewer B uses the lottery gift once, the distribution execution unit 362 determines the points to be distributed to viewer A to be 4000 points and the points to be distributed to viewer B to be 1500 points.

[0113] The distribution execution unit 362 updates the user DB 316 so that the amount of points to be distributed determined as described above is added to the points of each viewer. The distribution execution unit 362 deletes the entry of the return gift for which distribution has been completed from the return gift DB 366. This ends the return gift period corresponding to the deleted entry.

[0114] The operation of the live distribution system according to the present embodiment having the above configuration will be described. FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing a series of processing steps in the live distribution system according to the second embodiment. The server 50 updates the viewing time of each viewer of the entry added to the return gift DB 366 in step S206 (S260). The server 50 determines whether or not the lottery gift has been used in the live distribution of the broadcaster identified by the target broadcaster ID included in the entry added to the return gift DB 366 in step S206 (S262). If the lottery gift has not been used (N in S262), the process returns to step S260. If the lottery gift has been used (Y in S262), the server 50 performs a payment process for the lottery gift (S264) and updates the accumulated points of the entry added to the return gift DB 366 in step S206 and the number of lottery draws for each viewer (S266). The server 50 determines the probability of winning by referring to the winning probability DB 368 (S268). The server 50 performs a lottery process using the winning probability determined in step S268 (S270). If the viewer is not selected (N in S272), the process returns to step S260. If the viewer is selected (Y in S272), the server 50 calculates the amount of points to be distributed to each distribution destination (S274). The server 50 updates the user DB 316 so that the amount of points calculated in step S274 is distributed to the distribution destination viewers (S276). The server 50 transmits a win notification including the distributed points to each distribution destination user terminal 30 (S278).

[0115] Fig. 28 is a representative screen diagram of a live streaming room screen 702 displayed on the display of a viewer's user terminal 30. The live streaming room screen 702 in Fig. 28 corresponds to a live streaming during the gift return period, and is therefore configured to be able to accept a lottery gift designation. The live streaming room screen 702 has an image 704 of the broadcaster obtained by playing video data received from the server 50, a lottery object 706 corresponding to the used gift return, and a point accumulation display area 708 showing the point accumulation at that time.

[0116] While receiving and playing video data related to live streaming (for example, while a viewer is watching a live streaming), the viewing unit 200 periodically or at a predetermined time interval generates a use possibility judgment request for judging whether or not a lottery gift can be used, and transmits the request to the server 50 via the network NW. The use possibility judgment request includes the broadcaster ID of the broadcaster in the return gift period and the viewer ID of the viewer watching the live streaming of the broadcaster. When the return gift processing unit 350 receives the use possibility judgment request, it refers to the return gift DB 366 and acquires the point total of the entry having the broadcaster ID included in the use possibility judgment request as the target broadcaster ID. The return gift processing unit 350 adds the acquired point total to the permission signal or non-permission signal transmitted by the input condition judgment unit 360 in response to the use possibility judgment signal. When the superimposition information generating unit 204 receives the permission signal, it displays the lottery target object 706 in a selectable manner. When the superimposition information generating unit 204 receives a disallowance signal, it displays the lottery target object 706 in an unselectable manner, for example, grayed out. The superimposition information generating unit 204 updates the display content of the accumulated points display area 708 of the frame image according to the accumulated points included in the received permission signal or disallowance signal.

[0117] When a viewer taps on a lottery target object 706 displayed in a selectable manner on the live streaming room screen 702 in FIG. 28, the viewer-side UI control unit 202 causes a lottery gift selection screen 710 to be displayed on the display.

[0118] Fig. 29 is a representative screen diagram of a lottery gift selection screen 710 displayed on the display of a viewer's user terminal 30. The lottery gift selection screen 710 is a screen in which a lottery gift selection pop-up 712 is superimposed on the live streaming room screen 702 of Fig. 28. The lottery gift selection pop-up 712 includes a lottery gift object of a lottery gift corresponding to a return gift used for a target broadcaster.

[0119] The viewer taps the lottery gift object. When the viewer UI control unit 202 accepts the viewer's designation of a lottery gift, i.e., the designation of a lottery gift object, the input information sending unit 206 generates a gift designation signal including the lottery gift ID of the designated lottery gift, the viewer ID of the viewer, and the broadcaster ID of the broadcaster, and sends it to the server 50 via the network NW. The process in the server 50 after receiving the gift designation signal is as described above. When the viewer UI control unit 202 receives the loss notification, it displays the loss notification screen 714 on the display. When the viewer UI control unit 202 receives the winning notification, it displays the winning notification screen 720 on the display.

[0120] Fig. 30 is a representative screen diagram of a loss notification screen 714 displayed on the display of the viewer's user terminal 30. The loss notification screen 714 is a screen in which a loss mark 716 and a message 718 are superimposed on the live streaming room screen 702 of Fig. 28. The display content of the point accumulation display area 708 is updated with the updated point accumulation value included in the loss notification. The message 718 is a message regarding the investment condition related to viewing time, and indicates that the lottery gift can be used again after a predetermined period has passed.

[0121] Fig. 31 is a representative screen diagram of a winning notification screen 720 displayed on the display of the viewer's user terminal 30. The winning notification screen 720 is a screen in which a winning mark 722 and a message 724 are superimposed on the live streaming room screen 702 of Fig. 28. The message 724 indicates the amount of points distributed to the viewer.

[0122] The live distribution system according to the present embodiment provides the same advantageous effects as those provided by the live distribution system 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0123] In this embodiment, the case has been described where points are distributed not only to the winning viewer but also to other viewers who used the lottery gift, but this is not limited to this, and for example, all of the points indicated by the cumulative point total may be awarded only to the winning viewer.

[0124] (Hardware configuration) The hardware configuration of the information processing device according to the first and second embodiments will be described with reference to Fig. 32. Fig. 32 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the information processing device according to those embodiments. The illustrated information processing device 900 can realize, for example, each of the server 10, the user terminals 20 and 30 in the first embodiment, and the server 50 according to the second embodiment.

[0125] The information processing device 900 includes a CPU 901, a read only memory (ROM) 903, and a random access memory (RAM) 905. The information processing device 900 may also include a host bus 907, a bridge 909, an external bus 911, an interface 913, an input device 915, an output device 917, a storage device 919, a drive 921, a connection port 925, and a communication device 929. The information processing device 900 further includes an imaging device (not shown) such as a camera. The information processing device 900 may also have a processing circuit such as a digital signal processor (DSP) or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) instead of or in addition to the CPU 901.

[0126] The CPU 901 functions as an arithmetic processing device and a control device, and controls the overall operation or a part of the operation in the information processing device 900 according to various programs recorded in the ROM 903, the RAM 905, the storage device 919, or the removable recording medium 923. For example, the CPU 901 controls the overall operation of each functional unit included in the server 10 and the user terminals 20 and 30 in this embodiment. The ROM 903 stores programs and arithmetic parameters used by the CPU 901. The RAM 905 temporarily stores programs used in the execution of the CPU 901 and parameters that change appropriately during the execution. The CPU 901, the ROM 903, and the RAM 905 are mutually connected by a host bus 907 constituted by an internal bus such as a CPU bus. Furthermore, the host bus 907 is connected to an external bus 911 such as a PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect / Interface) bus via a bridge 909.

[0127] The input device 915 may be, for example, a device operated by a user, such as a mouse, a keyboard, a touch panel, a button, a switch, or a lever, or may be a device that converts a physical quantity into an electric signal, such as a sound sensor such as a microphone, an acceleration sensor, a tilt sensor, an infrared sensor, a depth sensor, a temperature sensor, or a humidity sensor. The input device 915 may be, for example, a remote control device that uses infrared or other radio waves, or an external connection device 927 such as a mobile phone that supports the operation of the information processing device 900. The input device 915 includes an input control circuit that generates an input signal based on information input by the user or a sensed physical quantity and outputs the input signal to the CPU 901. The user operates the input device 915 to input various data to the information processing device 900 or to instruct a processing operation.

[0128] The output device 917 is configured with a device capable of visually or audibly notifying the user of acquired information. The output device 917 can be, for example, a display such as an LCD, a PDP, or an OELD, an audio output device such as a speaker or a headphone, or a printer device. The output device 917 outputs the results obtained by the processing of the information processing device 900 as a video such as text or an image, or as a sound such as audio.

[0129] The storage device 919 is a data storage device configured as an example of a storage unit of the information processing device 900. The storage device 919 is configured, for example, with a magnetic storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD), a semiconductor storage device, an optical storage device, or a magneto-optical storage device. The storage device 919 stores programs and various data executed by the CPU 901, and various data acquired from the outside.

[0130] The drive 921 is a reader / writer for a removable recording medium 923 such as a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, or a semiconductor memory, and is built into or externally attached to the information processing device 900. The drive 921 reads out information recorded on the attached removable recording medium 923 and outputs the information to the RAM 905. The drive 921 also writes information onto the attached removable recording medium 923.

[0131] The connection port 925 is a port for directly connecting a device to the information processing device 900. The connection port 925 can be, for example, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port, an IEEE 1394 port, a Small Computer System Interface (SCSI) port, or the like. The connection port 925 can also be an RS-232C port, an optical audio terminal, a High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) (registered trademark) port, or the like. By connecting an external connection device 927 to the connection port 925, various types of data can be exchanged between the information processing device 900 and the external connection device 927.

[0132] The communication device 929 is, for example, a communication interface configured with a communication device for connecting to a network NW. The communication device 929 can be, for example, a communication card for a wired or wireless LAN (Local Area Network), Bluetooth (registered trademark), or WUSB (Wireless USB). The communication device 929 may also be a router for optical communication, a router for ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line), or a modem for various communications. The communication device 929 transmits and receives signals, for example, between the Internet and other communication devices using a predetermined protocol such as TCP / IP. The communication network NW connected to the communication device 929 is a network connected by wire or wirelessly, for example, the Internet, a home LAN, infrared communication, radio wave communication, or satellite communication. The communication device 929 realizes a function as a communication unit.

[0133] An imaging device (not shown) such as a camera is a device that captures real space and generates a captured image using an imaging element such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) and various members such as a lens for controlling the formation of a subject image on the imaging element. The imaging device may capture a still image or a moving image.

[0134] The configuration and operation of the live distribution system according to the embodiment have been described above. These embodiments are merely examples, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications are possible in the combination of each component and each process, and that such modifications are also within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0135] In the first and second embodiments, the administrator may be able to arbitrarily set the points to be added to the cumulative points when an inserted gift or a lottery gift is used. For example, the administrator may set it so that the longer the viewing time of a viewer who uses the gift and / or the more times the gift is inserted or the more times the lottery is drawn, the more points are added to the cumulative points. Alternatively, the points to be added may be changed randomly.

[0136] In the first embodiment, a case where an instruction to start distribution is received from a target distributor has been described, but this is not limited to this. For example, the system may be configured to receive an instruction to start distribution from a viewer who is a giver of a return gift, or to automatically execute distribution when a distribution condition is satisfied.

[0137] In the first embodiment, the distribution conditions may further include at least one of the following: the passage of a certain period of time, the number of viewers exceeding a reference value, the viewing time exceeding a reference value, and the total broadcast time during the return gift period exceeding a reference value.

[0138] In the first embodiment, the distribution destination specification unit 336 has been described as determining whether or not the receiving condition is satisfied for each viewer registered in the "viewing time of each viewer" of the entry in the return gift DB 320, but this is not limited thereto. For example, the distribution destination specification unit 336 may determine whether or not the receiving condition is satisfied for a viewer who is watching a live broadcast when the distribution condition is satisfied or when the distributor inputs an instruction to start distribution. In this case, a user who has given an input gift but is not watching the live broadcast when the distribution condition is satisfied is excluded from the distribution destination. Therefore, a viewer who has cleared the viewing time condition is motivated to continue watching the live broadcast until the distribution starts in order to receive the return, so the viewing time is extended and the merits of the live broadcast are easily conveyed.

[0139] In the first and second embodiments, an initial value is given to the accumulated points as the contribution of the return gift, but this is not limited to this. For example, when the distribution condition is satisfied, points according to the value of the return gift may be added to the accumulated points, or when a prize is won, the accumulated points may be increased by a factor according to the value of the return gift.

[0140] In the first and second embodiments, the case where the viewers to whom the points are to be distributed are those who have used an input gift or a lottery gift, or are selected from among them, has been described, but this is not limited thereto. For example, the points may be distributed to viewers who have not used an input gift. In this case, the amount of points distributed to such viewers may be set to be less than the amount of points distributed to viewers who have used an input gift. In this case, the effect of attracting viewers by setting up the return gift is enhanced. Alternatively, the points may be distributed to the distributor as well. Alternatively, the points may be distributed to viewers who have used a normal gift in the live distribution of the target distributor.

[0141] In the first and second embodiments, the viewing time during the gift return period is used as the viewing time, but this is not limited to this, and for example, the viewing time during the month in which the gift return was used may be used. Alternatively, a longer predetermined period (e.g., the past year) different from the gift return period may be set, and the viewing time during that predetermined period may be used.

[0142] The conversion rates from gift value points to granted points in the first and second embodiments are merely examples, and may be set as appropriate by, for example, an administrator of the live distribution system.

[0143] In the first embodiment, a case was described in which a desired gift is selected from three types of gifts with different values, but this is not limited to this, and for example, the configuration may be such that the viewer can arbitrarily specify the value of the gift to be inserted.

[0144] In the first embodiment, a case where a point accumulation condition using a reference value of point accumulation is included in the distribution condition has been described, but this is not limited thereto, and for example, a parameter other than point accumulation may be provided. For example, a stamina gauge having a reference value of point accumulation as an initial value may be provided. In this case, the stamina gauge decreases every time an inserted gift is used. The distribution condition includes a stamina gauge condition that is satisfied when the stamina gauge becomes 0. Alternatively, the distribution condition may include only a viewed time condition. In this case, the distribution condition is satisfied when the total viewed time reaches a reference value, regardless of the point accumulation.

[0145] In the first and second embodiments, the point redemption rate may be adjusted according to the level of the target broadcaster (a parameter that increases as activity on the live distribution platform increases) or the number of followers. For example, the lower the level, the higher the redemption rate may be, or the fewer the number of followers, the higher the redemption rate may be. In this case, the redemption rate for new broadcasters may be increased. For broadcasters with a predetermined number of followers or less, the amount of points to be distributed to viewers who newly follow them during the redemption gift period may be set to be higher than usual. In this case, the redemption rate for new fans of new broadcasters may be increased.

[0146] The technical ideas according to the first and second embodiments may be applied to virtual live streaming, in which an avatar that moves in sync with the streamer's movements is used instead of the streamer's image, or live commerce.

[0147] In the processing procedures described in this specification, particularly in the processing procedures described using flow diagrams and flowcharts, it is possible to omit some of the steps that make up the processing procedures, to add steps that are not explicitly stated as steps that make up the processing procedures, and / or to rearrange the order of the steps, and processing procedures in which such omissions, additions, or changes in order have been made are included within the scope of this disclosure as long as they do not deviate from the spirit of this disclosure.

[0148] At least a part of the functions realized by the server may be realized by a device other than the server, for example, a user terminal. At least a part of the functions realized by the user terminal may be realized by a device other than the user terminal, for example, a server. For example, the superimposition of a predetermined frame image onto an image of video data performed at a user terminal on the playback side may be performed by the server or may be performed by a user terminal on the generation side.

Claims

[Claim 1] a means for receiving a start request from a terminal via a network, the start request including information on a first gift designated on the terminal and information on a target broadcaster; and a means for starting a period during which a second gift different from the first gift can be used in the live broadcast of the target broadcaster in response to receiving the start request; The receiving means is a server configured to receive a start request from a terminal of a target distributor via a network, and to receive a start request from a terminal of a viewer of the live distribution via the network during the live distribution of the target distributor.

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