Program, information processing method, server, server information processing method, and information processing system

Abstract

To enable a user to efficiently collect resources associated with a virtual space.SOLUTION: A user device 20 is configured for: outputting a virtual space screen to a display, the virtual space screen including an image of a virtual space and a URL registration display for registering a URL of a resource associated with a link target in the virtual space; if a selection of the URL registration display by a user is received, then recording, in association with the user in a memory, the URL of the resource associated with the link target; acquiring the URL recorded in the memory in response to a call-up instruction by the user; outputting, as a screen separate from the virtual space screen, a screen that is acquired by an identification information acquisition unit and includes a hyperlink of the acquired URL; accepting a selection of the hyperlink by the user; acquiring the resource corresponding to the hyperlink; and outputting to the display a screen using the acquired resource.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, a system has been known that generates animation of a character object based on the movement of a user and distributes a video including the animation of the character object (for example, see Patent Document 1). Recently, spaces that are close to the real world, such as towns or event venues created in virtual space, have been provided. In this space, it is possible to view exhibits at the event venue. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2015-184689 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] For public objects such as exhibits in the virtual space described above, detailed information or associated information (resources) may be provided on the Internet. For example, resources may be detailed information about the exhibits, websites where the exhibits can be purchased, etc. If users are able to collect such information while exploring the virtual space, they can collect information efficiently. In addition, for those who publish public objects such as exhibits in the virtual space, there is an advantage in that the advertising effect can be increased. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A program for solving the above problem causes one or more computers to function as a first output control unit that outputs a virtual space screen including an image of a virtual space and a URL registration display for registering the URL of a resource associated with a link target of the virtual space to a display; an identification information registration unit that, when a user's selection of the URL registration display is received, associates the URL of the resource associated with the link target with the user and records it in a memory unit; an identification information acquisition unit that acquires the URL recorded in the memory unit in response to a call instruction from the user; a second output control unit that outputs a screen including a hyperlink of the URL acquired by the identification information acquisition unit as a screen separate from the virtual space screen; a resource acquisition unit that accepts the user's selection of the hyperlink and acquires the resource corresponding to the hyperlink; and a third output control unit that outputs a screen using the acquired resource to the display.

[0006] An information processing method for solving the above problem includes a first output control process in which one or more computers output to a display a virtual space screen including an image of a virtual space and a URL registration display for registering a URL of a resource associated with a link target of the virtual space; an identification information recording process in which, when a user's selection of the URL registration display is accepted, the URL of the resource associated with the link target is associated with the user and recorded in a memory unit; an identification information acquisition process in response to a call instruction from the user, for acquiring the URL recorded in the memory unit; a second output control process in which a screen including a hyperlink of the acquired URL is output as a screen separate from the virtual space screen; a resource acquisition process in which, upon acceptance of the user's selection of the hyperlink, the resource corresponding to the hyperlink is acquired; and a third output control process in which a screen using the acquired resource is output to the display.

[0007] A server that solves the above problem includes a distribution management unit that transmits to a user device used by a user drawing data for outputting to a display a virtual space screen including an image of a virtual space and a URL registration display for registering a URL associated with a link target of the virtual space, a browsing history information receiving unit that receives browsing history information indicating that the user has viewed a screen using a resource identified by the URL after the URL obtained by the user selecting the URL registration display is recorded in a memory unit, and a performance recording unit that calculates the number of times the resource has been viewed for each link target based on the browsing history information and records the calculated number of times the resource has been viewed in the performance information memory unit as performance information.

[0008] The server information processing method that solves the above problem executes a distribution management process in which a server connected to a user device transmits to a user device used by the user drawing data for outputting to a display a virtual space screen including an image of a virtual space and a URL registration display for registering a URL associated with a link target of the virtual space; a browsing history information receiving process that receives browsing history information indicating that the user has viewed a screen using a resource identified by the URL after the URL obtained by the user selecting the URL registration display is recorded in a memory unit; and a performance recording process that calculates the number of times the resource has been viewed for each link target based on the browsing history information and records the calculated number of times the resource has been viewed in the performance information memory unit as performance information.

[0009] An information processing system that solves the above problem includes a first output control unit that outputs a virtual space screen including an image of a virtual space and a URL registration display for registering a URL of a resource associated with a link target of the virtual space to a display; an identification information registration unit that, when a user's selection of the URL registration display is received, associates the URL of the resource associated with the link target with the user and records it in a memory unit; an identification information acquisition unit that acquires the URL recorded in the memory unit in response to a call instruction from the user; a second output control unit that displays a screen including a hyperlink of the URL acquired by the identification information acquisition unit as a screen separate from the virtual space screen; a resource acquisition unit that accepts the user's selection of the hyperlink and acquires the resource corresponding to the hyperlink; and a third output control unit that displays a screen using the acquired resource on the display. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to the present invention, a user can efficiently collect resources associated with a virtual space. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an information processing system according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a device such as a user device according to the embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating functions of a user device according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the functions of a management server according to the embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating user management information according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing registration information according to the embodiment; [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating view tally information according to the embodiment. [Figure 8]FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating performance information according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a virtual space according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display condition according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] 11 is a diagram illustrating a URL registration display in the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 12] 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating an example of display conditions and URL registration display according to the embodiment. [Figure 13] 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating an example of display conditions and URL registration display according to the embodiment. [Figure 14] 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating an example of display conditions and URL registration display according to the embodiment. [Figure 15] 11 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of a user device according to the embodiment. [Figure 16] 11 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of a user device according to the embodiment. [Figure 17] 11 is a diagram illustrating a selection screen displayed on a user device according to the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 18] 11 is a diagram illustrating a virtual space screen displayed on a user device according to the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 19] 11 is a diagram illustrating a message display screen displayed on a user device according to the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 20] 11 is a diagram illustrating a viewing screen displayed on a user device of the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 21] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a registrant of a URL and a share destination of the URL in the second embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing registrants of a URL in the third embodiment. [Figure 23] 13A and 13B are diagrams showing a distribution screen and a viewing screen in the fourth embodiment. [Figure 24] 11A and 11B are diagrams showing a distribution screen and a viewing screen in the embodiment; [Diagram 25] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a message display screen according to a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] (First embodiment) Hereinafter, a first embodiment of a program, an information processing method, a server, an information processing method for a server, and an information processing system will be described.

[0013] <Information Processing System> An information processing system 11 will be described with reference to FIG. 1. The information processing system 11 includes a management server 12 and a user device 20 used by a user 10. The management server 12 and the user device 20 transmit and receive data via a network such as the Internet. In this embodiment, the information processing system 11 is a system capable of distributing moving images. The moving images display images of a virtual space. The information processing system 11 provides the images of the virtual space as images of a space in which the position of the user 10 in the virtual space (hereinafter, virtual position) is changed according to an instruction from the user 10. The space in which the user's position can be moved is also called a world or a field.

[0014] The management server 12 is composed of one or more devices. In other words, the management server 12 may be a group of servers. The management server 12 is connected to a user device 20 via a network. The user device 20 is a device on which an application for distributing and viewing videos is installed (implemented), or a device used by a user 10 who has registered with a video providing service for distributing and viewing videos. The management server 12 is responsible for relaying data related to video distribution.

[0015] A user 10 who distributes a video using a user device 20 is called a distributor user 10A, and a user who watches the distributed video is called a viewing user 10B. A user 10 can be both a distributor user 10A and a viewing user 10B. That is, a user 10 is a distributor user 10A when distributing a video, and a viewing user 10B when watching a video. In addition, a user device 20 used by a distributor user 10A is called a distributor user device 20A, and a user device 20 used by a viewing user 10B is called a viewing user device 20B. In this embodiment, when the distributor user 10A and the viewing user 10B are not differentiated from each other, they are simply called users 10. In addition, when the distributor user device 20A and the viewing user device 20B are not differentiated from each other, they are simply called user devices 20.

[0016] The management server 12 stores asset data for one or more virtual spaces. In the virtual space, a plurality of static objects are set at predetermined positions. The virtual space may also include moving objects.

[0017] The management server 12 receives a video distribution request from the user device 20. At this time, the user 10 can specify a virtual space. The management server 12 generates a room (distribution frame) for the virtual space specified by the user 10. In addition, the management server 12 transmits asset data of the virtual space to the user device 20.

[0018] The video distribution slots being distributed are displayed on a list screen displayed on each user device 20. The viewing user 10B can start viewing the video by selecting the video distribution slot he or she wishes to view from the list screen.

[0019] Furthermore, the broadcast user device 20A can obtain a URL associated with the virtual space during video distribution. After completing video distribution, the broadcast user device 20A accesses the web server 13 that stores the resource (information resource) specified by the obtained URL, thereby displaying a screen using the resource. An example of a screen using a resource is a web page. Note that a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) is identification information that indicates the location of a resource on a network, and can also be called a URI (Uniform Resource Identifier). Instead of a URL, a URN (Uniform Resource Name) may be used.

[0020] <Hardware configuration> The hardware configuration of the user device 20 will be described with reference to FIG. 2. The user device 20 is a smartphone (multi-function phone terminal), a tablet terminal, a personal computer, a console game machine, a wearable computer, or an information processing device capable of playing videos other than these devices. The wearable computer may have a screen on which the user can watch videos. For example, it may be a head-mounted display worn on the user's head, or a glasses-type wearable terminal. The user device 20 may be a device that operates independently, or may be composed of multiple devices that are connected to each other so that various data can be transmitted and received between them. An example of the latter user device 20 is, for example, a system that performs tracking using an outside-in method.

[0021] The user device 20 includes a processing circuit 100, a storage 104, a sensor unit 112, a display 109, a touch panel 110, and peripheral devices 111. The user device 20 illustrated in Fig. 2 includes a sensor unit 112 that detects the action of the broadcast user 10A. Note that the sensor unit 112 may be a device separate from the user device 20 and communicatively connected to the user device 20.

[0022] The processing circuit 100 includes a CPU 101, which is a processor that executes one or more of the control processes disclosed in this specification, and a memory 102. Processing data and instructions may be stored in the memory 102. These processing data and instructions may also be stored in a storage 104, which is a storage medium disk such as a hard drive (HDD) or a portable storage medium. Alternatively, they may be stored in a storage medium provided separately from the processing circuit 100. The storage 104 is connected to the CPU 101 via a bus 108 and a storage controller 103. In this embodiment, an application is stored in the storage 104. The application includes a program for distributing and viewing videos, and various data required for executing the program.

[0023] Each function disclosed herein may be implemented using circuits that may include, but are not limited to, CPU 101, general-purpose processors, special-purpose processors, integrated circuits, ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), other conventional circuits, and / or combinations thereof, configured or programmed to perform the disclosed functions. A processor is a processing circuit or circuit since it includes transistors and other circuits therein. A processor may be a programmed processor that executes a program stored in a memory. In this disclosure, a unit such as a processing circuit, or a means, is hardware that performs or is programmed to perform the mentioned functions. The hardware may be any hardware disclosed herein or otherwise known that is programmed or configured to perform the mentioned functions.

[0024] Furthermore, the processor is not limited by the form of computer readable medium on which the instructions of the process are stored. For example, the instructions may be stored on a CD, DVD, FLASH memory, RAM, ROM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, hard disk or other non-transitory computer readable medium of an information processing device with which the processing circuit 100 communicates, such as a server or computer. The process may also be stored in network-based storage, cloud-based storage, or other mobile-accessible storage and executable by the processing circuit 100.

[0025] The descriptions or blocks in the flowcharts disclosed herein may be understood to represent modules, segments, or portions of code that include one or more executable instructions for implementing specific logical functions or steps in a process. Also, the descriptions or blocks may perform functions in a different order than that shown or described in the specification, such as substantially simultaneously or in reverse order.

[0026] The hardware elements for implementing the processing circuit 100 may be implemented by various circuit elements. Furthermore, each function disclosed in this specification may be implemented by a circuit including one or more processing circuits.

[0027] The processing circuit 100 also includes a network controller 106 for connecting to a network NW. The network NW may be a public network such as the Internet, or a private network such as a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or any combination thereof, and may also include a public switched telephone network (PSTN) or an integrated services digital network (ISDN), or a sub-network. The network NW may also be wired, such as an Ethernet network, a universal serial bus (USB) cable, or wireless, such as a cellular network, including 3G, 4G, and 5G wireless cellular systems. The wireless network may also be Wi-Fi, wireless LAN, Bluetooth, or other forms of wireless communication known in the art. Furthermore, the network controller 106 may be compliant with other direct communication standards, such as Bluetooth, near field communication (NFC), infrared, etc.

[0028] The processing circuit 100 further includes a display controller 105 and an input / output interface 107. These are connected to a bus 108. The display controller 105 is connected to a display 109. The input / output interface 107 is connected to a touch panel 110 and a peripheral device 111.

[0029] The sensor unit 112 will be described. The sensor unit 112 is one or more sensors that detect face motions indicating changes in the user's facial expression and body motions indicating changes in the relative position of the user's body with respect to the sensor unit 112. Face motions include blinking, opening and closing of the mouth, and other movements. The sensor unit 112 may be a publicly known sensor. The sensor unit 112 has a sensor that measures the distance to a measurement object by irradiating the measurement object with light. For example, a true depth sensor or a "LIDAR" (Light Detection and Ranging, or Laser Imaging Detection and Ranging) sensor may be used. For example, the light emitting unit projects tens of thousands of invisible dots (points) onto the user's face or the like using a dot projector. Then, the reflected light of the dot pattern is detected and analyzed to form a depth map of the face, and an infrared image of the face or the like is captured, thereby capturing accurate face data. The arithmetic processing unit of the sensor unit 112 generates various information based on the depth map and the infrared image, and compares the information with registered reference data to calculate the depth of each point on the face (the distance between each point and the near-infrared camera) and positional deviations other than the depth. Another example of the sensor unit 112 includes at least one of a ToF sensor that measures the time of flight or phase difference until light irradiated toward the user is reflected by a measurement target such as the user's face and returns using a distance measurement method other than the above-mentioned method, a camera that captures the user's face, and an image processing unit that processes the data captured by the camera. The ToF sensor calculates the distance to the measurement target based on the time of flight or phase difference.

[0030] The sensor unit 112 outputs the facial motion and body motion to the processing circuit 100 as tracking data. The tracking data is included in the motion data. Motion data generally refers to data for moving an avatar object. For example, the motion data includes emote data in addition to tracking data. Emo data is data for making an avatar object perform a pre-registered predetermined motion such as "clap". Hereinafter, this pre-registered motion of the avatar object will be referred to as an "emote".

[0031] Furthermore, the sensor unit 112 may have a function of tracking not only the user's face but also the hands (hand tracking). The sensor unit 112 may also include a sensor that detects the position or orientation of a human body part other than the hand. The sensor unit 112 may further include a sensor that detects speed or acceleration, a sensor that detects direction or orientation (such as a gyro sensor), etc. The sensor unit 112 may have a spatial mapping function that recognizes objects in the real space where the user exists based on the detection results of the various sensors described above, and maps the recognized objects on a spatial map.

[0032] The peripheral device 111 includes a microphone and a speaker. The peripheral device 111 may be an operation button, a keyboard, a mouse, a controller operated by the user's hand, or the like provided on the housing of the user device 20. The controller may incorporate various known sensors such as an inertial measurement unit (IMU) such as an acceleration sensor and a gyroscope. Another example of the peripheral device 111 may be a tracking device that identifies the user's hand movement, eye movement, head movement, line of sight, and the like. In this aspect, for example, the user's instruction is determined based on the user's hand movement, and various operations such as starting or ending the distribution of a video, rating a message or a video, and displaying a predetermined object can be performed. Note that, when the user device 20 includes an input device such as a mouse or a controller as the peripheral device 111, the touch panel 110 may be omitted. When the user device 20 includes the touch panel 110, the input device such as a mouse or a controller may be omitted.

[0033] The application for video installed in the storage 104 will be described. The application includes a native unit implemented in the user device 20. The native unit runs on the OS (Operating System) of the user device 20, and can access the storage 104, the camera, and other devices (physical resources) of the user device 20. The native unit displays video on the display 109 based on drawing data received from the management server 12.

[0034] As one aspect, the application includes an in-app browser. The in-app browser is a component that realizes a browser function such as a WebView included in the application. The WebView is incorporated into the application. The WebView is, for example, an API (Application Programming Interface) such as SFSafariView or WKWebView. The in-app browser includes an analysis unit and a display control unit. The in-app browser acquires resources. The resources are data such as an HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language) file required for the in-app browser to display a screen on the display 109, and include a markup language such as HTML, a file written in JavaScript (registered trademark), a CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) file, an external file written in JavaScript (registered trademark), and the like.

[0035] Like an independent web browser, the analysis unit interprets HTML, CSS, etc. The display control unit displays the acquired resources on the screen and executes JavaScript. The resources may include audio data.

[0036] As another aspect, when a predetermined operation of the user is received, the application may launch a web browser installed on the user device 20 separately from the application. In this embodiment, the application will be described as having an in-app browser.

[0037] The management server 12 has a processing circuit 100 and a storage 104 having the same configuration as the user device 20. The management server 12 may omit the touch panel 110, the peripheral device 111, the sensor unit 112, the display 109, and the like.

[0038] <User device> The functions of the user device 20 will now be described with reference to FIG. The first output control unit 21 outputs to the display 109 a virtual space screen including an image of the virtual space and a URL registration display for registering the URL of a resource associated with a link target of the virtual space. If the distribution user 10A wishes to view a resource associated with a link target such as content after distribution, the distribution user 10A can register the URL by selecting the displayed URL registration display 66. Then, the distribution user 10A can output the resource specified by the URL to the display 109 by performing an operation to call up the URL.

[0039] The first output control unit 21 outputs an avatar object corresponding to the user 10 into the virtual space. When the behavior of the avatar object satisfies the display condition, the first output control unit 21 displays a URL registration display on the display 109. In addition, the first output control unit 21 outputs a virtual space screen to the display 109 used by the distribution user 10A, and transmits drawing data for outputting a video to the viewing user device 20B used by the viewing user 10B.

[0040] When the identification information registration unit 22 receives a selection of URL registration display by the user 10, it records the URL of the resource associated with the link target in the storage unit in association with the user. In this embodiment, the storage unit is the registration information storage unit 35 of the management server 12. Also, in this embodiment, only the broadcast user device 20A can receive a selection of URL registration display. When the identification information registration unit 22 of the broadcast user device 20A receives the selection, it records the URL in the storage unit in association with the broadcast user 10A.

[0041] The identification information acquisition unit 23 acquires the recorded URL in response to a call instruction from the user 10. The identification information acquisition unit 23 also acquires a URL in response to a call instruction from the broadcast user 10A.

[0042] The second output control unit 24 displays a screen including the hyperlink of the URL acquired by the identification information acquisition unit 23 as a screen separate from the virtual space screen. The resource acquisition unit 25 accepts the user's 10 selection of a hyperlink and acquires a resource corresponding to the hyperlink.

[0043] The third output control unit 26 outputs a screen using the acquired resource to the display 109. In addition, the third output control unit 26 records in the browsing history information storage unit 27 the browsing history of the resource.

[0044] <Management Server> The configuration of the management server 12 will be described with reference to FIG. The management server 12 includes a distribution management unit 30, a registration unit 31, a browsing history information receiving unit 32, and a performance recording unit 33. The management server 12 also includes a user management information storage unit 34, a registration information storage unit 35, a browsing aggregation information storage unit 36, and a performance information storage unit 37.

[0045] The distribution management unit 30 transmits to the user device 20 drawing data for outputting a virtual space screen including an image of the virtual space and a URL registration display for registering a URL of a resource associated with a link target of the virtual space to the display 109. The distribution management unit 30 transmits to the user device 20 asset data for drawing an object in the virtual space. The distribution management unit 30 also receives data for drawing an avatar object including motion data from the distribution user device 20A, and transmits the received data to the user device 20.

[0046] When the URL registration display is selected by the user 10, the registration unit 31 receives information indicating that the URL registration display has been selected from the user device 20 used by the user 10. Furthermore, the registration unit 31 records in the storage unit the URL associated with the URL registration display in association with the user, and transmits the URL recorded in the storage unit to the user device in response to a call instruction received from the user device.

[0047] When the user selects the URL registration display, the browsing history information receiving unit 32 receives browsing history information. The browsing history information indicates a history of the user's browsing of resources identified by URLs recorded in the registration information storage unit 35. In addition, the browsing history information receiving unit 32 receives selection information indicating that the user has selected the URL registration display.

[0048] The result recording unit 33 calculates the number of times the resource has been viewed for each link target based on the viewing history information, and records the calculated number of times in the result information storage unit as the viewing information. <Data Structure> Each piece of information recorded in management server 12 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0049] FIG. 5 shows an example of the user management information 40 recorded in the user management information storage unit 34. The user management information 40 is recorded for each user. The user management information 40 includes a user ID (identifier) ​​that is identification information of the user, accumulated points, and coins. The accumulated points are points that are given by activities in an application or a platform that provides the application, such as distribution and viewing of videos, and are accumulated for each user. The accumulated points can be used as a consideration for a lottery (gacha) that can be executed in the application or the platform that provides the application, a gift object, or an item. A gift object is an object that a viewing user provides to a distribution user, etc. Items include items that are worn by an avatar object and items used in a game provided by the platform. The accumulated points may be exchangeable for a currency used in the real world. Coins differ from the accumulated points in that they can be purchased by the user. Coins may be given by activities in the application. The coins may be used as a consideration for a lottery, a gift object, or the like, similar to the accumulated points.

[0050] FIG. 6 shows an example of registration information 41 recorded in registration information storage unit 35. Registration information 41 is generated or updated when a URL registration display displayed in a video is selected. Registration information 41 includes a user ID, a room ID (identifier), a URL, and a registration date and time. Registration information 41 is recorded for each user. The room ID is an identifier for the video that was being distributed when the URL registration display was selected. The URL is a URL associated with the selected URL registration display. The save date and time indicates the date and time when the URL registration display was selected.

[0051] 7 shows an example of the view tally information 42 recorded in the view tally information storage unit 36. In this embodiment, the view tally information 42 is updated based on the viewing history information transmitted from the user device 20.

[0052] The browsing summary information 42 includes a user ID, a URL, a room ID, a browsing start time, a browsing end time, and an action history. The user ID, URL, and room ID are the same as the user ID, URL, and room ID of the registration information 41. The browsing start time is the time when the user device 20 connects to the web server 13 or when the user device 20 displays a resource. The browsing end time is the time when the user device 20 disconnects from the web server 13 or when the user device 20 finishes displaying the resource. The action history indicates the action performed by the user 10 on the displayed resource. Examples of the action history are a request for materials at the resource destination, or a purchase at the resource destination.

[0053] 8 shows an example of performance information 43 recorded in performance information storage unit 37. Performance information 43 is recorded for each publisher. A publisher is a publisher who publishes a virtual space, or a publisher who publishes an exhibit or a product in a dedicated area within a virtual space. A publisher who publishes an exhibit can advertise the exhibit to users 10. A publisher who publishes a product can receive payment for the product from users 10.

[0054] The performance information 43 includes a publisher identifier, a URL, a user's stay time, questionnaire response information, and a number of views. The publisher identifier is an identifier assigned to the publisher. The user's stay time indicates the time each user 10 viewed the resource, or statistical information on the viewing time of each user. This time can be calculated from the viewing start time and viewing end time of the viewing summary information 42. The user's stay time may be recorded individually as the stay time of the user who viewed the resource. Alternatively, the user's stay time may be the average stay time of the user. The questionnaire response information indicates the content of the questionnaire answered by the user 10 in the virtual space. The number of views is the number obtained by aggregating the viewing history information, and is the total number of times the resource is displayed using the registered URL. The performance information may also include the number of clicks (number of selections), which is the number of times obtained by aggregating information indicating the user's selection of the URL registration display. The information is received from the user device 20. The performance information 43 may also include the number of conversions, which is the total number of times the user 10 performed a predetermined action.

[0055] <Video distribution and viewing methods> Next, a method for distributing or viewing a video will be described. As a method for distributing or viewing a video, one of a client rendering method, a browser rendering method, a video distribution method, and a server distribution method can be used. In this embodiment, the client rendering method is used.

[0056] The client rendering method is a method in which each user device 20 renders objects by executing a program. The user device 20 stores three-dimensional model data and the like of avatar objects and physical objects other than avatar objects. The three-dimensional model data of the avatar objects includes drawing data of main body parts constituting the main body of the avatar object and attachment parts that can be attached to the avatar objects. The data of the main body parts includes polygon data, skeletal data (bones) for expressing the movements of the avatar object, texture data, and the like. The attachment parts include texture data, and the like. The broadcasting user 10A can set the attachment parts of the avatar object corresponding to himself / herself to his / her preferred parts. The model data of physical objects other than avatar objects includes polygon data, texture data, and the like.

[0057] The first output control unit 21 performs drawing using drawing data including motion data and identification information (parts ID) indicating parts of each object. The first output control unit 21 also transmits the drawing data including the motion data and each part ID to the management server 12. The management server 12 transmits the drawing data to the viewing user device 20B. The viewing user device 20B receives the data from the management server 12. The user device 20 then uses the data to draw the avatar object and other objects of the broadcast user 10A.

[0058] In addition, the first output control unit 21 transmits audio data based on the audio collected by the microphone to the management server 12. The management server 12 transmits the audio data to the viewing user device 20B. A time stamp is added to the motion data, the coordinate data, and the audio data.

[0059] The first output control unit 21 of the viewing user device 20B receives drawing data and audio data for displaying the video from the management server 12. Then, the first output control unit 21 uses the drawing data to draw an image including an avatar object corresponding to the broadcast user 10A.

[0060] Furthermore, first output control units 21 of broadcasting user 10A and viewing user 10B receive data such as messages posted by other users from management server 12. First output control unit 21 outputs video data that combines images obtained by rendering avatar objects and other objects with posted messages, notifications, and the like to display 109. First output control unit 21 also synchronizes audio data with the video data based on a timestamp and outputs the audio data from the speaker.

[0061] The broadcasting user device 20A and the viewing user device 20B may display moving images in different formats. For example, the broadcasting user device 20A may display moving images in a client rendering format, while the viewing user device 20B may display moving images in a browser rendering format. Also, the user may be allowed to select the method of displaying moving images. For example, some of the viewing user devices 20B may display moving images in a client rendering format, while other devices may display moving images in a browser rendering format. In this embodiment, each user device 20 generates moving images in a client rendering format.

[0062] <Virtual space configuration> The configuration of the virtual space 50 will be described with reference to FIGS. 9, a virtual space 50 includes a plurality of objects 51. The objects 51 located in the virtual space 50 include an avatar object 52 and a physical object 53 that is the other object.

[0063] A world coordinate system (X, Y, Z) is set in the virtual space 50 to indicate positions in the virtual space. The world coordinate system is also called a global coordinate system. The positions of the avatar object 52 and the physical object 53 can be specified by coordinates in the world coordinate system. An object coordinate system (x, y, z) is set for each of the avatar object 52 and the physical object 53. The orientation, movement, etc. of the avatar object 52 and the physical object 53 can be specified by coordinates in the object coordinate system. These coordinates include roll, pitch, and yaw that indicate rotation coordinates relative to the coordinate axes.

[0064] In the virtual space 50, a virtual camera 54 corresponding to each broadcast user 10A is positioned. A camera coordinate system is set for the virtual camera 54. The camera coordinate system allows the camera's orientation, panning, tilting, and other operations to be specified. The virtual camera 54 is associated with the avatar object 52. The first output control unit 21 makes the virtual camera 54 follow the movement of the avatar object 52. For example, the first output control unit 21 acquires the movement direction instructed by the broadcast user 10A, converts the movement direction into a direction in the world coordinate system, and moves the avatar object 52. The first output control unit 21 generates a two-dimensional image based on the coordinates of objects included in a predetermined field of view centered on the optical axis of the virtual camera 54. Then, the first output control unit 21 outputs the two-dimensional image to the display 109. The rendering referred to here refers to a drawing process including acquisition of the position of the virtual camera, perspective projection, hidden surface removal based on depth information associated with each object, and the like. The rendering may be at least one of these processes, or may include processes such as shading and texture mapping.

[0065] The position of the virtual camera 54 can be changed by at least one of the distribution user 10A and the viewing user 10B. For example, the distribution user 10A can select a first-person viewpoint (avatar position) or a third-person viewpoint as a setting for the position of the virtual camera 54. In the first-person viewpoint, the first output control unit 21 performs rendering in a state in which the eye position of the avatar and the position of the virtual camera 54 are matched or nearly matched. In this case, the line of sight of the avatar object 52 and the optical axis of the virtual camera 54 are nearly matched. As a result, an image as if the virtual space 50 is viewed from the avatar object 52 is displayed on the display 109. In the third-person viewpoint, the first output control unit 21 sets the virtual camera 54 at a position around the avatar object 52, and performs rendering so that the avatar object 52 is at a predetermined position such as the center of the screen. When the virtual camera 54 is set in the third-person viewpoint, an image of the avatar object 52 can be displayed on the screen. The first output control unit 21 may be able to change the position of the virtual camera 54 in the third-person viewpoint. Alternatively, an image may be generated using a multi-view camera in which one (or more) of virtual cameras 54 arranged at three or more positions is selected.

[0066] 9 is a space in which a plurality of publishers publish content as link targets at exhibition booths 55 assigned to the publishers. The virtual space 50 has a plurality of exhibition booths 55. Each exhibition booth 55 includes one or a plurality of content display objects 56.

[0067] The content display object 56 is, for example, an object consisting of a two-dimensional display surface with no thickness, or a three-dimensional object having a display surface. The content display object 56 is an object visible to the user 10, or a transparent object that cannot be seen on the screen. The display surface can display content 57 published by the publisher. The content 57 is an image such as a still image in JPEG format, GIF format, PNG format, or the like, or a video based on video data such as MPEG4. The first output control unit 21 projects the content 57 designated in advance by the publisher onto the content display object 56 by a technique such as texture mapping.

[0068] Data for displaying a link target such as the content 57 may be recorded by the management server 12. In this case, the management server 12 transmits data for displaying the link target to the user device 20 in response to a request from the user device 20 (the broadcasting user device 20A and the viewing user device 20B). Alternatively, data for displaying a link target such as the content 57 may be recorded by the web server 13. In this case, the web server 13 transmits data for displaying the link target to the user device 20 in response to a request from the user device 20 (the broadcasting user device 20A and the viewing user device 20B). Alternatively, the viewing user device 20B may receive image data of the link target output by the broadcasting user device 20A from the broadcasting user device 20A via the management server 12.

[0069] A URL registration display 66 (see FIG. 11) is directly or indirectly associated with content 57. The display conditions for displaying the URL registration display 66 may differ depending on the link target. Furthermore, the display mode of the URL registration display 66 may differ depending on the link target. The display condition for displaying the URL registration display 66 corresponding to content 57 illustrated in FIG. 9 is that the position of avatar object 52 is within a judgment area associated with content 57.

[0070] For example, the virtual space 50 includes a first judgment area 58 and a second judgment area 59 corresponding to each of the contents 57. The first judgment area 58 is an area in which a judgment is made as to whether to display the URL registration display 66. A script that displays the URL registration display 66 is associated with the first judgment area 58. The second judgment area 59 is an area in which a judgment is made as to whether to display the answer items of the questionnaire. For example, the first output control unit 21 treats the first judgment area 58 and the second judgment area 59 as non-display (transparent) objects and does not display them on the virtual space screen. The first judgment area 58 and the second judgment area 59 illustrated in FIG. 9 are rectangular parallelepipeds. The first judgment area 58 and the second judgment area 59 may be planes parallel to the floor surface, other than a cube.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 10, the first output control unit 21 displays a guide display 60 indicating that the URL registration display 66 can be obtained in association with the content display object 56. The guide display 60 may be anything that can encourage the broadcast user 10A to notice. For example, the guide display 60A is an indicator displayed near the content display object 56. The indicator may be anything that can make the user 10 looking at the indicator notice that the URL registration display 66 can be obtained. The indicator is a mark, an icon, a pictogram, or a button. The indicator is, for example, a heart mark. The guide display may also be a UI element such as a "Like button". The guide display 60B is an effect (performance display) displayed near the content display object 56, or in the first determination area 58 or its vicinity. The effect is displayed by light particles appearing and disappearing, or the like. Although two guide displays 60A and 60B are displayed in FIG. 9, at least one may be displayed.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 11, the first output control unit 21 judges whether the position of the avatar object 52 hits the first judgment area 58. In other words, the first output control unit 21 judges whether the position of the avatar object 52 is within the first judgment area 58. When the display condition that the position of the avatar object 52 is within the first judgment area 58 is satisfied, the first output control unit 21 displays the URL registration display 66 corresponding to the first judgment area 58. That is, the first judgment area 58 is set for each content 57. In addition, the URL for each content 57 is associated with the URL registration display 66 corresponding to the content 57. Note that, when the guide display 60 is a button, the URL registration display 66 may be displayed when the button is selected. The first output control unit 21 displays the URL registration display 66 in association with the content 57 or the content display object 56. For example, the first output control unit 21 displays the URL registration display 66 so that the object 51 closest to the URL registration display 66 is the content display object 56. Alternatively, the first output control unit 21 displays the URL registration display 66 so as to overlap a part of the content display object 56 .

[0073] By displaying the URL registration display 66 only when the display conditions are satisfied in this way, the appearance of the virtual space 50 when the URL registration display 66 is not displayed can be made closer to the real world, thereby enhancing the sense of immersion in the video of each user 10. Furthermore, when multiple contents 57 are displayed on the screen, displaying the URL registration display 66 corresponding to each content 57 may reduce the display area of ​​other objects 51, etc. In contrast, by displaying the URL registration display 66 only when the display conditions are satisfied, the area occupied by the URL registration display 66 can be minimized.

[0074] The URL registration display 66 may be displayed as a UI element object having coordinates in the virtual space 50. In this case, the URL registration display 66 displayed on the screen has two-dimensional coordinates of the display area of ​​the screen. In the case where the display 109 is provided with a touch panel, if the operation position of the broadcast user 10A coincides with the position of the URL registration display 66, the identification information registration unit 22 determines that the URL registration display 66 has been selected. Alternatively, the URL registration display 66 may be displayed as a GUI (Graphical User Interface) element having no coordinates in the virtual space 50. An example of this GUI element is an icon that is superimposed on the virtual space image and displayed at a certain position on the screen. In addition, the design of the URL registration display 66 is not particularly limited, and may be a mark indicating "LIKE" or "GOOD."

[0075] In addition, first output control unit 21 determines whether or not the position of avatar object 52 hits second judgment area 59. In other words, it determines whether or not the position of avatar object 52 is within second judgment area 59. When the condition that the position of avatar object 52 is within second judgment area 59 is satisfied, first output control unit 21 displays a questionnaire item (not shown) corresponding to that second judgment area 59 on the screen. Broadcast user 10A can select a questionnaire item and answer the questionnaire.

[0076] When the distribution user 10A is interested in the content 57, he / she wants to view resources related to the content 57. If the distribution user 10A views resources related to the content 57 in a web browser outside the application or an in-app browser during video distribution, the progress of the video distribution will be delayed in this case. As a result, the viewing user 10B who watches the video may lose interest in the video. In addition, some distribution users 10A may have a desire to view all the resources of the content 57 that they are interested in after distributing a video of the exploration of the virtual space 50. Or, if the distribution is forcibly stopped when the distribution user 10A views resources in a web browser outside the application or an in-app browser during video distribution, the resources cannot be viewed.

[0077] Also, the organizer of the event or the publisher who publishes information at each exhibition booth 55 wants the distribution user 10A to move around the virtual space 50 efficiently in order to increase the opportunities to view each exhibition booth 55. However, if the distribution user 10A views the resources of the content 57 that interests him / her multiple times, he / she will not be able to move around the virtual space 50 efficiently.

[0078] When distribution user 10A intends to view the resource after distribution, he / she selects the displayed URL registration display 66. When the identification information registration unit 22 receives an instruction to select the URL registration display 66, it acquires a URL associated with the content 57 corresponding to the URL registration display 66. At this time, when the content 57 displayed in the content display object 56 changes depending on the time of day, different URLs may be associated with those contents 57.

[0079] The identification information registration unit 22 transmits the acquired URL together with the user ID of the distribution user 10A to the management server 12. For example, the URL may be included in the asset data, etc. The registration unit 31 of the management server 12 records the received URL in the registration information storage unit 35 in association with the user ID.

[0080] Alternatively, when the URL registration display 66 is selected, the identification information registration unit 22 transmits the URL registration display 66 or the identification information of the content 57 together with the user ID of the broadcast user 10A to the management server 12. The registration unit 31 of the management server 12 records the URL in the registration information storage unit 35 in association with the user ID based on the received identification information.

[0081] The link target associated with the URL is not limited to the content 57. It may be a two-dimensional or three-dimensional object 51. The object 51 (hereinafter, the link target object 61) illustrated in FIG. 12 as a link target is a three-dimensional object such as an automobile. This three-dimensional object is drawn in a stopped state in the virtual space 50. The display condition of the URL registration display 66 corresponding to the link target object 61 illustrated in FIG. 12 is that the position of the avatar object 52 is within the first judgment area 58. The first judgment area 58 may be provided around the link target object 61. In other words, the display condition of the URL registration display 66 is that the positions of the avatar object 52 and the link target object 61 have a predetermined positional relationship. When the first output control unit 21 determines that the position of the avatar object 52 is within the first judgment area 58, the first output control unit 21 displays the URL registration display 66 in association with the link target object 61. The first output control unit 21 displays the URL registration display 66, for example, in the vicinity of the link target object 61 or superimposed on the link target object 61.

[0082] The link target object 62 illustrated in FIG. 13 is an item that the avatar object 52 can wear. The display condition for the URL registration display 66 corresponding to the link target object 62 is that the position of the avatar object 52 is within the first judgment area 58 corresponding to a plurality of items. As illustrated in FIG. 13, when the first output control unit 21 determines that the position of the avatar object 52 is within the first judgment area 58, the first output control unit 21 may display each of the URL registration displays 66 corresponding to the plurality of link target objects 62 associated with the first judgment area 58 within the same period. The identification information registration unit 22 acquires a URL associated with the URL registration display 66 selected from among the plurality of URL registration displays 66, and transmits the URL to the management server 12 for registration. In FIGS. 12 and 13, the first judgment area 58 is a plane, but the first judgment area 58 may have a three-dimensional shape. For example, in FIG. 12, the first judgment area 58 may have a cylindrical shape. In FIG. 13, the first judgment area 58 may have a rectangular parallelepiped shape.

[0083] Furthermore, when the first output control unit 21 determines that the position of the avatar object 52 is within the second determination area 59, the first output control unit 21 displays an answer display for accepting an answer to the question. The first output control unit 21 accepts an operation on the answer display. Then, the first output control unit 21 transmits the answer content to the management server 12 in association with the user ID of the user who has answered.

[0084] As illustrated in FIG. 14, the link target object 63 may be a moving object. The moving object is, for example, an airship or an automobile carrying an advertisement. The link target object 63 moves in the virtual space 50. The display condition of the URL registration display 66 corresponding to the link target object 63 is that the link target object 63 is within the field of view 54Z of the virtual camera 54. The field of view 54Z is, for example, a field of view cone having a frustum or a quadrangular pyramid shape. The URL registration display 66 may be displayed in a state that is easy for the user to operate. For example, the URL registration display 66 may be displayed as a UI element object having coordinates in the virtual space, or may be displayed as a UI element having no coordinates in the virtual space 50.

[0085] <Operation> The process executed by the user device 20 will be described with reference to FIGS. The URL registration display 66 is displayed by at least one of the broadcast user equipment 20A and the viewing user equipment 20B. Furthermore, at least one of the broadcast user equipment 20A and the viewing user equipment 20B can register a URL to be linked. Furthermore, at least one of the broadcast user equipment 20A and the viewing user equipment 20B can view a screen including a URL hyperlink. Here, only the broadcast user equipment 20A can display the URL registration display 66, register a URL, and view the screen including the hyperlink.

[0086] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a mode will be described in which avatar object 52 corresponding to broadcast user 10A is displayed in a video, while avatar object 52 corresponding to viewing user 10B is not displayed.

[0087] The first output control unit 21 receives asset data of the virtual space 50 from the management server 12. The asset data includes a URL associated with a link target of the virtual space 50. First output control unit 21 moves avatar object 52 corresponding to broadcast user 10A within virtual space 50 based on instructions from broadcast user 10A.

[0088] The process in which the broadcast user device 20A acquires a URL will be described with reference to Fig. 15. This process is started when the broadcast user 10A starts broadcasting a video in the virtual space 50. This process is ended when the broadcast user 10A ends the broadcasting of the video in the virtual space 50.

[0089] The first output control unit 21 determines whether or not the display conditions of the URL registration display 66 corresponding to the link targets located around the avatar object 52 are satisfied (step S10). Specifically, it may be determined whether or not the display conditions are satisfied for the link targets included in the field of view 54Z of the virtual camera 54. Alternatively, it may be determined whether or not the display conditions are satisfied for the link targets within a predetermined range centered on the position of the avatar object 52. As described above, the display conditions of the URL registration display 66 may differ depending on the link target.

[0090] If the first output control unit 21 determines that the display condition is not satisfied (step S10: NO), the first output control unit 21 repeats step S10 as the avatar object 52 moves. When the first output control unit 21 determines that the display condition is satisfied (step S10: YES), it displays the URL registration display 66 (step S11). The first output control unit 21 determines whether or not the selection of the URL registration display 66 has been accepted (step S12).

[0091] If the first output control unit 21 determines that the selection of the URL registration display 66 has not been accepted (step S12: NO), the process returns to step S10. If the display condition is no longer satisfied without the selection of the URL registration display 66 being accepted, the first output control unit 21 erases the URL registration display 66.

[0092] When first output control unit 21 determines that selection of URL registration display 66 has been accepted (step S12: YES), identification information acquisition unit 23 acquires a URL associated with the link target corresponding to URL registration display 66 (step S13).

[0093] The identification information registration unit 22 registers the URL by transmitting the acquired URL together with the user ID to the management server 12 (step S14). The registration unit 31 of the management server 12 records the received URL in the registration information storage unit 35 in association with the user ID.

[0094] In this way, the broadcast user 10A acquires URLs for the exhibition booths 55 that he or she is interested in. The registration information storage unit 35 stores one or more URLs in association with the user ID of the broadcast user 10A.

[0095] Referring to FIG. 16, a process for broadcast user 10A to view a resource based on an acquired URL at any timing, such as after the end of broadcast, will be described. In this embodiment, the screen including the hyperlink is a message display screen with a management account. The management account is an official account of the application or an official account of the event. The message display screen is a screen that displays direct mail sent to only the distribution user 10A.

[0096] When the identification information acquisition unit 23 receives a call instruction from the broadcast user 10A, it transmits a request to acquire the user ID and URL to the management server 12. The registration unit 31 of the management server 12 reads out the URL associated with the received user ID from the registration information storage unit 35. The registration unit 31 then transmits the read out URL to the broadcast user device 20A.

[0097] The second output control unit 24 displays a screen including a hyperlink of the registered URL based on the received URL (step S20). Here, this screen is a message display screen. The resource acquisition unit 25 accepts the user's selection of a hyperlink on the message display screen (step S21). Then, the third output control unit 26 launches an in-app browser or an external browser to acquire the resource specified by the URL. The third output control unit 26 also outputs a screen using the acquired resource to the display 109 (step S22).

[0098] When the third output control unit 26 outputs a screen using the resource, the analysis unit of the browser records the browsing history information of the resource in the local storage. In addition, the analysis unit of the browser transmits the browsing history information recorded in the local storage to the management server 12 together with the user ID.

[0099] The browsing history information receiving unit 32 of the management server 12 uses the browsing history information to generate or update the browsing summary information 42. The performance recording unit 33 compiles statistics on the browsing summary information 42 corresponding to the multiple users 10 and updates the performance information 43.

[0100] The update of performance information by the performance recording unit 33 will be described. The performance recording unit 33 calculates the number of times a resource has been viewed for each link target. For example, when the viewing aggregation information 42 includes a viewing history of "resource A" corresponding to "link target object A", the performance recording unit 33 increments the number of times the "link target object A" has been viewed (number of page views). In addition, when the viewing aggregation information 42 includes a behavioral history such as a purchase history or a document request history for "resource A", the performance recording unit 33 records the behavioral history in the behavioral history of "link target object A".

[0101] <Screen display> Screens displayed by the broadcast user device 20A will be described with reference to Figures 17 to 20. Note that Figures 17 to 20 show screens when the position of the virtual camera 54 is a third-person perspective.

[0102] 17 shows a world selection screen 70 displayed by the broadcast user device 20A. The world selection screen 70 includes selection sections 71 (banners) corresponding to a plurality of virtual spaces 50 (worlds). When one of the selection sections 71 is selected, the first output control section 21 transmits a broadcast start request to the management server 12.

[0103] When the management server 12 receives the distribution start request, it designates the user 10 who sent the distribution start request as a broadcast user 10A and creates a room. In addition, the management server 12 transmits asset data to the broadcast user device 20A.

[0104] 18, the first output control unit 21 uses the asset data to display a virtual space screen 80. Specifically, the first output control unit 21 displays a physical object 53 based on the asset data.

[0105] 18 shows an image of an exhibition booth 55. In the exhibition booth 55, a content display object 56 and content 57 are displayed. In addition, a display condition that the position of the avatar object 52 is within a first determination area 58 (see FIGS. 9 to 11) is satisfied, and thus a URL registration display 66 corresponding to the content 57 is displayed. The URL registration display 66 is displayed so as to be closest to the corresponding content 57, for example, so that the corresponding content 57 can be identified.

[0106] Moreover, the virtual space screen 80 includes UI elements superimposed on the virtual space image. The virtual space screen 80 illustrated in FIG. 18 includes a movement button 82 and a jump button 81 for making the avatar object 52 jump. Furthermore, the virtual space screen 80 includes a shooting button 84, a camera position change button 85, and a message display section 83 for messages sent from the viewing user 10B. The shooting button 84 includes a UI element for shooting the virtual space screen 80. The camera position change button 85 is a button for setting the position of the virtual camera 54 to either a first-person perspective or a third-person perspective.

[0107] FIG. 19 shows an example of a message display screen 90 with an official account. The broadcast user 10A checks the message display screen 90 after the broadcast is finished. The message display screen 90 includes a message display section 91 sent by the official account. The message display section 91 includes a hyperlink to a URL. This URL is a URL associated with the URL registration display 66 selected by the broadcast user 10A.

[0108] When the resource acquisition unit 25 receives the selection of a hyperlink in any of the message display units 91, it acquires a resource corresponding to the hyperlink from the web server 13. Then, the third output control unit 26 displays a resource display screen 92 using the acquired resource on the display 109. The resource display screen 92 illustrated in Fig. 19 is a screen of a website including an image 92A and a UI element 92B. For example, on this website, a user can purchase an item.

[0109] The resource specified by the URL is not particularly limited. For example, if the content 57 is a digest of a game, the resource may be an installation screen of a game application. If the content 57 is an introduction of an illustration or an animation video, the resource may be a website where goods (items) related to the illustration or animation can be purchased. If the linked object 61 is a model of a car sold in the real world, the resource may be a promotion site for the car, or a screen where materials can be downloaded. If the linked object 61 is an item that can be worn by the avatar object 52, the resource may be a purchase screen for the item, or a try-on screen where the item can be tried on by the avatar object 52. The URL may be a private URL that is not detected by a search engine.

[0110] FIG. 20 shows a viewing screen 86 output by the first output control unit 21 of the viewing user device 20B. The viewing screen 86 displays an image of a virtual space, similar to the virtual space screen 80 of the broadcasting user device 20A. The viewing screen 86 includes various GUI elements. The GUI elements include, for example, a message display unit 83, a comment input unit 86A, a capture button 86B for capturing an image of the screen, a rating button 86C for favorably rating the video, and a gift button 86D. The comment input unit 86A is an input form for a message to the broadcasting user 10A. The viewing user device 20B accepts the selection of the gift button 86D and transmits a request to display a gift object on the video to the management server 12. The GUI elements displayed on the viewing screen 86 can be changed as appropriate. The viewing screen 86 corresponds to the virtual space screen of the claims.

[0111] The virtual space screen 80 output by the broadcasting user device 20A and the viewing screen 86 output by the viewing user device 20B are synchronized. In this embodiment, when the broadcasting user device 20A displays the URL registration display 66 on the virtual space screen 80, it is preferable that the viewing user device 20B does not display the URL registration display 66 on the viewing screen 86. The reason for this is that if the viewing user device 20B displays the URL registration display 66 even though the viewing user 10B does not have the authority to select the URL registration display 66, the viewing user 10B may mistakenly believe that he or she can operate the URL registration display 66. However, if the URL registration display 66 does not interfere with the viewing of the viewing user 10B, the viewing user device 20B may display the URL registration display 66.

[0112] The third output control unit 26 acquires the browsing start time and the browsing end time of the resource, and records the same in association with the URL in the browsing history information storage unit 27. The third output control unit 26 also records the action history of the resource in the browsing history information storage unit 27. When the third output control unit 26 updates the browsing history information, it transmits it to the management server 12.

[0113] The effects of the first embodiment will be described. (1-1) According to the above embodiment, the virtual space screen 80 includes a URL registration display 66 for registering a URL associated with a link target in the virtual space. Furthermore, a hyperlink based on a URL registered by the user 10 is displayed on a screen other than the virtual space screen 80. Therefore, after the user 10 has finished distribution, the user 10 can open another screen at any time and view resources associated with the link target. Therefore, the distribution user 10A can view resources without interrupting the distribution.

[0114] (1-2) According to the above embodiment, second output control unit 24 displays URL registration display 66 on display 109 when the display conditions are satisfied. This makes it easier for user 10 to notice URL registration display 66. Also, since URL registration display 66 is displayed only when the display conditions are satisfied, the area in which the virtual space is displayed can be made larger than when URL registration display 66 is always displayed on the screen.

[0115] (1-3) According to the above embodiment, when the position of avatar object 52 is included in first determination area 58, URL registration indication 66 is displayed on display 109. Therefore, when it is assumed that user 10 has approached a link target because of an interest in the link target, URL registration indication 66 can be dynamically displayed.

[0116] (1-4) According to the above embodiment, the result recording unit 33 calculates the number of times the resource is viewed for each link target based on the view count information 42, and records the calculated number of times the resource is viewed as the result information 43 in the result information storage unit 37. This allows the publisher of the resource to check the advertising effectiveness of the link target.

[0117] (1-5) In the above embodiment, it is possible to accept only the selection of URL registration display 66 by broadcast user 10A. This makes it possible to keep URL registration to a minimum. (1-6) In the above embodiment, only the broadcast user 10A can see the screen containing the URL hyperlinks. Therefore, the broadcast user 10A can collect only the URLs in which he or she is interested.

[0118] Second embodiment Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the program, the information processing method, the server, the information processing method of the server, and the information processing system will be described with reference to FIG.

[0119] In the second embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, only the distribution user 10A can register a URL by selecting the URL registration display 66. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that both the distribution user 10A and the viewing user 10B can view a screen containing a hyperlink to the registered URL. In other words, the distribution user 10A shares the registered URL with the viewing user 10B. Hereinafter, the same reference numerals will be used for the same parts as in the first embodiment, and detailed explanations thereof will be omitted.

[0120] In the second embodiment, the identification information acquisition unit 23 of the broadcast user device 20A acquires a URL from the management server 12 in response to a call instruction from the broadcast user 10A (first user). At this time, the management server 12 transmits the registered URL to the broadcast user device 20A in association with the room account (management account) or the account of a private group including the broadcast user 10A. Similarly, the identification information acquisition unit 23 of the viewing user device 20B acquires a URL from the management server 12 in response to a call instruction from the viewing user 10B (second user).

[0121] The second output control unit 24 of the broadcasting user device 20A and the second output control unit 24 of the viewing user device 20B display a screen including the hyperlink of the acquired URL as a screen separate from the virtual space screen 80 and the viewing screen 86.

[0122] The resource acquisition unit 25 of the broadcast user device 20A accepts the broadcast user 10A's selection of the hyperlink and acquires the resource corresponding to the hyperlink. The resource acquisition unit 25 of the viewer user device 20B accepts the viewer user 10B's selection of the hyperlink and acquires the resource corresponding to the hyperlink from the web server 13.

[0123] The third output control unit 26 of the broadcasting user device 20A uses the acquired resources to display a resource display screen 92 on the display 109. The viewing user device 20B uses the acquired resources to display a resource display screen 92 on the display 109. In other words, the broadcasting user 10A shares the URLs that he or she registered during video distribution with the viewing users 10B. Each viewing user 10B browses the resource identified by the URL by selecting a hyperlink that he or she is interested in from among the links based on the URLs registered by the broadcasting user 10A.

[0124] In this manner, when the distribution user 10A shares a URL, for example, in a video viewed by 100 viewing users 10B, the URL registered by the distribution user 10A is sent to the many viewing users. Therefore, by distributing a video, in addition to making the content 57 and the linked object 63 available to many users 10, it is possible to provide many users 10 with the opportunity to access resources. Also, the distribution user 10A and the viewing user 10B often have common interests. For this reason, the publisher can create a marketing strategy that targets these users as a group.

[0125] The performance record unit 33 records the reward according to the performance information in association with the broadcast user 10A. Specifically, the performance record unit 33 calculates the number of views for each broadcast user 10A in the view count information 42. In other words, it calculates the number of page views in which the resource corresponding to the shared URL in the video broadcast by the broadcast user 10A was viewed. At this time, the performance record unit 33 may calculate the number of page views for each broadcast user 10A and for each URL.

[0126] A reward is then given to the broadcast user 10A according to the number of views. The reward may be coins, points, etc. that can be used within the application. Alternatively, the reward may be an item that the avatar object 52 can wear, or an emote or background that can be used within the application, etc. As the number of views increases, the achievement recording unit 33 associates a reward of higher value with the broadcast user 10A and records it in the user management information 40. For example, the achievement recording unit 33 may associate "1000 points" when the number of views is "20 times", and "10000 points" when the number of views is "100 times".

[0127] According to the second embodiment, in addition to the effects (1-1) to (1-5) of the first embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. (2-1) In the second embodiment, the screen including the URL hyperlink can be viewed not only by the distribution user 10A, but also by the viewing user 10B. Therefore, the viewing user 10B can view the resource associated with the URL selected by the distribution user 10A. In addition, since the opportunities for the resource to be viewed increase, the advertising effect of the resource can be improved.

[0128] (2-2) In the second embodiment, the achievement recording unit 33 grants a reward to the broadcast user 10A according to the number of times a resource of a URL registered by the broadcast user 10A is viewed. Furthermore, as the number of views increases, a reward of higher value is recorded in association with the broadcast user 10A. In other words, a popular broadcast user 10A is more likely to obtain a reward of higher value. This can increase the motivation of the user 10 to broadcast videos.

[0129] Third embodiment Hereinafter, a program, an information processing method, a server, an information processing method for a server, and an information processing system according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0130] The third embodiment differs from the first and second embodiments in that both the distribution user 10A and the viewing user 10B can select the URL registration display 66. The third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that both the distribution user 10A and the viewing user 10B can view a screen including a hyperlink. Below, the same parts as in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals and detailed explanations thereof are omitted.

[0131] In the third embodiment, the first output control unit 21 of the viewing user device 20B receives drawing data for outputting a video from the broadcast user device 20A used by the broadcast user 10A (first user) and outputs a virtual space screen including a URL registration display 66.

[0132] When the identification information registration unit 22 receives a selection of the URL registration display 66 by the viewing user 10B (second user), the identification information registration unit 22 records the URL in the storage unit in association with the viewing user 10B. In this embodiment, the storage unit is the registration information storage unit 35.

[0133] The identification information acquisition unit 23 acquires a URL in response to a call instruction from the viewing user 10B. The second output control unit 24 of the viewing user device 20B displays, as a screen separate from the virtual space screen 80, a screen including a hyperlink based on the URL registered by the viewing user 10B.

[0134] The resource acquisition unit 25 receives the selection of the hyperlink by the viewing user 10B and acquires the hyperlink. The third output control unit 26 outputs to the display 109 a screen using the resource.

[0135] 22, the broadcast user device 20A outputs a virtual space screen 80 including a URL registration display 66. The viewing user device 20B outputs a viewing screen 86 including a virtual space image according to the position of the avatar object 52 of the broadcast user 10A and the URL registration display 66.

[0136] As in the first embodiment, when the broadcast user 10A selects the URL registration display 66, the broadcast user device 20A associates the URL with the user ID of the broadcast user 10A and transmits it to the management server 12. The registration unit 31 of the management server 12 records the received URL in the registration information storage unit 35, associating it with the user ID of the broadcast user 10A.

[0137] The viewing user 10B can select only the URL registration display 66 that he or she is interested in at any timing from among the URL registration displays 66 displayed on the viewing screen 86. However, here, only the distribution user 10A can satisfy the display conditions of the URL registration display 66. The viewing user device 20B transmits the URL to the management server 12 in association with the user ID of the viewing user 10B. The registration unit 31 of the management server 12 records the received URL in the registration information 41 in association with the user ID of the viewing user 10B.

[0138] As in the first embodiment, the broadcast user 10A and the viewing user 10B can call up the message display screen 90 at any timing. The message display screen 90 may be a chat screen with an administrative account such as an official account of the application or an official account of the room. Since each viewing user 10B acquires a URL corresponding to a link target in which the viewing user 10B is interested, the collected hyperlinks may differ between viewing users 10B. Therefore, the viewing users 10B can enjoy watching videos and collect information in which they are interested.

[0139] <Calculation of results> As in the second embodiment, the performance recorder 33 calculates the number of times the resource is viewed for each broadcast user. Then, a reward according to the number of views is recorded in association with the broadcast user 10A. Furthermore, the performance recorder 33 records the number of selections, which is the number of times the URL registration display 66 was selected, in the performance information 43 based on the selection information. In this case, the user device 20 transmits selection history information to the management server 12 when the URL registration display 66 is selected. The management server 12 calculates the number of selections for each link target based on the selection history information. Furthermore, the management server 12 may calculate the number of selections for each broadcast user 10A based on the selection history information. In this case, a reward may be stored in association with the broadcast user 10A according to the number of selections.

[0140] According to the third embodiment, in addition to the advantages described in (1-1) to (1-4) of the first embodiment and (2-1) and (2-2) of the second embodiment, the following advantages can be obtained. (3-1) In the above embodiment, not only the distribution user 10A but also the viewing user 10B can select the URL registration display 66. Therefore, the viewing user 10B can collect URLs for links that interest him / her while watching a video. Furthermore, by enabling the viewing user 10B to collect URLs, the opportunities for publishing resources further increase, thereby enhancing the advertising effect of the resources.

[0141] (3-2) In the above embodiment, the performance recording unit 33 calculates the number of times the URL registration display 66 was selected for each link target. Therefore, in combination with the view aggregation information 42, it is possible to calculate the ratio of the number of views to the number of times the URL registration display 66 was selected. Furthermore, when the number of selections is calculated for each broadcast user 10A, it is possible to grant broadcast user 10A a reward according to the number of selections.

[0142] (Fourth embodiment) 23 and 24, the fourth embodiment of the program, the information processing method, the server, the server information processing method, and the information processing system will be described below. In the following, the same parts as those in the first embodiment will be given the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0143] In this embodiment, the link target is shared information displayed using an in-app browser based on the operation of distribution user 10A (first user). The first output control unit 21 outputs a screen of the virtual space 50 including a URL registration display 66 associated with the shared information. When the identification information registration unit 22 receives a selection of the URL registration display by the viewing user 10B (second user), it records the URL of the resource associated with the shared information in the registration information storage unit 35 in association with the viewing user 10B.

[0144] In this embodiment, the virtual space 50 includes a display object 67. The display object 67 is an example of the object 51, and has the same configuration as the content display object 56. The display object 67 differs from the above embodiments in that it can display shared information 68 shared by the distribution user 10A. The shared information 68 is a resource in the above embodiments. For example, the shared information 68 is a screen output by an in-app browser using web data. Alternatively, the shared information 68 may be an image such as a still image in JPEG format, GIF format, PNG format, or the like, or a video based on video data such as MPEG4. For example, the display object 67 is displayed as a digital signage, a display, a screen, or the like.

[0145] The first output control unit 21 projects the resource onto the display object 67 as shared information 68 shared between the distribution user 10A and the viewing user 10B. For example, the first output control unit 21 projects the resource onto the display object 67 using a technique such as texture mapping. The first output control unit 21 also displays the URL registration display 66 in association with the display object 67. The first output control unit 21 may always display the URL registration display 66 in association with the display object 67 during the period in which the display object 67 is displayed. Alternatively, the first output control unit 21 may display the URL registration display 66 only when the display conditions in each of the above embodiments are satisfied. The URL registration display 66 is associated with the URL of the resource displayed on the display object 67. The first output control unit 21 changes the URL associated with the URL registration display 66 when the resource displayed on the display object 67 is changed based on the operation of the user 10 or the like.

[0146] As in the above embodiments, when the URL registration display 66 is selected, the broadcast user device 20A can register a URL that identifies the resource in the management server 12. On the other hand, the broadcast user device 20A can output the resource to the display object 67 as shared information 68 based on a predetermined operation by the broadcast user 10A to display the resource (an operation different from the selection operation of the URL registration display 66).

[0147] When the display range, which is the output result of the shared information 68, is larger than the display area of ​​the display object 67, the first output control unit 21 changes (scrolls) the display area of ​​the shared information 68 based on an input operation by the broadcast user 10A. The first output control unit 21 vertically scrolls the shared information 68 based on an input operation of tracing the screen up and down. Alternatively, the first output control unit 21 horizontally scrolls the shared information 68 based on an input operation of tracing the screen left and right. The input operation is a swipe operation, a flick operation, or the like. The first output control unit 21 determines the amount of scrolling based on the amount of input operation on the screen of the broadcast user 10A.

[0148] 23 shows a virtual space screen 80 displayed by the broadcasting user device 20A and a viewing screen 86 displayed by the viewing user device 20B. When the broadcasting user device 20A outputs the virtual space screen 80 including the display object 67, the viewing user device 20B also outputs the viewing screen 86 including the display object 67.

[0149] The broadcasting user device 20A transmits the URL of the resource to be displayed on the display object 67 to the management server 12. The first output control unit 21 of the viewing user device 20B acquires the URL from the management server 12. The first output control unit 21 also acquires the resource specified by the acquired URL from the web server 13. The first output control unit 21 projects the acquired resource onto the display object 67 as shared information 68.

[0150] The first output control unit 21 of the broadcasting user device 20A scrolls the image of the shared information 68 based on the input operation of the broadcasting user 10A. The first output control unit 21 also transmits the amount of input operation to the viewing user device 20B via the management server 12. The first output control unit 21 of the viewing user device 20B scrolls the screen based on the received amount of input operation. In this way, the image displayed in the display object 67 included in the virtual space screen 80 and the image displayed in the display object 67 included in the viewing screen 86 are synchronized.

[0151] Even if the viewing user 10B performs an input operation for scrolling the shared information 68, the viewing user device 20B does not scroll the image of the shared information 68. On the other hand, as shown in the viewing screen 86a in the upper right of FIG. 23, the viewing user device 20B accepts a selection operation on the image of the shared information 68. The selection operation is, for example, a tap operation. The first output control unit 21 of the viewing user device 20B acquires a link associated with the position (selection position) where the selection operation is performed. Then, the first output control unit 21 of the viewing user device 20B acquires a resource specified by a URL corresponding to the link from the web server 13, and outputs the resource using the in-app browser. At this time, if the URL corresponding to the link is included in a list stored in advance in the viewing user device 20B or a list stored by the management server 12, the first output control unit 21 displays the resource on the display object 67 or a screen other than the display object 67 using the in-app browser. If the URL corresponding to the link is not included in the list pre-stored in the viewing user device 20B, the first output control unit 21 displays the resource on the display object 67 or a screen other than the display object 67 using an independent browser or another application.

[0152] As shown in a viewing screen 86a in Fig. 23, it is assumed that the viewing user 10B selects a banner 68A that is a part of an image of the shared information 68. The first output control unit 21 of the viewing user device 20B acquires a resource from the web server 13 using a link corresponding to the banner 68A. Then, the first output control unit 21 of the viewing user device 20B outputs a transition screen 69 of the acquired resource to the display object 67, as shown in a viewing screen 86b in the lower right of Fig. 23.

[0153] The viewing screen 86 is synchronized with the virtual space screen 80 displayed by the broadcast user device 20A at a predetermined timing. Therefore, even if the viewing user 10B causes the transition screen 69 to be displayed, when the viewing user device 20B receives screen update data transmitted from the broadcast user device 20A, the transition screen 69 is erased, which is a problem. Therefore, when the viewing user 10B wants to view the transition screen 69 later, the viewing user 10B selects the URL registration display 66 associated with the display object 67. As a result, the identification information registration unit 22 of the viewing user device 20B associates the URL of the transition screen 69, which is the link target, with the viewing user 10B and transmits it to the management server 12. The registration unit 31 of the management server 12 records the URL and the user ID of the viewing user 10B in the registration information storage unit 35.

[0154] When the URL registration display 66 is displayed on the viewing screen 86a, the viewing user device 20B can always accept selection of the URL registration display 66. That is, the viewing user device 20B can also accept selection of the URL registration display 66 on the viewing screen 86a.

[0155] FIG. 24 shows a virtual space screen 80 and a viewing screen 86 displayed after the viewing user device 20B displays a viewing screen 86b. The virtual space screen 80 shown in FIG. 24 is displayed after the virtual space screen 80 shown in FIG. 23 is displayed. As described above, the virtual space screen 80 and the viewing screen 86 are synchronized at a predetermined timing. That is, as shown in the viewing screen 86b in FIG. 22, when the first output control unit 21 of the viewing user device 20B receives various data for updating the screen from the broadcasting user device 20A, the first output control unit 21 outputs the viewing screen 86 using the various data for updating. When the first output control unit 21 of the broadcasting user device 20A scrolls the image of the display object 67, the first output control unit 21 of the viewing user device 20B also scrolls the image of the display object 67.

[0156] After finishing viewing the video distribution, the viewing user 10B calls up the message display screen 90. Then, the viewing user 10B can view the transition screen 69 again by selecting a link displayed on the message display screen 90.

[0157] In this embodiment, too, a reward may be given to the broadcast user 10A according to the number of times the resource is viewed, just like in the second embodiment. Also, just like in the third embodiment, the number of times the URL registration display 66 is selected may be calculated, and a reward may be given to the broadcast user 10A according to the number of times it is selected.

[0158] According to the fourth embodiment, in addition to the effects described in (1-1) to (1-4) of the first embodiment, (2-1) and (2-2) of the second embodiment, and (3-1) and (3-2) of the third embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0159] (4-1) According to the above embodiment, in a mode in which the viewing user device 20B updates the shared information 68 in synchronization with the broadcasting user device 20A, the viewing user 10B can register the URL of a resource that he or she wishes to view later. Therefore, after finishing viewing, the viewing user 10B can open another screen at any timing and view the resource associated with the link target. Therefore, the viewing user 10B can view the resource without interrupting viewing.

[0160] The above-described embodiments may be modified as follows: The above-described embodiments and the following modifications may be combined with each other to the extent that no technical contradiction occurs. <Collaboration broadcast> The broadcast user device 20A is capable of broadcasting videos in which the virtual positions of multiple broadcast users 10A are located in the same virtual space. Broadcasting videos by multiple users in the same virtual space is called collaboration broadcasting. Hereinafter, the broadcast user 10A who requests the generation of a room, which is a virtual space shared by a group of broadcast users 10A, is called a host user, and the broadcast user 10A who participates in the room generated by the host user is called a guest user.

[0161] When User 10 accepts the host user's invitation to participate or the participation request sent by User 10 is approved by the host user, User 10 can participate in the collaborative distribution as a guest user.

[0162] When performing collaborative distribution in the first embodiment, the distribution user device 20A of the host user and the distribution user device 20A of the guest user output a virtual space screen 80 including a URL registration display 66 to the display 109. The host user and the guest user can select the URL registration display 66. The registration unit 31 of the management server 12 associates the URL with the user ID of the distribution user 10A and records it in the registration information storage unit 35. Both the host user and the guest user can view a screen including a hyperlink and a screen using a resource corresponding to the hyperlink.

[0163] At this time, the viewing user device 20B is in the same manner as one of the above embodiments. The viewing user 10B may view the video distributed by the host user, or may view the video distributed by the user 10 selected by the viewing user 10B among the host user and the guest user.

[0164] <URL registration display> ·In each of the above embodiments, the URL registration display 66 is set as the URL registration display 66 which is a GUI. Instead of or in addition to this, the URL registration display 66 may be displayed as a section of the virtual space. And when the avatar object 52 is located within this section, the URL may be acquired by the identification information registration unit 22.

[0165] In each of the above embodiments, the identification information registration unit 22 acquires a URL when the URL registration display 66 is selected. Alternatively, the identification information registration unit 22 may acquire a URL when it is determined that a predetermined object, such as the linked object 61, and the avatar object 52 have a predetermined positional relationship. The predetermined positional relationship is, for example, when the avatar object 52 and the predetermined object collide. Alternatively, the identification information registration unit 22 may acquire a URL when it is determined that a predetermined word (for example, "watch later") is included in a character string obtained by the user device 20 performing a voice recognition process on a voice uttered by the user.

[0166] In the above embodiments, the URL registration display 66 is displayed when the display conditions are met. Alternatively, the URL registration display 66 may be associated with each link target and continue to be displayed.

[0167] A plurality of URLs may be associated with one piece of content 57. For example, when the user device 20 composes one piece of content 57 by sequentially outputting "video file A", "video file B", and "video file C", a different URL may be associated with each video file. In this case, when the user 10 views a video based on "video file A", a URL registration display 66 associated with a resource corresponding to "video file A" is displayed. In this way, it becomes possible for the user 10 to narrow down the resources viewed by the user 10 to only those that interest him / her.

[0168] The URL associated with the link target may be registered together with the time. For example, when the user 10 selects the URL registration display 66 while watching a live music performance in the virtual space 50, the identification information registration unit 22 of the user device 20 transmits the time when the selection was accepted and the URL to the management server 12. The registration unit 31 of the management server 12 records the time and the URL in the registration information storage unit 35. The user device 20 receives the time and the URL from the management server 12 and transmits the time and the URL to the web server 13. The web server 13 reads out video data of the live music performance corresponding to the URL and transmits video data from the received time onward. Alternatively, the user device 20 outputs the video data of the live music performance from the time onward.

[0169] In the fourth embodiment, the broadcast user device 20A displayed the URL registration display 66 on the virtual space screen 80. Instead of or in addition to this, the broadcast user device 20A may be able to output a resource to the display object 67 based on a predetermined operation of the broadcast user 10A, but may not display the URL registration display 66. Even in this embodiment, the viewing user device 20B displays the URL registration display 66 on the virtual space screen 80. According to this embodiment, the viewing user 10B can register the URL of a resource in which he or she is interested while watching a video in which the broadcast user device 20A displays a resource on the display object 67.

[0170] <First output control unit> In each of the above embodiments, the first output control unit 21 of the user device 20 distributes and views the video using the client rendering method, but the above methods may be used for distribution and viewing. The browser rendering method is a method in which the distributor user device 20A and the viewer user device 20B display the video using independent web browsers stored in the storage 104. At this time, the distributor user device 20A transmits drawing data and the like to the management server 12. The user device 20 that displays the video receives web data from the management server 12 that is written in a markup language such as HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language) and uses CSS (Cascading Style Sheets), JavaScript (registered trademark), and the like. The web browser program started on the user device 20 draws avatar objects and other objects using JavaScript that runs on the browser. In this method, model data of the avatar objects and the like are not stored in the user device 20. In the case of the browser rendering method, an application may not be installed on the user device 20. Or, the user device 20 may have an application including an in-app browser installed.

[0171] In the browser rendering method, at least one of known methods such as static rendering (Static Server-Side Rendering), server-side rendering (Server-Side Rendering), client-side rendering (Client-Side Rendering), pre-rendering (CSR with Prerendering), and hydration rendering (SSR with (Re)Hydration) can be used as a method for generating files for displaying the virtual space screen 80 and the viewing screen 86 by rendering. The rendering here refers to interpreting data described in a markup language or the like and calculating the arrangement of image elements and characters to be displayed on the virtual space screen 80 and the viewing screen 86.

[0172] In static rendering, the web server 13 records a static HTML file in advance. The user device 20 downloads the static HTML file from the web server 13. The user device 20 outputs the rendered HTML file to the display 109 to display the virtual space screen 80 and the viewing screen 86. In server-side rendering (SSR), the web server 13 performs rendering and the like in response to a request from the user device 20, and transmits the rendered HTML file to the user device 20. The user device 20 outputs the downloaded HTML file to the display 109 to display the virtual space screen 80 and the viewing screen 86. The web server 13 includes an application server. In client-side rendering (CSR), the user device 20 performs rendering by executing JavaScript (registered trademark). At this time, the user device 20 downloads a simple HTML file from the web server 13, and also downloads necessary JavaScript (registered trademark), CSS files, and the like. In pre-rendering, which is a type of CSR, the user device 20 generates and records some HTML files in advance, and downloads necessary content from the web server 13 in response to a request and renders it. In hydration rendering, the web server 13 generates and records an unrendered HTML file. The user device 20 downloads the HTML file from the web server 13 and downloads necessary data based on the HTML file for rendering. In each of the above methods, the user device 20 may obtain the necessary data from the management server 12 instead of the web server 13.

[0173] The video distribution method is a method in which the broadcasting user device 20A generates video data. Specifically, the broadcasting user device 20A uses motion data and the like to draw objects and generate video data. The broadcasting user device 20A also transmits the encoded video data and audio data to the management server 12. The management server 12 transmits the video data and audio data to the viewing user device 20B. The viewing user device 20B displays the video on the display 109 based on the video data received from the broadcasting user device 20A.

[0174] The server distribution method is a method in which the management server 12 generates video data. The management server 12 receives motion data and audio data from the broadcasting user device 20A. The management server 12 then generates video data based on these data. The management server 12 transmits the generated video data to the broadcasting user device 20A and the viewing user device 20B. The broadcasting user device 20A and the viewing user device 20B output video to the display 109 based on the received video data.

[0175] In this way, the generation of the moving image data is performed by either the user device 20 or the management server 12. The device that generates the moving image data can be changed depending on the distribution method. In the above embodiments, the condition for displaying the URL registration display 66 is that the position of the avatar object 52 in the virtual space 50 is included in the first judgment area 58. Also, a second judgment area 59 for determining whether or not to display the questionnaire answer items is set in the virtual space 50. Alternatively or in addition to this, a judgment area for playing video content 57 may be provided. When the first output control unit 21 determines that the position of the avatar object 52 is included in the first judgment area, it plays the content 57.

[0176] In the above embodiments, the link target of the content 57, etc. is an image such as a still image or a video. This link target also includes a browser screen displayed using an in-app browser, etc. In this aspect, the user device 20 receives data for displaying a screen from the web server 13. Then, the user device 20 displays the browser screen in the content display object 56, etc., using the in-app browser. The browser screen includes not only still images but also videos.

[0177] <Identification information registration section> In each of the above embodiments, the identification information registration unit 22 records the URL in the registration information storage unit 35 of the management server 12. Alternatively or in addition to this, the identification information registration unit 22 may record the URL in the storage 104 of the user device 20. The identification information acquisition unit 23 acquires the URL from the storage 104 upon receiving a call instruction from the user 10.

[0178] <Second output control section> In the above embodiments, the screen including the hyperlink is the message display screen 90. Instead of or in addition to this, the second output control unit 24 may display a list screen of hyperlinks.

[0179] As shown in FIG. 25, the second output control unit 24 may output a message display screen 90 that displays messages 91A, 91B transmitted between members belonging to a group. The message 91A is a message transmitted by a user 10 of another device. The message 91B is a message transmitted by a user 10 of the own device. The group may be a group consisting of a distribution user 10A and a viewing user 10B, or a group consisting of a host user and a guest user of a collaborative distribution. According to this embodiment, users belonging to a group can share resources that interest them, thereby promoting communication. In addition, there is an advantage for the publisher that resources can be made available to more users 10.

[0180] <Resource acquisition unit and third output control unit> In the above embodiments, the resource acquired by the resource acquisition unit 25 is a web page specified by a URL. In addition, the resource may include at least one of the following:

[0181] ○Objects that can be displayed in virtual space, such as items that can be worn by avatars. ○ Images other than objects that can be displayed in virtual space, such as backgrounds and effects. Emote data that activates avatar objects.

[0182] Audio data that the user device 20 can output. At this time, the screen including the hyperlink displayed by the third output control unit 26 may be a message display screen as in each of the above embodiments, or the screen including the hyperlink may be a screen that displays a digest or thumbnail image of the resource.

[0183] The third output control unit 26 is configured to record the browsing history information in the browsing history information storage unit 27. In addition, the third output control unit 26 is configured to transmit the browsing history information to the management server 12. Alternatively, the third output control unit 26 of the user device 20 does not need to store the browsing history information. The browsing history information receiving unit 32 of the management server 12 may receive the browsing history information from the web server 13.

[0184] <Management Server> As described above, the management server 12 may be composed of a single server device having a plurality of virtual servers, or a plurality of physical servers. For example, the management server 12 may be composed of a server having a distribution management unit 30, a server having a registration unit 31, a server having a browsing history information receiving unit 32, and a server having a performance recording unit 33.

[0185] <Registration information storage unit> The user device 20 may include the registration information storage unit 35 of the management server 12. When the user device 20 records the URL, the registration unit 31 and the registration information storage unit 35 of the management server 12 may be omitted.

[0186] <Browser history information receiving unit> The browsing history information receiving unit 32 may receive browsing information from the web server 13. The web server 13 records an access log of a resource specified by a URL that the user 10 can register. The access log includes the connection date and time (browsing start time), the disconnection date and time (browsing end time), the identification information of the connected user device 20, the operation content, etc. The web server 13 transmits the access log to the management server 12. The browsing history information receiving unit 32 of the management server 12 records the received access log in the browsing tally information storage unit 36 ​​as browsing tally information 42. The performance recording unit 33 records performance information 43 based on the access log in the performance information storage unit 37.

[0187] <Avatar Object> In each of the above embodiments, user device 20 is configured to draw avatar object 52 corresponding to broadcast user 10A using tracking data or emote data obtained by detecting the movements of broadcast user 10A. This allows the movements of broadcast user 10A or the movements selected by broadcast user 10A to be reflected in avatar object 52. Alternatively or in addition to this, user device 20 may temporarily or continuously draw avatar object 52 without using tracking data and emote data. In this aspect, the load of the drawing process on user device 20 can be reduced when drawing a large number of avatar objects 52 in virtual space 50.

[0188] In each of the above embodiments, the user device 20 is configured to render the avatar object 52 corresponding to the broadcast user 10A. Alternatively, the user device 20 may render an image of the virtual space 50 from a first-person perspective, and may not render the avatar object 52.

[0189] In each of the above embodiments, the user device 20 is configured to draw the avatar object 52 corresponding to the broadcasting user 10A. Alternatively or additionally, the user device 20 may be configured to draw the avatar object 52 corresponding to the viewing user 10B. The user device 20 may be configured to draw the avatar object 52 corresponding to the viewing user 10B in a manner that imposes a smaller processing load than the avatar object 52 corresponding to the broadcasting user 10A. The manner that imposes a smaller processing load means, for example, displaying the avatar object 52 corresponding to the viewing user 10B as a two-dimensional image, not reflecting motion data in the avatar object 52 corresponding to the viewing user 10B, or not outputting the voice of the viewing user 10B. In this case, the display and selection of the URL registration display 66, the display of the message display screen 90, the selection of the hyperlink, and the display of the resource on the viewing user device 20B are the same as those in the first to third embodiments.

[0190] <Application> In each of the above embodiments, the application uses an in-app browser. Alternatively, the application may be a native application implemented in the user device 20. Alternatively, the user device 20 may display various screens such as a virtual space screen or a viewing screen using an independent browser without using an implemented application.

[0191] <Video distribution> In the above embodiments, it is assumed that the broadcasting user device 20A broadcasts videos. Alternatively or additionally, the application implemented by the user device 20 may be an application that enables the user 10 to move around the virtual space 50 without broadcasting videos. The user device 20 may execute a program to display the virtual space screen 80 based on the user's operation. In this case, the user 10 launches an application and selects a desired virtual space 50. The user device 20 displays the virtual space screen of the virtual space 50 as seen from each virtual camera 54. In this aspect, the user 10 can display and select the URL registration display 66, display the message display screen 90, select a hyperlink, and display resources, similar to the broadcasting user 10A of the first embodiment.

[0192] <user> In each of the above embodiments, the broadcasting user 10A refers to a user who transmits at least one of information related to images (video) and information related to audio. For example, the broadcasting user 10A is a user who performs independent video distribution and collaboration distribution in which multiple people can participate. Alternatively, the broadcasting user 10A may be a user who hosts or organizes a video chat or voice chat in which multiple people can participate and / or watch, or an event (party, etc.) in a virtual space in which multiple people can participate and / or watch. In other words, the broadcasting user 10A can also be called a host user, organizer user, or organizer user.

[0193] On the other hand, the viewing user 10B refers to a user who receives at least one of information related to video and information related to audio. However, the viewing user 10B not only receives the above information but can also react to it. For example, the viewing user 10B is a user who watches video distribution or collaboration distribution. Or the viewing user 10B may be a user who participates in and / or watches video chat, voice chat, or an event. Therefore, the viewing user 10B can also be referred to as a guest user, a participating user, a listener, a viewing user, a supporting user, etc.

[0194] <Information Processing System> In each of the above embodiments, the user device 20 is an information processing device such as a smartphone, a mobile phone, a tablet terminal, a personal computer, a console game machine, or a wearable computer such as a head-mounted display. Alternatively, the information processing system may be a system provided in a studio for video distribution. The information processing system includes an information processing device, a server, a sensor unit attached to the body of the distribution user 10A, a tracking system for detecting the position of the sensor unit, an operation unit, a speaker, a display, and the like. The tracking system may include a multi-axis laser emitter that emits a pulsed laser light for synchronization. The sensor unit includes a sensor that detects laser light, and detects its own position and orientation while synchronizing with a synchronization pulse.

[0195] The user device 20 functions as a first output control unit 21, an identification information registration unit 22, an identification information acquisition unit 23, a second output control unit 24, a resource acquisition unit 25, and a third output control unit 26 by executing an application. At least one of these functions may be executed by the management server 12 or another device constituting the information processing system 11. The management server 12 functions as a distribution management unit 30, a registration unit 31, a browsing history information receiving unit 32, and a performance recording unit 33 by executing a program. At least one of these functions may be executed by the user device 20 or another device constituting the information processing system 11. The management server 12 includes a user management information storage unit 34, a registration information storage unit 35, a browsing tally information storage unit 36, and a performance information storage unit 37. At least one of these functions may be included in the user device 20 or another device constituting the information processing system 11. For example, the user device 20 may include the registration information storage unit 35. In this case, the user device 20 records the acquired URL in a storage accessible by the application. Then, when the user device 20 outputs the resource specified by the URL to the display 109, the user device 20 transmits the view tally information 42 to the management server 12.

[0196] Next, the technical ideas that can be understood from the above-described embodiment and other examples will be described below. [A] One or more computers, a first output control unit that outputs to a display a virtual space screen including an image of a virtual space and a URL registration display for registering a URL of a resource associated with a link target of the virtual space; an identification information registration unit that, when a selection of the URL registration display by a user is accepted, records the URL of the resource associated with the link target in a storage unit in association with the user; an identification information acquisition unit that acquires the URL recorded in the storage unit in response to a call instruction from the user; a second output control unit that outputs a screen including the hyperlink of the URL acquired by the identification information acquisition unit as a screen separate from the virtual space screen; a resource acquisition unit that receives a user's selection of the hyperlink and acquires the resource corresponding to the hyperlink; A program that functions as a third output control unit that outputs a screen using the acquired resource to the display.

[0197] [B] the first output control unit outputs an avatar object corresponding to the user into the virtual space; The program described in [A], which outputs the URL registration display to the display when the behavior of the avatar object satisfies a display condition.

[0198] [C] The program described in [B], wherein the first output control unit outputs the URL registration display to the display when the position of the avatar object in the virtual space is included within a judgment area.

[0199] [D] The user is a first user who distributes a video; the first output control unit outputs the virtual space screen to the display used by the first user, and transmits drawing data for outputting the video to a second user device used by a second user; The program described in any one of [A] to [C], wherein the identification information registration unit, when receiving a selection of the URL registration display by the first user, records the URL in the memory unit in association with the first user.

[0200] [E] the identification information acquisition unit acquires the URL in response to the call instruction from the first user; The second output control unit outputs a screen including the hyperlink of the acquired URL as a screen that can be viewed only by the first user, the resource acquisition unit accepts a selection of the hyperlink by the first user and acquires data for outputting the resource corresponding to the hyperlink; The program according to any one of [A] to [C], wherein the third output control unit outputs a screen using the acquired resource.

[0201] [F] the identification information acquisition unit acquires the URL in response to the call instruction from the first user; the second output control unit outputs a screen including a hyperlink based on the acquired URL as a screen that can be confirmed by the first user and the second user; the resource acquisition unit accepts a selection of the hyperlink by the first user and acquires data for outputting the resource corresponding to the hyperlink; The program according to any one of [A] to [C], wherein the third output control unit outputs a screen using the acquired resource.

[0202] [G] The user is a second user who watches a video distributed by the first user, the first output control unit receives drawing data for outputting the video from a first user device used by the first user, and outputs the virtual space screen including the URL registration display; when the identification information registration unit receives a selection of the URL registration display by the second user, the identification information registration unit records the URL in the storage unit in association with the second user; the identification information acquisition unit acquires the URL in response to the call instruction from the second user; The second output control unit outputs a screen including a hyperlink based on the acquired URL as a screen separate from the virtual space screen, the resource acquisition unit accepts a selection of the hyperlink by the second user and acquires data for outputting the resource corresponding to the hyperlink; The program according to any one of [A] to [F], wherein the third output control unit displays a screen using the acquired resource.

[0203] [G1] the link target is shared information displayed using an in-app browser based on an operation of the first user; The first output control unit outputs a virtual space screen including the URL registration display associated with the shared information, The program described in [G], wherein the identification information registration unit, when receiving a selection of the URL registration display by the second user, records the URL of the resource associated with the shared information in a memory unit in association with the second user.

[0204] [H] One or more computers a first output control process for outputting, to a display, a virtual space screen including an image of the virtual space and a URL registration display for registering a URL of a resource associated with a link target of the virtual space; an identification information recording process for recording the URL of the resource associated with the link target in a storage unit in association with the user when a selection of the URL registration display by the user is accepted; an identification information acquisition process for acquiring the URL recorded in the storage unit in response to a call instruction from the user; a second output control process for outputting a screen including the acquired hyperlink of the URL as a screen separate from the virtual space screen; a resource acquisition process for accepting a user's selection of the hyperlink and acquiring the resource corresponding to the hyperlink; and a third output control process of outputting a screen using the acquired resource to the display.

[0205] [I] a distribution management unit that transmits to a user device used by a user drawing data for outputting a virtual space screen including an image of the virtual space and a URL registration display for registering a URL associated with a link target of the virtual space, to the user device; a browsing history information receiving unit that receives browsing history information indicating that the user has viewed a screen using a resource identified by the URL after the URL obtained by the user selecting the URL registration display is recorded in a storage unit; a result recording unit that calculates the number of times the resource is viewed for each of the link targets based on the viewing history information and records the calculated number of times the resource is viewed in an actual information storage unit as actual information.

[0206] [J] The server described in [I] further comprises an identification information registration unit that, when the URL registration display is selected by the user, receives information indicating that the URL registration display has been selected from a user device used by the user, associates the URL associated with the URL registration display with the user and records it in the memory unit, and transmits the URL recorded in the memory unit to the user device in response to a call instruction received from the user device.

[0207] [K] the browsing history information receiving unit receives selection information indicating that the user has selected the URL registration display; The server according to [I] or [J], wherein the performance recording unit records, based on the selection information, a selection count, which is the number of times the URL registration display was selected, as part of the performance information.

[0208] [L] the distribution management unit transmits data received from a first user device used by a first user who distributes a video to a second user device used by a second user who watches the video, thereby outputting the video on a display of the second user device; The server according to any one of [I] to [K], wherein the achievement recording unit records a reward according to the achievement information in association with the first user.

[0209] [M] The server described in [L] associates a reward of increasing value with the first user and records it as the number of views increases.

[0210] [O] A server connected to a user device, A distribution management process for transmitting drawing data for outputting a virtual space screen including an image of the virtual space and a URL registration display for registering a URL associated with a link target of the virtual space to a user device used by a user; a browsing history information receiving process for receiving browsing history information indicating that the user has viewed a screen using a resource identified by the URL after the URL obtained by the user selecting the URL registration display is recorded in a storage unit; and a performance record process of calculating the number of times the resource is viewed for each of the link targets based on the viewing history information and recording the calculated number of times the resource is viewed as performance information in a performance information storage unit.

[0211] [P] a first output control unit that outputs to a display a virtual space screen including an image of the virtual space and a URL registration display for registering a URL of a resource associated with a link target of the virtual space; an identification information registration unit that, when a selection of the URL registration display by a user is accepted, records the URL of the resource associated with the link target in a storage unit in association with the user; an identification information acquisition unit that acquires the URL recorded in the storage unit in response to a call instruction from the user; a second output control unit that displays a screen including the hyperlink of the URL acquired by the identification information acquisition unit as a screen separate from the virtual space screen; a resource acquisition unit that receives a user's selection of the hyperlink and acquires the resource corresponding to the hyperlink; A third output control unit that displays a screen using the acquired resource on the display.

[0212] [Q] One or more computers, a launching unit that accepts a user's operation to launch an in-app browser; a sharing unit that transmits a sharing request to a server to share the information displayed on the in-app browser with another device used by another user viewing the screen of the virtual space when the user shares information; a shared information display control unit that displays the information displayed on the in-app browser as shared information on a display object located in the virtual space; a registration display control unit that displays a URL registration display associated with the display object when the user receives information shared with another user; a program that functions as an identification information registration unit that accepts the user's operation on the URL registration display and records the URL of the resource associated with the link target in a storage unit in association with the user. [Explanation of symbols]

[0213] 11...Information processing system 12…Administration server 20... User device

Claims

1. One or more computers, A first output control unit outputs a virtual space screen to a display, which includes an image of the virtual space and a URL registration display for registering the URL of a resource associated with the linked object of the virtual space. A program that, upon receiving a user's selection to display the URL registration, functions as an identification information registration unit that records the URL of the resource associated with the linked target in a storage unit in association with the user, making it callable by the user.

2. The one or more computers further, The program according to claim 1, which functions as a second output control unit that outputs a screen containing a hyperlink to the aforementioned URL.

3. The one or more computers further, A resource acquisition unit that receives the user's selection for the hyperlink and acquires the resource corresponding to the hyperlink, The program according to claim 2, which functions as a third output control unit that outputs a screen using the acquired resources to the display.

4. The first output control unit outputs an avatar object corresponding to the user into the virtual space. The program according to claim 1, which outputs the URL registration display to the display when the actions of the avatar object satisfy the display conditions.

5. The program according to claim 4, wherein the first output control unit outputs the URL registration display to the display when the position of the avatar object in the virtual space is included within the determination area.

6. The aforementioned user is the first user who distributes the video, The first output control unit outputs the virtual space screen to the display used by the first user, and transmits drawing data for outputting the video to the second user device used by the second user. The program according to claim 1, wherein the identification information registration unit, upon receiving a selection by the first user to register and display the URL, records the URL in the storage unit in association with the first user.

7. The one or more computers further, A second output control unit that outputs a screen including the hyperlink to the aforementioned URL, A resource acquisition unit that receives the user's selection for the hyperlink and acquires the resource corresponding to the hyperlink, It functions as a third output control unit that outputs a screen using the acquired resources to the display. The second output control unit outputs a screen containing the hyperlink of the URL acquired in response to the call instruction from the first user, as a screen that can only be viewed by the first user. The resource acquisition unit receives the first user's selection for the hyperlink and acquires data to output the resource corresponding to the hyperlink. The program according to claim 6, wherein the third output control unit outputs a screen using the acquired resources.

8. The one or more computers further, A second output control unit that outputs a screen including the hyperlink to the aforementioned URL, A resource acquisition unit that receives the user's selection for the hyperlink and acquires the resource corresponding to the hyperlink, It functions as a third output control unit that outputs a screen using the acquired resources to the display. The second output control unit outputs a screen containing the hyperlink based on the URL acquired in response to a call instruction from the first user, as a screen that can be viewed by both the first user and the second user. The resource acquisition unit receives the first user's selection for the hyperlink and acquires data to output the resource corresponding to the hyperlink. The program according to claim 6, wherein the third output control unit outputs a screen using the acquired resources.

9. The one or more computers further, An identification information acquisition unit that acquires the URL in response to a call instruction from the user, A second output control unit that outputs a screen including the hyperlink to the aforementioned URL, A resource acquisition unit that receives the user's selection for the hyperlink and acquires the resource corresponding to the hyperlink, It functions as a third output control unit that outputs a screen using the acquired resources to the display. The aforementioned user is a second user who watches videos distributed by the first user. The first output control unit receives drawing data for outputting the video from the first user device used by the first user and outputs the virtual space screen including the URL registration display. When the identification information registration unit receives a selection by the second user to display the URL registration, it records the URL in the storage unit in association with the second user. The second output control unit outputs a screen containing the hyperlink based on the URL obtained in response to the call instruction from the second user as a screen separate from the virtual space screen. The resource acquisition unit receives the second user's selection for the hyperlink and acquires data to output the resource corresponding to the hyperlink. The program according to claim 1, wherein the third output control unit displays a screen using the acquired resources.

10. The link in question is shared information displayed using the in-app browser based on the actions of the first user. The first output control unit outputs a virtual space screen including the URL registration display associated with the shared information. The program according to claim 9, wherein the identification information registration unit, upon receiving a selection by the second user to display the URL registration, records the URL of the resource associated with the shared information in the storage unit in association with the second user.

11. One or more computers, A first output control process outputs a virtual space screen to a display, which includes an image of the virtual space and a URL registration display for registering the URL of a resource associated with the linked object of the virtual space. An information processing method that, when a user selects to register and display the URL, performs an identification information recording process to record the URL of the resource associated with the linked target in a storage unit in association with the user so that it can be called by the user.

12. A distribution management unit transmits drawing data to a user device used by the user for outputting a virtual space screen to a display, which includes an image of the virtual space and a URL registration display for registering the URLs of resources associated with the linked targets of the virtual space. A server comprising an identification information registration unit that, when the user selects the URL registration display, receives information from the user device indicating that the URL registration display has been selected, records the URL of the resource associated with the linked target in a storage unit in association with the user, and transmits the URL recorded in the storage unit to the user device in response to a call instruction received from the user device.

13. The server that connects to the user device used by the user, Distribution management process that transmits drawing data to the user device for outputting a virtual space screen to a display, which includes an image of the virtual space and a URL registration display for registering the URL of a resource associated with the linked object of the virtual space, An information processing method comprising: when the user selects the URL registration display, receiving information from the user device indicating that the URL registration display has been selected, recording the URL of the resource associated with the linked target in a storage unit in association with the user, and transmitting the URL recorded in the storage unit to the user device in response to a call instruction received from the user device; and performing an identification information registration process.

14. A first output control unit outputs a virtual space screen to a display, which includes an image of the virtual space and a URL registration display for registering the URL of a resource associated with the linked object of the virtual space. An information processing system comprising: an identification information registration unit that, when a user selects to display the URL registration, records the URL of the resource associated with the linked target in a storage unit in association with the user so that it can be called by the user.

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