Server and computer program

Abstract

To provide a computer program further promoting live commerce by activating interactions between distributors in the live commerce.SOLUTION: A computer program causes a terminal to execute a function of displaying, on a display, a distribution screen including: a first area for displaying a moving image of a first live distribution associated with a first sales item; a second area for displaying a moving image of a second live distribution associated with a second sales item same as or corresponding to the first sales item; a third area for displaying a first index and a second index in association with each other, the first index representing a quantity of orders of the first sales item through the first live distribution and the second index representing a quantity of orders of the second sales item through the second live distribution; and an object for ordering the first sales item or the second sales item.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] Live commerce is a new customer service and sales method that combines live streaming and EC (E-Commerce). Live commerce can provide users with a shopping experience similar to that of a brick-and-mortar store, regardless of location (see Patent Documents 1 and 2, and Non-Patent Document 1).

[0003] Traditionally, live commerce involved a single streamer selling products via live streaming. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2021 / 106034 Brochure [Patent Document 2] JP 2019-109785 A [Non-patent literature]

[0005] [Non-Patent Document 1] "About Live Commerce", SHOWROOM Inc., URL: https: / / support.showroom-live.com / hc / ja / articles / 900006084866-%E3%83%A9%E3%82%A4%E3%83%96%E3%82%B3%E3%83%9E%E3%83%BC%E3%82%B9%E3%81%AB%E3%81%A4%E3%81%84%E3%81%A6 [Non-Patent Document 2] "How to use the VS function!", 17LIVE, Inc., URL: https: / / jp.17.live / userguide / 19206 / [Non-Patent Document 3] "Finally launched the free group call feature "Group Call" for up to 6 people!!", 17LIVE Co., Ltd., URL: https: / / jp.17.live / news / 11655 / Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The present inventors have found the following problems. Live streaming connects streamers together, regardless of location (see, for example, Non-Patent Documents 2 and 3). Live commerce has not been able to fully utilize this characteristic of live streaming.

[0007] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of these problems, and its purpose is to provide technology that can make live commerce more exciting by invigorating interactions between broadcasters in live commerce. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] One aspect of the present invention relates to a computer program that causes a terminal to realize a function of displaying on a display a distribution screen including a first area displaying a video of a first live stream associated with a first sales object, a second area displaying a video of a second live stream associated with a second sales object that is the same as or corresponds to the first sales object, a third area displaying a first indicator representing the amount of orders for the first sales object through the first live stream and a second indicator representing the amount of orders for the second sales object through the second live stream in association with each other, and an object for ordering the first sales object or the second sales object.

[0009] Another aspect of the present invention is a server comprising: means for relaying transmission of video data related to a first live distribution associated with a first object for sale from a first distributor terminal to a viewer terminal, and relaying transmission of video data related to a second live distribution associated with a second object for sale that is the same as or corresponds to the first object for sale from a second distributor terminal to a viewer terminal; means for updating a first index when a motion to order the first object for sale is detected through the first live distribution, and updating a second index when a motion to order the second object for sale is detected through the second live distribution; and means for determining a result of the game based on the first index and the second index when a predetermined end condition is satisfied.

[0010] Another aspect of the present invention is a computer program that causes a terminal to realize a function of displaying on a display a distribution screen including a first area displaying a plurality of videos of a plurality of distributors in a predetermined layout and an object for ordering an item for sale.

[0011] Another aspect of the present invention is a server comprising: means for receiving, via a network from a terminal of a broadcaster, a request to send an invitation to another broadcaster to broadcast live with the broadcaster on the same screen; and means for setting a sales object associated with the same screen.

[0012] Another aspect of the present invention is a server comprising: means for providing live streaming associated with an object for sale; and means for generating a ranking by ranking broadcasters for each object for sale or for each vendor of the object for sale according to an indicator representing the volume of orders for the object for sale through the live streaming.

[0013] In addition, any combination of the above components, or mutual substitution of the components or expressions of the present invention between an apparatus, a method, a system, a computer program, a recording medium storing a computer program, etc., are also valid aspects of the present invention. Effect of the Invention

[0014] According to the present invention, by stimulating interactions between broadcasters in live commerce, it is possible to make live commerce more exciting. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a live commerce system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] 2 is a block diagram showing the functions and configuration of the user terminal of FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] 2 is a block diagram showing the functions and configuration of the LC server of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] 4 is a data structure diagram showing an example of a distribution information storage unit in FIG. 3. [Diagram 5] 4 is a data structure diagram showing an example of a user information storage unit in FIG. 3. [Figure 6] 4 is a data structure diagram illustrating an example of a VS information storage unit in FIG. 3. [Figure 7] 4 is a data structure diagram illustrating an example of an event information storage unit in FIG. 3. [Figure 8] 4 is a data structure diagram showing an example of a sales history storage unit of FIG. 3. [Figure 9] 4 is a data structure diagram showing an example of a ranking information storage unit in FIG. 3. [Figure 10] 1 is a flowchart showing a series of processing steps in VSLC distribution. [Figure 11] A representative screen diagram of a VSLC distribution setting screen displayed on the display of a distributor's user terminal. [Figure 12] This is a representative screen diagram of a simultaneous LC distribution screen displayed on the display of a user terminal of a viewer of VSLC distribution. [Figure 13] This is a representative screen image of a simultaneous LC distribution screen, on which an object showing the result of the game is superimposed, as displayed on the display of a user terminal of a viewer of the VSLC distribution. [Figure 14] FIG. 11 is a representative screen diagram of an LC distribution screen displayed on the display of a viewer's user terminal. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a representative screen diagram of a ranking display screen displayed on the display of a user's user terminal. [Figure 16] 13 is a representative screen diagram of a group call LC distribution setting screen displayed on the display of a distributor's user terminal. FIG. [Figure 17] FIG. 13 is a representative screen diagram of a simultaneous LC distribution screen displayed on the display of a user terminal of a viewer of a group call LC distribution. [Figure 18] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of an information processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0016] Hereinafter, the same or equivalent components, members, processes, and signals shown in each drawing will be given the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations will be omitted as appropriate. Also, some of the members that are not important for the explanation will be omitted in each drawing.

[0017] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a live commerce system 1 according to an embodiment. The live commerce system 1 provides live streaming (hereinafter referred to as LC live streaming) for the purpose of selling products and / or services (hereinafter simply referred to as sales items) for sale. The LC live streaming is a two-way live streaming in which a distributor (also referred to as a live streamer) LV and a viewer (also referred to as an audience) AU can exchange information in real time. The live commerce system 1 includes an LC (live commerce) server 10, user terminals 20 (20a, 20b, ...) on the distributor (LV1, LV2, ...) side, and user terminals 30 (30a, 30b, ...) on the viewer (AU1, AU2, ...) side. The distributors and the viewers may be collectively referred to as users. The LC server 10, the user terminals 20 on the distributor side, and the user terminals 30 on the viewer side are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other via a network NW such as the Internet. The LC server 10 may be configured by one or more information processing devices connected to the network NW. The user terminals 20 and 30 may be mobile terminals such as smartphones, tablet terminals, laptop PCs, recorders, portable game consoles, and wearable devices, or may be stationary devices such as desktop PCs.

[0018] The live commerce system 1 involves a distributor LV who introduces and sells or mediates sales of items for sale, a viewer AU who places an order for the items for sale and completes the purchase procedure, and an administrator (not shown) who manages the LC server 10. The distributor LV is a person who transmits content in real time by recording and filming the state of himself / herself introducing the items for sale on his / her own user terminal 20 and uploading it to the LC server 10 as it is. The administrator provides an LC platform for LC live distribution on the LC server 10, and also mediates or manages real-time exchanges between the distributor LV and the viewer AU and the order / receive / payment process for the items for sale. The viewer AU accesses the platform with a user terminal 30, selects a desired LC live distribution, and views it. During this LC live distribution, the viewer AU comments a question about the items for sale via the user terminal 30, the distributor LV answers the question orally, and the answer is transmitted to the viewer AU by video and / or audio, thereby establishing two-way communication.

[0019] In this specification, "live distribution" may mean a data transmission mode that realizes a state in which content recorded on a user terminal 20 of a distributor LV is played back and made viewable on a user terminal 30 of a viewer AU in substantially real time, or may mean distribution itself realized by such a transmission mode. Live distribution may be realized using existing live distribution technologies such as HTTP Live Streaming, Common Media Application Format, Web Real-Time Communications, Real-Time Messaging Protocol, and MPEG DASH. Live distribution includes a transmission mode in which a viewer AU can view content with a predetermined delay while a distributor LV is recording the content. The amount of delay is at least as large as the amount of communication between the distributor LV and the viewer AU. However, live distribution is distinguished from so-called on-demand distribution in which the entire recorded data of the content is temporarily stored on a server, and the data is provided to a user from the server at any time thereafter in response to a request from the user.

[0020] In this specification, "moving image data" refers to data including image data (also called video data) generated by the imaging function of the user terminals 20 and 30, and audio data (also called audio data) generated by the audio input function of the user terminals 20 and 30. The moving image data is played back on the user terminals 20 and 30, allowing users to watch LC live streaming. In this embodiment, it is assumed that processing such as compression, decompression, encoding, decoding, transcoding, and other processing is performed to change the format, size, and specifications of the data from when the moving image data is generated on the distributor's user terminal until it is played back on the viewer's user terminal. Since the contents (e.g., moving images and audio) represented by the moving image data before and after such processing are substantially unchanged, in this embodiment, the moving image data after such processing is described as being the same as the moving image data before such processing. In other words, when moving image data is generated on the distributor's user terminal and then played back on the viewer's user terminal via the LC server 10, the moving image data generated on the distributor's user terminal, the moving image data passing through the LC server 10, and the moving image data received and played on the viewer's user terminal are all the same moving image data.

[0021] In this embodiment, multiple LC live streams, each performed by a different streamer via a different user terminal, are simultaneously provided to viewers through the same single screen. Hereinafter, this form of streaming is referred to as simultaneous LC streaming. Multiple LC live streams related to simultaneous LC streaming are associated with the same or corresponding sales objects. For example, multiple LC live streams in simultaneous LC streaming introduce and accept orders for the same sales object. The corresponding sales objects are, for example, multiple different sales objects that are made by the same manufacturer or sold by the same seller.

[0022] The simultaneous LC distribution may be of a competitive nature between the participating distributors, or may be of a cooperative nature between the participating distributors. An example of a competitive simultaneous LC distribution is a VSLC distribution in which one distributor and another distributor compete against each other to determine the winner based on the sales or number of items sold within a specified battle period. An example of a cooperative simultaneous LC distribution is a group call LC distribution in which a distributor commissioned by the distributor or manufacturer of the product for sale becomes a host, invites at least one other distributor as a guest, and introduces the product for sale through a dialogue between the host and the guest. In a group call LC distribution, the viewers are recognized as the viewers of the host in the LC server 10. Note that the above recognition of the viewers is an example, and in other embodiments, the viewers can be recognized in other ways.

[0023] In the example of FIG. 1, distributors LV1 and LV2 are participating in VSLC distribution. Distributor LV1 performs LC live distribution, in which he introduces items for sale. User terminal 20a of distributor LV1 records image and audio of distributor LV1 to generate video data, and transmits the video data to LC server 10 via network NW. Distributor LV2 performs LC live distribution, in which he introduces the same items for sale as those introduced by distributor LV1. User terminal 20b of distributor LV2 records image and audio of distributor LV2 to generate video data, and transmits the video data to LC server 10 via network NW.

[0024] The user terminals 30a and 30b of the viewers AU1 and AU2 of either the LC live streaming of the distributor LV1 or the LC live streaming of the distributor LV2 receive video data related to the LC live streaming of the distributor LV1 and video data related to the LC live streaming of the distributor LV2 via the network NW, respectively, and display the videos VD1 and VD2 on the display by playing the received video data, and output audio from the speaker. The videos VD1 and VD2 displayed on each user terminal 30a and 30b are substantially the same, and have an area for displaying the video VDA captured by the user terminal 20a of the distributor LV1 and an area for displaying the video VDB captured by the user terminal 20b of the distributor LV2. The video VDA and the video VDB are simultaneously played on the viewer's user terminal 30 and displayed on the same screen on the display. The audio output from each user terminal 30a and 30b is substantially the same, and includes the audio acquired by the user terminal 20a of the distributor LV1 and the audio acquired by the user terminal 20b of the distributor LV2. The user terminal 20a of the distributor LV1 receives the video VDB of the distributor LV2 via the network NW and displays it on the display together with the video VDA of the distributor LV1. The user terminal 20b of the distributor LV2 receives the video VDA of the distributor LV1 via the network NW and displays it on the display together with the video VDB of the distributor LV2.

[0025] A cart icon 616 for viewers AU1 and AU2 to order items for sale is superimposed on the moving images VD1 and VD2 displayed on the user terminals 30a and 30b of the viewers. Viewers AU1 and AU2 can order and / or purchase items for sale by tapping the cart icon 616 during VSLC distribution.

[0026] The recording and recording in the user terminal 20 of the distributor LV and the playback of the video data in the user terminal 30 of the viewer AU are performed substantially simultaneously. When one viewer AU1 inputs a comment to the user terminal 30a in response to the introduction of a sales item by the distributor LV1, the LC server 10 displays the comment in real time on the user terminal 20a of the distributor LV1, and also on the user terminal 20b of the other distributor LV2 and the user terminals 30a, 30b of each viewer AU1, AU2. When the distributor LV1 reads the comment and develops an introduction that overlaps the content, the video and audio of the introduction are output on the user terminal 20b of the distributor LV2 and the user terminals 30a, 30b of each viewer AU1, AU2, and it is recognized that a conversation between the distributor LV1 and the viewer AU1 has been established. In this way, the live commerce system 1 realizes simultaneous LC distribution that enables two-way communication, not one-way.

[0027] In the live commerce system 1 according to the present embodiment, simultaneous LC distribution is realized in which multiple distributors simultaneously introduce and sell the same or corresponding sales items on the same screen. This allows viewers to obtain a lot of information about the sales items from multiple perspectives from the dialogue and interaction between the distributors, thereby improving the satisfaction of the shopping experience. If the simultaneous LC distribution is competitive, welcoming competitors on the same screen increases the tension and motivation of the distributors, and sales can be increased by improving the quality of the LC live distribution. In addition, it is possible to provide a new entertainment in which the winner is determined by the degree of sales, rather than simply experiencing selling items through live distribution. If the simultaneous LC distribution is cooperative, the host can receive impressions and questions about the sales items from the guests in real time and respond to them in real time, thereby increasing the viewers' sense of satisfaction with the sales items and increasing the satisfaction of the shopping experience. In addition, by welcoming royal users who love the sales items as guests, the voices of favorable users can be directly delivered to the viewers.

[0028] Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the functions and configuration of the user terminal 20 in Fig. 1. The user terminal 30 has the same functions and configuration as the user terminal 20. Each block shown in Fig. 2 and the following block diagrams can be realized in hardware terms by elements and mechanical devices such as a computer CPU, and in software terms by a computer program, etc., but here, functional blocks realized by the cooperation of these are depicted. Therefore, those skilled in the art who have read this specification will understand that these functional blocks can be realized in various ways by combining hardware and software.

[0029] The distributor LV and the viewer AU download and install an LC live distribution application program (hereinafter, referred to as LC app) according to this embodiment from a download site to the user terminals 20 and 30 via the network NW. Alternatively, the LC app may be pre-installed in the user terminals 20 and 30. When the LC app is executed by the user terminals 20 and 30, the user terminals 20 and 30 communicate with the LC server 10 via the network NW to realize various functions. Hereinafter, functions realized by the user terminals 20 and 30 (processors such as CPUs) executing the LC app will be described as functions of the user terminals 20 and 30. These functions are actually functions that the LC app causes the user terminals 20 and 30 to realize. Note that in other embodiments, these functions may be realized by a computer program written in a programming language such as HTML (HyperText Markup Language), which is transmitted from the LC server 10 to a web browser of the user terminals 20 and 30 via the network NW and executed by the web browser.

[0030] The user terminal 20 comprises a distribution unit 100 that generates video data recording the user's image and voice and provides it to the LC server 10, as well as enabling management of items for sale during LC live distribution, and a viewing unit 200 that acquires video data from the LC server 10, plays it, and accepts actions to order items for sale during LC live distribution. The user activates the distribution unit 100 when distributing, and the viewing unit 200 when viewing. A user terminal on which the distribution unit 100 is active is a user terminal on the distributor side, that is, the user terminal that generates video data or sells items for sale, and a user terminal on which the viewing unit 200 is active is a user terminal on the viewer side, that is, the user terminal that plays video data or purchases items for sale.

[0031] The distribution unit 100 includes an imaging control unit 102, an audio control unit 104, a video transmission unit 106, a distribution side UI control unit 108, a distribution side communication unit 110, and a sales object control unit 112. The imaging control unit 102 is connected to a camera not shown in FIG. 2 and controls imaging by the camera. The imaging control unit 102 acquires image data from the camera. The audio control unit 104 is connected to a microphone not shown in FIG. 2 and controls audio input by the microphone. The audio control unit 104 acquires audio data from the microphone. The video transmission unit 106 transmits video data including the image data acquired by the imaging control unit 102 and the audio data acquired by the audio control unit 104 to the LC server 10 via the network NW. The video transmission unit 106 transmits the video data in real time. That is, the generation of video data by the imaging control unit 102 and the audio control unit 104 and the transmission of the generated video data by the video transmission unit 106 are substantially performed simultaneously.

[0032] The distribution side UI control unit 108 controls the UI for distributors. The distribution side UI control unit 108 is connected to a display not shown in FIG. 2. The distribution side UI control unit 108 plays back the video data to be transmitted by the video transmission unit 106 and the video data received via the LC server 10 from the user terminals of other distributors participating in the simultaneous LC distribution, thereby displaying a simultaneous LC distribution screen including video images of each distributor participating in the simultaneous LC distribution on the display. The distribution side UI control unit 108 is connected to input means such as a touch panel, keyboard, and display not shown in FIG. 2, and acquires input by the distributor via these input means. The distribution side UI control unit 108 includes a predetermined frame image in the simultaneous LC distribution screen. The frame image may include various user interface objects (hereinafter simply referred to as objects) for receiving input from the distributor, comments input by viewers and other distributors, and information acquired from the LC server 10. The distribution side UI control unit 108 accepts input of comments by the distributor.

[0033] The distribution side communication unit 110 controls communication with the LC server 10 during simultaneous LC distribution. The distribution side communication unit 110 transmits the contents of the input by the distributor (e.g., comments, etc.) acquired by the distribution side UI control unit 108 to the LC server 10 via the network NW. The distribution side communication unit 110 receives various information associated with the simultaneous LC distribution from the LC server 10 via the network NW.

[0034] The sales target control unit 112 cooperates with the LC server 10 via the network NW to provide an E-commerce function for simultaneous LC distribution. The sales target control unit 112 controls the sales targets introduced in the simultaneous LC distribution.

[0035] The viewing unit 200 includes a viewing side UI control unit 202, a viewing side communication unit 204, and a purchase reception unit 206. The viewing side communication unit 204 controls communication with the LC server 10 during simultaneous LC distribution. The viewing side communication unit 204 receives video data generated by the user terminals of each distributor participating in the simultaneous LC distribution from the LC server 10 via the network NW.

[0036] The viewer-side UI control unit 202 controls the UI for the viewer. The viewer-side UI control unit 202 is connected to a display and a speaker (not shown in FIG. 2), and plays the received video data to display a video image on the display and output audio from the speaker. The output of an image on the display and audio from the speaker can be collectively referred to as "playing video data." The viewer-side UI control unit 202 receives from the LC server 10 video data generated by the user terminals of the broadcasters participating in the simultaneous LC distribution, and plays the data to display a simultaneous LC distribution screen including the video images of the broadcasters participating in the simultaneous LC distribution on the display.

[0037] The viewer-side UI control unit 202 is connected to input means such as a touch panel, keyboard, or display (not shown in Fig. 2) and acquires input from the viewer via these input means. The viewer-side UI control unit 202 includes a predetermined frame image in the simultaneous LC distribution screen. The frame image includes various objects for receiving input from the viewer, such as a cart icon 616, comments entered by the viewer or distributor, and information acquired from the LC server 10. The viewer-side communication unit 204 transmits the contents of the viewer's input acquired by the viewer-side UI control unit 202 to the LC server 10 via the network NW.

[0038] The purchase reception unit 206 receives an action for ordering a sales object associated with an LC live broadcast of a broadcaster participating in the simultaneous LC broadcast. A viewer watching the simultaneous LC broadcast performs a predetermined action to order a desired sales object. The purchase reception unit 206 receives this predetermined action as an instruction for purchase. The predetermined action may be, for example, tapping a thumbnail of a sales object displayed on the simultaneous LC broadcast screen. Alternatively, the predetermined action may be selecting a desired sales object from a list of sales objects. Alternatively, the predetermined action may be a series of inputs for adding a desired sales object to a cart (cart-in). Alternatively, the predetermined action may be tapping a cart icon 616 to proceed with the order of the sales object, ordering the sales object, or completing payment for the purchase of the sales object. When the purchase reception unit 206 receives a specified action, it generates a purchase request signal including the viewer ID of the viewer who performed the specified action, the broadcaster ID of the broadcaster of the LC live broadcast that the viewer is watching (the broadcaster ID of one of the broadcasters in the case of a VSLC broadcast, or the broadcaster ID of the host in the case of a group call LC broadcast), and the sales item ID of the sales item related to the specified action, and transmits the signal to the LC server 10 via the network NW.

[0039] Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing the functions and configuration of the LC server 10 in Fig. 1. The LC server 10 provides LC live distribution. The LC server 10 includes a distribution information providing unit 302, a relay unit 304, an EC processing unit 306, a VS control unit 308, a group call control unit 310, a ranking generation unit 312, a distribution information storage unit 314, a user information storage unit 318, a VS information storage unit 320, an event information storage unit 322, a sales history storage unit 324, and a ranking information storage unit 326.

[0040] 4 is a data structure diagram showing an example of the distribution information storage unit 314 in FIG. 3. The distribution information storage unit 314 stores information on the LC live distribution currently being performed on the LC platform provided by the live commerce system 1. The distribution information storage unit 314 stores a stream ID that identifies the LC live distribution on the LC platform, a distributor ID that is a user ID that identifies the distributor of the LC live distribution, a sales object ID that identifies a sales object that can be purchased through the LC live distribution, a viewer ID that is a user ID that identifies the viewer of the LC live distribution, a flag indicating whether the LC live distribution is a group call LC distribution, a guest ID that identifies the guest if the LC live distribution is a group call LC distribution, and a VSID that identifies the VSLC distribution if the distributor of the LC live distribution participates in the VSLC distribution, in association with each other. In the case of a group call LC distribution, the distributor identified by the distributor ID is the host.

[0041] The distributor ID may identify a distributor or a group of distributors (e.g., a company). When multiple sales items are handled in an LC live broadcast, multiple sales item IDs are registered in association with the stream ID.

[0042] In the LC platform provided by the live commerce system 1 according to the present embodiment, when a user performs LC live streaming, the user becomes a broadcaster, and when the same user watches an LC live stream broadcast by another user, the user becomes a viewer. Therefore, the distinction between broadcaster and viewer is not fixed, and a user ID registered as a broadcaster ID at one time may be registered as a viewer ID at another time.

[0043] In VSLC distribution, the LC server 10 recognizes a viewer as a viewer of one of the distributors. In the example of FIG. 1, the viewer AU1 is watching both the LC live distribution of distributor LV1 and the LC live distribution of distributor LV2 in the VSLC distribution, but is recognized as a viewer of distributor LV1 and is not recognized as a viewer of distributor LV2. The recognition in the LC server 10 is realized by the distribution information storage unit 314 storing the distributor ID, viewer ID, and VSID for each LC live distribution in association with each other. That is, the distribution information storage unit 314 stores two distributor IDs (= two stream IDs) in association with the same VSID, which means that the two distributors will compete in the VSLC distribution. Furthermore, the distribution information storage unit 314 stores at least one viewer ID in association with each of the two distributor IDs. Each of the multiple viewers associated with the same VSID in the distribution information storage unit 314 can view the VSLC distribution as a viewer of the VSLC distribution specified by the VSID through the simultaneous LC distribution screen 620 described later. On the other hand, in the distribution information storage unit 314, a viewer is associated with one of the broadcasters competing in the VSLC distribution, which means that the LC server 10 recognizes the viewer as a viewer of the LC live distribution of the one broadcaster. In the example of FIG. 4, a VSLC distribution "VV1" is currently in progress, and broadcasters "LV1" and "LV3" are competing in the VSLC distribution. The viewers of the VSLC distribution "VV1" are "ABC", "XXY", "CCC", "KLM", and "MPQ", and among them, viewers "ABC", "XXY", and "CCC" are recognized as viewers of the LC live distribution "ST01" (broadcaster "LV1"), and viewers "KLM" and "MPQ" are recognized as viewers of the LC live distribution "ST03" (broadcaster "LV3").

[0044] Fig. 5 is a data structure diagram showing an example of the user information storage unit 318 in Fig. 3. The user information storage unit 318 stores information about the user. The user information storage unit 318 stores a user ID that identifies the user, a total amount of orders received in all LC live streams that the user has performed as a broadcaster or within a certain period of time, a total amount of orders received in all LC live streams that the user has participated in as a viewer or within a certain period of time, and the number of wins won in all VSLC streams that the user has participated in as a broadcaster or within a certain period of time, in association with each other.

[0045] Fig. 6 is a data structure diagram showing an example of the VS information storage unit 320 in Fig. 3. The VS information storage unit 320 stores, in association with each other, a VSID that identifies a VSLC broadcast on the LC platform, a battle period during which the VSLC broadcast is performed, a target sales target ID that identifies a sales target set in the VSLC broadcast, a metric that indicates an index for determining victory or defeat in the VSLC broadcast, a first broadcaster ID that identifies one of the broadcasters participating in the VSLC broadcast, the metric value of the one broadcaster, a second broadcaster ID that identifies the other broadcaster participating in the VSLC broadcast, and the metric value of the other broadcaster.

[0046] The information recorded during the match period during which a VSLC broadcast is performed is a pair of the start time and end time of the VSLC broadcast for past VSLC broadcasts, and is the start time of the VSLC broadcast for the currently ongoing VSLC broadcast.

[0047] The indicator that determines the winner of a VSLC stream is the indicator that represents the amount of orders for the target sales item through the corresponding streamer's LC live stream. In the e-commerce function of the LC platform, the sales flow of the sales item is as follows: (1) Add the item to your cart, (2) Confirm the order for the item in your cart, (3) Pay, (4) Ship In this embodiment, the completion of the order confirmation process (2) is regarded as the completion of the purchase. The index is then an index representing the amount of the target sales object that has been purchased. For example, the index may be the number of target sales objects that have been added to the cart through the distributor's LC live streaming in the VSLC distribution and have been purchased (hereinafter referred to as the number of sales), or the total amount of the target sales objects that have been added to the cart through the distributor's LC live streaming in the VSLC distribution and have been purchased (hereinafter referred to as the total sales amount). Alternatively, the index may be the number of viewers who have added the target sales object to their cart through the distributor's LC live streaming in the VSLC distribution and completed the purchase. In another embodiment, the metric may be the number of viewers who have added the target offer to their cart via the LC live stream of the publisher in the VSLC stream. Alternatively, the metric may be the number of viewers who have commented on the target offer via the LC live stream of the publisher in the VSLC stream. These metrics also represent the volume of orders for the target offer via the LC live stream of the publisher.

[0048] In the example of Figure 6, the entry on the second line indicates that the VSLC distribution identified by VSID "VV2" started at 21:05 on May 30, 2023 and is currently ongoing, and that distributor "LV5" and distributor "LV10" are competing for the total sales amount of the items for sale "PD020", "PD021", and "PD022" (a group of products belonging to the same seller), with distributor "LV5" currently having a total sales amount of "2584" and distributor "LV10" having a total sales amount of "2397".

[0049] Fig. 7 is a data structure diagram showing an example of the event information storage unit 322 in Fig. 3. The event information storage unit 322 stores information on LC events held on the LC platform. The event information storage unit 322 stores an event ID that identifies an event, a period during which the event is held, a target sales object ID that identifies a sales object set for the event, and a metric that indicates an index for determining the ranking of the event, in association with each other.

[0050] The indicators for determining the order in the event ranking can be set in various ways depending on the design of the event. For example, the indicators may be the number of items sold or the total sales amount of the target sales items during the event period. Alternatively, the indicators may be the number of viewers who added the target sales items to their carts in an LC live broadcast held during the event period. Alternatively, the indicators may be the number of items sold or the total sales amount in a simultaneous LC broadcast (VSLC broadcast or group call LC broadcast) held during the event period. Alternatively, the indicators may be the number of wins in a VSLC broadcast held during the event period. A prize may be awarded to a broadcaster who achieves good results in the event, for example, a high ranking.

[0051] In the example of Figure 7, the entry in the first row indicates that the event "EV1" will be held from 0:00 on May 1, 2023 to 23:59 on May 31, 2023, and that the ranking for this event will be generated based on the number of units of "PD015" sold through LC live streaming during the event period.

[0052] Fig. 8 is a data structure diagram showing an example of the sales history storage unit 324 in Fig. 3. The sales history storage unit 324 stores, in association with each other, a stream ID, a broadcaster ID of a broadcaster performing an LC live broadcast identified by the stream ID, a cart-in time which is the time when a cart-in occurred in the LC live broadcast identified by the stream ID, a viewer ID which identifies the viewer who performed the cart-in, a sales object ID which identifies the sales object that was the subject of the cart-in, the amount of the sales object, and a flag which indicates whether the purchase of the sales object has been completed.

[0053] In the example of Figure 8, the entry in the first row indicates that during LC live streaming "ST01" by streamer "LV1," viewer "ABC" added item "PD001" to their cart at 12:20 on May 23, 2023, for a total amount of "3000," and that viewer "ABC" completed the purchase of item "PD001."

[0054] 9 is a data structure diagram showing an example of the ranking information storage unit 326 of FIG. 3. The ranking information storage unit 326 stores information on rankings between broadcasters generated on the LC platform. The ranking information storage unit 326 stores a ranking ID that identifies a ranking, an event ID of the event if the ranking is generated within an event, a target sales object ID that identifies a sales object set in the ranking, a metric that indicates an index for determining a rank in the ranking, a period that is the subject of the ranking, a broadcaster ID and a metric value of a broadcaster ranked first in the ranking, a broadcaster ID and a metric value of a broadcaster ranked second in the ranking, and a broadcaster ID and a metric value of broadcasters ranked remaining in the ranking, in association with each other.

[0055] The information recorded for the ranking period is the pair of count start and end times for past rankings, and the count start time for the ongoing rankings. For rankings that are not based on a period, NA (none) is recorded.

[0056] In the case of a ranking generated within an event, the target sales object ID, metric, and target period in the ranking information storage unit 326 are the same as the target sales object ID, metric, and period associated with the corresponding event ID in the event information storage unit 322. This relationship is shown in the entry on the second line of Fig. 9 (event ID "EV1") and the entry on the first line of Fig. 7 (event ID "EV1").

[0057] The criteria for determining ranking will be those of the event.

[0058] In the example of Figure 9, the entry on the first line shows that the ranking "RK1" was generated based on the total sales amount of "PD033" for sale through LC live streaming, unrelated to the event, with no target period. At present, the first place is streamer "LV39" with a total sales amount of "56247", and the second place is streamer "LV21" with a total sales amount of "25870".

[0059] Returning to FIG. 3, when the distribution information providing unit 302 receives a notification from the user terminal 20 of the distributor via the network NW that LC live distribution will begin, the distribution information providing unit 302 registers a stream ID that identifies the LC live distribution and a distributor ID of the distributor of the LC live distribution in the distribution information storage unit 314. When the distribution information providing unit 302 receives a request for providing information about LC live distribution from the user terminal 30 of the viewer via the network NW, the distribution information providing unit 302 generates a list of LC live distributions that are currently viewable by referring to the distribution information storage unit 314. The distribution information providing unit 302 transmits the generated list to the user terminal 30 of the requesting viewer via the network NW. The user terminal 30 of the requesting viewer generates an LC live distribution selection screen based on the received list, and displays it on a display.

[0060] When the viewer's user terminal 30 accepts the selection of LC live streaming on the LC live streaming selection screen, it generates a delivery request including the stream ID of the selected LC live streaming and transmits it to the LC server 10 via the network NW. The delivery information providing unit 302 starts providing the LC live streaming specified by the stream ID included in the received delivery request to the user terminal 30 of the requesting viewer. The delivery information providing unit 302 updates the delivery information storage unit 314 so that the viewer ID of the stream ID includes the user ID of the requesting viewer.

[0061] The relay unit 304 relays the transmission of video data from the user terminal 20 of the distributor to the user terminal 30 of the viewer in the LC live distribution started by the distribution information providing unit 302. The relay unit 304 receives a signal indicating a user input by the viewer during the LC live distribution, i.e., during playback of the video data, from the viewing side communication unit 204. The signal indicating the user input may be an object designation signal indicating designation of an object displayed on the display of the user terminal 30 of the viewer, and the object designation signal includes the viewer ID of the viewer, a stream ID identifying the LC live distribution being viewed by the viewer, a distributor ID of the distributor performing the LC live distribution, and an object ID identifying the object. Similarly, the relay unit 304 receives a signal indicating a user input by the distributor during playback of the video data, for example, an object designation signal, from the distribution side communication unit 110 of the user terminal 20 of the distributor.

[0062] Regarding simultaneous LC distribution, the relay unit 304 relays the transmission of video data related to the LC live distribution of each broadcaster participating in the simultaneous LC distribution from the user terminal of each broadcaster to the user terminal of the viewer. In the case of VSLC distribution, the relay unit 304 relays the transmission of video data related to the LC live distribution of one broadcaster participating in the VSLC distribution from the user terminal of the one broadcaster to the user terminal of the viewer of the VSLC distribution. At the same time, the relay unit 304 relays the transmission of video data related to the LC live distribution of the other broadcaster participating in the VSLC distribution from the user terminal of the other broadcaster to the user terminal of the viewer of the VSLC distribution. In the case of group call LC distribution, the relay unit 304 relays the transmission of video data related to the LC live distribution of the host of the group call LC distribution from the user terminal of the host to the user terminal of the viewer of the group call LC distribution. At the same time, the relay unit 304 relays the transmission of video data related to the LC live distribution of the guest of the group call LC distribution from the user terminal of the guest to the user terminal of the viewer of the group call LC distribution.

[0063] The EC processing unit 306 performs processing related to electronic commerce (E-commerce) in LC live streaming. The EC processing unit 306 enables viewers to purchase items for sale in LC live streaming. The EC processing unit 306 performs processing related to the cart in LC live streaming. The EC processing unit 306 may be realized using known technology described in, for example, Patent Document 1, Patent Document 2, and Non-Patent Document 1.

[0064] When the EC processing unit 306 receives a purchase request signal from the user terminal 30 of the viewer of the LC live broadcast via the network NW, it performs a cart-in process for the sales object identified by the sales object ID included in the purchase request signal. The EC processing unit 306 registers the cart-in of the sales object identified by the sales object ID included in the received purchase request signal in the sales history storage unit 324.

[0065] The EC processing unit 306 cooperates with the user terminal 30 of the viewer of the LC live broadcast to confirm the order for the sale item in the cart and perform electronic payment for it. When the purchase of the sale item is completed, the EC processing unit 306 sets the corresponding flag in the sales history storage unit 324 to a state indicating the purchase completion.

[0066] When the VS control unit 308 receives a VS setting request from the user terminal 20 of the broadcaster via the network NW, which requests the setting of the VSLC broadcast, the VS control unit 308 issues a new VSID. The VS setting request is a request to send an invitation to a specified opponent to broadcast live on the same screen together with the broadcaster who made the request. The VS control unit 308 newly registers the target sales ID included in the VS setting request in the VS information storage unit 320 in association with the issued VSID. When the VS setting request includes one target sales ID, the VS control unit 308 selects the number of sales as a metric, and when the VS setting request includes multiple target sales IDs or company IDs, the VS control unit 308 selects the total sales amount as a metric, and registers them in the corresponding entry in the VS information storage unit 320. In other embodiments, for example, the requesting broadcaster may be configured to specify the metric, or the target sales target and metric of an ongoing event or an event in which the requesting broadcaster is participating may be adopted, or the metric may be specified by an administrator.

[0067] The VS control unit 308 transmits an invitation to perform a VSLC broadcast to the user terminal 20 of the broadcaster specified by the broadcaster ID of the opponent selected by the broadcaster that originated the request, which is included in the VS setting request. The invitation to the VSLC broadcast in the VS control unit 308, and the start, maintenance, and control of the VSLC broadcast may be realized, for example, using the technology of the VS function described in Non-Patent Document 2. When the invitation is accepted, the VS control unit 308 registers the broadcaster ID of the broadcaster that originated the request and the broadcaster ID of the opponent who accepted the invitation in the VS information storage unit 320 in association with the above VSID. When the VSLC broadcast starts, the VS control unit 308 registers the start time in the period of the VS information storage unit 320.

[0068] When an action to order a target sales item through the LC live stream of one of the broadcasters participating in the VSLC stream is detected, the VS control unit 308 updates the metric of the one of the broadcasters. When the metric is the number of sales, when the purchase of the target sales item added to the cart through the LC live stream of one of the broadcasters participating in the VSLC stream is completed, the VS control unit 308 updates the VS information storage unit 320 so that the value of the metric of the one of the broadcasters increases by the number of purchased items of the target sales item. When the metric is the total sales amount, the VS control unit 308 updates the VS information storage unit 320 so that the value of the metric of the one of the broadcasters increases by the purchase amount of the target sales item. When an action to order a target sales item through the LC live stream of the other broadcaster participating in the VSLC stream is detected, the same update is performed.

[0069] When a predetermined VS end condition is satisfied, the VS control unit 308 determines the result of the match based on the metric value of one broadcaster and the metric value of the other broadcaster. When a predetermined battle period (e.g., 5 minutes) has elapsed since the start of the VSLC broadcast, the VS control unit 308 ends the VSLC broadcast. The VS control unit 308 refers to the VS information storage unit 320, and identifies and compares the metric values ​​of each broadcaster at the end of the match. The VS control unit 308 determines the broadcaster with the larger identified value as the winner of the VSLC broadcast. The VS control unit 308 updates the user information storage unit 318 so that the number of VS victories of the winning broadcaster is incremented.

[0070] In this embodiment, the VS end condition is the elapse of the match period, but this is not limiting, and the VSLC distribution may be ended, for example, when the metric value of one of the broadcasters participating in the VSLC distribution reaches a threshold value. Alternatively, the VSLC distribution may be ended at a timing agreed upon by one or both broadcasters participating in the VSLC distribution.

[0071] When the group call control unit 310 receives a group call setting request for setting up a group call LC distribution from the user terminal 20 of the distributor via the network NW, the group call control unit 310 registers the target sales target ID included in the group call setting request in the distribution information storage unit 314 in association with the distributor ID of the requesting distributor. This sets the target sales target associated with the screen of the group call LC distribution. In addition, the group call control unit 310 sets a flag indicating whether or not the group call is the group call corresponding to the distributor ID of the requesting distributor to Y (is a group call).

[0072] The group call setting request is a request to send an invitation to a designated guest to perform live distribution together with the requesting broadcaster on the same screen. The group call control unit 310 sends an invitation to perform group call LC distribution to the user terminal 20 of the broadcaster specified by the broadcaster ID of the guest selected by the requesting broadcaster, which is included in the group call setting request. The invitation to the group call LC distribution in the group call control unit 310, and the start, maintenance, and control of the group call LC distribution may be realized using, for example, the technology of the free group call function described in Non-Patent Document 3. When the invitation is accepted, the group call control unit 310 updates the distribution information storage unit 314 so that the broadcaster ID of the guest who accepted the invitation is registered in the guest ID corresponding to the broadcaster ID of the requesting broadcaster.

[0073] The ranking generation unit 312 generates rankings by ranking distributors for each item of sale or for each seller of the item of sale according to an index indicating the amount of orders for the item of sale through LC live distribution. The ranking generation unit 312 generates rankings by referring to the user information storage unit 318 and the sales history storage unit 324, and registers the generated rankings in the ranking information storage unit 326. The ranking generation unit 312 periodically updates the rankings registered in the ranking information storage unit 326. When the ranking generation unit 312 receives a ranking request from the user terminal 20, 30, it acquires the requested ranking information from the ranking information storage unit 326 and transmits it to the user terminal 20, 30 that made the request. The user terminal 20, 30 that made the request displays a screen that displays the ranking based on the received ranking information on the display.

[0074] Indicators used in the rankings may be the total order amount, the total order amount, the number of VS victories, etc., in addition to the above-mentioned examples. The ranking generation unit 312 calculates the value of the indicator for each broadcaster by performing a predetermined statistical process on the data stored in the user information storage unit 318 and the sales history storage unit 324. The statistical process for generating rankings is well known, so it will not be described in detail in this specification. The ranking generation unit 312 determines the ranking of the broadcasters according to the value of the indicator. The ranking generation unit 312 registers the broadcaster ID of the broadcaster and the ranking of the broadcaster in the ranking information storage unit 326 in association with each other.

[0075] The operation of the live commerce system 1 configured as above will now be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a series of processing steps in VSLC distribution. A distributor inputs a setting instruction for VSLC distribution into a user terminal while performing LC live distribution or when starting LC live distribution. The user terminal generates a VS setting request and transmits it to the LC server 10 via the network NW. The LC server 10 receives a VS setting request including a designation of a target for sale and a designation of an opponent from the user terminal 20 of the distributor via the network NW (S202). The LC server 10 specifies the opponent specified in the received VS setting request as an opponent of the requesting distributor in the VSLC distribution (S204). The LC server 10 sends an invitation to the specified opponent (S206).

[0076] The LC server 10 determines whether the invitation sent in step S206 has been accepted (S208). If the invitation has not been accepted, for example, rejected or timed out (N in S208), the LC server 10 notifies the user terminal 20 of the requesting broadcaster of the failure of the VSLC broadcast setup (S224). The process then proceeds to step S226, which will be described later. In this embodiment, a case will be described in which the broadcaster specifies an opponent when requesting the setup of the VSLC broadcast, but this is not limited thereto. For example, multiple candidates for the opponent may be specified, and invitations may be sent to the candidates in order until the invitation is accepted, or the broadcaster may not specify an opponent, and the LC server 10 may determine the opponent randomly or according to a predetermined algorithm.

[0077] If the invitation is accepted in step S208 (Y in S208), the LC server 10 registers the setting information of the VSLC distribution, i.e., the VSID, start time, target sales target ID, metric, and broadcaster IDs of the two competing broadcasters, in the VS information storage unit 320 (S210). The LC server 10 transmits a VS start notification via the network NW to the user terminal 20 of the requesting broadcaster, the user terminal of the opponent who accepted the invitation, and the user terminal of the viewer of the VSLC distribution (S212). The VS start notification includes the start time of the VSLC distribution specified by the LC server 10. The user terminal that receives the VS start notification starts displaying the simultaneous LC distribution screen related to the VSLC distribution at the timing when the specified start time arrives.

[0078] After the above timing, the LC server 10 updates the value of the corresponding metric stored in the VS information storage unit 320 each time an action is taken to order the target sales object through the LC live distribution of each distributor. The LC server 10 determines whether or not the purchase process of the target sales object is completed during the VSLC distribution (S214). If the completion of the purchase process is not detected (N in S214), the LC server 10 determines whether or not the battle period of the VSLC distribution has elapsed (S218). If the length of the battle period is set to 5 minutes, the LC server 10 sets a timer that counts 5 minutes. When the VSLC distribution starts in step S212, the LC server 10 starts the timer countdown. In step S218, the LC server 10 determines whether or not the remaining time indicated by the timer has reached 0. If the battle period has not elapsed (N in S218), the process returns to step S214. If the battle period has elapsed (Y in S218), the process proceeds to step S220.

[0079] If the completion of the purchase process is detected in step S214 (Y in S214), the LC server 10 registers the purchase information indicating which distributor's LC live distribution the purchased target sales item was added to the cart through, how many of the target sales item were purchased, and the total amount in the sales history storage unit 324, and updates the metric value of the VS information storage unit 320 based on the purchase information (S216). After that, the process proceeds to step S218.

[0080] When the remaining time reaches 0 in step S218 (Y in S218), the LC server 10 refers to the VS information storage unit 320 and determines the winner of the VSLC distribution (S220). The LC server 10 transmits the result of the competition determined in step S220 to the user terminals of each broadcaster who participated in the VSLC distribution and the user terminals of each viewer of the VSLC distribution (S222). The LC server 10 stops providing the VSLC distribution and registers the end time in the VS information storage unit 320. The LC server 10 provides a normal LC live distribution to the viewers who were watching the VSLC distribution (S226). That is, the LC server 10 refers to the distribution information storage unit 314 to identify the LC live distribution corresponding to each viewer, and provides the identified LC live distribution (normal LC live distribution that is not a VSLC distribution) to the user terminal of the viewer.

[0081] FIG. 11 is a representative screen diagram of a VSLC distribution setting screen 600 displayed on the display of a user terminal of a distributor. The VSLC distribution setting screen 600 has a target sales object selection area 602 that accepts the distributor's selection of a target sales object to be handled in a VSLC distribution, an opponent selection area 604 that accepts the distributor's selection of an opponent, and a GO button 610. The target sales object selection area 602 has thumbnails 606 of sales objects selectable as target sales objects, and an object 608 representing a selectable company. In the target sales object selection area 602, one or more target sales objects can be selected. When the object 608 representing a company is selected, one or more sales objects handled by the company on the LC platform are set as target sales objects. The target sales object selection area 602 may be generated based on information acquired via a network NW from a storage unit (not shown) that stores information on sales objects handled on the LC platform provided in the LC server 10.

[0082] The opponent selection area 604 has icons 612 and broadcaster names representing broadcasters that can be selected as opponents, and a random button 614. In the opponent selection area 604, a specific broadcaster can be selected as an opponent, or the LC server 10 can randomly select an opponent by tapping the random button 614.

[0083] The broadcaster selects a desired target for sale in the target for sale selection area 602, selects a desired opponent in the opponent selection area 604, and taps the GO button 610. When the broadcaster's user terminal detects the tap on the GO button 610, it generates a VS setting request including the target for sale ID of the target for sale selected in the target for sale selection area 602 and the broadcaster ID of the opponent selected in the opponent selection area 604, and transmits it to the LC server 10 via the network NW. When the LC server 10 receives the VS setting request, it sets up the VSLC distribution by sending an invitation as described above, and transmits a VS start notification. The user terminal of the broadcaster who made the request, the user terminal of the opponent, and the user terminal of the viewer each start displaying the simultaneous LC distribution screen 620 related to the VSLC distribution on their display at the timing corresponding to the start time included in the VS start notification.

[0084] 12 is a representative screen diagram of a simultaneous LC distribution screen 620 displayed on the display of a user terminal of a viewer of a VSLC distribution. The simultaneous LC distribution screen 620 displays moving images generated by the user terminals of each broadcaster of the VSLC distribution on the same screen in real time, accepts orders for the target sales items, and visually displays the winner and loser of the competition. The simultaneous LC distribution screen 620 has a first moving image display area 622 that displays a moving image of the LC live distribution of one broadcaster participating in the VSLC distribution, a second moving image display area 624 that displays a moving image of the LC live distribution of the other broadcaster participating in the VSLC distribution, a remaining time display area 632 that indicates the remaining time of the competition, an indicator display area 626 that indicates the number of sales of the target sales items through the LC live distribution of each broadcaster participating in the VSLC distribution, a comment display area 628, a comment input area 630, and a cart icon 616. The simultaneous LC distribution screen 620 displays the first moving image display area 622 and the second moving image display area 624 side by side in a predetermined layout. The first moving image display area 622 displays a moving image obtained by playing back the moving image data of the LC live streaming of one broadcaster received from the LC server 10. The second moving image display area 624 displays a moving image obtained by playing back the moving image data of the LC live streaming of the other broadcaster received from the LC server 10.

[0085] The LC live stream of one broadcaster participating in the VSLC stream and the LC live stream of the other broadcaster participating in the VSLC stream are associated with the same target sales object. In the example of FIG. 12, each broadcaster has the same "hat" as the target sales object, and icons 634 and 636 of the target sales object are displayed in each video image. When a viewer watching the simultaneous LC distribution screen 620 in FIG. 12 is a viewer of the LC live stream of one broadcaster, the icon 634 displayed in association with the LC live stream of one broadcaster is configured to be tappable, and the icon 636 displayed in association with the LC live stream of the other broadcaster is configured to be untappable. When the viewer's user terminal detects a tap on the icon 634, it generates a purchase request signal including the viewer ID of the tapped viewer, the broadcaster ID of the one broadcaster, and the sales object ID of the target sales object, and transmits the signal to the LC server 10 via the network NW. When the LC server 10 receives the purchase request signal, it performs the cart-in process as described above. 12 is also a viewer of the other broadcaster's LC live broadcast, a cart-in process is performed in response to a tap on icon 636. In this way, icons 634 and 636 can be considered to be objects for ordering items for sale.

[0086] In this embodiment, a case where each broadcaster of a VSLC broadcast handles the same target sales object will be described, but this is not limited to this. For example, the target sales object handled by one broadcaster of a VSLC broadcast may correspond to but be different from the target sales object handled by the other broadcaster. In this case, the settings of the VSLC broadcast may be configured so that the opponent can specify the desired target sales object when accepting the invitation.

[0087] The indicator display area 626 displays the number of units sold by one distributor in association with the number of units sold by the other distributor. In the example of Fig. 12, the indicator display area 626 has text indicating the number of units sold by each distributor and an object visually indicating the difference in the number of units sold. The viewer's user terminal updates the display contents of the icons 634, 636, the remaining time display area 632, and the indicator display area 626 by referring to the VS information storage unit 320 of the LC server 10 via the network NW.

[0088] The comment input area 630 accepts comments input by the viewer. The viewer inputs a desired comment into the comment input area 630 and taps the send button. When the viewer's user terminal detects the tap on the send button, it generates a comment input signal including the comment input into the comment input area 630 and transmits it to the LC server 10 via the network NW.

[0089] The comment display area 628 may include comments entered by the viewer, comments entered by the distributor, and notifications from the system. The notifications from the system include a message indicating that the viewer has purchased the item for sale. The user terminal of the viewer generates the comment display area 628 including the comments to be displayed that are received from the LC server 10.

[0090] The cart icon 616 is an icon for transitioning to a screen that displays the target sales items that have been added to the cart. The viewer can proceed with the purchase procedure from this screen. This function related to the cart and the purchase procedure may be realized using known electronic commerce technology. The cart icon 616 can be said to be an object for ordering the target sales items. When the viewer watching the simultaneous LC distribution screen 620 in FIG. 12 is a viewer of the LC live distribution of one of the broadcasters, when the viewer's user terminal detects a tap on the cart icon 616 by the viewer, the user terminal executes a process to confirm the order of the target sales items that have been added to the cart through the LC live distribution of one of the broadcasters, or to complete the purchase.

[0091] As the VSLC distribution match progresses and the remaining time reaches 0, the LC server 10 determines the winner as described above and notifies the user terminals of the participants (distributors, viewers) of the VSLC distribution of the result of the match. When the user terminals of the participants receive the result of the match, they generate an object 638 indicating the result and display it superimposed on the simultaneous LC distribution screen 620.

[0092] Fig. 13 is a representative screen diagram of a simultaneous LC distribution screen 620, on which an object 638 showing the result of the match is superimposed and displayed on the display of a user terminal of a viewer of the VSLC distribution. Fig. 13 corresponds to the state after the battle period of the VSLC distribution in Fig. 12 has ended.

[0093] Fig. 14 is a representative screen diagram of the LC distribution screen 700 displayed on the display of the viewer's user terminal. When the VSLC distribution match related to the simultaneous LC distribution screen 620 in Fig. 13 ends, the display screen transitions from the simultaneous LC distribution screen 620 in Fig. 13 to the LC distribution screen 700 in Fig. 14. The LC distribution screen 700 is a distribution screen of the LC live distribution of the broadcaster corresponding to the viewer who was watching the simultaneous LC distribution screen 620 in Fig. 13, out of the two broadcasters who competed in the VSLC distribution related to the simultaneous LC distribution screen 620 in Fig. 13. The LC distribution screen 700 displays a video image 710 of the LC live distribution of the corresponding broadcaster, but no longer displays a video image of the LC live distribution of the other broadcaster.

[0094] The LC distribution screen 700 has a comment input area 702, a comment display area 704, a share button 706, a heart button 708, a video 710 of a distributor obtained by playing video data received from the LC server 10, an icon 634 of an item for sale, a time display area 714 indicating the distribution time of the LC live distribution, and a cart icon 616. The video 710 displayed on the LC distribution screen 700 corresponds to the video displayed in the video display area of ​​the corresponding distributor out of the first video display area 622 and the second video display area 624 displayed on the simultaneous LC distribution screen 620 of the VSLC distribution.

[0095] FIG. 15 is a representative screen diagram of a ranking display screen 642 displayed on the display of a user terminal of a user. A user specifies a desired ranking via a user terminal. The user terminal generates a ranking request including a ranking ID that specifies the specified ranking, and transmits it to the LC server 10 via the network NW. The LC server 10 acquires information on the ranking corresponding to the ranking ID included in the received ranking request from the ranking information storage unit 326. The LC server 10 generates a ranking response including the acquired ranking information, and transmits it to the requesting user terminal via the network NW. The user terminal generates a ranking display screen 642 based on the received ranking response, and displays it on the display. The example of FIG. 15 displays a ranking in which distributors are ranked by the total monthly sales amount for items sold by a specific company. FIG. 15 shows, for example, that distributor "AXBC" has treated products sold by company "AABB INC" as items for sale in his own LC live distribution, and has sold a total of 258,475 yen since the beginning of the month, which is the highest total amount for the products sold by company "AABB INC".

[0096] 16 is a representative screen diagram of a group call LC distribution setting screen 650 displayed on the display of the distributor's user terminal. The group call LC distribution setting screen 650 has a target sales target selection area 602 that accepts the host's selection of a target sales target to be handled in the group call LC distribution, a guest selection area 654 that accepts the host's selection of a guest, and a GO button 660.

[0097] The guest selection area 654 has icons 662 representing broadcasters selectable as guests, broadcaster names, and invitation objects 664. The host can select one or more broadcasters as guests by tapping the invitation button 664 corresponding to the desired broadcaster in the guest selection area 654.

[0098] The host is a distributor who receives an order for the target sales object. The guest may be a distributor who is invited to support the sale of the target sales object by the host. The host selects a desired target sales object in the target sales object selection area 602, selects a desired guest in the guest selection area 654, and taps the GO button 660. When the host's user terminal detects the tap on the GO button 660, it generates a group call setting request including the target sales object ID of the target sales object selected in the target sales object selection area 602 and the distributor ID of the guest selected in the guest selection area 654, and transmits the request to the LC server 10 via the network NW. When the LC server 10 receives the group call setting request, it sets up the group call LC distribution by sending an invitation to the guest's user terminal as described above, and transmits a group call start notification. When the requesting user terminal of the host, the user terminal of the guest, and the user terminal of the viewer receive the group call start notification, they each start displaying the simultaneous LC distribution screen 670 related to the group call LC distribution on the display.

[0099] FIG. 17 is a representative screen diagram of a simultaneous LC distribution screen 670 displayed on the display of a user terminal of a viewer of a group call LC distribution. The simultaneous LC distribution screen 670 displays the video generated by the user terminal of each distributor of the group call LC distribution on the same screen in real time, and accepts orders for the target sales object. The simultaneous LC distribution screen 670 has a third video display area 672 that displays the video of the LC live distribution of the host of the group call LC distribution, a fourth video display area 676 that displays the video of the LC live distribution of the guest of the group call LC distribution, a fifth video display area 678, a comment display area 628, a comment input area 630, and a cart icon 616. The simultaneous LC distribution screen 670 displays the third video display area 672, the fourth video display area 676, and the fifth video display area 678 in a predetermined layout. The third video display area 672 displays the video obtained by playing the video data generated by the user terminal of the host received from the LC server 10. Fourth moving image display area 676 and fifth moving image display area 678 each display a moving image obtained by playing back moving image data received from LC server 10 and generated by the user terminal of the corresponding guest.

[0100] The group call LC distribution is associated with the target sales object designated by the host on the group call LC distribution setting screen 650. In the example of FIG. 17, the target sales object is "hat," and an icon 674 of the target sales object is displayed in the host's video image. When the viewer's user terminal detects a tap on the icon 674, it generates a purchase request signal including the viewer ID of the viewer who tapped, the distributor ID of the host, and the sales object ID of the target sales object, and transmits the signal to the LC server 10 via the network NW. When the LC server 10 receives the purchase request signal, it performs the cart-in process as described above. In this way, the icon 674 can be said to be an object for ordering the sales object.

[0101] In the above-mentioned embodiment, examples of the storage unit are a hard disk and a semiconductor memory. Furthermore, based on the description in this specification, it will be understood by those skilled in the art who have read this specification that each unit can be realized by a CPU (not shown), an installed application program module, a system program module, a semiconductor memory that temporarily stores the contents of data read from a hard disk, or the like.

[0102] According to the live commerce system 1 of this embodiment, a sale item can be introduced and orders can be placed through simultaneous LC distribution involving multiple broadcasters. Sales of the sale item through live commerce can be promoted by multiple broadcasters having conversations about the sale item and competing with each other to order the sale item in larger quantities. Broadcasters can increase their motivation to sell the sale item by cooperating or competing with other broadcasters about the sale of the sale item. Viewers can have a more satisfying shopping experience by receiving introductions and explanations about the sale item from multiple broadcasters in one distribution.

[0103] Furthermore, in the live commerce system 1 according to the present embodiment, an environment is created where influencers who have a great influence on the sales of products and services compete for sales. In VSLC distribution, two influencers compete for the same sales target, and the synergistic effect between the two increases sales. For influencers, it is more effective to sell in competition with other influencers than to sell in a single LC live distribution, as it increases sales.

[0104] Furthermore, in this embodiment, not only can the sales target to be handled in the simultaneous LC distribution be directly specified, but also companies and brands can be specified. This makes it possible to realize a live commerce system 1 that is easier for companies to use. The administrator of the LC platform can plan measures and events that focus on companies and brands. For example, an event can be planned in which a special product of XX (brand name) is presented to the broadcaster who has made the most sales of the product of XX this month.

[0105] Furthermore, in the live commerce system 1 according to this embodiment, the host communicates with the guest about the sales object in the group call LC broadcast, allowing the viewer to learn more about the sales object. By inviting a broadcaster who likes to use the sales object as a guest, the host can appeal to the viewer the good points of the sales object more naturally. Furthermore, the host can convey an objective opinion about the sales object to the viewer by having the guest use the sales object on the spot and give their impressions.

[0106] In addition, if a guest mentions a product they like during their conversation, the host can issue a coupon for that product to viewers during the broadcast. It is also possible for the guest to persuade the host to issue a coupon. In this way, adaptive responses that arise from real-time dialogue are possible, something that is unique to live broadcasts.

[0107] The hardware configuration of an information processing device according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 18. Fig. 18 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of an information processing device according to this embodiment. The illustrated information processing device 900 can realize, for example, each of the LC server 10 and the user terminals 20 and 30 in this embodiment.

[0108] The information processing device 900 includes a CPU 901, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 902, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 903. The information processing device 900 may also include a host bus 907, a bridge 909, an external bus 911, an interface 913, an input device 915, an output device 917, a storage device 919, a drive 921, a connection port 925, and a communication device 929. The information processing device 900 further includes an imaging device (not shown) such as a camera. The information processing device 900 may also have a processing circuit such as a DSP (Digital Signal Processor) or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) instead of or in addition to the CPU 901.

[0109] The CPU 901 functions as an arithmetic processing device and a control device, and controls the overall operation or a part of the operation in the information processing device 900 according to various programs recorded in the ROM 902, the RAM 903, the storage device 919, or the removable recording medium 923. For example, the CPU 901 controls the overall operation of each functional unit included in the server 10 and the user terminals 20 and 30 in this embodiment. The ROM 902 stores programs and arithmetic parameters used by the CPU 901. The RAM 903 temporarily stores programs used in the execution of the CPU 901 and parameters that change appropriately during the execution. The CPU 901, the ROM 902, and the RAM 903 are mutually connected by a host bus 907 constituted by an internal bus such as a CPU bus. Furthermore, the host bus 907 is connected to an external bus 911 such as a PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect / Interface) bus via a bridge 909.

[0110] The input device 915 may be, for example, a device operated by a user, such as a mouse, a keyboard, a touch panel, a button, a switch, or a lever, or may be a device that converts a physical quantity into an electric signal, such as a sound sensor such as a microphone, an acceleration sensor, a tilt sensor, an infrared sensor, a depth sensor, a temperature sensor, or a humidity sensor. The input device 915 may be, for example, a remote control device that uses infrared or other radio waves, or an external connection device 927 such as a mobile phone that supports the operation of the information processing device 900. The input device 915 includes an input control circuit that generates an input signal based on information input by the user or a sensed physical quantity and outputs the input signal to the CPU 901. The user operates the input device 915 to input various data to the information processing device 900 or to instruct a processing operation.

[0111] The output device 917 is configured with a device capable of visually or audibly notifying the user of acquired information. The output device 917 can be, for example, a display such as an LCD, a PDP, or an OELD, an audio output device such as a speaker or a headphone, or a printer device. The output device 917 outputs the results obtained by the processing of the information processing device 900 as a video such as text or an image, or as a sound such as audio.

[0112] The storage device 919 is a data storage device configured as an example of a storage unit of the information processing device 900. The storage device 919 is configured, for example, with a magnetic storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD), a semiconductor storage device, an optical storage device, or a magneto-optical storage device. The storage device 919 stores programs and various data executed by the CPU 901, and various data acquired from the outside.

[0113] The drive 921 is a reader / writer for a removable recording medium 923 such as a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, or a semiconductor memory, and is built into or externally attached to the information processing device 900. The drive 921 reads out information recorded on the attached removable recording medium 923 and outputs the information to the RAM 903. The drive 921 also writes information to the attached removable recording medium 923.

[0114] The connection port 925 is a port for directly connecting a device to the information processing device 900. The connection port 925 can be, for example, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port, an IEEE 1394 port, a Small Computer System Interface (SCSI) port, or the like. The connection port 925 can also be an RS-232C port, an optical audio terminal, a High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) (registered trademark) port, or the like. By connecting an external connection device 927 to the connection port 925, various types of data can be exchanged between the information processing device 900 and the external connection device 927.

[0115] The communication device 929 is, for example, a communication interface configured with a communication device for connecting to the network 60. The communication device 929 may be, for example, a communication card for a wired or wireless LAN (Local Area Network), Bluetooth (registered trademark), or WUSB (Wireless USB). The communication device 929 may also be a router for optical communication, a router for ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line), or a modem for various communications. The communication device 929 transmits and receives signals, for example, between the Internet and other communication devices using a predetermined protocol such as TCP / IP. The communication network 60 connected to the communication device 929 is a network connected by wire or wirelessly, for example, the Internet, a home LAN, infrared communication, radio wave communication, or satellite communication. The communication device 929 realizes a function as a communication unit.

[0116] An imaging device (not shown) such as a camera is a device that captures real space and generates a captured image using an imaging element such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) and various members such as a lens for controlling the formation of a subject image on the imaging element. The imaging device may capture a still image or a moving image.

[0117] The configuration and operation of the live commerce system 1 according to the embodiment have been described above. This embodiment is merely an example, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications are possible in the combination of each component and each process, and that such modifications are also within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0118] In an embodiment, a digital prize (such as a comment frame or a badge) may be awarded to a streamer whose metric value exceeds a predetermined standard in an event or ranking (e.g., who places in the top ten). A digital prize may also be awarded to a streamer who wins a VSLC stream.

[0119] In the embodiment, a case where a ranking between distributors is generated has been described, but this is not limiting, and a ranking between viewers may be generated based on the amount of orders for a sales item, for example. An index for ranking between viewers may be, for example, a total purchase amount or number of purchases for a specific sales item or company, or a total purchase amount or number of purchases.

[0120] In the processing procedures described in this specification, particularly in the processing procedures described using flow diagrams and flowcharts, it is possible to omit some of the steps that make up the processing procedures, to add steps that are not explicitly stated as steps that make up the processing procedures, and / or to rearrange the order of the steps, and processing procedures in which such omissions, additions, or changes in order have been made are included within the scope of this disclosure as long as they do not deviate from the spirit of this disclosure.

[0121] At least a part of the functions realized by the server may be realized by a device other than the server, for example, a user terminal. At least a part of the functions realized by the user terminal may be realized by another device, for example, a server. For example, a server having the LC function of the LC server and another server having the remaining functions of the LC server may be provided.

Claims

1. a first area displaying a video of a first live stream associated with a first sales object; a second area displaying a video of a second live stream associated with a second sales object that is the same as or corresponds to the first sales object; a third area displaying a first indicator representing the amount of orders for the first sales item through the first live streaming and a second indicator representing the amount of orders for the second sales item through the second live streaming in association with each other; and an object for ordering the first sales object or the second sales object.

2. The computer program of claim 1 , further comprising a function for causing the terminal to execute a process for ordering the first sales item when a viewer of the terminal is a viewer of the first live broadcast and designation of the object by the viewer is detected.

3. a function of starting display of the delivery screen on the display at a predetermined timing; a function of displaying, on the display, a result of the game determined based on the first indicator and the second indicator when a predetermined end condition is satisfied, on the display; After the predetermined timing, the first indicator is updated every time an action for ordering the first sales object through the first live broadcast is performed; The computer program product according to claim 2 , wherein the second indicator is updated each time an action for ordering the second sales item through the second live broadcast is performed after the predetermined timing.

4. The computer program of claim 3, further comprising a function for causing the terminal to display, when the game related to the distribution screen ends, another distribution screen on the display that displays a video of the first live distribution but does not display a video of the second live distribution.

5. A means for relaying the transmission of video data relating to a first live distribution associated with a first sales object from a first distributor terminal to a viewer terminal, and relaying the transmission of video data relating to a second live distribution associated with a second sales object that is the same as or corresponds to the first sales object from a second distributor terminal to the viewer terminal; means for updating a first indicator when a motion to order the first sale object is detected through the first live stream, and for updating a second indicator when a motion to order the second sale object is detected through the second live stream; and means for determining a result of the game based on the first indicator and the second indicator when a predetermined end condition is satisfied.

6. a first area for displaying a plurality of video images of a plurality of distributors in a predetermined layout; and a computer program for enabling a terminal to realize a function of displaying on a display a delivery screen including an object for ordering a sales item.

7. 7. The computer program according to claim 6, wherein one of the plurality of distributors is a distributor who receives an order for the object for sale.

8. A means for receiving a request from a terminal of a broadcaster via a network to send an invitation to another broadcaster to broadcast live on the same screen with the broadcaster; and means for setting a sales object associated with said same screen.

9. a means for providing a live stream associated with the object of sale; The server is provided with a means for generating a ranking by determining the rank of distributors for each sales object or for each sales source of the sales object according to an index representing the volume of orders for the sales object through live distribution.

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