System, method, and program for delivering live video

Abstract

To support acquisition of fans by distributors of live videos.SOLUTION: A video distribution server 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention provides a live video distribution service for distributing and viewing a live video to a user via a user terminal 30. Since a specific viewer is rewarded on the basis of at least the number of consecutive viewing days by a specific viewer of a live video provided by a specific distributor, and the server 10 encourages viewers to watch a live video of the specific distributor every day, and as a result, helps the distributor of the live video gain fans.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a system, method, and program for distributing live video. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, various mechanisms have been introduced in live video distribution services for distributing live videos to promote distribution of live videos by distributors. For example, the following Patent Document 1 discloses a system configured to set a distributor to a distribution standby state in response to a request from the distributor, and to start transmission of live video by a user terminal of the distributor in response to a request from a viewer to the distributor set to the distribution standby state. In the system configured in this way, the distributor can start distribution of live video only when a viewer is present by setting the distributor to a distribution standby state, and as a result, the psychological barrier to starting video distribution is lowered, and distribution of live video can be promoted. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-022219 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, with conventional live video distribution services, even if a broadcaster continues to distribute live videos, it is not easy for the broadcaster to acquire viewers who will become his / her fans (for example, viewers who will repeatedly watch his / her live videos). Furthermore, a broadcaster who does not gain more fans despite making an effort to continue distributing live videos may stop distributing live videos altogether.

[0005] One of the objectives of the embodiment of the present invention is to support live video distributors in acquiring fans. Other objectives of the embodiment of the present invention will become apparent by referring to the entire specification. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A system according to one embodiment of the present invention is a system for streaming live video, comprising one or more computer processors, wherein the one or more computer processors, in response to execution of readable instructions, execute a process of streaming live video provided by a broadcaster to a plurality of viewers, and a process of granting a predetermined reward to the viewers during the streaming of the live video, wherein the process of granting the predetermined reward includes granting the predetermined reward to a specific viewer based at least on the number of consecutive days that a specific viewer has watched a live video provided by the specific broadcaster during the streaming of the live video provided by the specific broadcaster.

[0007] A method according to one embodiment of the present invention is executed by one or more computers and is a method for broadcasting live video, comprising the steps of broadcasting a live video provided by a broadcaster to a plurality of viewers, and granting a predetermined reward to the viewers during the broadcast of the live video, wherein the step of granting the predetermined reward includes granting the predetermined reward to a specific viewer based at least on the number of consecutive days that a specific viewer has watched the live video provided by the specific broadcaster during the broadcast of the live video provided by the specific broadcaster.

[0008] A program according to one embodiment of the present invention is a program for streaming live video, which, when executed on one or more computers, causes the one or more computers to execute a process of streaming a live video provided by a broadcaster to a plurality of viewers, and a process of granting a predetermined reward to the viewers during the streaming of the live video, wherein the process of granting the predetermined reward includes granting the predetermined reward to a specific viewer based at least on the number of consecutive days that the specific viewer has watched the live video provided by the specific broadcaster during the streaming of the live video provided by the specific broadcaster. Effect of the Invention

[0009] Various embodiments of the present invention help live video broadcasters build a fanbase. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a network including a video distribution server 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 1 is a block diagram showing the functions of a video distribution server 10. [Diagram 3] 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of information managed in a user information table 411. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining ranks. [Diagram 5] 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of information managed in a distribution management table 412. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of information managed in a distributor-by-distributor viewer management table 413. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a top screen 60. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a distributor screen 70. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a viewer screen 80. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of an item selection screen 200. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a box detailed information display screen 90. [Figure 12] 11 is a diagram for explaining the transition of the number of consecutive viewing days and the number of combos when a viewer opens a Super Box and a Hyper Box. [Figure 13] 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating examples of display contents in a box combo information display area 94. [Figure 14] 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating examples of display contents in a box combo information display area 94. [Figure 15] 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating examples of display contents in a box combo information display area 94. [Figure 16] 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating examples of display contents in a box combo information display area 94. [Figure 17] 4 is a flow diagram illustrating a process executed by the server 10 in response to a user (viewer) starting to watch a live video. [Figure 18] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a box opening screen 210. [Figure 19] 4 is a flow diagram illustrating a process executed by the server 10 when updating a rank. [Figure 20] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining an update rule for a rank meter value. [Figure 21] 11 is a diagram for explaining the correspondence between update contents of rank and required rank meter value. [Figure 22] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a rank meter object 100. [Diagram 23] FIG. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating a process executed by the server 10 when awarding diamonds. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a network including a video distribution server 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the video distribution server 10 is communicably connected to a user terminal 30 via a communication network 20 such as the Internet. Although only one user terminal 30 is shown in FIG. 1, the server 10 is communicably connected to a plurality of user terminals 30. The video distribution server 10 provides a live video distribution service for distributing and viewing live videos to a user via the user terminal 30. In this embodiment, a user who operates the user terminal 30 can distribute live videos as a distributor, and can also view live videos provided by other users as a viewer. The video distribution server 10 is an example of a device that implements a part or all of the system of the present invention.

[0013] The video distribution server 10 is configured as a general computer, and as shown in FIG. 1, includes a computer processor 11, a main memory 12, an input / output I / F 13, a communication I / F 14, and a storage (memory device) 15, with each of these components being electrically connected via a bus or the like (not shown).

[0014] The computer processor 11 is configured as a CPU, a GPU, or the like, and loads various programs stored in a storage 15 or the like into a main memory 12, and executes various instructions included in the programs. The main memory 12 is configured, for example, by a DRAM or the like.

[0015] The input / output I / F 13 includes various input / output devices for exchanging information with a user, etc. The input / output I / F 13 includes, for example, an information input device such as a keyboard, a pointing device (e.g., a mouse, a touch panel, etc.), an audio input device such as a microphone, and an image input device such as a camera. The input / output I / F 13 also includes an image output device such as a display, and an audio output device such as a speaker.

[0016] The communication I / F 14 is implemented as hardware such as a network adapter, various communication software, or a combination of these, and is configured to realize wired or wireless communication via a communication network 20 or the like.

[0017] The storage 15 is configured by, for example, a magnetic disk, a flash memory, etc. The storage 15 stores various programs including an operating system, various data, and the like.

[0018] In this embodiment, the video distribution server 10 may be configured using a plurality of computers each having the above-described hardware configuration. For example, the video distribution server 10 may be configured by one or a plurality of server devices.

[0019] The video distribution server 10 configured in this manner can be configured to have the functions of a web server and an application server, in which case it executes various processes in response to requests from a web browser and other applications (e.g., an application for a live video distribution service) installed in the user terminal 30, and transmits screen data (e.g., HTML data) and control data according to the results of the processes to the user terminal 30. The user terminal 30 can display a web page or other screen based on the received data.

[0020] The user terminal 30 is configured as a general computer, and as shown in FIG. 1, includes a computer processor 31, a main memory 32, an input / output I / F 33, a communication I / F 34, and a storage (memory device) 35, with each of these components being electrically connected via a bus or the like (not shown).

[0021] The computer processor 31 is configured as a CPU, a GPU, or the like, and loads various programs stored in a storage 35 or the like into a main memory 32 and executes various instructions included in the programs. The main memory 32 is configured, for example, by a DRAM or the like.

[0022] The input / output I / F 33 includes various input / output devices for exchanging information with a user, etc. The input / output I / F 33 includes, for example, an information input device such as a keyboard, a pointing device (e.g., a mouse, a touch panel, etc.), an audio input device such as a microphone, and an image input device such as a camera. The input / output I / F 33 also includes an image output device such as a display, and an audio output device such as a speaker.

[0023] The communication I / F 34 is implemented as hardware such as a network adapter, various communication software, or a combination of these, and is configured to realize wired or wireless communication via the communication network 20 or the like.

[0024] The storage 35 is configured by, for example, a magnetic disk or a flash memory, etc. The storage 35 stores various programs including an operating system, various data, etc. The programs stored in the storage 35 can be downloaded from an application market, etc., and installed.

[0025] In this embodiment, the user terminal 30 may be configured as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a wearable device, a personal computer, a game terminal, or the like.

[0026] A user operating a user terminal 30 configured in this manner can use the live video distribution service provided by the video distribution server 10 by communicating with the video distribution server 10 via a web browser or other application installed in storage 35, etc.

[0027] Next, the functions of the video distribution server 10 of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functions of the video distribution server 10. As shown in the figure, the server 10 has an information storage management unit 41 that stores and manages various information, a basic function control unit 43 that controls the basic functions of the live video distribution service, and a video distribution control unit 45 that controls the distribution of live videos. These functions are realized by the cooperation of hardware such as the computer processor 11 and the main memory 12, and various programs and data stored in the storage 15, etc., and are realized, for example, by the computer processor 11 executing instructions included in a program loaded into the main memory 12. In addition, some or all of the functions of the server 10 shown in FIG. 2 can be realized by the cooperation of the server 10 and the user terminal 30, or by the user terminal 30.

[0028] The information storage management unit 41 of the video distribution server 10 stores and manages various information in the storage 15 etc. For example, as shown in Fig. 2, the information storage management unit 41 is configured to have a user information table 411 that manages information about users of the live video distribution service, a distribution management table 412 that manages information about distribution of individual live videos, and a distributor-specific viewer management table 413 that manages information about viewers for each distributor (information for each combination of a distributor and a viewer).

[0029] The basic function control unit 43 of the video distribution server 10 executes various processes related to the control of the basic functions of the live video distribution service. For example, the basic function control unit 43 transmits screen data or control data of various screens related to the basic functions to the user terminal 30, executes various processes in response to an operation input by a user via the screen displayed on the user terminal 30, and transmits screen data or control data according to the results of the processes to the user terminal 30. The basic functions controlled by the basic function control unit 43 include, for example, login processing (user authentication), billing control, and user management (for example, updating the user information table 411, etc.).

[0030] The video distribution control unit 45 of the video distribution server 10 executes various processes related to the control of distribution of live videos. For example, the video distribution control unit 45 is configured to distribute live videos provided by a distributor to multiple viewers. For example, the video distribution control unit 45 is configured to receive live videos transmitted from a user terminal 30 of the distributor (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as a "distributor terminal 30") and transmit the live videos to each user terminal 30 of multiple viewers (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as a "viewer terminal 30"). The live videos are composed of, for example, images input via a camera of the distributor terminal 30 and audio input via a microphone. Such live video distribution can be performed by a streaming method using a protocol such as HTTP Live Streaming (HLS).

[0031] In this embodiment, the video distribution control unit 45 is configured to provide a predetermined reward to the viewer during distribution of the live video. For example, the video distribution control unit 45 is configured to provide a predetermined reward to the viewer in response to execution of a predetermined action by the distributor and / or the viewer via the user terminal 30.

[0032] In addition, the video distribution control unit 45 is configured to provide a specific reward to a specific viewer based at least on the number of consecutive days (number of consecutive daily views) of the live video provided by a specific distributor during distribution of the live video provided by the specific distributor. For example, the greater the number of consecutive days of viewing, the higher the value of the given reward to the viewer.

[0033] In this way, the video distribution server 10 in this embodiment provides rewards to a specific viewer based on the number of consecutive days that the specific viewer watches a live video provided by a specific broadcaster, thereby encouraging viewers to watch the live video of the specific broadcaster every day, and thereby helping the broadcaster of the live video to gain more fans.

[0034] In the present embodiment, the number of consecutive viewing days is counted for days on which live videos provided by a specific distributor are distributed, and days on which live videos provided by a specific distributor are not distributed are not taken into consideration. In other words, as long as viewing is continuous on days on which live videos provided by a specific distributor are distributed, even if there is a day on which the live videos themselves are not distributed by the specific distributor, the count of the number of consecutive viewing days continues (is not cleared).

[0035] In this embodiment, the video distribution control unit 45 may be configured to provide a predetermined reward to a specific viewer in response to the continuous viewing time (continuous viewing time) of a live video provided by a specific distributor by the specific viewer reaching a predetermined threshold (e.g., 30 seconds, 3 minutes, or 7 minutes, etc.). Such a configuration promotes continuous viewing of the live video by the viewer.

[0036] Furthermore, the video distribution control unit 45 can be configured to provide a predetermined reward to a specific viewer in response to an input operation by the specific viewer within a predetermined time (e.g., 10 seconds, 20 seconds, or 60 seconds) after the continuous viewing time by the specific viewer reaches a predetermined threshold. This configuration provides a reward in response to an input operation by the viewer, thereby preventing the continuous viewing time from reaching the predetermined threshold without the viewer actually viewing (e.g., leaving the viewer terminal 30 unattended) and providing the predetermined reward.

[0037] The video distribution control unit 45 may be configured to present predetermined input information input by a viewer to the distributor and other viewers during distribution of the live video. For example, the video distribution control unit 45 is configured to present the live video to the viewers via a viewer screen displayed on each viewer terminal 30, and to display predetermined input information input by one viewer via the screen on the viewer screen on each viewer terminal 30 and on the distributor screen displayed on the distributor terminal 30 (for example, to display the information superimposed on the live video). The predetermined input information includes, but is not limited to, comments and / or items, for example.

[0038] Furthermore, the video distribution control unit 45 may be configured to temporarily suspend the counting of the continuous viewing time of a particular viewer while the continuous time during which the particular viewer does not input predetermined input information is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold (e.g., 30 seconds, 2 minutes, etc.) during the distribution of a live video provided by a distributor. In other words, the video distribution control unit 45 may be configured to temporarily suspend the counting of the continuous viewing time when the viewer does not input predetermined input information for a predetermined continuous time, and to resume the counting of the continuous viewing time when the viewer inputs the predetermined input information thereafter. This configuration promotes the viewer to input predetermined input information in addition to the viewer's continuous viewing of the live video.

[0039] Furthermore, the video distribution control unit 45 may be configured to, after granting a specific reward to a specific viewer in response to the continuous viewing time by the specific viewer reaching a specific threshold, grant the specific reward to the specific viewer again in response to the continuous viewing time by the specific viewer reaching the specific threshold again. Such a configuration allows the viewer to repeatedly obtain the specific reward, thereby encouraging the viewer to continue watching the live video further.

[0040] Furthermore, the video distribution control unit 45 may be configured to grant a predetermined reward such that the greater the number of times the predetermined reward is granted during a period during which a specific viewer continues to watch a live video provided by a specific distributor on a daily basis (the number of days of continuous viewing is kept updated (not cleared)), the greater the value of the predetermined reward to the viewer. In other words, the predetermined reward granted to the viewer may be configured to have a higher value the more repeatedly it is granted during a period during which continuous viewing continues on a daily basis. This configuration promotes the viewer's acquisition of the predetermined reward in addition to watching the live video of a specific distributor on a daily basis by the viewer.

[0041] In addition, the video distribution control unit 45 may be configured to grant a predetermined reward to a specific viewer based on a combination of the number of consecutive days of viewing a live video provided by a specific distributor by the specific viewer and the number of times the predetermined reward is granted during the period during which the specific viewer continues to view the live video on a daily basis. For example, the predetermined reward granted to the viewer is configured to be more valuable than usual when the number of consecutive days of viewing is the Nth day and the number of times the predetermined reward is granted during the period up to the Nth day of continuous viewing is the Mth time. This configuration improves the game nature of obtaining the predetermined reward.

[0042] Furthermore, the video distribution control unit 45 may be configured to present to a specific viewer information on the value of a predetermined reward to be awarded in future award times of the predetermined reward during a period during which the specific viewer continues to watch continuously on a daily basis. For example, the video distribution control unit 45 is configured to present to a viewer, at the point in time when the number of continuous viewing days is the Nth day, information on the value of a predetermined reward to be awarded on the N+1th day of the continuous viewing days. This configuration makes it possible to inform the viewer of information on the value of a future reward in advance, thereby encouraging the viewer to continue watching every day.

[0043] In addition, the video distribution control unit 45 may be configured to selectively grant the first predetermined reward or the second predetermined reward, which is more valuable to the viewer than the first predetermined reward, to the viewer. The predetermined reward in this embodiment includes various virtual / electronic rewards, such as items (including coins, points, etc.). For example, the first predetermined reward is a first quantity of a predetermined item, and the second predetermined reward is a second quantity of the predetermined item, which is greater than the first quantity. In this case, the probability of granting the second predetermined reward may be configured to be higher the greater the number of consecutive days of viewing of a live video provided by a specific distributor by a specific viewer. For example, the second predetermined reward is configured to not be granted while the number of consecutive days of viewing is less than the Nth day, and to be granted when the number of consecutive days of viewing is the Nth day or later. This configuration promotes daily viewing of a live video of a specific distributor through the selective granting of the first or second predetermined reward based on the number of consecutive days of viewing.

[0044] In this embodiment, the first predetermined reward may not be limited in the total number of times it is given to all viewers for each distributor, and the second predetermined reward may be limited in the total number of times it is given to all viewers for each distributor. For example, the second predetermined reward, the total number of times of which is limited, is held by each distributor at a predetermined timing (for example, given to each distributor when the user registers for a live video distribution service), and thereafter, the amount of the second predetermined reward held by each distributor is configured to decrease as the second predetermined reward is given to the viewers. This configuration increases the rarity value of the second predetermined reward, which is highly valuable to viewers, and as a result, promotes early and daily viewing of live videos of a specific distributor. In addition, after the total number of times the second predetermined reward is given to a popular distributor reaches an upper limit, viewing of live videos of distributors (for example, beginners) who have not yet reached the upper limit of the total number of times the second predetermined reward is given is promoted.

[0045] Next, a specific example of the video distribution server 10 of the present embodiment having such a function will be described. FIG. 3 illustrates information managed in the user information table 411 in this example. The user information table 411 manages information about users of the live video distribution service, and as shown in the figure, in association with a "user account" that identifies an individual user, manages information such as "basic information" including account name, age, sex, etc., "distribution history information" that is information about the distribution history of live videos, "viewing history information" that is information about the viewing history of live videos distributed by other users, "following user information" that is information about other users followed by this user, "follower information" that is information about other users (followers) following this user, "rank" that indicates the rank of the user as a distributor, "rank meter value" that is a parameter value for determining rank up / down, "coin holding number" that indicates the number of virtual coins held in the live video distribution service, "diamond holding number" that indicates the number of virtual diamonds held, "super box holding number" that is the number of super boxes held, and "hyper box holding number" that is the number of hyper boxes held. The Super Box and Hyper Box are types of reward boxes that are opened by viewers during live video distribution, which will be described in detail later. In this example, 10 Super Boxes and 3 Hyper Boxes are given to a user when registering a new account for a live video distribution service.

[0046] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the "rank" of a distributor in this example. As shown in the figure, in this example, there are six rank bands, "S", "A", "B", "C", "D" and "E", and each of the five rank bands, "S", "A", "B", "C", and "D", is composed of three ranks (for example, ranks with "+" added to the alphabet indicating the rank band, ranks with only the alphabet, and ranks with "-" added to the alphabet, such as "S+", "S", and "S-"). In addition, the rank band "E" is composed of one rank "E". In other words, in this example, there are 16 ranks (3×5+1=16).

[0047] In addition, the rank band is the highest on the "S" side and the lowest on the "E" side. In addition, within the same rank band, the rank is the highest on the "+" side and the lowest on the "-" side. In this example, the user's rank is set to "D-" as the initial value.

[0048] 5 illustrates information managed in the distribution management table 412 in this example. The distribution management table 412 manages information related to distribution of individual live videos, and as shown in the figure, manages information such as a "distributor user account" that identifies the distributor of this distribution, a "distribution date and time", a "distribution duration" that indicates the duration of the distribution, a "number of viewers (current value and maximum value)", a "number of comments" that is the number of comments entered by the viewers, a "number of likes" that is the number of "likes" entered by the viewers, "item points" that are added according to the input of items by the viewers, and "distribution points" that are points granted for this distribution, in association with a "distribution ID" that identifies an individual distribution.

[0049] 6 illustrates information managed in the viewer management table 413 for each distributor in this example. The viewer management table 413 for each distributor manages information about viewers for each distributor, and as shown in the figure, in association with a combination of a "distributor user account" that identifies a distributor and a "viewer user account" that identifies a viewer, manages information such as "last viewing date" which is the date when the corresponding viewer last viewed the live video of the corresponding distributor, "continuous viewing days" which is the current number of continuous viewing days by the viewer of the live video of the distributor, "continuous viewing time" which is the continuous viewing time when the viewer is currently viewing the live video of the distributor, "comment no input duration" which is the duration during which the viewer has not input a comment when the viewer is currently viewing the live video of the distributor, "number of boxes opened on the day" which is the number of reward boxes opened by the viewer on the day (current date) during the distribution of the live video of the distributor, and "number of box combos" which is the number of reward boxes opened during the period during which continuous viewing continues on a daily basis.

[0050] In this example, the reward box is a reward that a viewer can acquire during the distribution of a live video, and there are three types of reward boxes: a normal box, a super box, and a hyper box. The reward box contains a predetermined number of coins, specifically, a normal box contains a range of 2 to 10 coins, a super box contains a range of 20 to 30 coins, and a hyper box contains a range of 50 to 100 coins. The total number of times that the super box and hyper box can be given to a viewer is limited for each distributor, and the number of each box is managed in the user information table 411, as described above.

[0051] 7 shows an example of a top screen 60 of a live video streaming service. As shown in the figure, the screen 60 has a filter area 62 labeled "Follow," "Popular," and "All," a list display area 64 displaying a list of live videos currently being streamed, and a streaming start button 66 labeled "Stream."

[0052] The filter area 62 is an area for setting filtering for live videos being distributed and displayed in the list display area 64. Specifically, when "Follow" is selected in the filter area 62, the live videos displayed in the list display area 64 are narrowed down to live videos of other users the user is following. Similarly, when "Popular" is selected in the filter area 62, the live videos displayed in the list display area 64 are narrowed down to live videos extracted according to a predetermined extraction condition for extracting popular videos (for example, live videos with a number of viewers (current value) equal to or greater than a threshold). Furthermore, when "All" is selected in the filter area 62, all live videos being distributed without filtering are subject to list display.

[0053] In the list display area 64, a plurality of individual display areas 641, each of which displays information about an individual live video, are arranged in two columns. The individual display areas 641 display, for example, a still image set in advance by the distributor of the live video, the distributor's account name, the number of viewers (current value), and the like. The list display area 64 is configured so that the displayed individual display areas 641 can be switched by a flick operation / slide operation in an up or down direction, and the like.

[0054] The distribution start button 66 is an object for the user to start distribution of a live video as a distributor. When the distribution start button 66 is selected by the user, distribution of the live video is started, and specifically, transmission of a video composed of an image input via the camera of the user terminal 30 and an audio input via the microphone of the user terminal 30 to the server 10 is started. In addition, in response to the start of distribution of the live video, a new record is created in the distribution management table 412.

[0055] 8 illustrates a distributor screen 70 that is displayed on the distributor terminal 30 in response to selection of the distribution start button 66 (i.e., start of distribution of a live video). The screen 70 has a video display area 71 that corresponds to the entire screen, a basic information display area 72 located in the upper left corner of the screen, an action information display area 73 located in the lower left corner of the screen, and a circular distribution stop button 76 located in the center of the bottom edge of the screen.

[0056] The video display area 71 displays the live video being distributed, that is, the image input via the camera of the distributor terminal 30. Since the distributor usually shoots himself / herself via the in-camera of the distributor terminal 30, the live video being distributed includes the distributor himself / herself.

[0057] The basic information display area 72 displays basic information about this broadcast, specifically, broadcaster information (profile image, etc.), the number of viewers of this broadcast (current value), and the number of “likes” entered by viewers in response to this broadcast, etc.

[0058] The action information display area 73 displays information regarding actions performed by a viewer, and specifically, in this area 73, a plurality of action objects 731, each corresponding to an individual action, are arranged vertically. The action information display area 73 is configured such that when a new action is performed by a viewer, a corresponding action object 731 is added to the bottom, and the existing action objects 731 move in order upward. The action information display area 73 is configured such that the action objects 731 displayed are switched by a flick operation / slide operation in the vertical direction, etc. Actions by a viewer displayed in the action information display area 73 include entering a room (starting viewing), inputting a "like," inputting a comment, and inputting an item.

[0059] The distribution stop button 76 is an object for the distributor to stop distribution of the live video. When the distributor selects the distribution stop button 76, distribution of the live video (transmission of the live video from the distributor terminal 30 to the server 10) is stopped.

[0060] FIG. 9 illustrates a viewer screen 80 displayed on the viewer terminal 30. For example, when a viewer selects an arbitrary live video via the list display area 64 of the top screen 60, a viewer screen 80 for viewing the selected live video is displayed on the viewer terminal 30. As shown in the figure, the screen 80 has a video display area 81, a basic information display area 82, and an action information display area 83, similar to the above-mentioned distributor screen 70. In addition, the viewer screen 80 has a comment input area 84, a "Like" button 85 with a heart mark displayed, and an item input button 86 with a gift design displayed at the bottom edge of the screen. In addition, the viewer screen 80 has a box object 87 having the appearance of a box and a remaining time display area 88 that displays the remaining time until the reward box can be opened in a countdown format at the upper right corner of the screen.

[0061] The comment input area 84 is an area for a viewer to input a comment. When a viewer inputs a comment via this area 84, an action object 731, 831 corresponding to the input comment is added to the action information display area 73, 83 in each of the distributor screen 70 of the distributor terminal 30 and the viewer screen 80 of each viewer terminal 30. The action object 731, 831 corresponding to the comment displays the comment itself (text) together with the account name of the viewer who input the comment. In addition, when a comment is input, the number of comments in the distribution management table 412 is updated (increased by 1).

[0062] The like button 85 is an object for a viewer to input a "like" to a distributor. When the button 85 is selected by a viewer, a "like" is input, and an action object 731, 831 corresponding to the "like" is added to the action information display area 73, 83. In the action object 731, 831 corresponding to the "like", text indicating that the "like" has been made is displayed together with the account name of the viewer who input the "like". In addition, when a "like" is input, a predetermined visual effect (for example, an animation effect in which a heart-shaped object is displayed flowing from the bottom to the top of the screen) is added to the video display area 71, 81. In addition, when a "like" is input, the "number of likes" in the distribution management table 412 is updated (1 is added).

[0063] The item input button 86 is an object that allows the viewer to input an item. When the button 86 is selected by the viewer, an item selection screen 200, as shown in FIG. 10, is displayed superimposed on the viewer screen 80. As shown in the figure, the screen 200 displays a list of multiple individual display areas 202, each of which displays information related to an item. The individual display areas 202 display an image corresponding to the item and the number of coins required to input the item.

[0064] In this example, a plurality of items that can be input by the viewer are determined in advance, and a number of coins is set in advance as the price (value) of each item. The item selection screen 200 displays a list of the plurality of items that can be input. When the viewer selects any one of the items via the item selection screen 200, the selected item is input.

[0065] When an item is input, an action object 731, 831 corresponding to the input of the item is added to the action information display area 73, 83. The action object 731, 831 corresponding to the input of the item displays the name of the input item together with the account name of the viewer who input the item. When an item is input, a visual effect corresponding to the input item is added to the video display area 71, 81. When an item is input, item points according to the number of coins of the input item (for example, the more coins, the more points.) are granted to this delivery, and are added to the item points of the corresponding delivery in the delivery management table 412. When an item is input, the number of coins of the input item is subtracted from the number of coins owned by the corresponding user (the viewer who input the item) in the user information table 411.

[0066] FIG. 11 illustrates a box detail information display screen 90 that is displayed overlaid on the viewer screen 80 in response to the selection of a box object 87. The screen 90 displays information about reward boxes that can be acquired by a viewer, and includes a box object 91 having the appearance of a box, a remaining time display area 92 that displays the remaining time until the reward box can be opened in a countdown format, a box ownership status display area 93 that displays the number of Super Boxes and Hyper Boxes owned by the distributor, and a box combo information display area 94 that displays information about box combos. In addition, the remaining number of reward boxes that can be opened by this viewer on the day for this distributor is displayed below the remaining time display area 92. In this example, one viewer can open up to two reward boxes per day for one distributor. In addition, an explanation of the specifications of the reward box is displayed below the box combo information display area 94.

[0067] In this example, a box combo is managed for each combination of a broadcaster and a viewer, and is defined as the consecutive opening of a reward box during continuous daily viewing of the broadcaster's live video, and the number of times the reward box is opened is the combo number.

[0068] In this example, the type of reward box given to the viewer is set based on the combination of the number of consecutive viewing days and the number of combos. Specifically, if the number of consecutive viewing days is "2 days" and the number of combos is "4" (i.e., if you watch for two consecutive days, open two reward boxes on the first day, and open the second reward box of that day on the second day), a super box is given, and if the number of consecutive viewing days is "4 days" and the number of combos is "8" (i.e., if you watch for four consecutive days, open two reward boxes on each of the first to third days, and open the second reward box of that day on the fourth day), a hyper box is given. For combinations (number of consecutive viewing days and number of combos) other than these two, a normal box is set.

[0069] FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining the transition of the number of consecutive viewing days and the number of combos (number of times the box is opened) when the viewer opens the Super Box and the Hyper Box (this can also be called the procedure for opening the Super Box and the Hyper Box). As shown in the figure, on the first day of the consecutive viewing, the reward boxes opened twice are both normal boxes. Then, on the second day of the consecutive viewing, the reward box opened the first time (combo number is 3) is a normal box, while the reward box opened the second time (combo number is 4) is a Super Box. Also, on the third day of the consecutive viewing, the reward boxes opened twice are both normal boxes. Then, on the fourth day of the consecutive viewing, the reward box opened the first time (combo number is 7) is a normal box, while the reward box opened the second time (combo number is 8) is a Hyper Box. Note that all reward boxes opened after this are normal boxes.

[0070] The box combo information display area 94 displays the correspondence between the number of combos and the type of reward box. FIG. 13 illustrates an example of the display contents in the box combo information display area 94. As shown in the figure, the box combo information display area 94 has a first box object 942A corresponding to a reward box that has already been opened or is to be opened this time, and a second box object 942B corresponding to a reward box that is to be opened in the future, and has an unfilled box appearance, arranged side by side in the horizontal direction. In addition, these first and second box objects 942A and 942B are arranged so that the number of combos increases from left to right, and the corresponding number of combos is displayed below each object. In addition, a currently opened object 941 having a pin shape is arranged above the first box object 942A corresponding to the currently (next) opened reward box, as shown in the figure. In addition, the first and second box objects 942A, B have appearances that correspond to the type of reward box they correspond to; specifically, the first and second box objects 942A, B corresponding to a Super Box have one star-shaped object attached to the top of the box, and the first and second box objects 942A, B corresponding to a Hyper Box have two star-shaped objects attached to the top of the box.

[0071] The box combo information display area 94 is configured to display information for four combos at a time (i.e., four first and second box objects 942A and 942B), and the display range is switched by a left-right flick operation / slide operation. For example, in FIG. 13, the area within the solid line frame is the initial display range in the box combo information display area 94, and by switching the display range, the area within the dashed line frame is also displayed. Also, in this example, the displayable range in the box combo information display area 94 includes information for eight combos, including the current opening, in addition to the number of combos that have already been opened. In the example of FIG. 13, the reward box has not yet been opened (the combo number corresponding to the current opening is 1), so information for combo numbers ranging from 1 to 8 is displayed in the box combo information display area 94.

[0072] 13 corresponds to the display contents at the start of viewing on the first day of continuous viewing when the viewer illustrated in FIG. 12 opens a Super Box and a Hyper Box, and as described above, a second box object 942B having the appearance of a Super Box is placed at the "4 combo" position, and a second box object 942B having the appearance of a Hyper Box is placed at the "8 combo" position. Through the display contents of the box combo information display area 94, the viewer can know the timing (number of combos) at which he or she can obtain a Super Box / Hyper Box.

[0073] FIG. 14 illustrates the display contents of the box combo information display area 94 on the second day of continuous viewing when two reward boxes are opened on the first day of continuous viewing from the state of FIG. 13. In this case, as illustrated, an opened object 943 is arranged above the first box object 942A corresponding to the opened reward boxes (1st combo and 2nd combo). In addition, since the current opening corresponds to the 3rd combo, the currently opened object 941 is arranged above the first box object 942A of the 3rd combo, and the displayable range in the box combo information display area 94 is expanded to 10 combos. In addition, since the reward boxes are opened according to the opening procedure illustrated in FIG. 12, the super box becomes openable in the 4th combo, and the hyper box becomes openable in the 8th combo, as in the state of FIG. 13.

[0074] Here, in this example, if the distributor does not own a Super Box / Hyper Box (the number of owned boxes is 0), the viewer cannot open these types of reward boxes, and this is also reflected in the display content in the box combo information display area 94. FIG. 15 illustrates the display content in the box combo information display area 94 when the distributor does not own a Super Box at the start of viewing on the first day of continuous viewing. In this case, as shown in the figure, the second box object 942B located at the "4 combo" position does not have the appearance of a Super Box, but has the appearance of a normal box. Note that, if the distributor does not own a Hyper Box, the second box object 942B with the appearance of a normal box is also located at the "8 combo" position. Also, if the distributor does not own a Super Box / Hyper Box due to the opening of a Super Box / Hyper Box by another viewer during the distribution of a live video, this is reflected in the display content in the box combo information display area 94.

[0075] Also, in this example, if the viewer does not open the reward box using the opening procedure illustrated in FIG. 12 (i.e., even if the viewer watches continuously on a daily basis, there is a viewing day on which the number of reward boxes opened is 0 or 1), the viewer cannot open the Super Box / Hyper Box, and this is also reflected in the display content in the box combo information display area 94. FIG. 16 illustrates an example of the display content in the box combo information display area 94 at the start of viewing on the second day of continuous viewing when the number of reward boxes opened on the first day of continuous viewing was 1. In this case, as shown in the figure, all reward boxes from the second combo onwards will be normal boxes. In this way, the viewer can know the types of reward boxes that will be available to be opened in the future via the box combo information display area 94.

[0076] Here, the operation of opening the reward box will be described. Fig. 17 is a flow diagram illustrating a process executed by the server 10 in response to the start of viewing of a live video by a user (viewer) (i.e., display of the viewer screen 80). The process illustrated in Fig. 17 is executed individually for each viewer.

[0077] When viewing of a live video starts, the server 10 first updates the number of continuous viewing days and the last viewing date as shown in the figure (step S100). The number of continuous viewing days and the last viewing date are managed in the viewer management table 413 for each distributor as described above. In updating the number of continuous viewing days, specifically, if the distributor's previous distribution date (specified by referring to the distribution history information in the user information table 411) matches the viewer's last viewing date before the update, it is determined that the daily continuous viewing is continuing and 1 is added to the number of continuous viewing days, whereas if the distributor's previous distribution date does not match the viewer's last viewing date before the update (the distributor has performed distribution after the viewer's last viewing date), it is determined that the daily continuous viewing is not continuing and the initial value "1" is set to the number of continuous viewing days. In updating the last viewing date, specifically, the current date is set to the last viewing date.

[0078] Then, the server 10 waits for the duration without a comment being entered by the viewer to be 2 minutes or more, or the continuous viewing time to be 7 minutes or more (NO in step S120 and NO in step S130), as long as the number of reward box openings for that day does not exceed the upper limit (2 in this example) (NO in step S110). During this wait, the remaining time until the reward box can be opened is counted down in the remaining time display area 88 of the viewer screen 80 (and the remaining time display area 92 of the box detailed information display screen 90) according to the passage of the continuous viewing time. Note that the duration without a comment being entered and the continuous viewing time are managed in the viewer management table 413 for each distributor, as described above.

[0079] Then, when the duration without a comment being entered reaches 2 minutes before the continuous viewing time reaches 7 minutes (YES in step S120), the server 10 temporarily stops counting the continuous viewing time (i.e., temporarily stops the countdown of the remaining time until the reward box can be opened) (step S140). This pause continues as long as the viewer does not enter a comment (NO in step S150). While the continuous viewing time count is paused, a display prompting the viewer to enter a comment is displayed on the box detailed information display screen 90. After that, when the viewer enters a comment (YES in step S150), the server 10 resumes counting the continuous viewing time (step S155) and returns to step S120.

[0080] Then, when the continuous viewing time reaches 7 minutes (YES in step S130), the server 10 waits for the reward box to be opened until 20 seconds have elapsed (NO in step S170 and NO in step S190).

[0081] FIG. 18 illustrates a box opening screen 210 that is displayed superimposed on the viewer screen 80 when the continuous viewing time reaches 7 minutes. In the center of the screen 210, a box object 212 for opening a reward box and acquiring a reward is disposed. As illustrated, a countdown of the time limit (20 seconds) until the reward box is opened is displayed below the object 212. The viewer can open the reward box by performing an operation input to select the box object 212 within the time limit. In this way, setting a time limit until the reward box is opened encourages the viewer to actually watch the live video compared to when such a time limit is not set.

[0082] Then, when the box object 212 on the box opening screen 210 is selected and the reward box is opened (YES in step S170), the server 10 grants the viewer a number of coins corresponding to the type of box (step S180). Specifically, if the reward box is a normal box, a range of 2 to 10 coins is granted, if the reward box is a super box, a range of 20 to 30 coins is granted, and if the reward box is a hyper box, a range of 50 to 100 coins is granted. The specific number of coins granted is set according to a predetermined rule (for example, randomly) so as to be within these ranges. In response to the granting of coins to the viewer, the number of coins held by the corresponding user (viewer) is updated in the user information table 411. In addition, in response to the opening of the reward box, the number of boxes opened on the day and the number of box combos are updated in the viewer management table 413 for each distributor. In addition, if the type of reward box is a super box / hyper box, the number of super boxes / hyper boxes held by the corresponding distributor is updated in the user information table 411.

[0083] Coins are then awarded to the viewer (step S180), or when the 20-second time limit has elapsed without the reward box being opened (YES in step S190), the process returns to step S110. If the number of reward boxes opened that day exceeds the upper limit (YES in step S110), the process ends; if the upper limit is not exceeded (NO in step S110), the process waits again for the viewer to continue without entering a comment for 2 minutes or more, or for the continuous viewing time to reach 7 minutes or more. If the number of reward boxes opened that day exceeds the upper limit, a message to that effect is displayed in the box object 87 and / or remaining time display area 88 on the viewer screen 80.

[0084] The above describes the operation related to opening the reward box. Next, the operation when the broadcaster ends the broadcast will be described. As described above, when the broadcaster selects the stop broadcast button 76 on the broadcaster screen 70, the broadcast of the live video ends. When the broadcast of the live video ends, the server 10 sets the broadcast points for that broadcast. In this example, the broadcast points are calculated based on the number of viewers (maximum value), the number of likes, the number of comments, and the item points. The broadcast points are configured to increase as the number of viewers (maximum value), the number of likes, the number of comments, and the item points increase. The calculated broadcast points are registered in the broadcast management table 412.

[0085] In this example, the rank of the day is determined (updated) based on the distribution points acquired by the user on the previous day. Fig. 19 is a flow diagram illustrating the process executed by the server 10 when updating the rank of each user. These processes are executed every night (for example, at 3:00 a.m. every day).

[0086] As shown in the figure, the server 10 first updates the rank meter value of each user (step S300). FIG. 20 is a diagram for explaining the update rule of the rank meter value. As shown in the figure, in this example, the rank meter value fluctuates based on the ranking of the delivery points acquired by the user on the previous day within the rank band to which the user belongs. The delivery points acquired by a specific user on the previous day are calculated by referring to the distributor user account, delivery date and time, and delivery points in the delivery management table 412. Note that if a user makes multiple deliveries in one day, the delivery points acquired in each of the multiple deliveries are added together.

[0087] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 20, the update rule for the rank meter value is as follows: first, if the ranking of a distribution point within a rank band is included in the top 10%, the change in the rank meter value is "+2" (an increase of 2 points). Similarly, if the ranking is included in the top 11-30% (the remaining 20% ​​after removing the top 10% from the top 30%), the change is "+1", if the ranking is included in the middle 30% (top 31-60%), the change is "±0" (no increase or decrease), and if the ranking is included in the bottom 40%, the change is "-1" (a decrease of 1 point). Note that if no distribution was performed on the previous day, the change in the rank meter value will be "-1" regardless of the ranking within the rank band.

[0088] In step S300, the rank meter value of each user is updated according to the update rule exemplified in Fig. 20. Note that, for a user with a negative rank meter value, if the current change in rank meter value is an increase (specifically, +2 or +1), the rank meter value may be cleared to 0 and then increased. That is, for example, if the current change in rank meter value of a user whose current rank meter value is "-1" is "+2", the rank meter value is cleared to 0 and then incremented by 2, so that the rank meter value after the change becomes "+2" (instead of "+1"). In this way, even for users with negative rank meter values ​​(for example, users who broadcast infrequently), the rank meter value can be increased all at once, which promotes the broadcasting of live video.

[0089] After updating the rank meter value of each user, the server 10 then updates the rank based on the updated rank meter value (step S310). FIG. 21 is a diagram for explaining the correspondence between the update contents of the rank and the required rank meter value. As shown in the figure, first, when ranking up across rank bands (in other words, when ranking up from the highest rank in each rank band), the rank meter value required is +4. That is, when a user belonging to the highest rank (e.g., A+) in each rank band has a rank meter value of +4, the user is ranked up to the lowest rank (e.g., S-) in the immediately upper rank band. Also, when ranking up within the same rank band (in other words, when ranking up from the middle or lowest rank in each rank band), the rank meter value required is +2. That is, when a user belonging to the middle or lowest rank (e.g., B or B-) in each rank band has a rank meter value of +2, the user is ranked up to the immediately upper rank (e.g., B+ or B) in the same rank band.

[0090] Similarly, as illustrated in FIG. 21, when a user ranks down within the same rank band (in other words, when a user ranks down from the highest or middle rank in each rank band), the rank meter value required is -2. That is, when a user who belongs to the highest or middle rank in each rank band (e.g., B+ or B) has a rank meter value of -2, the user ranks down to the next lower rank (e.g., B or B-) in the same rank band. When a user ranks down across rank bands, the rank meter value required is -6. That is, when a user who belongs to the lowest rank (e.g., A-) in each rank band has a rank meter value of -6, the user ranks down to the highest rank (e.g., B+) in the next lower rank band. Thus, in this example, the absolute value of the rank meter value required for rank up / down across rank bands is larger than that for rank up / down within the same rank band. As a result, a sudden rank up / down in a short period of time is suppressed.

[0091] In step S310, the rank is updated based on the rank meter value according to the correspondence relationship illustrated in Fig. 21. The rank meter value of the user whose rank has been updated (the user whose rank has been upgraded / downgraded) is cleared to 0.

[0092] FIG. 22 illustrates a rank meter object 100 that displays a rank meter value of a user. The object 100 is arranged, for example, on a profile screen that displays basic information of a user. As illustrated, the rank meter object 100 has a needle object 102 having a needle-shaped form and a scale object 104 having a C-shaped form that opens downward. The user's current rank ("Rank A" in the example of FIG. 22) is displayed below the needle object 102. The needle object 102 is configured to swing (rotate) to the right when the rank meter value increases, and swing to the left when the rank meter value decreases. The needle object 102 in FIG. 22 is in an upright state (pointing to the 12 o'clock direction), which corresponds to a state where the rank meter value is 0. Also, the needle object 102 tilts to the right as the rank meter value increases in the positive direction, and tilts to the left as the rank meter value decreases in the negative direction. A rank up area 1041 corresponding to a rank meter value required for ranking up is set on the lower right side of the scale object 104, and a rank down area 1042 corresponding to a rank meter value required for ranking down is set on the lower left side of the scale object 104. Through the rank meter object 100, the user can grasp the current state of the rank meter value toward ranking up / down.

[0093] In this example, diamonds are awarded as a reward to the user as a distributor based on the distribution time of the previous day and the rank (rank on the previous day). Fig. 23 is a flow diagram illustrating the process executed by the server 10 when awarding diamonds to each distributor. These processes are executed late at night every day, for example, at a time (for example, at midnight every day) before the process executed when updating the rank of each user illustrated in Fig. 19.

[0094] As shown in the figure, the server 10 first calculates the delivery time of each user on the previous day (step S400). Specifically, the delivery time of a specific user on the previous day is calculated by referring to the distributor user account and delivery date and time in the delivery management table 412. If a user makes multiple deliveries in one day, the delivery times of each of the multiple deliveries are added together.

[0095] Next, the server 10 grants each user a number of diamonds based on the calculated distribution time and the reference number of diamonds (step S410). Specifically, each user is granted a number of diamonds calculated by multiplying the calculated distribution time by the reference number of diamonds. The reference number of diamonds is preset for each rank so that the higher the rank, the greater the number, and the reference number of diamonds corresponding to each user's rank on the previous day is applied. When diamonds are granted to a user, the number of diamonds held in the user information table 411 is updated. In this example, diamonds can be exchanged for coins or real currency.

[0096] In the above example, the type of reward box given to the viewer is set based on a combination of the number of consecutive viewing days and the number of combos, but in another example of this embodiment, it is set based only on the number of combos. In yet another example of this embodiment, the management of box combos is not performed, and the type of reward box given to the viewer is set based only on the number of consecutive viewing days (or in addition to a parameter other than the number of combos).

[0097] The video distribution server 10 of the present embodiment described above provides a reward (e.g., a reward box (a predetermined number of coins)) to a specific viewer based at least on the number of consecutive days that the specific viewer has watched a live video provided by a specific broadcaster, thereby encouraging viewers to watch the live video of a specific broadcaster every day, and thereby helping the broadcaster of the live video to gain more fans.

[0098] The processes and procedures described herein may be realized by software, hardware, or any combination thereof, other than those explicitly described. For example, the processes and procedures described herein may be realized by implementing logic corresponding to the processes and procedures in a medium such as an integrated circuit, a volatile memory, a non-volatile memory, or a magnetic disk. In addition, the processes and procedures described herein may be implemented as a computer program corresponding to the processes and procedures, and executed by various computers.

[0099] Although processes and procedures described herein are described as being performed by a single device, software, component, or module, such processes or procedures may be performed by multiple devices, software, components, and / or modules. Also, the software and hardware elements described herein may be realized by combining them into fewer components or breaking them down into more components.

[0100] In this specification, even if a component of the invention is described as either singular or plural, or described without limitation to either singular or plural, the component may be either singular or plural unless the context requires otherwise. [Explanation of symbols]

[0101] 10 Video distribution server 11. Computer Processors 15 Storage 20. Communication Networks 30 User terminals 41 Information storage management department 43 Basic function control section 45 Video distribution control section 60 Top screen 70 Broadcaster screen 80 Viewer Screen 90 Box detailed information display screen 94 Box combo information display area 100 Rank Meter Object 200 Item selection screen 210 Box Opening Screen

Claims

1. 1. A system for streaming live video, comprising one or more computer processors, comprising: The one or more computer processors, in response to execution of the readable instructions, A process of distributing live video provided by a distributor to a plurality of viewers; During the distribution of the live video, a process of granting a predetermined reward to the viewer is executed; The process of granting the predetermined reward includes granting the predetermined reward to a specific viewer based at least on a number of consecutive days of viewing of a live video provided by a specific distributor by the specific viewer during distribution of the live video provided by the specific distributor. system.

2. The process of granting the predetermined reward includes granting the predetermined reward such that the greater the number of consecutive viewing days, the greater the value to the viewer. The system of claim 1.

3. The process of granting the predetermined reward includes granting the predetermined reward to the specific viewer in response to a continuous viewing time of the live video provided by the specific distributor by the specific viewer reaching a first threshold.

3. The system of claim 1 or 2.

4. the process of granting the predetermined reward includes granting the predetermined reward to the specific viewer in response to an input operation by the specific viewer within a predetermined time after a continuous viewing time of the live video provided by the specific distributor by the specific viewer reaches the first threshold value; The system of claim 3.

5. The one or more computer processors further execute a process of presenting predetermined input information input by a viewer to the distributor and other viewers during distribution of the live video provided by the distributor; The process of granting the predetermined reward includes temporarily suspending counting of a continuous viewing time of the specific viewer while a continuous time during which the specific viewer has not input the predetermined input information is equal to or greater than a second threshold value.

5. The system of claim 3 or 4.

6. the process of granting the predetermined reward includes granting the predetermined reward to the specific viewer in response to the continuous viewing time of the specific viewer reaching the first threshold, and then granting the predetermined reward to the specific viewer again in response to the continuous viewing time of the specific viewer reaching the first threshold again.

6. A system according to any one of claims 3 to 5.

7. The process of granting the predetermined reward includes granting the predetermined reward such that the greater the number of times the predetermined reward is granted during a period during which the specific viewer continues to watch the live video provided by the specific distributor on a daily basis, the greater the value of the predetermined reward for the viewer.

7. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The process of granting the predetermined reward includes granting the predetermined reward to the specific viewer based on a combination of the number of consecutive days of viewing the live video provided by the specific distributor by the specific viewer and the number of times the predetermined reward is granted during a period during which the specific viewer continues to continuously view the live video on a daily basis. The system of claim 7.

9. The process of awarding the predetermined reward includes presenting to the particular viewer information regarding a value of the predetermined reward to be awarded in future awards of the predetermined reward during a period during which the particular viewer continues to watch the program on a daily basis.

9. The system of claim 7 or 8.

10. The process of granting the predetermined reward includes: Granting a first predetermined reward or a second predetermined reward that is more valuable to the viewer than the first predetermined reward to the viewer; and The probability of the second predetermined reward being awarded increases as the number of consecutive days that the specific viewer watches the live video provided by the specific distributor increases.

10. A system according to any preceding claim.

11. The first predetermined reward is not limited in total number of times to be given to all viewers for each distributor, The second predetermined reward is limited in total number of times to be given to all viewers for each distributor. The system of claim 10.

12. 1. A method for streaming live video, executed by one or more computers, comprising: A step of distributing a live video provided by a distributor to a plurality of viewers; and providing a predetermined reward to the viewer during distribution of the live video. The step of granting the predetermined reward includes granting the predetermined reward to a specific viewer based at least on a number of consecutive days of viewing of a live video provided by a specific distributor by the specific viewer during distribution of the live video provided by the specific distributor. method.

13. A program for distributing live video, In response to being executed on one or more computers, the one or more computers are A process of distributing live video provided by a distributor to a plurality of viewers; During the distribution of the live video, a process of granting a predetermined reward to the viewer is executed; The process of granting the predetermined reward includes granting the predetermined reward to a specific viewer based at least on a number of consecutive days of viewing of a live video provided by a specific distributor by the specific viewer during distribution of the live video provided by the specific distributor. program.

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