System, method and program for providing content distribution service

Abstract

To assist viewers in comfortably viewing a content.SOLUTION: A content distribution server 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention is communicatively connected to user terminals 30 via a communication network 20 and provides users through the user terminals 30 with a content distribution service that allows a content to be distributed and viewed. The server 10 receives, from a distributor, the use of distributor-specific items for a content distributed by the distributor, and enables viewers who meet viewer conditions corresponding to the distributor-specific items to view the content while disabling viewers who do not meet the viewer conditions from viewing the content. Accordingly, the use of the distributor-specific items by the distributor enables distribution of a content targeting viewers who meet specific conditions, thereby assisting viewers in viewing a content targeting themselves.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a system, method, and program for providing a content distribution service that enables content distribution and viewing. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, in services that allow the distribution and viewing of digital content such as videos, viewers of the content may input comments, items, etc. For example, the following Patent Document 1 discloses changing the mode of the distribution screen in response to an instruction from the distributor, and varying the items that can be input according to the mode. This mechanism can encourage viewers to input items, since it is sufficient to input items according to the mode of the distribution screen. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2017-121021 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, although the above-mentioned conventional mechanism can encourage the input of items, etc. according to the mode of the distribution screen, some viewers may be concerned about the presence of other viewers and hesitate to input items, etc. For example, content that is popular with many regular viewers is difficult for first-time viewers to casually input items, etc., and as a result, there are cases where viewers stop watching the content altogether.

[0005] One of the objects of the embodiments of the present invention is to support a viewer in comfortably viewing content. Other objects of the embodiments 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 providing a content distribution service that includes one or more computer processors and enables the distribution and viewing of content, wherein the one or more computer processors execute the steps of accepting from a distributor a request for use of a distributor item for specific content distributed by the distributor, and enabling viewing of the specific content by a first viewer among a plurality of viewers who satisfies a specified condition corresponding to the distributor item, and wherein the step of enabling viewing of the specific content includes not enabling viewing of the specific content by a second viewer among the plurality of viewers who does not satisfy the specified condition.

[0007] A method according to one embodiment of the present invention is executed by one or more computers and is a method for providing a content distribution service capable of distributing and viewing content, comprising the steps of accepting from a distributor a request for use of a distributor item for specific content distributed by the distributor, and enabling a first viewer among a plurality of viewers who satisfies a specified condition corresponding to the distributor item to view the specific content, wherein the step of enabling viewing of the specific content includes not enabling a second viewer among the plurality of viewers who does not satisfy the specified condition to view the specific content.

[0008] A program according to one embodiment of the present invention is a program for providing a content distribution service that enables the distribution and viewing of content, and causes one or more computers to execute the steps of accepting from a distributor a request for the use of a distributor item for specific content distributed by the distributor, and enabling the specific content to be viewed by a first viewer among a plurality of viewers who satisfies a specified condition corresponding to the distributor item, wherein the step of enabling the specific content to be viewed includes not enabling the specific content to be viewed by a second viewer among the plurality of viewers who does not satisfy the specified condition. Effect of the Invention

[0009] Various embodiments of the present invention aid in viewers' comfortable viewing of content. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a network including a content distribution server 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of information managed in a user information table 151. [Diagram 3] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining ranks. [Figure 4] 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of information managed in a distribution management table 153. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a top screen 50. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a distribution preparation screen 200. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a distribution setting screen 210. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a distribution preparation screen 200 when distribution for beginners is set. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a top screen 50 when the corresponding user is a beginner. [Figure 10] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a distribution screen 60. [Figure 11] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a viewing screen 70. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of an item selection screen 220. [Figure 13] 6 is a flowchart illustrating a process executed by the server 10 to update the rank of each user. [Figure 14] 11 is a flowchart illustrating a process executed by the server 10 when determining whether to update a rank for each user. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same reference numerals may be used to denote the same or similar components.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a network including a content distribution server 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the server 10 is communicatively 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 communicatively connected to a plurality of user terminals 30. The server 10 provides a content distribution service that allows content to be distributed and viewed to users via the user terminals 30. The content distribution server 10 is an example of a device that implements a part or all of the system of the present invention.

[0013] First, a description will be given of the hardware configuration of the content distribution server 10. The content 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 (storage device) 15, and these components are electrically connected via a bus (not shown) or the like.

[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 an operator, 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 composed of, for example, a magnetic disk, a flash memory, etc. The storage 15 stores various programs including an operating system, various data, etc. For example, as shown in Fig. 1, the storage 15 has a user information table 151 that manages information about users of the content distribution service, and a distribution management table 153 that manages information about individual distributions. These tables may be partly integrated into one table, or may be divided into multiple tables.

[0018] Furthermore, for example, the storage 15 stores a server-side program 40 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The program 40 is a program for causing the server 10 to function as all or part of a system for providing a content distribution service. At least a part of the server-side program 40 can be configured to be executed on the user terminal 30 side via a terminal-side program 42, which will be described later.

[0019] In this embodiment, the content distribution server 10 may be configured using a plurality of computers each having the above-mentioned hardware configuration. For example, the content distribution server 10 may be configured by one or a plurality of server devices.

[0020] The content distribution server 10 thus configured 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 terminal-side program 42 installed in the user terminal 30, and transmits screen data (e.g., HTML data) and control data corresponding to the results of the processes to the user terminal 30. The user terminal 30 can output a web page or other screen based on the received data.

[0021] Next, a description will be given of the hardware configuration of the user terminal 30. 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 (storage device) 35, and these components are electrically connected via a bus or the like (not shown).

[0022] 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.

[0023] The input / output I / F 33 includes various input / output devices for exchanging information with an operator, etc. The input / output I / F 33 includes, for example, an information input device such as a keyboard or 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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] The storage 35 is configured, for example, by a magnetic disk or a flash memory. The storage 35 stores various programs including an operating system, various data, and the like. The programs stored in the storage 35 can be downloaded from an application market or the like and installed. The storage 35 also stores a terminal-side program 42. The program 42 is configured as a web browser or other application (for example, a terminal-side application for a content distribution service, etc.) and can be configured to execute at least a part of the server-side program 40 as described above.

[0026] In this embodiment, the user terminal 30 may be configured as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a personal computer, a wearable device, or the like.

[0027] A user operating a user terminal 30 configured in this manner can use the content distribution service provided by the server 10 by communicating with the content distribution server 10 via a terminal-side program 42 installed in storage 35 or the like.

[0028] Next, a description will be given of the functions of the content distribution server 10 configured as above. The computer processor 11 of the server 10 is configured to function as a management function control unit 111 and a content distribution control unit 112 by executing instructions included in a program (e.g., at least a part of the server-side program 40) loaded into the main memory 12, as shown in FIG.

[0029] The management function control unit 111 is configured to execute various processes related to the control of the management function of the content distribution service. For example, the management function control unit 111 transmits screen data and control data of various screens related to the management function to the user terminal 30, executes various processes in response to an operation input by a user via the screen output on the user terminal 30, and transmits screen data and control data according to the results of the processes to the user terminal 30. The management functions controlled by the management function control unit 111 include, for example, login processing (user authentication), billing control, and management of user accounts.

[0030] The content delivery control unit 112 is configured to execute various processes related to the control of content delivery. For example, the content delivery control unit 112 is configured to deliver content to each user terminal 30 (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as viewing terminal 30) of a plurality of viewers who view the content. For example, the content delivery control unit 112 presents a viewing screen displaying the content to each of the plurality of viewers, and transmits, for example, screen data and control data of the viewing screen to each viewing terminal 30.

[0031] In this embodiment, the content distribution control unit 112 is configured to accept, from a distributor, a request to use a distributor item for the content that the distributor distributes. The instruction to use the distributor item is given, for example, via a screen displayed on the user terminal 30 of the distributor (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as the distribution terminal 30).

[0032] The content distribution control unit 112 is configured to allow viewers who satisfy the viewer conditions corresponding to the used distributor item, among multiple viewers (users of the content distribution service), to view the content in which the distributor item is used. In this case, viewers who do not satisfy the viewer conditions are not allowed to view the content.

[0033] In this way, the content distribution server 10 in this embodiment accepts from a distributor the use of a distributor item for the content that the distributor distributes, and allows viewers who satisfy the viewer conditions corresponding to the distributor item to view the content, while not allowing viewers who do not satisfy the viewer conditions to view the content, thereby enabling the distributor to distribute content targeted at viewers who satisfy specific conditions through the use of the distributor item by the distributor, and as a result, encouraging viewers to view content targeted at them. In other words, the server 10 supports viewers in comfortably viewing content.

[0034] The content distributed in this embodiment includes various kinds of digital content. For example, the content is composed of images (moving images or still images) and audio, or composed of either one of them. Furthermore, the content is, for example, transmitted in real time from the distribution terminal 30 (live distribution), or stored in advance in a storage device such as the storage 15. The live distribution of content may involve a certain delay (time lag) depending on the distributor's settings, the network conditions, etc. The live distribution of content is performed, for example, by a streaming method using a protocol such as HTTP Live Streaming (HLS).

[0035] Furthermore, the content transmitted from the broadcasting terminal 30 is composed of, for example, video and audio of the broadcaster input (filmed) via a camera and microphone of the broadcasting terminal 30. Furthermore, such content is composed of, for example, video corresponding to a screen output by an application (e.g., a game) running on the broadcasting terminal 30, audio output by the application, and / or audio of the broadcaster input via a microphone of the broadcasting terminal 30.

[0036] In addition, in the present embodiment, the content to be distributed may be such that a portion of the data constituting the content is transmitted in real time from the distribution terminal 30, while a portion of the data constituting the content is stored in advance in the server 10 or the viewing terminal 30. For example, audio constituting the content is transmitted in real time from the distribution terminal 30, while images constituting the content are stored in advance in the server 10 or the viewing terminal 30, and the content is generated in the server 10 or the viewing terminal 30 based on these data.

[0037] Also, for example, in addition to the voice constituting the content, motion data (motion data) for moving an object such as a character is transmitted in real time from the distribution terminal 30, while images constituting the content are stored in advance in the server 10 or the viewing terminal 30, and the images include model data of the object. In this case, the motion data is generated based on the motion of the distributor (including changes in facial expressions, etc.) recognized via the camera of the distribution terminal 30, for example. The content generated in the server 10 or the viewing terminal 30 includes an object that moves based on the model data and the motion data.

[0038] In this embodiment, the content distribution control unit 112 may be configured to accept the use of a distributor item for the content in association with the start of distribution of the content (e.g., before or after the start of the distribution). Such a configuration makes it possible to use the distributor item at the start of the distribution of the content.

[0039] In this embodiment, the viewer condition corresponding to the distributor item may include various conditions. For example, the viewer condition includes a condition related to the usage of the content distribution service. The usage includes, for example, at least one of the number of days logged in to the content distribution service and the viewing time of the content. For example, the viewer condition is configured as a condition that is satisfied when the number of days logged in during a predetermined period and / or the total viewing time of the content (which may be limited to only the content of the distributor who used the distributor item, or may target the content of multiple distributors) is within a predetermined range (for example, above a threshold value or below a threshold value). Such a configuration enables the distribution of content targeted to viewers who have similar usage of the content distribution service.

[0040] The viewer conditions may include conditions related to viewer attributes, such as, but not limited to, various parameters such as age, sex, and residential area. This configuration enables content to be distributed to viewers with similar attributes.

[0041] In this embodiment, various methods may be applied to the control that enables viewers who satisfy the viewer conditions to view the content. For example, the content delivery control unit 112 is configured to present a viewing content selection screen that allows each viewer to select a content to view from a plurality of contents (for example, to transmit screen data and control data of the screen to each viewing terminal 30), and when the screen is presented to a viewer who satisfies the viewer conditions (displayed on the user terminal 30 of the viewer), the screen displays the corresponding content (content using a distributor item) in a selectable manner, whereas when the screen is presented to a viewer who does not satisfy the viewer conditions, the screen does not display the corresponding content in a selectable manner (including being hidden or displayed in an unselectable manner (for example, grayed out)). For example, when the viewing content selection screen is presented to a viewer who satisfies the viewer conditions, a predetermined area (for example, a tab area) that selectably displays a list of a plurality of contents using a distributor item is enabled, whereas when the viewing content selection screen is presented to a viewer who does not satisfy the viewer conditions, the predetermined area is not enabled (for example, being hidden or displayed in an unselectable manner). This configuration realizes control that enables viewing of content via the viewing content selection screen.

[0042] In this embodiment, the content distribution control unit 112 can be configured to accept execution of an action by a viewer who is viewing the content. In this case, the action may include an action that is executable only when the content being viewed is an item-using content in which a distributor item has been used. The action includes, for example, input of a comment, an item, a like, and the like, and typically, a predetermined display is performed in the content being distributed in response to the execution of such an action. The action that is executable only when the content being viewed is an item-using content includes, for example, an action (including input of the item) that involves the use of a viewer item (including coins, points, and the like) that can be used only when the content being viewed is an item-using content. This configuration increases the appeal of the actions that can be executed in the item-using content in which a distributor item has been used, and encourages viewers who satisfy the viewer conditions to view the item-using content.

[0043] In this embodiment, actions performed by a viewer while viewing content may include actions that can be performed free of charge if the content being viewed is item-using content, and actions that can be performed for a fee if the content being viewed is not item-using content. In other words, in this case, it can be said that the item-using content is content in which actions by a viewer that would normally be performed for a fee can be performed free of charge. This configuration promotes the performance of actions by viewers in item-using content.

[0044] In this embodiment, the content distribution control unit 112 can be configured to manage the accomplishment (clearance) of missions by viewers who are viewing content, and in this case, the missions include missions that are applied only when the content being viewed is item-using content in which a distributor item has been used. The missions include those that are accomplished when various parameters (e.g., viewing time, number of comments entered, number of items entered, number of coins consumed, and amount charged, etc.) related to the viewer's viewing record (including record of action execution) reach a threshold. This configuration allows viewers to enjoy accomplishing missions in item-using content in which a distributor item has been used.

[0045] In this embodiment, the content distribution control unit 112 can be configured to set rankings for multiple distributors based on their content distribution records, and in this case, can be configured to exclude distribution of item-using content in which a distributor item is used from the distribution records that are the subject of the ranking setting. For example, the ranking is set based on a score calculated using various parameters such as distribution time, number of viewers, number of comments entered, number of items entered, number of coins consumed, and amount charged. This configuration promotes casual use of distributor items by distributors (i.e., casual distribution of item-using content).

[0046] Furthermore, the content distribution control unit 112 can be configured to set the ranking so that distribution of item-using content in which a distributor item is used is more advantageous (e.g., the score is increased) than distribution of content in which a distributor item is not used. Such a configuration promotes the use of distributor items by distributors.

[0047] Next, a specific example of one aspect of the content distribution server 10 of this embodiment having such functions will be described. The content distribution service in this example is configured as a service for live distribution and viewing of content consisting of videos including characters provided by a distributor and the voice of the distributor. Model data of the characters is uploaded in advance to the server 10 (storage 15) by the distributor, and is downloaded by the viewing terminal 30 of the viewer when viewing the content of the distributor, as will be described in detail later. First, information managed by each table in this example will be described.

[0048] 2 illustrates information managed in the user information table 151 in this example. The user information table 151 manages information about users of the content distribution service, and as shown in the figure, in association with a "user account" that identifies an individual user, manages information such as an account name, "basic information" including a date of birth, etc., a "cumulative number of login days" indicating a cumulative number of login days to the content distribution service, a "total viewing time" indicating a total viewing time of various contents, a "rank" indicating a rank as a distributor, a "rank score" which is a parameter for determining whether or not the rank has been updated, a "last day of the aggregation period" which is the last day of the aggregation period of the rank score at that time, a "number of coins held" indicating the number of virtual coins that can be used in the content distribution service, a "number of diamonds held" indicating the number of virtual diamonds held, and a "number of welcome passes held" indicating the number of welcome passes (distributor items) held for performing distribution for beginners, which will be described later.

[0049] FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the "rank" of a distributor in this example. As shown in the figure, in this example, there are five rank bands, "S", "A", "B", "C" and "D", and each of the three rank bands, "S", "A" and "B", is composed of three ranks (for example, "S1" to "S3"). The "C" rank band is composed of five ranks ("C1" to "C5"), and the "D" rank band is composed of one rank ("D"). The "S" side of the rank band is the highest rank and the "D" side is the lowest rank. In addition, the ranks in the same rank band are higher the larger the number attached to the rank band, and lower the smaller the number attached to the rank band. In this example, the user's rank is set to "D" as the initial value.

[0050] In this example, coins are given to users for free or for a fee in response to various triggers. For example, a user can obtain coins for free as a reward such as a login bonus. Also, for example, a user can purchase coins for a fee (with real currency).

[0051] In this example, diamonds are given to users as a reward for distributors. Specifically, for each predetermined period (e.g., one day), diamonds are given to the distributor in a number calculated by multiplying the time of content distribution during that period by a reference quantity (the number of diamonds per hour). The reference quantity increases as the rank increases. Diamonds can be exchanged for coins or real currency.

[0052] In this example, welcome passes are provided free of charge to users who satisfy a predetermined condition for providing the passes. In this example, the condition for providing the passes is a condition related to the content distribution record, and includes conditions related to parameters such as distribution time, number of days of distribution, and rank. For example, a predetermined number of welcome passes are provided at a predetermined timing to users whose rank is equal to or higher than a threshold (for example, S1 or higher). Note that welcome passes may be purchased with coins or real currency.

[0053] 4 illustrates information managed in the distribution management table 153 in this example. The distribution management table 153 manages information about individual distributions, and as shown in the figure, in association with a "distribution ID" that identifies an individual distribution (content), manages information such as a "distributor user account" that identifies the distributor, a "distribution start date and time" that is the date and time when the distribution started, a "distribution duration" that is the duration (elapsed time) since the distribution started, a "distribution flag for beginners" that indicates whether the distribution is for beginners, the "number of viewers (current value and maximum value)", a "number of comments" that is the number of comments entered by viewers during the distribution of the content, a "number of likes" that is the number of "likes" entered by viewers during the distribution of the content, a "number of item points" that is the total value of item points granted in response to the input of items by viewers during the distribution of the content, and a "number of distribution points" that is the total value of distribution points granted for this distribution.

[0054] In this example, the larger the number of viewers (maximum value), the number of comments, the number of likes, and the number of item points, the more distribution points are awarded. The above-mentioned rank score of the user is updated based on the ranking (ranking) among distributors of the number of distribution points acquired in a predetermined period (1 day in this example), which will be described in detail later.

[0055] The information managed by each table has been described above. Next, the processes executed by the content distribution server 10 of this example and the screens output on the user terminal 30 will be described.

[0056] 5 illustrates an example of a top screen 50 of a content distribution service output on the user terminal 30. The screen 50 is a starting point when using the content distribution service, and as shown in the figure, has a selection area 52 displaying text such as "Follow," "Popular," "Featured," and "All," a list display area 54 located below the area 52 and displaying a list of content currently being distributed, and a circular distribution button 56 located in the upper right corner of the screen.

[0057] The selection area 52 is an area for selecting the display contents in the list display area 54. Specifically, for example, when "Follow" is selected in the selection area 52, the list display area 54 displays a list of broadcasts (contents currently being broadcast) of other users followed by the user. Similarly, when "Popular" is selected in the selection area 52, broadcasts with a large number of viewers are displayed in a list in the list display area 54. When "Featured" is selected in the selection area 52, broadcasts that are popular (for example, broadcasts with a large number of comments and likes) are displayed in a list in the list display area 54. When "All" is selected in the selection area 52, all broadcasts are displayed in a list in the list display area 54. In this way, the selection area 52 and the list display area 54 can be said to constitute a plurality of tab areas. The selection area 52 is configured so that the text to be displayed is switched by a flick operation or a slide operation in the left and right direction.

[0058] As shown in the figure, in the list display area 54, a plurality of individual display areas 541, each of which displays information about an individual distribution, are arranged vertically in two columns. The individual display area 541 is configured so that viewing of the corresponding distribution can be started (playback of the corresponding content is started) in response to a user selection. In the list display area 54, the displayed individual display area 541 is switched by a flick operation or a slide operation in an up or down direction. The individual display area 541 displays an image preset by the distributor, the account name of the distributor, the number of viewers (current value), etc.

[0059] The distribution button 56 on the top screen 50 is an object for a user to distribute content as a distributor. When the distribution button 56 is selected by a user, a distribution preparation screen 200 illustrated in Fig. 6 is output superimposed on the top screen 50. As illustrated, the screen 200 has a distribution title input area 202 for inputting a distribution title, a distribution setting button 204 for setting distribution, a tweet setting switch 206 for switching on / off the execution of a distribution start tweet (posting a message to an SNS) that is automatically performed in response to the start of distribution, and a distribution start button 208 with the text "Start!" added.

[0060] The broadcast setting performed via the broadcast setting button 204 is a setting for a broadcast for beginners (welcome broadcast) that is performed by consuming a welcome pass. If the corresponding user has a welcome pass, as exemplified in Fig. 6, the text "You have an unused welcome pass" is displayed below the broadcast title input area 202, and the setting of a broadcast for beginners is prompted. The text "normal broadcast" is added to the broadcast setting button 204 on the broadcast preparation screen 200 exemplified in Fig. 6, which indicates that a normal broadcast that is not a broadcast for beginners is set at that time.

[0061] When the distribution setting button 204 is selected, a distribution setting screen 210 as shown in FIG. 7 is output superimposed on the distribution preparation screen 200. As shown in the figure, the screen 210 has a distribution setting area 212 for making distribution settings, and a completion button 214. The distribution setting area 212 has a radio button that allows one of two options, "normal distribution" and "delivery for beginners", to be selected, and the number of welcome passes owned by the corresponding user is displayed to the right of the option corresponding to the distribution for beginners. Note that if the user does not own a welcome pass, the option for distribution for beginners is grayed out in the distribution setting area 212, and the user cannot select it.

[0062] 8 illustrates an example of the distribution preparation screen 200 when distribution for beginners is set via the distribution setting screen 210. In this state of the distribution preparation screen 200, as shown in the figure, the text "Distribution for Beginners" is added to the distribution setting button 204, which indicates that distribution for beginners is set at that point in time.

[0063] Also, in this example, when a distribution for beginners is set, the tweet setting switch 206 fixes the execution of the distribution start tweet to the "OFF" state (it cannot be changed to the "ON" state). The distribution start tweet is a message on SNS notifying the start of content distribution, and a link to the distribution is set in the message, and viewers are guided to the distribution via the link (viewers can start watching the distribution). With a distribution for beginners, viewers are not guided via such messages on SNS.

[0064] In this example, distribution for beginners is distribution of content whose viewers are only beginner users, and a beginner is specifically defined as a user who satisfies the beginner condition (viewer condition) that the cumulative number of login days is less than a threshold value (e.g., 2 days) and the total viewing time is less than a threshold value (e.g., 120 minutes). The cumulative number of login days and the total viewing time of each user are managed in the user management table 151.

[0065] FIG. 9 illustrates a top screen 50 in a case where the corresponding user (user who operates the corresponding user terminal 30) is a beginner (i.e., the cumulative number of login days and the total viewing time of the user are equal to or less than the threshold). In the top screen 50 in this state, as illustrated, the text "Beginner" is displayed in the selection area 52 (the corresponding tab area is enabled). When "Beginner" is selected in the selection area 52, a list of beginner-oriented broadcasts that are being broadcast is displayed in the list display area 54. The beginner-oriented broadcasts are identified by referring to the beginner-oriented broadcast flag in the broadcast management table 153. In the list display of broadcasts for beginners, broadcasts are arranged in ascending order of the number of viewers (current value), that is, broadcasts with fewer number of viewers (current value) are arranged higher, and selection by viewers (start of viewing) is promoted. Note that, if the corresponding user is not a beginner (i.e., the cumulative number of login days or the total viewing time of the user exceeds the threshold), the text "Beginner" is not displayed in the selection area 52. In this example, beginner-oriented broadcasts are displayed in the list display area 54 only when “Beginner” is selected in the selection area 52, meaning that users who are not beginners cannot watch the beginner-oriented broadcasts.

[0066] When the distribution start button 208 on the distribution preparation screen 200 illustrated in Figs. 6 and 8 is selected, the distribution of the content is started. When the distribution of the content is started, the transmission of the motion data indicating the change in the facial expression of the distributor recognized through the camera of the distribution terminal 30 (specifically, the motion of both eyes and mouth) and the voice data (the speech data by the distributor) input through the microphone of the distribution terminal 30 to the server 10 is started. In addition, in response to the start of the distribution of the content, a new record is inserted in the distribution management table 153. In addition, in the case where the distribution for beginners is set, the welcome pass is consumed in response to the start of the distribution of the content, and specifically, in the user information table 151, the number of welcome passes owned by the corresponding user is updated (decreased by 1).

[0067] 10 illustrates a distribution screen 60 that is output on the distribution terminal 30 in response to the start of content distribution. As illustrated, the screen 60 has a video display area 61 that corresponds to the entire screen, a basic information display area 62 located in the upper left corner of the screen, a comment display area 63 located in the lower left corner of the screen, a viewer information display area 64 located in the upper right corner of the screen, and a circular distribution stop button 65 located in the center of the bottom edge of the screen.

[0068] The video display area 61 displays the video to be distributed. Specifically, a video including a character whose eyes and mouth move based on the above-mentioned motion data based on the change in facial expression of the distributor and the model data of the character is displayed. The video is generated and output by the distribution terminal 30.

[0069] The basic information display area 62 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.

[0070] The comment display area 63 is an area for displaying user comments input by each viewer or system comments automatically input by the server 10. Specifically, in the area 63, a plurality of comment objects 631, each corresponding to an individual comment, are arranged vertically. The comment display area 63 is configured such that when a new comment is input, a corresponding comment object 631 is added to the bottom, and existing comment objects 631 move in order upward. In the comment display area 63, the comment objects 631 displayed are switched by a flick operation or a slide operation in the vertical direction, or the like.

[0071] The viewer information display area 64 displays information about a plurality of viewers who are viewing the content being distributed, and specifically, a plurality of icon objects 641, each corresponding to a viewer, are arranged side by side in the left-right direction in the area 64. The object 641 has a circular shape, and displays a profile image of the corresponding viewer. The plurality of icon objects 641 are arranged in an order that follows a predetermined rule.

[0072] FIG. 11 illustrates a viewing screen 70 outputted on the viewing terminal 30. For example, when a viewer selects an arbitrary distribution (content) via the list display area 54 of the top screen 50, the viewing screen 70 for viewing the selected distribution is outputted on the viewing terminal 30. As shown in the figure, the screen 70 has a video display area 71, a basic information display area 72, a comment display area 73, and a viewer information display area 74, similar to the above-mentioned distribution screen 60. In addition, the viewing screen 70 has a comment input area 751, a "Like" button 752 with a heart mark displayed, and an item input button 753 with a gift design displayed at the bottom of the screen. In the viewer information display area 74, a plurality of icon objects 741, each of which corresponds to a viewer, are arranged in the left-right direction.

[0073] The video display area 71 displays a video including a distributor's character, similar to the video display area 61 of the distribution screen 60. The video is generated and output in the viewing terminal 30 based on the action data transmitted from the distribution terminal 30 via the server 10, and the character model data downloaded from the server 10, etc.

[0074] The comment input area 751 is an area for a viewer to input a comment. When a character string is input in the area 751 and a confirmation operation is performed, the character string is transmitted as a user comment, and in the corresponding distribution terminal 30 (user terminal 30 of the distributor of the content being viewed) and each viewing terminal 30 (each user terminal 30 of a plurality of viewers of the content being viewed), a comment object 631, 731 corresponding to the user comment is added in the comment display area 63, 73 of the distribution screen 60 and the viewing screen 70. In the comment object 631, 731 corresponding to the user comment, the content of the comment (character string) is displayed together with the account name of the viewer who input the comment. In addition, when a user comment is input, the server 10 updates (adds 1) the number of comments for the corresponding distribution in the distribution management table 153.

[0075] The like button 752 is an object for a viewer to input a "like" to a distributor (content). When the button 752 is selected by a viewer, a "like" is input, and a comment object 631, 731 corresponding to a system comment notifying the input of the "like" is added in the comment display area 63, 73 of the corresponding distribution screen 60 and viewing screen 70. In the comment object 631, 731 corresponding to the system comment, a text indicating the input of the "like" is displayed together with the account name of the viewer who input the "like". In addition, when a "like" is input, a corresponding visual effect (for example, a video effect in which a heart-shaped object is displayed flowing from the bottom to the top of the screen) is added in the video display area 61, 71 of the distribution screen 60 and viewing screen 70. In addition, when a "like" is input, the server 10 updates (adds 1) the "number of likes" of the corresponding distribution in the distribution management table 153.

[0076] The item input button 753 is an object for the viewer to input an item. When the button 753 is selected by the viewer, an item selection screen 220 for selecting an item to be input, as illustrated in FIG. 12, is arranged superimposed on the lower area of ​​the viewing screen 70. As illustrated, the screen 220 has a list display area 222 for displaying a list of items, a category selection area 224 arranged below the area 222 for selecting a category of items to be displayed, and a purchase button 226 arranged in the lower right corner of the screen and which is an object for purchasing coins. In addition, the number of coins held by the corresponding user is displayed in the lower left corner of the item selection screen 200.

[0077] As shown in the figure, a plurality of classification objects 2241, each of which corresponds to an individual classification, are arranged side by side in the left-right direction in the classification selection area 224. The area 224 is configured so that the displayed classification objects 2241 can be switched by a left-right flick operation, a slide operation, or the like. The classification selection area 224 is configured so that any one of the classification objects 2241 can be selected, and when any object 2241 is selected, the items displayed in the list display area 222 are narrowed down to items to which the corresponding classification is added.

[0078] In the list display area 222, a plurality of individual display areas 2221, each of which displays information about an individual item, are arranged vertically in four columns. The individual display areas 2221 display an image corresponding to the item and the number of coins (price) required to input the item. The list display area 222 is configured so that the individual display areas 2221 displayed are switched by a flick operation or a slide operation in an up or down direction. When any of the individual display areas 2221 is selected by the viewer, the corresponding item is input.

[0079] When an item is input, a comment object 631, 731 corresponding to a system comment notifying the input of the item is added in the comment display area 63, 73 of the corresponding distribution screen 60 and viewing screen 70. The name of the input item is displayed in the comment object 631, 731 corresponding to the system comment together with the account name of the viewer who input the item. When an item is input, a visual effect (video effect) corresponding to the input item is added in the video display area 61, 71 of the corresponding distribution screen 60 and viewing screen 70. When an item is input, the server 10 grants a quantity of item points (for example, the more coins, the more points.) according to the number of coins (price) of the input item to this distribution, and specifically, in the distribution management table 153, the server 10 adds points according to the number of coins to the number of item points of the corresponding distribution. When an item is input, the server 10 subtracts the number of coins of the input item from the number of coins owned by the corresponding user (the viewer who input the item) in the user information table 151.

[0080] Here, in this example, an item that can only be input in a distribution for beginners may be set. The item is given a classification of "for distribution for beginners" and is displayed in the list display area 222 of the item selection screen 220 in the case of a distribution for beginners, but is not displayed in the case of a normal distribution. Also, instead of or in addition to this, a coin for distribution for beginners that is a coin that can only be used in a distribution for beginners may be set, and in this case, for example, when an item is input in a distribution for beginners, the coin for distribution for beginners may be consumed with priority over normal coins. Furthermore, a specific item that requires the consumption of coins in a normal distribution may be input free of charge (without consuming coins) in a distribution for beginners.

[0081] When the distributor selects the distribution stop button 65 on the distribution screen 60, the distribution of the content (transmission of motion data and audio data from the distribution terminal 30 to the server 10) is stopped. When the distribution is stopped, the server 10 calculates and sets the number of distribution points for that distribution. In this example, the number of distribution points is calculated based on the number of viewers (maximum value), the number of likes, the number of comments, and the number of item points. As described above, the number of distribution points increases as the number of viewers (maximum value), the number of likes, the number of comments, and the number of item points increase. The calculated number of distribution points is set for the corresponding distribution in the distribution management table 153.

[0082] Here, the process of updating the rank of a distributor will be described. Fig. 13 is a flowchart illustrating the process executed by the server 10 to update the rank of each user. These processes are executed every night (for example, at 3:00 a.m. every day).

[0083] First, as shown in the figure, the server 10 updates the last day of the aggregation period for the rank score of the user who delivered a beginner-oriented broadcast on the previous day (step S100). Specifically, in the user information table 151, the last day of the aggregation period for the corresponding user is incremented (extended) by one day.

[0084] Next, the server 10 calculates the number of delivery points of the target user on the previous day (step S110). The target users are users excluding users who sent a delivery for beginners on the previous day. The number of delivery points acquired by a specific user on the previous day is calculated by referring to the distributor user account, delivery start date and time, and number of delivery points in the delivery management table 153. Note that if a user sends multiple deliveries in one day, the number of delivery points acquired for each of the multiple deliveries is added together.

[0085] After calculating the number of distribution points of the target user on the previous day in this way, the server 10 then updates the rank score of each user based on the ranking of the number of distribution points (step S120). In this example, the rank score is updated based on the ranking of each user's number of distribution points on the previous day within the rank band to which the user belongs. When determining the ranking within the rank band, only the target user is considered, that is, users who delivered to beginners on the previous day are excluded.

[0086] Specifically, the rank score is updated by +6 points if the rank in the rank band of the number of distribution points on the previous day is in the top 10%, by +4 points if the rank is in the top 11-30%, and by +2 points if the rank is in the top 31-60%. In the user information table 151, the rank score of the corresponding user is updated (added). Note that if the rank is not in the top 60%, the rank score is not updated.

[0087] Next, the server 10 determines whether to update the rank for each user (step S130). Fig. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a process executed by the server 10 when determining whether to update the rank for each user. As shown in the figure, if the rank score of a user is equal to or greater than a threshold for rank-up (e.g., 18 points) (YES in step S200), the server 10 first ranks up the user (step S210). Specifically, the rank of the corresponding user in the user information table 151 is updated to one rank up.

[0088] Next, the server 10 resets the rank score of the user who has been ranked up, and updates the last day of the aggregation period for the rank score of the user (step S220). In this example, the aggregation period for the rank score is seven days, and in the user information table 151, the last day of the aggregation period for the corresponding user is set to a date six days after the current day (as a result, the seven days from the current day to six days after the current day become the new aggregation period for the rank score).

[0089] On the other hand, if the user's rank score is less than the threshold for increasing the rank (NO in step S200) and furthermore, if the previous day was the last day of the aggregation period for the user's rank score (YES in step S230), the rank of the user is maintained or demoted (step S240). Specifically, if the user's rank score is equal to or greater than the threshold for keeping the rank (e.g., 12 points), the rank of the user is maintained, whereas if it is less than the threshold for keeping the rank, the rank of the user is demoted. In response to the downgrade of the user's rank, the rank of the corresponding user in user information table 151 is updated to one rank lower.

[0090] Next, the server 10 resets the rank score of the user and updates the last day of the aggregation period of the rank score of the user in the same manner as when the user is ranked up (step S250). On the other hand, if the previous day is not the last day of the aggregation period of the rank score of the user (NO in step S230), such rank keeping and rank down are not performed.

[0091] Thus, in this example, if the rank score reaches the rank-up threshold within the seven-day collection period, the rank is increased without waiting for the collection period to end, and a new collection period for the rank score begins. On the other hand, if the collection period ends (the final day of the collection period arrives) without the rank score reaching the rank-up threshold, the rank is either kept or decreased based on the rank score at that time, and a new collection period begins.

[0092] In this example, when a user broadcasts a stream for beginners, the stream on that day is excluded from the ranking score aggregation period (the final day of the aggregation period is extended and the stream is excluded from the ranking determination of the number of broadcast points). As a result, the user can easily broadcast a stream for beginners.

[0093] In another example of this embodiment, a delivery on a day when a delivery for beginners was made may not be excluded from the aggregation period of the rank score, but may be subject to updating of the rank score based on the ranking of the number of delivery points. In this case, a delivery for beginners may be made easier to earn delivery points compared to a normal delivery (for example, multiplied by a coefficient exceeding 1).

[0094] In the above example, during the distribution of content, a "currently being distributed" tweet similar to the above-mentioned distribution start tweet may be sent in response to an instruction by the distributor via the distribution screen 60. In this case, the distribution screen 60 may be configured so that, in the case of normal distribution, it is possible to instruct the "currently being distributed" tweet, but, in the case of distribution for beginners, it is not possible to instruct the "currently being distributed" tweet (for example, an object for instructing the "currently being distributed" tweet is disabled).

[0095] In the above example, the welcome pass is consumed to perform a beginner-oriented distribution that can be viewed only by beginner users, but such a distributor item may be consumed to perform other distribution that can be viewed only by users who satisfy viewer conditions other than the beginner conditions. For example, such an item may be consumed to perform an advanced distribution that can be viewed only by advanced users. Also, it is possible to perform a distribution that can be viewed only by users who satisfy viewer conditions related to user attributes (for example, users of a specific age group or users living in a specific area, etc.). Also, the distributor may be able to select a distributor item to use (i.e., a viewer condition to apply) from a plurality of types of distributor items with mutually different viewer conditions.

[0096] In the above example, the achievement (clearance) of missions by viewers that are applicable only to broadcasts for beginners may be managed. The missions may include, for example, a mission to "perform a specified action (e.g., enter a comment) a specified number of times or more before the broadcast ends," and when any viewer clears the mission, for example, a comment object 631, 731 corresponding to a system comment notifying the viewer that the mission has been cleared is added to the comment display area 63, 73 of the corresponding broadcast screen 60 and viewing screen 70.

[0097] In the above example, the welcome pass is consumed when the beginner-oriented distribution starts, but the welcome pass may be consumed at other times. For example, the consumption of a predetermined number of welcome passes at any time may enable the setting of the beginner-oriented distribution for a predetermined period (for example, one day, one week, or one month).

[0098] In the above example, the text "Beginner" is displayed in the selection area 52 of the top screen 50 for beginner users (the corresponding tab area is enabled), but the method of enabling beginner users to view a broadcast for beginners is not limited to this. For example, in response to the start of a broadcast for beginners, a notification to start viewing the broadcast may be sent to at least some of the multiple beginner users.

[0099] The content distribution server 10 of the present embodiment described above accepts the use of a distributor item (e.g., a welcome pass) for the content distributed by the distributor, and enables viewers who satisfy the viewer condition (e.g., beginner condition) corresponding to the distributor item to view the content (e.g., displaying the text "Beginner" in the selection area 52 of the top screen 50), while not enabling viewers who do not satisfy the viewer condition to view the content. Therefore, the use of the distributor item by the distributor enables the distribution of content targeted at viewers who satisfy specific conditions, and as a result, viewers are encouraged to view content targeted at them. In other words, the server 10 supports viewers in comfortably viewing content.

[0100] In another embodiment of the present invention, some or all of the functions of the content distribution server 10 in the above-described embodiment may be realized by cooperation between the server 10 and the user terminal 30, or may be realized by the user terminal 30. That is, the system of the present invention may be configured by the content distribution server 10, as well as the content distribution server 10 and the user terminal 30, or may be configured by the user terminal 30.

[0101] 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.

[0102] 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.

[0103] 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]

[0104] 10 Content distribution server 11. Computer Processors 111 Management function control section 112 Content distribution control section 15 Storage 151 User Information Table 153 Distribution Management Table 20. Communication Networks 30 User terminals 40 Server-side programs 42 Terminal side program 50 Top screen (viewing content selection screen) 52 Selection Area 54 List display area 60 Distribution Screen 70 Viewing Screen 200 Delivery preparation screen 210 Distribution setting screen 220 Item Selection Screen

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