Information processing system, information processing method, information processing program, and distributor terminal

Abstract

To enhance convenience of commenting on a video content.SOLUTION: An information processing system according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises at least one processor. The at least one processor is configured to: display a video content generated by a distributor terminal on the distributor terminal and on multiple viewer terminals; during the display of the video content, obtain a comment and a setting indicating whether the comment is anonymous or named that is selected in a first viewer terminal where the comment has been input among the multiple viewer terminals; and, during the display of the video content, perform comment display control. The comment display control is such that: if the setting is anonymous, the comment is displayed anonymously on both the distributor terminal and a second viewer terminal other than the first viewer terminal among the multiple viewer terminals; and, if the setting is named, the comment is displayed with a name on the distributor terminal and displayed anonymously on the second viewer terminal.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to an information processing system, an information processing method, an information processing program, and a distributor terminal. [Background technology]

[0002] There is known a technique for displaying comments posted while video content is being displayed together with the video content. Non-Patent Documents 1 and 2 describe a mechanism by which a distributor of video content allows viewers to make their comments anonymous. [Prior art documents] [Non-patent literature]

[0003] [Non-Patent Document 1] "A thorough explanation of Fuwatch's "Tanuki" function! How to use it and things to be careful about," [online] Searched June 30, 2023, Internet<URL: https: / / plus.news.gree.net / article / 56644> [Non-Patent Document 2] "I want to send a comment anonymously", [online] Retrieved June 30, 2023, Internet <url: https: twitcasting.tv helpcenter.php?pid="5831"> Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] There is a need for a mechanism that improves the convenience of commenting on video content. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] An information processing system according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes at least one processor. The at least one processor displays video content generated by a distributor terminal on the distributor terminal and multiple viewer terminals, acquires a setting indicating anonymous or named selected on a first viewer terminal among the multiple viewer terminals that is a terminal where a comment is input during display of the video content, and the comment, and controls comment display during display of the video content by displaying the comment anonymously on the distributor terminal and a second viewer terminal among the multiple viewer terminals other than the first viewer terminal when the setting is anonymous, and by displaying the comment anonymously on the distributor terminal and the second viewer terminal when the setting is named.

[0006] In such an aspect, the video content is displayed on the distributor terminal and the multiple viewer terminals, thereby performing so-called live distribution. During the display of the video content, the display control of the comments is performed using the comment inputted in the first viewer terminal and the setting of anonymous or named. When the setting is anonymous, the anonymous comment is displayed on the distributor terminal and the second viewer terminal. When the setting is named, the named comment is displayed on the distributor terminal, and the anonymous comment is displayed on the second viewer terminal. Since the anonymous comment is displayed on the second viewer terminal regardless of the setting, the psychological hurdle of commenting is lowered. This can promote the activation of comments. The distributor terminal displays the anonymous comment or the named comment in accordance with the setting. In the case of anonymity, the psychological hurdle of commenting is lowered. In the case of named, the intimacy with the user of the distributor terminal is improved. This can promote the activation of comments and facilitate communication between the user of the first viewer terminal and the user of the distributor terminal. As a result, the convenience of commenting on the video content can be improved. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to improve the convenience of commenting on video content. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an application of an information processing system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration related to the information processing system. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration related to the information processing system. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the information processing system. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for accepting input of comments and settings. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displaying comments. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displaying a profile of a comment poster. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displaying comments. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displaying comments. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of the screen for accepting input of comments and settings. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing another example of a screen displaying comments. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing another example of a screen displaying a comment poster's profile. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another example of a screen displaying comments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same or equivalent elements are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations will be omitted.

[0010] [System Overview] The information processing system according to the present disclosure is a computer system that manages content distributed to users. Content refers to information provided by a computer or a computer system and recognizable by humans. Electronic data indicating content is called content data. In one example, the content is video content expressed by video that may include audio. Video content may include video generated by an imaging device such as a camera, may include computer graphics (CG), or may include both. Content can be used for various types of information transmission or communication, and may be used in various situations or purposes, such as news, education, medical care, games, chat, business transactions, lectures, seminars, training, concerts, and surveys. Content distribution refers to a process performed to provide content to a user, for example, a process of transmitting information to a user via a communication network.

[0011] The information processing system provides video content to a user by transmitting content data indicating the video content to the user terminal. In one example, the video content is provided by a distributor. A distributor is a person who intends to provide information to a viewer through the information processing system, and is a sender of the video content. A viewer is a person who intends to obtain information through the information processing system, and is a user of the video content. The information processing system transmits the content data provided from the distributor terminal to the viewer terminal. The viewer terminal processes the content data and displays the video content on a screen. The video content is also displayed on the distributor terminal. In the present disclosure, the distributor and the viewer are sometimes collectively referred to as users, and the distributor terminal and the viewer terminal are sometimes collectively referred to as user terminals.

[0012] The information processing system is applied to so-called live distribution. For example, a distributor terminal processes a captured video to generate content data, and transmits the content data to a server in real time. The server receives the content data, and transmits the content data to a viewer terminal in real time. This is one aspect of live internet broadcasting. The content data may be generated in the information processing system. That is, the information processing system may process real-time video provided from a distributor terminal to generate content data, and transmit the content data to a viewer terminal in real time.

[0013] The information processing system displays comments posted while video content is being displayed together with the video content. A comment refers to information independent of the video content. A comment is input by, for example, a viewer or a distributor. In the present disclosure, an example in which a viewer inputs a comment will be described. Hereinafter, a user who posts a comment will be referred to as a comment poster. A comment may include, for example, at least one of characters, emoticons, still images (photos, illustrations, etc.), and moving images (video or animation). A comment may be displayed without overlapping with the video content, or may be displayed so that at least a portion of the comment overlaps with the video content.

[0014] In the viewer terminal, a setting indicating anonymous or named is input together with the comment. The information processing system performs comment display control in response to the setting. Comment display control refers to controlling whether to display named comments or anonymous comments for each user terminal. Named comments refer to displaying information indicating the comment poster in association with the comment. Examples of information indicating the comment poster include, but are not limited to, icons and nicknames set by the viewer. Anonymous comments refer to displaying only the comment and not displaying information indicating the comment poster in association with the comment. In anonymous comments, for example, only the comment is displayed and icons and nicknames are not displayed. When the setting is named, a named comment is displayed on the distributor terminal, and an anonymous comment is displayed on the viewer terminal of a viewer other than the comment poster. In this case, it can be said that the comment poster shows his / her information to the distributor and does not show his / her information to other viewers.

[0015] [System configuration] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of an application of an information processing system 1. The information processing system 1 includes a server 10. The server 10 is a computer that distributes content data. The server 10 is connected to one or more distributor terminals 20 and one or more viewer terminals 30 via a communication network N. The server 10 is also connected to a user database 40 via the communication network N. The communication network N may be configured to include the Internet or an intranet.

[0016] The distributor terminal 20 is a computer used by a distributor. In one example, the distributor terminal 20 has a function of generating video content and a function of transmitting content data indicating the video content to the server 10. The distributor terminal 20 may be a personal computer, a high-performance mobile phone (smartphone), a tablet terminal, a wearable terminal (e.g., a head-mounted display (HMD), smart glasses, etc.), or a mobile phone. The distributor terminal 20 may be an imaging system having a function of photographing, recording, and transmitting video.

[0017] The viewer terminal 30 is a computer used by a viewer. In one example, the viewer terminal 30 has a function of receiving content data from the server 10 and displaying the content data. The viewer terminal 30 may be a personal computer, a high-performance mobile phone, a tablet terminal, a wearable terminal, or a mobile phone.

[0018] A distributor operates distributor terminal 20 to log in to information processing system 1 and provide video content to a viewer. A viewer operates viewer terminal 30 to log in to information processing system 1 and view the video content. In the present disclosure, it is assumed that the viewer and distributor of information processing system 1 are already logged in. Viewers may be omitted from logging in to information processing system 1. In other words, information processing system 1 may transmit content data to viewer terminal 30 of a general viewer who is not logged in. In this case, general viewers who are not logged in can also view the content.

[0019] The user database 40 is a non-transient storage device that stores user data related to a user who uses the information processing system 1. Examples of the user data include, but are not limited to, a user ID that is an identifier that uniquely identifies a user, an icon, a nickname, and a list of favorite things. The user data may include information indicating whether or not a user is logged in to the information processing system 1. The icon is an image that each user has set in advance. The nickname is a user name that each user has set in advance. The list of favorite things is a group of information that indicates the preferences of each user, and is set in advance, for example, by selecting tags. The user database 40 may be constructed as a single database or may be a collection of multiple databases. The user database 40 may be a component of the information processing system 1, or may be provided in a computer system separate from the information processing system 1.

[0020] Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration related to the information processing system 1. Fig. 2 shows a server computer 100 functioning as the server 10, and a terminal computer 200 functioning as the distributor terminal 20 or the viewer terminal 30.

[0021] As an example, the server computer 100 includes a processor 101, a main memory unit 102, an auxiliary memory unit 103, and a communication unit 104 as hardware components. The processor 101 is a computing device that executes an operating system and application programs, and is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). The main memory unit 102 is a device that stores programs to be executed, calculation results, and the like, and is, for example, composed of a ROM (Read Only Memory) or a RAM (Random Access Memory). The auxiliary memory unit 103 is a device that can generally store a larger amount of data than the main memory unit 102, and is, for example, composed of a non-volatile storage medium such as a hard disk or a flash memory. The auxiliary memory unit 103 stores a server program P1 and various data for making the server computer 100 function as the server 10. The communication unit 104 is a device that executes data communication with other computers via a communication network N, and is, for example, composed of a network card or a wireless communication module.

[0022] In this embodiment, the information processing program is implemented as a server program P1. Each functional element of the server 10 is realized by loading the server program P1 onto the processor 101 or the main memory unit 102 and having the processor 101 execute the program. The server program P1 includes code for realizing each functional element of the server 10. The processor 101 operates the communication unit 104 in accordance with the server program P1, and executes reading and writing of data in the main memory unit 102 or the auxiliary memory unit 103.

[0023] The server 10 may be composed of one or more computers. When multiple computers are used, these computers are connected to each other via a communication network N to logically configure one server 10.

[0024] As an example, the terminal computer 200 includes a processor 201, a main memory unit 202, an auxiliary memory unit 203, a communication unit 204, an input interface 205, an output interface 206, and an imaging unit 207 as hardware components. The processor 201 is a computing device that executes an operating system and an application program, and is, for example, a CPU or a GPU. The main memory unit 202 is a device that stores a program to be executed, a computation result, and the like, and is, for example, composed of a ROM or a RAM. The auxiliary memory unit 203 is a device that can generally store a larger amount of data than the main memory unit 202, and is, for example, composed of a non-volatile storage medium such as a hard disk or a flash memory. The auxiliary memory unit 203 stores a client program P2 and various data for causing the terminal computer 200 to function as the distributor terminal 20 or the viewer terminal 30. The communication unit 204 is a device that executes data communication with other computers via the communication network N, and is, for example, composed of a network card or a wireless communication module. The input interface 205 is a device that accepts data based on a user's operation or action, and is composed of at least one of a keyboard, an operation button, a pointing device, a touch panel, a microphone, a sensor, and a camera, for example. The output interface 206 is a device that outputs data processed by the terminal computer 200, and is composed of a display device such as a monitor, a touch panel, and an HMD, for example. The imaging unit 207 is a device that captures an image (video or photo) of the real world, and is, for example, a camera. The imaging unit 207 can also function as the input interface 205.

[0025] Each functional element of the distributor terminal 20 or the viewer terminal 30 is realized by loading a corresponding client program P2 into the processor 201 or the main memory unit 202 and having the processor 201 execute the program. The client program P2 includes code for realizing each functional element of the distributor terminal 20 or the viewer terminal 30. The processor 201 operates the communication unit 204, the input interface 205, the output interface 206, or the imaging unit 207 in accordance with the client program P2, and reads and writes data in the main memory unit 202 or the auxiliary memory unit 203.

[0026] At least one of the server program P1 and the client program P2 may be provided in a state of being non-temporarily recorded on a tangible recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, a semiconductor memory, etc. Alternatively, at least one of these programs may be provided as a data signal superimposed on a carrier wave via the communication network N. These programs may be provided separately or together.

[0027] 3 is a diagram showing an example of a functional configuration related to the information processing system 1. The server 10 includes a content transfer unit 11 and a comment control unit 12 as functional elements. The content transfer unit 11 receives content data from the distributor terminal 20 and transmits the content data to the viewer terminal 30. The comment control unit 12 generates display control data. The display control data is electronic data indicating comment display control. The display control data may be different for each user terminal. The comment control unit 12 transmits the display control data to the user terminal.

[0028] The distributor terminal 20 includes, as functional elements, a content generation unit 21, a content display unit 22, and a comment display unit 23. The content generation unit 21 generates video content and transmits content data indicating the video content to the server 10. The content display unit 22 displays the generated video content on the screen of the distributor terminal 20. The comment display unit 23 receives display control data from the server 10, and displays comments on the screen of the distributor terminal 20 based on the display control data.

[0029] The viewer terminal 30 includes a content display unit 31, an input unit 32, and a comment display unit 33. The content display unit 31 receives content data from the server 10, and displays video content on the screen of the viewer terminal 30 based on the content data. The input unit 32 accepts input from the viewer regarding comments and settings indicating anonymity or naming. The input unit 32 generates comment data including a user ID, a comment ID that is an identifier that uniquely identifies a comment, a comment, and settings. The comment data is electronic data indicating the comment and settings. The input unit 32 transmits the comment data to the server 10. The comment display unit 33 receives display control data from the server 10, and displays the comments on the screen of the viewer terminal 30 based on the display control data.

[0030] [System Operation] The operation of the information processing system 1 and an information processing method according to an example will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the information processing system 1 as a process flow M1.

[0031] In step S1, the content generating unit 21 of the distributor terminal 20 generates video content. For example, the content generating unit 21 starts generating video content in response to a user operation by the distributor to start distribution. In one example, the content generating unit 21 may generate video content including video captured by the imaging unit 207. In another example, the content generating unit 21 may generate video content based on content material stored in the auxiliary storage unit 203.

[0032] In step S2, the content generation unit 21 transmits content data indicating the moving image content to the server 10. For example, the content generation unit 21 continuously transmits content data indicating the generated moving image content to the server 10. The server 10 receives the content data.

[0033] In step S3, the content transfer unit 11 of the server 10 transmits the content data to the multiple viewer terminals 30. For example, the content transfer unit 11 transmits the content data to the multiple viewer terminals 30 in response to content requests from the multiple viewer terminals 30. The content requests are data signals for requesting the server 10 to play video content. Each of the multiple viewer terminals 30 receives the content data.

[0034] In step S4, the user terminal displays the video content on the screen. For example, the content display unit 22 of the distributor terminal 20 displays the video content generated by the content generation unit 21 on the screen. The content display units 31 of the multiple viewer terminals 30 each process the content data and display the video content on the screen. If the video content includes audio, the content display units 22 and 31 may output the audio included in the video content from the speaker. In step S4 and subsequent steps, the following description will be given assuming that the video content is displayed on each user terminal.

[0035] In step S5, the input unit 32 of the viewer terminal 30 accepts input of a comment and a setting indicating anonymity or naming. The comment may be input, for example, by inputting characters via a keyboard or the like, or by converting voice received by a microphone into text data. In the following description, the terminal among the multiple viewer terminals 30 into which a new comment is input is referred to as a first viewer terminal, and the terminal among the multiple viewer terminals 30 other than the first viewer terminal is referred to as a second viewer terminal.

[0036] Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for accepting input of comments and settings. Screen V1 shown in Fig. 5 is displayed on a first viewer terminal. Screen V1 includes a content area R1 for displaying video content, an input area R2 for accepting input, and a comment area R3 for displaying one or more comments.

[0037] The content area R1 displays video content 310. The video content 310 is, for example, a live broadcast of a dog, but is not limited to this.

[0038] The input area R2 includes a comment input field T, a comment send button P, and a setting interface S. The comment input field T is a text box that accepts input of a comment. The comment input field T has the text "healing" input. The comment send button P is a button for posting a comment. In response to pressing the comment send button P, the text entered in the comment input field T is posted as a new comment. The setting interface S includes a toggle button G that accepts input of a setting indicating anonymous or named. The toggle button G accepts a selection of a setting by switching between ON and OFF. For example, the OFF state may indicate anonymous, and the ON state may indicate named. The toggle button G may be in an initial state when it is in an OFF state. In the screen V1, the toggle button G indicates an ON state. The setting interface S may accept input of settings related to size, position, color, and the like. The setting interface S may be displayed superimposed on the content area R1.

[0039] Comment area R3 displays comment list 320 in which comments inputted at distributor terminal 20 or viewer terminal 30 are arranged in chronological order. On screen V1, comments list 320 displays comments C1 to C5. Newly posted comments are added to the bottom row of comment list 320. As new comments are added one after another, existing comments move up in comment area R3, and then disappear from display by moving outside comment area R3. That is, comment area R3 displays the comments so that the comments flow in a predetermined direction. The comments may be displayed superimposed on video content 310 in content area R1.

[0040] Returning to FIG. 4, in step S6, the input unit 32 transmits comment data to the server 10. For example, in response to a viewer pressing the comment transmission button P, the input unit 32 generates comment data including a user ID, a comment ID, a comment, and settings. The input unit 32 transmits the comment data to the server 10. The server 10 receives the comment data.

[0041] In step S7, the comment control unit 12 of the server 10 controls the comment display. For example, the comment control unit 12 may generate display control data for each user terminal in accordance with the settings. In this case, the comment control unit 12 generates display control data for the distributor terminal 20, the first viewer terminal, and the second viewer terminal, respectively.

[0042] When the setting is anonymous, the comment control unit 12 generates display control data for displaying the comments anonymously. For example, when the setting is anonymous, the comment control unit 12 generates display control data for displaying the comments anonymously on the distributor terminal 20 and on a second viewer terminal other than the first viewer terminal among the multiple viewer terminals. For example, the display control data for displaying the comments anonymously includes the comments, and does not necessarily include information indicating the comment poster.

[0043] When the setting is "named", the comment control unit 12 generates display control data for displaying the comment with the name. For example, when the setting is "named", the comment control unit 12 generates display control data for displaying the comment with the name on the distributor terminal 20 and displaying the comment anonymously on the second viewer terminal. The comment control unit 12 generates display control data for displaying the comment with the name on the first viewer terminal regardless of the setting. For example, the display control data for displaying the comment with the name may include information indicating the comment and the comment poster.

[0044] The comment control unit 12 refers to the user database 40 to acquire the icon, nickname, and favorite list of the comment poster, and includes them in the display control data. For example, at least one of the icon and nickname may be used to display the comment with the name. Specifically, the comment control unit 12 generates display control data indicating that the icon and nickname are to be displayed in association with the comment. In the process flow M1, the description will be given assuming that the setting is with the name.

[0045] In step S8, the comment control unit 12 transmits display control data to each user terminal. The comment control unit 12 transmits the corresponding display control data to the distributor terminal 20, the first viewer terminal, and the second viewer terminal. For example, the comment control unit 12 transmits display control data for displaying comments anonymously to the distributor terminal 20 and the first viewer terminal. The comment control unit 12 transmits display control data for displaying comments anonymously to the second viewer terminal. The distributor terminal 20, the first viewer terminal, and the second viewer terminal receive the corresponding display control data.

[0046] In step S9, the user terminal displays the comment based on the display control data. For example, the comment display unit 23 of the distributor terminal 20 displays the comment on the screen of the distributor terminal 20 based on the display control data. The comment display unit 33 of the first viewer terminal displays the comment on the screen of the first viewer terminal based on the display control data. The comment display unit 33 of the second viewer terminal displays the comment on the screen of the second viewer terminal based on the display control data.

[0047] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displaying comments. The screen V2 shown in Fig. 6 is displayed on the distributor terminal 20. The screen V2 includes a content area R1, an input area R2, and a comment area R3, similar to the screen V1 shown in Fig. 5.

[0048] Based on the display control data, the comment display unit 23 of the distributor terminal 20 displays the new comment C6 at the bottom of the comment list 320. Comments C2 to C5 in the comment list 320 move up as the new comment C6 is posted. Comments C2 to C6 are displayed in the comment list 320.

[0049] In the comment list 320, comments C2 and C3 are displayed as past comments. In the comment list 320, an icon C21 and a nickname C22 are displayed in association with the comment C2. In addition, in the comment list 320, an icon C31 and a nickname C32 are displayed in association with the comment C3. That is, the comments C2 and C3 are displayed with their names. The icons C21 and C31 are the same, and the nicknames C22 and C32 are the same. This indicates that the comments C2 and C3 are comments posted by the same comment poster. The icons C21 and C31 are, for example, images showing flowers, and are set in advance by the comment posters of the comments C2 and C3. The nicknames C22 and C32 are, for example, text "User A", and are set in advance by the comment posters of the comments C2 and C3.

[0050] Comments C4 and C5 are displayed anonymously as past comments in comment list 320. Comments C4 and C5 are comments posted anonymously. The distributor cannot see the icons, nicknames, etc. of comments C4 and C5.

[0051] A new comment C6 is displayed in the comment list 320. An icon C61 and a nickname C62 are displayed in the comment list 320 in association with the comment C6. That is, the comment C6 is displayed with a name. The icon C61 is, for example, an image showing a fish, and is set in advance by the comment poster of the comment C6. The nickname C62 is, for example, the text "User B", and is set in advance by the comment poster of the comment C6. FIG. 6 shows that the comment poster of the comment C6 is different from the comment posters of the past comments C2 and C3.

[0052] Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displaying a comment poster's profile. Screen V3 shown in Fig. 7 is displayed on distributor terminal 20 as a separate window from screen V2. Screen V3 may be displayed in response to a distributor performing an operation such as mouse-over, click, or tap on icon C61 or nickname C62 on screen V2, for example, or may be displayed automatically at the timing of posting a comment. Screen V3 may be displayed superimposed on comment area R3, or may be displayed in a different position.

[0053] Screen V3 displays the profile of the comment poster. For example, screen V3 displays the profile of the comment poster of comment C6. Screen V3 displays the user ID, icon C61, nickname C62, and favorites list corresponding to the comment poster of comment C6. The icon C61 and nickname C62 displayed on screen V3 are the same as the icon C61 and nickname C62 displayed in the comment list 320 on screen V2.

[0054] Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displaying comments. The screen V4 shown in Fig. 8 is displayed on the first viewer terminal. The screen V4 includes a content area R1, an input area R2, and a comment area R3, similar to the screen V1 shown in Fig. 5.

[0055] The comment display unit 33 of the first viewer terminal displays the new comment C6 at the bottom of the comment list 320 based on the display control data. Comments C2 to C5 in the comment list 320 move up in response to the posting of the new comment C6. Comments C2 to C6 are displayed in the comment list 320.

[0056] In the comment list 320, comments C2 to C5 are displayed anonymously as past comments. Comments C2 and C3 are comments posted with anonymity, but are displayed anonymously. That is, a viewer using the first viewer terminal (here, the comment poster of comment C6) cannot see the icons, nicknames, etc. of comments C2 and C3. Comments C4 and C5 are comments posted anonymously. A viewer using the first viewer terminal, like the distributor, cannot see the icons, nicknames, etc. of comments C4 and C5. In the comment list 320, a new comment C6 is displayed with anonymity. The poster of comment C6 can see his / her own icon C61 and nickname C62.

[0057] Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displaying comments. The screen V5 shown in Fig. 9 is displayed on the second viewer terminal. The screen V5 includes a content area R1, an input area R2, and a comment area R3, similar to the screen V1 shown in Fig. 5.

[0058] The comment display unit 33 of the second viewer terminal displays the new comment C6 at the bottom of the comment list 320 based on the display control data. Comments C2 to C5 in the comment list 320 move up in response to the posting of the new comment C6. Comments C2 to C6 are displayed in the comment list 320.

[0059] Comments C2 to C6 are displayed anonymously as past comments in comment list 320. Comments C2, C3, and C6 are comments posted with an anonymous name, but are displayed anonymously. However, a viewer using the second viewer terminal (here, a viewer other than the comment poster of comment C2, C3, or C6) cannot see the icons, nicknames, etc. of comments C2, C3, and C6. Comments C4 and C5 are comments posted anonymously. A viewer using the second viewer terminal, like the distributor, cannot see the icons, nicknames, etc. of comments C4 and C5.

[0060] In relation to step S7, the comment control unit 12 may perform comment display control for each comment input at the first viewer terminal. During the display of video content, multiple comments may be posted from the same first viewer terminal. The comment control unit 12 performs comment display control for each comment in accordance with the settings. Therefore, both named comments and anonymous comments may be posted from the same first viewer terminal.

[0061] In relation to step S9, when the setting is "named", the comment control unit 12 may perform an action corresponding to the comment on the first viewer terminal. The action may be a notification of the number of comments, a fanfare, or the like. For example, the comment control unit 12 may notify the first viewer terminal of the number of comments when the cumulative number of comments of a viewer (comment poster) using the first viewer terminal reaches a specified number (e.g., 100, etc.). The action may be a notification of a footprint (profile viewing history) given when a distributor displays the comment poster's profile.

[0062] An information processing system 1 according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes at least one processor. The at least one processor displays video content generated by a distributor terminal 20 on the distributor terminal 20 and multiple viewer terminals 30, acquires a setting indicating anonymous or named selected in a first viewer terminal, which is a terminal where a comment was input, among the multiple viewer terminals 30 while the video content is being displayed, and the comment, and controls comment display during the display of the video content by displaying the comment anonymously on the distributor terminal 20 and a second viewer terminal other than the first viewer terminal among the multiple viewer terminals 30 when the setting is anonymous, and by displaying the comment anonymously on the distributor terminal 20 and the second viewer terminal other than the first viewer terminal among the multiple viewer terminals 30 when the setting is named.

[0063] An information processing method according to an aspect of the present disclosure is executed by an information processing system having at least one processor. The information processing method includes a step of displaying video content generated by a distributor terminal 20 on the distributor terminal 20 and a plurality of viewer terminals 30, a step of acquiring a setting indicating anonymous or named selected in a first viewer terminal, which is a terminal where a comment is input, among the plurality of viewer terminals 30 while the video content is being displayed, and a step of displaying a comment including a step of controlling comment display while the video content is being displayed, in which, when the setting is anonymous, the comment is displayed anonymously on the distributor terminal 20 and a second viewer terminal other than the first viewer terminal among the plurality of viewer terminals 30, and, when the setting is named, the comment is displayed anonymously on the distributor terminal 20 and the second viewer terminal, which is among the plurality of viewer terminals 30, while the video content is being displayed.

[0064] An information processing program relating to one aspect of the present disclosure causes a computer to execute the following steps: displaying video content generated by the distributor terminal 20 on the distributor terminal 20 and multiple viewer terminals 30; acquiring, while the video content is being displayed, a setting indicating anonymous or named selected on a first viewer terminal among the multiple viewer terminals 30, which is a terminal where a comment was input, and the comment; and displaying comments including, as comment display control while the video content is being displayed, displaying the comments anonymously on the distributor terminal 20 and on a second viewer terminal among the multiple viewer terminals 30 other than the first viewer terminal when the setting is anonymous, and displaying the comments anonymously on the distributor terminal 20 and on the second viewer terminal when the setting is named,

[0065] A distributor terminal 20 according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a distributor terminal 20 that distributes video content to a plurality of viewer terminals 30 via a communication network, and includes at least one processor. The at least one processor displays the video content, and during the display of the video content, displays the comment anonymously when the setting is anonymous, and displays the comment anonymously when the setting is anonymous, in response to a setting indicating anonymous or named selected in a first viewer terminal, which is a terminal where a comment was input, among the plurality of viewer terminals 30.

[0066] According to the present disclosure, a so-called live distribution is performed by displaying the video content on the distributor terminal 20 and the multiple viewer terminals 30. During the display of the video content, the display of the comments is controlled using the comment inputted in the first viewer terminal and the setting of anonymous or named. When the setting is anonymous, anonymous comments are displayed in the distributor terminal 20 and the second viewer terminal. When the setting is named, named comments are displayed in the distributor terminal 20, and anonymous comments are displayed in the second viewer terminal. Since anonymous comments are displayed in the second viewer terminal regardless of the setting, the psychological hurdle of commenting is lowered. This can promote the activation of comments. On the distributor terminal 20, anonymous comments or named comments are displayed in accordance with the setting. In the case of anonymity, the psychological hurdle of commenting is lowered. In the case of named, the intimacy with the user of the distributor terminal 20 is improved. This promotes the activation of comments and facilitates communication between the user of the first viewer terminal and the user of the distributor terminal 20. As a result, the convenience of comments on the video content can be improved.

[0067] At least one processor performs an action corresponding to the comment on the first viewer terminal when the setting is anonymized. In this case, anonymized comments can be activated.

[0068] At least one processor performs comment display control for each comment input in the first viewer terminal. In this case, comment display control is performed for each comment while video content is being displayed. This allows the user of the first viewer terminal to switch between anonymous and named comment for each comment. For example, the user of the first viewer terminal can select named comment when he / she wants to communicate with the user of the distributor terminal 20, and select anonymous comment when he / she wants to make a casual comment.

[0069] In the present disclosure, the anonymous or named setting may be set as the default. The setting can be freely selected by the viewer. When the named setting is selected, it can be said that the viewer wears a name tag to be shown to the distributor. The viewer can wear a name tag only when they like and enjoy various comments. For example, the viewer can choose to post casual comments when anonymous and to post dense comments when named. The distributor can look at the viewer's profile and provide topics that delve into the viewer's own affairs. In one example, the distributor can check the list of favorites in the viewer's profile and proceed with the conversation along the contents. In another example, the distributor can check the comments of a specific viewer posted in the past and proceed with the conversation along the contents. A viewer who repeatedly posts named comments can be said to be a regular viewer. If there are regular viewers, the distributor's motivation to continue distribution increases. By repeatedly posting named comments, the viewer can expect the distributor to recognize him or her as a regular viewer.

[0070] [Variations] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiment. In implementing the present disclosure, the shape, arrangement, and other aspects of each component may be appropriately modified without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims.

[0071] The first viewer terminal may be a smartphone or a tablet terminal. Fig. 10 is a diagram showing another example of a screen that accepts input of comments and settings. The screen V6 shown in Fig. 10 is displayed on the first viewer terminal, which is, for example, a smartphone. The screen V6 includes a content area R4 that displays video content and an input area R5 that accepts input.

[0072] The content area R4 displays video content 410. The video content 410 may be, for example, a live broadcast of a person, but is not limited to this.

[0073] The input area R5 includes a comment input field T, a comment send button P, and a settings interface S. The text "It's caramel flavored" has been entered in the comment input field T. In response to pressing the comment send button P, the text entered in the comment input field T is posted as a new comment. The settings interface S includes a toggle button G that accepts input of a setting indicating anonymous or named. In screen V6, the toggle button G is shown in an ON state.

[0074] Fig. 11 is a diagram showing another example of a screen displaying comments. Screen V7 shown in Fig. 11 is displayed on distributor terminal 20, which is, for example, a smartphone. Screen V7 includes a content area R4 and a comment area R6 displaying one or more comments. Comment area R6 displays a comment list 420 in which comments entered on distributor terminal 20 or viewer terminal 30 are arranged in chronological order.

[0075] Comments C10 to C12 are displayed in comment list 420. An icon C121 and a nickname C122 are displayed in comment list 420 in association with comment C12. Comments C10 and C11 are displayed anonymously. Comment C12 is displayed with a name.

[0076] Fig. 12 is a diagram showing another example of a screen displaying a comment poster's profile. Screen V8 shown in Fig. 12 is displayed on distributor terminal 20 as a window separate from screen V7. Screen V8 may be displayed in response to a distributor performing an operation such as tapping on icon C121 or nickname C122 on screen V7 shown in Fig. 11, for example, or may be displayed automatically at the timing of posting a comment, etc.

[0077] The screen V8 displays the profile of the comment poster. For example, the screen V8 displays the profile of the comment poster of the comment C12. The screen V8 displays the user ID, icon C121, nickname C122, and favorites list corresponding to the comment poster of the comment C12. The icon C121 and nickname C122 displayed on the screen V8 are the same as the icon C121 and nickname C122 displayed in the comment list 420.

[0078] In the above embodiment, the profile of the comment poster who has commented anonymously is displayed, but this is not limited to the above. For example, statistical information such as the number of posts by the comment poster who has commented anonymously, or the birthday of the comment poster may be displayed.

[0079] In the above embodiment, the process during the display of the video content has been described. After the video content ends (after live distribution), the information processing system 1 may transmit a list of viewers who posted comments under their names to the distributor terminal 20. The list of viewers may include, for example, icons, nicknames, number of comments, viewing time, etc. corresponding to the viewers.

[0080] In the above embodiment, it has been described that the comment list 320 displays both named comments and anonymous comments, but this is not limited to the above. Fig. 13 is a diagram showing another example of a screen displaying comments. The screen V9 shown in Fig. 13 is displayed on the distributor terminal 20. The following mainly describes the differences between the screen V9 and the screen V2 shown in Fig. 6.

[0081] Comment area R3 includes a window W1 displaying named comments and a window W2 displaying anonymous comments. Window W1 displays a comment list 320A. Comment list 320A displays named comments C2, C3, and C6. Window W2 displays a comment list 320B. Comment list 320B displays anonymous comments C4 and C5.

[0082] When the setting is "anonymous," the comment control unit 12 generates display control data for displaying the comment with an anonymous name in a window W1 different from the window W2 in which the anonymous comment is displayed, and transmits the display control data to the user terminal. Here, the comment control unit 12 transmits the generated display control data to the distributor terminal 20. The distributor terminal 20 controls the display of the comments in each of the windows W1 and W2 based on the display control data.

[0083] As described above, when the setting is "named", at least one processor displays the comment with a name in a window W1 different from the window W2 in which the anonymous comment is displayed. In this case, the window W2 in which the anonymous comment is displayed and the window W1 in which the named comment are displayed are separated. This improves the visibility of the named comment for the user of the distributor terminal 20. As a result, the communication between the user of the first viewer terminal and the user of the distributor terminal 20 can be made smoother.

[0084] In the above example, the information processing system 1 includes the server 10, but the information processing system may be applied to content distribution between user terminals without using a server. In this case, each functional element of the server 10 may be implemented in one of the user terminals, or may be implemented separately in a plurality of user terminals. In this regard, the information processing program may be realized as a client program. The information processing system may be configured using a server, or may be configured without using a server. That is, the information processing system may be implemented by a client-server system, or may be implemented by P2P (Peer to Peer) or E2E (End to End) encryption, which is a client-client system. The client-client system improves the confidentiality of content distribution.

[0085] In the above examples, the distributor terminal 20 and the viewer terminal 30 are shown as user terminals, but other types of user terminals may have the same functional elements as the distributor terminal 20 or the viewer terminal 30. For example, a moderator terminal, which is a computer used by a moderator who manages video content, may have the functional elements.

[0086] In this disclosure, the expression "at least one processor executes a first process, executes a second process, ... executes an nth process" or a corresponding expression indicates a concept including a case where the executing entity (i.e., the processor) of n processes from the first process to the nth process changes midway. In other words, this expression indicates a concept including both a case where all n processes are executed by the same processor and a case where the processor changes among the n processes according to an arbitrary policy.

[0087] The processing procedure of the method executed by at least one processor is not limited to the example in the above embodiment. For example, some of the above steps may be omitted, or each step may be executed in a different order. In addition, any two or more of the above steps may be combined, or some of the steps may be modified or deleted. Alternatively, other steps may be executed in addition to the above steps.

[0088] In comparing the magnitude of two numerical values, either of the two criteria "greater than or equal to" or "greater than" may be used, or either of the two criteria "less than or equal to" or "less than".

[0089] Any part or all of the functional elements described in this specification may be realized by a program. The programs mentioned in this specification may be distributed in a non-temporary manner recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, distributed via a communication line (including wireless communication) such as the Internet, or distributed in a state in which they are installed on any terminal.

[0090] Based on the above description, a person skilled in the art may be able to conceive additional effects or various modifications of the present disclosure, but the aspects of the present disclosure are not limited to the individual embodiments described above. Various additions, modifications, and partial deletions are possible within the scope of the conceptual idea and intent of the present disclosure derived from the contents defined in the claims and their equivalents.

[0091] For example, a configuration described in this specification as one device (or component; the same applies below) (including a configuration depicted as one device in the drawings) may be realized by multiple devices. Alternatively, a configuration described in this specification as multiple devices (including a configuration depicted as multiple devices in the drawings) may be realized by one device. Alternatively, some or all of the means or functions included in a certain device (e.g., a server) may be included in another device (e.g., a user terminal).

[0092] Not all of the features described in this specification are essential. For example, features that are described in this specification but not in the claims may be considered optional additional features.

[0093] The applicant is merely aware of the known technology described in the "Prior Art Documents" column of this specification. It should also be noted that this disclosure is not necessarily intended to solve the problems in the known technology. The problems to be solved in this disclosure should be identified by taking into consideration the entire specification. For example, if there is a description in this specification that a specific configuration produces a certain effect, it can also be said that the problem corresponding to the certain effect is solved. However, the description of the effect does not necessarily intend that such a specific configuration is an essential requirement.

[0094] [Note] The following is a summary of the present disclosure. [1] At least one processor, the at least one processor: Displaying the video content generated by the distributor terminal on the distributor terminal and a plurality of viewer terminals; During the display of the video content, a setting indicating anonymous or named, selected at a first viewer terminal among the plurality of viewer terminals, which is a terminal at which a comment was input, and the comment are acquired; During the display of the video content, as comment display control, When the setting is anonymous, the comment is displayed anonymously on the distributor terminal and a second viewer terminal other than the first viewer terminal among the plurality of viewer terminals; When the setting is "named", the distributor terminal displays the comment with a name and the second viewer terminal displays the comment anonymously. Information processing system. [2] The information processing system of [1], wherein the at least one processor performs an action corresponding to the comment on the first viewer terminal when the setting is a named comment. [3] The information processing system according to [1] or [2], wherein the at least one processor performs the comment display control for each comment input at the first viewer terminal. [4] An information processing system described in any one of [1] to [3], wherein at least one of the processors, when the setting is anonymized, displays the comments anonymized in a window different from a window in which anonymous comments are displayed. [5] 1. An information processing method executed by an information processing system having at least one processor, comprising: displaying the video content generated by the distributor terminal on the distributor terminal and a plurality of viewer terminals; acquiring a setting indicating anonymous or named selected in a first viewer terminal, which is a terminal from which a comment was input, and the comment while the video content is being displayed; During the display of the video content, as comment display control, When the setting is anonymous, displaying the comment anonymously on the distributor terminal and a second viewer terminal other than the first viewer terminal among the plurality of viewer terminals; When the setting is anonymized, causing the distributor terminal to display the comment with anonymity and causing the second viewer terminal to display the comment anonymously; Displaying a comment containing An information processing method comprising: [6] displaying the video content generated by the distributor terminal on the distributor terminal and a plurality of viewer terminals; acquiring a setting indicating anonymous or named selected in a first viewer terminal, which is a terminal from which a comment was input, and the comment while the video content is being displayed; During the display of the video content, as comment display control, When the setting is anonymous, displaying the comment anonymously on the distributor terminal and a second viewer terminal other than the first viewer terminal among the plurality of viewer terminals; When the setting is anonymized, causing the distributor terminal to display the comment with anonymity and causing the second viewer terminal to display the comment anonymously; Displaying a comment containing An information processing program that causes a computer to execute the above. [7] A distributor terminal that distributes video content to a plurality of viewer terminals via a communication network, At least one processor, the at least one processor: Displaying the video content; During display of the video content, in response to a setting indicating anonymous or named selected in a first viewer terminal, which is a terminal where a comment was input, among the plurality of viewer terminals, displaying the comment anonymously if the setting is anonymous, and displaying the comment named if the setting is named; Distributor terminal. [Explanation of symbols]

[0095] 1...information processing system, 10...server, 11...content transfer unit, 12...comment control unit, 20...distributor terminal, 21...content generation unit, 22...content display unit, 23...comment display unit, 30...viewer terminal, 31...content display unit, 32...input unit, 33...comment display unit, 40...user database, 310, 410...video content, 320, 420, 320A, 320B...comment list, G...toggle button, N...communication network, P...comment sender button, S... setting interface, T... comment input field, C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C10, C11, C12... comments, P1... server program, P2... client program, R1, R4... content area, R2, R5... input area, R3, R6... comment area, V1, V2, V3, V4, V5, V6, V7, V8, V9... screen, W1, W2... window, C21, C61, C121... icon, C22, C62, C122... nickname.< / url:>

Claims

1. At least one processor; the at least one processor: Displaying the video content generated by the distributor terminal on the distributor terminal and a plurality of viewer terminals; During the display of the video content, a setting indicating anonymous or named, selected at a first viewer terminal among the plurality of viewer terminals, which is a terminal at which a comment is input, and the comment are acquired; During the display of the video content, as comment display control, When the setting is anonymous, the comment is displayed anonymously on the distributor terminal and a second viewer terminal other than the first viewer terminal among the plurality of viewer terminals; When the setting is "named", the distributor terminal displays the comment with a name and the second viewer terminal displays the comment anonymously. Information processing system.

2. The information processing system according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one processor performs an action corresponding to the comment on the first viewer terminal when the setting is a name.

3. The information processing system according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one processor performs the comment display control for each comment input at the first viewer terminal.

4. The information processing system of claim 1 , wherein the at least one processor, when the setting is anonymized, displays the comment anonymously in a window separate from a window in which anonymous comments are displayed.

5. 1. An information processing method executed by an information processing system having at least one processor, comprising: displaying the video content generated by the distributor terminal on the distributor terminal and a plurality of viewer terminals; acquiring a setting indicating anonymous or named selected at a first viewer terminal, which is a terminal at which a comment has been input, among the plurality of viewer terminals while the video content is being displayed, and the comment; During the display of the video content, as comment display control, When the setting is anonymous, displaying the comment anonymously on the distributor terminal and a second viewer terminal other than the first viewer terminal among the plurality of viewer terminals; When the setting is anonymized, the distributor terminal displays the comment with anonymity and the second viewer terminal displays the comment anonymously; Displaying a comment containing An information processing method comprising:

6. displaying the video content generated by the distributor terminal on the distributor terminal and a plurality of viewer terminals; acquiring a setting indicating anonymous or named selected at a first viewer terminal, which is a terminal at which a comment has been input, among the plurality of viewer terminals while the video content is being displayed, and the comment; During the display of the video content, as comment display control, When the setting is anonymous, displaying the comment anonymously on the distributor terminal and a second viewer terminal other than the first viewer terminal among the plurality of viewer terminals; When the setting is anonymized, the distributor terminal displays the comment with anonymity and the second viewer terminal displays the comment anonymously; Displaying a comment containing An information processing program that causes a computer to execute the above.

7. A distributor terminal that distributes video content to a plurality of viewer terminals via a communication network, At least one processor; the at least one processor: Displaying the video content; During display of the video content, in response to a setting indicating anonymous or named selected in a first viewer terminal, which is a terminal at which a comment is input, among the plurality of viewer terminals, displaying the comment anonymously if the setting is anonymous, and displaying the comment named if the setting is named; Distributor terminal.

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