System, method, and program for distributing live video

Abstract

To promote distribution of live videos by various distributors including beginners.SOLUTION: A video distribution server 10 provides live video distribution service for distributing and viewing live videos to a user via a user terminal 30. The server 10 determines a rank of a distributor based on distribution achievements of live videos, sets a reference reward quantity of the distributor based on the determined rank, and gives reward of a quantity based on a distribution time of a live video and the reference reward quantity to the distributor. As a result, the distributor, even if a beginner, can obtain reward of the quantity based on the distribution time and the reference reward quantity by continuing delivery of live videos.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, in video distribution services, rewards are given to video contributors / distributors, for example, rewards are given to contributors according to the number of times an advertisement embedded in a video is played. Also, in systems that distribute live videos, viewers input items for the distributor while the live video is being distributed, and a portion of the sales of the items may be distributed to the distributor (for example, see Patent Document 1 below). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2015-90526 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the conventional reward system described above, while famous broadcasters with many enthusiastic fans can receive a large amount of reward, beginner broadcasters who have just started broadcasting videos cannot expect to receive a large amount of reward. For this reason, such rewards are not likely to motivate beginner broadcasters to continue broadcasting videos. Therefore, it is believed that video broadcasting will be promoted by realizing a system that allows even beginner broadcasters to receive a reasonable reward.

[0005] One of the objectives of the embodiment of the present invention is to promote live video distribution by various broadcasters, including beginners. Other objectives of the embodiment of the present invention will become apparent by referring to the entire specification. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A system according to one embodiment of the present invention is a system for streaming live video, comprising one or more computer processors, wherein the one or more computer processors, in response to execution of readable instructions, execute the following processes: streaming live video provided by each of a plurality of broadcasters to each of a plurality of viewers; determining a rank for each of the plurality of broadcasters from among a plurality of predetermined ranks based at least on the broadcasting performance of each of the plurality of broadcasters' live video; setting a standard reward quantity for each of the plurality of broadcasters based at least on the rank of each of the plurality of broadcasters; and granting each of the plurality of broadcasters a reward amount based at least on the broadcasting time of the live video and the standard reward quantity.

[0007] A method according to one embodiment of the present invention is executed by one or more computers and is a method for streaming live videos, comprising the steps of: streaming a live video provided by each of a plurality of broadcasters to each of a plurality of viewers; determining a rank for each of the plurality of broadcasters from among a plurality of predetermined ranks based at least on the streaming performance of the live video of each of the plurality of broadcasters; setting a standard reward quantity for each of the plurality of broadcasters based at least on the rank of each of the plurality of broadcasters; and granting a reward to each of the plurality of broadcasters an amount based at least on the streaming time of the live video and the standard reward quantity.

[0008] A program according to one embodiment of the present invention is a program for streaming live videos, which, when executed on one or more computers, causes the one or more computers to execute the following processes: a process of streaming live videos provided by each of a plurality of broadcasters to each of a plurality of viewers; a process of determining a rank for each of the plurality of broadcasters from among a plurality of predetermined ranks based at least on the broadcasting performance of each of the plurality of broadcasters' live videos; a process of setting a standard reward quantity for each of the plurality of broadcasters based at least on the rank of each of the plurality of broadcasters; and a process of granting each of the plurality of broadcasters a reward amount based at least on the broadcasting time of the live video and the standard reward quantity. Effect of the Invention

[0009] Various embodiments of the present invention facilitate live video distribution by a variety of broadcasters, including beginners. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a network including a video distribution server 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 1 is a block diagram showing the functions of a video distribution server 10. [Diagram 3] 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of information managed in a user information table 411. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining ranks. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of information managed in a distribution information table 412. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a top screen 60. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a distributor screen 70. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a viewer screen 80. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of an item selection screen 90. [Figure 10] 4 is a flow diagram illustrating a process executed by the server 10 each time distribution of an individual live video ends. [Figure 11] 4 is a flow diagram illustrating a process executed by the server 10 when updating a rank. [Figure 12] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining an update rule for a rank meter value. [Figure 13] 11 is a diagram for explaining the correspondence between update contents of rank and required rank meter value. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a rank meter object 100. [Figure 15] FIG. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating a process executed by the server 10 when awarding diamonds. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0027] Next, the functions of the video distribution server 10 of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functions of the video distribution server 10. As shown in the figure, the server 10 has an information storage management unit 41 that stores and manages various information, a basic function control unit 43 that controls the basic functions of the live video distribution service, a video distribution control unit 45 that controls the distribution of live videos, and a reward management unit 47 that manages rewards for distributors. These functions are realized by the cooperation of hardware such as the computer processor 11 and the main memory 12, and various programs and data stored in the storage 15, etc., and are realized, for example, by the computer processor 11 executing instructions included in a program loaded into the main memory 12. In addition, some or all of the functions of the server 10 shown in FIG. 2 can be realized by the cooperation of the server 10 and the user terminal 30, or by the user terminal 30.

[0028] The information storage management unit 41 of the video distribution server 10 stores and manages various information in the storage 15 etc. For example, as shown in Fig. 2, the information storage management unit 41 may be configured to have a user information table 411 that manages information about users of the live video distribution service, and a distribution information table 412 that manages information about distribution of individual live videos.

[0029] The basic function control unit 43 of the video distribution server 10 executes various processes related to the control of the basic functions of the live video distribution service. For example, the basic function control unit 43 transmits screen data or control data of various screens related to the basic functions to the user terminal 30, executes various processes in response to an operation input by a user via the screen displayed on the user terminal 30, and transmits screen data or control data according to the results of the processes to the user terminal 30. The basic functions controlled by the basic function control unit 43 include, for example, login processing (user authentication), billing control, user management (e.g., updating the user information table 411, etc.), and management of distribution of individual live videos (e.g., updating the distribution information table 412, etc.).

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

[0031] The reward management unit 47 of the video distribution server 10 executes various processes related to management of rewards for distributors. In this embodiment, the reward management unit 47 is configured to determine the rank of each distributor from among a plurality of predetermined ranks based at least on the distribution performance of the live video of each distributor. The reward management unit 47 is also configured to set a standard reward quantity for each distributor based at least on the determined rank. The standard reward quantity is configured as a reward quantity per unit time (e.g., per hour), for example. The standard reward quantity is also set to be higher for higher ranks.

[0032] The reward management unit 47 is configured to grant each broadcaster a reward based at least on the broadcast time of the live video and the standard reward amount. For example, the reward management unit 47 is configured to grant each broadcaster a reward amount obtained by multiplying the broadcast time of the live video in a predetermined period by the standard reward amount. Rewards granted to users include, but are not limited to, virtual and electronic items (including virtual currency) and real currency.

[0033] In this way, the video distribution server 10 in this embodiment determines the rank of the broadcaster based on the broadcast performance of the live video, sets the standard remuneration amount for the broadcaster based on the determined rank, and grants the broadcaster a remuneration amount based on the broadcast time of the live video and the standard remuneration amount, so that even a beginner broadcaster can earn a remuneration amount based on the broadcast time and the standard remuneration amount by continuing to broadcast live videos. In this way, the video distribution server 10 in this embodiment promotes the broadcasting of live videos by various broadcasters, including beginners.

[0034] In this embodiment, the distribution record of the live video used to determine the rank of the distributor may include various information. For example, the distribution record includes, but is not limited to, the input record of input information input by viewers during the distribution of the live video. The input information includes, for example, comments, likes, and virtual and electronic items, and in this case, the input record includes the number of comments, the number of likes, the number of items, and the like. For example, the reward management unit 47 is configured to determine the rank of the distributor so that the higher the number of input information input by the viewers, the higher the rank. This configuration determines the rank of the distributor based on the input record of input information by the viewers, and therefore, for example, supports the distributor to encourage the viewers to input input information, and as a result, the activation of communication in the live video is promoted.

[0035] The reward management unit 47 may be configured to grant predetermined points to broadcasters based at least on the broadcast performance of the live video, and to determine the rank of each broadcaster based at least on the predetermined points granted to each broadcaster in a predetermined period. In other words, the rank of a broadcaster may be configured to be determined via the predetermined points granted based on the broadcast performance of the live video. This configuration may provide the broadcaster with the enjoyment of acquiring the predetermined points, since the rank is determined via the predetermined points.

[0036] The reward management unit 47 may be configured to determine the rank of each distributor by setting a rank for each rank group consisting of one or a plurality of consecutive ranks based on the predetermined points granted in a predetermined period, and to determine the rank of each distributor so that the higher the set rank, the higher the rank, and the lower the set rank, the lower the rank. This configuration allows the distributor to enjoy the acquisition of the predetermined points even more, since the rank is increased or decreased according to the rank based on the acquired predetermined points.

[0037] The reward management unit 47 may be configured to determine the rank of each broadcaster based at least on the value of a predetermined parameter of each broadcaster that is configured to increase as the broadcaster's ranking based on the predetermined points increases and decrease as the broadcaster's ranking decreases. In other words, the rank of a broadcaster may be configured to be determined via the value of the predetermined parameter that changes based on the broadcaster's ranking based on the predetermined points. This configuration may provide the broadcaster with fun regarding the change in the value of the predetermined parameter.

[0038] The reward management unit 47 may be configured to rank up a distributor whose value of the predetermined parameter is equal to or greater than a rank-up threshold, while ranking down a distributor whose value of the predetermined parameter is equal to or less than a rank-down threshold. In this case, the reward management unit 47 may be configured to rank up the distributor to the next-higher rank when the value of the predetermined parameter is equal to or greater than a first rank-up threshold if the next-higher rank is the same rank group as the current rank group, while to rank up the distributor to the next-higher rank when the value of the predetermined parameter is equal to or greater than a second rank-up threshold that is greater than the first rank-up threshold if the next-higher rank is a rank group different from the current rank group. Similarly, the reward management unit 47 may be configured to downgrade the rank of the distributor to the next lower rank when the value of a predetermined parameter becomes equal to or less than a first downgrade threshold if the rank immediately below the current rank is the same as the current rank group, and to downgrade the rank to the next lower rank when the value of the predetermined parameter becomes equal to or less than a second downgrade threshold that is smaller than the first downgrade threshold if the rank immediately below is a rank group different from the current rank group. This configuration makes it more difficult for rank ups / downs across rank groups to occur compared to rank ups / downs within the same rank group, and as a result, sudden changes in rank can be suppressed.

[0039] The reward management unit 47 may be configured to determine whether each live video is a valid broadcast and to grant a reward based at least on the broadcast time of the live video from which the broadcast time in the broadcast determined to be an ineffective broadcast is excluded and the reference broadcast amount. That is, the reward management unit 47 may be configured to exclude the broadcast time in the broadcast determined to be an ineffective broadcast when determining the amount of the reward to be granted. For example, the reward management unit 47 may be configured to determine whether each live video is a valid broadcast based on at least one of the broadcast time, the number of viewers, the number of input information input by the viewers, and the image analysis result of the live video. For example, a broadcast in which the broadcast time, the number of viewers, or the number of input information from the viewers is equal to or less than each predetermined threshold is determined to be an ineffective broadcast, or a broadcast in which, for example, a moving person is not detected in the image as a result of the image analysis of the live video is determined to be an ineffective broadcast. Such a configuration supports the granting of an appropriately set reward by excluding ineffective broadcasts.

[0040] Next, a specific example of the video distribution server 10 of the present embodiment having such a function will be described. FIG. 3 illustrates information managed in the user information table 411 in this example. The user information table 411 manages information about users of the live video distribution service, and as shown in the figure, in association with a "user account" that identifies an individual user, manages information such as "basic information" that is basic information about the user such as account name, age, and sex, "distribution history information" that is information about the distribution history of live videos, "viewing history information" that is information about the viewing history of live videos distributed by other users, "following user information" that is information about other users followed by the user, "follower information" that is information about other users (followers) following the user, "rank" that indicates the rank of the user as a distributor, "rank meter value" (a predetermined parameter value) that is a parameter value for determining rank up / down, "coin holding number" that indicates the number of virtual coins held in the live video distribution service, and "diamond holding number" that indicates the number of virtual diamonds held.

[0041] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the "rank" in this example. As shown in the figure, in this example, there are six rank bands (rank groups) of "S", "A", "B", "C", "D" and "E", and each of the five rank bands of "S", "A", "B", "C", and "D" is composed of three ranks (for example, a rank with "+" added to the alphabet indicating the rank band, such as "S+", "S", and "S-", a rank with only the alphabet, and a rank with "-" added to the alphabet). In addition, the rank band of "E" is composed of one rank "E". In other words, in this example, there are 16 ranks (3×5+1=16).

[0042] In addition, the rank band is the highest on the "S" side and the lowest on the "E" side. In addition, within the same rank band, the rank is the highest on the "+" side and the lowest on the "-" side. In this example, the user's rank is set to "D-" as the initial value.

[0043] 5 illustrates information managed in the distribution information table 412 in this example. The distribution information table 412 manages information related to distribution of individual live videos, and as illustrated, manages information such as a "distributor user account" identifying the distributor of the live video, a "distribution date and time", a "distribution duration" indicating the duration of the distribution, a "number of viewers (current value and maximum value)", a "number of comments" which is the number of comments entered by the viewers, a "number of likes" which is the number of "likes" entered by the viewers, a "number of items" which is the number of items entered by the viewers, "distribution points" which are distribution points (predetermined points) granted to this distribution, and a "valid / invalid category" which indicates whether this distribution is valid or invalid, in association with a "distribution ID" which identifies an individual distribution.

[0044] 6 shows an example of a top screen 60 of a live video streaming service. As shown in the figure, the screen 60 has a filter area 62 labeled "Follow," "Popular," and "All," a list display area 64 displaying a list of live videos being streamed, and a streaming start button 66 labeled "Stream."

[0045] The filter area 62 is an area for setting filtering for live videos being distributed and displayed in the list display area 64. Specifically, when "Following" is selected in the filter area 62, the live videos displayed in the list display area 64 are narrowed down to live videos of users the user is following. Similarly, when "Popular" is selected in the filter area 62, the live videos displayed in the list display area 64 are narrowed down to live videos extracted according to a predetermined extraction condition for extracting popular videos (for example, live videos with a number of viewers (current value) equal to or greater than a predetermined value). Furthermore, when "All" is selected in the filter area 62, all live videos being distributed without filtering are subject to list display.

[0046] In the list display area 64, a plurality of individual display areas 641, each of which displays information about an individual live video, are arranged in two columns. The individual display areas 641 display, for example, a still image set in advance by the distributor of the live video, the distributor's account name, the number of viewers (current value), and the like. The list display area 64 is configured so that the displayed individual display areas 641 can be switched by a flick operation / slide operation in an up or down direction, and the like.

[0047] The distribution start button 66 is an object for the user to start distribution of a live video as a distributor. When the distribution start button 66 is selected by the user, distribution of the live video is started, specifically, transmission of a video composed of an image input via the camera of the user terminal 30 and an audio input via the microphone of the user terminal 30 to the server 10 is started. In addition, in response to the start of distribution of the live video, a new record is created in the distribution information table 412.

[0048] 7 illustrates a distributor screen 70 that is displayed on the distributor terminal 30 in response to selection of the distribution start button 66 (i.e., start of distribution of a live video). The screen 70 has a video display area 71 that corresponds to the entire screen, a basic information display area 72 located at the top edge of the screen, an action information display area 73 located near the bottom left of the screen, and a distribution stop button 75 located at the center of the bottom edge of the screen.

[0049] The video display area 71 displays the live video being distributed, that is, the image input via the camera of the distributor terminal 30. Since the distributor usually shoots himself / herself via the in-camera of the distributor terminal 30, the live video being distributed includes the distributor himself / herself.

[0050] The basic information display area 72 displays basic information about this broadcast, specifically, broadcaster information (profile image, etc.), the number of viewers of this broadcast (current value), and the number of “likes” entered by viewers in response to this broadcast, etc.

[0051] The action information display area 73 displays information regarding actions performed by the viewer, and specifically, in this area 73, a plurality of action objects AO, each corresponding to an individual action by the viewer, are arranged vertically. The action information display area 73 is configured so that when a new action is performed by the viewer, a corresponding action object AO is added to the bottom, and the existing action objects AO move in order upward. The action information display area 73 is configured so that the action object AO displayed is switched by a flick operation / slide operation in the vertical direction, etc. Actions by the viewer displayed in the action information display area 73 include entering a room (starting viewing), inputting a "like," inputting a comment, and inputting an item.

[0052] The distribution stop button 75 is an object for a distributor to stop distribution of a live video. When the distributor selects the distribution stop button 75, distribution of the live video (transmission of the live video from the distributor terminal 30 to the server 10) is stopped.

[0053] FIG. 8 illustrates a viewer screen 80 displayed on the viewer terminal 30. For example, when a viewer selects an arbitrary live video via the list display area 64 of the top screen 60, the viewer screen 80 for viewing the selected live video is displayed on the viewer terminal 30. As shown in the figure, the screen 80 has a video display area 81 corresponding to the entire screen, a basic information display area 82 located at the top end of the screen, and an action information display area 83 located near the bottom left of the screen, similar to the above-mentioned distributor screen 70. In addition, the viewer screen 80 has a comment input area 84, a "Like" button 85 with a heart mark displayed, and an item input button 86 with a gift design displayed at the bottom end of the screen.

[0054] The comment input area 84 is an area for a viewer to input a comment. When a viewer inputs a comment via this area 84, an action object AO corresponding to the input comment is added to the distributor screen 70 of the distributor terminal 30 and the action information display areas 73, 83 of the viewer screen 80 of each viewer terminal 30. The action object AO corresponding to the comment displays the account name of the viewer who input the comment and the comment itself (text). In addition, when a comment is input, the number of comments in the distribution information table 412 is updated (increased by 1).

[0055] The like button 85 is an object for a viewer to input a "like" to a distributor. When the button 85 is selected by a viewer, a "like" is input, and an action object AO corresponding to the "like" is added to the action information display area 73, 83. In the action object AO corresponding to the "like", text indicating that the "like" has been made is displayed together with the account name of the viewer who input the "like". In addition, when a "like" is input, a predetermined visual effect (for example, an animation effect in which a heart-shaped object is displayed flowing from the bottom to the top of the screen) is added to the video display area 71, 81 of the distributor screen 70 and the viewer screen 80. In addition, when a "like" is input, the "number of likes" in the distribution information table 412 is updated (1 is added).

[0056] The item input button 86 is a button that allows the viewer to input an item. When the button 86 is selected by the viewer, an item selection screen 90, as shown in FIG. 9, is displayed superimposed on the viewer screen 80. As shown in the figure, the screen 90 displays a list of multiple individual display areas 92, each of which displays information related to an item. The individual display areas 92 display an image corresponding to the item and the number of coins required to input the item.

[0057] In this example, a plurality of items that can be input by a viewer are predefined. When a viewer selects one of the items via the item selection screen 90, the selected item is input. When the item is input, an action object AO corresponding to the input of the item is added to the action information display area 73, 83. The action object AO corresponding to the input of the item displays the account name of the viewer who input the item and the name of the input item. When an item is input, a predetermined visual effect corresponding to the item is added to the video display area 71, 81. When an item is input, the number of items in the distribution information table 412 is updated (1 is added). When an item is input, the number of coins required to input the item is consumed, and specifically, the number of coins of the corresponding viewer is reduced in the user information table 411. In this way, the coins in this example are used to obtain / input items.

[0058] As described above, when the distributor selects the stop distribution button 75 on the distributor screen 70, the distribution of the live video ends. FIG. 10 is a flow diagram illustrating a process executed by the server 10 each time the distribution of an individual live video ends. When the distribution of the live video ends, the server 10 first sets the valid / invalid category of the distribution as shown in the figure (step S100). Specifically, when the values ​​of the distribution time, the number of viewers (maximum value), and the number of comments are equal to or greater than a predetermined lower limit, the distribution is determined to be valid, whereas when any of the values ​​of the distribution time, the number of viewers (maximum value), and the number of comments is less than a predetermined lower limit, the distribution is determined to be invalid. For example, a distribution with an excessively short distribution time (e.g., less than 5 minutes), a distribution with an excessively small number of viewers (maximum value) (e.g., less than 10 people), and a distribution with an excessively small number of comments (e.g., less than 100) are determined to be invalid. Then, a value corresponding to the determination result is set in the valid / invalid category of the distribution information table 412. Note that instead of the number of comments, a viewer comment rate (the ratio of viewers who have input comments to the total number of viewers) may be applied.

[0059] Next, if it is determined that the distribution is a valid distribution (YES in step S110), distribution points for the distribution are set (step S120). In this example, the distribution points are calculated based on the number of viewers (maximum value), the number of likes, the number of comments, and the number of items, and are registered in distribution information table 412. The distribution points are configured to increase as the number of viewers (maximum value), the number of likes, the number of comments, and the number of items increase.

[0060] On the other hand, if the distribution is determined to be an invalid distribution (NO in step S110), no distribution points are set. Thus, in this example, a distribution in which any of the distribution time, the number of viewers (maximum value), and the number of comments is excessively small is determined to be an invalid distribution and is not subject to the setting of distribution points.

[0061] In this example, the rank of the day is determined (updated) based on the distribution points acquired by the user on the previous day. Fig. 11 is a flow diagram illustrating the process executed by the server 10 when updating the rank of each user. These processes are executed every night (for example, at 3:00 a.m. every day).

[0062] First, the server 10 updates the rank meter value of each user as shown in the figure (step S200). FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining the update rule of the rank meter value. As shown in the figure, in this example, the rank meter value fluctuates based on the ranking of the distribution points acquired by the user on the previous day within the rank band to which the user belongs. The distribution points acquired by a specific user on the previous day are calculated by referring to the distributor user account, distribution date and time, and distribution points in the distribution information table 412. Note that if a user makes multiple distributions in one day, the distribution points acquired in each of the multiple distributions are added together.

[0063] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 12, the update rule for the rank meter value is that first, if the ranking of a distribution point within a rank band is included in the top 10%, the change in the rank meter value is "+2" (an increase of 2 points). Similarly, if the ranking is included in the top 11-30% (the remaining 20% ​​after removing the top 10% from the top 30%), the change is "+1", if the ranking is included in the middle 30% (top 31-60%), the change is "±0" (no increase or decrease), and if the ranking is included in the bottom 40%, the change is "-1" (a decrease of 1 point). Note that if no distribution was performed on the previous day, the change in the rank meter value will be "-1" regardless of the ranking within the rank band.

[0064] In step S200, the rank meter value of each user is updated according to the update rule exemplified in Fig. 12. Note that, for a user with a negative rank meter value, if the current change in rank meter value is an increase (specifically, +2 or +1), the rank meter value may be cleared to 0 and then increased. That is, for example, if the current change in rank meter value of a user whose current rank meter value is "-1" is "+2", the rank meter value is cleared to 0 and then incremented by 2, so that the rank meter value after the change becomes "+2" (instead of "+1"). In this way, even for users with negative rank meter values ​​(for example, users who broadcast infrequently), the rank meter value can be increased all at once, which promotes the broadcasting of live videos.

[0065] After updating the rank meter value of each user, the server 10 then updates the rank based on the updated rank meter value (step S210). FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the correspondence between the update contents of the rank and the required rank meter value. As shown in the figure, first, when ranking up across rank bands (in other words, when ranking up from the highest rank in each rank band), the rank meter value required is +4. That is, when a user belonging to the highest rank (e.g., A+) in each rank band has a rank meter value of +4, the user is ranked up to the lowest rank (e.g., S-) in the immediately upper rank band. Also, when ranking up within the same rank band (in other words, when ranking up from the middle or lowest rank in each rank band), the rank meter value required is +2. That is, when a user belonging to the middle or lowest rank (e.g., B or B-) in each rank band has a rank meter value of +2, the user is ranked up to the immediately upper rank (e.g., B+ or B) in the same rank band.

[0066] Similarly, as illustrated in FIG. 13, when a user ranks down within the same rank band (in other words, when a user ranks down from the highest or middle rank in each rank band), the rank meter value required is -2. That is, when a user who belongs to the highest or middle rank in each rank band (e.g., B+ or B) has a rank meter value of -2, the user ranks down to the next lower rank (e.g., B or B-) in the same rank band. When a user ranks down across rank bands, the rank meter value required is -6. That is, when a user who belongs to the lowest rank (e.g., A-) in each rank band has a rank meter value of -6, the user ranks down to the highest rank (e.g., B+) in the next lower rank band. Thus, in this example, the absolute value of the rank meter value required for rank up / down across rank bands is larger than that for rank up / down within the same rank band. As a result, a sudden rank up / down in a short period of time is suppressed.

[0067] In step S210, the rank is updated based on the rank meter value according to the correspondence relationship illustrated in Fig. 13. Note that the rank meter value of a user whose rank has been updated (a user whose rank has been upgraded / downgraded) is cleared to 0.

[0068] FIG. 14 illustrates a rank meter object 100 that displays a rank meter value of a user. The object 100 is arranged, for example, on a profile screen that displays basic information of a user. As illustrated, the rank meter object 100 has a needle object 102 having a needle-shaped form and a scale object 104 having a C-shaped form that opens downward. The user's current rank ("Rank A" in the example of FIG. 14) is displayed below the needle object 102. The needle object 102 is configured to swing (rotate) to the right when the rank meter value increases, and swing to the left when the rank meter value decreases. The needle object 102 in FIG. 14 is in an upright state (pointing to the 12 o'clock direction), which corresponds to a state where the rank meter value is 0. Also, the needle object 102 tilts to the right as the rank meter value increases in the positive direction, and tilts to the left as the rank meter value decreases in the negative direction. A rank up area 1041 corresponding to a rank meter value required for ranking up is set on the lower right side of the scale object 104, and a rank down area 1042 corresponding to a rank meter value required for ranking down is set on the lower left side of the scale object 104. Through the rank meter object 100, the user can grasp the current state of the rank meter value toward ranking up / down.

[0069] In this example, diamonds are awarded as a reward to the user as a distributor based on the distribution time of the previous day and the rank (rank on the previous day). Fig. 15 is a flow diagram illustrating the process executed by the server 10 when awarding diamonds to each distributor. These processes are executed late at night every day, for example, at a time (for example, at midnight every day) before the process executed when updating the rank of each user illustrated in Fig. 11.

[0070] As shown in the figure, the server 10 first calculates the delivery time of each user's valid delivery on the previous day (step S300). Specifically, the delivery time of a specific user's valid delivery on the previous day is identified by referring to the distributor user account, delivery date and time, and valid / invalid category in the delivery information table 412. Note that if a user has made multiple valid deliveries in one day, the delivery times of each of the multiple deliveries are added together.

[0071] Next, the server 10 grants each user a number of diamonds based on the calculated distribution time and the reference number of diamonds (step S310). Specifically, each user is granted a number of diamonds calculated by multiplying the calculated distribution time by the reference number of diamonds. The reference number of diamonds is preset for each rank so that the higher the rank, the greater the number, and the reference number of diamonds corresponding to each user's rank on the previous day is applied. When diamonds are granted to a user, the number of diamonds held in the user information table 411 is updated. In this example, diamonds can be exchanged for coins or real currency.

[0072] Here, an upper limit value (e.g., up to 5 hours per day) may be set for the distribution time for which diamonds are awarded. In this case, when the actual distribution time exceeds the upper limit value, the upper limit value is applied as the distribution time when determining the number of diamonds to be awarded in step S310. In addition, when the distribution time exceeds a predetermined threshold value, a reduced standard number of diamonds (e.g., 50%) may be applied to the portion exceeding the predetermined threshold value.

[0073] In the above example, the rank is raised / lowered based on the rank meter value, but such update of the rank based on the rank meter value is merely an example, and the rank may be updated based on the value of other parameters. For example, the rank may be raised / lowered directly based on the ranking of the distribution points within the rank band without adopting the rank meter value. In addition, the above-mentioned distribution points are merely an example, and various types of parameters based on the distribution record of the live video may be applied instead of the distribution points.

[0074] In the above example, the determination of whether the distribution is valid or not is made based on the distribution time, the number of viewers (maximum value), and the number of comments, but the determination can be made by other methods. For example, in another example of the present embodiment, the image of the live video being distributed is appropriately analyzed, and, for example, if no moving person is detected for a predetermined time or more, the distribution can be configured to be determined to be invalid (invalid).

[0075] The video distribution server 10 of the present embodiment described above determines the rank of a broadcaster based on the broadcast performance of the live video (e.g., the number of viewers (maximum value), the number of likes, the number of comments, and the number of items), sets a standard reward quantity (e.g., a standard number of diamonds) for the broadcaster based on the determined rank, and awards a reward (e.g., diamonds) in an amount based on the broadcast time of the live video and the standard reward quantity. Therefore, even a novice broadcaster can earn a reward in an amount based on the broadcast time and the standard reward quantity by continuing to broadcast live videos. In this way, the video distribution server 10 promotes the broadcasting of live videos by various broadcasters, including beginners.

[0076] 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.

[0077] 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.

[0078] 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]

[0079] 10 Video distribution server 11. Computer Processors 15 Storage 20. Communication Networks 30 User terminal 41 Information Storage Management Department 43 Basic function control section 45 Video distribution control section 47 Compensation Management Department 60 Top screen 70 Broadcaster screen 80 Viewer Screen 90 Item Selection Screen

Claims

1. 1. A system for streaming live video, comprising one or more computer processors, comprising: The one or more computer processors, in response to execution of the readable instructions, A process of distributing live videos provided by each of a plurality of distributors to each of a plurality of viewers; determining a rank for each of the plurality of broadcasters from among a plurality of predetermined ranks based at least on broadcast performance of each of the plurality of broadcasters' live videos; setting a base remuneration amount for each of the plurality of broadcasters based at least on the rank of each of the plurality of broadcasters; and granting a reward amount based at least on a broadcasting time of the live video and a standard reward amount to each of the plurality of broadcasters. system.

2. The live video distribution record includes an input record of input information input by viewers during the distribution of the live video, The system of claim 1.

3. The process of determining the rank includes: Awarding predetermined points to a broadcaster based at least on the broadcast performance of the live video; and determining a rank for each of the plurality of distributors based at least on the predetermined number of points awarded to each of the plurality of distributors in a predetermined period of time; 3. The system of claim 1 or 2.

4. The process of determining the rank includes: Setting a ranking of distributors based on the predetermined points awarded during the predetermined period for each rank group consisting of one or a plurality of consecutive ranks; and determining a rank for each of the plurality of distributors such that the higher the rank based on the predetermined points, the higher the rank of the distributor; and the lower the rank based on the predetermined points, the lower the rank of the distributor; The system of claim 3.

5. the process of determining the rank includes determining a rank for each of the plurality of distributors based at least on a value of a predetermined parameter for each of the plurality of distributors, the predetermined parameter being configured to increase as the rank based on the predetermined points increases and decrease as the rank based on the predetermined points decreases; The system of claim 4.

6. The process of determining the rank includes: increasing the rank of a distributor whose value of the predetermined parameter is equal to or greater than a rank-up threshold; and decreasing the rank of a distributor whose value of the predetermined parameter is equal to or less than a rank-down threshold. The system of claim 5.

7. the process of determining the rank includes: if the rank immediately above the current rank of the distributor is in the same rank group as the current rank group, then when the value of the predetermined parameter becomes equal to or greater than a first rank-up threshold, the distributor is ranked up to the immediately above rank; and if the immediately above rank is in a rank group different from the current rank group, then when the value of the predetermined parameter becomes equal to or greater than a second rank-up threshold that is greater than the first rank-up threshold, the distributor is ranked up to the immediately above rank. The system of claim 6.

8. the process of determining the rank includes, when the rank immediately below the current rank of the distributor is in the same rank group as the current rank group, downgrading the rank to the immediately below rank when the value of the predetermined parameter becomes equal to or less than a first rank down threshold, and, when the rank immediately below is in a rank group different from the current rank group, downgrading the rank to the immediately below rank when the value of the predetermined parameter becomes equal to or less than a second rank down threshold that is smaller than the first rank down threshold; 8. The system of claim 6 or 7.

9. The process of providing the reward includes: Determining whether each live video stream is a valid stream; and Including excluding broadcast times from live video broadcast times that are determined to be ineffective broadcasts; 9. A system according to any preceding claim.

10. The process of providing the reward includes determining whether each live video is a valid broadcast based on at least one of a broadcast duration, a number of viewers, a number of pieces of input information input by the viewers, and a result of image analysis of the live video. The system of claim 9.

11. 1. A method for streaming live video, executed by one or more computers, comprising: A step of distributing live videos provided by each of a plurality of distributors to each of a plurality of viewers; determining a rank for each of the plurality of broadcasters from among a plurality of predetermined ranks based at least on broadcast performance of each of the plurality of broadcasters' live videos; setting a base remuneration amount for each of the plurality of broadcasters based at least on the rank of each of the plurality of broadcasters; and awarding a reward amount based at least on a broadcast time of the live video and a standard reward amount to each of the plurality of broadcasters. method.

12. A program for distributing live video, In response to being executed on one or more computers, the one or more computers are A process of distributing live videos provided by each of a plurality of distributors to each of a plurality of viewers; determining a rank for each of the plurality of broadcasters from among a plurality of predetermined ranks based at least on broadcast performance of each of the plurality of broadcasters' live videos; setting a base remuneration amount for each of the plurality of broadcasters based at least on the rank of each of the plurality of broadcasters; and granting a reward amount based at least on a broadcasting time of the live video and a standard reward amount to each of the plurality of broadcasters. program.

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