Content provision system and content viewing system

Abstract

To provide a technique for transmitting communication information for content being viewed while being conscious of the transmission by another viewing user.SOLUTION: A server system 1100 includes: a reception control unit 243 that receives communication information when an input preparation operation for inputting given communication information to be reflected on a content screen of a user terminal and an input execution operation after the input preparation operation are performed on the user terminal; a reflection control unit 245 that performs control for reflecting the received communication information on the content screen; a detection unit 247 that detects the input preparation operation on the user terminal; and a prediction control unit 249 that calculates, on the basis of the detection result of the detection unit 247, a predicted business condition index representing the degree of business conditions in a future reflection control performed by the reflection control unit 245, and controls prediction notification to the user terminal based on the predicted business condition index.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 13

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a content providing system that provides content to a user terminal of a viewing user. [Background technology]

[0002] There is known a technology for live streaming of content such as videos that allows viewers (viewing users) to send communication information by commenting on the content to praise the content or support the poster (posting user) or by providing monetary rewards to the poster (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In particular, the provision of rewards from viewers to posters is called "tipping," or "gifts," after donations from spectators to street performers. Hereinafter, this will be collectively referred to as "tipping." [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-71957 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] According to the tipping system, contributors are given income according to the amount of tipping, which has the effect of encouraging further posting. Also, for viewers, it brings joy to self-expression by publicly expressing their will and position to other viewers through praise, support, etc., and it is expected that tips will attract more tips, which will liven up the atmosphere.

[0005] However, as the atmosphere becomes more lively and the number of communication messages such as tips increases, the problem of each message becoming less noticeable can arise. In other words, even if a person makes a tip, if it is buried under the messages of other viewers made at the same time, the viewer's desire to show his or her support to the poster is not fulfilled, and the viewer may feel that they have lost out.

[0006] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a technology that allows a user to send communication information, including tips for content being viewed, while being aware of such information sent by other viewing users. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A first invention for solving the above problem is a content providing system that provides given content to a user terminal of a viewing user by communicating with the user terminal, the content providing system comprising: a reception control means (e.g., the reception control unit 243 in FIG. 13) that receives communication information when an input preparation operation for inputting given communication information to be reflected on a content screen of the user terminal and an input execution operation following the input preparation operation are performed on the user terminal; a reflection control means (e.g., the reflection control unit 245 in FIG. 13) that controls the reflection of the received communication information on the content screen in response to reception by the reception control means; a detection means (e.g., the detection unit 247 in FIG. 13) that detects the input preparation operation on the user terminal; and a prediction control means (e.g., the prediction control unit 249 in FIG. 13) that calculates a forecast business climate index that indicates the degree of business climate of the reflection when future reflection control is performed by the reflection control means based on a detection result of the detection means, and controls the sending of a forecast notification to the user terminal based on the forecast business climate index.

[0008] According to the first invention, the degree of business climate of the reflected communication information can be predicted by detecting an input preparation operation of the communication information performed by a viewing user on a user terminal when the viewing user transmits the communication information, and calculating a predicted business climate index assuming that the communication information is reflected on a content screen in response to the subsequent input execution operation. Then, a prediction notification based on the predicted business climate index can be sent to the user terminal. This enables the viewing user to transmit communication information at a time when it will be noticeable, while determining whether the reflection of the communication information transmitted by the viewing user will be buried in other communication information transmitted. Therefore, a technology can be provided for transmitting communication information for the content being viewed while being aware of the transmission of the communication information by other viewing users.

[0009] A second invention is a content provision system of the first invention, wherein the input preparation operation includes an operation of setting a monetary value that can be added to the communication information to be input, and when the monetary value has been added to the received communication information, the reflection control means reflects the communication information on the content screen in a form of visibility different from when the monetary value has not been added, the detection means detects the operation of setting the monetary value, and the prediction control means calculates the predicted business climate index based on the operation of setting the monetary value detected by the detection means.

[0010] According to the second invention, when the communication information is reflected on the content screen, the communication information to which a monetary value is added and the communication information to which no monetary value is added can be reflected in a form with different visibility. Then, the operation of setting the monetary value is detected, and the detection result can be used for calculating the forecast business climate index.

[0011] Further, a third invention is a content provision system of the second invention, wherein, when the monetary value is added to the received communication information, the reflection control means reflects the communication information on the content screen in a form having different visibility depending on the amount of the monetary value, and the prediction control means calculates the predicted business climate index based on the amount of the monetary value detected by the detection means.

[0012] According to the third aspect of the present invention, when the communication information is reflected on the content screen, it is possible to reflect the communication information in a form according to the amount of monetary value added to the communication information. Then, when an operation for setting the monetary value is detected, a forecast business climate index can be calculated based on the amount.

[0013] In addition, a fourth invention is a content provision system of the third invention, further comprising a second detection means (e.g., detection unit 247 in FIG. 13) that detects the input preparation operation on the user terminal of the destination user of the predictive notification, and a destination notification variable control means (e.g., prediction control unit 249 in FIG. 13) that variably controls the predictive notification on the user terminal of the destination user based on the detection result of the second detection means.

[0014] According to the fourth invention, the input preparation operation of the destination user who is the target of the predictive notification can be detected, and the predictive notification can be variably controlled.

[0015] Further, a fifth invention is a content provision system of any of the first to fourth inventions, wherein the input preparation operation includes a setting operation for including a comment in the communication information, the reflection control means controls the display of the comment on the content screen, the detection means detects the setting operation of the comment, and the prediction control means calculates the predicted business climate index based on the content of the comment detected by the detection means.

[0016] According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, a comment can be included in the communication information and set. When a comment setting operation is detected, a forecast business climate index can be calculated based on the content of the comment.

[0017] In addition, a sixth invention is a content provision system of any of the first to fifth inventions, further comprising a viewing history data management means (e.g., user management unit 210 in FIG. 13, viewing data 550 in FIG. 14) for managing viewing history data for each viewing user, and the prediction control means variably controls the prediction notification addressed to each viewing user based on the viewing history data of that viewing user.

[0018] According to the sixth invention, the predictive notification can be variably controlled according to the viewing history of the destination user who is the target of the predictive notification.

[0019] In addition, a seventh invention is a content provision system of any of the first to sixth inventions, wherein the detection means detects the input preparation operation related to a destination user of the predicted notification and the input preparation operation related to a non-destination user who is a viewing user other than the destination user, and the prediction control means calculates the predicted business climate index by relatively comparing the detection result of the detection means related to the destination user with the detection result of the detection means related to the non-destination user.

[0020] According to the seventh invention, the input preparation operation of the destination user who is the target of the prediction notification and the input preparation operation of the non-destination user other than the destination user are detected, and the detection results are relatively compared to calculate the predicted business climate index.

[0021] In addition, an eighth invention is a content provision system of any of the first to seventh inventions, wherein the prediction control means has a calculation standard setting means for setting a calculation standard for the forecasted business climate index, and calculates the forecasted business climate index using the calculation standard.

[0022] A ninth aspect of the present invention is the content providing system according to the eighth aspect of the present invention, wherein the calculation standard setting means sets the calculation standard based on past detection results by the detection means.

[0023] According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, a calculation standard can be set and used for calculating a forecast business climate index. And, according to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the calculation standard can be set from a detection result of a past input preparation operation.

[0024] In addition, a tenth invention is a content provision system of any of the first to ninth inventions, further comprising a user data management means (e.g., user management unit 210 in FIG. 13 and user management data 540 in FIG. 14) for managing user data for each viewing user, wherein the detection means detects the input preparation operation for each viewing user, and the prediction control means variably calculates the predicted business climate index based on whether or not the viewing users whose input preparation operation has been detected by the detection means include a viewing user whose user data satisfies a specific condition.

[0025] According to the tenth invention, the predicted business climate index can be variably calculated depending on whether or not the viewing users performing the input preparation operation include a viewing user who satisfies a specific condition.

[0026] In addition, an 11th invention is a content provision system of any of the 1st to 10th inventions, wherein the reflection control means has a reflection delay time control means for variably controlling the delay time for reflecting the received communication information on the content screen.

[0027] In addition, a twelfth invention is a content provision system of the eleventh invention, further comprising a delay time acceptance control means for accepting a setting operation of the delay time by a specific user among the viewing users who satisfies a given specific user condition, and the reflection delay time control means variably controls the delay time that reflects the communication information of the specific user based on the delay time accepted by the delay time acceptance control means.

[0028] According to the eleventh aspect, the delay time from when communication information is received until when the communication information is reflected on a content screen can be variably controlled. According to the twelfth aspect, the viewing user can set the delay time by satisfying a specific user condition, and can delay the reflection of the communication information that the viewing user has sent.

[0029] In addition, a 13th invention is a content provision system of any of the 1st to 12th inventions, wherein the reception control means, when the forecasted business index satisfies a given confirmation request condition, makes a confirmation request to the user terminal on which the input execution operation was performed, as to whether to cancel or confirm the input execution operation.

[0030] According to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, for example, it is possible to make a confirmation request for an input execution operation performed when the forecast business climate index is high, and to accept cancellation of the input execution operation.

[0031] In addition, a 14th invention is a content provision system of any of the 1st to 13th inventions, further comprising a recording means (e.g., forecast index time series data 605 in FIG. 15) for recording provided content in association with time series data of the forecast business index calculated at the time of provision, and an archive content provision control means (e.g., archive content provision control unit 251 in FIG. 13) for determining, for the provided content recorded by the recording means, the timing at which the forecast business index satisfies a given high index condition based on the time series data associated with the content, and providing the provided content to the user terminal based on the timing.

[0032] According to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to record the provided content together with the forecasted business climate index calculated at the time of providing the content. Then, it is possible to extract, for example, a content part with a high forecasted business climate index from the content and distribute it to a user terminal as an archive.

[0033] In addition, a 15th invention is a content providing system of any of the 1st to 14th inventions, further comprising an input candidate management means (e.g., the user management unit 210 of FIG. 13) that manages input candidates for the communication information for each viewing user, and a recommended candidate presentation means (e.g., the server processing unit 200s of FIG. 13) that selects and presents, for each viewing user, the communication information recommended for input from among the input candidates managed by the input candidate management means based on the forecast business climate index.

[0034] According to the fifteenth aspect of the present invention, an input candidate according to a forecasted business climate index can be selected from among input candidates of communication information, and can be presented to each viewing user as communication information recommended for input. The input candidate may be set by the viewing user, for example, or may be set automatically.

[0035] A sixteenth invention is a content viewing system (e.g., content viewing system 1000 in FIG. 1) in which a server system (e.g., server system 1100 in FIG. 1), which is a content providing system of any one of the first to fifteenth inventions, and the user terminal (e.g., user terminal 1500 in FIG. 1) are communicatively connected.

[0036] According to the sixteenth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to realize a content viewing system that exhibits the same effects as any one of the first to fifteenth aspects of the present invention. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0037] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a content viewing system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the device configuration of a user terminal. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating distribution of gameplay videos. [Figure 4] FIG. 11 is another diagram illustrating distribution of gameplay videos. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a screen configuration of a content screen. [Figure 6]FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the calculation of a forecast business climate index. [Figure 7] 7 is a diagram for explaining calculation of an individual forecast business climate index relating to the currently input communication information dB shown in FIG. 6. [Figure 8] 7 is another diagram for explaining the calculation of the individual forecast business climate index related to the currently input communication information dB shown in FIG. 6. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a first coefficient. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a second coefficient. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a third coefficient. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a confirmation screen. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the server system. [Figure 14] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a data configuration of user management data. [Figure 15] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of distribution management data. [Figure 16] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a user terminal. [Figure 17] 6 is a flowchart showing a process flow in the server system. [Figure 18] 11 is a flowchart showing the flow of a prediction control process. [Figure 19] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a delay time setting screen. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0038] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below, and the forms to which the present invention can be applied are not limited to the following embodiments. In addition, in the description of the drawings, the same parts are given the same reference numerals.

[0039] [Overall configuration] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a content viewing system 1000 according to the present embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the content viewing system 1000 includes a server system 1100, which is a content providing system, and a user terminal 1500 owned by a user 2, which are connected to each other via a network N so as to be able to perform data communication with each other.

[0040] The network N refers to a communication path that allows data communication. In other words, the network N includes a dedicated line (dedicated cable) for direct connection, a LAN (Local Area Network) using Ethernet (registered trademark), etc., as well as a telephone communication network, a cable network, the Internet, and other communication networks, and the communication method can be either wired or wireless.

[0041] The server system 1100 includes, for example, a keyboard 1106 , a touch panel 1108 , and a storage 1140 , and the main unit 1101 is equipped with a control board 1150 .

[0042] The control board 1150 is equipped with various microprocessors such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 1151, a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), and a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), various IC memories 1152 such as a VRAM, RAM, and ROM, and a communication device 1153. Note that a part or the whole of the control board 1150 may be realized by an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or an SoC (System on a Chip).

[0043] The server system 1100 realizes, by the control board 1150 performing calculations based on predetermined programs and data, (1) a user management function for registering users 2 and managing information about registered users 2, (2) a game provision function for enabling online games to be played on the user terminal 1500, (3) a live distribution function for providing given distribution content by live streaming to the user terminal 1500, and (4) an archive distribution function for providing distribution content that has completed live streaming (or been provided) by archive streaming to the user terminal 1500.

[0044] In this embodiment, the content to be distributed is a gameplay video of game play. An example is shown in which a poster user 2 (posting user 2a) distributes a gameplay video of an online game being played on a user terminal 1500 (1500a). That is, in this embodiment, a live distribution function is used to live-distribute a gameplay video of the posting user 2a to a user terminal 1500 (1500b) of a viewer user 2 (viewing user 2b). In addition, an archive distribution function is used to archive and distribute the gameplay video already provided by the live distribution function to the user terminal 1500b of the viewing user 2b.

[0045] The server system 1100 manages a public site for distribution contents (play videos in this case) to realize each distribution function. However, the management of the public site may be configured to use an external video public management server 1200. The video public management server 1200 is an external server for operating and managing an existing video public site (a website that accepts video submissions from an unspecified number of contributors via the Internet, etc., and provides the submitted videos to an unspecified number of viewers in a streaming format). In this case, the server system 1100 communicates with the video public management server 1200 to automatically submit play videos, thereby realizing the publication of the distribution contents.

[0046] In addition, the server system 1100 realizes, through calculation processing based on predetermined programs and data, (5) a communication function that enables a viewing user 2b of the live-streamed content to send communication information, and (6) a payment function that enables a user to add a "tip" to the communication information.

[0047] The communication function is a function that accepts communication information during live distribution of distribution content (play video) and reflects the communication information on the content screen (see FIG. 5). The communication information can include, for example, text (letters, numbers, symbols) as well as images such as illustrations and photographs (also called stamps, etc.). In addition, virtual currency equivalent points (hereinafter simply referred to as "currency points") as monetary value can be added to this communication information as tips. With this communication function, the viewing user 2b can send various comments such as comments on the distribution content and comments of support for the posting user 2a at any time while watching the live distribution. In addition, comments can be sent with tips in exchange for consuming the currency points that the viewing user has.

[0048] The settlement function is a function by which User 2 purchases currency points, and cooperates with an external electronic settlement server 1300 operated by an electronic settlement service provider or the like in response to a request from the user terminal 1500 to carry out a procedure for purchasing currency points (billing process). During the billing process, the electronic settlement server 1300 responds to an inquiry from the server system 1100 and settles the purchase amount of the currency points with User 2's credit card, prepaid card, or the like. Then, the server system 1100 grants User 2 currency points equivalent to the purchase amount settled by the electronic settlement server 1300.

[0049] 1, the server system 1100 is depicted as one server device, but multiple server devices connected online may share one or more of the functions of user management, game provision, live distribution, archive distribution, communication, and payment. The server system 1100 may also be configured to include multiple blade servers sharing each function and connected to each other via an internal bus so that data communication is possible. A configuration in which multiple independent server devices installed at separate locations communicate data via a network N to function as the server system 1100 as a whole may also be used.

[0050] 1 illustrates one user terminal 1500 (1500a) of posting user 2 (2a) and one user terminal 1500 (1500b) of viewing user 2 (2b), but in actual operation, there will be multiple posting users 2, each of which operates a user terminal 1500 to access server system 1100. Similarly, in actual operation, there will be multiple viewing users 2, each of which uses a user terminal 1500 to access server system 1100.

[0051] Here, the user terminal 1500 is a computer system that is used individually by the user 2 to play online games and watch gameplay videos, and is an electronic device that can access the server system 1100 via the network N. The user terminal 1500 in this embodiment is a device known as a smartphone, but may also be a portable game device, a tablet computer, a personal computer, or the like.

[0052] 2 is a front view showing an example of the configuration of a user terminal 1500 in this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the user terminal 1500 includes a direction input key 1502, a home key 1504, a touch panel 1506 that functions as an image display device and a contact position input device, an internal battery 1509, a speaker 1510, a microphone 1512, a camera 1520, a control board 1550, and a memory card reader 1542 that can read and write data to a memory card 1540 that is a computer-readable storage medium. In addition, a power button, a volume control button, and the like that are not shown in the figure are also provided. An IC card reader or the like that can read and write data contactlessly to an IC card type credit card or prepaid card that can be used to pay for playing games, etc. may be provided.

[0053] The control board 1550 is equipped with various microprocessors such as a CPU 1551, a GPU, and a DSP, various IC memories 1552 such as a VRAM, a RAM, and a ROM, a wireless communication module 1553 for wireless communication with a mobile phone base station or a wireless communication base station connected to the network N, and an interface circuit 1557. The interface circuit 1557 includes a circuit for receiving signals from the direction input key 1502 and the home key 1504, a driver circuit for the touch panel 1506, an output amplifier circuit for outputting an audio signal to the speaker 1510, an audio signal generating circuit for generating an audio signal collected by the microphone 1512, a circuit for inputting image data of an image captured by the camera 1520, and a signal input / output circuit for the memory card reader 1542. Each of these elements mounted on the control board 1550 is electrically connected to each other via a bus circuit or the like, and is connected so as to be able to read and write data and transmit and receive signals. Note that a part or all of the control board 1550 may be configured with an ASIC, an FPGA, or an SoC.

[0054] In this control board 1550, a game client program and various setting data required to execute this game client program are stored in IC memory 1552. The game client program and the like are downloaded from server system 1100 at an appropriate timing. The game client program and the like may be read from a separately obtained storage medium such as memory card 1540. Then, CPU 1551 and the like execute the game client program to perform calculation processing, and control each part of user terminal 1500 in response to operational inputs to touch panel 1506, directional input keys 1502, and home key 1504, thereby enabling user 2 to play the game.

[0055] [About gameplay video distribution] 3 and 4 are diagrams for explaining the distribution of gameplay videos. In this embodiment, gameplay videos of posting users are distributed to viewing users as distribution content. As described above, the game played by user 2 on user terminal 1500 is an online game executed in a client-server system in which server system 1100 is the game server.

[0056] Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3, information related to the progress of the game and information related to the display of the game screen W1 are generated by the server system 1100 and are provided to the user terminal 1500 as appropriate. The user terminal 1500 functions as a terminal for operation input and game screen display. That is, the user terminal 1500 displays the game screen W1 based on the information provided by the server system 1100, and transmits operation input information to the server system 1100 one by one. The server system 1100 progresses the game based on the operation input information transmitted from the user terminal 1500. The content of the game is not particularly limited. FIG. 3 and the like show an example of displaying the game screen W1 as a battle game.

[0057] The server system 1100 also generates and stores play data 520 while controlling the progress of the game. The play data 520 is generated for each game play and is constantly updated during play to describe the latest status of the game. For example, one piece of play data 520 stores time-series data of operation input information (operation input time-series data) 525 transmitted from the user terminal 1500 during the game, and time-series data of progress status information indicating the progress status of the game at each time (progress time-series data) 526, together with a game play ID 521, a play date and time 522, a user account 523 of the user playing the game, etc.

[0058] The operation input time series data 525 stores operation input information from the user terminal 1500 (for example, various information describing the input, such as the type, position, direction, amount of operation, force, and input time) in association with time information indicating the time when the operation input was made (for example, date and time, elapsed time from the start of game play, number of frames drawn on the game screen, etc.).The progress status time series data 526 stores game progress information at each moment during the game (for example, the stage number being played, the battle round, the win / loss results for each round, the position and posture of the player character, parameter values ​​indicating the state, etc.) in association with time information.

[0059] Furthermore, the server system 1100 generates and stores play replay data 530 based on the play data 520. The play replay data 530 is also generated for each game play. This play replay data 530 is a data group that stores various data constituting the play data 520 in chronological order. Therefore, by reading out the data stored in the play replay data 530 in chronological order, it is possible to replay the original game play. In this sense, the play replay data 530 may be called "replay data."

[0060] When user 2 live-streams a gameplay video as a contributor (contributing user), the server system 1100 generates a gameplay video 10 reproducing the gameplay as a distribution gameplay video 597 (see FIG. 15) based on gameplay reproduction data 530 relating to the gameplay of the user 2, as shown in FIG. 4. The server system 1100 then live-streams the generated gameplay video 10 to a user terminal 1500 of a viewer user (viewing user) 2. After the live stream, the server system 1100 also archives and streams the gameplay video 10 to the user terminal 1500 of the viewing user.

[0061] 5 is a diagram showing an example of the screen configuration of a content screen for viewing gameplay videos (distribution content) distributed as described above. The content screen is displayed when a viewing user accesses the public site with the user terminal 1500 and selects a gameplay video to view. As shown in FIG. 5, the content screen includes a content display unit 20, a forecast business climate index gauge 21, a communication information input operation unit 22, and a communication information display unit 26.

[0062] The content display section 20 displays the play video that the viewing user is currently viewing.

[0063] The forecast business index gauge 21 displays the forecast business index, which will be described later, as a meter. The display color of this forecast business index gauge 21 changes according to the forecast business index so that the level of the forecast business index indicated by the gauge value can be easily visually recognized. For example, when the forecast business index is low (small value), it is displayed in blue, when the forecast business index is in the middle range, it is displayed in yellow, and when the forecast business index is high (large value) and the gauge value is close to full, it is displayed in red.

[0064] The communication information input operation unit 22 is provided with an input field 221 for inputting comments that the viewing user wishes to send as communication information, an input field 223 for inputting the amount of a tip, an execute button 225 for confirming the input contents in each input field 221, 223 and sending the communication information, a purchase button 227 for purchasing currency points, and the like.

[0065] Therefore, the viewing user can transmit communication information at any time while viewing the delivery content displayed on the content display unit 20. Specifically, the comment can be transmitted by inputting a comment in the input field 221 and selecting the execute button 225. Furthermore, by inputting a tip amount (amount of currency points to be consumed) in the input field 223 together with the comment input in the input field 221 and selecting the execute button 225, the comment can be transmitted with the tip amount added thereto.

[0066] Then, when the execute button 225 is selected, the transmitted communication information is reflected on the content screen. In this embodiment, the display content of the communication information display unit 26 scrolls upward, and the transmitted comment content and tip amount are added to the bottom row of the communication information display unit 26 together with the user name of the viewing user, etc., thereby reflecting the information. That is, the communication information display unit 26 displays the communication information transmitted by each viewing user who is viewing the live broadcast of the same play video in the order of transmission.

[0067] In addition, an upper limit may be set for the tip amount. In that case, the amount that can be input in the input field 223 is limited by the upper limit.

[0068] [detail] 5, on the content screen, communication information sent by a viewing user is displayed in the order of sending in the communication information display section 26. Therefore, if there are other messages sent at the same time as one's own message, even if the message is sent, it will be buried among the other messages in the communication information display section 26, and there will be a problem that it will be difficult to stand out.

[0069] On the other hand, in this embodiment, the communication information sent by the viewing user includes two types of comments: comments without tips attached (hereinafter also referred to as “normal comments”) and comments with tips attached (hereinafter referred to as “comments with tips”), and the normal comments and the comments with tips are displayed in a form with different visibility in the communication information display unit 26.

[0070] The display form of each is not particularly limited as long as the two are distinguishable, but it is preferable to make the comment with a tip 263 more noticeable than the normal comment 261 in the communication information display section 26, as shown in Fig. 5. For example, the normal comment 261 is displayed in the same background color as the communication information display section 26, and the comment with a tip 263 is displayed in a different background color. The display form is controlled by a reflection control process described later.

[0071] According to this, the tip-added comment 263 is displayed in a more prominent form than the normal comment 261 in the communication information display section 26. However, if multiple tip-added comments are sent at the same time, the same problem as above will occur. Moreover, since the sender consumes currency points to send the comment, the sender's disappointment may be greater.

[0072] Therefore, in this embodiment, during live distribution, a predicted business climate index indicating the business climate degree of future reflection of communication information on the content screen (future additional display of communication information on the communication information display unit 26) is calculated as needed, and the predicted business climate index is displayed as a meter on the predicted business climate index gauge 21, thereby controlling prediction notification to the user terminal 1500 based on the predicted business climate index. In this embodiment, since the predicted business climate index is calculated for each viewing user, a prediction of the predicted business climate index for that viewing user is notified to the user terminal 1500 of that viewing user.

[0073] Specifically, the server system 1100 performs, for each distribution content being live distributed, a reception control process for receiving communication information, a reflection control process for controlling the reflection of the communication information on the content screen, and a prediction control process for calculating and using a predicted business climate index for each viewing user and controlling a prediction notification to the user terminal 1500 of each viewing user. Each process will be described below by focusing on one distribution content (hereinafter referred to as "content of interest").

[0074] 1. Admission control process When starting live distribution of a content of interest, the server system 1100 starts an admission control process for the content of interest and accepts communication information from the viewing user. Specifically, when an input preparation operation for inputting communication information is performed on the user terminal 1500 of the viewing user who is viewing the live distribution of the content of interest, and an input execution operation is performed after the input preparation operation, the server system 1100 performs control to accept the communication information.

[0075] The input preparation operation includes a setting operation performed by inputting a comment in the input field 221 in the communication information input operation unit 22 on the content screen, and a setting operation performed by inputting an amount in the input field 223. Then, the selection operation of the execute button 225 is detected as an input execution operation, and communication information is accepted. That is, when the server system 1100 detects the selection operation of the execute button 225 performed on the user terminal 1500 of any of the viewing users, the server system 1100 accepts the comment already input in the input field 221 as communication information. Also, when a tip amount has been input in the input field 223, the tip amount is added to the accepted comment.

[0076] More specifically, in this embodiment, when a tip amount is input in the input field 223, the execute button 225 is selectable only when the viewing user has currency points for that amount. Even if the balance is insufficient, the execute button 225 becomes selectable if the viewing user purchases currency points from the purchase button 227. Note that, while the execute button 225 is always selectable, a configuration may be adopted in which, when the execute button 225 is selected, the balance is checked and, if insufficient, the user is prompted to purchase currency points. In this case, the server system 1100 accepts communication information by confirming the input execution operation not when the execute button 225 selection operation is detected but when the payment for the shortfall is completed thereafter.

[0077] 2. Reflection control process In the reflection control process, the server system 1100 performs control to add and display the communication information received in the reception control process at the bottom of the communication information display unit 26, thereby reflecting the communication information on the content screen. At that time, as described above, if the communication information is a comment with a tip, the server system 1100 performs control to display the comment in a form with different visibility from that of a normal comment.

[0078] For example, the server system 1100 performs this control by setting the background color of the comment with a tip to a color different from the background color of the communication information display unit 26 and corresponding to the tip amount. This allows the comment with a tip to be displayed in a color that corresponds to the tip amount. For example, the amount that can be input as the tip amount may be divided into a plurality of price ranges, and a different color may be set for each range, and the background color of the comment with a tip may be displayed in the color of the price range of the tip amount. In addition to color, effects may be added to the comment with a tip.

[0079] 3. Detection process In the detection process, the server system 1100 detects an input preparation operation on the user terminal 1500 of each viewing user. In this embodiment, the server system 1100 detects a comment setting operation, which is an operation of inputting a comment in the input field 221, and a tip amount setting operation, which is an operation of inputting an amount in the input field 223. That is, for each user terminal 1500 of a viewing user, the server system 1100 detects a state in which communication information is being input in progress, where some input has been made in the input field 221 and / or the input field 223 but the execute button 225 has not yet been selected.

[0080] As described above, in the case where the shortage amount is appropriately paid after the execution button 225 is selected, the input execution operation is confirmed when the payment is completed after the execution button 225 is selected. Therefore, in this case, the server system 1100 detects the communication information as being in the middle of being input even after the execution button 225 is selected until the payment is completed and the input execution operation is confirmed.

[0081] 4. Predictive control processing In the predictive control process, the server system 1100 calculates a predicted business climate index for each viewing user based on the detection results in the detection process, and controls each user terminal 1500 to provide a predictive notification based on the predicted business climate index calculated for that viewing user.

[0082] The predicted business climate index represents the business climate degree of the communication information detected in the detection process and in the middle of being input, when the reflection control process performs future reflection control on the communication information. Therefore, according to the prediction control process here, it is possible to predict the business climate degree for each viewing user and notify each user terminal 1500, assuming that the communication information in the middle of being input is subsequently transmitted and reflected on the content screen of each viewing user.

[0083] The reason why the forecasted economic climate index is calculated for each viewing user is that the economic climate of the communication information reflected on the content screen is not necessarily the same for all viewing users. For example, if another viewing user is in the middle of inputting communication information and you are also in the middle of inputting communication information, the impact of the other viewing user's message (reflection) in terms of making your message stand out will be different depending on whether you input a higher or lower tip amount. In other words, even if another viewing user sends a message at the same time, if it is a comment with a smaller tip amount than your own, you will be able to make your message stand out without much impact, but if it is a higher amount than your own, the other viewing user's message will stand out, and there is a risk that your comment with a tip will be overlooked.

[0084] FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the calculation of the forecast business climate index. In FIG. 6, five users A to E are viewing the content of interest as viewing users, and the communication information d A ~d E Specifically, in FIG. 6, three users B, C, and E input communication information d B ,d C ,d E In the middle of inputting (preparing to input), users A and D receive communication information d A ,d D Therefore, in this example, the input preparation operation is detected in the user terminal 1500 of each of the users B, C, and E in the detection process at the previous stage. Hereinafter, the user terminal 1500 in which the viewing user is in the middle of inputting communication information is also referred to as the "inputting terminal."

[0085] The processing procedure of the predictive control process is as follows: First, communication information being input in the middle of being input at the input terminal (hereinafter also referred to as "input communication information") d B ,d C ,d E Then, the communication information d B,d C ,d E The forecast business climate index relating to the reflection of the above is calculated as an individual forecast business climate index for each viewing user (destination user) to be notified. For example, the communication information d B In the case of focusing on the forecasted business climate index, the notification targets (destination users) of the forecasted business climate index are four users A, C to E other than the non-destination user B, who is the user himself. Therefore, for each of the destination users A, C to E, the communication information d B Similarly, the individual forecast economic index for user C is calculated. C Regarding the user A, B, D, and E, the communication information being input for each of them is d C This will result in the calculation of individual forecast economic conditions indexes for each of the above.

[0086] Next, the calculated individual forecast business climate indexes are summed for each user to obtain a forecast business climate index for each user. For example, user B sums up the communication information d C Since user B is the destination user (notification target) for user E, the individual forecast business climate index D21 is calculated. User B also calculates the communication information d E Since the user B is also the destination user for user B, the individual forecast business climate index D23 is calculated, and the sum of the individual forecast business climate indexes D21 and D23 is calculated as the forecast business climate index D25 for user B.

[0087] Next, the calculation of the individual forecast business climate index will be described. B 7 is a diagram for explaining the calculation of an individual forecast business climate index for a destination user A, and Fig. 8 shows the calculation of an individual forecast business climate index D4 for destination user A, and Fig. 8 shows the calculation of an individual forecast business climate index D5 for destination user E. The situations are different in Fig. 8 in that destination user E is in the middle of an input preparation operation, whereas destination user A is not in the middle of an input preparation operation in Fig. 7.

[0088] Here, the individual forecast business climate index is calculated using a calculation function (1) based on the first to third coefficients K1, K2, and K3. Individual forecast economic index = f{K1,K2,K3} (1)

[0089] 4-1. First coefficient K1 The first coefficient K1 is a coefficient based on the tip amount. In this embodiment, the server system 1100 calculates the input communication information of interest (input communication information d B If there is communication information being input by the destination user, the input amount of the tip is subtracted from the input amount of the tip in the tip input in step S1 to obtain a difference, and the first coefficient K1 is determined from the obtained difference. This makes it possible to perform a relative comparison between the input amounts of both and calculate the forecast business climate index.

[0090] For example, in the example of FIG. 7, the destination user A has not performed any input preparation operation, so the currently input communication information d B On the other hand, in the example of FIG. 8, the input amount of the destination user E is determined based on the input communication information d B Since this exceeds the input amount, the first coefficient K1 is determined from the difference, "-5,000 (yen)."

[0091] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the first coefficient K1. As shown in FIG. 9, the first coefficient K1 is determined, for example, within a range greater than 0 and less than the upper limit T61 (T61>1). More specifically, the first coefficient K1 is determined so that when the difference is "0 (yen)", it is set to "1", and the larger the difference is in the positive direction, the closer it is to T61, and the larger the difference is in the negative direction, the closer it is to 0. The first coefficient K1 can be calculated by preparing a calculation formula for the first coefficient K1 shown in FIG. 9.

[0092] 4-2. About the second coefficient K2 The second coefficient K2 is a coefficient based on the number of characters in the comment. In this embodiment, the server system 1100 inputs the communication information of interest (the communication information being input in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8). B ) to determine a second coefficient K2 from the number of characters of the input comment.

[0093] Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the second coefficient K2. As shown in Fig. 10, the second coefficient K2 is determined, for example, within a range greater than 1 and equal to or less than T63, and is basically determined so that the coefficient K2 becomes larger (closer to T63) as the number of characters increases. The second coefficient K2 can be calculated by preparing a formula for calculating the second coefficient K2 shown in Fig. 10.

[0094] Here, an example is shown in which the second coefficient K2 is determined based on the number of characters in the input comment. However, a calculation function in which another coefficient (fourth coefficient) K4 based on the content of the input comment is added to the variable, and the individual forecast business climate index may be calculated by determining the fourth coefficient K4. Alternatively, a calculation function including the fourth coefficient K4 instead of the second coefficient K2 may be prepared. Specifically, keywords to be counted are determined in advance, and the number of keywords included in the input comment is counted. Examples of keywords include "I love it," "I hate it," and "The best in the world." Meanwhile, the relationship between the number of keywords and the fourth coefficient K4 is also set in advance. Then, the fourth coefficient K4 is determined from the number of counted keywords.

[0095] The second coefficient K2 can also be determined in the same manner as the first coefficient K1 by subtracting the number of characters in the comment being input by the destination user from the communication information being input by the destination user, and determining the second coefficient K2 from the difference in the number of characters. This makes it possible to calculate the forecast business climate index by comparing the number of characters in the comments input by both parties relatively.

[0096] 4-3.About the third coefficient K3 The third coefficient K3 is a coefficient based on the viewing level 571 (see FIG. 14). In this embodiment, the server system 1100 receives the currently input communication information of interest (the currently input communication information d B The third coefficient K3 is determined from the viewing level 571 of the viewing user (non-destination user) who inputs the message.

[0097] Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the third coefficient K3. As shown in Fig. 11, the third coefficient K3 is determined, for example, within a range greater than 1 and equal to or less than T65, and is basically determined so as to become larger (closer to T65) as the viewing level 571 becomes higher. The calculation can be performed by preparing a calculation formula for the third coefficient K3 shown in Fig. 11.

[0098] Here, the third coefficient K3 is determined as "1" for viewing users whose viewing level 571 does not exceed the predetermined level L6, as shown in Fig. 11. On the other hand, for viewing users whose viewing level exceeds the predetermined level L6, the third coefficient K3 is determined as a value greater than "1" and equal to or less than T65. Therefore, for example, by setting "the viewing level exceeds a predetermined level" as a specific condition, control can be realized to calculate a high predicted business climate index when the corresponding viewing user is in the middle of inputting communication information.

[0099] The third coefficient K3 may also be determined from the level difference between the target user's viewing level and the viewing level of the destination user in the same manner as the first coefficient K1. This makes it possible to calculate a forecast business climate index by comparing the viewing levels of both users relatively.

[0100] The calculation formulas for determining the first to third coefficients K1, K2, and K3 shown in Figures 9 to 11 are merely examples and can be determined as appropriate. The calculation function (1) can also be set as appropriate. Basically, it is prepared as a function in which the larger the values ​​of the first to third coefficients K1, K2, and K3 are, the higher the individual forecast business climate index is obtained, and the smaller the values ​​are, the lower the individual forecast business climate index is obtained.

[0101] 5. Verification Requests In this embodiment, when the server system 1100 detects an input execution operation performed on the user terminal 1500 of any viewing user, that is, when any viewing user selects the execute button 225 on the communication information input operation unit 22, the server system 1100 determines the forecast business index for that viewing user at that time. Then, when the forecast business index satisfies a given confirmation request condition, the server system 1100 makes a confirmation request to the user terminal 1500 of that viewing user as to whether to cancel or confirm the input execution operation.

[0102] The confirmation request condition can be preset as "the forecasted business index exceeds a predetermined value" or the like. Specifically, for example, when the forecasted business index is high and the forecasted business index gauge 21 is displayed in red, it is determined that the confirmation request condition is satisfied. In that case, for example, a control is performed to pop up a confirmation screen as illustrated in FIG. 12 on the content screen, and a confirmation request is made by accepting a selection operation of the decision button B71 or the cancel button B73. When the cancel button B73 is selected, the input execution operation is canceled. On the other hand, when the decision button B71 is selected, a reception control process is performed and the communication information is accepted. According to this, it is possible to call attention to the fact that the input execution operation when the forecasted business index is high is a situation in which the transmission of the communication information is difficult to notice.

[0103] In addition, the communication information transmitted by selecting the decision button B71 in response to this confirmation request may be considered to be communication information transmitted under circumstances that are less noticeable, and may be notified to the poster separately at the end of the live broadcast, etc., together with information about the viewing user.

[0104] 6. About archive distribution When the live distribution of the above-mentioned distribution content (play video) is completed, the server system 1100 generates and stores a highlight video in preparation for archive distribution of the provided play video. For example, the server system 1100 generates a highlight video based on the timing when the forecast business climate index calculated during the live distribution satisfies a given high index condition. The high index condition can be preset, for example, as "the forecast business climate index exceeds a predetermined value."

[0105] In this embodiment, since the predicted business climate index is calculated for each viewing user, the sum of the predicted business climate indexes for each viewing user is used to determine whether the high index condition is met. Specifically, the sum is calculated for each elapsed time from the start of the distributed play video 597 (hereinafter referred to as "distributed play video time"). Then, the timing at which the sum exceeds a predetermined value is deemed to satisfy the high index condition, and a video portion of the time period including that timing is extracted. After that, the extracted video portions are connected to generate a highlight video 607 (see FIG. 15) of the distributed play video 597.

[0106] According to this, in the archive distribution, it becomes possible to efficiently view the video portion of the time period when the forecast economic index was high during the live distribution, that is, the time when many viewing users were simultaneously performing input preparation operations, the time when input preparation operations were being performed for comments with many characters or large tip amounts, the time when viewing users with a high viewing level were performing input preparation operations, etc.

[0107] [Function configuration] 1. Server system Fig. 13 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the server system 1100. As shown in Fig. 13, the server system 1100 of this embodiment includes an operation input unit 100s, a server processing unit 200s, an image display unit 390s, a sound output unit 392s, a communication unit 394s, and a server storage unit 500s.

[0108] The operation input unit 100s is for inputting various operations for system management, maintenance, etc., and can be realized by, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, etc. In FIG.

[0109] The server processing unit 200s can be realized by a processor, which is an arithmetic circuit such as a CPU, GPU, ASIC, or FPGA, or an electronic component such as an IC memory, and controls input and output of data between each unit of the device including the operation input unit 100s and the server storage unit 500s. Then, various types of arithmetic processing are performed based on predetermined programs and data, operation input signals from the operation input unit 100s, data received from the user terminal 1500, etc., and the operation of the server system 1100 is centrally controlled. In FIG. 1, the control board 1150 and its CPU 1151 correspond to this.

[0110] This server processing unit 200s includes a user management unit 210, a billing processing unit 220, a game management unit 230, a content provision control unit 241, a reception control unit 243, a reflection control unit 245, a detection unit 247, a prediction control unit 249, an archive content provision control unit 251, a timing unit 280s, an image generation unit 290s, a sound generation unit 292s, and a communication control unit 294s.

[0111] The user management unit 210 performs processes related to user registration and manages data of each registered user (player) linked to a user account. For example, it can execute processes such as granting a unique user account to a registered user, registration information management processes for registering and managing personal information for each user account, and usage history management processes for managing login and logout history. Of course, it can also appropriately include management processes for other data linked to user accounts.

[0112] The billing processor 220 performs billing processing in response to a user's purchase operation of currency points, and grants the user currency points equivalent to the purchase amount.

[0113] The game management unit 230 performs various controls for executing an online game on the user terminal 1500. Since the multiplayer game of this embodiment is a client-server type online game, the game management unit 230 performs control for providing data necessary for game play while communicating with the user terminal 1500. The game management unit 230 also generates and manages the storage of play data 700, and generates and manages the storage of play reproduction data 530 based on play data 520.

[0114] The content provision control unit 241 performs various processes for realizing live distribution of distribution content. In this embodiment, a play video is generated from play reproduction data 530 generated and stored by the game management unit 230 at any time, and is made into a distributed play video 597, which is then live-distributed to the user terminal 1500 of the viewing user. In addition, the content provision control unit 241 also performs management of the distribution schedule and viewers.

[0115] The acceptance control unit 243 is a functional unit that performs an acceptance control process, and upon receiving an input preparation operation for communication information at the user terminal 1500 of the viewing user and a subsequent input execution operation, performs control to accept the communication information.

[0116] The reflection control unit 245 is a functional unit that performs a reflection control process, and controls the reflection of the communication information received by the reception control unit 243 on the content screen.

[0117] The detection unit 247 is a functional unit that performs detection processing, and detects an input preparation operation of the viewing user on the user terminal 1500. Specifically, it detects a comment setting operation and a tip amount setting operation.

[0118] The prediction control unit 249 is a functional unit that performs prediction control processing, calculates a predicted business climate index for each viewing user, and controls the sending of a prediction notification based on the predicted business climate index to the user terminal 1500 of the viewing user.

[0119] The archive content provision control unit 251 controls the delivery of the delivered play video 597 (see FIG. 15) that has been delivered live by the content provision control unit 241 to the user terminal 1500 as an archive delivery. In this embodiment, at the end of the live delivery, the predicted index time-series data 605 (see FIG. 15) for each viewing user is added up for each delivery play video time, and a highlight video 607 (see FIG. 15) is generated from the delivery play video 597. Then, the archive delivery is performed by providing the highlight video 607 to the user terminal 1500 in a playable state. Of course, the archive delivery may be performed by providing the delivery play video 597 in a playable state.

[0120] The timekeeping unit 280s uses a system clock to keep track of the current date and time, time limit, and the like.

[0121] The image generating unit 290s generates images relating to system management of the server system 1100 and outputs them to the image display unit 390s.

[0122] The sound generation unit 292s is realized by executing an IC or software that generates or decodes audio data, and generates or decodes audio data such as operation sounds and BGM related to the system management and video distribution of the server system 1100. Audio signals related to system management are output to the sound output unit 392s.

[0123] The communication control unit 294s performs communication connection and data processing for data communication with an external device (eg, the user terminal 1500) via the communication unit 394s, and realizes data exchange with the external device.

[0124] The image display unit 390s displays various screens for system management and the like based on the image signal input from the image generation unit 290s. For example, this can be realized by an image display device such as a flat panel display, a projector, or a head mounted display. In FIG. 1, this corresponds to the touch panel 1108.

[0125] The sound output unit 392s emits the sound signal input from the sound generation unit 292s. In FIG. 1, this corresponds to a speaker (not shown) provided in the main device 1101 or the touch panel 1108.

[0126] The communication unit 394s realizes communication by connecting to the network N. For example, it can be realized by a wireless communication device, a modem, a TA (terminal adapter), a jack of a wired communication cable, a control circuit, etc. In FIG. 1, the communication device 1153 corresponds to this.

[0127] In the server storage unit 500s, programs for operating the server system 1100 and realizing various functions of the server system 1100, data used during execution of the programs, etc. are stored in advance or temporarily stored each time processing is performed. For example, it can be realized by IC memory such as RAM or ROM, magnetic disk such as hard disk, optical disk such as CD-ROM or DVD, etc. In FIG. 1, this corresponds to the IC memory 1152 and the storage 1140.

[0128] The server storage unit 500s also stores a server program 501, a game client program for distribution 503, game setting data 510, play data for each game play 520, play reproduction data for each game play 530, user management data 540, and distribution management data 580. In addition, necessary data such as timers, counters, various tables, thresholds, flags, etc. are also appropriately stored.

[0129] The server program 501 is a program for causing the server processing unit 200s to function as the user management unit 210, the billing processing unit 220, the game management unit 230, the content provision control unit 241, the reception control unit 243, the reflection control unit 245, the detection unit 247, the prediction control unit 249, and the archive content provision control unit 251. Note that programs for causing the server processing unit 200s to function as the image generation unit 290s, the sound generation unit 292s, and the communication control unit 294s may also be included as appropriate.

[0130] The distribution game client program 503 is the original of the game client program 502 (see FIG. 16) that is downloaded to the user terminal 1500.

[0131] Game setting data 510 stores various setting data necessary for executing the online game of this embodiment, such as character setting data that defines the type of each character appearing in the game, various ability parameter values, model data, motion data used for movement control, object definition data related to various game objects such as items that the player can obtain during the game, and stage setting data related to the setting of the game stage.

[0132] User management data 540 is prepared for each user who has completed user registration, and stores various data for management related to the user. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 14, one user management data 540 includes a user account (player ID) 541 of the corresponding user, payment medium ledger data 543, play history data 545, posting data 547, and viewing data 550. In addition, the data includes save data related to the play status of the online game, personal information such as age, sex, and birthday, etc.

[0133] The payment medium ledger data 543 stores information on the income and expenditure of the electronic payment medium (currency points in this embodiment) linked to the user, such as the history of the purchase date and time and number of currency points purchased (charged amount), the history of the consumption date and time and number of currency points consumed, etc.

[0134] Play history data 545 stores the date and time when the user played an online game, the play time, the play level indicating the user's experience as a player, and the like.

[0135] The posting data 547 stores posting history data in which a broadcast ID and the like are set for each broadcast content (play video in this embodiment) posted by the user, a posting level, etc. The posting level indicates the experience value of the user as a poster, and is updated from time to time according to the number of live broadcasts that the user has posted.

[0136] The viewing data 550 stores, for example, viewing history data 560, viewing level 571, total number of comments with tips 573, total tip amount 575, average tip amount 577, and the like.

[0137] The viewing history data 560 is generated each time the user views a distribution content as a viewing user. Specifically, one viewing history data 560 includes a distribution ID 561 of the distribution content, a distribution type 562 indicating whether it is a live distribution or an archive distribution, a viewing date and time 563, a viewing time 564, the number of normal comments sent while viewing the distribution content (number of normal comments in distribution) 565, the number of comments with tips sent while viewing the distribution content (number of comments with tips in distribution) 566, the total amount of tips for each comment with tips (total amount of tips in distribution) 567, and the average amount of tips for each comment with tips (average amount of tips in distribution) 568.

[0138] Viewing level 571 indicates the experience level of the user as a viewer, and is updated as needed according to the number of times the user has viewed distributed content as a viewer, the total viewing time, and the like.

[0139] The total number of comments with tips 573 is the total number of comments with tips 566 within a stream for each viewing history data 560. The total tip amount 575 is the total of the total tip amount 567 within a stream for each viewing history data 560. The average tip amount 577 is the average amount of the average tip amount 568 within a stream for each viewing history data 560.

[0140] The distribution management data 580 is generated for each live distribution, and stores various data describing the latest state of the distribution. For example, as shown in Fig. 15, one distribution management data 580 includes a distribution ID 581, a distribution schedule 585, a distribution in progress flag 587 (ON: live distribution in progress / OFF: provided) indicating whether or not live distribution is in progress, a posting user account 589, a viewing user account list 591, a viewer count 593, a play ID (distribution play ID) 595 of the online game related to the live distribution, a distribution play video 597 which is the distribution content of the live distribution, a list of terminals currently inputting 599, currently inputting communication information 600, normal comment transmission record data 601, tip-added comment transmission record data 603, predicted index time series data 605, and a highlight video 607.

[0141] The inputting terminal list 599 stores a list of user terminals 1500 in which an input preparation operation has been detected during live distribution. When an input preparation operation in a user terminal 1500 is detected by the detection unit 247 during live distribution, the user terminal 1500 is registered as an inputting terminal in this inputting terminal list 599. Furthermore, when an input execution operation following the input preparation operation is detected, the registration of the inputting terminal is deleted and updated as necessary.

[0142] The communication information during input 600 is prepared for each terminal during input, and stores communication information that is being input at the terminal during input. Specifically, the input comment entered in the input field 221 and the input amount entered in the input field 223 are updated as needed and stored.

[0143] The normal comment transmission record data 601 is generated each time a viewing user transmits a normal comment as communication information during the live distribution. One normal comment transmission record data 601 stores the user account of the viewing user who transmits the normal comment, the comment content data of the normal comment (comment text, etc.), the timing of the input execution operation, a confirmation request flag indicating the presence or absence of a confirmation request accompanying the input execution operation (ON: confirmation request present / OFF: confirmation request absent), etc. The timing of the input execution operation is determined, for example, by the distribution play video time.

[0144] The tip-added comment transmission record data 603 is generated each time a viewing user transmits a tip-added comment as communication information during the live broadcast. One tip-added comment transmission record data 603 stores the user account of the viewing user who transmits the tip-added comment, comment content data of the tip-added comment (comment text, etc.), the timing of the input execution operation (the broadcast play video time when the input execution operation was performed), the tip amount, a confirmation request flag, etc.

[0145] The predicted index time series data 605 is prepared for each viewing user of the live distribution, and accumulates the predicted business index calculated for the viewing user during the live distribution in association with time information (e.g., distribution play video time). As a result, the distribution play video 597, which is the provided content, is associated with the predicted index time series data 605.

[0146] 2. User Device Fig. 16 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of a user terminal 1500. As shown in Fig. 16, the user terminal 1500 includes an operation input unit 100, a device processing unit 200, an image display unit 390, a sound output unit 392, a communication unit 394, and a device storage unit 500.

[0147] The operation input unit 100 is for the user to input various operations, and can be realized by, for example, a button switch, a joystick, a touch pad, a track ball, an acceleration sensor, an angular velocity sensor, a CCD module, etc. In Fig. 2, this corresponds to the direction input key 1502, the home key 1504, and the touch panel 1506.

[0148] The device processing unit 200 can be realized by a processor, which is an arithmetic circuit such as a CPU, GPU, ASIC, or FPGA, or an electronic component such as an IC memory, and controls input and output of data between each unit of the device including the operation input unit 100 and the device storage unit 500. Then, it performs various arithmetic processing based on a predetermined program or data, an operation input signal from the operation input unit 100, data received from the server system 1100, and the like, and generally controls the operation of the user terminal 1500. In FIG. 2, the control board 1550 and its CPU 1551 correspond to this. And, the device processing unit 200 in this embodiment includes a user terminal arithmetic unit 270, a video viewing control unit 275, a timer unit 280, an image generation unit 290, a sound generation unit 292, and a communication control unit 294.

[0149] The user terminal calculation unit 270 executes various calculation processes for causing the user terminal 1500 to function as a terminal for the user to play a game. For example, the user terminal calculation unit 270 includes an operation signal transmission control unit 271 and an image display control unit 273.

[0150] The operation signal transmission control unit 271 performs processing for transmitting various data and request information to the server system 1100 in response to an operation input to the operation input unit 100 .

[0151] The image display control unit 273 performs control for displaying a game screen, a content screen, etc., based on various data received from the server system 1100. In this embodiment, images of various screens such as a game screen and a content screen are generated by the server system 1100, but it is also possible to generate them by the user terminal 1500. In that case, the image display control unit 273 performs control of objects arranged in a virtual three-dimensional space for generating 3DCG, for example, and the image generating unit 290 renders the 3DCG and executes various controls for generating a game screen. Regarding the display of the content display unit 20 showing the game play content, the operation input time series data 525 and the play reproduction data 530 are received from the server system 1100, and a game program (game client program 502) is executed based on these data, so that a play video can be generated.

[0152] The video viewing control unit 275 performs control for accessing a public site and viewing / viewing distributed content, that is, control for realizing a function as a so-called web browser.

[0153] The image generation unit 290 cooperates with the image display control unit 273 to generate various image data, and controls the generation and output of image signals for displaying those images on the image display unit 390. In FIG. 2, this corresponds to a GPU mounted on the control board 1550.

[0154] The sound generation unit 292 is realized, for example, by a digital signal processor (DSP), a processor such as a voice synthesis IC, an audio codec for playing audio files, etc., and generates audio signals such as sound effects, operation sounds, background music, etc., and outputs them to the sound output unit 392.

[0155] The communication control unit 294 performs communication connection and data processing for data communication with an external device (eg, the server system 1100) via the communication unit 394, and realizes data exchange with the external device.

[0156] The image display unit 390 displays various screens such as a game screen and a content screen based on the image signal input from the image generation unit 290. For example, this can be realized by an image display device such as a flat panel display, a projector, or a head mounted display. In FIG. 2, this corresponds to the touch panel 1506.

[0157] The sound output unit 392 is realized by a device that outputs (emits) sound based on the audio signal input from the sound generation unit 292. In FIG.

[0158] The communication unit 394 realizes communication by connecting to the network N. For example, it can be realized by a wireless communication device, a modem, a TA, a jack for a wired communication cable, a control circuit, etc. In FIG. 2, the wireless communication module 1553 corresponds to this.

[0159] In the terminal storage unit 500, programs for operating the user terminal 1500 and realizing the functions of the user terminal 1500, data used during execution of the programs, etc. are stored in advance, or temporarily stored each time processing is performed. For example, this can be realized by IC memory such as RAM or ROM, a magnetic disk such as a hard disk, or an optical disk such as a CD-ROM or DVD. In Fig. 2, this corresponds to the IC memory 1552 and the memory card 1540. A configuration using online storage is also possible.

[0160] The terminal storage unit 500 also stores a game client program 502 for causing the terminal processing unit 200 to function as the user terminal computing unit 270, a web browser program 504 for causing the terminal processing unit 200 to function as the video viewing control unit 275, and operation input data 506. The game client program 502 may be a dedicated client program according to the technical method for realizing the online game, or may be composed of a web browser program and a plug-in for realizing interactive image display. In this embodiment, it is a copy of a distribution game client program 503 (see FIG. 13) provided by the server system 1100.

[0161] [Processing flow] 17 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing related to live distribution of distribution content (play video) performed by the server system 1100, focusing on one live distribution. The processing described here is realized by the server processing unit 200s reading and executing the server program 501. Prior to this processing, a distribution schedule 585 is set. Then, in accordance with the set distribution schedule 585, the game management unit 230 starts controlling the game progress related to the poster's game play, saves necessary data in the play data 520, rewrites it, and starts accumulating it as play reproduction data 530.

[0162] 17, the content provision control unit 241 starts generating the distributed play video 597 based on the play reproduction data 530, and starts live distribution (step S1). Also, the prediction control unit 249 starts a prediction control process (step S3).

[0163] During live distribution, the detection unit 247 performs detection processing and monitors the input preparation operation on the user terminal 1500. Then, when the detection unit 247 detects an input preparation operation (step S5: YES), if the input preparation operation is an input preparation operation on a user terminal 1500 that is not registered as an input terminal, the detection unit 247 registers the user terminal 1500 as an input terminal in the input terminal list 599 (step S7).

[0164] During live distribution, the reception control unit 243 performs reception control processing and monitors the input execution operation at the user terminal 1500 (inputting terminal). When the reception control unit 243 detects an input execution operation (step S9: YES), it refers to the predicted index time series data 605 and judges whether the confirmation request condition is satisfied based on the latest predicted business climate index calculated for the viewing user of the user terminal 1500 in the prediction control processing started in step S3. When the confirmation request condition is satisfied (step S11: YES), the reception control unit 243 makes a confirmation request to the user terminal 1500 as to whether to cancel or confirm the input execution operation detected in step S9 (step S13). As a result, if the viewing user of the user terminal 1500 selects to cancel the input execution operation (the cancel button B73 is selected on the confirmation screen of FIG. 12) (step S15: YES), the reception control unit 243 cancels the input execution operation (step S16) and proceeds to step S23.

[0165] On the other hand, if a selection is made to confirm the input execution operation (the Confirm button B71 is selected on the confirmation screen in FIG. 12) (step S15: NO), the reception control unit 243 deletes the registration of the user terminal 1500 as the input terminal and updates the input terminal list 599 (step S17). Then, the process proceeds to step S19.

[0166] Then, in step S19, the reception control unit 243 receives the input comment related to the input preparation operation as communication information. If there is an input amount related to the input preparation operation, the reception control unit 243 adds a tip of that amount to the communication information.

[0167] Next, the reflection control unit 245 reflects the communication information received in step S19 on the content screen (step S21). In this embodiment, the reflection control unit 245 performs control to add the received communication information, that is, a normal comment or a comment with a tip, to the communication information input operation unit 22 and display it.

[0168] Thereafter, the process returns to step S5 and repeats the above-mentioned process until the live distribution ends (step S23: NO). Then, when the live distribution ends (step S23: YES), the archive content provision control unit 251 generates a highlight video 607 from the distributed play video 597 that has finished the live distribution using the predicted index time-series data 605 (step S25), and ends this process.

[0169] Next, the flow of the prediction control process that starts in step S3 in Fig. 17 will be described with reference to Fig. 18. As shown in Fig. 18, in the prediction control process, the prediction control unit 249 repeatedly executes the process of loop A at a predetermined cycle until the live distribution ends (steps S301 to S329).

[0170] That is, in loop A, the prediction control unit 249 sequentially treats all input terminals registered in the input terminal list 599 as processing input terminals and executes the processing of loop B (steps S303 to S325). Then, in loop B, the prediction control unit 249 first refers to the input communication information 600 of the processing input terminal, and acquires the number of characters of the input comment and the input amount of the tip (step S305).

[0171] Then, the prediction control unit 249 determines a second coefficient K2 from the number of characters of the input comment acquired in step S305 (step S307).

[0172] Furthermore, the prediction control unit 249 reads out and uses the viewing level 571 (see FIG. 14) of the viewing user of the terminal currently inputting processing, to determine the third coefficient K3 (step S309).

[0173] Next, the prediction control unit 249 sets the viewing user of the terminal currently receiving processing input as a non-destination user, and sets the viewing users other than the non-destination users as destination users (step S311), and then executes processing of loop C with all destination users as processing destination users in sequence (steps S313 to S323).

[0174] That is, in loop C, if the user terminal 1500 of the processing destination user is registered as an input terminal, the prediction control unit 249 acquires the input amount of the tip from the input communication information 600 (step S315). Next, the prediction control unit 249 subtracts the input amount of the processing destination user acquired in step S315 from the input amount of the non-destination user acquired in step S305 to calculate the difference (step S317). If the user terminal 1500 of the processing destination user is not registered as an input terminal, or if the user terminal 1500 is registered but the tip amount has not been input, the input amount related to the non-destination user may be used as the difference.

[0175] Then, the prediction control unit 249 determines the first coefficient K1 from the difference calculated in step S317 (step S319).

[0176] Thereafter, the prediction control unit 249 calculates an individual predicted business climate index related to the communication information 600 being input at the terminal being processed for the processing destination user by substituting the first coefficient K1 determined in step S319, the second coefficient K2 determined in step S307, and the third coefficient K3 determined in step S309 into the calculation function (1) (step S321).

[0177] Then, the process of loop C is executed with all the destination users set in step S311 as the process destination users, and the process of loop B is executed for each of the input terminals. Next, the individual forecast business climate indexes calculated in step S321 are summed for each viewing user to obtain the forecast business climate index for the processing cycle of each viewing user (step S327). After that, the process of loop A for the current cycle is terminated.

[0178] As described above, according to the present embodiment, a viewing user who is viewing a live distribution of distribution content can transmit communication information while determining the timing when his / her own transmission (reflection of transmitted communication information) is noticeable from the display of the forecast business climate index gauge 21. Therefore, a technology can be provided that allows a user to transmit communication information including tips for the content being viewed while being aware of the transmissions by other viewing users.

[0179] The forms to which the present invention can be applied are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and constituent elements can be added, omitted, or modified as appropriate.

[0180] [Variation 1] For example, the prediction notification may be variably controlled based on the viewing data 550 of the destination user (see FIG. 14). That is, in the above embodiment, when calculating the individual predicted business climate index, the first coefficient K1 is determined by relatively comparing the tipping amount of the non-destination user with the tipping amount of the destination user, but the first coefficient K1 may be determined by comparing the tipping amount of the non-destination user with the average tipping amount 577 of the destination user instead of the tipping amount of the destination user to be relatively compared. According to this, even if there is a viewing user who is performing an input preparation operation including an operation of setting a tipping amount that is generally considered to be high, it is possible to perform control such as calculating a lower predicted business climate index for viewing users whose average tipping amount is equal to or higher than that.

[0181] In addition, by preparing a calculation function that includes another coefficient based on the total number of comments with tips 573 or the total amount of tips 575 as a variable and determining the coefficient to calculate an individual forecast economic climate index, it is possible to calculate a low forecast economic climate index for viewing users who have sent out a large amount of communication information in the past or viewing users who have given large amounts of tips.

[0182] [Variation 2] In the above embodiment, an example is shown in which the third coefficient K3 based on the viewing level 571 is used to calculate the individual forecast business climate index, but another coefficient based on the viewing history data 560 of the corresponding viewing user or the distribution management data 580 of the viewing user account list 591 may be determined and used to calculate the individual forecast business climate index. For example, a calculation function including another coefficient based on the total viewing time of past distribution content, the number of times the same posting user's distribution content was viewed in the past, the number of times communication information was sent during the viewing (the number of times communication information was sent to the posting user), the total amount of tipping during the viewing (the total amount of tipping to the posting user), etc. is prepared. Then, a coefficient based on each value may be determined to calculate the individual forecast business climate index.

[0183] This makes it possible to variably calculate the predicted business climate index in accordance with the viewing history of the viewing user who is performing the input preparation operation.

[0184] In addition, in addition to the viewing history of the viewing user, for example, when a friend setting or a number of followers is separately set, the predicted business climate index may be calculated according to the number. This makes it possible to calculate a high predicted business climate index when a popular viewing user with a large number of followers is preparing to input communication information.

[0185] [Variation 3] Alternatively, a calculation standard may be set and used to calculate the individual forecast business climate index. For example, this can be realized by calculating a fifth coefficient K5, which will be described below, instead of the first coefficient K1.

[0186] That is, the prediction control unit 249, as a calculation standard setting means, first refers to the distribution management data 580, calculates the average amount of the tip amounts added to the comments with tips that have already been accepted in the content of interest, and sets the calculated average amount as the calculation standard. Then, it compares the average amount with the input amount of tip in the currently input communication information of interest, and selects the higher amount as the applicable amount. If the calculation standard is higher than the input amount, it selects the calculation standard as the applicable amount. On the other hand, if the input amount is higher, it sets the input amount as the applicable amount.

[0187] Thereafter, in the same manner as in determining the first coefficient K1, if there is communication information being input by the destination user, the input amount of the tip is subtracted from the applicable amount to obtain a difference, and the fifth coefficient K5 is determined from the obtained difference. This makes it possible to calculate the predicted business climate index based on the average amount of tipping related to the featured content.

[0188] In addition, for example, the distribution management data 580 for the provided distribution content in which the user account of the posting user of the featured content is set as the posting user account 589 may be referenced to calculate the average amount of all the tip amounts of the comments with tips received during the live distribution of each relevant distribution content, and the average amount may be used as the calculation standard. In this way, the forecast business climate index can be calculated based on the average amount of tip amounts related to the posting user of the featured content.

[0189] [Variation 4] Also, when communication information is received, it is not immediately reflected on the content screen, but may be reflected after a predetermined time has elapsed. In this case, the reflection control unit 245, as a reflection delay time control means, variably controls the delay time from when the communication information is received until when it is reflected. Also, during the delay time, the prediction control unit 249 treats the communication information as communication information being input (assuming that an input execution operation has not yet been performed) and calculates the predicted business climate index.

[0190] The delay time may be a fixed length of time, or may be configured to accept a setting operation by a viewing user. In the latter case, the server processing unit 200s controls the delay time for each viewing user by accepting a setting operation of the delay time in advance as a delay time acceptance control means. For example, when an input execution operation is detected (when a selection operation of the execution button 225 is detected in the communication information input operation unit 22), a control is performed to pop up and display a delay time setting screen as illustrated in FIG. 19 on the content screen, so as to accept a setting operation of the delay time. In this modification, the viewing user selects a desired delay time in a pull-down menu M8 presenting a list of selectable delay times, and performs a setting operation by touching the decision button B8. A setting field may be provided in the communication information input operation unit 22 to accept a setting operation of the delay time.

[0191] Also, instead of all viewing users being able to freely set the delay time, a configuration may be adopted in which only specific users can do so. In that case, a delay time setting operation by a specific user who satisfies a given specific user condition is accepted. For example, when an input execution operation is detected, it is determined whether the viewing user satisfies the specific user condition, and if so, control is performed to display the delay time setting screen of FIG. 19, and a delay time setting operation by the viewing user is accepted. The specific user condition can be preset as "the viewing level exceeds a predetermined level", etc.

[0192] According to this modification, when the display of the forecasted business climate index gauge 21 is high on the content screen of other viewing users due to the influence of the user's input of communication information, the forecasted business climate index can be maintained in a high state for the delay time even after the user performs the input execution operation. Therefore, the effect of suppressing the input of communication information by other viewing users for a longer period of time corresponding to the delay time can be obtained, making it possible to make one's own transmission more noticeable.

[0193] The specific user condition is not limited to a condition based on the viewing level, and may be, for example, "using a specified item." Alternatively, it may be, for example, "sending communication information in which the tipping amount exceeds a specified amount." In this case, when an input execution operation is detected and the tipping amount exceeds a specified amount, a specified delay time is set, or the delay time is set by accepting a setting operation by the viewing user who performed the input execution operation. In addition, it is preferable to set the range of the delay time that can be set differently depending on the tipping amount (for example, the larger the tipping amount, the larger the range of the delay time that can be set).

[0194] [Variation 5] Furthermore, the coefficients (for example, the first to third coefficients K1, K2, and K3) used in the calculation of the individual forecast business climate index may be modified as needed using machine learning. For this purpose, for example, after live distribution, a survey is conducted on the viewing users regarding their satisfaction with the display of the forecast business climate index gauge. The calculation formulas for each coefficient and the collected survey results are then stored together with the number of input characters, input amount, and viewing level used to determine each coefficient, as well as the number of viewers of the live distribution, the time period of distribution, the game genre of the distributed play video, and the like. Then, machine learning processing may be performed based on the stored data to modify each coefficient.

[0195] [Variation 6] In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which a tip comment was sent by inputting a tip amount in the input field 223 in the communication information input operation unit 22 (see FIG. 5) on the content screen, but a configuration is also possible in which a tip of the tip amount is sent without adding a comment. For example, a plurality of types of tip items with different prices may be prepared so that the viewing user can obtain them by purchasing them or the like and use them for sending. For example, this can be realized by providing an item selection menu in the communication information input operation unit 22 and allowing the user to select or purchase a tip item from the menu.

[0196] Tipping items may include items that, when sent, are controlled to apply effects to the content screen according to the type of item. The effects of the effects are not particularly limited, but it is advisable to associate more flashy (more conspicuous on the content screen) effects with higher-value items. For example, effects such as "paper streamers flying" or "crackers popping" can be set for each tipping item.

[0197] In addition, the tipping items are not limited to being purchased each time, but may be purchased in advance and stocked. In that case, the user management unit 210 performs a process of managing the types and number of tipping items owned by each user as input candidates for communication information related to the user. Meanwhile, on the content screen, in the above-mentioned item selection menu, each viewing user is allowed to select a tipping item to be used for transmission from his / her own tipping items.

[0198] Furthermore, in the case of a configuration in which tipping items owned by each user are managed as in this modified example, a configuration is also possible in which a recommended tipping item (hereinafter referred to as a "recommended item") for each viewing user is selected and presented by calculating a predicted economic climate index at any time for each stocked tipping item when it is sent.

[0199] In this case, the server processing unit 200s calculates the predicted business climate index for each viewing user when the viewing user transmits the tipping item for each tipping item owned by the viewing user at any time. The calculation can be performed by replacing the input amount of tipping in the communication information being input by the destination user with the selling price of the tipping item. The calculation timing can be set appropriately, but for example, when a selection operation is performed on an item selection menu, the calculation is performed for the viewing user who performed the operation. Then, the calculated predicted business climate index for each tipping item is judged against a threshold value, and for example, a tipping item whose predicted business climate index is below a preset threshold value is selected and determined as a recommended item for the viewing user. After that, the determined tipping items are displayed in a list and presented to the viewing user.

[0200] [Other variations] In the above embodiment, a gameplay video is exemplified as the distribution content, but the content of the distribution content is not particularly limited. For example, the content may be a live broadcast of a musical performance or entertainment by the poster, or a video work filmed and edited by the poster. [Explanation of symbols]

[0201] 1000…Game System 1100...Server system 100s…Operation input section 200s…Server processing section 210...User Management Department 220...Charge processing unit 230…Game Management Department 241…Content provision control unit 243…Reception control unit 245...Reflection control section 247…Detection section 249…Prediction control unit 251…Archive content provision control unit 290s…Image generation section 292s…sound generation section 294s…Communication control section 390s...Image display section 392s…Sound output section 394s…Communication Department 500s…Server storage 501...Server program 503...Streaming game client program 510...Game setting data 520...Play data 525...Operation input time series data 526…Progress time series data 530...Play replay data 540...User management data 543: Payment medium ledger data 545...Play history data 547...Posted data 550…Viewing data 560…Viewing history data 566…Number of comments with tips during the stream 567…Total amount of donations during the stream 568…Average amount of tips during broadcast 571... Viewing level 573…Total number of comments with tips 575…Total amount of donations 577…Average tip amount 580…Distribution management data 597...Streaming play video 599...Current device list 600…Communication information being entered 601...Normal comment transmission performance data 603…Comment sending data with tips 605…Forecast index time series data 607...Highlight video 1500: User terminal 100...Operation input section 200...Terminal processing section 270...user terminal computing unit 271...Operation signal transmission control unit 273...Image display control unit 275...Video viewing control unit 290...Image generation unit 292...Sound generation section 294…Communication control unit 390...Image display section 392…Sound output section 394…Communications Department 500…Device memory section 502 - Game client program 504...Web browser program 506...Operation input data N…Network 1200: Video publishing management server 1300: Electronic payment server 2. User

Claims

1. A content providing system that provides given content to a user terminal of a viewing user by communicating with the user terminal, comprising: a reception control means for receiving communication information when an input preparation operation for inputting given communication information to be reflected on a content screen of the user terminal and an input execution operation following the input preparation operation are performed on the user terminal; a reflection control means for controlling the reflected communication information on the content screen in response to reception by the reception control means; A detection means for detecting the input preparation operation on the user terminal; a prediction control means for calculating a forecast business index representing a business climate degree of a future reflection control when the reflection control means performs the reflection control based on a detection result of the detection means, and performing control for performing a forecast notification to the user terminal based on the forecast business index; A content providing system comprising:

2. the input preparation operation includes an operation of setting a monetary value that can be added to the communication information to be input, when the monetary value is added to the received communication information, the reflection control means reflects the communication information on the content screen in a form of visibility different from that in a case where the monetary value is not added; The detection means detects an operation for setting the monetary value, the prediction control means calculates the predicted business climate index based on the monetary value setting operation detected by the detection means; The content providing system according to claim 1 .

3. the reflection control means, when the monetary value is added to the received communication information, reflects the communication information on the content screen in a form of different visibility depending on the amount of the monetary value; The prediction control means calculates the predicted business climate index based on the amount of the monetary value detected by the detection means. The content providing system according to claim 2 .

4. A second detection means for detecting the input preparation operation at a user terminal of a destination user of the predicted notification; a destination notification variable control means for variably controlling the predicted notification in the user terminal of the destination user based on a detection result of the second detection means; The content providing system according to claim 3 , further comprising:

5. the input preparation operation includes a setting operation for including a comment in the communication information, the reflection control means controls displaying the comment on the content screen; The detection means detects a comment setting operation, the prediction control means calculates the predicted business climate index based on the content of the comment detected by the detection means; The content providing system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. a viewing history data management means for managing viewing history data for each viewing user; Further comprising: The prediction control means variably controls the prediction notification addressed to each viewing user based on the viewing history data of the viewing user. The content providing system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The detection means detects the input preparation operation related to a destination user of the prediction notification and the input preparation operation related to a non-destination user who is a viewing user other than the destination user, the prediction control means calculates the predicted business climate index by relatively comparing the detection result of the detection means related to the destination user with the detection result of the detection means related to the non-destination user; The content providing system according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The forecast control means has a calculation standard setting means for setting a calculation standard for the forecast business climate index, and calculates the forecast business climate index using the calculation standard. The content providing system according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. the calculation standard setting means sets the calculation standard based on past detection results by the detection means; The content providing system according to claim 8 .

10. a user data management means for managing user data for each of the viewing users; Further comprising: The detection means detects the input preparation operation for each of the viewing users, the prediction control means variably calculates the predicted business climate index based on whether or not a viewing user whose user data satisfies a specific condition is included among the viewing users whose input preparation operation has been detected by the detection means; The content providing system according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. the reflection control means includes a reflection delay time control means for variably controlling a delay time for reflecting the received communication information on the content screen; The content providing system according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. a delay time reception control means for receiving a setting operation of the delay time from a specific user who satisfies a given specific user condition among the viewing users; Further comprising: the reflection delay time control means variably controls a delay time for reflecting the communication information of the specific user based on the delay time accepted by the delay time acceptance control means; The content providing system according to claim 11.

13. When the forecasted business climate index satisfies a given confirmation request condition, the reception control means sends a confirmation request to the user terminal on which the input execution operation has been performed as to whether to cancel or confirm the input execution operation. The content providing system according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. a recording means for recording the provided content in association with the time series data of the forecasted business climate index calculated at the time of providing the content; an archive content provision control means for determining a timing at which the forecasted business climate index satisfies a given high index condition for the provided content recorded by the recording means based on the time-series data associated with the content, and providing the provided content to the user terminal based on the determined timing; The content providing system according to any one of claims 1 to 13, further comprising:

15. an input candidate management means for managing input candidates of the communication information for each of the viewing users; a recommendation candidate presentation means for selecting and presenting the communication information recommended for input from among the input candidates managed by the input candidate management means for each of the viewing users based on the forecast business climate index; The content providing system according to any one of claims 1 to 14, further comprising:

16. A server system which is a content providing system according to any one of claims 1 to 15; The user terminal; A content viewing system in which the above components are communicatively connected.

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