System, method and program for distributing live video

Abstract

To assist responses by a distributor to comments from viewers.SOLUTION: A video distribution system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises a video distribution server 10 and a user terminal 30. The server 10 provides a user with a live video distribution service allowing live video to be distributed and viewed via the user terminal 30. The system 1 is configured such that a distribution screen presented to a distributor of the live video has a comment display area for displaying at least part of a comment group including comments from viewers, and such that the display mode is based on at least the number of hidden subsequent comments which is later in order of posting than the displayed portion of the comment group displayed in that area. Therefore, in responding to a displayed comment, the distributor can obtain information based on the number of hidden subsequent comments which is later in order of posting than the comment.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, services have been provided for distributing live video provided by a distributor to multiple viewers (see, for example, Patent Document 1 below). Such live video distribution services are typically configured to allow viewers (listeners) to input (post) comments. Viewers can enjoy the distributor's responses to the comments posted by the viewers themselves (for example, reading out the comments during the distribution of the live video, answering questions, expressing gratitude, etc.), and such enjoyment can motivate viewers to continue using the live video distribution service. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

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

[0004] However, in conventional live video distribution services, for example, a popular distributor's broadcast attracts many viewers, leading to a large number of comments being posted, and as a result, the distributor's response to the comments may be insufficient. For example, if the speed at which comments are responded to is slow compared to the speed at which the comments are posted, a situation known as "comment congestion" may occur. If the viewer does not receive a sufficient response from the distributor to the comment he or she posted, the viewer's satisfaction level decreases.

[0005] One of the objects of the embodiment of the present invention is to support responses by a broadcaster to comments from viewers. Other objects of the embodiment of the present invention will become apparent by referring to the entire specification. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A system according to one embodiment of the present invention is a system for distributing live video, comprising one or more computer processors, wherein the one or more computer processors execute, in response to execution of readable instructions, a process of presenting a distribution screen to a distributor of the live video, a process of presenting a viewing screen to viewers of the live video, and a process of displaying comments entered by viewers of a specific live video on the distribution screen of the distributor of the specific live video and on the viewing screen of each of a plurality of viewers of the specific live video, wherein the distribution screen has a comment display area in which at least a portion of a group of comments in which a plurality of comments, including at least comments entered by viewers, are arranged in order of occupancy, and the display mode is configured to be based at least on the number of hidden subsequent comments among the plurality of comments included in the group of comments, which are later in order of occupancy than the displayed portion of the group of comments displayed in the comment display area.

[0007] A method according to one embodiment of the present invention is executed by one or more computers and is a method for broadcasting live video, comprising the steps of: presenting a broadcast screen to a broadcaster of the live video; presenting a viewing screen to viewers of the live video; and displaying comments entered by viewers of a specific live video on the broadcast screen of the broadcaster of the specific live video and on the viewing screen of each of a plurality of viewers of the specific live video, wherein the broadcast screen has a comment display area in which at least a portion of a group of comments including at least comments entered by viewers and arranged in order of occurrence is displayed, and the display mode is configured to be based at least on the number of hidden subsequent comments among the plurality of comments included in the group of comments that are later in order of occurrence than the displayed portion of the group of comments displayed in the comment display area.

[0008] A first program according to one embodiment of the present invention is a program for distributing live video, which, when executed on one or more computers, causes the one or more computers to execute a process of presenting a distribution screen to a distributor of the live video, a process of presenting a viewing screen to viewers of the live video, and a process of displaying comments entered by viewers of a specific live video on the distribution screen of the distributor of the specific live video and on the viewing screen of each of the multiple viewers of the specific live video, wherein the distribution screen has a comment display area in which at least a portion of a group of comments in which a plurality of comments, including at least comments entered by viewers, are arranged in order of occurrence, and the display mode is configured to be based at least on the number of hidden subsequent comments among the plurality of comments included in the group of comments, which are later in order of occurrence than the display portion of the group of comments displayed in the comment display area.

[0009] A second program according to one embodiment of the present invention is a program for distributing live video, which, when executed on a user terminal, causes the user terminal to execute a process for displaying a distribution screen for distributing live video, and the distribution screen has a comment display area in which at least a portion of a group of comments in which a plurality of comments, including at least a comment entered by a viewer, are arranged in order of occurrence, and is configured to display a mode based at least on the number of hidden subsequent comments among the plurality of comments included in the group of comments, which are later in order of occurrence than the display portion of the group of comments displayed in the comment display area. Effect of the Invention

[0010] Various embodiments of the present invention facilitate broadcaster responses to comments from viewers. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a network of a video distribution system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 1 is a block diagram showing the functions of a video distribution system 1. FIG. [Diagram 3] 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of information managed in a user information table 411. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining ranks. [Diagram 5] 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of information managed in a distribution management table 412. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a top screen 60. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a distribution screen 70. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a viewing screen 80. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an item selection screen 100. [Figure 10] 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of the distribution screen 70 when the latest comment object 731 is not displayed in the comment display area 73. FIG. [Figure 11]13 is a diagram illustrating an example of the appearance of a remaining comment number display object 78. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a remaining comment. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a flow diagram illustrating a process executed by the distributor terminal 30 in response to the occurrence of a new comment. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining how automatic scrolling is performed in the comment display area 73 in response to the occurrence of a new comment. [Figure 15] 13 is a diagram for explaining how the display content of a remaining comment number display object 78 is updated in response to the occurrence of a new comment. FIG. [Figure 16] 4 is a flow diagram illustrating a process executed by the server 10 when updating a rank. [Figure 17] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining an update rule for a rank meter value. [Figure 18] 11 is a diagram for explaining the correspondence between update contents of rank and required rank meter value. [Figure 19] FIG. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating a process executed by the server 10 when awarding diamonds. [Figure 20] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a distribution screen 70 in another example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a network of a video distribution system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the system 1 includes a video distribution server 10 and a user terminal 30 communicably connected to the video distribution server 10 via a communication network 20 such as the Internet. Although only one user terminal 30 is shown in FIG. 1, the video distribution system 1 includes a plurality of user terminals 30. The video distribution server 10 provides a live video distribution service for distributing and viewing live videos to a user via the user terminal 30. In this embodiment, a user who operates the user terminal 30 can distribute live videos as a distributor, and can also view live videos provided by other users as a viewer.

[0014] The video distribution server 10 is configured as a general computer, and as shown in FIG. 1, includes a computer processor 11, a main memory 12, an input / output I / F 13, a communication I / F 14, and a storage (memory device) 15, with each of these components being electrically connected via a bus or the like (not shown).

[0015] The computer processor 11 is configured as a CPU, a GPU, or the like, and loads various programs stored in a storage 15 or the like into a main memory 12, and executes various instructions included in the programs. The main memory 12 is configured, for example, by a DRAM or the like.

[0016] The input / output I / F 13 includes various input / output devices for exchanging information with a user, etc. The input / output I / F 13 includes, for example, an information input device such as a keyboard, a pointing device (e.g., a mouse, a touch panel, etc.), an audio input device such as a microphone, and an image input device such as a camera. The input / output I / F 13 also includes an image output device such as a display, and an audio output device such as a speaker.

[0017] The communication I / F 14 is implemented as hardware such as a network adapter, various communication software, or a combination of these, and is configured to realize wired or wireless communication via a communication network 20 or the like.

[0018] The storage 15 is configured by, for example, a magnetic disk, a flash memory, etc. The storage 15 stores various programs including an operating system, various data, and the like.

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

[0020] The video distribution server 10 thus configured can be configured to function as a web server and an application server, in which case it executes various processes in response to requests from a web browser and other applications installed in the user terminal 30, and transmits screen data (e.g., HTML data) and control data according to the results of the processes to the user terminal 30. The user terminal 30 can display a web page or other screen based on the received data.

[0021] The user terminal 30 is configured as a general computer, and as shown in FIG. 1, includes a computer processor 31, a main memory 32, an input / output I / F 33, a communication I / F 34, and a storage (memory device) 35, with each of these components being electrically connected via a bus or the like (not shown).

[0022] The computer processor 31 is configured as a CPU, a GPU, or the like, and loads various programs stored in a storage 35 or the like into a main memory 32 and executes various instructions included in the programs. The main memory 32 is configured, for example, by a DRAM or the like.

[0023] The input / output I / F 33 includes various input / output devices for exchanging information with a user, etc. The input / output I / F 33 includes, for example, an information input device such as a keyboard, a pointing device (e.g., a mouse, a touch panel, etc.), an audio input device such as a microphone, and an image input device such as a camera. The input / output I / F 33 also includes an image output device such as a display, and an audio output device such as a speaker.

[0024] The communication I / F 34 is implemented as hardware such as a network adapter, various communication software, or a combination of these, and is configured to realize wired or wireless communication via the communication network 20 or the like.

[0025] The storage 35 is configured by, for example, a magnetic disk or a flash memory, etc. The storage 35 stores various programs including an operating system, various data, etc. The programs stored in the storage 35 can be downloaded from an application market, etc., and installed.

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

[0027] A user operating a user terminal 30 configured in this manner can use the live video distribution service provided by the video distribution server 10 by communicating with the video distribution server 10 via a web browser or other application installed in storage 35, etc.

[0028] Next, the functions of the video distribution system 1 of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram that shows the functions of the video distribution server 10 and the user terminal 30. As shown in the figure, the server 10 has an information storage management unit 41 that stores and manages various information, a basic function control unit 43 that controls the basic functions of the live video distribution service, and a video distribution control unit 45 that controls the distribution of live videos. These functions are realized by the cooperation of hardware such as the computer processor 11 and the main memory 12, and various programs and data stored in the storage 15, etc. (for example, a server-side program for providing a live video distribution service, etc.), and are realized, for example, by the computer processor 11 executing an instruction included in a program loaded into the main memory 12. In addition, some or all of the functions of the server 10 shown in FIG. 2 can be realized by the cooperation of the server 10 and the user terminal 30, or by the user terminal 30.

[0029] As shown in Fig. 2, the user terminal 30 has an information storage management unit 51 that stores and manages various information, a distribution function control unit 53 that controls the distribution function on the terminal side in the live video distribution service, and a viewing function control unit 55 that controls the viewing function on the terminal side in the live video distribution service. These functions are realized by the cooperation of hardware such as the computer processor 31 and the main memory 32, and various programs and data stored in the storage 35, etc. (for example, a terminal-side program for using the live video distribution service that is stored in advance in the storage 35, etc. as an application, or is provided from the server 10 in a format executable by the application or a web browser, etc.), and are realized, for example, by the computer processor 31 executing instructions included in a program loaded into the main memory 32. In addition, some or all of the functions of the user terminal 30 shown in Fig. 2 can be realized by the cooperation of the server 10 and the user terminal 30, or by the server 10.

[0030] The information storage management unit 41 of the video distribution server 10 stores and manages various information in the storage 15 etc. For example, as shown in Fig. 2, the information storage management unit 41 is configured to have a user information table 411 that manages information about users of the live video distribution service, and a distribution management table 412 that manages information about distribution of individual live videos.

[0031] The basic function control unit 43 of the video distribution server 10 executes various processes related to the control of the basic functions of the live video distribution service. For example, the basic function control unit 43 transmits screen data or control data of various screens related to the basic functions to the user terminal 30, executes various processes in response to an operation input by a user via the screen displayed on the user terminal 30, and transmits screen data or control data according to the results of the processes to the user terminal 30. The basic functions controlled by the basic function control unit 43 include, for example, login processing (user authentication), billing control, and user management (for example, updating the user information table 411, etc.).

[0032] The video distribution control unit 45 of the video distribution server 10 executes various processes related to the control of distribution of live videos. For example, the video distribution control unit 45 is configured to distribute live videos provided by each of a plurality of distributors to a plurality of viewers. For example, the video distribution control unit 45 is configured to receive live videos transmitted from a user terminal 30 of a distributor (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as a "distributor terminal 30") and transmit the live videos to user terminals 30 of each of a plurality of viewers (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as a "viewer terminal 30"). The live videos are composed of, for example, images input via a camera of the distributor terminal 30 and audio input via a microphone. Such live video distribution may be performed by a streaming method using a protocol such as HTTP Live Streaming (HLS).

[0033] The information storage management unit 51 of the user terminal 30 stores and manages various information in the storage 35 and the like. The distribution function control unit 53 of the user terminal 30 executes various processes related to control of the distribution function on the terminal side of the live video distribution service. The distribution function is a function for the user of the user terminal 30 to distribute live videos as a distributor. For example, the distribution function control unit 53 is configured to generate video data of a video composed of an image input via the camera of the user terminal 30 and an audio input via the microphone in real time, and transmit the generated video data to the server 10. Also, for example, the distribution function control unit 53 is configured to display a distribution screen for distributing live videos on the user terminal 30 based on at least the screen data or control data received from the server 10.

[0034] The viewing function control unit 55 of the user terminal 30 executes various processes related to the control of the viewing function on the terminal side of the live video distribution service. The viewing function is a function for the user of the user terminal 30 to view videos distributed by other users as a viewer. For example, the viewing function control unit 55 is configured to receive video data of the live video transmitted from the server 10, and play (display) the live video based on the received video data. Also, for example, the viewing function control unit 55 is configured to display a viewing screen for viewing the live video on the user terminal 30 based at least on the screen data or control data received from the server 10.

[0035] In this embodiment, the video distribution control unit 45 of the server 10 is configured to display comments input by viewers of a live video on the distribution screen of the distributor of the live video and on the viewing screen of each of the multiple viewers of the live video. For example, when the video distribution control unit 45 receives a comment input by a viewer of a specific live video via a viewing screen from the viewer terminal 30 of the viewer, the video distribution control unit 45 is configured to transmit data including the comment to the distributor terminal 30 of the distributor of the specific live video and to each of the viewer terminals 30 of the multiple viewers of the specific live video. In the distributor terminal 30 and the viewer terminal 30 that receive the data, the comment included in the data is displayed on the distribution screen and the viewing screen.

[0036] In this embodiment, the distribution screen displayed on the distributor terminal 30 is configured to have a comment display area in which at least a part of a comment group in which a plurality of comments including at least a comment input by a viewer are arranged in order of their generation is displayed. The distribution screen is also configured to have a display mode based at least on the number of non-displayed subsequent comments that are generated later than the display portion of the comment group displayed in the comment display area among the plurality of comments included in the comment group.

[0037] In this way, the video distribution system 1 in this embodiment is configured so that the distribution screen presented to the distributor of the live video has a comment display area for displaying at least a part of the comment group including comments from viewers, and is in a display mode based at least on the number of hidden subsequent comments that occurred later than the display part of the comment group displayed in the area. Therefore, when responding to a comment displayed in the comment display area, the distributor can obtain information based on the number of hidden subsequent comments that occurred later than the comment, and can adjust the speed of response depending on the number of hidden subsequent comments, for example. In this way, the video distribution system 1 supports the distributor's response to comments from viewers.

[0038] In this embodiment, the group of comments, some of which are displayed in the comment display area, may consist only of comments entered by viewers, or may additionally include other comments, such as system comments automatically entered by system 1.

[0039] In this embodiment, the distribution screen may be configured so that the display portion of the group of comments displayed in the comment display area is changed in response to a predetermined operation by the distributor. For example, the comment display area is configured so that the displayed comment (the comment displayed in the comment display area among the multiple comments constituting the group of comments) is changed (switched) in response to an operation on the comment display area itself, or an operation on another area / object other than the comment display area. This configuration makes it possible to inform the distributor of information based on the number of hidden subsequent comments when the displayed comment is changed in response to an operation by the distributor.

[0040] The distribution screen may be configured to display a predetermined object based at least on the number of hidden subsequent comments. Such a configuration makes it possible to inform the distributor of information based on the number of hidden subsequent comments via the predetermined object.

[0041] In this embodiment, a predetermined object may be displayed according to the number of hidden subsequent comments. That is, for example, the distribution screen may be configured so that the predetermined object is not displayed when the number of hidden subsequent comments is less than a predetermined value (e.g., 0), whereas the predetermined object is displayed when the number of hidden subsequent comments is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (e.g., 1 or more). This configuration suppresses a decrease in visibility of the distribution screen when the number of hidden subsequent comments is small, and helps the distributor to easily recognize the number of hidden subsequent comments based on whether or not the predetermined object is displayed.

[0042] Also, the predetermined object may be configured to have an appearance based at least on the number of hidden subsequent comments. For example, the predetermined object may be configured to have a size, color, pattern, or shape based on the number of hidden subsequent comments. Also, for example, the predetermined object may be configured to display the number of hidden subsequent comments itself. Such a configuration allows the broadcaster to know the number of hidden subsequent comments by the appearance of the predetermined object.

[0043] The distribution screen may also be configured to display a number of predetermined objects based at least on the number of hidden subsequent comments. For example, the distribution screen may be configured to display one predetermined object when the number of hidden subsequent comments is within a first range, and to display two predetermined objects when the number of hidden subsequent comments is within a second range that is greater than the first range. This configuration allows the distributor to know the number of hidden subsequent comments by the number of predetermined objects.

[0044] The predetermined object may also be used to control the display content in the comment display area. For example, the distribution screen may be configured so that the display portion of the group of comments displayed in the comment display area is changed in response to the distributor's selection of the predetermined object, so that the last comment in the group of comments (the newest comment) is displayed. This configuration allows the distributor to display the newest comment with a simple operation.

[0045] The distribution screen may also be configured to control automatic change (e.g., automatic scrolling) of the comments displayed in the comment display area in accordance with the number of hidden subsequent comments. For example, the distribution screen may be configured such that, in response to the addition of a newly generated comment to the comment group, if the number of hidden subsequent comments is less than a predetermined value (e.g., 0), the display portion of the comment group displayed in the comment display area is changed so that the newly generated comment is displayed, whereas if the number of hidden subsequent comments is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (e.g., 1 or greater), the display portion of the comment group is not changed. This configuration allows the distributor to easily maintain a state in which the latest newly generated comment is displayed.

[0046] The distribution screen may also be configured so that the appearance of the comment display area changes based at least on the number of hidden subsequent comments. For example, the comment display area may be configured to have a shape, size, and color (background color, text color, etc.) based on the number of hidden subsequent comments. For example, the comment display area may be configured to display the number of hidden subsequent comments itself. This configuration allows the broadcaster to know the number of hidden subsequent comments from the appearance of the comment display area. Furthermore, the distribution screen may also be configured so that the appearance of other areas / objects other than the comment display area changes based at least on the number of hidden subsequent comments.

[0047] The distribution screen may be configured to have a display mode based at least on the duration of the state in which the number of hidden subsequent comments is within a predetermined range. For example, the distribution screen is configured to have a first display mode when the duration of the state in which the number of hidden subsequent comments is within a predetermined range is a first time or more, and to have a second display mode when the duration is a second time or more that is greater than the first time. For example, the distribution screen is configured to have a first display mode when the duration of the state in which the number of hidden subsequent comments is within the first range is a first time or more, and to have a second display mode when the duration of the state in which the number of hidden subsequent comments is within a second range that is greater than the first range is a second time or more. This configuration enables the distributor to obtain information based on the duration of the state in which the number of hidden subsequent comments is within a predetermined range.

[0048] In this embodiment, the viewing screen may also be configured to have a configuration similar to the various aspects of the distribution screen described above. For example, the viewing screen may have a comment display area similar to the distribution screen, and may be configured to have a display mode based at least on the number of non-displayed subsequent comments. This configuration allows a viewer to obtain information based on the number of non-displayed subsequent comments that occur later than the comment when checking the comment displayed in the comment display area.

[0049] Next, a specific example of the video distribution system 1 of the present embodiment having such a function will be described. FIG. 3 illustrates information managed in the user information table 411 in this example. The user information table 411 manages information about users of the live video distribution service, and as shown in the figure, manages information such as "basic information" including account name, age, sex, etc., "distribution history information" which is information about the distribution history of live videos, "viewing history information" which is information about the viewing history of live videos distributed by other users, "following user information" which is information about other users followed by this user, "follower information" which is information about other users (followers) following this user, "family information" which is information about a family to which this user belongs as a family member, "rank" which indicates the rank of the user as a distributor, "rank meter value" which is a parameter value for determining rank up / down, "coin holding number" which indicates the number of virtual coins held in the live video distribution service, and "diamond holding number" which indicates the number of virtual diamonds held.

[0050] A family is a community (group) for supporting a particular broadcaster, and a user can join (become a family member) through approval by the family's administrator, etc. Family information includes information that can identify each of one or more families to which the user belongs.

[0051] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the "rank" of a distributor in this example. As shown in the figure, in this example, there are six rank bands, "S", "A", "B", "C", "D" and "E", and each of the five rank bands, "S", "A", "B", "C", and "D", is composed of three ranks (for example, ranks with "+" added to the alphabet indicating the rank band, ranks with only the alphabet, and ranks with "-" added to the alphabet, such as "S+", "S", and "S-"). In addition, the rank band "E" is composed of one rank "E". In other words, in this example, there are 16 ranks (3×5+1=16).

[0052] In addition, the rank band is the highest on the "S" side and the lowest on the "E" side. In addition, within the same rank band, the rank is the highest on the "+" side and the lowest on the "-" side. In this example, the user's rank is set to "D-" as the initial value.

[0053] 5 illustrates information managed in the distribution management table 412 in this example. The distribution management table 412 manages information related to distribution of individual live videos, and as shown in the figure, manages information such as a "distributor user account" that identifies the distributor of this distribution, a "distribution date and time", a "distribution duration" that indicates the duration of the distribution, a "number of viewers (current value and maximum value)", a "number of comments" that is the number of comments entered by the viewers, a "number of likes" that is the number of "likes" entered by the viewers, "item points" that increase according to the input of items by the viewers, and "distribution points" that are points granted for this distribution, in association with a "distribution ID" that identifies an individual distribution (live video).

[0054] 6 illustrates an example of a top screen 60 of the live video streaming service displayed on the user terminal 30. The screen 60 is a starting point for users who use the live video streaming service, and as shown in the figure, has a selection area 62 displaying "Follow," "Popular," and "All," a list display area 64 located below the area 62 and displaying a list of live videos currently being streamed, and a circular streaming start button 66 located in the upper right corner of the screen.

[0055] The selection area 62 is an area for selecting the display contents in the list display area 64. Specifically, when "Follow" is selected in the selection area 62, live videos currently being distributed by other users whom the user is following are displayed in a list in the list display area 64. Similarly, when "Popular" is selected in the selection area 62, live videos extracted according to a predetermined extraction condition for extracting popular videos (for example, live videos with a viewer count (current value) equal to or greater than a threshold value, etc.) are displayed in a list in the list display area 64. Furthermore, when "All" is selected in the selection area 62, all live videos currently being distributed are displayed in a list in the list display area 64.

[0056] 6, the list display area 64 has a plurality of individual display areas 641 arranged in two columns, each of which displays information about an individual live video. The individual display areas 641 are configured to display a still image preset by the distributor of the live video, the distributor's account name, the number of viewers (current value), and the like, and to start viewing of the corresponding live video in response to a user's selection. The list display area 64 is configured so that the displayed individual display areas 641 are switched by a flick operation / slide operation in the up and down directions, and the like.

[0057] The distribution start button 66 is an object for the user to start distribution of a live video as a distributor. When the distribution start button 66 is selected by the user, distribution of the live video is started, and specifically, transmission of a video composed of an image input via the camera of the user terminal 30 and an audio input via the microphone of the user terminal 30 to the server 10 is started. In addition, in response to the start of distribution of the live video, a new record is created in the distribution management table 412.

[0058] 7 illustrates a distribution screen 70 displayed on the distributor terminal 30 in response to selection of the distribution start button 66 (i.e., start of distribution of a live video). As shown in the figure, the screen 70 has a video display area 71 corresponding to the entire screen, a basic information display area 72 located in the upper left corner of the screen, a comment display area 73 located in the lower left corner of the screen, and a circular distribution stop button 76 located in the center of the bottom edge of the screen.

[0059] The video display area 71 displays the live video to be distributed, that is, the image input via the camera of the distributor terminal 30. Since the distributor usually shoots himself / herself via the in-camera of the distributor terminal 30, the distributed live video includes an image of the distributor himself / herself.

[0060] The basic information display area 72 displays basic information about this broadcast, specifically, broadcaster information (profile image, etc.), the number of viewers of this broadcast (current value), and the number of “likes” entered by viewers in response to this broadcast, etc.

[0061] The comment display area 73 is an area for displaying user comments input by a viewer or system comments input automatically. Specifically, a plurality of comment objects 731, each of which corresponds to an individual comment, are arranged vertically in the area 73. The comment display area 73 is configured as a transparent area, and the comment objects 731 are configured as semi-transparent objects.

[0062] The distribution stop button 76 is an object for the distributor to stop distribution of the live video. When the distributor selects the distribution stop button 76, distribution of the live video (transmission of the live video from the distributor terminal 30 to the server 10) is stopped.

[0063] 8 illustrates a viewing screen 80 displayed on the viewer terminal 30. For example, when a viewer selects an arbitrary live video via the list display area 64 of the top screen 60, a viewing screen 80 for viewing the selected live video is displayed on the viewer terminal 30. As shown in the figure, the screen 80 has a video display area 81, a basic information display area 82, and a comment display area 83, similar to the above-mentioned distribution screen 70. In addition, the viewing screen 80 has, at the bottom end of the screen, a comment input area 86, a "Like" button 87 with a heart mark displayed, and an item input button 88 with a gift design displayed.

[0064] The comment input area 86 is an area for a viewer to input a comment. A transmission object 861 is disposed at the right end of the area 86. When the object 861 is selected, the character string input in the comment input area 86 is input as a user comment, and the comment input data is transmitted from the viewer terminal 30 to the server 10. The comment input data includes the content of the comment and the user account of the viewer who input the comment. The server 10 that has received the comment input data transmits the comment input data to the corresponding distributor terminal 30 (distributor terminal 30 of the distributor of the corresponding live video) and each viewer terminal 30 (each viewer terminal 30 of the multiple viewers of the corresponding live video). In addition, the server 10 that has received the comment input data updates the number of comments in the distribution management table 412 (adds 1).

[0065] In the distributor terminal 30 and each viewer terminal 30 that have received the comment input data from the server 10, comment objects 731, 831 corresponding to the user comments can be displayed in the comment display areas 73, 83 of the distribution screen 70 and the viewing screen 80. The comment objects 731, 831 corresponding to the user comments display the content of the comment (character string) together with the account name of the viewer who input the comment.

[0066] The like button 87 is an object that allows a viewer to input a "like" for a distributor. When the button 87 is selected by a viewer, a "like" is input, and the like input data is transmitted from the viewer terminal 30 to the server 10. The like input data includes the user account of the viewer who input the "like." The server 10 that receives the like input data transmits the like input data to the corresponding distributor terminal 30 and each viewer terminal 30. In addition, the server 10 that receives the like input data updates the "number of likes" in the distribution management table 412 (adding 1).

[0067] In the distributor terminal 30 and each viewer terminal 30 that have received the like input data from the server 10, a comment object 731, 831 corresponding to a system comment notifying the input of "Like" can be displayed in the comment display area 73, 83 of the distribution screen 70 and the viewing screen 80. In the comment object 731, 831 corresponding to the system comment, text indicating the input of "Like" is displayed together with the account name of the viewer who input the "Like". In addition, in the distributor terminal 30 and each viewer terminal 30 that have received the like input data, a predetermined visual effect (for example, an animation effect in which a heart-shaped object is displayed flowing from the bottom to the top of the screen) is added to the video display area 71, 81 of the distribution screen 70 and the viewing screen 80.

[0068] The item input button 88 is an object that allows the viewer to input an item. When the button 88 is selected by the viewer, an item selection screen 100, as shown in FIG. 9, is displayed superimposed on the viewing screen 80. As shown in the figure, the screen 100 displays a list of multiple individual display areas 102, each of which displays information related to an item. The individual display areas 102 display an image corresponding to the item and the number of coins required to input the item.

[0069] In this example, a plurality of items that can be input by the viewer are determined in advance, and a number of coins is set in advance as the price (value, compensation) of each item. The item selection screen 100 displays a list of the plurality of items that can be input. When a viewer selects one of the items via the item selection screen 100, the selected item is input.

[0070] When an item is input, the item input data is transmitted from the viewer terminal 30 to the server 10. The item input data includes information that can identify the user account of the viewer who input the item and the input item. The server 10 that receives the item input data transmits the item input data to the corresponding broadcaster terminal 30 and each viewer terminal 30. The server 10 that receives the item input data also grants item points according to the number of coins of the input item (for example, the more coins, the more points). Specifically, the server 10 adds the points according to the number of coins to the item points of the corresponding distribution in the distribution management table 412. The server 10 that receives the item input data also subtracts the number of coins of the input item from the number of coins owned by the corresponding user (the viewer who input the item) in the user information table 411.

[0071] In the distributor terminal 30 and each viewer terminal 30 that have received the item input data from the server 10, a comment object 731, 831 corresponding to a system comment notifying the input of an item can be displayed in the comment display area 73, 83 of the distribution screen 70 and the viewing screen 80. The comment object 731, 831 corresponding to the system comment displays the name of the input item together with the account name of the viewer who input the item. In addition, in the distributor terminal 30 and each viewer terminal 30 that have received the item input data, a visual effect corresponding to the input item is added in the video display area 71, 81 of the distribution screen 70 and the viewing screen 80.

[0072] Here, a detailed description will be given of the comment display area 73 on the distribution screen 70. In this example, the comment display area 73 is set as a rectangular range capable of displaying multiple comment objects 731 arranged in the vertical direction, as indicated by the dashed line in FIG.

[0073] The comment objects 731 displayed in the comment display area 73 correspond to at least a part of a group of comments consisting of multiple comments (user comments or system comments). The group of comments is arranged in order of occurrence of multiple comments that have occurred since the distributor started this distribution on the distributor terminal 30 up to the present time. In addition, of the comment objects 731 displayed in the comment display area 73, the older (earlier in order of occurrence) comment objects 731 are located at the top, and the newer (later in order of occurrence) comment objects 731 are located at the bottom.

[0074] The comment display area 73 is configured so that the display portion of the comments (the portion displayed in the area 73) can be slid up and down by a flick operation / slide operation in an up and down direction, etc. The comment object 731 that has moved to the outside (upper / lower side) of the comment display area 73 by changing the display portion through such an operation becomes hidden (temporarily disappears).

[0075] In addition, in this example of the distribution screen 70, when the latest comment in the current group of comments (the last comment in order of appearance) is not displayed in the comment display area 73, a remaining comment count display object 78 is placed at the bottom right end of the comment display area 73, as illustrated in FIG. 10.

[0076] Fig. 11 illustrates an example of the appearance of the remaining comment number display object 78. As illustrated, the remaining comment number display object 78 has a rounded rectangular shape, and displays the number of remaining comments ("88" in the example of Fig. 11).

[0077] FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining the remaining comments in this example. The group of comments, some of which are displayed in the comment display area 73, are arranged in the order of occurrence of each of the multiple comments, with older comments being located at the top and newer comments being located at the bottom. As shown in the figure, among the multiple comments included in the comment group, a comment (a non-displayed subsequent comment) that occurs later in the order of occurrence than the display portion of the comment group displayed in the comment display area 73 is defined as a remaining comment. In other words, "when the latest comment in the current comment group is not displayed in the comment display area 73" can also be rephrased as "when, among the multiple comments included in the current comment group, the number of remaining comments that occurs later in the order of occurrence than the display portion of the comment group displayed in the comment display area 73 is one or more."

[0078] In this example, as described above, the display portion of the comments in the comment display area 73 is configured to slide up and down by an upward or downward flick operation / slide operation, etc. As a result, when the number of remaining comments changes, the display content in the remaining comment number display object 78 is updated to show the changed number of remaining comments.

[0079] Also, in this example, during an upward or downward flick operation / slide operation, etc., on the comment display area 73, the remaining comment number display object 78 becomes hidden, and when the change in the display portion of the comments group corresponding to the operation is then confirmed, the object 78 becomes displayed again, and the changed number of remaining comments is displayed in the object 78. Also, when the display portion of the comments group is changed so that the latest comments are displayed in the comment display area 73, the remaining comment number display object 78 becomes hidden (disappears temporarily).

[0080] Furthermore, in this example, when the distributor selects the remaining comment number display object 78, the display portion of the comments in the comment display area 73 is changed so that the most recent comment at the current time is displayed.

[0081] Here, the control of the display contents in the comment display area 73 in response to the occurrence of a new comment will be described. Fig. 13 is a flow diagram illustrating a process executed by the broadcaster terminal 30 in response to the occurrence of a new comment. Specifically, for example, when the broadcaster terminal 30 receives the above-mentioned comment input data, like input data, or item input data from the server 10, the broadcaster terminal 30 executes the process illustrated in Fig. 13.

[0082] First, the distributor terminal 30 updates the comment group as shown in the figure (step S100). Specifically, the current comment is added to the end of the multiple comments included in the comment group. The comment group in the distributor terminal 30 is managed in, for example, the storage 35.

[0083] Next, the broadcaster terminal 30 checks whether the comment display area 73 is in a latest comment display state, in which the latest comment at the current time (immediately before the current comment is added) is displayed (step S105). In this example, the latest comment display state can also be said to be a state in which the remaining comment count display object 78 is not displayed on the broadcast screen 70.

[0084] Then, when the comment display area 73 is in the latest comment display state (YES in step S105), the distributor terminal 30 performs automatic scrolling in the area 73 (step S110). FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining how automatic scrolling is performed in the comment display area 73 in response to the occurrence of a new comment. As shown in the figure, in the latest comment display state (FIG. 14(A)) in which the latest comment (corresponding comment object 731) at that time is displayed in the comment display area 73 (included in the display portion of the comments), when a new comment occurs, the display portion slides downward so that the new comment added to the end (bottom) of the comments is included in the display portion of the comments in the comment display area 73, and as a result, the comment (comment object 731) displayed in the area 73 slides upward (FIG. 14(B)).

[0085] Returning to the flow diagram of FIG. 13, on the other hand, if the comment display area 73 is not in the latest comment display state (NO in step S105), the distributor terminal 30 does not perform the above-mentioned automatic scrolling, but updates the number of remaining comments displayed in the remaining comment number display object 78 (step S120). FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining how the display content in the remaining comment number display object 78 is updated in response to the occurrence of a new comment. As shown in the figure, when the latest comment at that time (corresponding object 731) is not displayed in the comment display area 73 (not included in the display portion of the comments group) (FIG. 15(A)), if a new comment occurs, the display portion of the comments group in the comment display area 73 does not change, so the number of remaining comments increases (FIG. 15(B)). When the number of remaining comments increases, the display of the number of remaining comments in the remaining comment number display object 78 is updated (in the example of FIG. 15, the number of remaining comments is updated from "2 comments" to "3 comments").

[0086] In this way, for example, when a distributor is responding to a past comment while the past comment is being displayed in the comment display area 73, the distributor can know the number of remaining comments at that time via the remaining comment number display object 78. In this case, when a new comment is generated, the number of remaining comments displayed in the object 78 is updated, so that, for example, while responding to past comments in order while changing the display portion of the comments in the comment display area 73 by an upward flick operation / slide operation or the like on the comment display area 73, the distributor can adjust the response speed, such as increasing the response speed when the number of remaining comments increases (in other words, when new comments are generated faster than the speed at which past comments are responded to), and maintaining or lowering the response speed when the number of remaining comments decreases (in other words, when new comments are generated slower than the speed at which past comments are responded to).

[0087] In this example, the comment display area 83 of the viewing screen 80 also has the same configuration as the comment display area 73 of the distribution screen 70. Specifically, the comment display area 83 of the viewing screen 80 displays a comment object 831 corresponding to at least a part of a comment group consisting of a plurality of comments (user comments or system comments), and the comment group is arranged in order of occurrence of a plurality of comments that have occurred since the viewer started viewing the current live video (distribution) on the viewer terminal 30. In addition, similar to the distribution screen 70, the viewing screen 80 is configured such that, when the latest comment in the current comment group is not displayed in the comment display area 83, a remaining comment number display object that displays the number of remaining comments is disposed at the lower right end of the comment display area 83. Note that, in another example of this embodiment, unlike the distribution screen 70, the viewing screen 80 may be configured not to dispose the remaining comment number display object.

[0088] When the distributor selects the distribution stop button 76 on the distribution screen 70, the distribution of the live video ends. When the distribution of the live video ends, the server 10 sets distribution points for that distribution. In this example, the distribution points are calculated based on the number of viewers (maximum value), the number of likes, the number of comments, and the item points. The distribution points are configured to increase as the number of viewers (maximum value), the number of likes, the number of comments, and the item points increase. The calculated distribution points are registered in the distribution management table 412.

[0089] In this example, the rank of the day is determined (updated) based on the distribution points acquired by the user on the previous day. Fig. 16 is a flow diagram illustrating the process executed by the server 10 when updating the rank of each user. These processes are executed every night (for example, at 3:00 a.m. every day).

[0090] First, the server 10 updates the rank meter value of each user as shown in FIG. 16 (step S200). FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining the update rule of the rank meter value. As shown in the figure, in this example, the rank meter value fluctuates based on the ranking of the delivery points acquired by the user on the previous day within the rank band to which the user belongs. The delivery points acquired by a specific user on the previous day are calculated by referring to the distributor user account, delivery date and time, and delivery points in the delivery management table 412. Note that if a user makes multiple deliveries in one day, the delivery points acquired in each of the multiple deliveries are added together.

[0091] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 17, the update rule for the rank meter value is as follows: first, if the ranking of a distribution point within a rank band is included in the top 10%, the change in the rank meter value is "+2" (an increase of 2 points). Similarly, if the ranking is included in the top 11-30% (the remaining 20% ​​after removing the top 10% from the top 30%), the change is "+1", if the ranking is included in the middle 30% (top 31-60%), the change is "±0" (no increase or decrease), and if the ranking is included in the bottom 40%, the change is "-1" (a decrease of 1 point). Note that if no distribution was performed on the previous day, the change in the rank meter value will be "-1" regardless of the ranking within the rank band.

[0092] In step S200, the rank meter value of each user is updated according to the update rule exemplified in FIG. 17. Note that, for a user with a negative rank meter value, if the current change in rank meter value is an increase (specifically, +2 or +1), the rank meter value may be cleared to 0 and then increased. That is, for example, if the current change in rank meter value of a user whose current rank meter value is "-1" is "+2", the rank meter value is cleared to 0 and then incremented by 2, so that the rank meter value after the change becomes "+2" (instead of "+1"). In this way, even for a user with a negative rank meter value (for example, a user who does not broadcast frequently), the rank meter value can be increased all at once, which promotes the broadcasting of live video.

[0093] Returning to the flow diagram of FIG. 16, after updating the rank meter value of each user, the server 10 next updates the rank based on the updated rank meter value (step S210). FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining the correspondence between the update contents of the rank and the required rank meter value. As shown in the figure, first, when ranking up across rank bands (in other words, when ranking up from the highest rank in each rank band), the rank meter value required is +4. That is, when a user belonging to the highest rank (e.g., A+) in each rank band has a rank meter value of +4, the user is ranked up to the lowest rank (e.g., S-) in the immediately upper rank band. Also, when ranking up within the same rank band (in other words, when ranking up from the middle or lowest rank in each rank band), the rank meter value required is +2. That is, when a user belonging to the middle or lowest rank (e.g., B or B-) in each rank band has a rank meter value of +2, the user is ranked up to the immediately upper rank (e.g., B+ or B) in the same rank band.

[0094] Similarly, as illustrated in FIG. 18, when a user ranks down within the same rank band (in other words, when a user ranks down from the highest or middle rank in each rank band), the rank meter value required is -2. That is, when a user who belongs to the highest or middle rank in each rank band (e.g., B+ or B) has a rank meter value of -2, the user ranks down to the next lower rank (e.g., B or B-) in the same rank band. When a user ranks down across rank bands, the rank meter value required is -6. That is, when a user who belongs to the lowest rank (e.g., A-) in each rank band has a rank meter value of -6, the user ranks down to the highest rank (e.g., B+) in the next lower rank band. Thus, in this example, the absolute value of the rank meter value required for rank up / down across rank bands is larger than that for rank up / down within the same rank band. As a result, a sudden rank up / down in a short period of time is suppressed.

[0095] Returning to the flow diagram of Fig. 16, in step S210, the rank is updated based on the rank meter value according to the correspondence relationship illustrated in Fig. 18. Note that the rank meter value of the user whose rank has been updated (the user whose rank has been upgraded / downgraded) is cleared to 0.

[0096] In this example, diamonds are awarded as a reward to the user as a distributor based on the distribution time of the previous day and the rank (rank on the previous day). Fig. 19 is a flow diagram illustrating the process executed by the server 10 when awarding diamonds to each distributor. These processes are executed late at night every day, for example, at a time (for example, at midnight every day) before the process executed when updating the rank of each user illustrated in Fig. 16.

[0097] As shown in the figure, the server 10 first calculates the delivery time of each user on the previous day (step S300). The delivery time of a specific user on the previous day is specifically identified by referring to the distributor user account, delivery date and time, and delivery time in the delivery management table 412. If a user makes multiple deliveries in one day, the delivery times of each of the multiple deliveries are added together.

[0098] Next, the server 10 grants each user a number of diamonds based on the calculated distribution time and the reference number of diamonds (step S310). Specifically, each user is granted a number of diamonds calculated by multiplying the calculated distribution time by the reference number of diamonds. The reference number of diamonds is preset for each rank so that the higher the rank, the greater the number, and the reference number of diamonds corresponding to each user's rank on the previous day is applied. When diamonds are granted to a user, the number of diamonds held in the user information table 411 is updated. In this example, diamonds can be exchanged for coins or real currency.

[0099] In the above example, when the latest comment is not displayed in the comment display area 73, a remaining comment number display object 78 that displays the number of remaining comments is placed, but this object 78 is an example of an object based on the number of remaining comments (hidden subsequent comments), and such objects in this embodiment are not limited to the above-mentioned remaining comment number display object 78.

[0100] For example, instead of or in addition to displaying the number of remaining comments itself, the object 78 may be configured to have a shape, color, or size according to the number of remaining comments. For example, the object 78 may be configured to have a first shape, color, or size while the number of remaining comments is in a first range (e.g., 1 to 19), and a second shape, color, or size while the number of remaining comments is in a second range (e.g., 20 or more). Also, for example, the object 78 may be configured to have a first shape, color, or size when the number of remaining comments is in the first range for a first time (e.g., 20 seconds), and to have a second shape, color, or size when the number of remaining comments is in the second range for a second time (e.g., 10 seconds). Furthermore, for example, the remaining comment count display object 78 may be configured to assume a first shape, color, or size when the number of remaining comments remains within a predetermined range for a first period of time (e.g., 10 seconds), and then assume a second shape, color, or size when that state is maintained for a second period of time (e.g., 20 seconds).

[0101] Furthermore, in another example of this embodiment, instead of or in addition to displaying the remaining comment number display object 78, the appearance of the comment display area 73 may be configured to change based on the number of remaining comments. For example, as illustrated in Fig. 20, the distribution screen 70 in another example may be configured so that the background of the comment display area 73 changes according to the number of remaining comments, for example, the background is a semi-transparent first color while the number of remaining comments is in a first range, and is a semi-transparent second color while the number of remaining comments is in a second range. Furthermore, the appearance of the video display area 71 may be changed based on the number of remaining comments.

[0102] In another example of this embodiment, the remaining comment number display object 78 may be configured to display only the number of user comments, excluding the number of system comments among the remaining comments.

[0103] The video distribution system 1 of the present embodiment described above is configured so that the distribution screen presented to the distributor of the live video has a comment display area for displaying at least a part of the comments group including comments from viewers, and is in a display mode based at least on the number of non-displayed subsequent comments that occurred later than the display part of the comments group displayed in the area (for example, a remaining comment number display object 78 that displays the number of remaining comments is arranged). Therefore, when responding to a comment displayed in the comment display area, the distributor can obtain information based on the number of non-displayed subsequent comments that occurred later than the comment, and can adjust the speed of response according to the number of non-displayed subsequent comments, for example. In this way, the video distribution system 1 supports the distributor's response to comments from viewers.

[0104] The processes and procedures described herein may be realized by software, hardware, or any combination thereof, other than those explicitly described. For example, the processes and procedures described herein may be realized by implementing logic corresponding to the processes and procedures in a medium such as an integrated circuit, a volatile memory, a non-volatile memory, or a magnetic disk. In addition, the processes and procedures described herein may be implemented as a computer program corresponding to the processes and procedures, and executed by various computers.

[0105] Although processes and procedures described herein are described as being performed by a single device, software, component, or module, such processes or procedures may be performed by multiple devices, software, components, and / or modules. Also, the software and hardware elements described herein may be realized by combining them into fewer components or breaking them down into more components.

[0106] In this specification, even if a component of the invention is described as either singular or plural, or described without limitation to either singular or plural, the component may be either singular or plural unless the context requires otherwise. [Explanation of symbols]

[0107] 1. Video distribution system 10 Video distribution server 11. Computer Processors 15 Storage 20. Communication Networks 30 User terminals 35 Storage 41 Information Storage Management Department 43 Basic function control section 45 Video distribution control section 51 Information Storage Management Department 53 Distribution function control section 55 Viewing function control section 60 Top screen 70 Streaming Screen 73 Comment display area 731 Comment Object 78 Remaining comment count display object 80 Viewing Screen 83 Comment display area 831 Comment Object 100 Item selection screen

Claims

1. 1. A system for streaming live video, comprising: one or more computer processors, the one or more computer processors, in response to execution of readable instructions, A process of presenting a distribution screen to a distributor of a live video; A process of presenting a viewing screen to viewers of the live video; and displaying comments input by viewers of a specific live video on the distribution screen of the distributor of the specific live video and on the viewing screens of each of a plurality of viewers of the specific live video; The distribution screen has a comment display area in which at least a part of a comment group in which a plurality of comments including at least a comment input by a viewer are arranged in order of occurrence is displayed, and the display mode is configured to be based at least on the number of non-displayed subsequent comments, among the plurality of comments included in the comment group, that are later in order of occurrence than the display portion of the comment group displayed in the comment display area. system.

2. the distribution screen is configured so that a display portion of the group of comments displayed in the comment display area is changed in response to a predetermined operation by a distributor; The system of claim 1.

3. The distribution screen is configured to display a predetermined object based at least on the number of the non-display subsequent comments.

3. The system of claim 1 or 2.

4. the distribution screen is configured such that, when the number of the non-displayed subsequent comments is less than a first value, the predetermined object is not displayed, whereas, when the number of the non-displayed subsequent comments is equal to or greater than the first value, the predetermined object is displayed. The system of claim 3.

5. The predetermined object is configured to have an appearance based at least on the number of hidden subsequent comments.

5. The system of claim 3 or 4.

6. The predetermined object is configured to display the number of the hidden subsequent comments. The system of claim 5.

7. the distribution screen is configured to change a display portion of the group of comments displayed in the comment display area in response to the selection of the predetermined object, so that the last comment in the group of comments is displayed.

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

8. the distribution screen is configured such that, in response to the addition of a newly generated comment to the group of comments, when the number of the non-displayed subsequent comments is less than a second value, a display portion of the group of comments displayed in the comment display area is changed so that the newly generated comment is displayed, whereas, when the number of the non-displayed subsequent comments is equal to or greater than the second value, the display portion of the group of comments displayed in the comment display area is not changed.

8. A system according to any preceding claim.

9. the distribution screen is configured such that an appearance of the comment display area changes based at least on the number of the non-display subsequent comments; 9. A system according to any preceding claim.

10. The distribution screen is configured to have a display mode based at least on a duration of a state in which the number of the non-display subsequent comments is within a predetermined range.

10. A system according to any preceding claim.

11. The viewing screen also has the comment display area, and is configured to have a display mode based at least on the number of the non-display subsequent comments.

11. A system according to any preceding claim.

12. 1. A method for streaming live video, executed by one or more computers, comprising: Presenting a broadcast screen to a broadcaster of the live video; presenting a viewing screen to viewers of the live video; and displaying comments input by viewers of a specific live video on the distribution screen of the distributor of the specific live video and on the viewing screens of each of a plurality of viewers of the specific live video, The distribution screen has a comment display area in which at least a part of a comment group in which a plurality of comments including at least a comment input by a viewer are arranged in order of occurrence is displayed, and the display mode is configured to be based at least on the number of non-displayed subsequent comments, among the plurality of comments included in the comment group, that are later in order of occurrence than the display portion of the comment group displayed in the comment display area. method.

13. A program for distributing live video, the program causing one or more computers to: A process of presenting a distribution screen to a distributor of a live video; A process of presenting a viewing screen to viewers of the live video; and displaying comments input by viewers of a specific live video on the distribution screen of the distributor of the specific live video and on the viewing screens of each of a plurality of viewers of the specific live video; The distribution screen has a comment display area in which at least a part of a comment group in which a plurality of comments including at least a comment input by a viewer are arranged in order of occurrence is displayed, and the display mode is configured to be based at least on the number of non-displayed subsequent comments, among the plurality of comments included in the comment group, that are later in order of occurrence than the display portion of the comment group displayed in the comment display area. program.

14. A program for distributing live video, the program causing the user terminal to execute a process of displaying a distribution screen for distributing the live video in response to execution of the program on the user terminal; The distribution screen has a comment display area in which at least a part of a comment group in which a plurality of comments including at least a comment input by a viewer are arranged in order of occurrence is displayed, and the display mode is configured to be based at least on the number of non-displayed subsequent comments, among the plurality of comments included in the comment group, that are later in order of occurrence than the display portion of the comment group displayed in the comment display area. program.

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