Information processing device, information processing system, information processing method, and program

Abstract

To provide an information processing device, an information processing system, an information processing method, and a program that can easily increase the number of users who view distributed videos.MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEM: An information processing device includes an output unit that outputs link information including information for identifying a first user, and for accessing a first distributed video of a first distributor that is being viewed by the first user, and a granting unit that grants a privilege to the first user when a second user accesses the first distributed video via the link information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 13

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device, an information processing system, an information processing method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] It has been known for some time that a video created by a broadcasting user is broadcasted, and when a viewing user views the broadcasted video, a reward is given to the viewer in order to promote viewing. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a video broadcasting service that gives a predetermined reward to a specific viewer whose continuous viewing time of a live video provided by a specific broadcaster reaches a predetermined threshold. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-170283 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in Patent Document 1, when a user invites another user to a video being viewed, the user is not given a reward. Therefore, a user who is viewing a video is not motivated to invite other users to the video he or she is viewing, and it is difficult to increase the number of new users who view the video. In particular, when a user is invited during the distribution of a video, the former is more likely to attract the interest of the other invited users than the latter when the video distribution ends. Therefore, if a user does not invite other users during the distribution of a video being viewed, there is a risk that new users will be lost.

[0005] Therefore, one object of the present invention is to make it easier to increase the number of users who watch distributed videos. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An information processing device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes an output unit that includes information for identifying a first user and outputs link information for the first user to access a first distributed video of a first distributor that the first user is viewing, and an granting unit that grants a benefit to the first user when a second user accesses the first distributed video via the link information. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a user who is viewing a streaming video with an incentive to attract other users to the streaming video that he or she is viewing, which makes it easier to increase the number of users who view the streaming video. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an information processing system including an information processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a distribution video display screen. [Diagram 3] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a link information display screen. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a favorites registration reception screen. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a viewing reservation acceptance screen. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a viewing guide screen. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a viewing guide screen. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a server. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of broadcast user information. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of viewing user information. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of link information. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a user terminal. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of functions of an information processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of functions of a broadcast user's user terminal. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of functions of a user terminal of a viewing user. [Figure 16] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an information processing flow according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17A] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the flow of a privilege granting process. [Figure 17B] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the flow of a privilege granting process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] <Summary of the Invention> The information processing device, information processing system, information processing method, and program of the present invention will be described below with reference to the attached drawings, taking specific embodiments as examples. Note that, for convenience of explanation, the following description may be given from the perspective of a GUI (Graphic User Interface). However, since the basic data processing technologies (communication / transmission technology, data acquisition technology, data recording technology, data processing / analysis technology, image processing technology, visualization technology, etc.) required to realize the contents are well-known technologies, the description thereof will be omitted.

[0010] In this specification, a "user" is a person who uses the functions of the information processing device of the present invention, and more specifically, a user can enjoy the benefits (video distribution service) provided by the functions of the information processing device of the present invention by operating a specific device. The specific device may be a device owned by the user (e.g., a user terminal 12 described later), or a device installed in a store or the like, which is not owned by the user but may be a terminal or computer that can be used by entering a PIN number, a password, or the like or by making a deposit when visiting the store or the like.

[0011] The present invention is an information processing technology for the distribution and display of videos (video content) including video, images, or audio, and the like, and the associated contents thereof. An information processing device according to one embodiment (present embodiment) of the present invention is configured by a server 10, and as shown in FIG. 1, configures a video distribution system (information processing system S) together with a user terminal 12. A user can distribute videos to other users through the information processing system S, and the other users can view the distributed videos (distributed videos) on the user terminals 12. Note that, for convenience of illustration, the number of user terminals 12 in FIG. 1 is three, but in reality, the number of user terminals 12 corresponds to the number of users who use the functions of the information processing device.

[0012] Hereinafter, the user who is the distributor of the video will be referred to as the "distributor user", and the user who is the viewer who watches the distributed video will be referred to as the "viewing user", and when there is no need to distinguish between them, they will simply be referred to as "users". Incidentally, when a distribution user is not distributing a video himself, he can also be a viewing user who watches videos distributed by other distribution users. Furthermore, during the period in which a video is distributed, the distribution user can view (check) that video on his / her own user terminal 12.

[0013] A viewing user can also register any broadcast user as a favorite (follow). A favorite registration is performed by the viewing user specifying the broadcast user to be registered and making a registration request to that broadcast user. A friend relationship may also be established between viewing users, or between a viewing user and a broadcast user. A friend relationship is established when one user accepts a request from the other user. Users who can make a request are not particularly limited, but may be limited to subscribers (fans) of the broadcast user of the video the viewing user is watching, in other words, viewing users who have registered the same broadcast user as a favorite. The relationship between a viewing user who has registered a favorite and a broadcasting user who has registered a favorite, or the relationship between users who have established a friend relationship, corresponds to a "predetermined relationship" in the present invention. The predetermined relationship may be at least one of a relationship established by an operation of one user, such as registering as a favorite, and a relationship established by an operation of both users, such as registering as a friend. For example, a relationship established by an operation of both users is a relationship established by a request operation by one user and an acceptance operation by the other user.

[0014] A video is content (more specifically, electronic data) that includes video data and audio data, and is a broadcast user's video content. Here, the broadcast user's video content is, for example, content created based on the broadcast user's broadcast operation. The distribution operation is a series of operations required for creating and distributing a video, such as starting a program for content distribution installed in the user terminal 12 of the distribution user. The distribution operation includes an operation in which the distribution user shoots himself / herself with a camera mounted on the user terminal 12 to create video data, and an operation in which the distribution user captures his / her own vocalizations or singing with a microphone mounted on the user terminal 12 to create audio data. Furthermore, the audio data includes not only audio data of the sound generated by the distribution user as it is, but also audio data in which the sound generated by the distribution user is converted into mechanical audio or preset audio, and audio data converted from characters input by the distribution user using a keyboard or the like mounted on the user terminal 12. Note that the shooting operation, audio collection operation, etc. may be performed by another person (for example, a collaborator of the distribution user, etc.) at the request of the distribution user.

[0015] The server 10 acquires the moving image from the user terminal 12 of the delivery user via the network 14, identifies a viewing user who is to be the delivery destination, and delivers the moving image to the identified viewing user. The viewing user who is identified as the moving image delivery destination starts a content viewing program installed in his / her user terminal 12, and specifies the delivery user who is the source of the moving image delivery. The server 10 transmits the moving image acquired from the delivery user specified by each viewing user to the user terminal 12 of each viewing user as a delivery moving image.

[0016] In this embodiment, the server 10 instantly distributes the video acquired from the distribution user to the viewing user. This allows the viewing user to view the distributed video substantially in real time. In other words, the video distribution method in this embodiment is a live distribution method. The live distribution may be realized using existing live distribution technologies such as HTTP Live Streaming, Common Media Application Format, Web Real-Time Communications, Real-Time Messasing Protocol, and MPEG DASH.

[0017] It should be noted that live streaming includes a streaming method in which a viewing user can view a video with a certain delay when the video (more specifically, elemental images and sounds at each point in time in the video) is transmitted from the broadcasting user. In terms of delay, at least a delay large enough to allow communication between the broadcasting user and the viewing user is acceptable. On the other hand, live streaming is distinguished from archive-type or on-demand-type streaming in which the video is temporarily stored in server 10 and then distributed from server 10 to the viewing user at any time in response to a request from the viewing user. However, the present invention is also applicable to archive-type or on-demand-type video distribution.

[0018] Here, a screen on which the distributed video is displayed (distributed video display screen) will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Note that Fig. 2 shows a screen displayed on the user terminal 12 of the viewing user identified as described above.

[0019] In this embodiment, the distribution video is video content that displays the distribution user's avatar, that is, an animated video of the avatar, as shown in Fig. 2. Also, audio based on the distribution user's distribution operation constitutes the distribution video together with the avatar. Note that in addition to the avatar and audio, music or still images may be added to the distribution video. Also, the distribution video is not limited to an avatar, and may be video content in which the distribution user himself is displayed.

[0020] An avatar is a virtual object that imitates, for example, a person, an animal, or a character, and is created by a broadcasting user. The procedure for creating an avatar is publicly known, so a detailed explanation will be omitted, but for example, for each of the multiple parts (parts) that make up the avatar, one part material is selected for each part from a part material candidate group that includes one or more part materials, and the part materials for each part are combined to create the avatar. The avatar according to this embodiment moves based on the broadcasting user's broadcasting operation, specifically, moves in conjunction with the body movements of the broadcasting user that are captured on camera, shows a facial expression corresponding to the facial expression of the broadcasting user, and emits a sound corresponding to the voice of the broadcasting user, etc.

[0021] In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 2, an invitation link output button B1 for outputting link information for accessing the streaming video being viewed is arranged on the streaming video display screen. When the viewing user presses the invitation link output button B1, link information including a URL for accessing the video currently being viewed by the viewing user and information for identifying the viewing user is generated, and a link information display screen as shown in Fig. 3 is output (displayed) to the viewing user.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 3, the link information display screen includes link information such as a URL for accessing the distribution video, and a posting button B2 is arranged for the viewing user to post and publish (share) the link information on his / her SNS or the like. When the viewing user presses the posting button B2, the link information can be posted and published on the viewing user's SNS or the like, and can also be sent as an attachment to a message to other users designated by the viewing user. When the output link information is posted and published, information for identifying the viewing user who output the link information by other users may be displayed (not shown). Then, in this embodiment, when other users who meet a predetermined condition and see the link information posted and published by the viewing user on an SNS or the like access the distribution screen of the distribution video via the link information, the viewing user who output the link information and posted and published it is given a privilege such as fan points related to the distribution user who is distributing the video. In this embodiment, in order for a benefit to be granted, it is sufficient for other users who meet certain conditions to access the distributed video via link information in order to watch the video; it is not necessary for the other users to actually watch the video.

[0023] At this time, the viewing user who actually watches the distributed video and outputs link information related to the video being watched and posts / publishes it on an SNS or the like corresponds to the "first user" of the present invention, and the other user other than the first user who accesses the distributed video via the link information output by the first user corresponds to the "second user" of the present invention. The link information includes information for specifying (identifying) the first user and the first distributed video. Note that the server 10 may store information (code) encoded in the link information, information for specifying the first user, and information for specifying the first distributed video in association with each other, so that the first user and the first distributed video can be specified based on the code included in the link information. In addition, the distribution video being viewed by the first user corresponds to the "first distribution video" of the present invention, and the distribution user distributing the first distribution video corresponds to the "first distributor" of the present invention. In addition, access includes not only actually watching the first distribution video for a specified period of time or longer (e.g., 3 minutes), but also simply clicking on a URL displayed in the link information to open the linked page (including the distribution video display screen), or simply watching (previewing) the first distribution video for a few seconds.

[0024] Among the second users who accessed the first distributed video via the link information, users who meet the specified conditions include, for example, (1) unregistered users who have not yet registered the first distributor as their favorite distribution users, (2) unviewed users who have not yet viewed the first distributed video or any videos other than the first distributed video that the first distributor has previously distributed, (3) users who have not viewed any video for a certain period (e.g., two months) since their last video viewing, not limited to videos by the first distributor, i.e., dormant users who have not used the video distribution service provided by the information processing system S for a certain period, and (4) unusable users who have never used the video distribution service provided by the information processing system S.

[0025] The reward may be anything that is beneficial to the user and generates an incentive to attract other users to the video being viewed (first distribution video). In this embodiment, fan points associated with each distributor are given as an example. In addition, fan points are not limited to being set for individual broadcasters as in the present embodiment, but may be set as group points for each group consisting of multiple broadcasters classified according to attributes such as the broadcaster's genre (broadcast theme), region, or age group. Also, fan points may be the same for all broadcasters, or fan points for different broadcasters may be able to be added together.

[0026] By accumulating fan points, users' fan rank for that broadcaster increases. Users with a high fan rank can receive various benefits and obtain limited-edition products on a priority basis over other users. For example, users with 10,000 points or more are given an S rank and can participate in the target broadcaster's limited live events with priority, users with 1,000 points or more are given an A rank and can obtain the target broadcaster's limited stamps (images that can be used in emails, chats, etc.), and users with 100 points or more are given a B rank and can obtain the target broadcaster's limited badges. In addition, by accumulating a certain number of fan points, they may be exchanged for gifts such as money, products, services, or rights (such as facility usage rights or event participation rights). In this case, users with high fan ranks may be able to choose from a wider variety of gifts or may have a more favorable exchange rate with gifts.

[0027] The amount and type of the benefit may be determined based on the number of second users who accessed the first distribution video via the link information during a period set in the first distribution video, for example, during the distribution of the first distribution video or during a certain period (for example, within 48 hours) from the end of the distribution of the first distribution video. For example, the amount of the benefit may be changed so that 10 points per second user is given when the number of second users who accessed the first distribution video via the link information is up to 10, 20 points per second user is given when the number of second users who accessed the first distribution video via the link information is 11 to 50, and 30 points per second user is given when the number of second users who accessed the first distribution video via the link information is 51 to 100. The type of the benefit may be changed so that 10 users are given benefit A, 11 to 50 users are given benefit B, and 51 to 100 users are given benefit C.

[0028] In this embodiment, when the second user attempts to access the first distribution video via the link information, the distribution of the first distribution video may have already ended. In that case, for example, as shown in FIG. 4, a favorite registration acceptance screen that allows the second user who accessed via the link information to register the first distributor as a favorite may be displayed. The favorite registration reception screen displays an explanation that the first distribution video has already ended and that the first distributor who distributed the first distribution video can be registered as a favorite, and also displays a favorite registration button B3. When the second user presses the favorite registration button B3, the second user can register the first distributor as a favorite distributor, and can receive information about the first distributor's future distribution videos, such as distribution schedules, and can receive notifications when the distribution of the video begins.

[0029] In addition, if the second user attempts to access the distribution screen of the first distribution video via the link information and then registers the first distributor as a favorite from the favorite registration reception screen, the first user, who is the viewing user who output the link information, is given a privilege such as fan points of the first distributor. In addition, if the second user who registered the first distributor as a favorite actually views other distribution videos (which may include archive distribution videos and on-demand distribution videos) of the first distributor, the first user is further given a privilege such as fan points of the first distributor. Note that viewing here may be limited to viewing the entirety of one distribution video (from start to finish) or for a predetermined time or more (e.g., 3 minutes).

[0030] In addition, in this embodiment, when the second user attempts to access the first distribution video via the link information and the distribution of the first distribution video has already ended, for example, as shown in Fig. 5, a viewing reservation acceptance screen that allows the second user who accessed via the link information to reserve viewing of the next or subsequent distribution videos of the first distributor may be displayed. Note that at this time, if the distribution schedule of the next or subsequent videos of the first distributor has been decided, this viewing reservation screen may be displayed with priority over the aforementioned favorite registration screen. The viewing reservation screen displays a message that the first distribution video has already ended, an explanation about the next and subsequent video distribution schedules by the first distributor who distributed the first distribution video, and also displays a viewing reservation button B4. When the second user presses the viewing reservation button B4, the second user can make a reservation to view the next or subsequent video distribution schedule by the first distributor and can receive a notification when the distribution of the video begins.

[0031] Furthermore, if the second user attempts to access the distribution screen of the first distribution video via the link information and then reserves a viewing reservation for the next or subsequent distribution video of the first distributor from the viewing reservation reception screen, the first user, who is the viewing user who output the link information, is given a privilege such as fan points of the first distributor. Furthermore, if the second user who made the viewing reservation actually views the distribution video, the first user is further given a privilege such as fan points of the first distributor. Note that viewing here may be limited to viewing the entirety of one distribution video (from start to finish) or for a predetermined time or more (e.g., 3 minutes).

[0032] In addition, in this embodiment, when the second user attempts to access the first distribution video via the link information and the distribution of the first distribution video has already ended, for example, as shown in Fig. 6, if the first distributor is currently distributing another video (corresponding to the "second distribution video" of the present invention) to the second user who accessed via the link information, a viewing guide screen including guidance information for guiding the viewing of the second distribution video may be displayed. Note that, at this time, if the first distributor is distributing the second distribution video, this viewing guide screen may be displayed with priority over the favorite registration screen and viewing reservation screen described above. The viewing guide screen for the second distribution video displays an explanation that the first distribution video has already ended and that the second distribution video by the first distributor who distributed the first distribution video is currently being distributed, and also displays a viewing button B5 for viewing the second distribution video. When the second user presses the viewing button B5, the screen transitions to a distribution screen where the second user can view the second distribution video by the first distributor, and the second user can access the second distribution video.

[0033] Furthermore, if the second user attempts to access the distribution screen of the first distribution video via the link information and then accesses the distribution screen of the second distribution video of the first distributor from the viewing guide screen, the first user, who is the viewing user who output the link information, is given a privilege such as fan points of the first distributor. Furthermore, if the second user actually views the second distribution video, the first user is further given a privilege such as fan points of the first distributor. Note that viewing here may be limited to viewing the entirety of one distribution video (from start to finish) or for a predetermined time or longer (e.g., 3 minutes).

[0034] In addition, in this embodiment, when the second user attempts to access the first distribution video via the link information and the distribution of the first distribution video has already ended, for example, as shown in Fig. 7, if the first user is currently viewing a distribution video of a distribution user (corresponding to the "second distributor" of the present invention) different from the first distributor, a viewing guide screen including guidance information for viewing the distribution video being distributed by the second distributor may be displayed to the second user who accessed via the link information. Note that, at this time, if the first distributor is distributing a second distribution video, the viewing guide screen for the second distribution video may be displayed with priority over the viewing guide screen for the second distributor. The viewing guide screen for the second distributor's streaming video displays an explanation that the first streaming video has already ended and that the first user is currently watching a streaming video from a second distributor different from the first distributor, and also displays a viewing button B6 for viewing the streaming video from the second distributor. When the second user presses the viewing button B6, the second user transitions to a streaming screen where the second distributor's streaming video can be viewed, and the second user can access the streaming video from the second distributor that the first user is watching.

[0035] Furthermore, if the second user attempts to access the distribution screen of the first distribution video via the link information and then accesses the distribution screen of the second distributor's distribution video from the viewing guide screen, the first user, who is the viewing user who output the link information, is given a bonus such as fan points of the second distributor. Furthermore, if the second user actually views the distribution video of the second distributor, the first user is further given a bonus such as fan points of the second distributor. Note that viewing here may be limited to viewing the entirety of one distribution video (from start to finish) or for a predetermined time or more (e.g., 3 minutes). In this case, the second users who satisfy the specified conditions include unregistered users of the second distributor who have not yet registered the second distributor as their favorite distributor users, and non-viewing users of the second distributor who have not yet viewed any videos that the second distributor has previously distributed.

[0036] <Configuration of an information processing device and a user terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention> Next, the configuration of an information processing device and a user terminal 12 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. The information processing device according to this embodiment is configured by a computer for video distribution, more specifically, a server computer (hereinafter, referred to as server 10). The server 10 is an example of a computer, and as shown in Fig. 1, is communicatively connected to a plurality of user terminals 12 via a network 14, and together with the user terminals 12, forms an information processing system S. The network 14 is a communication line network consisting of, for example, the Internet or a mobile communication network, and may include a LAN (Local Area Network), a WAN (Wide Area Network), an intranet, etc.

[0037] (Server 10 configuration) The server 10 is an example of an "information processing device" and is specifically configured by an SNS server or a server computer for cloud services. Server computers for cloud services include server computers for ASP (Application Service Provider), SaaS (Software as a Service), PaaS (Platform as a Service), or IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service). The server 10 may be a single computer or multiple computers distributed in parallel.

[0038] The server 10 executes various information processes related to the use of videos (video content). Specifically, the server 10 acquires videos created by the distribution user by communicating with the user terminal 12 of the distribution user, and distributes the acquired videos to the viewing user. In addition, when the viewing user requests output of link information for accessing the distributed video, the server 10 generates link information and outputs the generated link information to the viewing user by communicating with the user terminal 12 of the viewing user. Furthermore, when another user accesses the distributed video via the link information output by the viewing user, the server 10 grants a privilege to the viewing user who output the link information.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 8, the server 10 has a processor 10a, a memory 10b, a communication interface 10c, and a storage 10d as hardware devices. In addition, an operating system (OS) and a dedicated program for information processing related to video distribution are installed as software in the server 10. These programs correspond to the "program" of the present invention. When the processor 10a operates according to the above program, the server 10 functions as an information processing device of the present invention and executes a series of processes related to video distribution. The program of the present invention may be obtained by reading it from a computer-readable recording medium, or may be obtained (downloaded) via a network 14 such as the Internet or an intranet.

[0040] The processor 10a may be composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro-Processing Unit), an MCU (Micro Controller Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), a TPU (Tensor Processing Unit), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or the like.

[0041] The memory 10b may be configured with semiconductor memories such as a Read Only Memory (ROM) and a Random Access Memory (RAM).

[0042] The communication interface 10c may be, for example, a network interface card, a communication interface board, etc. The standard of data communication by the communication interface 10c is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include communication by wireless LAN, communication by 3G to 5G or a later generation mobile communication system, and communication based on LTE (Long Term Evolution).

[0043] The storage 10d may be configured to store and accumulate various information, and may be configured with a flash memory, a hard disc drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), a flexible disc (FD), a magneto-optical disc (MO disc), a compact disc (CD), a digital versatile disc (DVD), a secure digital card (SD card), or a universal serial bus memory (USB memory). The storage 10d may be built into the server 10, or may be attached to the server body in an external form. The storage 10d may be configured with an external computer (e.g., a database server or online storage) communicably connected to the server body. As a technology for recording various data, a distributed ledger technology such as a block chain may be used to avoid unauthorized data tampering.

[0044] The storage 10d stores and accumulates information related to video distribution. Specifically, the storage 10d stores distribution user information, viewing user information, link information, and various other information necessary for video distribution.

[0045] Broadcast user information is information generated for a broadcast user, and as shown in FIG. 9, various information is linked to identification information (user ID) that identifies the broadcast user, and is stored for each broadcast user. For example, the distribution user information includes information such as the history of distribution videos that have been distributed in the past and information regarding the distribution video currently being distributed (distributed video, distribution date and time), and if the date and time of the distribution video to be distributed next or later has been confirmed, information indicating the distribution video and the scheduled distribution date and time (distribution schedule), as well as information indicating whether the distribution user is currently broadcasting (distribution status).

[0046] The viewing user information is information generated for a viewing user, and as shown in FIG. 10, various information is linked to identification information (user ID) that identifies the viewing user, and is stored for each viewing user. For example, the viewing user information may include information about the streaming video currently being viewed (Currently Viewing), information about streaming videos previously viewed (Viewed), information about the streaming video to be viewed in the future if the user has registered a streaming video to be viewed in the future (Viewing Reservation), information identifying streaming users who have registered the video as a favorite (Favorite Registration), the number of fan points (Points) owned corresponding to each favorite broadcaster, and information indicating the fan rank corresponding to each favorite broadcaster (Rank).

[0047] The link information is information generated in response to link information for inviting other users output by a viewing user (first user) who is viewing a distribution video (first distribution video), and as shown in Figure 11, various information is linked to identification information (link ID) that identifies the link information and stored for each link information. For example, the link information includes information identifying the first user who output the link information (inviting user), information identifying the first distributed video that the first user is watching (distributor, distributed video), information indicating the link destination where the first distributed video can be viewed (URL), if there are second users who accessed the first distributed video via this link information, information identifying those second users (invited users), the number of fan points (earned points) awarded to the first user as a result of the second user accessing the first distributed video via this link information, and information indicating whether the link information is currently valid (valid flag).

[0048] (Configuration of user terminal 12) The user terminal 12 is configured by a personal computer, a smartphone, a mobile phone, a tablet terminal, a television receiver capable of inputting information, a wearable terminal, or the like. In addition, a program for an OS (Operating System) and an application program (hereinafter, an app) for using videos are installed in the user terminal 12. This app includes a program for distributing videos and a program for viewing. When using videos, the user starts one of the above two programs that corresponds to the mode of use desired by the user (specifically, whether to distribute a video or to view a distributed video).

[0049] 12, the user terminal 12 includes a processor 12a, a memory 12b, and a communication interface 12c. The configuration of these devices is similar to that of the devices (specifically, the processor 10a, the memory 10b, and the communication interface 10c) included in the server 10 described below. The user terminal 12 also includes an input device 12d including a touch panel, a mouse, a keyboard, and the like, and an output device 12e including a display, a speaker, and the like. The input device 12d includes a camera for taking pictures, a microphone for collecting sound, and the like.

[0050] The user terminal 12 is used by a user, and the user performs various operations through the user terminal 12. Specifically, the distribution user performs a distribution operation, etc., through the user terminal 12 in order to distribute a video. Furthermore, the viewing user performs a viewing operation, etc., through the user terminal 12 in order to view the distributed video. Furthermore, the viewing user performs a link information output operation for outputting link information of the distribution video being viewed, and a link information posting operation for posting and publishing the output link information on an SNS or the like, through the user terminal 12. Furthermore, the user performs a favorite registration operation for registering an arbitrary distribution user as a favorite, and a viewing reservation operation for reserving the viewing of the next or subsequent distribution video of an arbitrary distribution user, through the user terminal 12. In addition to the above operations, the user appropriately performs operations necessary for enjoying the services provided by the information processing system S of this embodiment on the user terminal 12.

[0051] <Functions of an information processing device and a user terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention> (Functions provided by Server 10) The configuration of the server 10, which is an information processing device according to this embodiment, will be described again from the functional aspect. As shown in Fig. 13, the server 10 has a reception unit 21, a display control unit 22, a distribution unit 23, an output unit 24, an assignment unit 25, and a setting unit 26. These functional units are realized by cooperation between the hardware devices constituting the server 10 and the programs installed in the server 10. When the server 10 is composed of multiple computers, the above functions may be distributed so that each of the multiple computers performs a different function. Each functional unit will be described in detail below.

[0052] The reception unit 21 receives operations performed by each of the distribution user and the viewing user regarding the use of the video by communicating with the user terminals 12 of the distribution user and the viewing user. Specifically, the reception unit 21 receives operation information data transmitted from the operation data transmission unit 35 and the operation data transmission unit 43 described below, thereby receiving the operations of each user. The operations received by the reception unit 21 include various operations regarding the use of the video, specifically including selection, designation, instruction, request, command, permission or refusal, registration, reservation, and other input operations. For example, the reception unit 21 receives a distribution operation for distributing a video from a distribution user. Also, the reception unit 21 receives from a viewing user a viewing operation for viewing a distributed video, a link information output operation for outputting link information of the distributed video being viewed, and a link information posting operation for posting and publishing the output link information on an SNS or the like. Furthermore, the reception unit 21 receives from a user a favorite registration operation for registering an arbitrary distribution user as a favorite, and a viewing reservation operation for reserving the viewing of the next or subsequent distribution video of an arbitrary distribution user.

[0053] The display control unit 22 controls the user terminals 12 of the distribution user and the viewing user, and causes the video created by the distribution user to be displayed on the screens of the user terminals 12 of the distribution user (the person himself) and the specified viewing user. The display control unit 22 also generates display data for displaying the results of information processing by the distribution unit 23, the output unit 24, the attachment unit 25, the setting unit 26, etc., and transmits the generated display data to the user terminal 12 via the network 14. For example, the display control unit 22 causes the user terminal 12 to display a link information display screen as shown in FIG. 3 as a result of information processing by the output unit 24.

[0054] In addition, the display control unit 22 corresponds to the "information providing unit" of the present invention, and when the second user attempts to access the first distribution video via the link information and the distribution of the first distribution video has already ended, the display control unit 22 provides information according to each condition by displaying the following guidance information on the screen of the second user's user terminal 12. (a) A favorites registration reception screen for registering a broadcast user as a favorite, as shown in FIG. 4, is displayed, and favorites registration guidance information is provided to the second user. (b) A viewing reservation screen for the distribution user's next and subsequent distribution videos, such as that shown in FIG. 5, is displayed, and information on the next and subsequent distribution videos is provided to the second user. (c) When the first distributor is distributing a second distribution video, a viewing guide screen as shown in FIG. 6 is displayed to guide the second user to viewing the second distribution video, and information about the second distribution video is provided to the second user. (d) When a first user is viewing a video streamed by a second distributor different from the first distributor, a viewing guidance screen as shown in FIG. 7 is displayed to guide the second user in viewing the video streamed by the second distributor, and information on the video streamed by the second distributor is provided to the second user.

[0055] The distribution unit 23 receives video transmitted from the user terminal 12 of the distribution user (more specifically, the content transmission unit 34 described later) by communicating with the user terminal 12 of the distribution user. The distribution unit 23 then identifies a user (viewing user) who requests viewing of the received video, and distributes the video to the identified viewing user by communicating with the user terminal 12 of the identified viewing user.

[0056] The output unit 24 generates and outputs link information for the first user to access the first distribution video of the first distributor that is being viewed, triggered by the reception unit 21 receiving a link information output operation for outputting link information of the distribution video being viewed from the viewing user (first user). Note that the link information created by the output unit 24 includes at least information for identifying the first user who performed the link information output operation, and information for the first user to access the first distribution video that is being viewed, such as a URL indicating the link destination.

[0057] When a second user who satisfies the above-mentioned predetermined condition accesses the first distribution video via the link information output by the first user, the granting unit 25 grants a reward such as fan points associated with the distribution user to the first user. Specifically, when it is confirmed that the second user has accessed the first distribution video via the link information, the granting unit 25 updates the viewing user information by associating the fan points of the first distributor (or the second distributor) with the first user, and stores the updated information in the storage unit 30. At this time, the granting unit 25 determines the amount and type of reward to be granted based on the number of users who accessed the first distribution video via the link information during the period set for the first distribution video.

[0058] Specifically, the granting unit 25 grants fan points of the first broadcaster as a privilege to the first user when any of the following conditions is met: It is assumed that the second user satisfies a predetermined condition. (a) When the second user accesses the first distribution video via link information. (b) When the second user attempts to access the first distribution video via the link information, the distribution of the first distribution video has ended and the second user has added the first distributor to his / her favorites. (c) When the second user attempts to access the first distribution video via the link information, the distribution of the first distribution video has ended, and the second user has made a reservation to watch the next or subsequent distribution video by the first distributor. (d) When a second user attempts to access the first distribution video via link information, the distribution of the first distribution video has ended, and the second user accesses the second distribution video via guidance information instructing the second user to view the second distribution video. (e) In the case where the above (a) to (d) apply, the second user actually watches the video streamed by the first streamer.

[0059] Furthermore, the granting unit 25 grants fan points of the second broadcaster as a privilege to the first user when the following conditions are met: It is assumed that the second user satisfies a predetermined condition. (f) When a second user attempts to access a first distribution video via link information, the distribution of the first distribution video has ended, and the second user accesses the second distributor's distribution video via guidance information that guides the second user to view the second distributor's distribution video.

[0060] The setting unit 26 sets the target broadcast user as the user's favorite broadcast user, triggered by the reception unit 21 receiving a favorite registration operation from the user to register an arbitrary broadcast user as a favorite. Specifically, the setting unit 26 adds the target broadcast user to the broadcast users registered as favorites, updates the viewing user information, and stores it in the storage unit 30. In addition, the setting unit 26 sets a viewing reservation for the target distribution video, triggered by the reception unit 21 receiving from the user a viewing reservation operation for reserving viewing of the next or subsequent distribution video of any distribution user. Specifically, the setting unit 26 adds the target distribution video to the distribution videos to be viewed, updates the viewing user information, and stores the information in the storage unit 30.

[0061] Meanwhile, the functions of user terminal 12 will be explained separately into functions on the distribution user side and functions on the viewing user side.

[0062] (Functions provided in the user terminal 12 of the distribution user) 14, the user terminal 12 of the broadcasting user has an input unit 31, a content creation unit 32, a content output unit 33, a content transmission unit 34, and an operation data transmission unit 35. These functional units are realized by cooperation between the hardware devices of the user terminal 12 of the broadcasting user and software installed in that user terminal 12 (specifically, a program for video distribution included in an app).

[0063] The input unit 31 receives input of information (input information) necessary for creating and distributing a video, and acquires the input information. The input information includes video information of the broadcasting user himself obtained by the broadcasting user filming himself, audio information obtained by collecting the voice of the broadcasting user, and operation information obtained by the broadcasting user operating the user terminal 12. The operation information also includes information regarding a request for distribution of a video (information based on a distribution operation), as well as various other information regarding the selection and designation made by the broadcasting user through the user terminal 12.

[0064] The content creation unit 32 creates a video based on the input information acquired by the input unit 31. To be more specific, the content creation unit 32 creates a video of an avatar that moves in response to the video of the broadcast user and speaks in response to the voice of the broadcast user, based on the video information and audio information.

[0065] The content output unit 33 outputs the video created by the content creation unit 32. As a result, the image of the avatar as a video is displayed on a display provided in the user terminal 12 of the broadcasting user, and the sound included in the content is emitted from a speaker provided in the user terminal 12 of the broadcasting user. In this way, the broadcasting user can check the video being broadcast by watching the video displayed on the display and listening to the sound emitted from the speaker.

[0066] The content transmitting unit 34 transmits the video created by the content creating unit 32 to the server 10.

[0067] The operation data transmission unit 35 converts operation information relating to operations performed by the broadcast user, out of the input information acquired by the input unit 31, into data, and transmits the obtained operation data to the server 10.

[0068] (Functions provided in the user terminal 12 of the viewing user) 15, the user terminal 12 of the viewing user has an input unit 41, a content output unit 42, and an operation data transmission unit 43. These functional units are realized by cooperation between the hardware devices of the user terminal 12 of the viewing user and software installed in the user terminal 12 (specifically, a program for watching videos included in an app).

[0069] The input unit 41 acquires input information by accepting input of operations performed by the viewing user through the user terminal 12. The input information includes information regarding a viewing request for a distributed video (information based on a viewing operation), information regarding a request for output of link information for the distributed video being viewed (information based on a link information output operation), information regarding a request for posting / publicizing the output link information to an SNS or the like (information based on a link information posting operation), information regarding a favorite registration request of a distribution user (information based on a favorite registration operation), information regarding a viewing reservation request for the next or subsequent distributed videos of a distribution user (information based on a viewing reservation operation), and various other information regarding selections and designations performed by the viewing user through the user terminal 12.

[0070] The content output unit 42 receives the distributed video from the server 10 via the network 14, and outputs the received distributed video. As a result, the distributed video display screen, i.e., the image of the avatar as the distributed video, is displayed on the display provided in the user terminal 12 of the viewing user, and the sound included in the content is emitted from the speaker provided in the user terminal 12 of the viewing user.

[0071] The operation data transmission unit 43 converts the input operation information acquired by the input unit 41 into data, and transmits the obtained operation data to the server 10.

[0072] The above describes the configurations of the server 10 and the user terminal 12. Generally, the server 10 and the user terminal 12 have various functions other than those described above, but here, only the characteristic functions that provide the operational effects in the information processing system S of the present invention will be described, and illustrations and descriptions of other known functions will be omitted.

[0073] <Information processing method according to one embodiment of the present invention> Next, an information processing flow relating to the use of videos, including video distribution, will be described with reference to Figures 16 and 17. The information processing flow according to this embodiment employs the information processing method of the present invention, and is realized by using an information processing system S that functions as a computer system. In other words, each step in the information processing flow (specifically, each step shown in Figures 16 and 17) corresponds to a component of the information processing method of the present invention. It should be noted that the information processing flow described below is merely an example, and unnecessary steps may be deleted, new steps may be added, or the order of steps may be changed without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0074] In the following, as in the present embodiment described so far, the viewing user who is actually watching the distributed video will be referred to as the "first user," a user other than the first user who has accessed the distributed video via the link information output by the first user will be referred to as the "second user," the distributed video being watched by the first user will be referred to as the "first distributed video," the distribution user distributing the first distributed video will be referred to as the "first distributor," another video distributed by the first distributor after the distribution of the first distributed video has ended will be referred to as the "second distributed video," and a distribution user other than the first distributor who is distributing the distributed video being viewed by the first user after the distribution of the first distributed video has ended will be referred to as the "second distributor."

[0075] (Information processing flow) First, a basic information processing flow particularly related to the present invention will be described among the information processing executed in the information processing system S. This information processing flow includes a process for a viewing user to invite other users to a distribution video being viewed, and proceeds, for example, along the flow shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 16, in the information processing flow, the processors 10a, 12a of the server 10, the user terminal 12 of the distributor user, and the user terminal 12 of the viewing user execute corresponding processes, and data communication is also performed between the devices.

[0076] First, when a distribution user (first distributor) performs a distribution operation on a user terminal 12, the processor 12a of the user terminal 12 operated by the first distributor creates a first distribution video of the first distributor and transmits it to the server 10 (S101). When the processor 10a of the server 10 receives the first distribution video from the user terminal 12 of the first distributor, it identifies a viewing user (first user) who requests viewing of the first distribution video, and distributes the first distribution video to the identified first user (S102).

[0077] On the other hand, when the processor 12a of the user terminal 12 operated by the first user receives the first distribution video distributed by the server 10, the processor 12a outputs the received first distribution video (S103). That is, the image of the first distribution video is displayed on the display of the user terminal 12, and the sound of the first distribution video is emitted from the speaker of the user terminal 12, so that the first user can watch the first distribution video on the user terminal 12.

[0078] While viewing the first distribution video, the first user can also output link information for accessing the first distribution video, including information for identifying the first user. Specifically, when the processor 12a of the user terminal 12 operated by the first user receives from the first user a link information output operation for outputting link information of the first distribution video being viewed by the first user (S104: YES), the processor 12a transmits the operation information to the server 10. Note that, when the processor 12a of the user terminal 12 operated by the first user does not receive a link information output operation from the first user (S104: NO), the processor 12a proceeds directly to the process of step S110 described later.

[0079] Then, when the processor 10a of the server 10 receives a request to output link information transmitted from the user terminal 12 of the first user, the processor 10a generates link information for accessing the first distribution video based on the operation content, and outputs the link information to the user terminal 12 of the first user (S105). Note that, although it has been described here that no link information has been output for the first distribution video, if the first user has already output link information, the processes of steps S104 and S105 are omitted.

[0080] Furthermore, the first user can post the link information output by the processor 10a of the server 10 on an SNS or the like to make it available to other users. Specifically, when the processor 12a of the user terminal 12 operated by the first user accepts a link information posting operation for posting the output link information from the first user (S106: YES), the processor 12a makes the link information available to other users including the second user via the network 14 (S107). Note that when the processor 12a of the user terminal 12 operated by the first user does not accept a link information posting operation from the first user (S106: NO), the processor 12a proceeds directly to the process of step S110 described later.

[0081] Then, when the processor 10a of the server 10 determines that the second user has accessed the first distribution video via the link information (S108: YES), it executes a bonus granting process (S109). On the other hand, when the processor 10a of the server 10 determines that the second user has not accessed the first distribution video via the link information (S108: NO), it proceeds to the next process. The bonus granting process will be described in detail later.

[0082] The series of steps described above are repeatedly executed until the first distributor ends distribution of the first distribution video, that is, until the processor 12a of the user terminal 12 operated by the first distributor determines that distribution of the first distribution video has ended (S110: NO). In other words, the first user can continue to watch the first distribution video until distribution of the first distribution video ends, and the information processing flow ends when the processor 12a of the user terminal 12 operated by the first distributor determines that distribution of the first distribution video has ended (S110: YES).

[0083] (Benefit granting process) Next, an example of a reward granting process for granting a reward to a first user will be described with reference to Fig. 17. The reward granting process is a process executed in step S109 of the information processing flow shown in Fig. 16, and is executed by the processor 10a of the server 10. In the following description, it is assumed that the second user satisfies the above-mentioned predetermined conditions. The reward is fan points corresponding to the distribution user, and the amount of the reward is determined based on the number of second users who accessed the first distribution video via the link information.

[0084] As shown in FIG. 17, when the processor 10a determines that the first distribution video is still being distributed when the second user attempts to access the first distribution video via the link information (S201: YES), the processor 10a identifies the second user who accessed the first distribution video, and distributes the first distribution video to the second user through communication with the user terminal 12 operated by the identified second user (S202). Then, the processor 10a grants the first user the fan points of the first distributor as a privilege (S203). Specifically, the processor 10a updates the viewing user information by associating the determined number of fan points of the first distributor with the first user.

[0085] Furthermore, after granting the bonus to the first user, if the processor 10a determines that the second user who accessed the first distribution video actually viewed the distributed first distribution video (S204: YES), the processor 10a grants the first user additional fan points of the first distributor as a bonus in addition to the bonus previously granted to the first user due to the second user actually viewing the video (S205), and terminates the processing. When the processor 10a determines that the second user who accessed the first distribution video has not actually viewed the distributed first distribution video (S204: NO), the processor 10a ends the process.

[0086] On the other hand, when the second user attempts to access the first distribution video via the link information, if the processor 10a determines that the distribution of the first distribution video has already ended (S201: NO), and subsequently determines that the second user has registered the first distributor as a favorite (S206: YES), the processor 10a grants the first user fan points of the first distributor as a bonus (S203), just as in the case where the second user accessed the first distribution video via the link information.

[0087] On the other hand, if the processor 10a determines that the second user has not registered the first distributor as a favorite (S206: NO), and then determines that the second user has reserved a viewing schedule for the first distributor's next or subsequent distribution videos (S207: YES), the processor 10a grants the first user fan points of the first distributor as a bonus (S203), just as in the case where the second user has accessed the first distribution video via link information.

[0088] Then, after granting a bonus to the first user because the second user has registered the first distributor as a favorite or because the second user has scheduled a viewing of the first distributor's next or subsequent streaming video, if the processor 10a determines that the second user has actually viewed a subsequent streaming video of the first distributor (S204: YES), the processor 10a grants the first user additional fan points of the first distributor as a bonus for actually viewing the video, in addition to the bonus previously granted, as in the case of viewing the first streaming video (S205), and terminates the processing. If the processor 10a determines that the second user has not actually viewed the distributed video of the first distributor (S204: NO), the processor 10a ends the process.

[0089] On the other hand, if the processor 10a determines that the second user has not reserved viewing of the next or subsequent distribution videos of the first distributor (S207: NO), and subsequently determines that a second distribution video different from the first distribution video by the first distributor is currently being distributed (S208: YES), it provides guidance information to the second user through communication with the user terminal 12 operated by the second user to guide the second user in viewing the second distribution video (S209).If the processor 10a determines that the second user has accessed the second distribution video via the guidance information (S210: YES), it identifies the second user who accessed the second distribution video, and distributes the second distribution video to the second user through communication with the user terminal 12 operated by the identified second user (S211). Then, the processor 10a gives the first user fan points of the first distributor as a privilege, in the same manner as when the second user accesses the first distribution video via the link information (S203). When the processor 10a determines that the second user has not accessed the second distribution video (S210: NO), the processor 10a ends the process.

[0090] Furthermore, after granting the bonus to the first user, if the processor 10a determines that the second user who accessed the second distribution video actually viewed the distributed second distribution video (S204: YES), the processor 10a grants the first user additional fan points of the first distributor as a bonus in addition to the bonus previously granted to the first user due to the second user actually viewing the video (S205), and terminates the processing. When the processor 10a determines that the second user who accessed the second distribution moving image has not actually viewed the distributed second distribution moving image (S204: NO), the processor 10a ends the process.

[0091] On the other hand, if the processor 10a determines that the second distribution video by the first distributor is not currently being distributed (S208: NO), and subsequently determines that the first user is currently viewing a distribution video by a second distributor different from the first distributor (S212: YES), it provides the second user with guidance information to guide them to view the distribution video of the second distributor through communication with a user terminal 12 operated by the second user (S213).If the processor 10a determines that the second user has accessed the distribution video of the second distributor via the guidance information (S214: YES), it identifies the second user who accessed the distribution video of the second distributor, and distributes the distribution video of the second distributor to the second user through communication with a user terminal 12 operated by the identified second user (S215). In this case, the processor 10a then grants the first user fan points of the second distributor as a privilege (S203). In addition, if the processor 10a determines that the first user is not watching the distributed video of the second distributor (S212: NO), or if the processor 10a determines that the second user is not accessing the distributed video of the second distributor (S214: NO), the processor 10a terminates the processing.

[0092] Furthermore, after granting a bonus to the first user, if the processor 10a determines that the second user who accessed the second distributor's distributed video actually viewed the distributed video of the second distributor (S204: YES), the processor 10a grants the first user additional fan points of the second distributor as a bonus for actually viewing the video in addition to the bonus previously granted to the first user (S205), and terminates the processing. In addition, if the processor 10a determines that the second user who accessed the distribution video of the second distributor has not actually viewed the distribution video of the second distributor (S204: NO), the processor 10a ends the process.

[0093] <Other embodiments> Although specific embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the above-described embodiments are merely examples given to facilitate understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. In other words, the present invention may be modified or improved from the above-described embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Furthermore, the present invention includes equivalents thereof.

[0094] For example, the screen examples shown in the drawings referenced in the above description of this embodiment are merely examples, and the screen configuration examples, the content of the information displayed, and the GUI (Graphical User Interface), etc. can be freely designed in accordance with the system design specifications and user preferences, and can be changed as appropriate.

[0095] In the above embodiment, the manner in which an image is displayed on the user terminal 12 includes a manner in which the image is displayed on a display device (display) provided in the terminal itself, and a manner in which the image is displayed on a display device connected to the terminal in a wired or wireless manner. Similarly, the manner in which sound or music is emitted from the user terminal 12 includes a manner in which the sound or music is emitted from a playback device (speaker) provided in the terminal itself, and a manner in which the sound or music is emitted from an audio device connected to the terminal in a wired or wireless manner. Note that the display device or audio device connected to the user terminal 12 may include a head mounted display (HMD) such as VR goggles, in addition to a general stationary display or speaker.

[0096] In addition, in the above embodiment, the server 10 functions as the information processing device of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to this, and all or part of the functions of the server 10 may be provided in the user terminal 12. In that case, the information processing device of the present invention is configured by the user terminal 12, or by the cooperation of the server 10 and the user terminal 12. For example, all or part of the functions of the display control unit 22, the delivery unit 23, the output unit 24, the attachment unit 25, and the setting unit 26 provided in the server 10 may be provided in the user terminal 12. In particular, the delivery unit 23 may be provided in the user terminal 12 of the delivery user, and the delivery may be directly made from the user terminal 12 of the delivery user to the user terminal 12 of the viewing user without going through the server 10. In addition, the output unit 24 may be provided in the user terminal 12 of the viewing user, and the user terminal 12 of the viewing user may generate link information for accessing the first delivery video of the first distributor and directly output it without going through the server 10.

[0097] Conversely, all or part of the functions of the user terminal 12 may be provided in the server 10. In particular, in the above-described embodiment, a video is created by the user terminal 12 of the broadcasting user, and the server 10 acquires the video transmitted from the user terminal 12 of the broadcasting user, and distributes the acquired video to the viewing user. However, this is not limited to the above, and the server 10 may be provided with the content creation unit 32 and the like, and the video may be created by the server 10, not by the user terminal 12 of the broadcasting user. In this case, the server 10 may receive the broadcasting user's broadcasting operations, including shooting operations and sound collection operations, through the user terminal 12 of the broadcasting user, and create the video based on the received operations.

[0098] In addition, in the above embodiment, the distribution user information, viewing user information, link information, and the like are stored in the server 10, but a database server or the like (not shown) may be provided separately and the information may be stored collectively in the database server, or may be stored on the user terminal 12 side. In this case, the server 10, together with the database server or the user terminal 12, etc., constitutes the information processing device of the present invention.

[0099] In the multiple other embodiments (including the modified examples of each embodiment) described above, the elements and features of each embodiment may be appropriately combined. In other words, the configuration of any of the multiple other embodiments described above may be applied to the other embodiments, and the effects brought about by the configuration may be similarly achieved.

[0100] <Summary> [General-purpose subject] One object of the present invention is to facilitate increasing the number of users who watch distributed videos.

[0101] Issues regarding [Appendix 1] One of the objects of the present invention is to provide an incentive to a user who is viewing a streaming video to increase the number of other users who view the streaming video that he or she is viewing. [Appendix 1] An information processing device comprising: an output unit that includes information for identifying a first user and outputs link information for the first user to access a first distribution video of a first distributor that the first user is viewing; and an granting unit that grants a benefit to the first user when a second user accesses the first distribution video via the link information. According to the information processing device, the first user can obtain a benefit when the second user who the first user invited to the first distribution video views the first distribution video in response to the invitation. This provides an incentive to the user who is viewing the distribution video to attract other users to the distribution video he or she is viewing.

[0102] Issues regarding [Appendix 2] One of the objects of the present invention is to provide an incentive to a user who is viewing a streaming video to increase the number of other users who establish a predetermined relationship with the distributor of the streaming video that they are viewing. [Appendix 2] An information processing device as described in Appendix 1, further comprising a reception unit that controls to accept an operation from the second user to associate the second user with the first distributor in a specified relationship when the distribution of the first distribution video has ended when the second user attempts to access the first distribution video via link information, and an granting unit that grants a benefit to the first user when the second user and the first distributor are associated with the specified relationship. According to the information processing device, even if the distribution of the first distribution video has already ended when the second user who the first user invited to the first distribution video is attempting to access the first distribution video in response to the invitation, the first user can obtain a benefit if the second user has a predetermined relationship with the first distributor. This makes it possible to generate an incentive for users who watch the distribution video to increase the number of other users who have a predetermined relationship with the distributor of the distribution video being viewed. In particular, even if distribution of the first distribution video has ended, it is possible to accept an operation from the second user to associate the first distribution video with a specified relationship, thereby improving the possibility that the distributor of the first distribution video can acquire new viewers.

[0103] Issues regarding [Appendix 3] One of the objectives of the present invention is to provide an incentive to users who watch streaming videos to increase the number of other users who are likely to watch other streaming videos distributed by the distributor of the streaming video they are watching. [Appendix 3] An information processing device as described in Appendix 1, comprising a reception unit that controls to accept an operation from the second user to reserve a viewing of the next or subsequent distribution video of the first distributor when the distribution of the first distribution video has ended when the second user attempts to access the first distribution video via link information, and an granting unit that grants a benefit to the first user when a reservation for viewing the next or subsequent distribution video of the first distributor is accepted from the second user. According to the information processing device, even if the distribution of the first distribution video has already ended when the second user who was invited to the first distribution video currently being viewed attempts to access the first distribution video in response to the invitation, the first user can obtain a benefit if the second user reserves the first distributor's next or subsequent distribution video to view. This can provide an incentive to users who view the distribution video to increase the number of other users who are likely to view other distribution videos distributed by the distributor of the currently viewed distribution video. This makes it easier for the distributor of the first distribution video to acquire new viewers for the next or subsequent distribution videos. In particular, even if the distribution of the first distribution video has ended, the second user can reserve the next or subsequent distribution videos, which increases the possibility that the distributor of the first distribution video can acquire new viewers. Also, for the second user, being able to reserve the next or subsequent distribution videos of the first distributor improves the convenience of viewing the distribution videos of the first distributor.

[0104] Issues regarding [Appendix 4] One of the objects of the present invention is to provide a greater incentive to a user who views a distributed video when another user invited by the user actually views the distributed video of the distributor. [Appendix 4] The information processing device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the granting unit further grants a benefit to the first user when the second user watches the distributed video of the first distributor. According to the information processing device, a first user can invite a second user to a first distributed video that the first user is viewing, and if the second user has a predetermined relationship with the first broadcaster or if the second user reserves a viewing time for the first broadcaster's next or subsequent distributed video, the first user can receive a special benefit. In addition, if the second user actually views the first broadcaster's distributed video, the second user can receive an additional special benefit. This allows a larger incentive to be generated when another user invited by a user viewing a distributed video actually views the broadcaster's distributed video.

[0105] Issues regarding [Appendix 5] One of the objectives of the present invention is to make it easier for a user who watches a distributed video to invite other users to watch other distributed videos by a distributor, even if the distribution of the invited distributed video has ended. [Appendix 5] An information processing device as described in Appendix 1, comprising an information providing unit that provides guidance information to the second user guiding the viewing of the second distribution video when the distribution of the first distribution video has ended when the second user attempts to access the first distribution video via link information and the first distributor is distributing the second distribution video, and an granting unit that grants a benefit to the first user when the second user accesses the second distribution video via the guidance information. According to the information processing device, even if the distribution of the first distribution video has already ended when the second user who the first user invited to the first distribution video that the first user is viewing attempts to access the first distribution video in response to the invitation, the first user can obtain a benefit when the second user views the second distribution video of the first distributor. This makes it easier for the user who is viewing the first distribution video to invite other users invited by the distributor to view other distribution videos by the distributor, even if the distribution of the invited distribution video has ended. In particular, even if the distribution of the first distribution video has ended, the second user is guided to view the second distribution video, which increases the possibility that the distributor of the first distribution video can acquire new viewers. Also, for the second user, the convenience of viewing the distribution video of the first distributor is improved by providing the guide information of the second distribution video.

[0106] Issues regarding [Appendix 6] One of the objects of the present invention is to enable other users invited by a user watching a streaming video to watch the same streaming video as the inviting user, even if the streaming video the user is watching changes. [Appendix 6] An information processing device as described in Appendix 1, comprising an information providing unit that provides guidance information to the second user guiding the viewing of the distribution video of the second distributor when the distribution of the first distribution video has ended when the second user attempts to access the first distribution video via link information and the first user is viewing a distribution video of a second distributor different from the first distributor, and an granting unit that grants a benefit to the first user when the second user accesses the distribution video of the second distributor via the guidance information. According to the information processing device, even if the distribution of the first distributed video has already ended when the second user who invited the first user to the first distributed video that the first user is viewing attempts to access the first distributed video in response to the invitation, the first user can obtain a benefit if the second user views a distributed video of a second distributor different from the first distributor. This makes it possible for other users invited by the user viewing the distributed video to be able to view the same distributed video as the inviting user, even if the distributed video being viewed by the user has changed. Also, for the second user, by being provided with guidance information that guides the second user in viewing a distributed video that matches the preferences of the first user, convenience is improved.

[0107] Issues regarding [Appendix 7] One object of the present invention is to provide a user who is viewing a streaming video with an incentive to attract more new users to the streaming video that he or she is viewing. [Appendix 7] The information processing device described in Appendix 1, wherein the granting unit grants a benefit to the first user based on the number of users who accessed the first distribution video via the link information during a period specified for the first distribution video. According to the information processing device, the first user can obtain more benefits or more advantageous benefits as the number of users who access the first distributed video in response to the invitation from the first user increases. This can provide an incentive to users who are watching the distributed video to attract more new users to the distributed video they are watching.

[0108] Issues regarding [Appendix 8] One object of the present invention is to provide a user who is viewing a streaming video with an incentive to attract other users who have not yet viewed the streaming video to the streaming video that he or she is viewing. [Appendix 8] The information processing device described in Appendix 1, wherein the granting unit grants a benefit to the first user when the second user has not viewed the distributed video of the first distributor and the second user accesses the first distributed video via link information. According to the information processing device, when a user who has not yet viewed the distribution video of the first distributor accesses the first distribution video in response to an invitation from the first user, the first user can obtain a benefit. This makes it possible to generate an incentive for the user viewing the distribution video to attract other users who have not yet viewed the distribution video to the distribution video that he or she is viewing.

[0109] Issues regarding [Appendix 9] One object of the present invention is to provide a user who is viewing a streaming video with an incentive to attract other users to the streaming video that he or she is viewing. [Appendix 9] An information processing system configured to be capable of communicating over a network using a server computer, a distributor terminal operated by a video distributor, and a user terminal operated by a user watching a video distributed by the video distributor, the information processing system comprising: an output unit that includes information for identifying a first user and outputs link information for the first user to access a first distributed video of the first distributor that is being viewed; an information providing unit that provides the link information to a second user based on the operation of the first user; and an granting unit that grants a benefit to the first user when the second user accesses the first distributed video via the link information. According to the above information processing system, it is possible to provide an incentive to a user who is viewing a streaming video to attract other users to the streaming video that he or she is viewing.

[0110] Issues regarding [Appendix 10] One object of the present invention is to provide a user who is viewing a streaming video with an incentive to attract other users to the streaming video that he or she is viewing. [Appendix 10] An information processing method in which a processor includes information for identifying a first user, outputs link information for the first user to access a first distribution video of a first distributor that is being viewed, the processor provides the link information to a second user based on an operation of the first user, and the processor grants a benefit to the first user when the second user accesses the first distribution video via the link information. According to the above information processing method, it is possible to provide a user who is viewing a streaming video with an incentive to attract other users to the streaming video that he or she is viewing.

[0111] Issues regarding [Appendix 11] One object of the present invention is to provide a user who is viewing a streaming video with an incentive to attract other users to the streaming video that he or she is viewing. [Appendix 11] A program that causes a processor to output link information including information for identifying a first user, for accessing a first distribution video of a first distributor that the first user is viewing, causes the processor to provide the link information to a second user based on an operation of the first user, and causes the processor to grant a benefit to the first user when the second user accesses the first distribution video via the link information. According to the above program, it is possible to provide an incentive to a user who is viewing a streaming video to attract other users to the streaming video that he or she is viewing. [Explanation of symbols]

[0112] 10 Server (information processing device) 10a processor 10b Memory 10c Communication Interface 10d Storage 12 User terminal 12a Processor 12b Memory 12c Communication Interface 12d Input Device 12e output device 14 Network 21 Reception 22 Display control unit 23 Distribution Department 24 Output section 25 Granting Department 26 Setting section 31 Input section 32 Content Creation Department 33 Content Output Section 34 Content Transmission Unit 35 Operation data transmission unit 41 Input section 42 Content Output Section 43 Operation data transmission unit B1 Link information output button B2 Link information posting button B3 Favorite registration button B4 Viewing reservation button B5 Viewing button B6 Viewing button S Information Processing System

Claims

1. an output unit that outputs link information for accessing a first distribution video of a first distributor that is being viewed by the first user, the link information including information for identifying the first user; and an awarding unit that awards a benefit to the first user when the second user accesses the first distribution video via the link information. Information processing device.

2. a receiving unit configured to receive an operation from the second user for associating the second user with the first distributor in a predetermined relationship when the second user attempts to access the first distribution video via the link information and distribution of the first distribution video has ended, The granting unit grants a privilege to the first user when the second user and the first distributor are associated with a predetermined relationship. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

3. a reception unit configured to receive an operation from the second user to reserve a viewing of the next or subsequent distribution videos of the first distributor when the distribution of the first distribution video has ended when the second user attempts to access the first distribution video via the link information; The granting unit grants a privilege to the first user when a reservation for viewing a next or subsequent distribution video of the first distributor is accepted from the second user. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

4. The granting unit further grants a privilege to the first user when the second user views the distributed video of the first distributor.

4. The information processing device according to claim 2 or 3.

5. an information providing unit that provides the second user with guidance information for guiding the second user to view the second distribution video when the first distribution video has ended and the first distributor is distributing a second distribution video when the second user attempts to access the first distribution video via the link information; The granting unit grants a privilege to the first user when the second user accesses the second distribution video via the guidance information. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

6. an information providing unit that provides the second user with guidance information for guiding the viewing of the distribution video of the second distributor when the distribution of the first distribution video has ended when the second user attempts to access the first distribution video via the link information and the first user is viewing a distribution video of a second distributor different from the first distributor; The granting unit grants a privilege to the first user when the second user accesses the distributed video of the second distributor via the guidance information. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

7. the granting unit grants a benefit to the first user based on the number of users who accessed the first distribution video via the link information during a period set for the first distribution video; The information processing device according to claim 1 .

8. The granting unit grants a privilege to the first user when the second user has not viewed the distribution video of the first distributor and the second user has accessed the first distribution video via the link information. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

9. An information processing system configured to be able to communicate with each other through a network, the information processing system being configured to include a server computer, a distributor terminal operated by a video distributor, and a user terminal operated by a user who watches a video distributed by the video distributor, the information processing system comprising: an output unit that outputs link information for accessing a first distribution video of a first distributor that is being viewed by the first user, the link information including information for identifying the first user; an information providing unit that provides the link information to a second user based on an operation of the first user; and an granting unit that grants a privilege to the first user when the second user accesses the first distribution video via the link information. Information processing system.

10. The processor outputs link information including information for identifying a first user and for accessing a first distribution video of a first distributor that is being viewed by the first user; a processor providing the link information to a second user based on an operation of the first user; A processor grants a privilege to the first user when the second user accesses the first distribution video via the link information. Information processing methods.

11. outputting link information for accessing a first distribution video of a first distributor that is being viewed by the first user, the link information including information for identifying the first user; causing a processor to provide the link information to a second user based on an operation of the first user; causing a processor to give a privilege to the first user when the second user accesses the first distribution video via the link information; program.

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