System and method for stream distribution

Abstract

To provide a method or a system for facilitating interaction between broadcasters and discreet viewers of a streaming platform.SOLUTION: A method for stream distribution includes the steps of comparing a first parameter associated between a distributor and a viewer with a first threshold, comparing a second parameter associated between the distributor and the viewer with a second threshold, and determining whether the viewer is eligible to view a live stream provided by the distributor on the basis of the result of the comparison.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to streaming distribution, and more particularly to live streaming distribution. [Background technology]

[0002] As exemplified by live streaming services, real-time communication over the Internet has become a part of everyday life. A variety of platforms and providers offer live streaming services, and competition is fierce. It is important for platforms to provide services that users want.

[0003] Reference 1 discloses a method for actively building real-time social groups on the Internet. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Taiwan Patent Application Publication No. 107105371 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] It is an object of the present invention to provide a system and method for streaming. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A method according to one embodiment of the present invention is a stream distribution method executed by one or more computers, comprising the steps of: comparing a first parameter associated between a broadcaster and a viewer with a first threshold; comparing a second parameter associated between the broadcaster and the viewer with a second threshold; and determining, based on the result of the comparison, whether the viewer is eligible to watch a live stream provided by the broadcaster.

[0007] A system according to one embodiment of the present invention is a system for stream distribution including one or more processors, wherein the one or more computer processors execute machine-readable instructions to perform the following steps: comparing a first parameter associated between a broadcaster and a viewer with a first threshold; comparing a second parameter associated between the broadcaster and the viewer with a second threshold; and determining whether the viewer is eligible to watch a live stream hosted by the broadcaster based on the result of the comparison.

[0008] A non-transitory computer-readable medium including a program for streaming distribution, the program causing one or more computers to execute the steps of: comparing a first parameter associated between a broadcaster and a viewer with a first threshold; comparing a second parameter associated between the broadcaster and the viewer with a second threshold; and determining, based on a result of the comparison, whether the viewer is eligible to watch a live stream provided by the broadcaster. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a live streaming system 1 according to some embodiments of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 2 is a block diagram illustrating the functionality and configuration of user terminal 30 of FIG. 1 in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. [Diagram 3] 2 is a block diagram illustrating the functionality and configuration of the server of FIG. 1 in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 4] 4 is a table showing an example data structure of the stream DB 310 of FIG. 3. [Diagram 5] 4 is a table illustrating an example data structure of the user DB 312 of FIG. 3. [Figure 6] 4 is a table showing an example data structure of the gift DB 314 of FIG. 3. [Figure 7]2 is a block diagram illustrating the functionality and configuration of the server 10 of FIG. 1 in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 8] 11 is a table showing an example data structure of an interaction parameter DB 330. [Figure 9] 1 is a table showing an exemplary data structure of the eligible audience DB 332. [Figure 10] 4 is an exemplary flow diagram according to some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 11] 2 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary user interface on a distributor side according to some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 12] 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary recommendation page on the viewer side according to some embodiments of the present invention; [Figure 13] 13 is a table showing an example data structure of the confidence score DB 334. [Figure 14] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of an information processing device based on some embodiments of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, the same or similar components, parts, steps, or signals shown in each drawing will be denoted by the same reference numerals in all drawings, and duplicated explanations will be omitted as appropriate. In addition, some parts that are not important in the explanation of each drawing will be omitted.

[0011] A broadcaster (or streamer) of a streaming platform wants to maintain good interaction with viewers in order to get higher rewards. A broadcaster may want to interact with as many viewers as possible and have all viewers enjoy and participate in the interaction. However, a modest (or inactive) viewer who rarely interacts may be negatively affected by an active (or active) viewer who frequently interacts. For example, a modest viewer may not know how or when to comment in a streaming room if other active viewers keep commenting. Therefore, a method or system for encouraging interaction of modest viewers is desired.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a live streaming system 1 according to some embodiments of the present invention. The live streaming system 1 provides a live streaming service for streaming streamers (also called live streamers, anchors, distributors, and live streamers) LV and viewers (also called audiences) AU (AU1, AU2, ...) to interact or communicate in real time. As shown in FIG. 1, the live streaming system 1 includes a server 10, a user terminal 20, and a user terminal 30 (30a, 30b, ...). In some embodiments, the streamers and viewers may be collectively referred to as users. The server 10 may include one or more information processing devices connected to a network NW. The user terminals 20 and 30 may be, for example, mobile terminal devices such as smartphones, tablets, notebook PCs, recorders, portable game consoles, and wearable terminals, or stationary devices such as desktop PCs. The server 10, the user terminals 20, and the user terminals 30 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other via various wired or wireless networks NW.

[0013] The live streaming system 1 includes a distributor LV, a viewer AU, and an administrator (or an app provider, not shown) who manages the server 10. The distributor LV is a person who distributes the content in real time by recording the content on his / her user terminal 20 and uploading it directly or indirectly to the server 10. Examples of the content may be the distributor's own song, talk, performance, game play, or any other content. The administrator provides a platform for live streaming the content on the server 10, and mediates or manages real-time interactions between the distributor LV and the viewer AU. The viewer AU accesses the platform with his / her user terminal 30, selects and watches desired content. During the live streaming of the selected content, the viewer AU performs operations such as sending comments, cheers, and gifts via the user terminal 30. The distributor LV who distributes the content may respond to those comments, cheers, or gifts. The response is transmitted to the viewer AU by video and / or audio, and two-way communication is established.

[0014] The term "live streaming" may refer to a data transmission mode that allows the content recorded by the user terminal 20 of the distributor LV to be played back and viewed by the user terminal 30 of the viewer AU in substantially real time, or may refer to a live broadcast realized by such a transmission mode. The live streaming may be realized by utilizing existing live streaming technologies such as HTTP live streaming, CMAF (Common Media Application Format), WebRTC (Web Real-Time Communications), RTMP (Real-Time Messaging Protocol), and the like. Live streaming includes a transmission mode that allows the viewer AU to view the content with a certain delay at the same time as the content is recorded by the distributor LV. The length of the delay may be such that the distributor LV and the viewer AU can communicate with each other. Note that the live streaming is distinguished from so-called on-demand distribution, in which all recorded data of the content is stored once on the server and then provided to the user from the server upon the user's request.

[0015] The term "video data" as used herein refers to data including image data (also called video data) generated using the imaging function of the user terminal 20 or 30, and audio data generated using the audio input function of the user terminal 20 or 30. The video data is played on the user terminal 20, 30 so that the user can view the content. In some embodiments, it is assumed that the video data is subjected to a process such as compression, decompression, encoding, decoding, transcoding, etc., to change its format, size, or data specifications between the generation of the video data on the distributor's user terminal and the playback of the video data on the viewer's user terminal. However, since the content (e.g., video and audio) represented by the video data does not substantially change before and after such a process, the video data after such a process is expressed in this specification as being the same as the video data before such a process. In other words, when video data is generated at the distributor's user terminal and then played at the viewer's user terminal via the server 10, the video data generated at the distributor's user terminal, the video data passing through the server 10, and the video data received and played at the viewer's user terminal are all the same video data.

[0016] In the example shown in Fig. 1, the distributor LV provides live streaming data. The user terminal 20 of the distributor LV records video and audio of the distributor LV to generate the streaming data, and the generated data is transmitted to the server 10 via the network NW. At the same time, the user terminal 20 displays the recorded video VD of the distributor LV on the display of the user terminal 20, allowing the user to check the live streaming content currently being provided by the distributor LV.

[0017] The user terminals 30a, 30b of the viewers AU1, AU2 who have requested the platform to view the live streaming of the distributor LV receive video data related to the live streaming (hereinafter, may be referred to as "live streaming video data") via the network NW, play the received video data, display the videos VD1, VD2 on the display, and output audio from the speaker. The videos VD1, VD2 displayed on the user terminals 30a, 30b are substantially the same as the video VD captured by the user terminal 20 of the distributor LV, and the audio output from the user terminals 30a, 30b is substantially the same as the audio recorded by the user terminal 20 of the distributor LV.

[0018] The recording of video and audio on the user terminal 20 of the distributor LV and the playback of video data on the user terminals 30a and 30b of the viewers AU1 and AU2 are performed substantially simultaneously. When the viewer AU1 inputs a comment on the content provided by the distributor LV to the user terminal 30a, the server 10 displays the comment on the user terminal 20 of the distributor LV in real time, and also displays the comment on the user terminals 30a and 30b of the viewers AU1 and AU2. When the distributor LV reads the comment and develops a talk corresponding to the comment, the video and audio of the talk are displayed on the user terminals 30a and 30b of the viewers AU1 and AU2, respectively. This interactive operation is recognized as a conversation being established between the distributor LV and the viewer AU1. As a result, the live streaming system 1 realizes live streaming that enables two-way communication, not one-way communication.

[0019] 2 is a block diagram showing the functions and configuration of the user terminal 30 of FIG. 1 according to some embodiments of the present invention. The user terminal 20 has the same or similar functions and configuration as the user terminal 30. Each block of FIG. 2 and the following block diagrams may be realized by hardware elements such as a computer CPU or a mechanical device, or by software elements such as a computer program. The functional blocks may be realized by the cooperation of these elements. Therefore, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that these functional blocks may be realized in various forms by combining hardware and software.

[0020] The distributor LV and the viewer AU may download a live streaming application program (hereinafter, referred to as a live streaming application) from a download site via the network NW and install it on the user terminals 20 and 30. Alternatively, the live streaming application may be pre-installed on the user terminals 20 and 30. When the live streaming application is executed on the user terminals 20 and 30, the user terminals 20 and 30 communicate with the server 10 via the network NW and implement or execute various functions. Hereinafter, functions implemented by the user terminals 20 and 30 (processors such as CPUs) on which the live streaming application is executed will be described as functions of the user terminals 20 and 30. These functions are actually realized by the live streaming application on the user terminals 20 and 30. In some embodiments, these functions may be realized by a computer program written in a programming language such as HTML (HyperText Markup Language), transmitted from the server 10 to a web browser of the user terminals 20 and 30 via the network NW, and executed by the web browser.

[0021] The user terminal 30 includes a distribution unit 100 and a viewing unit 200. The distribution unit 100 generates video data in which the video and audio of the user (or the user side) are recorded, and provides the video data to the server 10. The viewing unit 200 receives the video data from the server 10 and plays the video data. The user starts the distribution unit 100 when performing live streaming, and starts the viewing unit 200 when the user watches a video. The user terminal on which the distribution unit 100 is started is the terminal of the distributor, i.e., the user terminal that generates the video data. The user terminal on which the viewing unit 200 is started is the terminal of the viewer, i.e., the user terminal on which the video data is reproduced and played.

[0022] The delivery unit 100 includes an imaging control unit 102, an audio control unit 104, a video transmission unit 106, and a distributor-side UI control unit 108. The imaging control unit 102 is connected to a camera (not shown in FIG. 2) and controls imaging performed by the camera. The imaging control unit 102 acquires image data from the camera. The audio control unit 104 is connected to a microphone (not shown in FIG. 2) and controls audio input from the microphone. The audio control unit 104 acquires the audio data from the microphone. The video transmission unit 106 transmits the image data acquired by the imaging control unit 102 and the video data including the audio data acquired by the audio control unit 104 to the server 10 via the network NW. The video data is transmitted in real time by the video transmission unit 106. That is, the generation of the video data by the imaging control unit 102 and the audio control unit 104 and the transmission of the generated video data by the video transmission unit 106 are performed substantially simultaneously. The distributor's UI control unit 108 controls the UI (user interface) of the distributor. The distributor's UI control unit 108 may be connected to a display (not shown in FIG. 2) and displays a video on the display by playing the video data transmitted by the video transmission unit 106. The distributor's UI control unit 108 may display an operation object or an instruction permission object on the display and accept an input from the distributor who taps on the object.

[0023] The viewing unit 200 includes a viewer-side UI control unit 202, an overlay information generating unit 204, and an input information transmitting unit 206. The viewing unit 200 receives video data related to live streaming in which the distributor, the viewer who is the user of the user terminal 30, and other viewers participate from the server 10 via the network NW. The viewer-side UI control unit 202 controls the UI of the viewer. The viewer-side UI control unit 202 is connected to a display and a speaker (not shown in FIG. 2), plays the received video data, displays the video on the display, and outputs the audio from the speaker. The state in which the video is output to the display and the audio is output from the speaker can be called a "video data is being played" state. The viewer-side UI control unit 202 is also connected to an input means (not shown in FIG. 2) such as a touch panel, a keyboard, a display, etc., and acquires a user's input via the input means. The overlay information generating unit 204 overlays a predetermined frame image on an image generated from video data from the server 10. The frame image includes various user interface objects (hereinafter simply referred to as "objects") for receiving input from the user, comments entered by the viewer, and / or information acquired from the server 10. The input information transmitting unit 206 transmits the user input acquired by the viewer-side UI control unit 202 to the server 10 via the network NW.

[0024] 3 shows a block diagram illustrating the function and configuration of the server 10 in FIG. 1 according to some embodiments of the present invention. The server 10 includes a distribution information providing unit 302, a relay unit 304, a gift processing unit 306, a payment processing unit 308, a stream DB 310, a user DB 312, and a gift DB 314.

[0025] When a notification or request to start live streaming is received from the user terminal 20 on the distributor side via the network NW, the distribution information providing unit 302 registers in the stream DB 310 a stream ID for identifying the live streaming and the distributor ID of the distributor performing the live streaming.

[0026] When the distribution information providing unit 302 receives a request for providing information about live streams from the viewing unit 200 of the user terminal 30 on the viewer side via the network NW, the distribution information providing unit 302 obtains or checks currently available live streams from the stream DB 310, and creates a list of available live streams. The distribution information providing unit 302 transmits the created list to the requesting user terminal 30 via the network NW. The viewer side UI control unit 202 of the requesting user terminal 30 generates a live stream selection screen based on the received list, and displays it on the display of the user terminal 30.

[0027] When the input information sending unit 206 of the user terminal 30 receives the selection result of the viewer on the live stream selection screen, the input information sending unit 206 generates a delivery request including the stream ID of the selected live stream and sends the request to the server 10 via the network NW. The delivery information providing unit 302 starts providing the live stream specified by the stream ID included in the received delivery request to the requesting user terminal 30. The delivery information providing unit 302 updates the stream DB 310 so that the viewer ID of (or the corresponding) the stream ID includes the user ID of the viewer of the requesting user terminal 30.

[0028] The relay unit 304 relays the video data from the user terminal 20 on the distributor side to the user terminal 30 on the viewer side in the live streaming started by the distribution information providing unit 302. The relay unit 304 receives a signal representing a user input by a viewer from the input information transmitting unit 206 during the live streaming or during playback of the video data. The signal representing the user input may be an object designation signal that designates an object displayed on the display of the user terminal 30. The object designation signal may include a viewer ID of the viewer, a distributor ID of the distributor of the live stream that the viewer is viewing, and an object ID that identifies the object. When the object is a gift, the object ID is a gift ID. Similarly, the relay unit 304 receives a signal representing a user input made by a distributor during playback (or live streaming) of the video data from the distribution unit 100 of the user terminal 20. The signal may be an object designation signal.

[0029] Furthermore, the signal representing the user input may be a comment input signal including a comment input by a viewer to the user terminal 30 and the viewer ID of the viewer. Upon receiving the comment input signal, the relay unit 304 transmits the comment and the viewer ID included in the signal to the user terminal 20 of the distributor and the user terminals 30 of other viewers. In these user terminals 20, 30, the viewer-side UI control unit 202 and the overlay information generation unit 204 display the received comment on a display associated with the viewer ID that has also been received.

[0030] The gift processing unit 306 increases the points of the distributor based on the points of the gift specified by the gift ID included in the object designation signal, and updates the user DB 312. Specifically, the gift processing unit 306 refers to the gift DB 314 to specify the points to be given to the gift ID included in the received object designation signal. Then, the gift processing unit 306 updates the user DB 312 and adds the specified points to the points of the distributor ID (or corresponding to the distributor ID) included in the object designation signal.

[0031] In response to receiving the object designation signal, the payment processing unit 308 processes the payment of the gift from the viewer. Specifically, the payment processing unit 308 refers to the gift DB 314 to determine the price points of the gift identified by the gift ID included in the object designation signal. Then, the payment processing unit 308 updates the user DB 312 and subtracts the determined price points from the points of the viewer identified by the viewer ID included in the object designation signal.

[0032] FIG. 4 is a table showing an exemplary data structure of the stream DB 310 of FIG. 3. The stream DB 310 holds information about a live stream currently being performed. The stream DB 310 stores a stream ID, a broadcaster ID, and a viewer ID in a mutually associated manner. The stream ID is an ID for identifying a live stream in a live streaming platform provided by the live streaming system 1. The broadcaster ID is a user ID for identifying a broadcaster providing the live stream. The viewer ID is a user ID for identifying a viewer of the live stream. In a live streaming platform provided by the live streaming system 1 according to some embodiments, when a user starts a live stream, the user becomes a broadcaster, and when the same user watches a live stream broadcasted by another user, the user also becomes a viewer. Therefore, the distinction between a broadcaster and a viewer is not fixed, and a user ID registered as a broadcaster ID at one time may be registered as a viewer ID at another time.

[0033] FIG. 5 is a table showing an exemplary data structure of the user DB 312 of FIG. 3. The user DB 312 holds information about users. The user DB 312 stores the user ID and the points in a mutually associated manner. The user ID identifies a user. The points correspond to points held by the corresponding user. The points are electronic values ​​circulating within the live streaming platform. In some embodiments, when a broadcaster receives a gift from a viewer during a live broadcast, the broadcaster's points increase by a value corresponding to the gift. The points are used, for example, to determine the amount of compensation (such as money) that the broadcaster receives from the administrator of the live streaming platform. In some embodiments, when the broadcaster receives a gift from a viewer, an amount corresponding to the gift may be given instead of the points.

[0034] FIG. 6 is a table showing an exemplary data structure of the gift DB 314 of FIG. 3. The gift DB 314 holds information about gifts available to the viewer during the live streaming. Gifts are electronic data. Gifts may be purchased with points or money, or may be provided free of charge. Gifts may be given to the broadcaster by the viewer. Giving a gift to the broadcaster is also called using a gift, sending a gift, throwing a gift, etc. Some gifts can be used immediately after purchase, while others can be used at any time after purchase by the viewer who purchased the gift. When a viewer gives a gift to a broadcaster, the broadcaster is given an amount of points corresponding to the gift. When a gift is used, an effect related to the gift may occur as a result of the use. For example, an effect (such as a visual effect or an auditory effect) corresponding to the gift is displayed on the live streaming screen.

[0035] The gift DB 314 stores a gift ID, an assignment point, and a price point in association with each other. The gift ID is for identifying a gift. The assignment point is the amount of points that is assigned to a broadcaster when the gift is given to the broadcaster. The price point is the amount of points paid for the use (purchase) of the gift. A viewer can give a desired gift to a broadcaster by paying the price points of the desired gift while watching a live stream. The payment of the price points can be made by an appropriate electronic payment means. For example, the viewer may pay the price points to the administrator. Alternatively, payment by bank transfer or credit card may be used. The administrator can arbitrarily set the relationship between the assignment points and the price points. For example, it may be set as assignment points = price points. Alternatively, it may be set as the price points obtained by multiplying the assignment points by a predetermined coefficient such as 1.2, or as the price points obtained by adding a predetermined fee point to the assignment points.

[0036] FIG. 7 shows a block diagram illustrating the function and configuration of the delivery information providing unit 302 according to some embodiments of the present invention in FIG. 3. In some embodiments, the delivery information providing unit 302 is configured to divide the viewers of a live streamer into active viewers and inactive viewers, and suppress the active viewers' participation in the live stream of the live streamer by preventing the active viewers from finding the live stream of the live streamer. The delivery information providing unit 302 includes a comparison unit 320, a determination unit 322, a notification unit 324, an interaction parameter DB 330, an eligible viewer DB 332, a confidence score DB 334, and a machine learning model 370. The machine learning model 370 includes one or more machine learning algorithms. In some embodiments, the machine learning model 370 may be implemented outside the delivery information providing unit 302 or the server 10.

[0037] 8 is a table showing an exemplary data structure of the interaction parameter DB 330. The interaction parameter DB 330 stores the distributor ID, the viewer ID, the interaction parameter, their respective thresholds, and the number of eligible viewers in association with each other.

[0038] The interaction parameters include parameters such as the number of views, the number of comments, the number of gifts, the amount of gifts (or the total amount of gifts), and follow value. Each interaction parameter is associated between a viewer and a broadcaster. The value of the parameter may be a value accumulated in the past. For example, the number of views may be the number of views in the past. For example, viewer V1 has watched broadcaster D1's stream a total of three times (the streams may be associated with one stream ID or different stream IDs). Viewer V1 has commented a total of 20 times on broadcaster D1's stream (in one stream by broadcaster D1 or in multiple streams).

[0039] The "follow value" indicates whether the viewer follows the broadcaster. A value of "0" indicates that the viewer is not yet a follower of the broadcaster. A value of "1" indicates that the viewer is already a follower of the broadcaster.

[0040] The threshold (or reference value) of an interaction parameter is used to determine whether a viewer is a moderate or active viewer with respect to that interaction parameter. For example, if TH2 is set to 25, in the comments aspect, viewer V1 (with 20 comments) is considered as a moderate viewer of streamer D1, and viewer V2 (with 35 comments) is considered as an active viewer of streamer D1. For example, if TH5 is set to 0.5, in the "follow" aspect, viewer V1 (with a follow value of 1) is considered as an active viewer of streamer D1, and viewer V3 (with a follow value of 0) is considered as a moderate viewer of streamer D1. The threshold value of each interaction parameter may be set according to the actual application and the desired focus of the streaming platform operator.

[0041] The eligible viewers EVN is the number of viewers who are eligible to watch (or receive notifications about) a new live stream by broadcaster D1. In some embodiments, the eligible viewers are viewers with "view counts of TH1 or more" and "modest in other interaction parameters." In some embodiments, the eligible viewers are viewers with "view counts of TH1 or more" and "modest in at least one other interaction parameter." In some embodiments, "view counts of TH1 or more" indicates that the viewers are interested in (or may want to interact with) the broadcaster. However, the viewers may not know how or when to interact in a standard mode stream room with other active viewers.

[0042] FIG. 9 is a table showing an exemplary data structure of the eligible viewer DB 332. The eligible viewer DB 332 stores the distributor ID and the eligible viewer ID in association with each other. The eligible viewer is identified based on the interaction parameter and the threshold value in the interaction parameter DB 330. This identification may be performed by the comparison unit 320 and / or the determination unit 322. The number of eligible viewers for each distributor may be stored in the interaction parameter DB 330 by, for example, the determination unit 322.

[0043] The comparison unit 320 is configured to compare the interaction parameter with the corresponding threshold value. For example, the comparison unit 320 is configured to compare the "number of views" associated between the viewer V3 and the distributor D1 with the threshold value TH1 in FIG. 8. For example, the comparison unit 320 is configured to compare the "number of comments" associated between the viewer V3 and the distributor D1 with the threshold value TH2 in FIG. 8.

[0044] The determination unit 322 is configured to determine, based on the above comparison result, whether the viewer has the qualification to view the live stream performed by the distributor. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, when (or after) the comparison unit 320 determines that the "number of views" (associated between the viewer V3 and the distributor D1) is more than TH1 and the "number of comments" (associated between the viewer V3 and the distributor D1) is less than the threshold value TH2, the determination unit 322 may determine that the viewer V3 has the qualification to view the live stream (performed or to be performed) by the distributor D1. The viewer V3 may be a cautious viewer who is interested in the distributor D1 (number of views > TH1), but in the standard mode stream room where the distributor may need to communicate with other active viewers, it may not be known how or when to communicate (number of comments < TH2).

[0045] For example, in the embodiment shown in Figure 8, when (or after) the comparison unit 320 determines that the "number of views" (associated between viewer V2 and broadcaster D1) is greater than TH1 and the "number of comments" (associated between viewer V2 and broadcaster D1) is greater than a threshold TH2, the determination unit 322 may determine that viewer V2 is not eligible to watch the live stream (or will be) performed by broadcaster D1. Viewer V2 may be considered to be an active viewer of broadcaster D1.

[0046] The notification unit 324 is configured to notify the viewer of the start of a live stream performed by a broadcaster. For example, the notification unit 324 may notify the viewer V3 of the start of a live stream performed (or to be performed) by the broadcaster D1 after the determination unit 322 determines that the viewer V3 is an eligible viewer of the broadcaster D1.

[0047] In some embodiments, the notification unit 324 is configured to prevent the viewer from receiving notification about the start of a live stream performed by the broadcaster. For example, the notification unit 324 may prevent the viewer V2 from receiving notification about the start of a live stream performed (or to be performed) by the broadcaster D1 after the determination unit 322 determines that the viewer V2 is an ineligible viewer of the broadcaster D1. Therefore, only eligible viewers (or modest viewers) can receive notification about the live stream and participate. The broadcaster can focus on interacting with modest viewers and encourage the modest viewers to interact more.

[0048] FIG. 10 is an exemplary flow diagram according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0049] In step S1000, a broadcaster D1 starts a live stream in cloaked mode, which is a broadcast mode in which only eligible viewers (or discreet viewers) can participate and / or receive notifications.

[0050] In step S1002, the comparison unit 320 determines whether the number of views of the viewer V1 for the distributor D1 is greater than the threshold TH1. If yes, the flow proceeds to step S1006. If no, the flow proceeds to step S1004.

[0051] In step S1004, the determining unit 322 determines that the viewer V1 is not eligible for the cloak mode of the distributor D1, because the number of views is still small, so it cannot be determined that the viewer V1 is interested in the distributor D1.

[0052] In step S1006, the comparison unit 320 determines whether the number of comments by the viewer V1 regarding the distributor D1 is less than the threshold TH2. If yes, the flow proceeds to step S1010. If no, the flow proceeds to step S1008.

[0053] In step S1008, the determining unit 322 determines that the viewer V1 is not eligible for the cloaked mode of the broadcaster D1. This is because the number of comments is not less than TH2, so the viewer V1 may already be an active or engaged viewer of the broadcaster D1. An active or engaged viewer is not a target for the cloaked mode broadcast.

[0054] In step S1010, the determining unit 322 determines that the viewer V1 is eligible for the cloaked mode broadcast of the broadcaster D1.

[0055] In step S1012, the notification unit 324 notifies the viewer V1 about the live stream of the broadcaster D1, allowing the viewer V1 to join in. A third-party notification service may be used.

[0056] In step S1014, viewer V1 joins the live stream in cloaked mode.

[0057] A similar process may be performed for all viewers (which may be followers or non-followers of broadcaster D1, or in some embodiments, viewers who have watched broadcaster D1's broadcasts in the past X days).

[0058] In some embodiments, the streamer D1 can set a desired number (or range or maximum number) of viewers when starting a cloaked mode stream. The streamer D1 may want to focus on a limited number of modest viewers so that each viewer has an opportunity to interact. The thresholds of each interaction parameter may be adjusted by the machine learning model 370 based on the desired number of viewers. For example, the machine learning model 370 may adjust the “view count” threshold and the “comment count” threshold based on the number of views and comments of all viewers (or viewers online at the time of the start of the live stream) so that only a limited number of viewers may be qualified for the cloaked mode. In some embodiments, the machine learning model 370 may adjust the thresholds in real time based on the entry and exit of each viewer so that the number of viewers in the cloaked mode remains within the desired range set by the streamer. This adjustment can be made in various ways. For example, the “view count” threshold may be initially fixed to filter out viewers who are not interested in the streamer, and the thresholds of the other interaction parameters may be adjusted based on the desired number of viewers.

[0059] In some embodiments, only viewers who are eligible cloaked mode viewers for a broadcaster can see that broadcaster's cloaked mode streams on a recommendation page on a streaming platform. In some embodiments, a viewer can choose to only see cloaked mode streams (for that viewer) on a recommendation page on a platform, without having to worry about other engaged (or active) viewers. Thus, the cloaked mode streams that appear on each viewer's recommendation page will be different.

[0060] FIG. 11 illustrates a schematic diagram of an exemplary user interface on the publisher side according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0061] When broadcaster D1 starts a live stream, a chat box pops up to select the streaming mode. Broadcaster D1 can choose to broadcast in standard mode or cloaked mode. Broadcaster D1 can also input the desired number of viewers if he / she wants to broadcast in cloaked mode.

[0062] FIG. 12 illustrates a schematic diagram of an exemplary viewer-side recommendation page according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0063] Viewer V1 can select different stream types, such as games, singing, cloaked mode streams, etc., and watch the corresponding recommended live streams. As shown in Fig. 12, when viewer V1 clicks on “Cloaked Streams for You”, the cloaked mode streams available to viewer V1 (meaning viewer V1 is an eligible viewer for those cloaked mode streams) will be displayed.

[0064] 13 is a table showing an exemplary data structure of the trust score DB 334. The trust score DB 334 stores the distributor ID, the modest viewer ID, the simultaneous participation rate with the active viewer, and the trust score in association with each other.

[0065] The moderate viewers are those viewers who are identified as moderate viewers with respect to a corresponding broadcaster. For example, with respect to broadcaster D1, the number of comments of viewers V1, V5, and V7 is less than the comment number threshold.

[0066] "Coincidence rate with active viewers" (or "coincidence rate" for short) refers to how much time the viewer spends with other active viewers on the streamer's stream. Coincidence rate with active viewers may be calculated as the amount of time the viewer spends on the streamer's stream when there are other active viewers for the streamer divided by the total amount of time the viewer spends on the streamer's stream. In some implementations, the higher the coincidence rate, the more confidence there is that the viewer is a low-key viewer due to the negative influence of other active viewers.

[0067] Based on the co-participation rate, the confidence score is determined. The confidence score may be the same as the co-participation rate or may be proportional to the co-participation rate. The confidence score indicates how confidently a viewer is determined to be a conservative viewer due to influence from other active viewers. In some embodiments, the confidence score may act as a priority (higher scores have higher priority) for delivering notifications to viewers when there is a viewer limit for a cloaked mode stream. In some embodiments, only conservative viewers with the confidence score higher than a confidence score threshold may participate in a cloaked mode stream. In some embodiments, the co-participation rate and the confidence score may be determined or calculated by the determining unit 322.

[0068] The broadcaster may invite a reserved viewer who is becoming reserved due to the negative influence of other active viewers to the cloaked mode broadcast, allowing the reserved viewer to interact more in a more comfortable environment. A reserved viewer with a low trust score may indicate that the viewer tends to be reserved with or without other active viewers present, and thus a cloaked mode broadcast may not be conducive to increased interaction.

[0069] The hardware configuration of the information processing device will be described with reference to Fig. 14. Fig. 14 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of an information processing device based on some embodiments of the present invention. The information processing device 900 shown in the figure can realize, for example, the server 10 and / or the user terminals 20 and 30 in some embodiments.

[0070] The information processing device 900 includes a CPU 901, a ROM (read only memory) 903, and a RAM (random access memory) 905. The information processing device 900 may also include a host bus 907, a bridge 909, an external bus 911, an interface 913, an input device 915, an output device 917, a storage device 919, a drive 921, a connection port 925, and a communication device 929. The information processing device 900 further includes an imaging device such as a camera (not shown). The information processing device 900 may also include a DSP (digital signal processor) or an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit) in addition to or instead of the CPU 901.

[0071] The CPU 901 functions as an arithmetic processing device and a control device, and controls all or part of the operation of the information processing device 900 according to various programs stored in the ROM 903, the RAM 905, the storage device 919, or the removable recording medium 923. For example, the CPU 901 controls the overall operation of each functional unit included in the server 10 and the user terminals 20 and 30 in some embodiments. The ROM 903 stores programs and arithmetic parameters used by the CPU 901. The RAM 905 functions as a main storage device that stores programs used when the CPU 901 is executed, parameters that change appropriately during execution, and the like. The CPU 901, the ROM 903, and the RAM 905 are interconnected by a host bus 907, which may be an internal bus such as a CPU bus. Furthermore, the host bus 907 is connected to an external bus 911 such as a PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect / Interface) bus via a bridge 909.

[0072] The input device 915 may be a device operated by a user, such as a mouse, a keyboard, a touch panel, a button, a switch, or a lever, or a device that converts a physical quantity into an electric signal, such as a sound sensor represented by a microphone, an acceleration sensor, a tilt sensor, an infrared sensor, a depth sensor, a temperature sensor, or a humidity sensor. The input device 915 may be, for example, a remote control device that uses radio waves such as infrared rays, or an external connection device 927 such as a mobile phone that supports the operation of the information processing device 900. The input device 915 includes an input control circuit that generates an input signal based on information input by the user or a detected physical quantity and outputs the input signal to the CPU 901. The user operates the input device 915 to input various data to the information processing device 900 and instruct the information processing device 900 to operate.

[0073] The output device 917 is a device that can visually or audibly notify the user of acquired information. The output device 917 may be, for example, a display such as an LCD, a PDP, or an OLED, an audio output device such as a speaker or a headphone, or a printer. The output device 917 outputs the processing result by the information processing device 900 as a video such as text or an image, or an audio such as a voice.

[0074] The storage device 919 is a data storage device and is configured as an example of a storage unit of the information processing device 900. The storage device 919 is, for example, a magnetic storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD), a semiconductor storage device, an optical storage device, or a magneto-optical storage device. The storage device 919 stores the programs executed by the CPU 901, various data, various data acquired from the outside, and the like.

[0075] The drive 921 is a reader / writer of a removable recording medium 923 such as a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, or a semiconductor memory, and is built into or externally attached to the information processing device 900. The drive 921 reads out information recorded on the attached removable recording medium 923, and outputs it to the RAM 905. Furthermore, the drive 921 writes information to the attached removable recording medium 923.

[0076] The connection port 925 is a port for directly connecting a device to the information processing device 900. The connection port 925 may be, for example, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) port, an IEEE 1394 port, or a SCSI (Small Computer System Interface) port. Furthermore, the connection port 925 may be an RS-232C port, an optical audio terminal, an HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) port, or the like. By connecting the external connection device 927 to the connection port 925, various data can be exchanged between the information processing device 900 and the external connection device 927.

[0077] The communication device 929 is, for example, a communication interface formed by a communication device for connecting to the network NW. The communication device 929 may be, for example, a communication card for a wired or wireless local area network (LAN), Bluetooth (trademark), or wireless USB (WUSB). Furthermore, the communication device 929 may be a router for optical communication, a router for ADSL (asymmetric digital subscriber line), or a modem for various communications. The communication device 929 transmits and receives signals, etc., on the Internet or between other communication devices using a predetermined protocol such as TCP / IP. The communication network NW connected to the communication device 929 is a network connected by wire or wirelessly, for example, the Internet, a home LAN, infrared communication, radio wave communication, satellite communication, etc. The communication device 929 realizes a function as a communication device.

[0078] The imaging device (not shown) is a device that captures an image of real space using an imaging element such as a CCD (charge-coupled device) or a CMOS (complementary metal-oxide semiconductor) and various members such as a lens for controlling the formation of a subject image on the imaging element, and generates a captured image. The imaging device may capture still images or moving images.

[0079] The configuration and operation of the live streaming system 1 according to this embodiment have been described above. This embodiment is merely an example, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications are possible with respect to the combination of each component and each process, and that such modifications are also within the scope of the present invention.

[0080] The processes and procedures described in the present invention can be realized by software, hardware, or any combination thereof, in addition to those explicitly described. For example, the processes and procedures described herein can be realized by implementing logic corresponding to the processes and procedures in a medium such as an integrated circuit, a volatile memory, a non-volatile memory, a non-transitory computer-readable medium, a magnetic disk, etc. Furthermore, the processes and procedures described herein can be realized as a computer program corresponding to the processes and procedures, and can be executed by various computers.

[0081] Furthermore, the system or method described in the above embodiments may be integrated into a program stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium such as a solid-state storage device, an optical disk storage device, a magnetic disk storage device, etc. Alternatively, the program may be downloaded from a server via the Internet and executed by a processor.

[0082] Although the technical contents and features of the present invention have been described above, those skilled in the art can still make many variations and modifications without departing from the teachings and disclosure of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments already disclosed, but is within the scope of the claims, including other variations and modifications that do not depart from the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0083] 1. Communication Systems 10 Server 20 User terminal 30, 30a, 30b User terminal LV Streamer AU1, AU2 viewers VD, VD1, VD2 Video NW Network 30 User terminals 100 Delivery Units 102 Imaging control unit 104 Audio control unit 106 Video Transmission Unit 108 Provider UI Control Unit 200 viewing units 202 Viewer side UI control unit 204 Superposition Information Generation Unit 206 Input information transmission unit 302 Distribution Information Unit 304 Relay unit 306 Gift Processing Unit 308 Payment Processing Unit 310 Stream DB 312 User DB 314 Gift DB 320 Comparison Unit 322 Judgment Unit 324 Notification Unit 330 Interaction Parameter DB 332 Eligible Viewer DB 334 Trust Score DB 370 Machine Learning Models 900 Information processing device 901 CPU 903 ROM 905 RAM 907 Host Bus 909 Bridge 911 External Bus 913 Interface 915 Input Device 917 Output Device 919 Storage Device 921 Drive 923 Removable Recording Media 925 Connection Port 927 External connection device 929 Communication Equipment

Claims

1. A stream distribution method executed by a server, comprising: comparing a first parameter associated between the broadcaster and the viewer with a first threshold; comparing a second parameter associated with the broadcaster and the viewer to a second threshold; determining whether the viewer is entitled to view the live stream provided by the broadcaster based on the result of the comparison; A stream distribution method comprising:

2. moreover, determining that the first parameter is greater than the first threshold; determining that the second parameter is less than the second threshold; determining that the viewer is eligible to view the live stream hosted by the broadcaster; 2. The stream distribution method according to claim 1, comprising:

3. moreover, determining that the first parameter is greater than the first threshold; determining that the second parameter is greater than the second threshold; determining that the viewer is not eligible to view the live stream hosted by the broadcaster; 2. The stream distribution method according to claim 1, comprising:

4. 3. The stream distribution method according to claim 2, further comprising the step of notifying the viewers of the start of the live stream performed by the distributor.

5. 4. The method of claim 3, further comprising the step of preventing the viewer from receiving a notification about the start of the live stream performed by the distributor.

6. 2. The stream distribution method according to claim 1, wherein the first parameter is the number of times the viewer has viewed the streaming of the distributor.

7. moreover, obtaining a desired number of viewers for the live stream from the broadcaster; adjusting the first threshold and the second threshold based on the desired number of viewers; 2. The stream distribution method according to claim 1, comprising:

8. moreover, Calculating a trust score associated between the broadcaster and the viewer based on a co-participation time between the viewer and another viewer in a past broadcast of the broadcaster; determining that the confidence score is less than a third threshold; 3. The method of claim 2, further comprising: determining whether the other viewer is active with respect to the distributor.

9. 1. A system for streaming, comprising: one or more processors, the one or more processors executing machine-readable instructions to: comparing a first parameter associated between the broadcaster and the viewer with a first threshold; comparing a second parameter associated with the broadcaster and the viewer to a second threshold; determining whether the viewer is entitled to view the live stream provided by the broadcaster based on the result of the comparison; A system for streaming, comprising:

10. A non-transitory computer-readable medium including a program for streaming, the program being configured to: comparing a first parameter associated between the broadcaster and the viewer with a first threshold; comparing a second parameter associated with the broadcaster and the viewer to a second threshold; determining whether the viewer is entitled to view the live stream provided by the broadcaster based on the result of the comparison; 5. A stream distribution method comprising:

Images