Content distribution system, computer system, and content distribution method

Abstract

To provide a technology to make user experience richer by using a text and image transmission function.SOLUTION: A streaming server 1100 distributes a content including at least a video provided by a providing user to a user terminal of each viewing user. The user terminal of each viewing user includes a content display part for displaying the content, and a viewing screen capable of executing a transmission operation during viewing is displayed. In the streaming server 1100, a support point calculation part 213 calculates support points related to the content at least on the basis of the transmission operation. When an event generation condition including a condition at least based on the transmission operation is satisfied, an event control part 225 generates an event in which larger support points can be calculated when the event is generated than when the event is not generated for the same transmission operation.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a content distribution system that distributes content including at least video provided by a providing user to the user terminals of each viewing user, etc.

Background Art

[0002] Social networking services (SNS) (for example, see Patent Document 1), content distribution services, etc. are known in which users can transmit text and images by functions called chat functions and text functions.

[0003] By using chat functions and text functions, communication between users is promoted. For example, in the case of a video distribution service, by transmitting and posting each text while watching the video, a virtual experience as if everyone is enjoying the video together can be enjoyed.

[0004] When not only text but also images can be transmitted as chat functions and text functions, the transmission of such images may be called "image posting" or the like. For example, by transmitting (in this case, also called posting) an image of a character showing a line in a speech bubble or an image of a character performing an action such as joy, anger, sorrow, or pleasure, emotions and thoughts that cannot be expressed in words can be clearly transmitted.

[0005] It can even be said that various user experiences brought about by functions related to the transmission of such text and images have become an essential feature that must not be lacking in recent social networking services (SNS) and content distribution services.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide a technology for enriching the user experience by utilizing the transmission function of text and images.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] A first invention for solving the above problems is a content distribution system (for example, the streaming server 1100 in FIG. 1) that distributes content including at least video provided by a providing user to the user terminals (for example, the user terminal 1500 in FIG. 1) of each viewing user. In the user terminal, a content display unit for displaying the content is included, a viewing screen on which a transmission operation is possible during viewing is displayed, and at least based on the transmission operation, a support point calculation means (for example, the support point calculation unit 213 in FIG. 9) for calculating a support point related to the content, and when an event generation condition including at least a condition based on the transmission operation is satisfied, an event control means (the event control unit 225 in FIG. 9) for generating an event in which a larger support point can be calculated when the event occurs than when the event does not occur for the same transmission operation. It is a content distribution system provided with.

[0009] According to the first invention, it is possible to calculate support points related to the content based on a transmission operation by a viewing user who is viewing the content. Then, when an event occurrence condition including a condition based on the transmission operation is satisfied, a larger support point can be calculated than when no event occurs for the same transmission operation (that is, more support points can be earned than when the event does not occur), and an event can be generated. Therefore, it is possible to prompt each viewing user to perform a transmission operation in order to generate an event and increase the support points related to the content being viewed, and it is possible to enhance the transmission power. According to this, it is possible to provide a user experience in which a plurality of viewing users gather together to liven up and view the content, and to give the viewing users a sense of exhilaration and emotion.

[0010] Also, as a second invention, the event control means may constitute the content distribution system of the first invention, including, in the event occurrence condition, that a state in which a chain condition including at least a continuity determination condition for determining the continuity of the transmission operation based on the timing at which the transmission operation is performed continues for a predetermined time or more, and determining whether the event occurrence condition is satisfied.

[0011] According to the second invention, the transmission operations of the viewing users who are viewing the content are continuously performed, and an event can be generated when they reach a certain scale. For example, it is possible to generate an event in which more support points can be earned than when not occurring when a plurality of viewing users transmit one after another and it reaches 10 operations. According to this, it is possible to further enhance the feeling that all the viewing users are livening up the content and to further improve the user experience.

[0012] Also, as a third invention, the content distribution system of the second invention may be configured, where the chain condition further includes that a plurality of the transmission operations to be determined satisfy a relevance determination condition for determining the relevance between the transmission operations.

[0013] According to the third invention, the relevance between transmission operations, for example, the conditions for the relevance (relevance determination conditions) of the content transmitted by the transmission operation (transmission content), can be included in the chain conditions. Therefore, instead of generating an event when any content is transmitted continuously until a certain scale is reached, when the transmission of relevant content is continuously carried out on a certain scale, an event can be generated. In addition, by setting the relevance as a condition, the complexity and interestingness of selecting the transmission content to meet the condition are added, and the transmission operation itself can also be regarded as one of the user experiences.

[0014] Further, as a fourth invention, a content distribution system according to the second or third invention may be configured, which includes chain notification control means (for example, the chain notification control unit 221 in FIG. 9) for performing control to notify the user terminal of the current continuation status in a state where the chain condition is satisfied.

[0015] According to the fourth invention, it is possible to show the viewing user how long the transmission operation that satisfies the chain condition has continued at the current time, and to make the viewing user aware of the occurrence of an event.

[0016] Further, as a fifth invention, a content distribution system according to any one of the second to fourth inventions may be configured, in which the event control means changes the end time of the event based on the state in which the chain condition is satisfied during the generated event.

[0017] According to the fifth invention, during the generated event, the end time of the event can be changed based on the state in which the chain condition is satisfied. For example, when the state in which the chain condition is satisfied continues during the generated event, it is possible to extend the end time of the event.

[0018] Further, as a sixth invention, a content distribution system according to any one of the first to fifth inventions may be configured, in which the event control means determines that the event condition is satisfied when the total number of the transmission operations reaches a predetermined number.

[0019] According to the sixth invention, when a large number of transmission operations are performed by the viewing user while viewing the content, an event can be generated. In this case, rather than only one of the viewing users performing a large number of transmission operations, each viewing user can repeatedly perform transmission operations to generate an event earlier. Therefore, it is possible to further enhance the intention of each viewing user to liven up the content and further improve the user experience.

[0020] Also, as a seventh invention, there are a plurality of types of the transmission operations, and some of the plurality of types are associated with the providing user or the content. The event control means may constitute a content distribution system according to any one of the first to sixth inventions, which has means for determining whether the event condition is satisfied based on the transmission operations of the associated types.

[0021] According to the seventh invention, an event can be generated based on the providing user of the content being viewed or the types of transmission operations associated with the content.

[0022] Also, as an eighth invention, a content distribution system according to any one of the first to seventh inventions may be configured to include ranking calculation means (for example, the ranking calculation unit 227 in FIG. 9, the ranking calculation unit 227A in FIG. 25) for calculating a ranking for each providing user or for each content based at least on the support points.

[0023] According to the eighth invention, a ranking can be calculated by ranking the support points obtained by the distributed content for each providing user or for each content.

[0024] Also, as a ninth invention, based on the result of the ranking, it is determined whether to grant a privilege to the viewing user, and when it is determined to grant a privilege, according to the record of the transmission operation of the viewing user, a first viewing user privilege granting means (for example, the first privilege granting processing unit 229 in FIG. 9) that grants a privilege to each viewing user may be provided to configure a content distribution system of an eighth invention.

[0025] According to the ninth invention, for example, it becomes possible to grant a privilege according to the record of the transmission operation during viewing to a viewing user who has viewed content with a higher ranking in the ranking. That is, instead of uniformly granting a privilege to the viewing users of the content with a higher ranking in the ranking, it is possible to grant a luxurious privilege to the viewing users who have contributed to the acquisition of the support points. Or, it is also possible to grant a privilege only to such viewing users.

[0026] Also, as a tenth invention, the event control means determines, for each group composed of viewing users of the content being viewed, whether the event occurrence condition is satisfied based on the transmission operation of the viewing users belonging to the group, and controls the occurrence of the event in units of the group to configure a content distribution system of the first to ninth inventions.

[0027] According to the tenth invention, it is possible to determine whether the event occurrence condition is satisfied in units of the group based on the transmission operation of the viewing users belonging to the group, and control the occurrence of the event in units of the group.

[0028] Also, as an eleventh invention, the support point calculation means may calculate the support points for each group and include a group ranking means (for example, the ranking calculation unit 227A in FIG. 25) that ranks the groups based on the support points for each group to configure a content distribution system of the tenth invention.

[0029] According to the eleventh invention, support points can be calculated for each group based on the operator of the transmission operation. Then, the groups can be ranked in the order of the support points.

[0030] Also, as a twelfth invention, based on the ranking of the groups ranked by the group ranking means, it is determined whether to grant a privilege to the viewing users belonging to the group. When it is determined to grant, according to the performance of the transmission operation of the viewing users, a second viewing user privilege granting means (for example, the second privilege granting processing unit 233A in FIG. 25) that grants privileges to each viewing user belonging to the group may be provided to configure the content distribution system of the tenth invention.

[0031] According to the twelfth invention, for example, it becomes possible to grant a privilege to a viewing user who contributed to the acquisition of the support points among the viewing users belonging to a group with a higher ranking in the ranking.

[0032] Also, as a thirteenth invention, the support point calculating means calculates the support points for each viewing user, and a viewing user ranking means (for example, the ranking calculation unit 227A in FIG. 25) that ranks the viewing users based on the support points for each viewing user may be provided to configure the content distribution system of any one of the first to twelfth inventions.

[0033] According to the thirteenth invention, support points can be calculated for each viewing user based on the operator of the transmission operation. Then, the viewing users can be ranked in the order of the support points.

[0034] Also, as a fourteenth invention, a third viewing user privilege granting means (for example, the third privilege granting processing unit 235A in FIG. 25) that determines the viewing users to whom privileges are to be granted and the privileges to be granted based on the ranking of the viewing users ranked by the viewing user ranking means and grants the determined privileges to the viewing users to be granted may be provided to configure the content distribution system of the thirteenth invention.

[0035] According to the 14th invention, it is possible to determine the target viewing user to whom a privilege is to be granted and the privilege to be granted according to the rank of the viewing user. For example, a more luxurious privilege can be granted to a viewing user with a high rank than to a viewing user with a low rank.

[0036] Also, as the 15th invention, the event control means may constitute a content distribution system according to any one of the 1st to 14th inventions, which generates the event when an occurrence instruction operation is performed by the providing user regardless of whether the event occurrence condition is satisfied.

[0037] According to the 15th invention, an event can be generated according to an occurrence instruction operation by a providing user. It may be configured to immediately generate an event according to the occurrence instruction operation.

[0038] Also, as the 16th invention, a content distribution system according to the 15th invention may be configured to include a consideration collection means (for example, the consideration collection processing unit 223 in FIG. 9) that collects a consideration from the providing user.

[0039] According to the 16th invention, it is possible to collect a consideration from a providing user and accept an occurrence instruction operation.

[0040] Also, as the 17th invention, the event control means may constitute a content distribution system according to any one of the 1st to 16th inventions, which generates the event when a paid occurrence instruction operation is performed by the viewing user in exchange for consumption of a specific item or virtual currency by the viewing user regardless of whether the event occurrence condition is satisfied.

[0041] According to the 17th invention, an event can be generated according to a paid occurrence instruction operation by a viewing user. Also, at that time, an event can be generated in exchange for consumption of a specific item or virtual currency.

[0042] Also, as the 18th invention, there are multiple types of the transmission operations, and the support point calculation means may constitute a content distribution system according to any one of the 1st to 17th inventions that calculates support points according to the types of the transmission operations.

[0043] According to the 18th invention, support points can be calculated according to the types of the transmission operations.

[0044] Also, as the 19th invention, a computer system (for example, the content providing system 1000 in FIG. 1) including user terminals of each viewing user and a content distribution system according to any one of the 1st to 18th inventions may be configured.

[0045] The "computer system" referred to here means that it may be a system by a single computer or a system in which a plurality of computers are communicably connected. According to the 19th invention, a computer system having the same effect as the 1st invention can be realized.

Brief Description of the Drawings

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Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0047] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described. Note that the present invention is not limited by the embodiments described below, nor is the applicable form of the present invention limited to the following embodiments. Also, in the description of the drawings, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same parts.

[0048] 〔First Embodiment〕 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a content providing system 1000 to which the present invention is applied. The content providing system 1000 is a computer system that provides a distribution service for enjoying content such as multimedia content by an unspecified number of users simultaneously. In the description of content distribution, as an example, streaming distribution will be described, but of course, other distribution methods may be used. The content providing system 1000 includes a streaming server 1100 and a plurality of user terminals 1500 (1500a, 1500b,..., 1500T), and these are connected to be capable of data communication with each other via a communication line 9.

[0049] The communication line 9 means a communication path capable of data communication. That is, the communication line 9 includes not only a dedicated line (dedicated cable) for direct connection and a LAN (Local Area Network) such as Ethernet (registered trademark), but also communication networks such as a telephone communication network, a cable network, and the Internet, and the communication method may be wired / wireless.

[0050] The streaming server 1100 is a computer system that realizes a content distribution system for distributing content including at least video provided from the user terminal 1500 (1500T) of the providing user 2 (2t) to the user terminals 1500 (1500a, 1500b,...) of each viewing user 2 (2a, 2b,...).

[0051] Specifically, the streaming server 1100 includes a main body device 1101, a keyboard 1106, a touch panel 1108, and a storage 1140. The main body device 1101 incorporates a control board 1150 on which electronic components such as a processor which is an arithmetic circuit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), and a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), various IC memories 1152 such as VRAM, RAM, and ROM, and a communication device 1153 are mounted. Note that part or all of the control board 1150 may be realized by an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (field-programmable gate array), or a SoC (System on a Chip).

[0052] Then, the streaming server 1100 performs arithmetic processing based on a predetermined program and data by the control board 1150, 1) a user management function related to user registration and the like, 2) a content distribution service function, 3) a user transmission service function for distributing text and images (for example, transmission images) transmitted (which can also be said to be posted) from the user terminal 1500, 4) an online shopping function that enables online purchase of transmission images and the like that can be transmitted by the user transmission service function, and realizes them. Of course, a configuration capable of realizing functions other than these is also possible. For example, a social networking service function or a chat function as part of it may be realized.

[0053] The distribution service function is a function that acquires content such as video data from the user terminal 1500T of the providing user 2t, who is a user providing the content, and distributes the acquired content to the user terminals 1500 (1500a, 1500b, …) of the viewing users 2 (2a, 2b, …), who are users registered as viewers, in a form that enables viewing while downloading the content file.

[0054] The user transmission service function is a function that distributes text and transmission images transmitted from the user terminals 1500 (1500a, 1500b, …) of the viewing users 2 (2a, 2b, …) to the user terminals 1500 (1500a, 1500b, …) of each viewing user 2 (2a, 2b, …) and the user terminal 1500T of the providing user 2t, and causes the transmitted content to be displayed at the distribution destination.

[0055] The online shopping function is a function that consumes virtual currency equivalent points (hereinafter simply referred to as “currency points”) possessed by the viewing user 2 to purchase transmission images and the like, and in response to a request from the user terminal 1500, cooperates with an external electronic payment server operated by an electronic payment provider or the like to perform a purchase procedure (charging process) of currency points. In the charging process, the electronic payment server performs a process of clearing the purchase amount of currency points with the user's credit card, prepaid card, or the like in response to an inquiry from the streaming server 1100. Then, the streaming server 1100 grants the user currency points equivalent to the purchase amount cleared by the electronic payment server.

[0056] Note that the streaming server 1100 is not limited to the single configuration shown in FIG. 1, and may have a configuration in which a plurality of blade servers that share each function are installed and connected to be able to communicate data with each other via an internal bus. Alternatively, a configuration may be adopted in which a plurality of independent servers installed at separate locations communicate data via the communication line 9 to function as the streaming server 1100 as a whole.

[0057] The user terminal 1500 (1500a, 1500b, …, 1500T) is a computer system used by user 2 (2a, 2b, …, 2t), and by changing the program to be executed, it can function as a providing terminal for creating content provided for distribution or as a viewing terminal for enabling viewing of the distributed content. In the example of FIG. 1, the user terminal 1500T corresponds to the providing terminal, and the user terminals 1500a and 1500b correspond to the viewing terminals. Note that the user terminal 1500 of the present embodiment is a device called a so-called smartphone, but it may also be a portable game device, a personal computer, a tablet computer, a wearable computer, or the like.

[0058] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a device configuration example of a smartphone which is an example of the user terminal 1500. As shown in FIG. 2, the user terminal 1500 includes a direction input key 1502, a home key 1504, a touch panel 1506 that functions as an image display device and a contact position input device, a built-in battery 1509, a speaker 1510, a microphone 1512, an image sensor module 1520, a control board 1550, and a memory card reader 1542 capable of reading and writing data to and from a memory card 1540 which is a computer-readable storage medium. In addition, a power button, a volume adjustment button, etc. (not shown) are provided. Further, an IC card reader or the like capable of non-contact data reading and writing may be provided for an IC card type credit card or prepaid card for which payment of the game play price is possible.

[0059] The control board 1550 is equipped with various microprocessors such as a CPU 1551, a GPU, and a DSP, various IC memories 1552 such as VRAM, RAM, and ROM, a wireless communication module 1553 for wireless communication with a mobile phone base station, a wireless LAN base station, etc. connected to the communication line 9, an interface circuit 1557, etc. The interface circuit 1557 includes a circuit for receiving signals from the direction input keys 1502 and the home key 1504, a driver circuit for the touch panel 1506, an output amplifier circuit for outputting an audio signal to the speaker 1510, an audio signal generation circuit for generating a signal of the sound collected by the microphone 1512, a circuit for inputting the image data of the image captured by the image sensor module 1520, a signal input / output circuit to the memory card reader 1542, etc. Each element mounted on the control board 1550 is electrically connected via a bus circuit or the like, and is connected so as to enable reading and writing of data and transmission and reception of signals. Note that part or all of the control board 1550 may be configured by an ASIC, an FPGA, or a SoC.

[0060] In this control board 1550, the IC memory 1552 stores a video providing program (for example, a providing terminal program that enables creation and provision of content) for realizing the function as a providing terminal, a viewing program (for example, a viewing terminal program that enables viewing of distributed content and transmission of text and transmission images) for realizing the function as a viewing terminal, data necessary for executing these programs, etc. Then, the CPU 1551, etc. execute the providing terminal program and the viewing terminal program to execute arithmetic processing, and control each part of the user terminal 1500 according to operation inputs to the touch panel 1506, the direction input keys 1502, and the home key 1504, thereby enabling the user terminal 1500 to provide / view content, etc.

[0061] Note that in this embodiment, the user terminal 1500 is configured to download a providing terminal program, a viewing terminal program, and various setting data from the streaming server 1100, but it may be configured to read from a storage medium such as a separately obtained memory card 1540.

[0062] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the screen configuration of a viewing screen for viewing content. On the user terminal 1500 executing the viewing program, the viewing screen W1 illustrated in FIG. 3 is displayed on the touch panel 1506. The viewing screen W1 includes, for example, 1) An attached information display unit 31 that displays attached information of the content being distributed and viewed (hereinafter also referred to as "distributed content" as appropriate); 2) A content display unit 32 that displays the distributed content; 3) A text transmission operation unit 33 for inputting text and performing a transmission operation (text transmission operation); 4) An image transmission operation icon 34 for performing a transmission operation (image transmission operation) of the transmission image 8; 5) A general-purpose display unit 35; 6) An avatar 4 (4a, 4b,...) of each viewing user 2 (2a, 2b,...), and a transmission content display unit 36 that displays the content of the transmitted text and the transmission image 8; 7) A shopping icon 37 for immediately purchasing the transmission image 8 online. It includes.

[0063] The attached information displayed on the attached information display unit 31 may include, for example, a title, genre, shooting date and time, shooting location, information about the subject, situation description text, profile information of the providing user 2t, a message from the providing user 2t, etc. Also, if the distributed content is a game play video, the attached information may include play content and game situation (for example, information about the game stage and location being played, information about equipment, the name of the enemy character, the progress of the strategy, player level, remaining time and elapsed time until stage clear, names of rare items that can be obtained, etc.).

[0064] The attached information may be set by the providing user 2t himself / herself before providing the distribution content, or may be set by the operator of the distribution service. Also, in the case of a game play video, it may be automatically acquired and set from the play information of the game being played. In the present embodiment, the providing user 2t pre-sets his / her own profile information as information regarding the providing user 2t. The profile information includes, for example, items such as age, gender, date of birth, place of origin, etc., and also includes items related to hobbies and preferences such as favorite animals, favorite foods, favorite colors, favorite music genres, etc., as well as disliked things.

[0065] In the content display unit 32, images of content including at least videos (for example, live relays such as performances or entertainments by the providing user 2t, game plays by the providing user 2t, edited game play live relays or recorded game play videos, video works photographed and edited by the providing user 2t, etc.) are displayed.

[0066] The text transmission operation unit 33 includes an input field for inputting text (letters, numbers, symbols) such as comments and messages to be transmitted, and a transmission execution operation icon for performing a transmission operation on the text in the input field.

[0067] The image transmission operation icon 34 is a one-touch operation icon that can pre-assign the transmission image 8 to be transmitted. By simply touching the image transmission operation icon 34 once, the assigned transmission image 8 is transmitted (posted).

[0068] The transmission image 8 is an image prepared by the operator of the distribution service and provided to the viewing user 2 free of charge or for a fee. Each viewing user 2 can obtain / purchase and hold the transmission image 8 and use it for transmission. The transmitted transmission image 8 is consumed from the number held by the viewing user 2.

[0069] Here, the image transmission operation icon 34 can be assigned any type of the transmission images 8 currently held by the viewing user 2. As a result, although it is the same icon at the same position on the viewing screen W1, different transmission operations can be performed by changing the assigned transmission image 8.

[0070] Specifically, when a predetermined assignment change operation (for example, a two-finger touch operation on the image transmission operation icon 34) is performed, a pop-up display W3 as shown in FIG. 4 is displayed on the viewing screen W1. In the pop-up display W3, the transmission images 8 (8a, 8b,...) held by the viewing user 2 are displayed together with the number of holdings and the added point numbers for each type. The added point numbers are set in advance for each type of the transmission image 8. For example, the higher the selling price, the larger the points can be set. The viewing user 2 can set the assignment of the transmission image 8 to the image transmission operation icon 34 by touching any of the transmission images 8 in this pop-up display W3. A check mark 40 indicating a selected state is attached to the display of the currently assigned transmission image 8.

[0071] The type of the transmission image 8 can be set as appropriate, and it is not limited to still images, but may also be an image with changes such as an animated GIF (Graphic Interchange Format). Basically, the transmission images 8 are variously designed to be items for communication between the viewing users 2. Among them, there are messages for evaluating distributed content (for example, like, no good, interesting, not interesting, amazing, cool,...), messages of support and encouragement to the providing user 2t (for example, come on, calm down,...), and transmission images 8 designed to show the default intention expressions of the sender (for example, evaluation messages such as like, interesting, support, come on,...).

[0072] Therefore, when an image transmission operation is performed with the transmission image 8 including such messages or expressions of intention assigned to the image transmission operation icon 34, the operation becomes a message transmission operation or a default transmission operation indicating a default expression of intention.

[0073] For example, the transmission image 8 assigned to the image transmission operation icon 34 can be a graphic figure with natural objects such as flowers and stars as motifs, like the transmission images 8a, 8b, and 8c. It is suitable to transmit flowers and stars at the timing of a favorable expression of intention such as joy, happiness, or having good thoughts about the target. In addition, it may be a graphic figure with a large-size text as a motif that is not displayed in text. A series (for example, a series of spring flowers, a series of summer flowers, etc.) can also be prepared with a plurality of types of transmission images 8 having the same shape but different sizes, color schemes, etc.

[0074] Also, the transmission image 8 assigned to the image transmission operation icon 34 can be content in which a character has some item (in the example of FIG. 4, a star is attached to the tip of the stick and it is a cheering good that is held in the hand and waved), like the transmission images 8d and 8e, content in which a character performs a music performance, like the transmission images 8k, 8m, and 8n illustrated in FIG. 7(c), an image in which a character is in some pose or action (for example, throwing a kiss, smiling, looking disappointed, etc.), and the like. Even if they have the same item, they can be of different types if the characters are different. Also, even if they are performing the same action, they can be of different types if the characters are different.

[0075] Also, the transmission image 8 assigned to the image transmission operation icon 34 can include an image including words or phrases in the image, like the transmission image 8f. It may be designed with a speech bubble attached to the character as if the character is speaking the words or phrases. Of course, the words or phrases may also be onomatopoeia like the sound effects in manga. For example, an image with the character showing surprise with the text "Giku!" and the character showing excitement with the text "Wakuwaku!" can be used.

[0076] Note that the transmission images 8 (8a, 8b, …) in this embodiment are prepared in advance by the operator of the distribution service, but a configuration that allows the use of images created by the user himself / herself may also be adopted. Of course, not limited to graphic designs, illustrations, and fonts, actual photographed images may also be used.

[0077] Then, in this embodiment, when the viewing user 2 touches the image transmission operation icon 34 to which the transmission image 8 is assigned and set as described above, and the transmission image 8 is transmitted (that is, when the viewing user 2 performs an image transmission operation), the added point number is added to the support points related to the distribution content. Therefore, if many viewing users perform many image transmission operations from the start to the end of the distribution, the corresponding support points are added, and the distribution content can obtain many support points. Also, the larger the added point number of the transmission image 8 transmitted by each individual image transmission operation, the more the added points increase, and finally, a large number of support points will be accumulated. That is to say, it can be said that the support points represent the degree of excitement or popularity when the distribution related to the distribution content is regarded as one program, stage, or performance.

[0078] Returning to FIG. 3, the general-purpose display unit 35 is an area that is used without a fixed purpose, such as for various notifications and displays for effects. In this embodiment, it is mainly used for the display of support points and the display related to the fever time that occurs when a predetermined event occurrence condition is satisfied. Specifically, the general-purpose display unit 35 includes a support point display unit 351 that displays the current value of the support points.

[0079] In addition, in the general-purpose display unit 35, when fever time occurs, a combo gauge 353 for indicating the current continuous status of the image transmission operation that satisfies the chain condition of "continuous combo" (the number of chains at the current time related to the continuous combo: continuous combo chain number), which will be described later, is displayed. The combo gauge 353 is display-controlled such that the gauge value becomes full when the number of chains related to the continuous combo reaches a reference value, and when the reference value is reached, fever time will occur. The reference value is preset as a scale condition for the continuous combo generation condition, which will be described later. Therefore, the viewing user 2 can know how many more image transmission operations need to be chained to cause fever time based on this combo gauge 353, and it becomes possible to perform the image transmission operation while being aware of the occurrence of fever time.

[0080] Also, in the general-purpose display unit 35 when fever time is not occurring, the forced generation item 355 held by the viewing user 2 is displayed in an iconized manner. Although details will be described later, the forced generation item 355 is a specific item that can be purchased at its selling price in exchange for the consumption of currency points, and its icon can be used by a touch operation.

[0081] In the transmission content display unit 36, avatars 4 (4a, 4b,...) of the viewing users 2 (2a, 2b,...) of the distributed content are displayed. And the text transmitted from the viewing user 2 is displayed in a speech bubble 5 (5b, 5c) indicating that the avatar 4 (4b, 4c) of the viewing user 2 is speaking. Also, the transmission image 8 transmitted from the viewing user 2 (the viewing user 2a in FIG. 3) appears and is displayed in an action motion as if it jumps out from the avatar 4 (4a) of the viewing user 2 (2a) or as if the avatar 4 (4a) has taken it out. In this embodiment, these text and the transmission image 8 are displayed on the transmission content display unit 36 for a predetermined display time and then erased. However, for the transmission image 8, it may be configured to be displayed as the background of the transmission content display unit 36 until the distribution ends.

[0082] When the shopping icon 37 is touched, a sales screen that displays a list of the transmission images 8 of the items for sale pops up, and the desired transmission image 8 can be purchased at its selling price in exchange for the consumption of currency points. Also, on the sales screen, other than that, the forced generation item 355 can be purchased.

[0083] As configured above, the viewing screen W1 is laid out so as to display the avatar 4 of each viewing user 2 on the front side (lower side) of the content display unit 32 as shown in FIG. 3, providing the user with an atmosphere as if they are gathered together enjoying the distributed content.

[0084] In addition, by displaying the text sent by each viewing user 2 in the speech bubble 5 of the avatar 4 or by causing the transmission image 8 to appear from the avatar 4, an atmosphere is created as if everyone is enjoying the distributed content and freely expressing their thoughts or chatting with their friends. Since the transmission image 8 does not need to be read one by one like text, it can instantaneously, symbolically, and concisely convey what the viewing user 2 is feeling and thinking. Also, the effect of livening up the scene is greater than that of text.

[0085] In this way, the viewing screen W1 is designed so that it is easy for the providing user 2t who provides the distributed content and the viewing users 2 (2a, 2b,...) who view it to feel as if they are collaborating to liven up a single live stage or performance.

[0086] And in this embodiment, it is devised to enhance the transmission power of each individual viewing user 2 by using the user transmission service function of text and images, thereby bringing about a new added value that further enhances the sense of unity and solidarity among the viewing users 2.

[0087] [Principle] When a user terminal 1500 (1500a, 1500b, …) of each viewer who is watching the distributed content performs a text or image transmission operation, information about when and what was transmitted, that is, information on the transmission record, is accumulated in the streaming server 1100. Also, the streaming server 1100 aggregates the image transmission operations based on the transmission record, and updates and manages the support points related to the distributed content. Then, the current values of the transmission record and the support points are simultaneously transmitted to the user terminals 1500 of all viewers via the streaming server 1100, and are displayed on the respective viewing screens W1 (transmission content display unit 36 and support point display unit 351). The support points are also transmitted to the user terminal 1500 of the providing user and are displayed on the providing screen.

[0088] Therefore, when the streaming server 1100 satisfies the event generation condition including the condition based on the image transmission operation, it performs control (event control) to generate a fever time as an event for enhancing the viewing atmosphere of the distributed content.

[0089] In this embodiment, the image transmission operation is reflected in the support points, and the event generation condition is determined for the image transmission operation to generate a fever time. However, the text transmission operation may also be reflected in the support points. And it may be determined the event generation conditions (continuous combo condition, combined combo generation condition, operation count condition) including the text transmission operation.

[0090] 1. Event Generation Condition In this embodiment, a plurality of event generation conditions are predefined, and a fever time occurs each time any of the event generation conditions is satisfied. In this embodiment, for example, four conditions, namely, a continuous combo generation condition, a combined combo generation condition, an operation count condition, and a forced generation condition, are set as the event generation conditions.

[0091] (1) Continuous Combo Generation Condition / Combined Combo Generation Condition FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining continuous combo generation conditions, and FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining combined combo generation conditions. The streaming server 1100 determines, as an event generation condition, the occurrence of a "transmission combo (abbreviation for a combination of user transmissions)" in which transmissions of the transmission images 8 by the same or different transmitters are chained to a predetermined scale or more. In the present embodiment, the occurrence of two types of transmission combos, "continuous combo" and "combined combo", is determined.

[0092] The determination of the occurrence of a transmission combo is positively determined (recognition determination) when the state satisfying the chaining condition continues to satisfy the scale requirement.

[0093] First, as shown in FIG. 5, the chaining condition for the continuous combo is positively determined that the chaining condition is satisfied when there is continuity in the transmitted timing (transmission timing).

[0094] The determination of continuity is positively determined as "having continuity" when the time difference in the transmission timing is equal to or less than a predetermined "continuity recognition time difference Δt". The continuity recognition time difference Δt can be set as appropriate. For example, it is preferable to set it around 5 to 30 seconds. Note that the continuity recognition time difference Δt can be a common value in the distribution service, or different values may be applied according to additional information such as the genre of the distributed content.

[0095] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 6, the chaining condition for the combined combo is positively determined that the chaining condition is satisfied when there is the above continuity in the transmission timing and there is relevance in their transmission contents. The determination of relevance is performed on a plurality of transmission contents determined to be "having continuity", and is performed based on the common points of the plurality of transmission contents and the presence or absence of patterns created by them. In other words, if there is relevance between the transmission operations, it is positively determined as "having relevance".

[0096] FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining an example determined to have relevance. FIGS. 7(a) to 7(f) show different types of examples recognized as having relevance, and examples of the content of transmissions determined to have continuity to be the subject of relevance determination (transmission content having continuity) are arranged from left to right in the order of transmission. Note that the examples of the content of the arranged transmissions and their number are for convenience of illustration and are not limited to these in actual operation.

[0097] For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 7(a) to 7(d), when a plurality of transmission contents having continuity have common points, they are determined to have relevance. In the example of FIG. 7(a), all are transmission images 8a, and since their types are common, it is determined to have relevance. The common points are not limited to the type of the transmission image 8. It may also be the color scheme or shape of a plurality of transmission images 8 that are the transmission content having continuity. In the case of the color scheme, it may be the main color scheme showing the largest area, or the color system of the color schemes ranked in the order of area occupation. The conditions for relevance may also be determined by paying attention to the commonality of the overall outer shapes such as round, △-shaped, square-shaped, etc.

[0098] Also, attention may be paid to the commonality of the drawn content. For example, as in FIG. 7(b), although the characters drawn in the transmission image 8 are different, when the poses or actions are common, it can be determined to have relevance.

[0099] Also, as in FIG. 7(c), although the characters and poses or actions are strictly different, when there is a common theme in the poses or actions, it can be determined to have relevance. In the example of FIG. 7(c), since there are common points in the theme of music performance, it is determined to have relevance. In addition, when specific actions such as "waving a flag", "shouting through a megaphone", and "clapping hands" are aligned, there is a common theme of the action of "cheering", so it can also be determined to have relevance. Furthermore, when the characters drawn in the transmission image 8 form an overall group motion (for example, a wave motion used for cheering in a stadium, etc.), it can also be determined to have relevance.

[0100] Also, focusing on the text included in the image, as shown in FIG. 7(d), when the semantic content of the text included in the transmission image 8 is the same or there is a common theme, it can be determined that there is a relevance. In the example of FIG. 7(d), since both mean "cute", it is determined that there is a relevance.

[0101] Also, when the transmitted contents having continuity form a pattern when arranged in the order of transmission (transmission order) or when a predetermined series is complete, it can also be determined that there is a relevance.

[0102] For example, in the example of FIG. 7(e), there is no common point common to all the transmitted contents having continuity, but since the transmission image 8f and the transmission image 8b form a time series pattern in which they are alternately transmitted in the transmission order, it is determined that there is a relevance. The content of the time series pattern recognized as having a relevance can be set as appropriate.

[0103] Also, in the example of FIG. 7(f), although the transmission images 8a, 8b, 8s, and 8t are of different types, since a predetermined "flower" series is formed, it can be determined that there is a relevance.

[0104] Next, the scale requirement is positively determined when the number of times the chain condition is continuously satisfied (in other words, the chain number) reaches the reference value. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, the reference value for continuous combos (continuous combo reference value) is set to "10 chains". However, it is not limited to 10 chains, and the chain number of 2 chains or more can be set as appropriate. On the other hand, the reference value for combined combos (combined combo reference value) is determined in advance for each relevance that can be recognized by the chain condition. The relationship between the relevance and the reference value may be set in advance. For example, for the relevance in FIG. 7(a), "10 chains" can be used as the reference value, and for the relevance in FIG. 7(b), "5 chains" can be used as the reference value, etc. Different chain numbers can be used as the reference value depending on the relationship with the relevance. Also, for the relevance where it is recognized that specific actions are aligned, the number of combinations of those actions can be used as the reference value. The example in FIG. 6 shows an example where the reference value is "3 chains". If there is continuity in the transmission of three different transmission images that have something in common in the theme of music performance, the occurrence of a combined combo is recognized.

[0105] Note that multiplying the reference value by the continuity determination time difference Δt, the time length for satisfying the chain condition may be used as the scale condition. For example, in the case of continuous combos, it may be determined that the scale condition is satisfied when the time length reaches "10×Δt", and in the case of combined combos, it may be determined that the scale condition is satisfied when the time length reaches "3×Δt".

[0106] (2) Operation Count Condition The streaming server 1100 determines the total number of image transmission operations (total transmission operation count) by all viewing users as the event occurrence condition. For example, the number of image transmission operations from the start of distribution of the distribution content is counted, and it is determined that the operation count condition is satisfied when the reference value (total transmission operation count reference value) is exceeded. In this embodiment, the value obtained by multiplying the number of viewing users by a predetermined number (for example, 20 times) is used as the reference value. However, it may be a fixed value regardless of the number of viewing users.

[0107] (3) Forced Occurrence Condition The forced generation condition is a condition that immediately generates fever time regardless of the operation status of the image transmission operation. In this embodiment, the forced generation condition includes a condition related to the operation of the viewing user and a condition related to the operation of the providing user.

[0108] First, the condition related to the operation of the viewing user 2 is that "the viewing user 2 has performed a paid generation instruction operation". In this embodiment, a touch operation on the forced generation item 355 in the general-purpose display unit 35 is received as a paid generation instruction operation, and fever time is generated in exchange for the consumption of the forced generation item 355.

[0109] Note that the configuration is not limited to generating fever time through the use of the forced generation item 355 obtained / purchased by the viewing user. A forced generation button may be arranged on the general-purpose display unit 35 or the like, and a touch operation thereof may be received as a paid generation instruction operation. That is, when the viewing user performs a touch operation on the forced generation button, fever time may be generated in exchange for the consumption of currency points corresponding to the selling price of the forced generation item 355.

[0110] On the other hand, the condition related to the operation of the providing user 2t is that "the providing user 2t has performed a generation instruction operation". The generation instruction operation is received, for example, by arranging a fever generation button in the providing screen displayed on the user terminal 1500 of the providing user 2t during distribution and performing a touch operation thereon. When performing this generation instruction operation, a consideration is collected from the providing user. The collection of the consideration can be realized by generating fever time in exchange for the consumption of currency points held by the providing user.

[0111] More specifically, for the generation instruction operation, a limited number of times is defined, such as once per content provision or once every predetermined time (e.g., one hour). When the generation instruction operation is performed once, the button becomes unavailable until the restriction is lifted. Also, during the occurrence of Fever Time, it becomes unavailable. Therefore, the providing user cannot perform the generation instruction operation arbitrarily, and the timing of this operation becomes one of the strategies for obtaining many cheering points. In this embodiment, the limited number of times is once per content provision.

[0112] 2. Event Control When the streaming server 1100 satisfies the event occurrence condition, it generates Fever Time during which a larger number of cheering points can be calculated than when it is not occurring. In this embodiment, when an image transmission operation is performed during the occurrence of Fever Time, a predetermined number (e.g., 1.5) is multiplied by the added point number of the transmitted transmission image 8 and added to the cheering points. By the event control here, if an image transmission operation is performed during the occurrence of Fever Time, more cheering points can be earned than when it is not occurring.

[0113] The length of Fever Time (Fever time length) is determined in advance for each event occurrence condition and can also be extended. In this embodiment, when the state of satisfying the continuous combo chaining condition continues even after Fever Time has occurred, the end time of Fever Time is extended by a time length (extended time length) corresponding to the number of chains Cs after the occurrence of that Fever Time.

[0114] Also, when the operation count condition is satisfied during Fever Time, the end time of Fever Time is extended by a predetermined extended time length. In this embodiment, the extended time length in this case is fixed (e.g., 15 seconds).

[0115] Then, if the streaming server 1100 generates a fever time, it performs a production display indicating that it is during the fever time on the viewing screen. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the viewing screen W11 during the fever time. As shown in FIG. 8, when the fever time occurs, in the general-purpose display unit 35, a notification informing that it is during the fever time and a notification of the remaining time of the fever time are produced and displayed. In addition, as shown by being surrounded by a broken line in FIG. 8, the appearance display of the transmission image 8 transmitted from the viewing user 2 (viewing user 2a in FIG. 8) during the fever time is changed from when the fever time does not occur, and for example, the appearance display is produced in a grand manner. Note that the display location of the notification in the general-purpose display unit 35 may be anywhere within the screen. Also, production displays such as changing the background of the viewing screen W11 to a background for the fever time may be performed.

[0116] 3. Ranking Now, as described above, the support points represent the degree of excitement or popularity of the distributed content. Therefore, the streaming server 1100 calculates a ranking based on the support points at a predetermined cycle, for example, every month or every week. In this embodiment, the ranking is calculated on a monthly cycle. The target of the ranking is the content distributed within the period of the cycle (here, the past one month), but all the distributed content may be targeted.

[0117] Specifically, the streaming server 1100 reads out the maximum value of the support points for each content provider from the content provided by each content provider during the period of the cycle, arranges the read maximum values in descending order, and calculates a ranking for each content provider (ranking for each content provider). Also, the content distributed during the period of the cycle is arranged in the order of the support points to calculate a ranking for each content (ranking for each content).

[0118] Then, the streaming server 1100 executes a process (first privilege granting process) of granting privileges to providing users based on the providing user-specific ranking and granting privileges to viewing users based on the content-specific ranking.

[0119] The content of the privilege to be granted can be set as appropriate. Specifically, examples include granting items (such as items that allow a specific transmission image 8 to be used for free for a certain period of time), coupons, lottery tickets, points that can be used as currency points, etc.

[0120] More specifically, set in advance the privileges to be granted for each ranking position of the providing user-specific ranking and the content-specific ranking. For example, as the ranking gets higher, you may set a larger number of items, points, etc. to be granted, or enrich the types of items, etc. to be granted. Also, you may grant items of higher value as the ranking gets higher, or set them in combination. Also, the ranking positions for which privileges are granted may be appropriately restricted, such as from the 1st to the 10th place.

[0121] Then, the granting of privileges to providing users based on the providing user-specific ranking is performed by granting the corresponding ranking position's privilege to the providing users of each ranking position. On the other hand, the granting of privileges to viewing users based on the content-specific ranking is performed by distributing the corresponding ranking position's privilege to the viewing users who have viewed the corresponding content. Specifically, aggregate the image transmission operations performed during viewing for each viewing user, and perform a distribution such that more privileges (or privileges of higher value) are granted to viewing users with a high transmission record (a large number of image transmission operations). The distribution ratio may be determined based on the number of image transmission operations. Alternatively, calculate the total value of the added points added to the support points for each viewing user for that image transmission operation and use that as the transmission record, and determine the distribution ratio. That is, any distribution method may be used as long as it increases the distribution of privileges to viewing users who have contributed to the acquisition of support points.

[0122] In addition, based on the ranking for each providing user, it may be configured to give benefits not only to the providing users but also to the viewing users. For example, benefits may be distributed in a hierarchical manner to the viewing users of the content that has obtained the support points of the providing users with higher ranking positions.

[0123] As described above, in this embodiment, a fever time is generated when the event occurrence condition is satisfied. And when an image transmission operation is performed at the time of the generation of this fever time, more support points are added than when the image transmission operation is performed at the time when it is not generated. Therefore, for the purpose of obtaining the additional points, each viewing user can cooperate with each other while looking at the transmission images 8 from other viewing users that appear in the combo gauge 353 and the transmission content display unit 36, and appropriately change the assignment setting of the transmission image 8 to the image transmission operation icon 34, and perform an image transmission operation that satisfies the continuous combo or combined combo chain condition. In addition, in order to achieve the operation count condition, the image transmission operation can be individually repeated, or sometimes a paid generation instruction operation can be performed using a forced generation item to generate a fever time. Alternatively, the viewing user can perform an image transmission operation at the fever time generated by the transmission instruction operation of the providing user of the distribution content, and contribute to the acquisition of the support points. Therefore, it is possible to easily obtain a feeling of actively supporting many providing users and a feeling of a lively atmosphere, and it is possible to bring a new added value that further enhances the sense of unity and solidarity among the viewing users.

[0124] In addition, in this embodiment, based on the support points acquired by the distributed content, a user-specific ranking and a content-specific ranking are calculated for each predetermined period (for example, every month). Then, from the ranking results of the user-specific ranking, a privilege corresponding to the ranking order is given to the content provider. On the other hand, from the ranking results of the content-specific ranking, a privilege corresponding to the ranking order is given to the viewers of the content. At that time, the privilege is distributed to each viewer according to the transmission record (the number of times the image transmission operation was performed) during the viewing of the content. That is, more privileges are distributed to viewers with a high transmission record, or privileges of high value are distributed. Therefore, viewers can aim to perform an image transmission operation or a paid generation instruction operation during viewing in order to rank in the rankings of content provided by a favorite (supported) provider or content of a favorite genre, etc., and to obtain more support points. In addition, the provider can perform a generation instruction operation at the time of content provision (distribution) aiming for the content provided by the provider to rank and the privileges associated therewith, and can prompt the viewer to perform an image transmission operation.

[0125] [Functional Configuration] 1. Streaming Server FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration example of the streaming server 1100 in the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 9, the streaming server 1100 includes an operation input unit 100s, a server processing unit 200s, an image display unit 390s, a sound output unit 392s, a communication unit 394s, and a server storage unit 500s.

[0126] The operation input unit 100s is for inputting various operations for system management, maintenance, etc., and can be realized by, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, etc. In FIG. 1, the keyboard 1106 corresponds to this.

[0127] The server processing unit 200s can be realized by a processor such as an arithmetic circuit like a CPU, GPU, ASIC, or FPGA, and electronic components such as an IC memory, and performs input / output control of data with each part of the device including the operation input unit 100s and the server storage unit 500s. Then, it performs various arithmetic processes based on a predetermined program, data, an operation input signal from the operation input unit 100s, data received from the user terminal 1500, etc., and comprehensively controls the operation of the streaming server 1100. In FIG. 1, the control board 1150 and its CPU 1151 correspond to this.

[0128] This server processing unit 200s includes a user management unit 202, an online shopping management unit 204, a distribution service management unit 206, an avatar display control unit 208, a transmission service management unit 210, a timing unit 280s, an image generation unit 290s, a sound generation unit 292s, and a communication control unit 294s.

[0129] The user management unit 202 performs processing related to user registration and management of data of each registered user associated with the user account. For example, it can execute processing for granting a unique user account to a registered user, registration information management processing for registering and managing personal information for each user account, ledger management processing for an electronic payment medium (e.g., currency points of virtual currency) consumed by payment of charging elements (e.g., online shopping, etc.), usage history management processing for managing login and logout histories, creation / editing processing of the avatar 4, etc. Of course, other management processes for other data associated with the user account can also be appropriately included.

[0130] The online shopping management unit 204 is responsible for control related to online shopping and can be realized by appropriately using known online shopping technologies. In this embodiment, the viewing user can purchase transmission images, forced generation items, etc. by online shopping.

[0131] The distribution service management unit 206 performs various processes for realizing the content distribution service. For example, it can execute processes such as management processing of the content distribution schedule, management processing of viewing users, processing for acquiring content data for distribution from the providing terminal, distribution processing, etc. Of course, other processes can also be appropriately included.

[0132] The avatar display control unit 208 performs control to display avatars for each viewing user on the transmission content display unit 36 of each user terminal 1500 (1500a, 1500b,...) which is the viewing terminal.

[0133] The transmission service management unit 210 performs various processes for realizing the user transmission service in parallel with the distribution service. This transmission service management unit 210 includes a transmission content display control unit 212, a support point calculation unit 213, an event occurrence condition determination unit 215, a chain notification control unit 221, a consideration collection processing unit 223, an event control unit 225, a ranking calculation unit 227, and a first privilege granting processing unit 229.

[0134] The transmission content display control unit 212 receives from the viewing terminal that a transmission operation (text transmission operation / image transmission operation) for the distribution content has been input, and performs control to display the transmission content related to the transmission operation on the transmission content display unit 36 of each viewing terminal. By the control here, the display of text by the speech bubble 5 and the appearance display of the transmission image 8 on the transmission content display unit 36 of the viewing terminal are realized. When the streaming server 1100 distributes the image itself displayed as the transmission content display unit 36, the transmission content display control unit 212 may generate the image.

[0135] The support point calculation unit 213 receives from the viewing terminal that an image transmission operation has been input, and executes a process (support point calculation process) of aggregating the image transmission operations and updating / managing the support points.

[0136] The event occurrence condition determination unit 215 determines the continuous combo occurrence condition, combination combo occurrence condition, operation count condition, and forced occurrence condition, which are the event occurrence conditions. This event occurrence condition determination unit 215 includes a continuous combo determination unit 217 that determines the continuous combo occurrence condition among them, and a combination combo determination unit 219 that determines the combination combo occurrence condition.

[0137] The continuous combo determination unit 217 executes a process (continuous combo determination process) of determining whether the continuous combo occurrence condition is satisfied by performing the occurrence determination of the continuous combo.

[0138] The combination combo determination unit 219 executes a process (combination combo determination process) of determining whether the combination combo occurrence condition is satisfied by performing the occurrence determination of the combination combo.

[0139] When fever time does not occur, the chain notification control unit 221 performs control to cause each viewing terminal to display a combo gauge 353 with the current continuous combo chain count 619 (see FIG. 16), which is set and updated in the continuous combo determination process, as a gauge value on the general-purpose display unit 35.

[0140] The consideration collection processing unit 223 performs a process of collecting the consideration when the providing user performs a generation instruction operation. For example, a predetermined number is consumed from the currency points of the providing user who has performed the generation instruction operation, and the settlement medium ledger data 592 is updated.

[0141] When the event occurrence conditions (in this embodiment, the continuous combo occurrence condition, combination combo occurrence condition, operation count condition, and forced occurrence condition) including the conditions based on the image transmission operation are satisfied, the event control unit 225 performs event control to generate fever time.

[0142] This event control unit 225 includes a fever time extension processing unit 226. After generating a fever time upon receiving that the continuous combo generation condition is satisfied, the fever time extension processing unit 226 determines whether the state of satisfying the continuous combo chaining condition continues, and extends the fever time end time 633 according to the chaining number Cs after the fever time is generated. Specifically, during the fever time, while the state of satisfying the continuous combo chaining condition continues, the continuous combo chaining number is counted to update the current continuous combo chaining number 619. Then, at the fever time end time 633, the extension time length is determined according to the extension setting of the fever time definition data 580, and the fever time end time 633 is updated. That is, the difference between the current continuous combo chaining number 619 and the applicable continuous combo reference value 703 is obtained as the chaining number Cs, and the extension time length obtained by multiplying a predetermined time (for example, 3 seconds) is added to the fever time end time 633 for update. In addition, when the operation count condition is satisfied during the fever time, the fever time extension processing unit 226 reads the extension time length from the extension setting of the fever time definition data 580 and updates the fever time end time 633. It is preferable to set an upper limit for the extension time.

[0143] The ranking calculation unit 227 calculates a ranking based on support points at a predetermined cycle such as every month. In this embodiment, a ranking by providing user and a ranking by content are calculated.

[0144] The first privilege granting processing unit 229 grants a privilege to the providing user based on the ranking by providing user, and executes the first privilege granting process of granting a privilege to the viewing user based on the ranking by content.

[0145] The timing unit 280s performs timing of the current date and time, the time limit, etc. using the system clock.

[0146] The image generation unit 290s generates an image related to the system management of the streaming server 1100 and outputs it to the image display unit 390s.

[0147] The sound generation unit 292s is realized by the execution of ICs or software that generate and decode voice data, and generates or decodes voice data such as operation sounds related to the system management and video distribution of the streaming server 1100, and BGM. The voice signal related to system management is output to the sound output unit 392s.

[0148] The communication control unit 294s performs communication connection and data processing for data communication with an external device (for example, the user terminal 1500) via the communication unit 394s, and realizes the exchange of data with the external device.

[0149] The image display unit 390s displays various screens for system management and the like based on the image signal input from the image generation unit 290s. For example, it can be realized by an image display device such as a flat panel display, a cathode ray tube (CRT), a projector, or a head-mounted display. In FIG. 1, the touch panel 1108 corresponds to this.

[0150] The sound output unit 392s emits the sound signal input from the sound generation unit 292s. In FIG. 1, the speakers (not shown) provided in the main body device 1101 and the touch panel 1108 correspond to this.

[0151] The communication unit 394s connects to the communication line 9 to realize communication. For example, it can be realized by a wireless communication device, a modem, a TA (terminal adapter), a jack of a wired communication cable, a control circuit, etc. In FIG. 1, the communication device 1153 corresponds to this.

[0152] In the server storage unit 500s, programs for operating the streaming server 1100 and realizing various functions provided by the streaming server 1100, data used during the execution of this program, etc. are stored in advance, or temporarily stored each time processing is performed. For example, it can be realized by an IC memory such as a RAM or ROM, a magnetic disk such as a hard disk, an optical disk such as a CD-ROM or DVD. In FIG. 1, the IC memory 1152 corresponds to this.

[0153] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of programs and data stored in the server storage unit 500s of the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 10, the server storage unit 500s stores a server program 503, a distribution-use viewing terminal program 505, a distribution-use providing terminal program 507, sales item management data 509, transmission service initial setting data 510, user management data 590, distribution management data 600, continuous combo condition setting 700, combined combo condition setting 710, operation count condition setting 720, application magnification 730, ranking data 740, and current date and time 900. In addition, other necessary data such as image data of the background images of the viewing screens W1 and W11 and material data for creating and editing avatars are appropriately stored.

[0154] The server program 503 is a program for causing the server processing unit 200s to function as a user management unit 202, an online shopping management unit 204, a distribution service management unit 206, an avatar display control unit 208, and a transmission service management unit 210. Note that programs for causing the image generation unit 290s, the sound generation unit 292s, and the communication control unit 294s to function can also be appropriately included therein.

[0155] The distribution-use providing terminal program 507 is original data of an application program downloaded to the user terminal 1500 used as a providing terminal. By executing this, the user terminal 1500 can function as a providing terminal. Note that the distribution-use providing terminal program 507 can also be configured to be included in a game program for enabling execution of a game with a live distribution function.

[0156] The distribution-use viewing terminal program 505 is original data of an application program downloaded to the user terminal 1500 used as a viewing terminal. By executing this, the user terminal 1500 can function as a viewing terminal.

[0157] The sales product management data 509 is data for defining and managing sales products (products for sale) through online shopping. For example, the sales product management data 509 stores purchasable data in association with its inventory quantity, billing price (equivalent to the amount withdrawn from the electronic payment medium), and so on.

[0158] The transmission service initial setting data 510 stores various initial setting data for the user transmission service. In this embodiment, it includes the transmission image definition data 520, the event occurrence condition data 530, the fever time definition data 580, and the privilege definition data 543.

[0159] The transmission image definition data 520 is data for defining the transmission image 8. One transmission image definition data 520 includes, for example, as shown in FIG. 11, the transmission image type 521, the transmission image data 523, the added point number 525, the selling price 527, and the display duration 529 from when the transmission image is displayed on the transmission content display unit 36 until it disappears.

[0160] The event occurrence condition data 530 is data for defining event occurrence conditions, and includes the continuity certification condition definition data 531, the relevance certification condition definition data 540, the continuous combo scale requirement definition data 550, the combined combo scale requirement definition data 560, and the operation count condition definition data 570.

[0161] The continuity certification condition definition data 531 defines conditions for regarding adjacent image transmission operations in time as having continuity. In this embodiment, the continuity certification time difference Δt (see FIG. 5) is defined. Note that the continuity certification condition definition data 531 is not limited to a configuration that defines one continuity certification time difference Δt. For example, when it is desired to change the continuity certification conditions according to the content of distribution content such as genre, different continuity certification time differences Δt may be defined in association with each selection condition (for example, by genre).

[0162] The relevance determination condition definition data 540 stores data that defines the conditions for determining relevance. One piece of relevance determination condition definition data 540 includes, for example, as shown in FIG. 12, a unique relevance ID 541, a selection condition 542 that describes the conditions under which the definition data is selected and applied, and a relevance determination condition 544.

[0163] The selection condition 542 includes, for example, a genre condition 542a, a providing user condition 542b, a subject condition 542c, a situation condition 542d, and a number of viewing users condition 542e, and is described as their AND condition or OR condition. Any of these conditions included in the selection condition 542 may include "not set".

[0164] The genre condition 542a is a condition regarding the genre of the distributed content. For example, it is also possible to prepare a relevance determination condition that is applied only when there is a "live broadcast".

[0165] The providing user condition 542b is a condition regarding information about the providing user. For example, conditions can be set regarding the age, gender, profile information such as preferences, player level and title in a specific game title, and ranking order of the providing user in the distribution service.

[0166] The subject condition 542c is a condition regarding the main subject of the distributed content. For example, it can be the providing user himself / herself, children, animals, cooking, automobiles, teams, game characters, etc., and proper names thereof can also be included. In that case, a plurality of proper names may be defined as an AND condition or an OR condition.

[0167] The situation condition 542d is a condition regarding the situation of the content of the distributed content. In the attached information of the content, for example, situation descriptions such as "Tried playing (song name)", "Tried dancing (ending of program name)", "Unpacking (product name)", "Clearing the difficult stage of (game title)", "Defeating the boss character in the 4th stage of (game title)" can be included. The situation condition 542d can be defined by setting the keywords included therein.

[0168] The number of viewing users condition 542e is a condition regarding the number of viewing users of the distributed content.

[0169] The relevance determination condition 544 is described as an AND condition or an OR condition of the common point condition 544a and the series condition 544b. These conditions included in the relevance determination condition 544 may all include "no setting".

[0170] The common point condition 544a defines the requirements that should be common to the transmission images 8 which are the transmission contents of a plurality of image transmission operations having continuity. For example, a list of types of transmission images having common points, common text (depicted) included in the transmission images 8, main color schemes, a list of types of subjects recognized as common, etc. can be set. When determining relevance including not only image transmission operations but also text transmission operations, the requirements that should be common to the texts which are the transmission contents and between the transmission images 8 and the texts may be defined. In that case, the main color scheme can be applied not only to the transmission images 8 but also to the font colors of the transmitted texts.

[0171] More specifically, for example, while defining a list of types of transmission images with the same main color scheme (e.g., red) as the common point condition 544a, if "favorite color is red" is set in the providing user condition 542b, a relevance determination condition can be defined to recognize relevance when the main color scheme of each transmission image 8 having continuity matches the favorite red color of the providing user, and thereby, the providing user and the transmission images 8 can be associated with each other.

[0172] Series condition 544b defines a combination of transmission images 8 that are the content of a plurality of continuous image transmission operations. For example, a list of transmission image types related to the combination, a list of main color schemes related to the combination, a list of text included (depicted) in the transmission image 8 related to the combination, etc., and the transmission order of these can also be included in the definition. When determining relevance including not only image transmission operations but also text transmission operations, for example, combinations of keywords included in the transmitted text, combinations of transmission image types and text (keywords), etc. can be defined.

[0173] More specifically, for example, if there is a series of transmission images 8 with the title "Flowers of the Four Seasons", by defining a list of the types of transmission images that make up the series, relevance determination conditions can be defined such that when the transmission of the transmission images 8 of the flowers of the four seasons is aligned in time series, it is recognized as having relevance. Also, if the constituent colors of the rainbow are set so that the transmission order is the same as their arrangement order in the rainbow as the list of main color schemes, regardless of what is depicted in each of the transmission images 8 that are considered to have continuity, relevance determination conditions can be defined such that if they form the same color scheme pattern as the rainbow when arranged in transmission order, it is recognized as having relevance.

[0174] Alternatively, while defining a list of transmission image types with the content of a music performance action as series condition 544b, if "music performance" is set in genre condition 542a, relevance determination conditions can be defined to recognize relevance when each of the transmission images 8 that are considered to have continuity is a transmission image 8 that matches the genre of the distribution content. Thereby, the distribution content and the transmission image 8 can be associated with each other.

[0175] Returning to FIG. 10, the continuous combo scale requirement definition data 550 defines the scale requirements necessary when certifying the occurrence of a continuous combo. In the present embodiment, a continuous combo reference value (for example, 10 - chain) is defined. Note that when it is desired to change the scale requirements according to the content of distribution content such as a genre, a plurality of continuous combo scale requirement definition data associated with relationship conditions similar to the selection condition 542 of the relevance certification condition definition data 540 may be prepared.

[0176] The combined combo scale requirement definition data 560 stores data that defines the scale requirements necessary when certifying the occurrence of a combined combo. One combined combo scale requirement definition data 560 includes, for example, as shown in FIG. 13, a unique scale requirement ID 561, a corresponding relationship ID 563 that stores a corresponding relevance ID 541, and a combined combo reference value 565, and is associated with the relevance certification condition definition data 540 by the corresponding relationship ID 563.

[0177] The operation count condition definition data 570 defines a total transmission operation count reference value. In the present embodiment, the total transmission operation count reference value is set as the number of viewing users × a predetermined number (20 times).

[0178] As shown in FIG. 14, the fever time definition data 580 stores a magnification (for example, 1.5 times) 581 to be applied when a fever time occurs, and stores the fever time length and an extension setting in association with each event occurrence condition (continuous combo occurrence condition, combined combo occurrence condition, operation count condition, and forced occurrence condition). The fever time length is the time length of the fever time to be generated when the corresponding event occurrence condition is satisfied. The extension setting stores the extension time length for the continuous combo occurrence condition and the operation count condition in which the fever time can be extended. For example, the extension time length of the continuous combo occurrence condition is defined as the time length obtained by multiplying the number of chains Cs by a predetermined time (3 seconds in FIG. 14). On the other hand, the extension time length of the operation count condition is set as a fixed length (15 seconds in FIG. 14). Note that the magnification 581 is not limited to a value uniformly applied to each event occurrence condition as exemplified, and a configuration may be adopted in which separate values are set for each type of event occurrence condition.

[0179] The privilege definition data 543 includes privilege definition data 543 for providing users and privilege definition data 543 for viewing users. In the privilege definition data 543 for providing users, the content of the privilege granted to the corresponding providing user is set in association with each ranking order in the ranking for each providing user. On the other hand, in the privilege definition data 543 for viewing users, the content of the privilege (classified and distributed) granted to the viewing users of the corresponding content is set in association with each ranking order in the ranking for each content.

[0180] User management data 590 is prepared for each registered user. One user management data 590 includes, for example, as shown in FIG. 15, a unique user account 591, payment medium ledger data 592, avatar setting data 593, a list of owned transmission images 594, the number of owned forced generation items 595, and transmission log data 596.

[0181] The payment medium ledger data 592 stores information on the income and expenditure of electronic payment media (currency points in this embodiment) associated with the user, for example, the purchase date and time and purchase quantity (billing amount) history of currency points, the consumption date and time and consumption quantity history of currency points, etc.

[0182] The avatar setting data 593 stores the setting data of the avatar 4 of the user.

[0183] The list of owned transmission images 594 stores the number of owned transmission images in association with the types of transmission images 8 owned by the user.

[0184] The transmission log data 596 is created every time the user performs a transmission operation (text transmission operation / image transmission operation) as a viewing user. One transmission log data 596 stores, for example, the transmission date and time, the distribution title of the transmission target, the user account of the providing user who provided the content of the transmission target, the transmission content (the transmitted text and the type of transmission image), etc.

[0185] The distribution management data 600 is prepared for each distribution and stores various data describing the distribution status. One distribution management data 600 includes, for example, as shown in FIG. 16, a distribution title 601, a distribution schedule 603, content data 605, attached information 607, viewing user management data 609, avatar display management data 611, text transmission performance data 613, image transmission performance data 615, current support points 617, current continuous combo chain count 619, current combined combo chain count 621, current total number of transmission operations 623, generation instruction operation flag 625, and fever time generation status data 630. In addition, for example, background data defining the background of the viewing screen (e.g., viewing screen W1 or viewing screen W11) and material data for performing various production displays during fever time are stored.

[0186] The viewing user management data 609 stores various data related to the viewing users registered for the content (distribution content) related to the distribution. For example, it stores access information (e.g., IP address) for communicating and connecting to the user terminals 1500 of the viewing users via the communication line 9 in association with the user accounts of all the registered viewing users.

[0187] The avatar display management data 611 stores various data describing the display status of the avatars of each viewing user in the transmission content display unit 36. For example, in association with the user accounts of each viewing user, the avatar data, arrangement position coordinates, display size, etc. are set.

[0188] The image transmission performance data 615 is created each time a viewing user performs an image transmission operation on the viewing terminal. One image transmission performance data 615 includes the user account of the viewing user who is the transmitter, the transmission timing, the transmission content data (the transmitted image data for transmission), and its display duration (a copy of the display duration 529).

[0189] The text transmission performance data 613 is created every time a viewing user performs a text transmission operation on the viewing terminal. One text transmission performance data 613 includes the user account of the viewing user who is the sender, the transmission timing, the transmission content data (the transmitted text, font, font size, etc.), and its display duration.

[0190] The generation instruction operation flag 625 stores the presence or absence (present: ON / absent: OFF) of the generation instruction operation by the providing user. The event generation condition determination unit 215 initializes the generation instruction operation flag 625 to "OFF" at the start of content distribution, and accepts the generation instruction operation of the providing user only while the generation instruction operation flag 625 is "OFF". Then, when accepting from the providing terminal that the generation instruction operation has been input, the generation instruction operation flag 625 is updated to "ON".

[0191] The fever time generation status data 630 stores a fever time generation flag (generation: ON / non-generation: OFF) 631 and a fever time end time 633.

[0192] Returning to FIG. 10, the continuous combo condition setting 700 includes an applicable continuity determination condition 701 and an applicable continuous combo reference value 703. In the present embodiment, since the continuity determination condition is fixed, the continuity determination condition definition data 531 is copied to the applicable continuity determination condition 701. The continuous combo scale requirement definition data 550 is copied to the applicable continuous combo reference value 703.

[0193] The combined combo condition setting 710 includes an application continuity determination condition 711, an application relevance determination condition 713, and an application combined combo reference value 715. In the application continuity determination condition 711, the continuity determination condition definition data 531 is copied. In the application relevance determination condition 713, the relevance ID 541 of the definition data retrieved as the selection condition 542 matching from among a plurality of types of relevance determination condition definition data 540 is copied. In the application combined combo reference value 715, the combined combo reference value 565 of the combined combo scale requirement definition data 560 in which the relevance ID of the application relevance determination condition 713 is set as the corresponding relevance ID 563 is copied.

[0194] In the operation count condition setting 720, the operation count condition definition data (total number of transmission operation reference value) 570 is copied.

[0195] In the application magnification 730, "equal magnification" is set when the fever time does not occur, and when the fever time occurs, the magnification 581 of the fever time definition data 580 is set.

[0196] The ranking data 740 stores the ranking results of the user-by-user ranking and the content-by-content ranking calculated by the ranking calculation unit 227 at predetermined intervals.

[0197] 2. Viewing terminal FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration example of a user terminal 1500 (1500a, 1500b,...) serving as a viewing terminal. As shown in FIG. 17, the user terminal 1500 (1500a, 1500b,...) serving as a viewing terminal includes an operation input unit 100, an imaging unit 102, a sound collection unit 104, a terminal processing unit 200, an image display unit 390, a sound output unit 392, a communication unit 394, and a terminal storage unit 500.

[0198] The operation input unit 100 is for the user to input various operations, and can be realized by, for example, button switches, joysticks, touch pads, trackballs, acceleration sensors, angular velocity sensors, etc. In FIG. 2, the direction input key 1502, the home key 1504, and the touch panel 1506 correspond to this.

[0199] The imaging unit 102 receives light from the imaging target, converts it into an electrical signal, generates digital image data, and outputs it to the terminal processing unit 200. For example, it can be realized by photoelectric conversion elements such as lenses, mechanical shutters, shutter drivers, CCD image sensor modules and CMOS image sensor modules, digital signal processors (DSPs) that read the charge amount from the photoelectric conversion elements to generate image data, IC memories, etc. In FIG. 2, the image sensor module 1520 corresponds to this.

[0200] The sound collection unit 104 converts the collected sound into an electrical signal and outputs it. In FIG. 2, the microphone 1512 corresponds to this.

[0201] The terminal processing unit 200 can be realized by a processor such as an arithmetic circuit such as a CPU, GPU, ASIC, FPGA, etc., and electronic components such as an IC memory, and performs input / output control of data with each part of the device including the operation input unit 100 and the terminal storage unit 500. Then, various arithmetic processes are performed based on a predetermined program, data, an operation input signal from the operation input unit 100, data received from the streaming server 1100, etc., and the operation of the user terminal 1500 as a viewing terminal is comprehensively controlled. In FIG. 2, the control board 1550 and its CPU 1551 correspond to this. And the terminal processing unit 200 of the viewing terminal in this embodiment includes a viewing terminal arithmetic unit 260, a timing unit 280, a sound generation unit 292, and a communication control unit 294.

[0202] The viewing terminal arithmetic unit 260 includes an operation signal transmission control unit 262 and a viewing screen display control unit 264.

[0203] The operation signal transmission control unit 262 performs processing for transmitting various data and request information to the streaming server 1100 in response to an operation input to the operation input unit 100.

[0204] The viewing screen display control unit 264 performs control for displaying viewing screens W1 and W11 based on various data received from the streaming server 1100.

[0205] The sound generation unit 292 is realized by a processor such as a DSP or a voice synthesis IC, an audio codec capable of playing back voice files, etc., and generates sound signals of sound effects, BGM, and various operation sounds related to video distribution and outputs them to the sound output unit 392.

[0206] The communication control unit 294 performs communication connection and data processing for data communication with an external device (for example, the streaming server 1100) via the communication unit 394, and realizes data exchange with the external device.

[0207] The image display unit 390 displays various screens such as viewing screens W1 and W11 based on the image signal input from the viewing screen display control unit 264. For example, it can be realized by an image display device such as a flat panel display, a cathode ray tube (CRT), a projector, or a head-mounted display. In this embodiment, in FIG. 2, the touch panel 1506 corresponds to this.

[0208] The sound output unit 392 outputs BGM and the like as sound based on the sound signal input from the sound generation unit 292. In FIG. 2, the speaker 1510 corresponds to this.

[0209] The communication unit 394 is connected to the communication line 9 to realize communication. For example, it can be realized by a wireless communication device, a modem, a TA, a jack of a wired communication cable, a control circuit, etc. In FIG. 2, the wireless communication module 1553 corresponds to this.

[0210] In the terminal memory unit 500, a program for operating the user terminal 1500 as a viewing terminal and realizing the functions of the viewing terminal included in the user terminal 1500, data used during the execution of this program, etc. are stored in advance, or temporarily stored each time processing is performed. For example, it can be realized by an IC memory such as a RAM or ROM, a magnetic disk such as a hard disk, an optical disk such as a CD-ROM or DVD, etc. In FIG. 2, the IC memory 1552 and the memory card 1540 correspond to this.

[0211] Also, in the terminal memory unit 500 of the viewing terminal, a viewing terminal program 504, a received distribution data group 800, a transmission image assignment setting 802, and the current date and time 900 are stored. Of course, programs and data other than these can also be stored as appropriate.

[0212] The viewing terminal program 504 is a program for causing the terminal processing unit 200 to function as the viewing terminal arithmetic unit 260. In the present embodiment, it is a copy of the distribution viewing terminal program 505 (see FIG. 10) provided from the streaming server 1100.

[0213] The received distribution data group 800 stores various distribution data received from the streaming server 1100 during distribution.

[0214] The transmission image assignment setting 802 indicates the assignment of the transmission image 8 to the image transmission operation icon 34. Specifically, it stores the type of the transmission image 8 of the assigned transmission image 8.

[0215] 3. Providing Terminal FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration example of the user terminal 1500 (1500T) serving as the providing terminal. In FIG. 18, the same components as those of the user terminal 1500 (1500a, 1500b,...) serving as the viewing terminal are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0216] In the user terminal 1500 (1500T) serving as the providing terminal, the terminal processing unit 200 performs various arithmetic processes based on a predetermined program, data, an operation input signal from the operation input unit 100, data received from the streaming server 1100, etc., and comprehensively controls the operation of the user terminal 1500 as the providing terminal. Then, the terminal processing unit 200 of the providing terminal includes a providing terminal arithmetic unit 270, a timing unit 280, a sound generation unit 292, and a communication control unit 294.

[0217] The providing terminal arithmetic unit 270 includes an operation signal transmission control unit 272, a content providing control unit 274, and a providing screen display control unit 276.

[0218] The operation signal transmission control unit 272 performs processing for transmitting various data and request information to the streaming server 1100 in response to an operation input to the operation input unit 100.

[0219] The content providing control unit 274 performs processing related to the generation of distribution content data and the providing control to the streaming server 1100. In the case of live distribution, it realizes the function as a live streaming encoder that encodes the images captured by the imaging unit 102 one by one and performs providing control to the streaming server 1100.

[0220] The providing screen display control unit 276 performs control for displaying the providing screen. The providing screen is an operation screen that accepts various operations for the live distribution of content and also serves as a monitor screen for monitoring the distribution status.

[0221] In the terminal storage unit 500, a program for operating the user terminal 1500 as the providing terminal and realizing the functions of the providing terminal included in the user terminal 1500, data used during the execution of this program, etc. are stored in advance or temporarily stored each time processing is performed. For example, it can be realized by an IC memory such as a RAM or ROM, a magnetic disk such as a hard disk, an optical disk such as a CD-ROM or DVD, etc.

[0222] In addition, the terminal storage unit 500 of the providing terminal stores a providing terminal program 506, a received distribution data group 800, providing content data 810, and the current date and time 900. Of course, programs and data other than these can also be stored as appropriate.

[0223] The providing terminal program 506 is a program for causing the terminal processing unit 200 to function as the providing terminal arithmetic unit 270. In this embodiment, it is a copy of the distribution-providing terminal program 507 (see FIG. 10) provided from the streaming server 1100.

[0224] The received distribution data group 800 stores various distribution data received from the streaming server 1100 when providing content.

[0225] The providing content data 810 includes a registration-time distribution title 811, a registration-time distribution schedule 813, registration-time zone information 815, and providing content data 817. The registration-time distribution title 811, the registration-time distribution schedule 813, and the registration-time zone information 815 store the setting data at the time of performing the distribution registration procedure as the providing user, respectively. The providing content data 817 is the original data of the content for distribution.

[0226] [Flow of processing] 1. Streaming server FIGS. 19 to 21 are flowcharts showing the flow of processing related to the live distribution of content in the streaming server 1100. The processing described here is realized by the server processing unit 200s reading and executing the server program 503. The calculation of the rankings for each providing user and for each content by the ranking calculation unit 227 and the granting of privileges based on those rankings by the first privilege granting processing unit 229 (first privilege granting processing) are performed at a predetermined cycle separately from this processing.

[0227] Here, it is assumed that the content delivery title, delivery schedule, and attached information have already been set in accordance with the delivery registration procedure by the providing user. Also, it is assumed that the viewing terminal of the viewing user has already completed a separate login procedure.

[0228] First, the content delivery service management unit 206 initializes the delivery management data 600 (step S100). Note that the delivery title 601, delivery schedule 603, and attached information 607 have already been set in accordance with the delivery registration procedure. Since the content data 605 is for live delivery, it is not stored until the delivery starts. If it is not a live delivery, the data of the pre-prepared content will be stored.

[0229] Subsequently, based on the viewing user management data 609, the content delivery service management unit 206 starts delivering various delivery data for the viewing terminal and the providing terminal, such as avatar display management data 611, text transmission performance data 613, image transmission performance data 615, current support points 617, current continuous combo chain count 619, current combined combo chain count 621, current total transmission operation count 623, generation instruction operation flag 625, fever time generation status data 630, held transmission image list 594, held forced generation item count 595, etc. (step S102: Delivery α). The delivery timing can be, for example, when those delivery data are added, deleted, or updated, or when a new viewing user is registered, etc., but it may also be delivered at a predetermined cycle.

[0230] After that, the content delivery service management unit 206 monitors the reception of viewing requests (step S104). The viewing request is sent to the streaming server 1100 together with information such as the user account when the viewing user selects the delivery title to be viewed on the user terminal 1500 (1500a, 1500b,...) functioning as a viewing terminal and performs a predetermined viewing operation.

[0231] When this viewing request is received (YES in step S104), the distribution service management unit 206 creates new viewing user management data 609 and registers the user of the viewing terminal as a viewer as a viewing user (step S106).

[0232] Then, the avatar display control unit 208 creates new avatar display management data 611 so that the avatar related to the viewing user is displayed on the transmission content display unit 36 (step S108).

[0233] As described above, the distribution of the avatar display management data 611 has been started in step S102, so the newly created avatar display management data 611 is also distributed to the viewing terminal. The viewing terminal will update the display of each avatar based on this. As a result, on the viewing screen W1, it looks as if a new virtual viewer has appeared in front of the screen.

[0234] Thereby, the virtual experience of watching the distribution together becomes richer, and a sense of unity among viewers is created. And the sense of unity among viewers becomes the thought of everyone trying to liven up the viewing environment, which promotes the active transmission by the viewing user, and finally becomes one of the factors that the distribution service of this embodiment brings a more enjoyable and fulfilling user experience than the conventional distribution service.

[0235] Subsequently, the online shopping management unit 204 monitors the reception of purchase requests (step S110). The purchase request is transmitted to the streaming server 1100 when the viewing user performs a predetermined purchase operation (for example, an operation on the shopping icon 37 in FIG. 3) on the viewing terminal.

[0236] When this purchase request is received (YES in step S110), the online shopping management unit 204 executes processes related to online shopping, such as purchase processing of the transmission image and forced generation items (step S112). Along with this purchase, the list 594 of the transmission images held by the viewing user who made the purchase request and the number 595 of the forced generation items held are updated, and these are also distributed to the viewing terminal.

[0237] Also, the transmission service management unit 210 monitors the reception of text transmission requests (step S114). When the viewing user performs a text transmission operation on the viewing terminal, the text transmission request is transmitted to the streaming server 1100 together with information such as the user account and the transmission content (text).

[0238] When this text transmission request is received (YES in step S114), the transmission service management unit 210 creates text transmission performance data 613 for the received new transmission content, creates and updates the transmission log data 596 of the viewing user who made the request (step S116).

[0239] In this way, even before the live distribution, the viewing user can send text messages or purchase transmission images, etc., and can freely talk about their expectations for the live among viewing users before the live starts, and can prepare transmission images, etc. in preparation for the start of the live.

[0240] After that, when the scheduled start time of the live distribution is reached (YES in step S118), the distribution service management unit 206 starts the live distribution of the content (step S120). By the processing here, the reception of the content data from the providing terminal and the distribution to the viewing terminal are started.

[0241] If the delivery of content has started, the continuous combo determination unit 217 starts continuous combo determination processing (step S122). In the continuous combo determination processing started here, first, the continuity determination condition definition data 531 is stored in the applicable continuity determination condition 701, and the continuous combo scale requirement definition data 550 is stored in the applicable continuous combo reference value 703. Also, the current continuous combo chain count 619 is initialized to "0".

[0242] Then, in the continuous combo determination processing, every time an image transmission request is received, the following processing is performed. That is, first, based on the applicable continuity determination condition (continuity determination time difference Δt) 701, it is determined whether the time difference in the transmission timing from the previous transmission result data 636 is Δt or less. If it is Δt or less, the current continuous combo chain count 619 is incremented by 1 and updated. Then, when the current continuous combo chain count 619 has reached the applicable continuous combo reference value 703 and satisfies the scale requirement, it is determined that the continuous combo generation condition is satisfied. If it exceeds Δt, the current continuous combo chain count 619 is set to "0".

[0243] Also, the combined combo determination unit 219 starts combined combo determination processing (step S124). In the combined combo determination processing started here, first, the continuity determination condition definition data 531 is stored in the applicable continuity determination condition 711. Next, the definition data that matches the selection condition 542 is searched from among the plurality of relevance determination condition definition data 540, and the searched relevance determination condition definition data 540 is stored in the applicable relevance determination condition 713. Then, the definition data in which the relevance ID of the applicable relevance determination condition 713 is set as the corresponding relevance ID 563 is searched from among the plurality of combined combo scale requirement definition data 560, and the combined combo reference value 565 of the searched combined combo scale requirement definition data 560 is stored in the applicable combined combo reference value 715. Also, the current combined combo chain count 621 is initialized to "0".

[0244] In the combined combo determination process, the following process is performed each time an image transmission request is received. That is, first, based on the application continuity determination condition (continuity determination time difference Δt) 711, it is determined whether the time difference in the transmission timing from the previous transmission result data 636 is Δt or less. And when it is Δt or less, it is determined whether the current transmission image 8 and the previous transmission image 8 satisfy the relevance determination condition of the application relevance determination condition 713. If satisfied, the current combined combo chain count 621 is incremented by one and updated. Then, when the current continuous combo chain count 619 has reached the applicable combined combo reference value 715 and satisfies the scale requirement, it is determined that the combined combo generation condition is satisfied. Note that when it exceeds Δt, the current continuous combo chain count 619 is set to "0".

[0245] Also, the event occurrence condition determination unit 215 stores the operation count condition definition data 570 in the operation count condition setting 720 (step S126).

[0246] Also, the support point calculation unit 213 starts the support point calculation process (step S128). In the support point calculation process started here, the support point calculation unit 213 monitors the reception of the image transmission request. When the viewing user performs an image transmission operation on the viewing terminal, the image transmission request is transmitted to the streaming server 1100 together with the user account and the image type of the transmission image 8 which is the content of the transmission. It may also be configured such that the image data itself of the transmission image 8 is transmitted.

[0247] And each time an image transmission request is received, it is adjusted by multiplying the addition point number 525 of the transmission image 8 by the application magnification 730 and added to the support point. In step S178 described later, the application magnification 730 during the fever time is changed from "equal magnification" to, for example, "1.5 times" for the fever time. Therefore, during the fever time, the addition point number is multiplied by 1.5 and added to the support point.

[0248] After that, as shown in FIG. 20, the online shopping management unit 204 monitors the reception of purchase requests (step S130). When a purchase request is received (YES in step S130), it executes processing related to online shopping (step S132).

[0249] Also, the transmission service management unit 210 monitors the reception of text transmission requests (step S134). When a text transmission request is received (YES in step S134), it creates text transmission performance data 613 for the newly received transmission content and creates and updates the transmission log data 596 of the requested viewing user (step S136).

[0250] Also, the transmission service management unit 210 monitors the reception of image transmission requests (step S138). When an image transmission request is received (YES in step S138), it creates image transmission performance data 615 for the newly received transmission content and creates and updates the transmission log data 596 of the requested viewing user (step S140). Also, it consumes one of the transmitted images 8 for transmission and updates the held image list 594 for transmission (step S142).

[0251] In response to the event occurrence condition determination unit 215 determining that the event occurrence condition is satisfied, the event control unit 225 performs event control to generate fever time. That is, first, when it is determined in the continuous combo determination process started in step S122 that the continuous combo occurrence condition is satisfied, or when it is determined in the combined combo determination process started in step S124 that the combined combo occurrence condition is satisfied (YES in step S144), the fever time occurrence flag 631 is determined. If the fever time occurrence flag 631 is "OFF" and fever time has not occurred (YES in step S146), the fever time occurrence flag 631 is updated to "ON" (step S148), and the fever time length corresponding to the continuous combo occurrence condition or the combined combo occurrence condition determined to be satisfied in step S144 is read from the fever time definition data 580, and the fever time end time 633 is set (step S150). Then, the process proceeds to step S178 in FIG. 21.

[0252] Next, when the total number of current transmission operations 623 reaches the operation count condition setting 720 (YES in step S152), the fever time occurrence flag 631 is determined. If the fever time occurrence flag 631 is "OFF" (YES in step S154), it is updated to "ON" (step S156), and the fever time length corresponding to the operation count condition is read from the fever time definition data 580, and the fever time end time 633 is set (step S158). On the other hand, if the fever time occurrence flag 631 is "ON" (NO in step S154), the extended time length corresponding to the operation count condition is read from the fever time definition data 580, and the read extended time length is added to the fever time end time 633 and updated (step S160). Then, the process proceeds to step S178.

[0253] Next, as shown in FIG. 21, when a notification indicating that a paid generation instruction operation has been received by the viewing terminal is received (step S162: YES), one forced generation item is consumed and the number of held forced generation items 595 is updated (step S164). Then, the fever time generation flag 631 is updated to "ON" (step S166), and the fever time length corresponding to the paid generation instruction operation of the forced generation condition is read from the fever time definition data 580, and the fever time end time 633 is set (step S168). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S178.

[0254] Next, when a notification indicating that a generation instruction operation has been received by the providing terminal is received (step S170: YES), the consideration collection processing unit 223 performs a process of collecting currency points corresponding to the consideration of the generation instruction operation from the providing user (step S172). Thereafter, the event control unit 225 updates the fever time generation flag 631 to "ON" (step S174), reads the fever time length corresponding to the generation instruction operation of the forced generation condition from the fever time definition data 580, and sets the fever time end time 633 (step S176). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S178.

[0255] Then, in step S178, the event control unit 225 stores the magnification 581 in the application magnification 730.

[0256] Also, during the fever time, the event control unit 225 monitors the fever time end time 633. When the fever time end time 633 is reached (YES in step S180), if it is a fever time due to satisfying the continuous combo generation condition (YES in step S182), the extension time length is calculated using the chain number Cs, and this is added to and updated at the fever time end time 633 (step S184). On the other hand, if it is not a fever time due to satisfying the continuous combo generation condition (YES in step S180), or if the extension time length calculated in step S184 is 0 (i.e., the chain number Cs is 0) and the fever time is not extended (YES in step S186), the application magnification 730 is reset to "1x" (step S188).

[0257] After that, until the distribution ends (NO in step S190), the process returns to step S130 in FIG. 20 and repeats the above-described process. When the distribution ends (YES in step S190), the series of processes ends.

[0258] 2. Viewing Terminal FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing related to viewing of content in the user terminal 1500 (1500a, 1500b,...) serving as a viewing terminal. The processing described here is realized by the terminal processing unit 200 reading and executing the viewing terminal program 504.

[0259] As shown in FIG. 22, first, the viewing terminal executes a login process (step S300). After that, when a predetermined viewing operation (including selection of content to be viewed) for viewing the distribution of content is detected (YES in step S310), the operation signal transmission control unit 262 transmits a viewing request to the streaming server 1100 (step S312: Communication A). In response to the viewing request received here, at the streaming server 1100, the user of the viewing terminal is registered as a viewer as a viewing user, and the distribution of various distribution data for displaying the viewing screens W1 and W11 is started to the viewing terminal (Distribution α). Then, at the viewing terminal, the viewing screen display control unit 264 receives these and stores them in the received distribution data group 800, and starts displaying the viewing screen (step S314). The display of the viewing screen started here realizes the display of the viewing screen W1 when the fever time does not occur and the display of the viewing screen W11 when the fever time occurs.

[0260] Also, when a purchase operation for sales targets such as the transmission image 8 and the forced generation item is detected (YES in step S320), the operation signal transmission control unit 262 transmits a purchase request to the streaming server 1100 (step S322: Communication B).

[0261] Also, when the operation signal transmission control unit 262 detects a text transmission operation (YES in step S330), it executes text input and editing processing (step S332), and transmits a text transmission request together with the input text to the streaming server 1100 (step S334: Communication C). Also, when an image transmission operation of one-touching the image transmission operation icon 34 is detected (YES in step S336), an image transmission request is transmitted to the streaming server 1100 together with the selected transmission image type (step S338: Communication D).

[0262] Here, as described above, the viewing terminal has started controlling the display of the viewing screens W1 and W11 based on various distribution data in step S314. Therefore, in steps S330 and S336, the transmission content transmitted by the viewing user on the viewing terminal or other viewing terminals will be displayed on the transmission content display unit 36. Specifically, the newly transmitted text is displayed by the bubble 5 from the avatar 4 of the sender, or the newly transmitted transmission image 8 is displayed by appearing from the avatar 4 of the sender. Note that the display of the transmission content that has exceeded the display duration is erased one by one.

[0263] Also, when a paid generation instruction operation for touching the forced generation item 355 on the general-purpose display unit 35 is detected (YES in step S340), a notification to that effect is transmitted to the streaming server 1100 (step S342: Communication E).

[0264] In addition, when the viewing terminal detects an operation for changing the assignment of the transmission image to the image transmission operation icon 34 (YES in step S350), it executes an assignment change process including controlling the display of the pop-up display W4 to change the transmission image assignment setting 802 (step S352).

[0265] After that, until the distribution ends (NO in step S360), it returns to step S320 and repeats the above-described processes. Then, when the distribution ends (YES in step S360), the series of processes ends.

[0266] 3. Providing Terminal FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing related to content provision in the user terminal 1500 (1500T) serving as the providing terminal. The processing described here is realized by the terminal processing unit 200 reading and executing the providing terminal program 506. Note that when the content is live relay content of a game play video, it is assumed that a separate game program is being executed.

[0267] As shown in FIG. 23, first, the viewing terminal executes a login process (step S500). After that, the provided screen display control unit 276 starts the display control of the provided screen (step S502).

[0268] Subsequently, the content providing control unit 274 sets the distribution title, distribution schedule, and attached information of the content to be provided and performs the registration procedure process (step S504). Then, when the scheduled distribution time arrives, the provision of the content is started (step S506: Communication F). In this embodiment, since live distribution is assumed, for example, in the case of live distribution by actual shooting, the content providing control unit 274 sequentially creates content data in which the sound collected by the sound collection unit 104 is added to the video captured by the imaging unit 102, and performs live streaming encoding and transmits it to the streaming server 1100. When live-distributing a game play video, content data is sequentially created by adding game sound to the video obtained by capturing the game screen. When the content is pre-prepared video data or the like, it is uploaded to the streaming server 1100 without waiting for the scheduled distribution time.

[0269] Also, when a generation instruction operation for touching the fever generation button on the provided screen is detected (YES in step S508), a notification to that effect is transmitted to the streaming server 1100 (step S510: Communication G).

[0270] Then, when the distribution of the content ends (YES in step S512), the series of processes ends.

[0271] As described above, according to the first embodiment, in the content distribution service, by using the function of transmitting text and images, it is possible to provide a more enjoyable and fulfilling user experience than the conventional service, and the distribution service can be improved.

[0272] 〔Second Embodiment〕 In the first embodiment, the support points related to the distribution content are aggregated for the image transmission operations of all viewing users to generate a fever time. On the other hand, it is also possible to group the viewing users, calculate the support points for each group, and generate a fever time for each group.

[0273] FIG. 24 is a diagram showing an example of a viewing screen when the fever time does not occur in the second embodiment. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the content in which a plurality of characters C1 (C1-1 to C1-3) appear is distributed as a video in which each character C1 dances to music. The viewing user 2 can register a favorite character (fan character) C from among the characters C1 prior to the distribution of the content.

[0274] First, in the present embodiment, the streaming server 1100 aggregates the image transmission operations performed on the user terminal 1500 of each viewing user 2 for each operation subject (viewing user 2) from the start to the end of the distribution, and updates and manages individual support points (support points for each viewing user). Further, the viewing users 2 are grouped according to which character C1 each viewing user 2 is a fan of, and the image transmission operations of the viewing users 2 belonging to each group are aggregated for each group, and the support points for each group (support points for each group) are updated and managed. In FIG. 24, the group G1 of the viewing users 2a, 2c, 2e of each avatar 4a, 4c, 4e who have registered as fans of the character C1-1 and the group G2 of the viewing users 2b, 2f, 2g of each avatar 4b, 4f, 4g who have registered as fans of the character C1-3 are illustrated by being surrounded by a broken line. In this case, for example, the support points for each group of the group G1 are calculated based on the image transmission operations performed by the three viewing users 2a, 2c, 2e.

[0275] Therefore, on the viewing screen, in the general-purpose display unit 35, there are provided a viewer-specific support point display unit 3511 related to the viewing user 2 (viewing user 2a in FIG. 24) and a group-specific support point display unit 3513 related to the group G1 to which the viewing user 2 (2a) belongs. Further, the general-purpose display unit 35 displays a combo gauge 3531 indicating the number of consecutive combo chains based on the image transmission operation of the viewing user 2 and a combo gauge 3533 indicating the number of consecutive combo chains based on the image transmission operations by each of the viewing users 2a, 2c, 2e of the group G1 to which the viewing user 2 (2a) belongs.

[0276] Then, the streaming server 1100 determines the consecutive combo generation conditions, combined combo generation conditions, and operation count conditions in units of groups and generates a fever time for each group. Also, regarding the conditions related to the operations of the viewing user 2 for the forced generation conditions, when any of the viewing users 2 performs a paid transmission instruction operation, a fever time is generated for the group to which the viewing user 2 belongs. That is, when a fever time is generated for a certain group, a multiplication factor (for example, 1.5 times) is multiplied by the number of added points of the transmission image 8 transmitted by the viewing user 2 belonging to the group and added to the viewer-specific support points and group-specific support points.

[0277] Also, at that time, the viewing user 2 involved in the occurrence of the fever time is specified as the viewing user to be adjusted. For example, if it is a fever time due to satisfying the continuous combo occurrence condition, the viewing user 2 who performed the image transmission operation related to the continuous combo is specified. To give an example, if two viewing users 2a and 2c repeatedly performed the image transmission operation to generate a continuous combo, and during that time, the viewing user 2e did not perform the image transmission operation even once, then the viewing users 2a and 2c are set as the viewing users to be adjusted. Then, for the specified viewing users 2 to be adjusted, the application magnification is further increased. In the above example, for the viewing user 2a and the viewing user 2c, a predetermined value (for example, 0.3) is added to the application magnification (1.5 times) for adjustment. And when the viewing user 2a or the viewing user 2c performs the image transmission operation during the fever time, the number of added points of the transmitted image for transmission 8 is multiplied by 1.8 and added to their viewing user-specific support points and group-specific support points. On the other hand, when the viewing user 2e performs the image transmission operation during the fever time, the application magnification remains 1.5 times.

[0278] Next, in the present embodiment, when the streaming server 1100 finishes distributing the content, it calculates a ranking for each viewing user 2 (viewing user-specific ranking) by arranging the viewing users 2 in the order of their viewing user-specific support points, and calculates a ranking for each group (group-specific ranking) by arranging each group in the order of their group-specific support points.

[0279] Then, the streaming server 1100 executes a process of awarding benefits to the viewing users 2 based on the group-specific ranking (second benefit awarding process). That is, in the second benefit awarding process, first, it is determined whether to award benefits to the viewing users 2 of each group from the ranking order of the group-specific ranking. And benefits are awarded to the viewing users 2 for whom it is determined to award benefits. For example, it can be said that benefits are awarded only to the viewing users 2 belonging to the group ranked first. Note that up to which ranking position benefits are awarded can be set as appropriate. And the benefits to be awarded may be set in advance in association with the ranking order.

[0280] Also, at that time, using the viewing transmission record (such as the number of image transmission operations during viewing of the viewing user 2 determined to be granted, the total value of the added points added to the support points by the image transmission operation, etc.) of each viewing user 2, privileges are distributed to each viewing user 2. The distribution (sorting) can be performed in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

[0281] In addition, the streaming server 1100 executes a process (third privilege granting process) of granting privileges to the viewing user 2 based on the viewing user ranking. That is, in the third privilege granting process, first, it is determined whether to grant a privilege to each viewing user 2 from the ranking order of the viewing user ranking. Then, a privilege is granted to the viewing user 2 determined to be granted. The ranking up to which the privilege is granted can be appropriately set in the same manner as in the second privilege granting process, and for the privilege to be granted, it may be set in advance in association with the ranking order.

[0282] [Functional Configuration] FIG. 25 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration example of the streaming server 1100 in the second embodiment, and FIG. 26 is a diagram showing an example of programs and data stored in the server storage unit 500s in the second embodiment. In each of FIGS. 25 and 26, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals. As shown in FIG. 25, in this embodiment, the transmission service management unit 210A of the server processing unit 200s includes a group setting unit 211A, a transmission content display control unit 212, a support point calculation unit 213A, an event occurrence condition determination unit 215A, a chain notification control unit 221, a consideration collection processing unit 223, an event control unit 225A, a ranking calculation unit 227A, a second privilege granting processing unit 233A, and a third privilege granting processing unit 235A.

[0283] At the start of content distribution, the group setting unit 211A performs a process of grouping the registered viewing users. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 24, in addition to a configuration in which grouping is performed by a viewing user registering a specific character being distributed, a configuration in which the viewing user selects the group to which he / she belongs may also be used. Then, the group setting unit 211A assigns a group ID to each grouped group, and generates group setting data 750A by associating each group ID with the user accounts of the viewing users belonging to the corresponding group.

[0284] The support point calculation unit 213A totals the image transmission operations for each viewing user to calculate the support points for each viewing user, and totals the image transmission operations for each group to calculate the support points for each group.

[0285] The event occurrence condition determination unit 215A does not target all viewing users as in the above-described embodiment, but determines the event occurrence conditions in units of groups.

[0286] When the event occurrence condition determination unit 215A determines that the event occurrence conditions are satisfied, the event control unit 225A generates a fever time for that group. This event control unit 225A includes a fever time extension processing unit 226 and an application magnification adjustment unit 231A.

[0287] The application magnification adjustment unit 231A identifies the adjustment target viewing users involved in the occurrence of the fever time, and adjusts the application magnification 730 applied to the image transmission operations of the adjustment target users during the fever time.

[0288] At the end of content distribution, the ranking calculation unit 227A calculates the viewing user-specific ranking based on the support points for each viewing user, and calculates the group-specific ranking based on the support points for each group.

[0289] The second privilege granting processing unit 233A executes a second privilege granting process for granting privileges to viewing users based on the group-by ranking.

[0290] The third privilege granting processing unit 235A executes a third privilege granting process for granting privileges to viewing users based on the viewer-user-by ranking.

[0291] Also, as shown in FIG. 26, the server storage unit 500s stores a server program 503A, a distribution viewing terminal program 505, a distribution providing terminal program 507, sales item management data 509, transmission service initial setting data 510, user management data 590, distribution management data 600A, continuous combo condition setting 700, combined combo condition setting 710, operation count condition setting 720, group setting data 750A, application magnification 730A, ranking data 740A, and current date and time 900. In addition, other necessary data such as image data of the background image of the viewing screen and material data for creating / editing avatars are appropriately stored.

[0292] The distribution management data 600A can be realized with a data configuration generally similar to the distribution management data 600 of the above-described embodiment shown in FIG. 16. However, the current values of the viewer-user-by support points and group-by support points are set in the current support points 617, and the current values of the total number of transmission operations for each group are set in the current total number of transmission operations 623. Also, the fever time occurrence status data 630 is prepared for each group.

[0293] The group setting data 750A stores the group classification information of each viewer user set by the group setting unit 211A.

[0294] The applicable magnification 730A stores the applicable magnification for each viewer user. When there is no fever time, the applicable magnification for all viewing users is set to "equal magnification" in this applicable magnification 730A. On the other hand, when fever time occurs, the applicable magnification for the viewing users belonging to the corresponding group is set to "1.5 times", and a predetermined value (for example, 0.3) is further added to the applicable magnification of the viewing users to be adjusted among them to make it "1.8 times".

[0295] The ranking data 740A stores the ranking results of the viewer-specific ranking and the group-specific ranking of the viewing users calculated by the ranking calculation unit 227A at the end of the content distribution.

[0296] [Flow of processing] The processing related to the live distribution of content in the streaming server 1100 of the second embodiment can be performed in substantially the same procedure as the processing procedure of the above embodiment shown in FIGS. 19 to 21. However, in this embodiment, at the start of content distribution, the registered viewer users are grouped. Also, in the support point calculation process after the start of distribution, the support points for each viewer user and the support points for each group are calculated. Then, each process such as the determination of the event occurrence condition and event control is performed for each group, and fever time is generated in units of groups. Also, at the end of content distribution, the viewer-specific ranking and the group-specific ranking are calculated, and the second privilege granting process and the third privilege granting process are sequentially executed to grant the privilege to be granted to the viewer 2 to be granted (mountain-sorting distribution).

[0297] As described above, according to the second embodiment, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be achieved. Also, it becomes possible to individually support specific characters (for example, characters) in the distributed content, or for viewers who support the same character to form a group and support the character together, further enhancing the feeling that all viewers are livening up the content and making it possible to further improve the user experience.

[0298] Note that the applicable forms of the present invention are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and components can be added, omitted, or modified as appropriate.

[0299] [Modification Example 1] For example, in each of the above-described embodiments, an example of realizing a distribution service in a client-server type computer system has been given. However, it may also be realized in a computer system in which a plurality of user terminals 1500 are peer-to-peer connected. In that case, any one of the user terminals 1500 may be made to function as the streaming server 1100. Alternatively, a configuration may be adopted in which the functions of the distribution service management unit 206 are shared among a plurality of user terminals 1500.

[0300] [Modification Example 2] In addition, each of the above-described embodiments is applicable to other services as long as a plurality of users can access simultaneously and each can perform a transmission operation of text or an image.

[0301] For example, the screen portion below the general-purpose display unit 35 of the viewing screen can be made into a chat screen to which the chat function of the social networking service is applied. FIGS. 27 and 28 are diagrams showing display examples in that case.

[0302] On the left side of the lower chat screen 38, an avatar 4a of the viewing user 2a who uses the user terminal 1500 on which the screen is displayed is shown, the text transmitted by the viewing user 2a is shown in the speech balloon 5a, and the transmission image 8 transmitted by the viewing user 2a appears and is shown from the avatar 4. On the other hand, on the right side of the chat screen 38, avatars 4b, etc. of other viewing users 2b, etc. are shown, the text transmitted by them is shown in the speech balloon 5, and the transmission image 8 transmitted by the image transmission operation appears and is shown from the avatar 4. And in this modification example, during the fever time, the background of the chat screen 38 is appropriately changed to special background data, and the appearance display of the transmission image 8 transmitted by each viewing user 2 is produced.

[0303] Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 28, a content screen 39 composed of a supplementary information display section 31, a content display section 32, and a general-purpose display section 35 of the viewing screen may be displayed at the center of the chat screen 38. On both sides of the content screen 39, similar to the case of FIG. 27, an avatar 4a of the viewing user 2a using the user terminal 1500 on which the screen is displayed, an avatar 4b of another viewing user 2b, etc. are displayed, and a text is displayed in the speech bubble 5 and a transmission image 8 appears. The display position of the content screen 39 is fixed and always displayed at the center of the chat screen 38. On the other hand, the appearance display of the avatars 4, speech bubbles 5, and transmission images 8 on both sides surrounded by the dashed line scrolls when a new transmission operation is performed.

Explanation of Signs

[0304] 1000…Content providing system 1100…Streaming server 200s…Server processing section 202…User management section 204…Online shopping management section 206…Distribution service management section 208…Avatar display control section 210, 210A…Transmission service management section 212…Transmission content display control section 213, 213A…Support point calculation section 215, 215A…Event occurrence condition determination section 217…Continuous combo determination section 219…Combination combo determination section 221…Chain notification control section 223…Consideration collection processing section 225, 225A…Event control section 226…Fever time extension processing section 227, 227A…Ranking calculation section 229…First privilege granting processing section 211A…Group setting section 233A…Second privilege granting processing section 235A…Third privilege granting processing section 500s… Server storage unit 503, 503A… Server programs 505… Distribution viewing terminal program 507… Distribution providing terminal program 509… Sales product management data 510… Transmission service initial setting data 590… User management data 600, 600A… Distribution management data 700… Continuous combo condition setting 710… Combined combo condition setting 720… Operation count condition setting 730, 730A… Application magnification 740, 740A… Ranking data 750A… Group setting data 1500(1500a, 1500b, …, 1500T)… User terminals 100… Operation input unit 102… Imaging unit 104… Sound collection unit 200… Terminal processing unit 262, 272… Operation signal transmission control unit 264… Viewing screen display control unit 274… Content providing control unit 276… Providing screen display control unit 390… Image display unit 392… Sound output unit 394… Communication unit 500… Terminal storage unit 504… Viewing terminal program 506… Providing terminal program 800… Received distribution data group 802… Transmission image assignment setting 810… Provided content data 811… Distribution title at registration 813… Distribution schedule at registration 815… Time zone information at registration 817… Content data for providing 9… Communication line 2(2a, 2b, …, 2t)… Users W1, W11… Viewing screen 31… Supplementary information display section 33… Text transmission operation section 34… Image transmission operation icon 35… General-purpose display section 36… Transmission content display section 37… Shopping icon 38… Chat screen 4(4a, 4b, …)… Avatar 8… Image for transmission

Claims

1. A content distribution system that distributes content including at least video provided by a providing user to a user terminal of each viewing user, comprising: the user terminal includes a content display unit that displays the content, and a viewing screen on which a user can perform a call operation while viewing the content is displayed; A support point calculation means for calculating support points related to the content based on at least the calling operation; an event control means for generating an event in which, when an event generation condition including at least a condition based on the calling operation is satisfied, a larger support point can be calculated in the case where the event occurs than in the case where the event does not occur for the same calling operation; A content delivery system comprising:

2. the event control means determines whether the event generation condition is satisfied by including in the event generation condition that a state in which a chain condition is satisfied, the chain condition including at least a continuity determination condition for determining the continuity of the call operation based on the timing at which the call operation is performed, has continued for a predetermined period of time. The content distribution system according to claim 1 .

3. The link condition further includes that the plurality of calling operations to be judged satisfy a relation determination condition for determining a relation between the calling operations. The content distribution system according to claim 2 .

4. a chain notification control means for controlling notification of a current continuation status of the state in which the chain condition is satisfied to the user terminal; 4. The content delivery system according to claim 2, further comprising:

5. the event control means changes an end time of the event based on a state in which the chain condition is satisfied during the generated event. A content distribution system according to any one of claims 2 to 4.

6. the event control means determines that the event condition is satisfied when the total number of the calling operations reaches a predetermined number. A content distribution system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. There are a plurality of types of the calling operation, and some of the plurality of types are associated with the providing user or the content; the event control means has a means for determining whether or not the event condition is satisfied based on the associated type of call operation. A content distribution system according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. a ranking calculation means for calculating a ranking for each of the providing users or each of the content based on at least the support points; The content distribution system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising:

9. a first viewing user privilege granting means for determining whether or not to grant a privilege to the viewing user based on a result of the ranking, and granting a privilege to each of the viewing users in accordance with a record of the calling operation of the viewing user when it is determined that a privilege should be granted; The content distribution system according to claim 8 .

10. the event control means determines, for each group made up of viewing users of the content being viewed, whether the event occurrence condition is satisfied based on the call operation of the viewing users belonging to the group, and controls the occurrence of the event on a group-by-group basis. A content distribution system according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The cheering point calculation means calculates the cheering points for each of the groups, A group ranking means for ranking the groups based on the cheering points for each group is provided. The content distribution system according to claim 10.

12. a second viewing user privilege granting means for determining whether or not to grant a privilege to a viewing user belonging to the group based on the ranking of the group ranked by the group ranking means, and granting a privilege to each viewing user belonging to the group in accordance with the record of the calling operation of the viewing user when it is determined that a privilege should be granted; The content delivery system according to claim 10, comprising:

13. The support point calculation means calculates the support points for each of the viewing users, A viewing user ranking means for ranking the viewing users based on the support points for each viewing user, A content distribution system according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. a third viewing user privilege granting means for determining a viewing user to which a privilege is to be granted and a privilege to be granted based on the ranking of the viewing users ranked by the viewing user ranking means, and granting the determined privilege to the viewing user to which the privilege is to be granted; The content distribution system according to claim 13, comprising:

15. the event control means generates the event when a generation instruction operation is performed by the providing user, regardless of whether the event generation condition is satisfied. A content distribution system according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

16. a fee collection means for collecting a fee for the generating instruction operation from the providing user; The content distribution system according to claim 15, comprising:

17. the event control means generates the event when a paid generation instruction operation is performed by the viewing user to generate the event in exchange for the viewing user's consumption of a specific item or virtual currency, regardless of whether the event generation condition is satisfied or not. A content distribution system according to any one of claims 1 to 16.

18. There are several types of calling operations, The support point calculation means calculates support points according to the type of the call operation. A content distribution system according to any one of claims 1 to 17.

19. A computer system comprising a user terminal of each viewing user and the content distribution system according to any one of claims 1 to 18.

Images