System, method, and program for distributing live video

Abstract

To provide a system, method, and program for promoting live video distribution by various distributors including novices.SOLUTION: A video distribution server 10 communicatively connected to user terminals 30 via a communication network 20 such as the Internet provides a live video distribution service for distributing and viewing live videos to users via the user terminals 30. The server 10 determines rank of a distributor based on the distribution performance of live videos, sets a standard remuneration amount for the distributor based on the determined rank, and grants the distributor a remuneration amount based on the distribution time of the live videos and the standard remuneration amount, so that even a novice distributor can earn a remuneration amount based on the distribution time and the standard remuneration amount by continuing to distribute the live videos.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in video distribution services, rewards are given to video posters / distributors. For example, rewards are given to posters and the like according to the number of times an advertisement incorporated in a video is played. Also, in a system for distributing live videos, during the distribution of a live video, viewers input items to the distributor, and a part of the sales of the items may be distributed to the distributor (see, for example, Patent Document 1 below).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the conventional reward mechanism as described above, well-known distributors having a large number of enthusiastic fans can obtain a lot of rewards, but beginner distributors who have just started distributing videos cannot expect a lot of rewards. For this reason, such rewards are difficult to be a motivation for beginner distributors to continue distributing videos. Therefore, it is considered that video distribution is promoted by realizing a mechanism that enables beginner distributors and the like to obtain appropriate rewards.

[0005] One object of an embodiment of the present invention is to promote the distribution of live videos by various distributors including beginners. Other objects of the embodiments of the present invention will become apparent by referring to the entire specification.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0006] A system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes one or more computer processors and is a system for delivering live videos. The one or more computer processors, in response to the execution of readable instructions, perform a process of delivering the live videos provided by each of a plurality of distributors to each of a plurality of viewers, a process of determining the rank of each of the plurality of distributors from among a predetermined plurality of ranks based at least on the delivery performance of the live videos of each of the plurality of distributors, a process of setting the reference reward quantity of each of the plurality of distributors based at least on the rank of each of the plurality of distributors, and a process of awarding a quantity of reward based at least on the delivery time of the live video and the reference reward quantity to each of the plurality of distributors.

[0007] A method according to an embodiment of the present invention is executed by one or more computers and is a method for delivering live videos. The method includes steps of delivering the live videos provided by each of a plurality of distributors to each of a plurality of viewers, determining the rank of each of the plurality of distributors from among a predetermined plurality of ranks based at least on the delivery performance of the live videos of each of the plurality of distributors, setting the reference reward quantity of each of the plurality of distributors based at least on the rank of each of the plurality of distributors, and awarding a quantity of reward based at least on the delivery time of the live video and the reference reward quantity to each of the plurality of distributors.

[0008] A program according to an embodiment of the present invention is a program for distributing live videos. When executed on one or more computers, the one or more computers are caused to perform processing for distributing live videos provided by each of a plurality of distributors to each of a plurality of viewers, processing for determining the rank of each of the plurality of distributors from among a predetermined plurality of ranks based at least on the distribution results of the live videos of each of the plurality of distributors, processing for setting a standard reward quantity for each of the plurality of distributors based at least on the rank of each of the plurality of distributors, and processing for awarding a reward in an amount based at least on the distribution time of the live video and the standard reward quantity to each of the plurality of distributors.

Advantages of the Invention

[0009] Various embodiments of the present invention promote the distribution of live videos by various distributors including beginners.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram schematically showing the configuration of a network including a video distribution server 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the video distribution server 10 is communicably connected to a user terminal 30 via a communication network 20 such as the Internet. In FIG. 1, only one user terminal 30 is shown, but the server 10 is communicably connected to a plurality of user terminals 30. The video distribution server 10 provides a live video distribution service for distributing and viewing live videos to users via the user terminal 30. In the present embodiment, the user of the user terminal 30 can distribute a live video as a distributor, and can also view a live video provided by other users as a viewer. The video distribution server 10 is an example of an apparatus that implements part or all of the system of the present invention.

[0013] The video distribution server 10 is configured as a general computer, and as shown in FIG. 1, includes a computer processor 11, a main memory 12, an input / output I / F 13, a communication I / F 14, and a storage (storage device) 15, and these components are electrically connected via a bus or the like (not shown).

[0014] The computer processor 11 is configured as a CPU, GPU, or the like, reads various programs stored in the storage 15 or the like into the main memory 12, and executes various instructions included in the programs. The main memory 12 is constituted by, for example, DRAM or the like.

[0015] The input / output I / F 13 includes various input / output devices for exchanging information with a user or the like. The input / output I / F 13 includes, for example, information input devices such as a keyboard and a pointing device (e.g., a mouse, a touch panel, etc.), a voice input device such as a microphone, and an image input device such as a camera. The input / output I / F 13 also includes an image output device such as a display and a voice output device such as a speaker.

[0016] The communication I / F 14 is implemented as hardware such as a network adapter, various communication software, and combinations thereof, and is configured to enable wired or wireless communication via a communication network 20 or the like.

[0017] The storage 15 is constituted by, for example, a magnetic disk, a flash memory, or the like. The storage 15 stores various programs including an operating system and various data and the like.

[0018] In the present embodiment, the video distribution server 10 can be configured using a plurality of computers each having the above-described hardware configuration. For example, the video distribution server 10 can be constituted by one or a plurality of server devices.

[0019] The video distribution server 10 configured as described above can be configured to have functions as a web server and an application server. In this case, in response to requests from a web browser and other applications (for example, an application for a live video distribution service) installed on the user terminal 30, it executes various processes and transmits screen data (for example, HTML data), control data, etc. corresponding to the results of the processes to the user terminal 30. On the user terminal 30, a web page or other screen based on the received data can be displayed.

[0020] The user terminal 30 is configured as a general computer and, as shown in FIG. 1, includes a computer processor 31, a main memory 32, an input / output I / F 33, a communication I / F 34, and a storage (storage device) 35, and these components are electrically connected via a bus or the like (not shown).

[0021] The computer processor 31 is configured as a CPU, GPU, etc., reads various programs stored in the storage 35, etc. into the main memory 32, and executes various instructions included in the programs. The main memory 32 is constituted by, for example, DRAM or the like.

[0022] The input / output I / F 33 is various input / output devices for exchanging information with a user or the like. The input / output I / F 33 includes, for example, information input devices such as a keyboard and a pointing device (for example, a mouse, a touch panel, etc.), a voice input device such as a microphone, and an image input device such as a camera. Further, the input / output I / F 33 includes an image output device such as a display and a voice output device such as a speaker.

[0023] The communication I / F 34 is implemented as hardware such as a network adapter, various communication software, and combinations thereof, and is configured to enable wired or wireless communication via a communication network 20 or the like.

[0024] The storage 35 is constituted by, for example, a magnetic disk or a flash memory. The storage 35 stores various programs including an operating system and various data. The programs stored in the storage 35 can be downloaded and installed from an application market or the like.

[0025] In the present embodiment, the user terminal 30 can be configured as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a wearable device, a personal computer, a dedicated game terminal, or the like.

[0026] The user of the user terminal 30 configured as described above can utilize the live video distribution service provided by the video distribution server 10 by executing communication with the video distribution server 10 via a web browser or other application installed in the storage 35 or the like.

[0027] Next, the functions of the video distribution server 10 of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing the functions of the video distribution server 10. As shown in the figure, the server 10 includes an information storage management unit 41 that stores and manages various information, a basic function control unit 43 that controls the basic functions of the live video distribution service, a video distribution control unit 45 that controls the distribution of live videos, and a reward management unit 47 that manages rewards for the distributors. These functions are realized by the cooperation of hardware such as a computer processor 11 and a main memory 12, and various programs and data stored in a storage 15 or the like. For example, they are realized by the computer processor 11 executing instructions included in the programs read into the main memory 12. Also, some or all of the functions of the server 10 shown in FIG. 2 can be realized by the cooperation of the server 10 and the user terminal 30, or can be realized by the user terminal 30.

[0028] The information storage and management unit 41 of the video distribution server 10 stores and manages various information in the storage 15 or the like. The information storage and management unit 41 may be configured to include, for example, a user information table 411 that manages information about users of the live video distribution service, and a distribution information table 412 that manages information related to the distribution of individual live videos, as shown in FIG. 2.

[0029] The basic function control unit 43 of the video distribution server 10 executes various processes related to the control of the basic functions of the live video distribution service. For example, the basic function control unit 43 transmits screen data or control data of various screens related to the basic functions to the user terminal 30, executes various processes in response to operation inputs by the user via the screen displayed on the user terminal 30, and transmits screen data or control data corresponding to the results of the processes to the user terminal 30. The basic functions controlled by the basic function control unit 43 include, for example, login processing (user authentication), billing control, user management (for example, updating of the user information table 411, etc.), and management of the distribution of individual live videos (for example, updating of the distribution information table 412, etc.).

[0030] The video distribution control unit 45 of the video distribution server 10 executes various processes related to the control of the distribution of live videos. For example, the video distribution control unit 45 is configured to distribute live videos provided by each of a plurality of distributors to each of a plurality of viewers. For example, the video distribution control unit 45 is configured to receive a live video transmitted from the user terminal 30 of the distributor (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "distributor terminal 30") and transmit the live video to the user terminal 30 of each of a plurality of viewers (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "viewer terminal 30"). The live video is composed of, for example, an image input via the camera of the distributor terminal 30 and audio input via the microphone. Such distribution of the live video can be performed, for example, in a streaming manner using a protocol such as HTTP Live Streaming (HLS).

[0031] The reward management unit 47 of the video distribution server 10 executes various processes related to the management of rewards for distributors. In the present embodiment, the reward management unit 47 is configured to determine the rank of each distributor from among a plurality of predetermined ranks based at least on the distribution results of the live videos of each distributor. Further, the reward management unit 47 is configured to set the standard reward quantity for each distributor based at least on the determined rank. The standard reward quantity is configured, for example, as the reward quantity per unit time (e.g., per hour). Further, the standard reward quantity is set, for example, so that the higher the rank, the greater the quantity.

[0032] Also, the reward management unit 47 is configured to grant a quantity of rewards based at least on the distribution time of the live video and the standard reward quantity to each distributor. For example, the reward management unit 47 is configured to grant to the distributor a quantity of rewards obtained by multiplying the distribution time of the live video in a predetermined period by the standard reward quantity. The rewards granted to the user are not limited to these, but include, for example, virtual and electronic items (including virtual currency), and real currency.

[0033] Thus, the video distribution server 10 in the present embodiment determines the rank of the distributor based on the distribution results of the live video, sets the standard reward quantity of the distributor based on the determined rank, and grants a quantity of rewards based on the distribution time of the live video and the standard reward quantity to the distributor. Therefore, even a beginner distributor can obtain a quantity of rewards based on the distribution time and the standard reward quantity by continuing to distribute the live video. In this way, the video distribution server 10 of the present embodiment promotes the distribution of live videos by various distributors including beginners.

[0034] In this embodiment, the distribution record of the live video used to determine the rank of the distributor may include various information. For example, the distribution record includes, but is not limited to, the input record of the input information input by the viewers during the distribution of the live video. The input information includes, for example, comments, likes, and virtual and electronic items, etc. In this case, the input record includes the number of comments, the number of likes, the number of items, etc. For example, the reward management unit 47 is configured to determine the rank of the distributor such that the higher the number of inputs of the input information by the viewers, the higher the rank. Such a configuration determines the rank of the distributor based on the input record of the input information by the viewers. Therefore, for example, it supports the distributor to encourage the input of the input information by the viewers, and as a result, promotes the activation of communication in the live video.

[0035] In addition, the reward management unit 47 may be configured to assign a predetermined point to the distributor based at least on the distribution record of the live video, and determine the rank of each distributor based at least on the predetermined point assigned to each distributor in a predetermined period. That is, the rank of the distributor may be configured to be determined via the predetermined point assigned based on the distribution record of the live video. Such a configuration determines the rank via the predetermined point, so it can give the distributor a sense of fun in obtaining the predetermined point.

[0036] In addition, for each rank group composed of one or a plurality of consecutive ranks, the reward management unit 47 may be configured to set the rank of the distributor based on the predetermined point assigned in a predetermined period, and determine the rank of each distributor such that the higher the set rank, the higher the rank up, while the lower the rank, the lower the rank down. Such a configuration performs rank up / rank down according to the rank based on the obtained predetermined point, so it can give the distributor a further sense of fun in obtaining the predetermined point.

[0037] In addition, the reward management unit 47 can be configured to determine the rank of each distributor based at least on the value of a predetermined parameter of each distributor, such that the rank increases as the rank based on the predetermined points is higher and decreases as the rank is lower. That is, the rank of the distributor can be configured to be determined via the value of a predetermined parameter that varies based on the rank based on the predetermined points. Such a configuration can give the distributor a sense of enjoyment regarding the variation in the value of the predetermined parameter.

[0038] In addition, the reward management unit 47 can be configured to rank up a distributor when the value of the predetermined parameter is equal to or greater than the rank-up threshold, and to rank down a distributor when the value of the predetermined parameter is equal to or less than the rank-down threshold. In this case, when the rank immediately above the current rank of the distributor is in the same rank group as the current rank group, the reward management unit 47 ranks up the distributor to the rank immediately above when the value of the predetermined parameter is equal to or greater than the first rank-up threshold, while when the rank immediately above is in a rank group different from the current rank group, the reward management unit 47 ranks up the distributor to the rank immediately above when the value of the predetermined parameter is equal to or greater than the second rank-up threshold, which is greater than the first rank-up threshold. Similarly, when the rank immediately below the current rank of the distributor is in the same rank group as the current rank group, the reward management unit 47 ranks down the distributor to the rank immediately below when the value of the predetermined parameter is equal to or less than the first rank-down threshold, while when the rank immediately below is in a rank group different from the current rank group, the reward management unit 47 ranks down the distributor to the rank immediately below when the value of the predetermined parameter is equal to or less than the second rank-down threshold, which is less than the first rank-down threshold. Such a configuration makes it less likely for rank-up / down across rank groups to occur compared to rank-up / down within the same rank group, and as a result, rapid rank fluctuations can be suppressed.

[0039] In addition, the reward management unit 47 may be configured to determine, for each live video distribution, whether the distribution is valid, and to grant a reward in an amount based at least on the distribution time of the live video excluding the distribution time in the distribution determined to be invalid and the reference reward quantity. That is, the reward management unit 47 may be configured to exclude the distribution time in the distribution determined to be invalid when determining the amount of the reward to be granted. For example, the reward management unit 47 may be configured to determine, for each live video distribution, whether the distribution is valid based on at least one of the distribution time, the number of viewers, the number of input information items input by the viewers, and the result of the image analysis of the live video. For example, a distribution in which the distribution time, the number of viewers, or the number of input information items from the viewers is equal to or less than their respective predetermined thresholds is determined to be an invalid distribution, or when the result of the image analysis of the live video, for example, no moving person is detected in the image, it is determined to be an invalid distribution. Such a configuration supports the granting of appropriately set rewards by excluding invalid distributions.

[0040] Next, a specific example of the video distribution server 10 of the present embodiment having such a function will be described. FIG. 3 illustrates the information managed in the user information table 411 in this example. The user information table 411 manages information related to users of the live video distribution service, and as shown in the figure, in association with a "user account" that identifies an individual user, "basic information" which is basic information of the user such as the account name, age, gender, etc., "distribution history information" which is information related to the distribution history of live videos, "viewing history information" which is information related to the viewing history of live videos distributed by other users, "followed user information" which is information related to other users followed by the user, "follower information" which is information related to other users (followers) who follow the user, "rank" which indicates the rank of the user as a distributor, "rank meter value" which is a parameter value for determining rank up / down (value of a predetermined parameter), "coin holding amount" which indicates the holding amount of virtual coins in the live video distribution service, "diamond holding amount" which also indicates the holding amount of virtual diamonds, etc. are managed.

[0041] Figure 4 is a diagram for explaining the "rank" in this example. As shown in the figure, in this example, there are six rank bands (rank groups) of "S", "A", "B", "C", "D", and "E". Each of the five rank bands of "S", "A", "B", "C", and "D" is composed of three ranks (for example, ranks obtained by adding "+" to the alphabet indicating the rank band like "S+", "S", "S-", the rank of only the alphabet, and the rank obtained by adding "-" to the alphabet). Also, the rank band of "E" is composed of one rank "E". That is, in this example, there are 16 levels (3×5 + 1 = 16) of ranks.

[0042] Also, the rank bands are such that the "S" side is the highest rank and the "E" side is the lowest rank. Also, within the same rank band, the ranks are such that the "+" side is the highest rank and the "-" side is the lowest rank. In this example, the user's rank is set to "D-" as the initial value.

[0043] Figure 5 illustrates the information managed in the distribution information table 412 in this example. The distribution information table 412 manages information regarding the distribution of individual live videos. As shown in the figure, in association with a "distribution ID" that identifies an individual distribution, it manages information such as a "distributor user account" that identifies the distributor of the live video, a "distribution date and time", a "distribution time" indicating the duration of the distribution, a "number of viewers (current value and maximum value)", a "number of comments" which is the number of comments input by viewers, a "number of likes" which is the number of "likes" input by viewers, a "number of items" which is the number of items input by viewers, a "distribution point" (a predetermined point) given to this distribution, and an "effective / invalid classification" indicating whether this distribution is effective or invalid.

[0044] Figure 6 illustrates the top screen 60 of the live video distribution service. As shown in the figure, the screen 60 has a filter area 62 displayed as "Follow", "Popular", and "All", a list display area 64 that displays a list of live videos being distributed, and a distribution start button 66 displayed as "Distribution".

[0045] The filter area 62 is an area for setting filtering for the live videos being distributed and displayed in the list display area 64. Specifically, when "Follow" is selected in the filter area 62, the live videos listed in the list display area 64 are narrowed down to the live videos of the users followed by the user. Similarly, when "Popular" is selected in the filter area 62, the live videos listed in the list display area 64 are narrowed down to the live videos extracted according to a predetermined extraction condition for extracting popular videos (for example, live videos with the number of viewers (current value) being equal to or more than a predetermined value). Also, when "All" is selected in the filter area 62, all the live videos being distributed without filtering become the targets for list display.

[0046] In the list display area 64, a plurality of individual display areas 641 each displaying information about an individual live video are arranged in two columns. The individual display area 641 displays, for example, a still image preset by the distributor of the live video, the account name of the distributor, the number of viewers (current value), etc. The list display area 64 is configured such that the displayed individual display areas 641 are switched by a flick operation / slide operation in the vertical direction, etc.

[0047] The distribution start button 66 is an object for the user to start distributing a live video as a distributor. When the distribution start button 66 is selected by the user, the distribution of the live video is started. Specifically, the transmission of the video composed of the image input via the camera of the user terminal 30 and the audio input via the microphone of the user terminal 30 to the server 10 is started. Also, in response to the start of the distribution of the live video, a new record is created in the distribution information table 412.

[0048] FIG. 7 illustrates a screen 70 for a distributor that is displayed on the distributor terminal 30 in response to the selection of the distribution start button 66 (i.e., the start of the live video distribution). The screen 70 includes a video display area 71 corresponding to the entire screen, a basic information display area 72 located at the upper end of the screen, an action information display area 73 located near the lower left of the screen, and a distribution stop button 75 located at the center of the lower end of the screen.

[0049] The video display area 71 displays the live video to be distributed, that is, the image input via the camera of the distributor terminal 30. Usually, the distributor shoots himself / herself via the front camera of the distributor terminal 30, so the live video to be distributed includes the distributor himself / herself.

[0050] The basic information display area 72 displays the basic information of this distribution. Specifically, it displays distributor information (profile image, etc.), the number of viewers of this distribution (current value), and the number of "likes" input by viewers for this distribution, etc.

[0051] The action information display area 73 displays information regarding actions performed by viewers. Specifically, in this area 73, a plurality of action objects AO corresponding to individual actions by viewers are arranged side by side in the vertical direction. The action information display area 73 is configured such that when a new action is performed by a viewer, the corresponding action object AO is added to the lower side, and the existing action objects AO move upward in order. The action information display area 73 is configured such that the displayed action objects AO can be switched by a flick operation / slide operation, etc. in the vertical direction. The actions by viewers displayed in the action information display area 73 include entry (start of viewing), input of "like", input of comment, and input of item.

[0052] The distribution stop button 75 is an object for the distributor to stop the live video distribution. When the distribution stop button 75 is selected by the distributor, the live video distribution (transmission of the live video from the distributor terminal 30 to the server 10) is stopped.

[0053] FIG. 8 illustrates a viewer screen 80 displayed on the viewer terminal 30. For example, when an arbitrary live video is selected by the viewer via the list display area 64 of the top screen 60, the viewer screen 80 for viewing the selected live video is displayed on the viewer terminal 30. As shown in the figure, the screen 80 has a video display area 81 corresponding to the entire screen, a basic information display area 82 located at the upper end of the screen, and an action information display area 83 located near the lower left of the screen, similar to the distributor screen 70 described above. In addition, the viewer screen 80 has a comment input area 84, a "like" button 85 with a heart mark, and an item input button 86 with a present symbol displayed at the lower end of the screen.

[0054] The comment input area 84 is an area for the viewer to input comments. When the viewer inputs a comment via the area 84, an action object AO corresponding to the input comment is added to the action information display areas 73 and 83 of the distributor screen 70 of the distributor terminal 30 and the viewer screen 80 of each viewer terminal 30. The action object AO corresponding to the comment displays the account name of the viewer who input the comment and the comment itself (text). Also, when a comment is input, the comment count in the distribution information table 412 is updated (incremented by 1).

[0055] The like button 85 is an object for viewers to input "like" to the streamer. When the button 85 is selected by a viewer, the input of "like" is made, and the action object AO corresponding to "like" is added to the action information display areas 73 and 83. In the action object AO corresponding to "like", text indicating that "like" has been made is displayed together with the account name of the viewer who input "like". Also, when "like" is input, a predetermined visual effect (for example, an animation effect such that a heart-shaped object is displayed flowing from the lower side to the upper side of the screen) is added to the video display areas 71 and 81 of the streamer screen 70 and the viewer screen 80. Further, when "like" is input, the "number of likes" in the distribution information table 412 is updated (incremented by 1).

[0056] The item input button 86 is a button for viewers to input an item. When the button 86 is selected by a viewer, the item selection screen 90 illustrated in FIG. 9 is displayed superimposed on the viewer screen 80. As shown in the figure, the screen 90 displays a list of a plurality of individual display areas 92 each of which displays information regarding an item. The individual display area 92 displays an image corresponding to the item and the number of coins required for the input of the item.

[0057] In this example, a plurality of items that can be input by the viewer are predetermined. When any item is selected by the viewer via the item selection screen 90, the input of the selected item is performed. When the input of the item is performed, the action object AO corresponding to the input of the item is added to the action information display areas 73 and 83. The action object AO corresponding to the input of the item displays the account name of the viewer who input the item and the name of the input item. Also, when an item is input, a predetermined visual effect corresponding to the item is added to the video display areas 71 and 81. Further, when an item is input, the number of items in the distribution information table 412 is updated (incremented by 1). Also, when an item is input, the number of coins required for the input of the item is consumed. Specifically, in the user information table 411, the number of coins of the corresponding viewer decreases. Thus, the coins in this example are used for the acquisition / input of items.

[0058] As described above, when the distributor selects the distribution stop button 75 on the distributor screen 70, the live video distribution ends. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating the process executed by the server 10 each time the distribution of an individual live video ends. When the distribution of the live video ends, the server 10 first sets the validity / invalidity classification of the distribution as shown (step S100). Specifically, when each value of the distribution time, the number of viewers (maximum value), and the number of comments is equal to or greater than a predetermined lower limit value, it is determined that the distribution is a valid distribution. On the other hand, when any value of the distribution time, the number of viewers (maximum value), and the number of comments is less than the predetermined lower limit value, it is determined that the distribution is an invalid distribution. For example, a distribution with an excessively short distribution time (e.g., less than 5 minutes), a distribution with an excessively small number of viewers (maximum value) (e.g., less than 10 viewers), and a distribution with an excessively small number of comments (e.g., less than 100 comments) are determined to be invalid distributions. Then, the value corresponding to the determination result is set in the validity / invalidity classification of the distribution information table 412. Note that instead of the number of comments, the viewer comment rate (the ratio of viewers who input comments to the total number of viewers) may be applied.

[0059] Subsequently, when it is determined that the distribution is a valid distribution (YES in step S110), distribution points for the distribution are set (step S120). In this example, the distribution points are calculated based on the number of viewers (maximum value), the number of likes, the number of comments, and the number of items, and are registered in the distribution information table 412. The distribution points are configured such that they increase as the number of viewers (maximum value), the number of likes, the number of comments, and the number of items increases.

[0060] On the other hand, when it is determined that the distribution is an invalid distribution (NO in step S110), the setting of distribution points is not performed. Thus, in this example, for a distribution in which any one of the distribution time, the number of viewers (maximum value), and the number of comments is excessively small, it is determined to be an invalid distribution and is excluded from the setting of distribution points.

[0061] In this example, the rank for the current day is determined (updated) based on the distribution points obtained by the user on the previous day. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating the processing executed by the server 10 when updating the rank of each user. These processes are executed every day at midnight (for example, 3:00 am every day).

[0062] The server 10 first updates the rank meter value of each user as shown (step S200). FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining the update rule of the rank meter value. As shown, in this example, the rank meter value varies based on the rank within the rank band to which the user belongs with respect to the distribution points obtained by the user on the previous day. The distribution points obtained by a specific user on the previous day are calculated by referring to the distributor user account, the distribution date and time, and the distribution points in the distribution information table 412. Note that when a user performs multiple distributions in one day, the distribution points obtained in each of the multiple distributions are added together.

[0063] The update rule for the rank meter value is specifically as follows. As shown in FIG. 12, first, when the rank of the distribution points within the rank band is included in the top 10%, the change in the rank meter value is "+2" (an increase of 2 points). Similarly, when the rank is included in the top 11 - 30% (the remaining 20% excluding the top 10% from the top 30%), the change is "+1", when the rank is included in the middle 30% (top 31 - 60%), the change is "±0" (no increase or decrease), and when the rank is included in the bottom 40%, the change is "-1" (a decrease of 1 point). In addition, when there was no distribution on the previous day, regardless of the rank within the rank band, the change in the rank meter value is "-1".

[0064] In step S200, according to the update rule illustrated in FIG. 12, the rank meter value of each user is updated. For a user whose rank meter value is negative and when the change in the rank meter value this time is an increase (specifically, +2 or +1), it may be possible to clear the rank meter value to 0 and then increase it. That is, for example, when the current value of the rank meter value of a user is "-1" and the change this time is "+2", after clearing the rank meter value to 0, increase it by 2, and the rank meter value after the change is "+2" (not "+1"). By doing so, even for a user whose rank meter value is negative (such as a user with a low distribution frequency), the rank meter value can be increased all at once, thus promoting the distribution of live videos.

[0065] When the rank meter value of each user is updated, next, the server 10 updates the rank based on the updated rank meter value (step S210). FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the correspondence between the updated content of the rank and the required rank meter value. As shown in the figure, first, when ranking up across rank bands (in other words, when ranking up from the top rank within each rank band), the required rank meter value is +4. That is, a user belonging to the top rank within each rank band (for example, A+) will rank up to the bottom rank within the immediately higher rank band (for example, S-) when the rank meter value reaches +4. Also, when ranking up within the same rank band (in other words, when ranking up from the middle or bottom rank within each rank band), the required rank meter value is +2. That is, a user belonging to the middle or bottom rank within each rank band (for example, B or B-) will rank up to the rank immediately above within the same rank band (for example, B+ or B) when the rank meter value reaches +2.

[0066] Similarly, as illustrated in FIG. 13, when ranking down within the same rank band (in other words, when ranking down from the top or middle rank within each rank band), the required rank meter value is -2. That is, a user belonging to the top or middle rank within each rank band (for example, B+ or B) will rank down to the rank immediately below within the same rank band (for example, B or B-) when the rank meter value reaches -2. Also, when ranking down across rank bands, the required rank meter value is -6. That is, a user belonging to the bottom rank within each rank band (for example, A-) will rank down to the top rank within the immediately lower rank band (for example, B+) when the rank meter value reaches -6. In this way, in this example, ranking up / down across rank bands has a larger absolute value of the required rank meter value compared to ranking up / down within the same rank band. As a result, rapid ranking up / down in a short period is suppressed.

[0067] In step S210, based on the correspondence illustrated in FIG. 13, the rank is updated according to the rank meter value. Note that the rank meter value of the user whose rank has been updated (the user for whom rank up / down has occurred) is cleared to 0.

[0068] FIG. 14 illustrates a rank meter object 100 that displays the rank meter value of a user. The object 100 is arranged, for example, on a profile screen or the like that displays the basic information of the user. As shown in the figure, the rank meter object 100 has a needle object 102 having a needle shape and a scale object 104 having a C-shaped alphabet that opens downward. Below the needle object 102, the current rank of the user (in the example of FIG. 14, "Rank A") is displayed. The needle object 102 is configured to swing (rotate) to the right as the rank meter value increases and to swing to the left as the rank meter value decreases. The needle object 102 in FIG. 14 is in an upright state (pointing in the 12 o'clock direction) and corresponds to the state where the rank meter value is 0. Also, the needle object 102 inclines to the right as the rank meter value increases in the positive direction and inclines to the left as it decreases in the negative direction. And on the lower right side of the scale object 104, a rank-up region 1041 corresponding to the rank meter value required for rank up is set, and similarly, on the lower left side of the scale object 104, a rank-down region 1042 corresponding to the rank meter value required for rank down is set. The user can grasp the current situation of the rank meter value for rank up / down via the rank meter object 100.

[0069] Also, in this example, diamonds, which are rewards for users as distributors, are granted based on the previous day's delivery time and rank (rank on the previous day). FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating the process executed by the server 10 when granting diamonds to each distributor. These processes are executed every day at midnight, for example, at a time before the time when the ranks of each user illustrated in FIG. 11 are updated (for example, 0:00 am every day).

[0070] First, as illustrated, the server 10 calculates the delivery time of the previous day's valid deliveries for each user (step S300). Specifically, the delivery time of the previous day's valid deliveries for a specific user is identified by referring to the distributor user account, delivery date and time, and valid / invalid classification in the delivery information table 412. When a user makes multiple valid deliveries in a day, the delivery times of each of the multiple deliveries are added together.

[0071] Subsequently, the server 10 grants a number of diamonds to each user based on the calculated delivery time and the number of diamonds based on the reference diamond number (step S310). Specifically, the number of diamonds obtained by multiplying the calculated delivery time by the reference diamond number is granted to each user. The reference diamond number is preset for each rank so that the higher the rank, the larger the number, and the reference diamond number corresponding to the previous day's rank of each user is applied. When diamonds are granted to a user, the diamond holding number in the user information table 411 is updated. In this example, diamonds can be exchanged for coins or real currency.

[0072] Here, an upper limit value (for example, up to 5 hours per day, etc.) for the delivery time to which diamonds are granted may be set. In this case, when the actual delivery time exceeds the upper limit value, the upper limit value is applied as the delivery time when specifying the number of diamonds to be granted in step S310. Also, when the delivery time exceeds a predetermined threshold value, a reduced reference diamond number (for example, 50%) may be applied to the portion exceeding the predetermined threshold value.

[0073] In the above example, rank up / down is performed based on the rank meter value. However, the update of the rank based on such a rank meter value is an example, and the rank may be updated based on the values of other parameters. For example, without adopting the rank meter value, rank up / down may be directly performed based on the rank of the distribution points within the rank band. Also, the above-described distribution points are also examples, and various types of parameters based on the distribution results of live videos may be applied instead of the distribution points.

[0074] In the above example, the determination of whether the distribution is valid or not is made based on the distribution time, the number of viewers (maximum value), and the number of comments. However, the determination can be made by other methods. For example, in another example of this embodiment, the image of the live video during distribution is appropriately analyzed. For example, when no moving person is detected for a predetermined time or more, it can be configured to determine that the distribution is not valid (invalid).

[0075] As described above, the video distribution server 10 of this embodiment determines the rank of the distributor based on the distribution results of the live video (for example, the number of viewers (maximum value), the number of likes, the number of comments, and the number of items), sets the standard reward quantity (for example, the standard number of diamonds) of the distributor based on the determined rank, and awards a quantity of rewards (for example, diamonds) based on the distribution time of the live video and the standard reward quantity. Therefore, even a beginner distributor can obtain a quantity of rewards based on the distribution time and the standard reward quantity by continuing to distribute the live video. In this way, the video distribution server 10 promotes the distribution of live videos by various distributors including beginners.

[0076] The processes and procedures described in this specification can be implemented by software, hardware, or any combination thereof, in addition to those explicitly described. For example, the processes and procedures described in this specification can be implemented by implementing the corresponding logic for such processes and procedures in media such as integrated circuits, volatile memory, non-volatile memory, magnetic disks, etc. Also, the processes and procedures described in this specification can be implemented as a computer program corresponding to such processes and procedures and can be executed on various computers.

[0077] Even if it is described that the processes and procedures described in this specification are executed by a single device, software, component, or module, such processes or procedures can be executed by multiple devices, multiple software, multiple components, and / or multiple modules. Also, the software and hardware elements described in this specification can be realized by integrating them into fewer components or decomposing them into more components.

[0078] In this specification, when a component of the invention is described as either singular or plural, or is described without being limited to either singular or plural, unless the context indicates otherwise, the component can be either singular or plural.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0079] 10 Video Distribution Server 11 Computer Processor 15 Storage (Memory Device) 20 Communication Network 30 User Terminal 41 Information Storage Management Unit 43 Basic Function Control Unit 45 Video Distribution Control Unit 47 Reward Management Unit 60 Top Screen 70 Screen for Distributor 80 Screen for Viewer 90 Item Selection Screen

Claims

1. 1. A system for streaming live video, comprising one or more computer processors, comprising: The one or more computer processors, in response to execution of the readable instructions, A process of distributing live videos provided by each of a plurality of distributors to each of a plurality of viewers; determining a rank for each of the plurality of broadcasters from among a plurality of predetermined ranks based at least on broadcast performance of each of the plurality of broadcasters; setting a base remuneration amount for each of the plurality of broadcasters based at least on the rank of each of the plurality of broadcasters; and granting a reward amount based at least on a broadcasting time of the live video and a standard reward amount to each of the plurality of broadcasters. system.

2. The live video distribution record includes an input record of input information input by viewers during the distribution of the live video, The system of claim 1.

3. The process of determining the rank includes: Awarding predetermined points to a broadcaster based at least on the broadcast performance of the live video; and determining a rank for each of the plurality of distributors based at least on the predetermined number of points awarded to each of the plurality of distributors in a predetermined period of time; 3. The system of claim 1 or 2.

4. The process of determining the rank includes: Setting a ranking of distributors based on the predetermined points awarded during the predetermined period for each rank group consisting of one or a plurality of consecutive ranks; and determining a rank for each of the plurality of distributors such that the higher the rank based on the predetermined points, the higher the rank of the distributor; and the lower the rank based on the predetermined points, the lower the rank of the distributor; The system of claim 3.

5. the process of determining the rank includes determining a rank for each of the plurality of distributors based at least on a value of a predetermined parameter for each of the plurality of distributors, the predetermined parameter being configured to increase as the rank based on the predetermined points increases and decrease as the rank based on the predetermined points decreases; The system of claim 4.

6. The process of determining the rank includes: increasing the rank of a distributor whose value of the predetermined parameter is equal to or greater than a rank-up threshold; and decreasing the rank of a distributor whose value of the predetermined parameter is equal to or less than a rank-down threshold. The system of claim 5.

7. the process of determining the rank includes: if the rank immediately above the current rank of the distributor is in the same rank group as the current rank group, then when the value of the predetermined parameter becomes equal to or greater than a first rank-up threshold, the distributor is ranked up to the immediately above rank; and if the immediately above rank is in a rank group different from the current rank group, then when the value of the predetermined parameter becomes equal to or greater than a second rank-up threshold that is greater than the first rank-up threshold, the distributor is ranked up to the immediately above rank. The system of claim 6.

8. the process of determining the rank includes, when the rank immediately below the current rank of the distributor is in the same rank group as the current rank group, downgrading the rank to the immediately below rank when the value of the predetermined parameter becomes equal to or less than a first rank down threshold, and, when the rank immediately below is in a rank group different from the current rank group, downgrading the rank to the immediately below rank when the value of the predetermined parameter becomes equal to or less than a second rank down threshold that is smaller than the first rank down threshold; 8. The system of claim 6 or 7.

9. The process of providing the reward includes: Determining whether each live video stream is a valid stream; and Including excluding broadcast times from live video broadcast times that are determined to be ineffective broadcasts; 9. A system according to any preceding claim.

10. The process of providing the reward includes determining whether each live video is a valid broadcast based on at least one of a broadcast duration, a number of viewers, a number of pieces of input information input by the viewers, and a result of image analysis of the live video. The system of claim 9.

11. 1. A method for streaming live video, executed by one or more computers, comprising: A step of distributing live videos provided by each of a plurality of distributors to each of a plurality of viewers; determining a rank for each of the plurality of broadcasters from among a plurality of predetermined ranks based at least on broadcast performance of each of the plurality of broadcasters' live videos; setting a base remuneration amount for each of the plurality of broadcasters based at least on the rank of each of the plurality of broadcasters; and awarding a reward amount based at least on a broadcast time of the live video and a standard reward amount to each of the plurality of broadcasters. method.

12. A program for distributing live video, In response to being executed on one or more computers, the one or more computers are A process of distributing live videos provided by each of a plurality of distributors to each of a plurality of viewers; determining a rank for each of the plurality of broadcasters from among a plurality of predetermined ranks based at least on broadcast performance of each of the plurality of broadcasters; setting a base remuneration amount for each of the plurality of broadcasters based at least on the rank of each of the plurality of broadcasters; and granting a reward amount based at least on a broadcasting time of the live video and a standard reward amount to each of the plurality of broadcasters. program.

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