Content distribution system, server system, and program

Abstract

To provide a content distribution system, or the like, which can increase a motivation to post a post object or an effect of performances in content distribution.SOLUTION: A server system for distributing a content of a performance that a performer performs on a performer terminal to a viewer terminal of a viewer includes: a display processing unit which executes display processing of a content in which a post object moves, the post object being posted by the viewer consuming a parameter of the viewer, in a virtual field where the performer performs; and a provision processing unit which executes processing to provide the performer with a present corresponding the posted post object or the consumed parameter when the post object posted to the virtual field is collected, or provide the viewer who has posted the post object with a return corresponding to the posted post object or the consumed parameter when the post object posted to the virtual field is not collected.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a content distribution system, a server system, a program, and the like.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, content distribution systems that perform live distribution of content via networks such as the Internet have become popular. As conventional technologies of such content distribution systems, for example, the systems disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2 are known. Patent Document 1 discloses displaying a GUI for making donations to performers appearing in the content being viewed on the viewer's terminal. Patent Document 2 discloses changing the screen configuration on the viewer side according to the support status of the viewer for the performer.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In such a content delivery system, viewers of the content contribute posting objects called donations or gifts for the purpose of praising the content or the performer, or showing support for the performer who distributes the content. However, even when viewers contribute posting objects, there is no return for contributing the posting objects, and it has only been a one-way action from the viewers to the performer. For this reason, the motivation for posting the posting objects, that is, contributing the posting objects, could not be enhanced enough. Also, after the posting objects are contributed by the viewers, the posting objects are simply collected without any production being done. For this reason, the production in the posting of the posting objects has been insufficient. Thus, in the conventional content delivery system, improvement of the motivation for posting posting objects in content delivery and achievement of production effects and the like have been insufficient.

[0005] According to some aspects of the present embodiment, it is possible to provide a content delivery system, a server system, a program, etc. that can improve the motivation for contributing posting objects in content delivery, production effects, and the like.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a content distribution system that distributes the content of a performance performed by a performer on a performer terminal to a viewer terminal of a viewer. In a virtual field where the performance of the performer is performed, a display processing unit that performs display processing of the content in which a post object that can be input by the viewer consuming the viewer's parameters moves, and when the post object input into the virtual field is recovered, a gift corresponding to the input post object or the consumed parameter is given to the performer, and when the post object input into the virtual field is not recovered, a reduction corresponding to the input post object or the consumed parameter is given to the viewer who input the post object. The present disclosure also relates to a program that causes a computer to function as each of the above units, or a computer-readable information storage medium storing the program.

[0007] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, when a post object input by a viewer is recovered, a gift is given to the performer, and when the input post object is not recovered, a reduction is given to the viewer. In this way, by giving a gift to the performer when the post object is recovered, it becomes possible to enhance the motivation of the performer who performs the performance. On the other hand, when the post object is not recovered, by giving a reduction to the viewer, it is possible to motivate the viewer to input a post object next time. Also, when the post object is recovered, an effect of giving a gift to the performer is performed, and even when the post object is not recovered, an effect of giving a reduction to the viewer is performed. Therefore, it becomes possible to provide a content distribution system or the like that can improve the motivation for inputting post objects in content distribution, the production effect, and the like.

[0008] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the display processing unit may perform display processing of the content in which a third party different from the performer collects the posted object input into the virtual field.

[0009] In this way, by having a third party different from the performer collect the posted object, the performer can concentrate on performing, and as a result, it becomes possible to improve the attractiveness and interestingness of the content for which the performer performs.

[0010] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the display processing unit may perform display processing of the content in which the third party, whose collection ability of the posted object is set according to the status information of the third party, collects the posted object input into the virtual field.

[0011] In this way, since the collection ability varies according to the status information of the third party, it becomes possible to realize display processing of content in which posted objects are collected by third parties with various collection abilities.

[0012] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the display processing unit may perform display processing of the content in which the third party employed by the performer collects the posted object input into the virtual field.

[0013] In this way, for example, when the performer wants to concentrate on performing, etc., the performer can pay a price to employ a third party and have this third party collect the posted object.

[0014] In another aspect of the present disclosure, it may include a price processing unit that sets the price paid by the performer for the employment of the third party according to the status information of the third party.

[0015] By doing so, depending on the status information of a third party, the consideration paid by the performer to hire the third party will differ, the range of options for the performer to hire a third party will expand, and the performer can hire a third party corresponding to the desired consideration at the desired consideration and have the third party recover the posted object.

[0016] Also, in one aspect of the present disclosure, it may include a consideration processing unit that calculates the consideration paid by the performer for hiring the third party by a calculation method selected from a plurality of calculation methods.

[0017] By doing so, it becomes possible to calculate the consideration paid by the performer to the third party by various calculation methods and have the third party hired at the calculated consideration recover the posted object in the virtual field.

[0018] Also, in one aspect of the present disclosure, the third party may be a character that moves in the virtual field to recover the posted object.

[0019] By doing so, it becomes possible to have a third-party character recover the posted object input by the viewer by operating the third-party character, and the third-party character recovers the posted object on behalf of the performer, so that a gift due to the recovery is given to the performer.

[0020] Also, in one aspect of the present disclosure, the third party may be a character that is placed in the virtual field by the viewer and moves in the virtual field to recover the posted object.

[0021] In this way, by having a third-party character placed in the virtual field by the viewer recover the posted object, the viewer can help the performer performing the performance and enable the performer to concentrate on performing the performance.

[0022] Also, in one aspect of the present disclosure, the display processing unit may perform display processing of the content in which the contribution object is recovered by the recovery method selected by the performer from among a plurality of recovery methods.

[0023] In this way, the performer can recover the contribution object by the recovery method selected by himself / herself and obtain a gift by the recovered contribution object.

[0024] Also, in one aspect of the present disclosure, the granting processing unit grants the gift to the performer when the contribution object is recovered within a given period, and grants the restitution to the viewer when the contribution object is not recovered within the given period. The given period may be a performance period in which the performer performs a performance, or a divided period when the performance period is divided into a plurality of periods.

[0025] In this way, it becomes possible to execute a process of determining whether or not the contribution object has been recovered on the condition that a given period that can be set in various ways has elapsed, granting a gift to the performer when it is recovered, and granting a restitution to the viewer when it is not recovered.

[0026] Also, in one aspect of the present disclosure, the granting processing unit may perform a process of granting a privilege to the viewer who has input the contribution object when the contribution object input into the virtual field is recovered.

[0027] By granting a privilege to the viewer when the contribution object is granted in this way, it becomes possible to effectively motivate the viewer to input the contribution object.

[0028] Also, in one aspect of the present disclosure, as a process of granting the privilege to the viewer when the contribution object is recovered, the granting processing unit may perform a process of granting the input success point of the contribution object to the viewer, or a process of causing the performer to perform a privilege performance.

[0029] In this way, viewers will be motivated to input the submission object in order to obtain the input success points and bonus performances, and it becomes possible to effectively motivate the viewers to input the submission object.

[0030] Also, in one aspect of the present disclosure, the awarding processing unit may perform processing to change the bonus awarded to the viewer according to the situation when the submission object is recovered.

[0031] In this way, the bonus awarded to the viewer when the submission object is recovered will change according to various situations.

[0032] Also, in one aspect of the present disclosure, the awarding processing unit may perform processing to change the reduction item awarded to the viewer according to the situation when the submission object is not recovered.

[0033] In this way, the reduction item awarded to the viewer when the submission object is not recovered will change according to various situations.

[0034] Also, in one aspect of the present disclosure, when the viewer inputs the second submission object corresponding to the reduction item awarded to the viewer when the submission object is not recovered into the virtual field, the display processing unit performs display processing of the content in which the second submission object moves in the virtual field, and when the second submission object is not recovered, the awarding processing unit may perform processing to award the viewer a second reduction item corresponding to the second submission object.

[0035] In this way, the viewer can re-input the reduction item reduced due to the submission object not being recovered as the second submission object, and even when the second submission object is not recovered, the second reduction item corresponding to the second submission object will be reduced and awarded.

[0036] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the giving process unit may vary the reduction mode of the reduction object given to the viewer when the submission object is not recovered, and the reduction mode of the second reduction object given to the viewer when the second submission object is not recovered.

[0037] By varying the reduction modes in this way, it is possible to give the viewer an effective incentive to continuously re-submit submission objects.

[0038] In another aspect of the present disclosure, when the submission object is not recovered, a penalty processing unit that imposes a penalty on the performer or a third party who recovers the submission object on behalf of the performer may be included.

[0039] In this way, it becomes possible to expect the performer or a third party to actively recover the submission object input by the viewer in order to avoid being penalized, and it becomes possible to suppress the occurrence of a situation where the submission object is left unattended after being input and remains.

[0040] In another aspect of the present disclosure, a receiving unit that receives submission of submission information for the content or the performer based on an operation of the viewer terminal by the viewer is included, and the display processing unit displays common information of the content that is commonly displayed on both the performer terminal and the viewer terminal, and information displayed on one of the performer terminal and the viewer terminal, which is differential information of the content that is information for prompting an operation by the performer. While performing display processing, display processing of the differential information for the performer terminal may be performed according to the submission status of the submission information of the viewer.

[0041] In this way, when a viewer posts based on the post information in response to the actions of the performer, display processing of the differential information of the content for the performer terminal is performed according to the posting status of the viewer's post information. Therefore, not only is it possible for the viewer to react with post information to the actions of the performer, but also by performing the display processing of the differential information according to the posting status, it becomes possible to prompt the performer to take actions in response to the reaction by the viewer's post information. Therefore, it becomes possible to provide a content distribution system or the like that can easily enable the performer to respond to the viewer's reaction to the performer's actions with actions.

[0042] Also, one aspect of the present disclosure is a server system that distributes the content of a performance performed by a performer on a performer terminal to a viewer terminal of a viewer. In a virtual field where the performance of the performer is performed, a display processing unit that performs display processing of the content in which a posting object that can be input by the viewer consuming the viewer's parameters moves, and when the posted object input into the virtual field is recovered, a gift corresponding to the posted object or the consumed parameter is given to the performer, and when the posted object input into the virtual field is not recovered, a reduction object corresponding to the posted object or the consumed parameter is given to the viewer who input the posted object. It relates to a server system including an awarding processing unit that performs the process of awarding.

[0043] According to such a server system, by giving a gift to a performer when a posted object is recovered, it becomes possible to enhance the motivation of the performer who performs. On the other hand, when the posted object is not recovered, by giving a rebate to the viewer, it is possible to motivate the viewer to contribute the next posted object. Also, when the posted object is recovered, a production is performed in which a gift is given to the performer, and even when the posted object is not recovered, a production is performed in which a rebate is given to the viewer. Therefore, it becomes possible to provide a server system or the like that can improve the motivation for contributing posted objects in content distribution, the production effect, and the like.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0044]

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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0045] Hereinafter, this embodiment will be described. Note that the embodiment described below does not unduly limit the content described in the claims. Also, not all of the configurations described in this embodiment are essential constituent elements.

[0046] 1. Content Distribution System First, with reference to FIGS. 1(A) to 1(F), a hardware device for realizing the content distribution system of this embodiment will be described.

[0047] In FIG. 1(A), a server system 500 (information processing system) is communicatively connected to terminal devices TM1 to TMn via a network 510. For example, the server system 500 is a host, and the terminal devices TM1 to TMn are clients. Note that the content distribution system and its processing of this embodiment may be realized by the server system 500, or may be realized by distributed processing of the server system 500 and the terminal devices TM1 to TMn.

[0048] Also, the content distribution system and processing of this embodiment can also be realized by using the blockchain method. For example, each process of the content distribution system of this embodiment may be executed using a program called a smart contract that can be executed on Ethereum. In this case, the terminal devices TM1 to TMn will be connected peer-to-peer. Also, various types of information such as content information communicated between the terminal devices TM1 to TMn will be transferred using the blockchain. Note that hereinafter, each of the terminal devices TM1 to TMn will be described as the terminal device TM as appropriate.

[0049] The server system 500 can be realized by, for example, one or more servers (such as a management server, a game distribution server, a video distribution server, a billing server, a service providing server, an authentication server, a database server, or a communication server). This server system 500 provides various services for operating live distribution, manages data necessary for live distribution of various contents such as games and VR characters, and can distribute a client program and various data. As a result, viewers can access the server system 500 through the terminal device TM which is a viewer terminal, and view the live distribution of the content provided by the server system 500. Through the processing of this server system 500, a live distribution function for live-distributing content to viewers, a posting function that enables viewers to post tips and comments on performers and their performances, etc. are realized. Tips are also called gifts. A performer is a content distributor. Also, through the processing of the server system 500, an online shopping function for virtual electronic media such as billing items, a game providing function that enables playing online games, a user management function that manages user registration and user-specific information, etc. are realized.

[0050] The network 510 (distribution network, communication line) is, for example, a communication path using the Internet, a wireless LAN, etc., and can include a dedicated line (dedicated cable) for direct connection, a LAN such as Ethernet (registered trademark), as well as communication networks such as a telephone communication network, a cable network, and a wireless LAN. Also, the communication method can be either wired or wireless.

[0051] The terminal device TM (user terminal) is a terminal having, for example, a network connection function (Internet connection function). As these terminal devices TM, for example, portable communication terminals such as smartphones and mobile phones shown in FIG. 1(B), portable game devices shown in FIG. 1(C), home game devices (stationary type) shown in FIG. 1(D), business game devices shown in FIG. 1(E), or information processing devices such as personal computers (PCs) and tablet PCs shown in FIG. 1(F) and the like can be used. Alternatively, as the terminal device TM, wearable devices (HMD, watch-type devices, etc.) worn on parts such as the user's head and arm may be used.

[0052] FIG. 2 shows a configuration example of the content distribution system of the present embodiment. Note that the configuration of the content distribution system is not limited to FIG. 2, and various modifications such as omitting a part of its components (each part) or adding other components are possible.

[0053] The content distribution system includes a processing unit 100, a storage unit 170, and a communication unit 196. This content distribution system can be realized, for example, by the server system 500 in FIG. 1(A), and is communicatively connected to the performer terminal TMP and the viewer terminals TMA to TMAm, which are terminal devices TM, via the network 510. Hereinafter, each of the viewer terminals TMA1 to TMAn will be generically referred to as the viewer terminal TMA as appropriate.

[0054] The processing unit 100 (processor) performs reception processing, transmission processing, content information generation processing, acceptance processing, granting processing, consideration processing, penalty processing, management processing, display processing, or sound processing, etc. based on various information, programs, or operation information stored in the storage unit 170.

[0055] Each process (each function) of the present embodiment performed by each part of the processing unit 100 can be realized by a processor (a processor including hardware). For example, each process of the present embodiment can be realized by a processor that operates based on information such as a program and a memory that stores information such as a program. The processor may be, for example, a processor in which the functions of each part are realized by individual hardware, or the functions of each part may be realized by integrated hardware. For example, the processor includes hardware, and the hardware can include at least one of a circuit that processes digital signals and a circuit that processes analog signals. For example, the processor can also be composed of one or more circuit devices (such as ICs, etc.) mounted on a circuit board and one or more circuit elements (such as resistors, capacitors, etc.). The processor may be, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). However, the processor is not limited to the CPU, and various processors such as a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) or a DSP (Digital Signal Processor) can be used. Also, the processor may be a hardware circuit by an ASIC. Also, the processor may include an amplifier circuit or a filter circuit that processes analog signals. The memory (storage unit) may be a semiconductor memory such as SRAM or DRAM, or may be a register. Alternatively, it may be a magnetic storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD), or an optical storage device such as an optical disk drive. For example, the memory stores instructions readable by a computer, and when the instructions are executed by the processor, the processes (functions) of each part of the processing unit 100 are realized. The instructions here may be an instruction set that constitutes a program, or may be instructions that instruct an operation to the hardware circuit of the processor.

[0056] The processing unit 100 includes a reception processing unit 102, a transmission processing unit 104, a content information generation unit 106, a reception unit 108, an attachment processing unit 110, a consideration processing unit 112, a penalty processing unit 114, a management unit 118, a display processing unit 120, and a sound processing unit 130. Note that the configuration of the processing unit 100 is not limited to this, and various modifications such as omitting some of these components or adding other components are possible.

[0057] The reception processing unit 102 performs reception processing of information using the communication unit 196. For example, the reception processing unit 102 performs processing to receive information from the performer terminal TMP and the viewer terminal TMA via the communication unit 196 and the network 510. The information received from the performer terminal TMP is, for example, operation information input by the performer using the operation unit 260 in FIG. 3 described later, or reproduction data for reproducing the performer's performance. The reproduction data is, for example, a motion number, motion data for reproducing the motion of a character that operates according to the performer's performance, or shooting data of the performer's performance. The information received from the viewer terminal TMA is, for example, operation information input by the viewer using the operation unit 260 in FIG. 3, or the viewer's posting information regarding the content or the performer. Examples of postings in the posting information include donations (gifts) and posted comments regarding the content or the performer.

[0058] The transmission processing unit 104 performs transmission processing of information using the communication unit 196. For example, the transmission processing unit 104 performs processing to transmit information to the viewer terminal TMA and the performer terminal TMP via the communication unit 196 and the network 510. The information transmitted to the viewer terminal TMA and the performer terminal TMP is, for example, content information used for content reproduction at the viewer terminal TMA and the performer terminal TMP. The content information is display image information displayed on the display unit 290 in FIG. 3, or output sound information such as voice information, music information, and effect sound information output from the sound output unit 292.

[0059] The content information generation unit 106 performs generation processing of content information distributed by the content distribution system of the present embodiment. Specifically, the content information generation unit 106 generates information on the content that progresses based on the operation of the performer terminal TMP by the performer. That is, it performs processing to progress the content and generates content information. For example, the content information generation unit 106 performs generation processing of content information such as display image information displayed on the display unit 290 of the viewer terminal TMA or the performer terminal TMP and output sound information output from the sound output unit 292.

[0060] Also, the content information generation unit 106 may perform game processing for the user to play a game and generate game content information. The game processing is, for example, processing to start the game when the game start condition is satisfied, processing to progress the started game, processing to end the game when the game end condition is satisfied, or processing to calculate the game score. Taking a browser game as an example, the content information generation unit 106 controls the progress of the game for each user by managing various information of the user for each user. The information of the user is stored in the user information storage unit 174. For example, a web page constituting a website that provides a game service is displayed on the terminal device TM in response to a request from the terminal device TM such as the performer terminal TMP or the viewer terminal TMA. Specifically, the web page is displayed by the web browser provided in the terminal device TM. When a hyperlink on the displayed web page is selected by the user, new HTML data corresponding to the hyperlink is transmitted to the terminal device TM, and a web page based on the new HTML data is displayed on the terminal device TM. In this way, by sequentially providing the web page to the terminal device TM according to the user's operation, it becomes possible to progress the game based on the user's operation on the terminal device TM. In this case, the display image information generated by the content information generation unit 106 is, for example, HTML data or the like.

[0061] The reception unit 108 performs reception processing of operation input information by the performer or reception processing of operation input information by the viewer. The operation input information is information input based on the operation of the operation unit 260 (FIG. 3) of the performer terminal TMP by the performer or information input based on the operation of the operation unit 260 of the viewer terminal TMA by the viewer.

[0062] The awarding processing unit 110 performs awarding processing of gifts, restitutions, and benefits. The consideration processing unit 112 performs processing regarding the consideration paid by the user for the charge. The penalty processing unit 114 performs awarding processing of penalties and the like. Details of the awarding processing unit 110, the consideration processing unit 112, and the penalty processing unit 114 will be described later.

[0063] The management unit 118 performs, for example, authentication processing of the user. For example, it performs authentication processing of the user who logs in using the terminal device TM. This authentication processing is performed based on, for example, the password or account information input by the user. Further, the management unit 118 performs various charging processes. For example, it performs determination processing of charging, creation processing of charging data, storage processing, etc. Further, the management unit 118 performs various management processes. For example, it performs management processing of various services and management processing of various information. The management unit 118 can be realized by, for example, a management server.

[0064] For example, in order to use the services provided by the server system 500 etc. in FIG. 1(A), the user performs a predetermined procedure to acquire an account. By inputting the password associated with the acquired account and logging in, the user can use various services such as live distribution, playing of network games such as social games, services on live distribution sites and game sites, online shopping of items etc., message exchange between users, and registration of friend users. The management unit 118 also performs management processing of such user account information and the like.

[0065] The display processing unit 120 performs processing for displaying an image on the display unit 290 of the terminal device TM in FIG. 3, which is the performer terminal TMP or the viewer terminal TMA. For example, display image information (data for image generation) such as HTML data is transmitted to the terminal device TM via the transmission processing unit 104, the communication unit 196, and the network 510, and processing for displaying an image corresponding to the display image information on the display unit 290 of the terminal device TM is performed.

[0066] The sound processing unit 130 performs processing for outputting sound from the sound output unit 292 of the terminal device TM. For example, output sound information (data for sound generation) is transmitted to the terminal device TM via the transmission processing unit 104, the communication unit 196, and the network 510, and processing for outputting sound (voice, music, game sound, effect sound) corresponding to the output sound information from the sound output unit 292 of the terminal device TM is performed.

[0067] The storage unit 170 serves as a work area for the processing unit 100, the communication unit 196, etc., and its function can be realized by a semiconductor memory, HDD, SSD, optical disk device, etc. The storage unit 170 includes a content information storage unit 172 and a user information storage unit 174. The content information storage unit 172 stores information on the content to be distributed. The content is, for example, entertainment content, such as game content, virtual reality (VR) content, or video distribution content. Specifically, the content is live content, such as live game content that broadcasts the state of a performer's game play, or live content that broadcasts the performance of a VR character corresponding to the performer. The content information is various information that constitutes the content, such as display image information, output sound information, video information, or content sequence information for content progression. The user information storage unit 174 stores various information about the user. For example, the user information storage unit 174 stores the user's personal information (name, gender, date of birth, email address, etc.) as user information. For example, the user's account information (user ID) is also stored as user information. For example, the billing information subject to billing processing is associated with each user's account information.

[0068] The communication unit 196 communicates with an external device, and its function can be realized by hardware such as an ASIC for communication or a communication processor, or communication firmware. For example, the communication unit 196, which is a communication interface, performs various communication processes for communicating with terminal devices TM such as the performer terminal TMP and the viewer terminal TMA via the network 510.

[0069] Also, the content distribution system in FIG. 2 performs each process of this embodiment based on the program of this embodiment. This program is a program for causing a computer (a device including an operation unit, a processing unit, a storage unit, and an output unit) to function as each unit of this embodiment (a program for causing a computer to execute the processing of each unit). This program is stored in, for example, an information storage medium. That is, the content distribution system of this embodiment performs various processes of this embodiment based on a program (data) stored in an information storage medium. An information storage medium, which is a medium readable by a computer, stores programs, data, etc., and its function can be realized by an optical disk, an HDD, a semiconductor memory, etc. Note that the program (data) for causing a computer to function as each unit of this embodiment may be distributed from an information storage medium of the server system 500 (host device) via the network 510. The use of such an information storage medium by the server system 500 can also be included within the scope of this embodiment.

[0070] FIG. 3 shows a configuration example of the terminal device TM. The terminal device TM includes a processing unit 200, an operation unit 260, an interface unit 262, a storage unit 270, an information storage medium 280, a display unit 290, a sound output unit 292, and a communication unit 296. Note that the configuration of the terminal device TM is not limited to FIG. 3, and various modifications such as omitting a part of its components (each unit) or adding other components are possible.

[0071] The processing unit 200 (processor) executes terminal-side processing in the content distribution system based on operation information from the operation unit 260, programs, and the like. For example, it executes processing for content distribution, game processing, and the like. The processing unit 200 can be realized by a processor or the like, similar to the processing unit 100 in FIG. 2 described above. Note that each process of the content distribution system of the present embodiment may be realized by distributed processing between the server system 500 and the terminal device TM.

[0072] The operation unit 260 is for the user to input various types of information such as operation information, and its functions can be realized by operation buttons, direction keys, analog sticks, levers, various sensors (angular velocity sensors, acceleration sensors, etc.), microphones, or touch panel type displays. The interface unit 262 performs interface processing with external devices, for example, performs processing for communicating with external devices according to a predetermined interface standard. The functions of the interface unit 262 can be realized by hardware such as an ASIC for interface processing or a processor for interface processing, or firmware for interface processing. For example, when capturing the motion of a performer by an external motion capture device, the motion data obtained by motion capture is input to the terminal device TM via the interface unit 262. Also, when shooting the motion of a performer by an external imaging device or recording the voice of a performer by an external microphone, the data of the captured video or recorded voice is input to the terminal device TM via the interface unit 262. Further, the interface unit 262 performs interface processing with portable information storage media such as an IC card (memory card), a USB memory, or a magnetic card in which various types of information about the user are stored.

[0073] The memory unit 270 serves as a work area for components such as the processing unit 200 and the communication unit 296, and its functions can be realized by semiconductor memories, HDDs, SSDs, optical disk devices, etc. The information storage medium 280 (a medium readable by a computer) stores programs, data, etc., and its functions can be realized by optical disks, HDDs, semiconductor memories, etc. The processing unit 200 performs various processes of this embodiment based on the programs (data) stored in the information storage medium 280. A program (a program for causing a computer to execute the processes of each part) for causing a computer (a device including an operation unit, a processing unit, a memory unit, and an output unit) to function as each part of this embodiment can be stored in this information storage medium 280.

[0074] The display unit 290 outputs the image generated according to this embodiment, and its functions can be realized by an LCD, an organic EL display, a CRT, or an HMD, etc. The sound output unit 292 outputs the sound generated according to this embodiment, and its functions can be realized by a speaker or headphones, etc. The communication unit 296 (communication interface) communicates with external devices such as the server system 500 and other terminal devices via the network 510, and its functions can be realized by hardware such as a communication ASIC or a communication processor, and communication firmware.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 2, the content distribution system (server system) of this embodiment that distributes the performance content performed by the performer on the performer terminal TMP to the viewer terminal TMA of the viewer includes a display processing unit 120 and an attribution processing unit 110.

[0076] The presentation processing unit 120 performs display processing of content in which a posted object that can be input by a viewer consuming viewer parameters moves in a virtual field where a performer's performance is being performed. For example, the reception unit 108 performs a process of receiving a post of content or posting information for a performer based on an operation of the viewer terminal TMA by the viewer. The content is, for example, content of a performance by a performer. The posting of the posting information is, for example, a tip input by the viewer, a posted comment, etc. For example, in a content distribution system, a viewer of the content provides a posted item or posts a comment to praise the content or the performer or to support the performer who distributes the content. The provision of a posted item from the viewer to the performer is sometimes called a "tip" in imitation of a donation from the audience to a street performer, or is called a "gift", etc. Hereinafter, these will be collectively referred to as "tips" as appropriate. The posting of a tip is realized, for example, by the viewer inputting a posted object that is a posted item such as a tip. The posted object can also be called a gift object. For example, the viewer operates the operation unit 260 of the viewer terminal TMA to perform an operation of inputting a posted object for the content that progresses based on the operation of the performer or for the performer. Specifically, the viewer performs an operation of inputting a posted object to the virtual field where the performance of the performer (the character corresponding to the performer) is being performed. When the posted object is input to the virtual field in this way, the posted object moves in the virtual field where the performer's performance is being performed. Then, the display processing unit 120 performs display processing of a display image of content in which the performer performs a performance in the virtual field and the posted object input by the viewer moves in the virtual field.

[0077] The input of a posting object such as a tip can be enabled by the viewer consuming the viewer's parameters. For example, when the posting object is a paid item, the viewer's parameters are the parameters of the consideration that the viewer pays for the payment. For example, if it is a tip, it is the parameter of the amount of the tip. The consideration may be a consideration paid with virtual currency such as in-game currency, or may be a consideration paid with points of entertainment content such as in-game points. That is, the posting object is an object that can be posted when the viewer pays the consideration, and is an object that can be input when the parameter of the consideration is consumed. Alternatively, the viewer's parameter may be the parameter of the number of posting objects. For example, each time the viewer makes a post, the parameter of the number is consumed and decreased. Also, when a plurality of posting objects are input in one post, the parameter of the number is consumed and decreased by the number of posts made. Note that the viewer's parameters are not limited to such consideration parameters and number parameters, and various parameters that enable the input of posting objects can be assumed. For example, the posting object may be an object that can be input by consuming status parameters such as the viewer's physical strength parameter, or may be an object that can be input by the viewer consuming the parameter of the points of entertainment content such as in-game points. Also, these viewer parameters are stored in association with the viewer who is the user, for example, in the user information storage unit 174 of FIG. 2.

[0078] Then, the awarding processing unit 110 performs the awarding process of gifts to the performer and the awarding process of givebacks to the viewers. Specifically, when the posted object input into the virtual field is recovered, the awarding processing unit 110 awards the performer with a gift corresponding to the posted object input or the consumed parameter. The recovery of this posted object may be automatic recovery, recovery by the performer, or recovery by a third party different from the performer as described later. The gift is, for example, a gift given to the performer when the posted object is recovered. For example, the awarding of a gift to the performer may be to award the performer with an object identical or of the same type as the posted object input by the viewer, or to award the performer with an object different from the posted object. Also, when a posted object is input by the viewer consuming the parameter of the number of posted objects, the awarding of a gift to the performer may be to increase the corresponding parameter of the number in the performer by an amount corresponding to the consumed number. Further, when a posted object is input by the viewer consuming the parameter of the price for the posted object, the awarding of a gift to the performer may be to increase the corresponding parameter of the price in the performer by an amount corresponding to the consumed price.

[0079] In addition, when the contribution object input into the virtual field is not recovered, the awarding processing unit 110 performs a process of awarding a restoration object corresponding to the input contribution object or the consumed parameter to the viewer. For example, a process of awarding the restoration object to the viewer who input the contribution object is performed. The restoration object is, for example, a feedback given to the viewer as a reward for inputting the contribution object. For example, the restoration object is to restore at least a part of the contribution object contributed by the viewer to the viewer. For example, the awarding of the restoration object to the viewer may be to restore at least a part of the object that is the same as or of the same type as the contribution object input by the viewer to the viewer, or may be to restore an object different from the contribution object to the viewer. Also, when a contribution object is input by the viewer consuming the parameter of the number of contribution objects, the awarding of the restoration object to the viewer is to restore at least a part of the consumed and decreased parameter of the number and return it to the original state, and may be to restore the decreased parameter of the number. Also, when a contribution object is input by the viewer consuming the parameter of the price for the contribution object, the awarding of the restoration object to the viewer is to restore at least a part of the consumed and decreased parameter of the price and return it to the original state, and may be to restore the decreased parameter of the price. For example, when the viewer pays and consumes the price to input a contribution object and the contribution object is not recovered, at least a part of the consumed price is restored to the viewer.

[0080] The reception processing unit 102 performs a process of receiving playback data for playing back the performer's performance from the performer terminal TMP. The playback data is data for specifying and playing back a series of operations of the performer's performance. The performer's performance is realized by a plurality of operations of the performer. Examples of the playback data include a motion number, motion data, or video data for motion playback. The motion number is, for example, what is called a preset motion number and is, for example, a number associated with the motion data. That is, the motion number is a number for specifying the corresponding motion data. The motion data is data for specifying and playing back a series of operations of a model object such as a character. For example, the motion data is data for playing back a series of movements of the skeleton of the model object. Each part object of the model object moves so as to follow each bone of the skeleton. By operating a model object such as a character based on the motion data, it becomes possible to let the viewer view the performance by a series of operations performed by the character as the performance by a series of operations performed by the performer. Note that the motion number and the motion data are also referred to as an animation number and animation data, respectively. The video data for motion playback is, for example, video data (shooting data) used for playing back the movements of a model object such as a character corresponding to the performer by shooting the performer performing the performance in the real space with a shooting device. For example, when the shooting device has a depth sensor, this video data may include not only the color image data of the shooting image but also the depth image data.

[0081] In addition, the display processing unit 120 performs display processing of content in which a third party different from the performer collects the posted object input into the virtual field. For example, the display processing unit 120 performs display processing of a display image in which a third party collects the posted object input into the virtual field instead of the performer who is performing. Here, the third party may be another person different from the performer or a virtual character. The other person is, for example, a third party who is requested by the performer to collect the posted object. Note that even without such a request, another person who is a third party may collect the posted object. The character is, for example, a character called an NPC (Non Player Character) and is a character that operates under computer control. For example, the character is controlled by a given algorithm by computer processing to collect the posted object in the virtual field. The character may be a character owned by the performer as a character other than the VR character performing the performer's performance, or may be a character that collects the posted object at the request of the performer. For example, the character may be a character owned by another person different from the performer, or may be a character of an avatar of a specific person such as a famous person.

[0082] In addition, the display processing unit 120 performs display processing of content in which a third party whose recovery ability of posted objects is set according to the status information of the third party recovers the posted objects put into the virtual field. The status information of the third party is, for example, the work history information or attribute information of the third party. The work history information is, for example, the work history information of the third party regarding the recovery of posted objects. For example, the work history information is the number of recoveries, the frequency of recovery, or the most recent recovery history regarding the work of recovering posted objects. The attribute information of the third party is the user information of the third party or the attributes (such as wizard, warrior, merchant, fire, water, wind, etc.) in amusement content such as games. The user information of the third party is, for example, the gender, age group information, and friend information of the third party. The recovery ability of the posted objects is, for example, the recovery speed of the posted objects, the recovery time of a predetermined number of posted objects, the recovery rate of the posted objects, or the recovery ability of specific posted objects such as those with high rarity or value.

[0083] In addition, the display processing unit 120 performs display processing of content in which a third party hired by the performer recovers the posted objects put into the virtual field. For example, by paying a price, the performer hires a third party, and the hired third party recovers the posted objects put into the virtual field on behalf of the performer. The payment of the price may be the payment of virtual currency such as in-game currency, or the payment by consuming points of entertainment content such as in-game points. Also, the performer may pay a price to another person and hire the other person as a third party to recover posted objects, or pay a price to another person and hire a character owned by the other person as a third party to recover posted objects. Further, the character owned by the performer after paying a price may be made to recover the posted objects.

[0084] In addition, the consideration processing unit 112 sets the consideration paid by the performer for the employment of a third party according to the status information of the third party. For example, the consideration paid by the performer for the employment of a third party is changed according to the status information of the third party. For example, the status information of the third party is the work history information and attribute information of the third party as described above. More specifically, the status information (work history information) of the third party is the cumulative performance and recent performance regarding the number of collections, the amount of collections, etc. Alternatively, the status information may be the number of large catches called big money hunters, the cumulative number of times employed, the recent number of times employed corresponding to popularity, etc. In addition, the status information of the third party may be a rank (level, class, grade) based on cumulative performance, the current condition, personality factors, preferred position information, etc. The current condition is being a bit tired or being in excellent condition, etc. The personality factors are the type of being in good condition in the first half (escaping), the type of pushing in in the second half (stabbing), almighty, emphasizing the number, emphasizing a large amount of money, etc. The preferred position information is, for example, being good at collecting on the right side of the screen of the virtual field, being good at collecting in the center of the screen, being good at collecting on the left side of the screen, etc. For example, the performer selects which third party with which status information to employ in consideration of the exciting timing of the event to be held and the time limit. When employing multiple people, the balance of the status information is also considered. In addition, when the third party is a person, the employment is determined based on the self-declaration and past history of that person. In addition, by considering the preferred position information, it becomes possible to employ a third party that reflects the on-site layout of the event to be held.

[0085] In addition, the consideration processing unit 112 calculates the consideration paid by the performer for the employment of a third party according to the calculation method selected from among a plurality of calculation methods. The calculation method of the consideration may be selected by the performer or automatically selected according to a given algorithm. As a calculation method of the consideration, for example, there is a percentage-of-results system such as paying X% of the recovered amount from the recovery of the posted object. Also, it may be a calculation method based on an auction method in which a plurality of people submit bidding amounts. For example, when the third party is a person, the starting value of the bid is determined based on self-declaration or past history. Also, in the case of an offer to a character who is a third party at an amount exceeding the normal contract amount as a result of the auction, the performance is improved. Also, it may be a calculation method in which the consideration paid by the performer changes according to the number of people employed. For example, when employing a plurality of people, the higher the number of people, the higher the coefficient is multiplied by the basic contract amount, which is the consideration for employment. For example, in the case of the first employment, it is ×1.0, in the case of the second employment, it is ×1.2, in the case of the third employment, it is ×2.0, and in the case of 10 or more employments, it is ×5.0. As the number of third parties who recover the posted object increases, the number of recoveries and the recovery rate also increase, but the balance is adjusted by increasing the consideration paid by the performer.

[0086] Also, the third party is, for example, a character that moves in a virtual field to recover a posted object. For example, a character controlled by a computer moves in a virtual field based on a given algorithm to recover a posted object. For example, the character is controlled by a computer to move with the recovered object as the destination target. The character is, for example, an object, for example, a model object. The character is a display object displayed in the display image of the content, but may be a three-dimensional object or a two-dimensional object. Also, the character may be a character owned by the performer, a character owned by someone other than the performer, or a character not owned by anyone.

[0087] Alternatively, the third party may be a character that is placed in the virtual field by the viewer and moves in the virtual field to collect the posted object. For example, the viewer of the content may place their own character in the virtual field and have the posted object collected. For example, when multiple viewers watch the content, each viewer may be able to place their own character in the virtual field. Also, a character may be placed at a position corresponding to the viewing location of the viewer in the virtual field. For example, when multiple viewers watch the content, each character of the multiple characters owned by the multiple viewers is placed at a position corresponding to the viewing location of each viewer of the multiple viewers.

[0088] Also, the display processing unit 120 performs display processing of the content in which the posted object is collected by the collection method selected by the performer from among a plurality of collection methods. For example, in the first collection method, when a plurality of posted objects are scattered in the virtual field, a third party carries these plurality of posted objects to the collection location. For example, the character corresponding to the third party moves in the virtual field and transports the scattered plurality of posted objects to the collection location. In the second collection method, for example, on the touch panel screen, the posted object is collected by touching the position of the posted object. The performer selects a desired collection method from among a plurality of collection methods including these first and second collection methods. Alternatively, the performer may be able to select a collection method for having a person collect and a collection method for having a character collect. Alternatively, the performer may be able to select a collection method for having a third party collect and a collection method for the performer himself / herself to collect. Also, the acquisition rate, acquisition success rate, etc. of the posted object may be changed according to the collection method selected by the performer.

[0089] In addition, when the submission object is recovered within a given period, the awarding processing unit 110 performs processing to award a gift to the performer, and when the submission object is not recovered within the given period, performs processing to award a refund item to the viewer. That is, at the timing when the given period has elapsed, it is determined whether the submission object has been recovered. If it has been recovered, a gift is awarded to the performer, and if it has not been recovered, a refund item is awarded to the viewer. In this case, the given period may be the performance period during which the performer performs, or may be a divided period (part period) when the performance period is divided into a plurality of periods (a plurality of parts). When the length of the performance period is determined, for example, to be 1 hour, at the timing when this 1-hour performance period ends, it is determined whether the submission object has been recovered. If it has been recovered, a gift is awarded to the performer, and if it has not been recovered, a refund item is awarded to the viewer. In this case, the performance period is the entire period during which the performance is performed. Alternatively, in each of the first half period, the middle period, and the second half period, which are divided periods of the performance period, it may be determined whether the submission object has been recovered. If it has been recovered, a gift is awarded to the performer, and if it has not been recovered, a refund item is awarded to the viewer. Also, the divided period may be, for example, a period corresponding to each story when the performance has a plurality of stories.

[0090] In addition, when the submission object input into the virtual field is recovered, the awarding processing unit 110 performs processing to award a privilege to the viewer who input the submission object. For example, when the submission object is recovered, a gift is awarded to the performer and a privilege is awarded to the viewer, and when the submission object is not recovered, a refund item is awarded to the viewer. The privilege is for making the viewer, who is a user in entertainment content such as game content, VR content, or video live content, more advantageous or more privileged. When the privilege is awarded, the viewer can proceed with the entertainment content more advantageously or be privileged in the entertainment content.

[0091] In addition, when the contribution object is collected, the awarding processing unit 110 performs, as processing for awarding a privilege to the viewer, for example, processing for awarding the viewer the input success points of the contribution object, or processing for causing the performer to perform a privilege performance. The input success points of the contribution object are points indicating that the input of the contribution object such as a donation has been successful. When the input success points increase, the viewer can proceed with the entertainment content more advantageously or be treated preferentially in the entertainment content. The privilege performance is, for example, a special performance performed by the performer for the viewer. For example, in the privilege performance, the performer (the character corresponding to the performer) points to the viewer, calls the name and generates a voice of gratitude, displays a display object such as characters directed to the viewer, or performs a special production performance for the viewer.

[0092] In addition, the awarding processing unit 110 performs processing to change the benefits awarded to viewers according to the situation when the posted object is recovered. For example, in the first situation, the awarding processing unit 110 awards the first benefit to the viewer, and in the second situation, it awards a second benefit different from the first benefit to the viewer. For example, the awarding processing unit 110 changes the benefit awarded to the performer according to the relationship between the viewer who posted the object and the performer or third party (person or character) who recovered the posted object, and according to the attributes of the viewer and the attributes of the performer or third party who recovered the posted object. For example, when the relationship between the viewer and the performer or third party who recovered the posted object is the first relationship, the first benefit is awarded, and when it is the second relationship, the second benefit is awarded. For example, the more intimate the relationship is judged to be, the higher-value benefit is awarded to the viewer. Or, when the similarity between the attributes of the viewer and the attributes of the performer or third party who recovered the posted object is the first similarity, the first benefit is awarded, and when it is the second similarity, the second benefit is awarded. For example, the more similar the attributes are, the higher-value benefit is awarded to the viewer. Also, the awarding processing unit 110 changes the benefit awarded to the viewer depending on whether the posted object is directly recovered by the performer or recovered by a third party (person, character). For example, when the performer recovers it, a higher-value benefit is awarded to the viewer. Note that a high-value benefit means, for example, that the input success points awarded to the viewer are high, or that the performer performs better benefit performances for the viewer. For example, the higher the value of the awarded benefit, the more favorably the viewer can advance the entertainment content or the more preferentially the viewer is treated in the entertainment content.

[0093] In addition, when the contribution object is not recovered, the awarding processing unit 110 performs processing to change the restoration items awarded to the viewer according to the situation. For example, it changes the degree of restoration of the restoration items. For example, in the first situation, the awarding processing unit 110 awards the first restoration item to the viewer, and in the second situation, it awards a second restoration item different from the first restoration item to the viewer. For example, when the relationship between the viewer and the performer is the first relationship, the first restoration item is awarded, and when it is the second relationship, the second restoration item is awarded. For example, the higher the relationship is judged to be intimate, the higher the degree of restoration of the restoration item. Or, when the similarity between the attributes of the viewer and the attributes of the performer is the first similarity, the first restoration item is awarded, and when it is the second similarity, the second restoration item is awarded. For example, the higher the similarity of the attributes, the higher the degree of restoration of the restoration item. Or the awarding processing unit 110 may change the restoration items awarded to the viewer according to the time the contributed object stayed in the virtual field. For example, the longer the contribution object stays in the virtual field, the higher the degree of restoration of the restoration item. Or the awarding processing unit 110 changes the restoration items awarded to the viewer according to the number of times the contribution object is input or the amount of the price for the input of the contribution object. For example, the higher the number of inputs or the higher the amount of the price for the input, the higher the degree of restoration of the restoration item. The degree of restoration of the restoration item is the ratio or degree of the restoration item that returns to the viewer with respect to the contribution object input by the viewer. For example, when the viewer inputs K contribution objects and L restoration objects are restored as restoration items, the degree of restoration of the restoration item can be represented by, for example, L / K. Also, when the viewer inputs a contribution object with a price = X and a price = Y is restored as a restoration item, the degree of restoration of the restoration item can be represented by, for example, Y / X.

[0094] In addition, when the second submission object corresponding to the restored item given to the viewer when the submission object is not collected, the display processing unit 120 performs display processing of the content in which the second submission object moves in the virtual field when the viewer inputs the second submission object into the virtual field. Then, when the second submission object is not collected, the granting processing unit 110 performs a process of granting the viewer a second restored item corresponding to the second submission object. That is, it enables the restored item restored when the submission object is not collected to be reinvested as a second submission object. And when the input second submission object is not collected, the second restored item corresponding to the second submission object is granted to and restored to the viewer. For example, when the submission object is not collected within a given period, the restored investment amount for the viewer who invested in the submission object can be reinvested by the viewer to input a second submission object.

[0095] Also, the awarding process unit 110 makes the reduction mode of the reduction object given to the viewer when the submission object is not recovered different from the reduction mode of the second reduction object given to the viewer when the second submission object is not recovered. For example, if the submission object input by the viewer for the first time is not recovered, and the viewer makes a second input by inputting the second submission object, which is the reduction object due to not being recovered, and this second submission object is also not recovered, and the second reduction object is given to the viewer. In this case, the reduction mode of the reduction object reduced in the first input is made different from the reduction mode of the second reduction object reduced in the second input. Here, the reduction mode is, for example, the reduction degree described above. The reduction degree can also be referred to as the reduction rate. For example, when the reduction rate of the reduction object reduced in the first input is set as R1 and the reduction rate of the reduction object reduced in the second input is set as R2, for example, R2 > R1 is set so that more reduction is achieved in the second time. For example, it is assumed that 20 coins are thrown in the first offering, and since the coins are not recovered, 4 coins are returned to the viewer. At this time, the reduction rate for the first time is R1 = 0.2. And in the second offering, when the 4 returned coins are thrown and the coins are not recovered, for example, the reduction rate is set as R2 = 0.5 so that 2 coins are returned. By doing so, it is possible to give the viewer an effective incentive to continuously re - input (re - submit, reinvest) the submission object.

[0096] Also, when the penalty processing unit 114 fails to recover the posted object, it performs a process of imposing a penalty on the performer or a third party who recovers the posted object on behalf of the performer. For example, when the posted object fails to be recovered, the restitution is returned to the viewer who submitted the posted object, but a penalty is imposed on the performer or a third party who recovers the posted object on behalf of the performer for the failure to recover the posted object. The penalty is for making the performer or third party who could not recover the posted object more disadvantaged or less fortunate in entertainment content such as game content. When a penalty is imposed, the performer or third party will be hindered in the progress of the entertainment content or receive an unfortunate treatment in the entertainment content. Specifically, for example, a penalty that hinders the progress of the content is imposed, such as causing the unrecovered posted object to explode and destroy the virtual field or reducing the area of the virtual field.

[0097] Also, the reception unit 108 performs a process of receiving the submission of submission information for the content or the performer based on the operation of the viewer terminal TMA by the viewer. The submission of submission information is, for example, the money thrown in by the viewer or the submission comment. For example, the viewer operates the operation unit 260 of the viewer terminal TMA to perform an operation of throwing money into the content or the performer that progresses based on the operation of the performer. Alternatively, the viewer operates the operation unit 260 of the viewer terminal TMA to submit a comment input to the content or the performer that progresses based on the operation of the performer. Then, the reception unit 108 receives the submission of the comment input by the viewer. When multiple performers perform in one content, the reception unit 108 will receive the submission of money thrown in or comments, etc. for the performer designated by the viewer among the multiple performers.

[0098] Then, the display processing unit 120 performs display processing of the content information. Specifically, the display processing unit 120 performs display processing of the common information of the content that is commonly displayed on both the presenter terminal TMP and the viewer terminal TMA, and the differential information of the content that is displayed on either the presenter terminal TMP or the viewer terminal TMA. The differential information of the content is, for example, information for prompting an operation by the presenter. For example, by displaying the differential information of the content, the operation of the presenter using the operation unit 260 of the presenter terminal TMP is promoted. Specifically, the display processing unit 120 performs display processing of differential information that prompts the presenter's reaction to the viewer's reaction (such as a post) to the content or the presenter. For example, the display processing unit 120 performs processing for displaying the common information of the content on both the display unit 290 of the presenter terminal TMP and the display unit 290 of the viewer terminal TMA. Further, the display processing unit 120 performs processing for displaying the differential information of the content on the display unit 290 of the presenter terminal TMP or the display unit 290 of the viewer terminal TMA.

[0099] Then, the display processing unit 120 performs display processing of the differential information of the content for the presenter terminal TMP according to the posting status of the viewer's posting information. For example, the display processing unit 120 changes the display control of the differential information of the content for the presenter terminal TMP based on the posting status of the viewer's posting information. For example, it performs processing to change the display content or the display mode of the differential information. Specifically, when the viewer posts posting information such as a donation and the posting is received by the receiving unit 108, the display processing unit 120 makes the differential information that was only visible to the viewer also visible to the presenter, or changes the content of the differential information that was not shown to the viewer. For example, when the viewer posts to the content or the presenter, the display processing unit 120 performs display processing to generate the presenter's reaction to this post.

[0100] For example, assume that the difference information of the content is information that is in a display state on the viewer terminal TMA and in a non-display state on the presenter terminal TMP. That is, the difference information is displayed on the display unit 290 of the viewer terminal TMA but not on the display unit 290 of the presenter terminal TMP. In this case, the display processing unit 120 performs processing to display at least a part of the difference information on the presenter terminal TMP according to the posting status of the posting information. For example, all of the difference information is displayed on the presenter terminal TMP, or only a part of the difference information is displayed on the presenter terminal TMP.

[0101] In addition, the display processing unit 120 sets the display content or display mode of the difference information displayed on the presenter terminal according to the posting status of the posting information. For example, according to the posting status of the posting information, for the difference information of the content, the display content such as what to display, where to display, and at what timing to display is set. Also, according to the posting status of the posting information, for the difference information of the content, the display mode such as how much amount to display, how easy it is to view, and for how long to display is set.

[0102] Also, assume that the difference information of the content is information that is in a non-display state on the viewer terminal TMA and in a display state on the presenter terminal TMP. That is, the difference information is displayed on the display unit 290 of the presenter terminal TMP but not on the display unit 290 of the viewer terminal TMA. In this case, the display processing unit 120 sets the display content or display mode of the difference information displayed on the presenter terminal TMP according to the posting status of the posting information. For example, according to the posting status of the posting information, for the difference information of the content, what to display, where to display, at what timing to display, how much amount to display, how easy it is to view, or for how long to display, etc. are set.

[0103] Note that the content distribution system and processes of the present embodiment described above can be implemented in various modified forms, such as being realized by the server system 500 in FIG. 1(A), or by distributed processing between the server system 500 and the terminal device TM. For example, each process performed by the content information generation unit 106, reception unit 108, attachment processing unit 110, consideration processing unit 112, penalty processing unit 114, management unit 118, display processing unit 120, sound processing unit 130, etc. of the content distribution system may be realized by the processing of the terminal device TM such as the performer terminal TMP or the viewer terminal TMA. For example, the server system may process only the information necessary for performing the above-described various processes such as display processing and content information generation processing, or may perform only the process of transmitting the information to the terminal device TM, and the terminal device TM may execute other processes. For example, a program for performing each of the above-described processes such as display processing and content information generation processing is installed in the terminal device TM, and the terminal device TM executes each of the above-described processes based on the installed program. Also, the same program for performing each of the above-described processes may be installed in the performer terminal TMP and the viewer terminal TMA, and the content of each of the above-described processes executed by the program may be changed according to whether the operator of the terminal device TM is a performer or a viewer. Further, the content distribution system may be realized by an information processing system other than the server system 500.

[0104] 2. Method of the Present Embodiment Next, the method of the present embodiment will be described in detail.

[0105] 2.1 Granting and Restoring Gifts Based on Collection / Non-Collection of Submission Objects In the live distribution of content by the content distribution system, the content of the performance performed by the performer on the performer terminal is distributed to the viewer terminal of the viewer, and the viewer watches and enjoys the performance of the performer. An example of such live distribution of content will be described first.

[0106] For example, FIG. 4 shows an example of a live stream by a VR character CH. In this live stream, when a performer performs, in a virtual field VFL in a virtual space, a VR character CH (model object) performs a performance according to the performance (action) of the performer. For example, the VR character CH performs performances such as dancing while waving hands, jumping, and clapping hands. To realize such a performance of the character CH, for example, playback data for playing back the performance is used.

[0107] For example, in FIG. 5(A), motion data MT1, MT2, MT3... are associated with motion numbers N1, N2, N3... That is, by selecting a motion number, the motion data associated with the motion number can be selected. Also, model data MDL1, MDL2, MDL3... are associated with model objects, namely characters CH1, CH2, CH3... The model data is data that defines the shape and the like of a character that is a model object. For example, a model object is composed of a plurality of objects called part objects, and each object is composed of a plurality of polygons (primitives), and the model data is data of these objects and polygons.

[0108] In FIG. 5(B), for example, the performer selects a desired action (performance, behavior) such as waving a hand, jumping, or clapping in the menu screen MS on, for example, the performer terminal. Specifically, in the menu screen MS displayed on the touch panel display of the performer terminal, a desired action is selected by performing a touch operation or the like. Then, the motion number corresponding to the selected action (performance, behavior) is selected, and the motion data associated with this motion number is selected. As a result, based on the selected motion data, the motion of the character CH in FIG. 4 is reproduced, and the character CH performs the selected action. For example, when "wave a hand" is selected in the menu screen MS of FIG. 5(B), the character CH in the virtual field VFL also performs the action of waving a hand, and when "jump" is selected, the character CH in the virtual field VFL also performs the action of jumping.

[0109] As described above, in FIG. 5(B), the data type of the reproduction data for reproducing the performer's performance is the data type of the motion number. By the performer selecting a desired motion number, it becomes possible to operate the character CH to perform a performance.

[0110] In FIG. 6(A), the performer PFM is wearing the motion capture suit ST on the body. A plurality of markers MK are attached to the motion capture suit ST, and by measuring the positions of these markers MK, the motion data MT of the performer is obtained. The motion data MT defines the posture of the skeleton corresponding to the performer PFM, and the skeleton has a plurality of joints and a plurality of bones defined by these joints. The motion data MT has, for example, three-dimensional position data of the joints of the skeleton and angle data of the bones. Note that as detection methods in motion capture, there are various methods such as optical, inertial sensor, mechanical, and magnetic. In the optical method, the movement of the performer PFM wearing the motion capture suit ST with the markers MK realized by a reflector or the like is photographed by a camera. In the mechanical method, sensors for measuring mechanical rotation angles and displacements such as potentiometers and encoders are used. In the magnetic method, a magnetic sensor as a receiver is provided, and a magnetic field is sent from a magnetic generator as a transmitter thereto.

[0111] Thus, in FIG. 6(A), the data type of the playback data for reproducing the performer's performance is the data type of the motion data, and by using the motion data obtained by motion capture, it becomes possible to operate the character CH to perform the performance.

[0112] In FIG. 6(B), for example, the performer PFM uses the camera of the performer terminal TMP attached to a tripod to shoot the state of his or her performance, for example, against a blue background. Then, motion data MT is extracted (detected) from the motion reproduction video data MV obtained by this shooting. As a method for extracting the motion data MT from such video data MV, there are methods that utilize an RGB sensor or a depth sensor provided in the camera, such as a method called Kinect (registered trademark). For example, based on the color image data from the RGB sensor provided in the camera of the performer terminal TMP, the movement of the performer PFM in the background is detected. Also, by using the depth image data from the depth sensor provided in the camera of the performer terminal TMP, the depth information of each part of the performer PFM as seen from the camera can be obtained, enabling more accurate extraction of the motion data MT.

[0113] As described above, in FIG. 6(B), the data type of the reproduction data for reproducing the performer's performance is the data type of the motion reproduction video data. By extracting motion data from this motion reproduction video data, it becomes possible to operate the character CH to perform a performance.

[0114] As described above, according to the content distribution system of this embodiment, it becomes possible to perform live distribution and the like of content of a performance that a performer performs on a performer terminal to a viewer terminal of a viewer. Note that the content realized by the content distribution system of this embodiment is not limited to the content of live distribution of a VR character as shown in FIG. 4, and various contents can be assumed, such as content for live-distributing the state of a performer performing a performance himself or herself, or content for live-distributing the state of a performer's gameplay.

[0115] Now, in the distribution of such content, viewers of the content make an input of a posting object called a tip or a gift, etc., for the purpose of praising the content or the performer, or cheering for the performer who distributes the content. By such tips and the like being made, it becomes possible to enhance the motivation of the performer who performs, and as a result, it becomes possible to distribute content of better performance to the viewers.

[0116] However, even when a viewer inputs a posting object such as a tip, there is no return for inputting the posting object, and only a one-way action from the viewer to the performer is performed. For this reason, it is not possible to give an effective motivation for inputting the posting object to the viewer, and the motivation for inputting the posting object cannot be further enhanced. Also, after the posting object is input by the viewer, the posting object is automatically collected, for example, and the content proceeds as it is without sufficient production, etc. being performed. For this reason, the viewer who posts the posting object feels as if it is a waste, and the achievement of the motivation for inputting the posting object in content distribution, the production effect, etc. is insufficient.

[0117] Therefore, in the present embodiment, when the input posting object is collected, a gift item that becomes a gift is given to the performer, and on the other hand, even when the input posting object is not collected, a reduction item for the input of the posting object is given to the viewer. FIGS. 7(A) to 7(C) are explanatory diagrams of the method of the present embodiment.

[0118] For example, in FIG. 7(A), in the virtual field VFL, content in which a VR character CH performs a performance such as dancing or waving hands is being distributed. And in FIG. 7(A), a contribution object OBC, which is a tip, is being thrown into the virtual field VFL by a viewer of the content. For example, when a viewer performs an operation of throwing the contribution object OBC at the viewer terminal, the contribution object OBC moves in the virtual field VFL along a trajectory toward the character CH corresponding to the performer. That is, the contribution object OBC moves in the virtual field VFL where the performance of the character CH corresponding to the performer is being performed. And in FIG. 7(A), the contributed contribution objects OBC are in a scattered state in the virtual field VFL. This contribution object OBC is an object that can be contributed by a viewer consuming the viewer's parameters. For example, when the contribution object OBC is a paid item or the like, the contribution object OBC can be contributed by consuming the parameter of the consideration that the viewer pays for the payment. Or the contribution object OBC can be contributed by consuming the parameter of the number of contribution objects OBC.

[0119] And in FIG. 7(B), the posted object OBC input into the virtual field VFL has been recovered. This recovery of the posted object OBC may be an automatic recovery, a recovery by the operation of the performer, or a recovery by a third party as described later. And when the posted object OBC is thus recovered, a gift, which is the result of the recovery of the posted object OBC, is given to the performer. Specifically, a gift corresponding to the input posted object OBC or the consumed parameter is given to the performer. For example, the posted object OBC itself is given to the performer as a gift. Or when the posted object OBC is input by consuming the parameter of the viewer's consideration, a gift is given to increase the corresponding consideration (amount) parameter of the performer. That is, an amount corresponding to the amount of the tip is given to the performer. Or when the posted object OBC is input by consuming the parameter of the number of the viewer's posted objects OBC, a gift is given to increase the corresponding number parameter of the performer.

[0120] On the other hand, in FIG. 7(B), the posted object OBC input into the virtual field VFL has not been recovered. When the posted object OBC is not recovered in this way, for example, a reduction object for reducing at least a part of the input amount is given to the viewer who input the posted object OBC. Specifically, when the input posted object OBC is not recovered, a reduction object corresponding to the input posted object OBC or the consumed parameter is given to the viewer who input the posted object OBC. For example, at least a part of the posted object OBC is returned to the viewer as a reduction object. That is, a part of the money thrown in by the viewer is returned to the viewer as a reduction object. Or when the posted object OBC is input by consuming the parameter of the viewer's price, an addition process of a reduction object is performed to restore at least a part of the consumed and reduced price parameter to its original state and restore the reduced price parameter. That is, a part of the amount of money thrown in by the viewer is returned to the viewer. Or when the posted object OBC is input by consuming the parameter of the number of the viewer's posted objects OBC, an addition process of a reduction object is performed to restore at least a part of the consumed and reduced number parameter to its original state and restore the reduced number parameter.

[0121] FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining the process of this embodiment. First, the content distribution system determines whether a viewer has consumed their own parameters and input a posted object such as a tip (step S1). For example, it is determined whether the viewer has operated the viewer terminal to consume a parameter of the price or the number of the posted object and input the posted object. When the posted object is input, in the virtual field where the performer performs, the input posted object is moved (step S2). For example, the posted object is moved along a trajectory toward the character corresponding to the performer.

[0122] Next, the content delivery system determines whether the input submission object has been recovered (step S11). If it has been recovered, a gift corresponding to the input submission object or the consumed parameter is given to the performer (step S12). On the other hand, if the input submission object has not been recovered, a refund corresponding to the input submission object or the consumed parameter is given to the viewer who submitted the submission object (step S13).

[0123] As described above, in this embodiment, when the submission object input by the viewer is recovered, a gift is given to the performer, and when the input submission object is not recovered, a refund is given to the viewer. In this way, by giving a gift to the performer when the submission object is recovered, this gift can serve as an incentive to enhance the motivation of the performer who performs. Also, the viewer can be convinced that their praise and support have reached the performer when the submission object they input is recovered and a gift is given to the performer. On the other hand, in this embodiment, when the submission object is not recovered, a refund is given to the viewer. That is, when the submission object is not recovered, for example, a part of it returns to the viewer as a refund. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a situation where the viewer feels that they have wasted their effort in submitting the submission object because it is not recovered and does not become a gift for the performer. And the return of the refund serves as a motivation for the next submission object input, and can enhance the motivation for inputting submission objects in content delivery. Also, when the submission object is recovered, an effect is performed in which a gift is given to the performer, and when the submission object is not recovered, an effect is also performed in which a refund is given to the viewer, so the effect of submitting submission objects in content delivery can also be improved. Therefore, it becomes possible to provide a content delivery system or the like that can improve the motivation and performance effect of inputting submission objects in content delivery.

[0124] 2.2 Various Processing Examples and Methods Next, various processing examples and methods of this embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, for example, a third party different from the performer performs content display processing for collecting the posted object input into the virtual field. For example, in FIG. 9, a third party who is not the performer touches the screen of the terminal device to collect the posted object OBC input into the virtual field VFL.

[0125] In a content distribution system such as this embodiment, for example, the performer is busy performing, and even if the viewer inputs the posted object OBC into the virtual field VFL, it is difficult to collect the posted object OBC while performing. Therefore, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, a third party collects the posted object OBC on behalf of the performer. By doing so, the performer can concentrate on performing his or her own performance, and as a result, the attractiveness and interestingness of the content in which the performer performs can be improved. On the other hand, if the posted object OBC input by the viewer is not collected, the support and praise of the viewer will not reach the performer, and the performer will also be unable to obtain the posted object OBC as a gift. Therefore, in this embodiment, a third party performs the work of collecting the posted object OBC on behalf of the performer. By doing so, it becomes possible to improve the attractiveness and interestingness of the content in which the performer performs, while allowing the performer to obtain the gift from the viewer's posted object OBC.

[0126] In this embodiment, a third party different from the performer is, for example, a character that moves in the virtual field VFL to collect the posted object OBC. For example, in FIG. 10, a third-party character THP appears in the virtual field VFL. And this third-party character THP is collecting the posted object OBC input into the virtual field VFL. For example, a third-party character THP controlled by a computer moves on the virtual field VFL with the posted object OBC as the destination target and collects the posted objects OBC scattered in the virtual field VFL. In this way, it becomes possible to make the third-party character THP operate to collect the posted object OBC input by the viewer. And by having the third-party character THP collect the posted object OBC instead of the performer in this way, a gift due to the collection is given to the performer. Therefore, while improving the charm and fun of the content for which the performer performs, it becomes possible for the performer to obtain a gift by the viewer's posted object OBC. Also, it becomes possible to display a display image in which the third-party character THP, for example, runs around and collects the posted object OBC, and the production effect in content distribution can also be improved.

[0127] FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining the processing of this embodiment when the performer hires a third party. Here, the parts different from FIG. 8 will be mainly explained. The processing in FIG. 11 is different from FIG. 8 in steps S3 and S4 of FIG. 11. That is, in step S3, the content distribution system determines whether the performer has hired a third party to collect the posted object. And when the performer has hired a third party, as shown in step S4, the third party hired by the performer is made to collect the posted object input into the virtual field. After that, the processing from step S11 onward is performed in the same way as in FIG. 8.

[0128] As described above, in this embodiment, content display processing is performed in which a third party hired by the performer retrieves the posted objects placed in the virtual field. For example, when the performer pays a fee to hire a third party, a display image is shown in which the hired third party retrieves the posted objects placed in the virtual field on behalf of the performer. The third party hired by the performer may be a person or a character as shown in FIG. 10. In this way, for example, when the performer wants to concentrate on performing a performance, etc., the performer can hire a third party by paying a fee and have this third party perform the operation of retrieving the posted objects. Therefore, since the performer can concentrate on performing the performance, the appeal and fun of the content in which the performer performs the performance can be improved, and with respect to the posted objects placed for the purpose of praising or supporting the performer or the content, they are retrieved by the third party hired by the performer, and the performer can also obtain gifts by the posted objects.

[0129] FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining the process of setting the ability of the third party to retrieve the posted objects of the third party and the fee paid by the performer to the third party according to the status information of the third party.

[0130] First, the content delivery system acquires the status information of a third party (step S21). For example, it acquires status information such as the work history information or attribute information of the third party. Then, according to the status information of the third party, it sets the recovery ability of the third party's posted object (step S22). For example, according to the status information such as the work history information or attribute information of the third party, it changes the recovery ability such as the recovery speed, recovery time, or recovery rate of the posted object. Also, according to the status information of the third party, it sets the consideration that the performer pays to the third party (step S23). For example, according to the status information such as the work history information or attribute information of the third party, it changes the consideration that the performer pays for the employment of the third party. Also, from among a plurality of calculation methods, for example, according to the calculation method selected by the performer, it calculates the consideration that the performer pays for the employment of the third party (step S24). Note that the calculation method of the consideration may be automatically selected by a given algorithm. Then, it determines whether the performer has paid the consideration. If the consideration has been paid, it causes the third party employed by the performer to recover the posted object put into the virtual field (steps S25, S26).

[0131] For example, FIG. 13 shows an example of the status information of a third party. In FIG. 13, the status information of the third party includes work history information. The work history information is, for example, the cumulative achievements, recent achievements, number of big wins, cumulative number of times employed, recent number of times employed, etc. of the third party. Also, the status information includes rank information such as the level, class, grade, etc. of the third party. Also, the status information generally includes information on the current condition of the third party such as excellent condition, good condition, and feeling tired. Also, the status information includes personality factor information of the third party such as good condition in the first half, catch-up in the second half, all-mighty, emphasizing the number, emphasizing the large amount, etc. Also, the status information includes the favorite position information of the third party such as being good at the center of the screen, being good at the right side of the screen, being good at the left side of the screen, etc.

[0132] As shown in FIG. 12, in the present embodiment, a third party whose ability to collect posted objects is set according to the status information of a third party performs display processing of content for collecting the posted objects input into the virtual field. For example, a third party whose collection ability is set according to the status information as illustrated in FIG. 13 collects the posted objects input into the virtual field. In this way, since the collection ability varies according to the status information of the third party, it becomes possible to display a display image of content in which posted objects are collected by third parties with various collection abilities, and the production effect of the content can also be improved.

[0133] Also, as shown in FIG. 12, in the present embodiment, the consideration paid by the performer for the employment of a third party is set according to the status information of the third party. For example, when the performer pays consideration to a third party whose consideration is set according to the status information as illustrated in FIG. 13, the third party collects the posted objects input into the virtual field. In this way, the consideration paid by the performer for employing the third party varies according to the status information of the third party. Therefore, for example, when the performer wants to employ a third party with high abilities such as collection ability, the performer can employ the third party by paying a high consideration, for example, to collect the posted objects. Or, for a third party with low abilities such as collection ability, it becomes possible to employ the third party at a low consideration to collect the posted objects. Therefore, the range of options for the performer who employs a third party is widened, and it becomes possible for the performer to employ a third party corresponding to the desired consideration at the consideration and collect the posted objects.

[0134] Also, as shown in FIG. 12, in this embodiment, the consideration paid by the performer for the employment of a third party is calculated by a calculation method selected from among a plurality of calculation methods. For example, the consideration paid by the performer to the third party is calculated based on a calculation method selected from calculation methods such as a percentage method, a bidding method, or a method of varying the consideration according to the number of employees. In this way, it becomes possible to calculate the consideration paid by the performer to the third party by various calculation methods and have the third party employed by the calculated consideration recover the posting object in the virtual field. Also, it becomes possible to prepare various payment methods for the consideration paid by the performer to the third party, and it becomes possible to expand the options for the performer's consideration payment method.

[0135] Also, in this embodiment, the third party may be a character that is placed in the virtual field by the viewer, moves in the virtual field, and collects the posted object. For example, in FIG. 14, there appear a character THA that is placed in the virtual field VFL by viewer A, moves in the virtual field VFL, and collects the posted object OBC, and a character THA that is placed in the virtual field VFL by viewer B, moves in the virtual field VFL, and collects the posted object OBC. In this case, the character THA may be placed at a position desired by viewer A, and the character THB may be placed at a position desired by viewer B. In this way, viewers A and B can place the characters THA and THB at a location where it is easy to collect the posted object OBC, for example, and have the characters THA and THB collect the posted object OBC. Alternatively, for example, in the virtual field VFL, the character THA may be placed at a position set as the viewing location of viewer A, and the character THB may be placed at a position set as the viewing location of viewer B. Also, viewers A and B may have the characters THA and THB collect posted objects OBC other than the posted objects they have contributed. That is, they have the characters THA and THB collect the posted objects OBC contributed by others. In this way, by having the characters THA and THB placed in the virtual field by viewers A and B collect the posted object OBC, viewers A and B can help the performer who is performing and enable the performer to concentrate on performing. As a result, viewers can view content with better performances.

[0136] FIG. 15 is a flowchart for explaining the processing of the present embodiment when selecting a recovery method and determining whether a posted object has been recovered when a given period has elapsed. Here, the parts different from FIG. 8 will be mainly described. The processing in FIG. 15 is different from that in FIG. 8 in steps S5 and S6. That is, in step S5, the content distribution system starts recovering the posted object by the recovery method selected by the performer from among a plurality of recovery methods. Also, in step S6, it is determined whether a given period has elapsed. And when the given period has elapsed, it is determined whether the input posted object has been recovered. If it has been recovered, a gift is given to the performer, and if it has not been recovered, a giveaway is given to the viewer (steps S11, S12, S13).

[0137] As shown in FIG. 15, in the present embodiment, display processing of content is performed in which a posted object is recovered by the recovery method selected by the performer from among a plurality of recovery methods. For example, various recovery methods are prepared as recovery methods for the posted object. The posted object in the virtual field is recovered by the recovery method selected by the performer from among these recovery methods. For example, recovery methods such as transporting the posted objects scattered in the virtual field to a collection location, selecting and recovering the posted object to be recovered on the screen, having a person recover it, or having a character recover it can be prepared. In this way, the performer can select a recovery method that is advantageous for himself or a recovery method that he likes, recover the posted object by the selected recovery method, and obtain a gift by the recovered posted object.

[0138] Also, as shown in FIG. 15, in this embodiment, when a contribution object is collected within a given period, a gift is given to the performer, and when the contribution object is not collected within the given period, a refund is given to the viewer. That is, at the timing when the given period has elapsed, it is determined whether or not the contribution object has been collected. If it has been collected, a gift is given to the performer, and if it has not been collected, a refund is given to the viewer. And as shown in FIG. 16 for example, this given period may be the performance period TALL during which the performer performs, or may be the divided periods T1, T2, T3, T4 when the performance period TALL is divided into a plurality of periods. In this way, at the timing when the entire performance period TALL during which the content performance is performed has elapsed, it is determined whether or not the contribution object has been collected, or at the timing when each of the divided periods T1, T2, T3, T4 such as the first half period, the middle period, and the second half period has elapsed, it is possible to determine whether or not the contribution object has been collected. As a result, it becomes possible to execute the process of determining whether or not the contribution object has been collected on the condition that a given period that can be set in various ways has elapsed, and giving a gift to the performer if it has been collected and giving a refund to the viewer if it has not been collected.

[0139] FIG. 17 is a flowchart for explaining the process of giving a privilege to the viewer when the contribution object is collected. Here, the parts different from FIG. 8 will be mainly explained. The process of FIG. 17 is different from that of FIG. 8 in step S14 of FIG. 17. That is, in step S11, the content distribution system determines whether or not the input contribution object has been collected. If the contribution object has been collected, in step S12, a gift is given to the performer. And if the contribution object has been collected, in step S14, further, privileges such as the contribution object input success point and the performer's special performance are given to the viewer.

[0140] As shown in FIG. 17, in this embodiment, when a posted object input into the virtual field is recovered, a process of granting a privilege to the viewer who posted the object is performed. That is, when the posted object is recovered, a gift is given to the performer and a privilege is given to the viewer as a result. On the other hand, when the posted object is not recovered, a refund is given to the viewer. By granting a privilege to the viewer in this way, the viewer can, for example, promote entertainment content more advantageously or be treated preferentially in entertainment content. Therefore, the viewer can support and praise the performer by posting an object, and if the recovery of the posted object is successfully achieved, a privilege will also be given to the viewer himself / herself. Therefore, it becomes possible to effectively motivate the viewer to post an object.

[0141] Also, as shown in FIG. 17, in this embodiment, as a process of granting a privilege to the viewer when the posted object is recovered, a process of granting the viewer the input success point of the posted object or a process of having the performer perform a special performance is performed. For example, when the posted object is recovered, the input success point indicating that the input of the posted object has been successful is given to the viewer as a privilege. As the input success point increases, the viewer can promote entertainment content more advantageously or be treated preferentially in entertainment content. Also, when the posted object is recovered, the performer is made to perform a special performance, which is a privilege performance, for the viewer. In this way, the viewer will post an object in order to obtain the input success point and the privilege performance, and it becomes possible to effectively motivate the viewer to post an object.

[0142] FIG. 18 is a flowchart for explaining a process of changing benefits and rebates given to viewers according to the situation. First, the content distribution system determines various situations regarding viewers, performers, third parties, submitted objects, etc. (step S31). Then, according to the situation determined in step S31, when the submitted object is recovered, the benefits given to the viewer are changed (step S32). That is, the benefits given to the viewer in step S14 of FIG. 17 are changed. Also, according to the situation determined in step S31, when the submitted object is not recovered, the rebates given to the viewer are changed (step S33). That is, the rebates given to the viewer in step S13 of FIG. 17 are changed.

[0143] As shown in FIG. 18, in this embodiment, a process is performed to change the benefits given to viewers according to the situation when the submitted object is recovered. For example, the benefits given to the performer are changed according to the relationship between the viewer who submitted the object and the performer or third party who recovered the object, and according to the attributes of the viewer and the attributes of the performer or third party who recovered the submitted object. Alternatively, the benefits given to the viewer are changed depending on whether the submitted object is directly recovered by the performer or recovered by a third party. In this way, according to various situations, the benefits given to the viewer when the submitted object is recovered will change. Therefore, it becomes possible to give appropriate benefits to the viewer according to the situation, and it is also possible to increase the viewer's expectation level, etc. regarding the fact that various benefits according to the situation are given.

[0144] Also, as shown in FIG. 18, in the present embodiment, a process is performed to change the reduction given to the viewer when the posted object is not recovered according to the situation. For example, the degree of reduction of the reduction given to the viewer is changed according to the situation. For example, the reduction given to the viewer when the posted object is not recovered is changed according to the situation such as the relationship between the viewer and the performer, and the similarity between the attributes of the viewer and the attributes of the performer. Alternatively, the reduction given to the viewer when the posted object is not recovered is changed according to the time the posted object has stayed in the virtual field. By doing so, the reduction given to the viewer when the posted object is not recovered changes according to various situations. Therefore, it becomes possible to give an appropriate reduction according to the situation to the viewer, and it is also possible to increase the viewer's expectation level for the fact that various reductions according to the situation are given.

[0145] FIG. 19 is a flowchart for explaining the processing of the present embodiment when the viewer inputs a second posted object corresponding to the reduction.

[0146] First, the content distribution system determines whether the viewer has input a second posted object corresponding to the reduction into the virtual field (step S41). When the viewer inputs the second posted object, the second posted object is moved in the virtual field where the performer performs (step S42). For example, the second posted object is moved along a given trajectory. Then, it is determined whether the input second posted object has been recovered (step S43). When it is recovered, a gift corresponding to the input second posted object is given to the performer (step S44). On the other hand, when it is not recovered, a second reduction corresponding to the input second posted object is given to the viewer in a reduction mode different from the previous reduction (step S45).

[0147] As shown in FIG. 19, in the present embodiment, when a second submission object corresponding to a reduction object given to a viewer when the submission object is not recovered is input by the viewer into the virtual field, display processing of content in which the second submission object moves in the virtual field is performed. Then, when the input second submission object is not recovered, a process of giving a second reduction object corresponding to the second submission object to the viewer is performed. That is, it is possible to re-input, as a second submission object, the reduction object reduced when the submission object was not recovered. And when the input second submission object is not recovered, a second reduction object corresponding to the second submission object is given to the viewer for reduction. In this way, the viewer can re-input, as a second submission object, the reduction object reduced because the submission object was not recovered, and even when the second submission object is not recovered, the second reduction object corresponding to the second submission object is reduced and given.

[0148] Also, as shown in FIG. 19, in the present embodiment, the reduction mode of the reduction object given to the viewer when the submission object is not recovered is made different from the reduction mode of the second reduction object given to the viewer when the second submission object is not recovered. In this way, when the submission object input for the first time is not recovered and a second input is made by inputting a second submission object that is the reduction object resulting therefrom, and this second submission object is also not recovered and a second reduction object is given to the viewer, the reduction mode of the reduction object reduced in the first input is different from the reduction mode of the second reduction object reduced in the second input. For example, the reduction modes such as the degree of reduction or the reduction rate are made different. By doing so, it is possible to give the viewer an effective incentive to continuously re-input submission objects.

[0149] FIG. 20 is a flowchart for explaining a process of imposing a penalty on a performer or a third party when a submission object is not recovered. Here, the parts different from FIG. 8 will mainly be explained. The process in FIG. 20 is different from that in FIG. 8 in step S15 of FIG. 20. That is, in step S11, the content distribution system determines whether the input submission object has been recovered. If it has not been recovered, in step S13, a reduction item is given to the viewer. And if the submission object has not been recovered, in step S15, a penalty is imposed on the performer or a third party who recovers the submission object on behalf of the performer.

[0150] As shown in FIG. 20, in this embodiment, when a submission object is not recovered, a penalty process of imposing a penalty on the performer or a third party is performed. That is, when the submission object is not recovered, a reduction item is returned to the viewer who submitted the submission object, but a penalty for the fact that the submission object could not be recovered is imposed on the performer or a third party who recovers the submission object on behalf of the performer. As a result, it becomes possible to perform a penalty process that disadvantages or makes more unfortunate the performer or a third party who could not recover the submission object in the entertainment content. Therefore, it becomes possible to expect that the performer or a third party will actively recover the submission object input by the viewer in order to avoid being penalized, and it becomes possible to suppress the occurrence of a situation where the submission object is left unattended after being input.

[0151] 2.3 Display process of differential information of content according to submission status In this embodiment, display processing of difference information of content according to the posting status may be performed. For example, in conventional content distribution systems, viewers only make donations or the like and react such as cheering for the actions of the performer, and the performer does not take any action in response to this reaction of the viewer. For example, even if a viewer makes a donation, the performer does not react to it, resulting in a one-way communication from the viewer to the performer, and the attractiveness, interestingness of content distribution, and the degree of enthusiasm of the viewer for content distribution cannot be improved further.

[0152] Therefore, in this embodiment, by providing a mechanism that enables the performer to easily respond to the reaction of the viewer to the performer's action, it is possible to provide a content distribution system that allows the performer and the viewer to be closely involved. For example, different GUIs (Graphical User Interfaces) are prepared for the performer and the viewer, and the GUI on the performer terminal side is changed according to the posting status. Specifically, in this embodiment, when there is difference information that is displayed on the performer terminal but not on the viewer terminal, or information that is not displayed on the performer terminal but is displayed on the viewer terminal, display processing of the difference information on the performer terminal is performed according to the posting status such as the donation status of the viewer, and the performer is prompted to operate by this display processing of the difference information. Specifically, when a viewer makes a posting such as a donation, information that was only visible to the viewer (for example, hints such as fish shadows in a fishing game described later) becomes visible to the performer, or display processing is performed in which the content of information not shown to the viewer (for example, options for actions that the performer or the like can select) changes.

[0153] Figs. 21(A) to 22(B) are explanatory diagrams of the method of this embodiment when applied to a live broadcast of a fishing game. The content of the fishing game progresses based on the operation of the performer's terminal by the performer, and a live broadcast of the game situation showing the performer playing the fishing game is being carried out. For example, in the virtual field VFL of the game space, there are arranged a pond where fish swim, trees, rocks, etc., and a virtual character CH corresponding to the performer is playing a fishing game of fishing for the fish swimming in the pond. And Fig. 21(A) is a display image displayed on the display unit 290 of the performer's terminal, and Fig. 21(B) is a display image displayed on the display unit 290 of the viewer's terminal.

[0154] And in the content information (content image) which is the display image, there is common information (common image) of the content commonly displayed on both the performer's terminal and the viewer's terminal, and difference information (difference image) of the content displayed on one of the performer's terminal and the viewer's terminal. For example, in Figs. 21(A) and 21(B), the pond, trees, rocks, character CH, and fishing rod are common information of the content commonly displayed on both the performer's terminal and the viewer's terminal. On the other hand, the fish shadow of the fish FH is displayed on the viewer's terminal as shown in Fig. 21(B), but is not displayed on the performer's terminal as shown in Fig. 21(A), and it is difference information of the content displayed on one of the performer's terminal and the viewer's terminal. That is, in Figs. 21(A) and 21(B), for the pond, trees, rocks, character CH, and fishing rod which are common information, they are displayed on both the performer's terminal and the viewer's terminal, and for the fish shadow which is difference information, it is only displayed on the viewer's terminal and not on the performer's terminal. Therefore, only the viewer can see the fish shadow, and the performer cannot see the fish shadow.

[0155] In Fig. 22(A), a viewer has made a submission by throwing a coin, i.e., putting a submission object OBC (which is the coin) into the virtual field VFL, and this submission has been accepted. That is, based on the operation of the viewer's terminal by the viewer, a submission of the submission object OBC, which is submission information for the content or the performer, has been made and accepted. In this case, in the present embodiment, display processing of differential information for the performer's terminal is performed according to the submission status of the viewer's submission information. Specifically, when a submission such as throwing a coin is made by the viewer, a fish shadow, which is differential information that was not displayed on the performer's terminal as shown in Fig. 21(A), will be displayed on the performer's terminal as shown in Fig. 22(A). For example, the display control of the differential information on the performer's terminal is changed according to the submission status of the viewer's submission. That is, the display control is changed from not displaying the fish shadow, which is differential information, on the performer's terminal as shown in Fig. 21(A) to displaying the fish shadow, which is differential information, on the performer's terminal as shown in Fig. 22(A).

[0156] As described above, the content distribution system of the present embodiment accepts a submission of submission information for the content or the performer based on the operation of the viewer's terminal by the viewer. Also, as described in Figs. 21(A) and 21(B), display processing of common information of the content commonly displayed on both the performer's terminal and the viewer's terminal, and differential information of the content, which is information displayed on one of the performer's terminal and the viewer's terminal and is for prompting an operation by the performer, is performed. And as described in Fig. 22(A), when submission information such as the viewer's coin throwing is accepted, display processing of differential information for the performer's terminal is performed according to the submission status of the viewer's submission information.

[0157] In this way, when a viewer posts information in response to the actions of the performer, display processing of the difference information of the content for the performer terminal is performed according to the posting status of the viewer's posted information. Therefore, not only is it possible for the viewer to react with posted information to the actions of the performer, but also by performing the display processing of the difference information according to the posting status, it becomes possible to prompt the performer to take actions in response to the reaction of this viewer's posted information. Therefore, it becomes possible to realize two-way communication instead of one-way communication from the viewer to the performer, and a mechanism can be realized that makes it easier for the performer to respond with actions to the viewer's reaction to the performer's actions. Therefore, it becomes possible to provide a content distribution system that can closely involve the performer and the viewer, and the attractiveness of content distribution, the interestingness, the viewer's enthusiasm for content distribution, etc. can be significantly improved.

[0158] Also, in this embodiment, processing is performed to display at least a part of the difference information on the performer terminal according to the posting status of the posted information. For example, in FIG. 21(A), the fish shadow, which is the difference information, was not displayed on the performer terminal, but as shown in FIG. 22(A), when a viewer posts something like throwing money, the fish shadow, which is the difference information, is displayed on the performer terminal. In this way, the performer can visually recognize the fish shadow that could not be visually recognized in FIG. 21(A) in FIG. 22(A), and it becomes possible to prompt the performer to take actions such as throwing a fishing rod to a position where the fish shadow can be seen. Therefore, it becomes possible to realize a mechanism that makes it easier for the performer to respond with actions to the viewer's posting reaction to the performer's actions.

[0159] Also, in the present embodiment, the display content or display mode of the difference information displayed on the performer terminal is set according to the posting status of the posting information. For example, regarding the difference information of the content, what to display, where to display, at what timing to display, in what amount to display, with what degree of visibility to display, or for what display period to display, etc. are set. For example, in FIG. 22(A), as the difference information, the fish shadow of the fish FH, which is the capture target in the fishing game, is displayed. Also, the fish shadow, which is the difference information, is displayed at the location where the viewer has input the posting object OBC. Also, the fish shadow, which is the difference information, is displayed at the timing when the viewer has input the posting object OBC. Alternatively, the display of the fish shadow due to the input of such a posting object OBC is performed only when the posting is made within a given period such as the acceptance period or the bonus time period. Also, for example, when the number of postings of the posting object OBC is 1 as shown in FIG. 22(A), the fish shadow of one fish FH is displayed as the difference information, and when the number of postings of the posting object OBC is plural as shown in FIG. 22(B), the fish shadows of plural fish FH are displayed as the difference information. Alternatively, the more the number of postings of the posting object, the fish shadow may be displayed in a more visible display mode. For example, when the number of postings is small, the fish shadow is displayed semi-transparently, and when the number of postings is large, the fish shadow is displayed as a normal image that is not semi-transparent. Alternatively, the more the number of postings, the longer the display period of the fish shadow.

[0160] Figs. 23(A) to 24(B) are explanatory diagrams of the method of this embodiment when applied to the live distribution of a battle game. Figs. 21(A) to 22(B) are examples where the difference information (fish shadow) of the content is in a displayed state on the viewer terminal and in a non-displayed state on the performer terminal, while Figs. 23(A) to 24(A) are examples where the difference information of the content is in a non-displayed state on the viewer terminal and in a displayed state on the performer terminal. For example, in Figs. 23(A) and 23(B), the character CH, enemy characters CE1 to CE3, and the virtual field VFL which is the battle field are common information of the content commonly displayed on both the performer terminal and the viewer terminal. On the other hand, the menu screen MS on which the information of the action options is displayed is displayed on the performer terminal as shown in Fig. 23(A), but not displayed on the viewer terminal as shown in Fig. 23(B), and is the difference information of the content displayed on one of the performer terminal and the viewer terminal. For example, on the menu screen MS, information of options for selecting the actions of the character CH corresponding to the performer is displayed, and items such as attack, magic, defense, and item are displayed as options. Thus, in Figs. 23(A) and 23(B), for the common information of the character CH, enemy characters CE1 to CE3, and virtual field VFL, they are displayed on both the performer terminal and the viewer terminal, and for the information of the action options which is the difference information, it is only displayed on the performer terminal and not displayed on the viewer terminal. Therefore, only the performer can view the menu screen MS of the action options, and the viewer cannot view the menu screen MS of the options.

[0161] In Figure 24(A), a viewer has made a submission by throwing a coin, which is a submission object OBC, into the virtual field VFL, and this submission has been accepted. In this case, in the present embodiment, display processing of differential information for the performer terminal is performed according to the submission status of the viewer. Specifically, when a viewer makes a submission such as throwing a coin, an item "Special Move A" that was not displayed as an option in Figure 23(A) will be displayed in Figure 24(A). That is, the display control of the option, which is differential information, is changed according to the submission status by the viewer. That is, the display control is changed from the control of not displaying the item "Special Move A" of the option, which is part of the differential information, as in Figure 23(A), to the display control of displaying the item "Special Move A" of the option, as in Figure 24(A).

[0162] In this way, as shown in Figure 24(A), by the viewer making a submission of the submission object OBC which is a coin, the number of items in the options for the performer's actions increases, and the character CH corresponding to the performer can select a new action such as using Special Move A. Therefore, not only is it possible for the viewer to react based on submission information such as throwing a coin with respect to the performer's actions, but it is also possible to prompt the performer to perform a new action such as Special Move A in response to this reaction by the viewer's submission information. Therefore, a mechanism can be realized that makes it easier for the performer to respond with an action to the viewer's reaction to the performer's actions, and content distribution that can closely involve the performer and the viewer can be realized.

[0163] Also, in this embodiment, even in the case of Fig. 24(A), according to the posting status of the posting information, the display content or display mode of the differential information displayed on the performer terminal can be set, and what, where, at what timing, in what amount, with what degree of visibility, and for what display period to display can be set. For example, in Fig. 24(A), as the differential information, a new item (special move A) of the options for the actions of the character CH corresponding to the performer in the battle game is displayed. Also, on the condition that the viewer throws the posting object OBC to the position of the character CH, a new item is displayed as an option. Also, at the timing when the viewer throws in the posting object OBC, a new item is displayed as an option, or when the posting object OBC is thrown in within a given period such as the acceptance period or the bonus time period, a new item is displayed as an option. Or, according to the number of the posting objects OBC, the number of the newly displayed items as options is changed, the visibility of the item is changed, or the display period of the item is changed.

[0164] Also, in Fig. 24(B), when the posting object OBC is thrown in by the viewer, images of the monster characters CM1 and CM2, which are differential information that has not been displayed on the performer terminal until then, are displayed. In this case, at the position where the posting object OBC is thrown in, the monster characters CM1 and CM2 are displayed, or according to the number of the posting objects OBC, the number of the displayed monster characters CM1 and CM2 is changed, the visibility is changed, or the display period is changed.

[0165] Figs. 25(A) to 26(B) are explanatory diagrams of the method of this embodiment when applied to the live distribution of VR characters. In this live distribution, by the performer selecting an action, in the virtual field VFL of the virtual space, the VR character CH performs a performance according to the selected action. For example, the VR character CH dances while waving hands, jumping, or clapping hands. In this case, for example, in Figs. 25(A) and 25(B), the character CH and the virtual field VFL are common information of the content commonly displayed on both the performer terminal and the viewer terminal. On the other hand, the menu screen MS on which the information of the action options of the character CH is displayed is only displayed on the performer terminal and not on the viewer terminal, so it is differential information of the content. Also, in this live content, multiple viewers can vote to select the accessories to be worn by the character CH. And as shown in Fig. 25(B), the voting screen VS showing the state of the voting by these multiple viewers is only displayed on the viewer terminal and not on the performer terminal, so it is differential information of the content. In this voting screen VS, images of accessories such as hats, ribbons, and boots that are the objects of the vote are displayed, and viewers can see these images of accessories, but since these images of accessories are not displayed on the performer terminal, the performer cannot see them.

[0166] And in Fig. 25(B), by the voting by the submissions of multiple viewers, for example, a hat is selected as the first place. As a result, as shown in Fig. 26(A), the image of the hat OBH, which is differential information not displayed on the performer terminal in Fig. 26(A), also comes to be displayed on the performer terminal. That is, display processing of differential information for the performer terminal is performed according to the submission status of the submission information of multiple viewers. For example, the image of the hat OBH, which is differential information in a display state on the viewer terminal and a non-display state on the performer terminal, is processed to be displayed on the performer terminal according to the submission status by the voting of multiple viewers.

[0167] Also, according to the posting status of multiple viewers, the display content or display mode of the differential information displayed on the performer terminal is also set. For example, in FIG. 25(B), as a result of multiple viewers posting votes, the number of votes for the hat was the first. Therefore, in FIG. 26(A), the image of the hat is displayed on the performer terminal. However, if the number of votes for the ribbon is the first, the image of the ribbon will be displayed, and if the number of votes for the boots is the first, the image of the boots will be displayed. That is, according to the number of votes, which is the posting status of multiple viewers, it is determined which of the accessories, which are the differential information, will be displayed on the performer terminal, and the display content of the differential information displayed on the performer terminal is determined. Also, when the hat is selected by voting, the hat is displayed at the head position of the character CH, and when the boots are selected by voting, the boots are displayed at the foot position of the character CH. That is, according to the number of votes, which is the posting status of multiple viewers, it is determined at which position of the character CH the accessories, which are the differential information, will be displayed. Also, for example, when an accessory with a very large number of votes is selected, the display mode of the differential information may be changed, such as displaying a special effect.

[0168] As shown in FIG. 26(B), when the viewer inputs the posting object OBC and this is received, the number of selectable option items for the performer on the menu screen MS increases. For example, in FIG. 26(B), the option item of "wink" has increased. And for example, when the performer selects "wink", the character CH will perform the action of winking towards the viewer who input the posting object OBC. Thus, when the viewer performs a reaction of inputting a posting object to the performance of the character CH, the performer can newly select the option items generated by this reaction. When the performer selects this option item, a wink reaction will be performed on the viewer. Therefore, it becomes possible to provide a content distribution system that can closely involve the performer and the viewer.

[0169] Although the present embodiment has been described in detail as above, those skilled in the art will easily understand that many modifications can be made without substantially departing from the novel matters and effects of the present disclosure. Therefore, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, in the specification or drawings, a term described at least once together with a broader or synonymous different term can be replaced with the different term at any location in the specification or drawings. Also, the movement process of the posting object, the process of granting a gift, the process of granting a refund, the process of granting a privilege, the process of recovering the posting object by a third party, etc. are not limited to those described in the present embodiment, and methods equivalent to these are also included within the scope of the present disclosure.

Explanation of Signs

[0170] 100... Processing unit, 102... Reception processing unit, 104... Transmission processing unit, 106... Content information generation unit, 108... Reception unit, 110... Granting processing unit, 112... Consideration processing unit, 114... Penalty processing unit, 118... Management unit, 120... Display processing unit, 130... Sound processing unit, 170... Storage unit, 172... Content information storage unit, 174... User information storage unit, 196... Communication unit, 200... Processing unit, 260... Operation unit, 262... Interface unit, 270... Storage unit, 280... Information storage medium, 290... Display unit, 292... Sound output unit, 296... Communication unit, 500... Server system, 510... Network, CH, CH1, CH2, CH3... Character, MS... Menu screen, OBC... Posting object, TM, TM1~TMn... Terminal device, TMA... Viewer terminal, TMP... Performer terminal, VFL... Virtual field, MT, MT1, MT2, MT3... Motion data, MV... Video data, N1, N2, N3... Motion number, MD1, MDL2, MDL3... Model data, MK... Marker, PFM... Performer, THP... Third-party character, THA, THB... Character, CM1, CM2... Character, CE1, CE2, CE3... Enemy character, FH... Fish, OBH... Hat, VS... Voting screen

Claims

1. A content distribution system that distributes content of a performance performed by a performer at a performer terminal to a viewer terminal of a viewer, a display processing unit that performs a display process of the content in which a contribution object that can be input by the viewer consuming the viewer's parameters moves in a virtual field where the performance of the performer is performed; an awarding processing unit that performs a process of, when the posted object input into the virtual field is collected, awarding a gift corresponding to the input posted object or the consumed parameters to the performer, and, when the posted object input into the virtual field is not collected, awarding a return corresponding to the input posted object or the consumed parameters to the viewer who input the posted object; A content distribution system comprising:

2. In claim 1, The display processing unit is A content distribution system, characterized in that a third party different from the performer performs a display process of the content to retrieve the posted object that was input into the virtual field.

3. In claim 2, The display processing unit is A content distribution system characterized in that a third party, whose ability to retrieve the posted object is set according to status information of the third party, performs a display process of the content in which the third party retrieves the posted object that has been inserted into the virtual field.

4. In claim 2 or 3, The display processing unit is A content distribution system, characterized in that the third party employed by the performer performs a display process of the content to retrieve the posted object that was inserted into the virtual field.

5. In claim 4, A content distribution system comprising a compensation processing unit that sets a compensation paid by the performer for the employment of the third party in accordance with status information of the third party.

6. In claim 4, A content distribution system comprising a compensation processing unit that calculates a compensation to be paid by the performer for the employment of the third party by a calculation method selected from a plurality of calculation methods.

7. In any one of claims 2 to 6, A content distribution system, wherein the third party is a character that moves in the virtual field and collects the posted objects.

8. In claim 2 or 3, A content distribution system, wherein the third party is a character that is placed in the virtual field by the viewer and moves around the virtual field to collect the posted objects.

9. In any one of claims 1 to 8, The display processing unit is A content distribution system, comprising: a display process for displaying the content in which the posted object is collected by a collection method selected by a performer from among a plurality of collection methods.

10. In any one of claims 1 to 9, The granting processing unit is When the posted object is collected within a given period, the gift is given to the performer, and when the posted object is not collected within the given period, the return is given to the viewer; A content distribution system, wherein the given period is a performance period during which the performer performs, or a divided period when the performance period is divided into a plurality of periods.

11. In any one of claims 1 to 10, The granting processing unit is A content distribution system comprising: a process for granting a privilege to the viewer who input the posted object in the virtual field when the posted object is collected.

12. In claim 11, The granting processing unit is A content distribution system characterized in that, when the posted object is collected, a process of granting the bonus to the viewer is performed by granting the viewer points for successful posting of the posted object, or by having the performer perform a bonus performance.

13. In claim 11 or 12, The granting processing unit is A content distribution system, comprising: a process for changing the benefit given to the viewer when the posted object is collected according to a situation.

14. In any one of claims 1 to 13, The granting processing unit is A content distribution system, comprising: a process for changing the rebate given to the viewer when the posted object is not collected, according to circumstances.

15. In any one of claims 1 to 14, The display processing unit is a display process of the content in which, when the viewer throws a second contribution object corresponding to the return item that is to be given to the viewer in the case where the contribution object is not collected, the second contribution object moves in the virtual field; The granting processing unit is A content distribution system comprising: a process for granting a second rebate corresponding to the second posted object to the viewer if the second posted object is not collected.

16. In claim 15, The granting processing unit is A content distribution system characterized in that the rebate status of the rebate given to the viewer when the posted object is not collected is different from the rebate status of the second rebate given to the viewer when the second posted object is not collected.

17. In any one of claims 1 to 16, A content distribution system comprising a penalty processing unit that imposes a penalty on the performer or a third party who collects the posted object on behalf of the performer if the posted object is not collected.

18. In any one of claims 1 to 17, a reception unit that receives posting information for the content or the performer based on an operation of the viewer terminal by the viewer, The display processing unit is A content distribution system characterized by displaying common information of the content that is displayed commonly on both the performer terminal and the viewer terminal, and differential information of the content that is displayed on either the performer terminal or the viewer terminal, the differential information being information to encourage operation by the performer, and displaying the differential information on the performer terminal in accordance with the posting status of the viewer's posted information.

19. A server system that distributes content of a performance performed by a performer on a performer terminal to a viewer terminal of a viewer, a display processing unit that performs a display process of the content in which a contribution object that can be input by the viewer consuming the viewer's parameters moves in a virtual field where the performance of the performer is performed; an awarding processing unit that performs a process of, when the posted object input into the virtual field is collected, awarding a gift corresponding to the input posted object or the consumed parameters to the performer, and, when the posted object input into the virtual field is not collected, awarding a return corresponding to the input posted object or the consumed parameters to the viewer who input the posted object; A server system comprising:

20. a display processing unit that performs a display process of content in which a posted object that can be input by a viewer consuming the viewer's parameters moves in a virtual field where a performer performs; an awarding processing unit that performs a process of, when the posted object inputted into the virtual field is collected, awarding a gift corresponding to the inputted posted object or the consumed parameters to the performer, and, when the posted object inputted into the virtual field is not collected, awarding a return corresponding to the inputted posted object or the consumed parameters to the viewer who inputted the posted object; A program that causes a computer to function.

Images