Content distribution system and server device

Abstract

To provide a content distribution system or the like capable of preventing a viewer from becoming an object of ill feeling from another viewer.SOLUTION: A content distribution system includes: a parameter changing part for changing viewer parameters correlated to respective viewers on the basis of reaction behavior to a viewer designated by a performer; and a performance control part for providing a viewer correlated with at least viewer parameters with a performance corresponding to the changed viewer parameters. The performance control part determines whether a performance corresponding to changed viewer parameters is provided to another viewer other than a viewer correlated with the changed viewer parameters on the basis of the viewer information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a content distribution system and a server device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there has been known a system in which a viewer can operate a terminal to post a coin or the like as support for a performer appearing in the content being viewed (for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In such a system, there are cases where the performer may respond to the posts made by the viewers, which also serves as a motivation for posting. However, if only specific viewers receive good responses from the performer, or conversely, if there are viewers who receive bad responses from the performer, those viewers may become the target of ill feelings such as jealousy and antipathy from other viewers.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a content distribution system and a server device capable of preventing viewers from becoming the target of ill feelings from other viewers.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] (1) The present invention is a content distribution system that distributes content that progresses based on the actions of a performer to terminals of a plurality of viewers, and includes a parameter change unit that changes viewer parameters associated with each viewer based on reaction actions for the viewers specified by the performer, and a production control unit that provides a production corresponding to the changed viewer parameters to at least the viewers associated with the viewer parameters. The production control unit determines whether to provide the production to viewers other than the viewers associated with the changed viewer parameters based on information of the viewers. A content distribution system characterized by this. The present invention also relates to a server device including the above-described units. The present invention also relates to a program for causing a computer to function as each of the above-described units. The present invention also relates to a computer-readable information storage medium storing the above program.

[0007] According to the present invention, when changing the viewer parameters of a viewer based on the reaction actions of the performer to the viewer and providing at least the viewer with a production corresponding to the viewer parameters of the viewer, it is possible to prevent the viewer from becoming the target of ill feelings from other viewers by determining whether to provide the production to other viewers based on information of the viewers.

[0008] (2) Further, in the content distribution system, server device, program, and information storage medium according to the present invention, the reaction action may be a reaction action to an operation of a terminal by the viewer.

[0009] (3) Further, in the content distribution system, server device, program, and information storage medium according to the present invention, the parameter change unit may change at least the viewer parameters associated with the viewer who is the target of the reaction action. viewer parameters associated with the viewer who is the target of the reaction action.

[0010] (4) Also, in the content distribution system, server device, program, and information storage medium according to the present invention, the production control unit may provide the production when there is an operation of the terminal by the viewer.

[0011] (5) Also, in the content distribution system, server device, program, and information storage medium according to the present invention, it may further include an information reception unit that receives a post of the content or post information about the performer based on an operation of the terminal by the viewer (or may further cause a computer to function as the information reception unit).

[0012] According to the present invention, when the performer takes a reactive action in response to the post of post information by the viewer, the viewer parameter of the viewer is changed, and an effect corresponding to the viewer parameter is provided to the viewer. At this time, it is determined whether to provide the effect to other viewers based on the information of the viewer. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the viewer from becoming the target of ill feeling from other viewers and to motivate the viewer to post post information.

[0013] (6) Also, in the content distribution system, server device, program, and information storage medium according to the present invention, the information reception unit may receive the post of the post information when the viewer consumes the value owned by the viewer.

[0014] (7) Also, in the content distribution system, server device, program, and information storage medium according to the present invention, the production may be a production related to the post information.

[0015] According to the present invention, it is possible to motivate the viewer to post post information.

[0016] (8) Also, in the content distribution system, server device, program, and information storage medium according to the present invention, the production control unit may perform the production that is more easily recognized by the viewer as the viewer parameter is higher.

[0017] (9) Also, in the content distribution system, server device, program, and information storage medium according to the present invention, the viewer information is the viewer information associated with the changed viewer parameters and the information of other viewers, and the production control unit may provide the production to the viewer associated with the changed viewer parameters and other viewers whose viewer information has a predetermined relationship with the viewer information, and may not provide the production to other viewers that do not have the predetermined relationship.

[0018] According to the present invention, by not providing the production according to the viewer parameters of the viewer to other viewers whose viewer information does not have a predetermined relationship with the viewer information, it is possible to prevent the viewer from becoming the target of ill feelings from other viewers.

[0019] (10) Also, in the content distribution system, server device, program, and information storage medium according to the present invention, the viewer information is the viewer parameters, and the production control unit provides the production to the viewer associated with the changed viewer parameters and other viewers whose viewer parameters are in a substantially identical relationship, and may not provide the production to other viewers that are not in the substantially identical relationship.

[0020] According to the present invention, by not providing the production according to the viewer parameters of the viewer to other viewers whose viewer parameters are not in a substantially identical relationship with the viewer information, it is possible to prevent the viewer from becoming the target of ill feelings from other viewers.

[0021] (11) Also, in the content distribution system, server device, program, and information storage medium according to the present invention, the viewer information is information regarding whether or not the viewers are in a friendship relationship with each other, and the production control unit provides the production to the viewer associated with the changed viewer parameters and other viewers who are in a friendship relationship with the viewer, and may not provide the production to other viewers that are not in the friendship relationship.

[0022] According to the present invention, by not providing the production according to the viewer parameters of the viewer to other viewers who are not in a friendship relationship with the viewer, it is possible to prevent the viewer from becoming the target of ill feelings from other viewers.

[0023] (12) Further, in the content distribution system, server device, program, and information storage medium according to the present invention, the content may be content related to a character operated by the performer.

[0024] (13) Further, in the content distribution system, server device, program, and information storage medium according to the present invention, the parameter change unit may vary the content of the change in the viewer parameters depending on whether the performer operates the character to perform the reaction behavior or the performer performs the reaction behavior without operating the character.

[0025] (14) Further, in the content distribution system, server device, program, and information storage medium according to the present invention, the parameter change unit may vary the content of the change in the viewer parameters according to the character selected by the viewer.

[0026] (15) Further, in the content distribution system, server device, program, and information storage medium according to the present invention, the parameter change unit may vary the content of the change in the viewer parameters according to the combination of the character selected by the viewer and the character used by the performer for the reaction behavior.

[0027] (16) Further, in the content distribution system, server device, program, and information storage medium according to the present invention, the parameter change unit may further include an information reception unit that receives an operation on the character selected by the viewer by the viewer (or may further cause a computer to function as the information reception unit).

[0028] (17) Also, in the content distribution system, server device, program, and information storage medium according to the present invention, the parameter change unit may vary the content of the viewer parameter according to the reaction behavior of the performer using the character selected by the viewer.

[0029] (18) Also, in the content distribution system, server device, program, and information storage medium according to the present invention, the parameter change unit may vary the content of the viewer parameter according to the combination of the character selected by the viewer or the performer and the action to be performed by the character.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0030]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0031] Hereinafter, the present embodiment will be described. Note that the present embodiment described below does not unduly limit the content of the present invention described in the claims. Also, not all of the configurations described in the present embodiment are essential constituent elements of the present invention.

[0032] 1. Configuration FIG. 1 shows the content distribution system of the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, it is composed of a plurality of terminals 10 and a server 20 (server device). That is, as shown in FIG. 1, the content distribution system of the present embodiment is configured such that a server 20 that provides a service and terminals 10 (10A, 10B, 10C...) can be connected to a network.

[0033] The server 20 is an information processing device that distributes content that progresses based on the actions of a performer (distributor) to the terminal 10 of the viewer in response to a request from the terminal 10 of the viewer. The server 20 can be composed of one or more servers (distribution server, relay server, game processing server, authentication server, charging server, database server, etc.).

[0034] The content that progresses based on the actions of the performer may be a live video of the performer's own actions, a live video of a character operating in a virtual space according to the actions of the performer, or a live video (game content) of a game being played by the performer.

[0035] In the server 20, processes such as distributing content data to the terminal 10 of the viewer, receiving information (such as posting information) from the terminal 10 of the viewer and information (information regarding reaction actions) from the terminal 10 of the performer, and providing effects associated with the content to the terminal 10 of the viewer are executed. Also, in the server 20, information such as the account information of the performer and the viewer, the parameters of the performer and the viewer, and the in-game currency and items that the performer and the viewer can use are managed.

[0036] The terminal 10 is an information processing device such as a mobile terminal (smartphone, PC, game device, etc.), a personal computer (PC), a game device, an image generation device, etc., and is a device that can be connected to the server 20 via a network such as the Internet (WAN) or LAN. Note that the communication line between the terminal 10 and the server 20 may be wired or wireless.

[0037] FIG. 2 shows an example of a functional block diagram of the server 20 of the present embodiment. Note that the server of the present embodiment may have a configuration in which some of the components (each part) in FIG. 2 are omitted.

[0038] The storage unit 270 stores programs and various data for causing each part of the processing unit 200 to function as a computer, and also functions as a work area for the processing unit 200, and its function can be realized by a hard disk, RAM, or the like. The storage unit 270 includes a storage section 272 (for example, a database).

[0039] The storage section 272 stores information on performers (distributors) registered in the content distribution system of the present embodiment and viewer information of viewers. For example, the storage section 272 stores, in association with viewer identification information (such as viewer IDs and terminal IDs used by viewers) of a plurality of viewers, viewer names (viewer accounts), passwords, destination information (IP addresses, etc.) of the terminal 10, etc. as viewer information. Further, the storage section 272 stores, as viewer information, information for identifying other viewers who are in a friendship relationship (friendship relationship ) with a viewer (information regarding whether viewers are in a friendship relationship with each other). Further, the storage section 272 stores, in association with viewer identification information, information regarding items and virtual currency owned by the viewer as viewer information. Further, the storage section 272 stores, in association with viewer identification information, viewer parameters (viewer parameters) as viewer information.

[0040] The communication unit 296 performs various controls for communication with the terminal 10 and other servers, and its function can be realized by hardware such as various processors or communication ASICs, programs, or the like.

[0041] The processing unit 200 (processor) performs various processes such as management of viewer information, processes related to login / logout, and communication control processing based on data, programs, etc. transmitted from the terminal 10 and received via the communication unit 296. The processing unit 200 uses the storage unit 270 as a work area to perform various processes. The functions of the processing unit 200 can be realized by hardware such as various processors (CPU, DSP, etc.), ASIC (gate array, etc.), and programs. The processing unit 200 includes a content distribution unit 210, an information reception unit 212, a parameter change unit 214, and a production control unit 216.

[0042] The content distribution unit 210 performs a process of distributing content that progresses based on the actions of the performer to the terminals 10 of a plurality of viewers. For example, when the content is a live video of the performer's actions being filmed, the content distribution unit 210 sequentially receives the data of the images and recorded voices filmed at the performer's terminal 10 from that terminal 10, and sequentially transmits them to the viewers' terminals 10 as distribution data. Also, when the content is a live video of a character operated by the performer, the content distribution unit 210 sequentially receives the data of the images (images seen from a virtual camera in a virtual space where a character that operates according to the performer's operations or moves in synchronization with the performer's movements is placed) and recorded voices generated at the performer's terminal 10 from that terminal 10, and sequentially transmits them to the viewers' terminals 10 as distribution data. Also, when the content is a live commentary video of a game played by the performer (player), the content distribution unit 210 sequentially receives from the game server the data of the game images and game sounds generated at the game server based on the operation data from the performer's terminal 10 (or generates the data of the game images and game sounds based on the operation data from the performer's terminal 10), and sequentially transmits them to the viewers' terminals 10 as distribution data. Note that instead of directly distributing the distribution data to the viewers' terminals 10, it may be distributed to the viewers' terminals 10 via a distribution server.

[0043] The information reception unit 212 performs a process of receiving a post of post information for content or a performer based on an operation of the terminal 10 by a viewer. The post information is, for example, virtual currency (coin) owned by the viewer, an item (such as a stamp), a comment input by the viewer, and the like. The information reception unit 212 may receive a post of post information when the viewer consumes a consideration (such as virtual currency) owned by the viewer. Further, when the content to be distributed is a live video of a character operated by a performer, the information reception unit 212 may receive an operation by the viewer on the character selected by the viewer (a post of post information on the character, an operation such as touching the character).

[0044] The parameter change unit 214 changes viewer parameters associated with each viewer based on a reaction action for the viewer designated by the performer. The reaction action for the viewer may be an operation of simply selecting the viewer (for example, an operation of pressing any button assigned to each viewer, a viewer name displayed on the display unit of the performer's terminal 10, a viewer icon or avatar, an operation of selecting a display indicating post information (such as a coin) posted by the viewer), or selecting and evaluating the viewer (for example, designating "like" or "dislike", giving a score It may also be an operation of (eliciting). Further, the reaction action towards the viewer may be to read the viewer's name and the posted information (comment) posted by the viewer. In this case, the voice of the performer recorded on the performer's terminal 10 may be recognized to identify the viewer who is the target of the reaction action. Also, the voice reading of the viewer's name and the posted information may be enabled by a button operation. Further, the reaction action towards the viewer may be a gesture towards the viewer (for example, sending a gaze to the viewer, pointing at the viewer, waving a hand towards the viewer). In this case, the image of the performer captured on the performer's terminal 10 may be recognized to identify the viewer who is the target of the reaction action. Also, the reaction action towards the viewer may be a gesture towards the viewer's avatar. Also, the reaction action towards the viewer may be a reaction action to an operation of the terminal 10 by the viewer (such as posting of posted information), or may be a reaction action performed regardless of the operation by the viewer.

[0045] Further, the parameter change unit 214 may change (for example, increase) the viewer parameters associated with the viewer targeted by the reaction action, or may change (for example, decrease) the viewer parameters associated with viewers other than the viewer targeted by the reaction action, or may do both. The change of the viewer parameters may be in the form of adding points from a reference point or in the form of subtracting points from a reference point. Also, depending on the reaction action, it may be determined whether to increase or decrease the viewer parameters, or the amount of change of the viewer parameters may be determined. For example, when the performer selects a viewer as a reaction action and performs an operation of specifying "like", the viewer parameters of the viewer are increased (or the viewer parameters of viewers other than the viewer are decreased), and when the performer selects a viewer and performs an operation of specifying "dislike", the viewer parameters of the viewer may be decreased (or the viewer parameters of viewers other than the viewer are increased). Also, when the performer selects a viewer as a reaction action and performs an operation of giving a score (evaluation), the larger the score (the higher the evaluation), the larger the increase amount of the parameters of the viewer may be. Also, the viewer parameters may be parameters that vary each time the reaction action is performed, or may be parameters (levels) that vary each time the parameter reaches a predetermined value (threshold).

[0046] The performance control unit 216 performs control to provide a performance corresponding to the viewer parameter changed by the parameter change unit 214 to at least the viewer associated with the viewer parameter (transmits instruction data for instructing to perform the performance to the terminal 10 of the viewer). The performance corresponding to the viewer parameter may be to change the appearance (display size, display color, presence or absence of an added effect image, etc.) of the viewer name, viewer icon, viewer avatar, etc. displayed on the display unit of the viewer's terminal 10 according to the viewer parameter. Further, the performance may be a performance related to the posted information posted by the viewer. For example, a performance may be performed to change the appearance of a display showing the posted information (coin toss, comment, etc.) displayed on the display unit of the viewer's terminal 10, or a performance may be performed to change the sound effect played on the terminal 10 when the viewer posts the posted information. Further, the performance control unit 216 may perform a performance that is more easily recognized by the viewer as the viewer parameter of the viewer is higher. For example, as the viewer parameter of the viewer is higher, the appearance of the display showing the viewer name (or icon or avatar) and the posted information (coin toss, comment, etc.) of the viewer may be made more elaborate (luxurious). Further, when the viewer parameter of the viewer is equal to or more than a predetermined value, a sound effect may be played when the viewer posts the posted information. Further, the performance control unit 216 may provide the performance when there is an operation of the terminal 10 by the viewer, or may automatically provide the performance regardless of the operation of the viewer (for example, when the viewer parameter is changed, provide the performance for a predetermined period), or may always provide the performance.

[0047] Further, the performance control unit 216 is the viewer parameter changed by the parameter change unit 214 Based on the viewer information of each viewer, it is determined whether to provide the presentation according to the data to other viewers other than the viewer associated with the viewer parameter. For example, the presentation control unit 216 provides the presentation to other viewers in a predetermined relationship with the viewer associated with the changed viewer parameter (for example, the viewer and the viewer parameter are in a substantially identical relationship, the viewer and the viewer are in a friendship relationship, the viewer and the attributes (age, gender, etc.) match), and does not provide the presentation to other viewers not in the predetermined relationship. Further, when not providing the presentation according to the viewer parameter of the viewer to other viewers, the presentation control unit 216 may provide a predetermined presentation other than the presentation or another presentation to the other viewers.

[0048] 2. Method of this embodiment Next, the method of this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The content distribution system of this embodiment distributes content that progresses based on the actions of the performer to the terminals 10 of a plurality of viewers. When the performer performs a reactive action on the viewer, the viewer parameter of the viewer is changed, and a presentation according to the changed viewer parameter is provided to the viewer.

[0049] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a distribution screen displayed on the display unit of the terminals 10 of the viewers and the performer. On the distribution screen DS, a content image CI of the distributed content is displayed. Here, as the content image CI, a live video of the performer PF is displayed. In addition, on the distribution screen DS, the icons IC of the viewers who are viewing the content are displayed. Here, the icons IC of four viewers "A" to "D" are displayed.

[0050] Each viewer can post submission information regarding the performer (content). Here, as the submission of submission information, coin - tossing can be performed, and on the distribution screen DS, an input area IA for specifying the amount of coin - tossing is displayed. When the viewer inputs the amount of coin - tossing in the input area IA and operates the execution button RB, the virtual currency held by the viewer is consumed (decreases) by the input amount (in the example shown in FIG. 3, "100"), and the virtual currency held by the performer increases by the input amount. When the viewer tosses a coin, as shown in FIG. 4, on the distribution screen DS, a coin - tossing object MO indicating the coin - tossing by the viewer is displayed in association with the icon IC of the viewer who tossed the coin. Here, since viewer "A" tossed a coin, the coin - tossing object MO is displayed above the icon IC of viewer "A".

[0051] Here, the performer may perform a reaction action towards the viewer in response to the viewer's coin - tossing. For example, the performer performs an operation of selecting the icon IC of the viewer displayed on the distribution screen DS on the performer's terminal 10 to perform a reaction action towards the viewer. Note that the performer may perform a reaction action towards the viewer by performing a gesture for specifying the viewer. When the performer performs a reaction action towards the viewer, the points (parameters) managed in association with the viewer increase by a predetermined value. And when the viewer's points reach the threshold value, the level of the viewer (an example of a viewer parameter) increases. The threshold value of points is set for each level, and the higher the level, the higher the threshold value. Note that the performer may also perform a reaction action towards the viewer regardless of the viewer's coin - tossing. Therefore, when a reaction action towards the viewer who tossed a coin is performed (coin - tossing by the viewer was performed within a time period retroactively from the time when the reaction action towards the viewer was performed), the increase amount of the points of the viewer may be made larger than when a reaction action towards a viewer who did not toss a coin is performed (coin - tossing by the viewer was not performed within a time period retroactively from the time when the reaction action towards the viewer was performed).

[0052] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of table information for managing viewer parameters (levels) of viewers. This table information is stored in the storage unit 272 as viewer information. The table -ble information 300 stores a viewer name 320, points 330, and a level 340 in association with a viewer ID 310. In this example, the levels of viewers "A" and "C" are "2", and the levels of viewers "B" and "D" are "1".

[0053] In this embodiment, an effect corresponding to the level of the viewer is provided to the viewer. For example, when the level of viewer "A" becomes "2" due to the reaction action of the performer, an effect corresponding to level "2" is provided to viewer "A". In this case, as shown in FIG. 6, on the distribution screen DS displayed on the terminal 10 of viewer "A", an effect is performed to make the appearance of the coin object MO associated with viewer "A" more elaborate (easier to recognize) according to level "2". Here, an effect of superimposing the effect image EI on the coin object MO is being performed. The appearance of the coin object MO of the viewer becomes more elaborate as the level of the viewer is higher. Instead of the effect of making the appearance of the coin object MO of the viewer more elaborate, an effect of making the appearance of the viewer's icon IC more elaborate may be performed, or an effect of making the sound effect played when the viewer executes coin insertion (operates the execution button RB) more luxurious (or making a sound effect play when coin insertion is executed) may be performed. Such an effect can give the viewer motivation to insert coins. The effect may be provided to the viewer when the viewer performs a predetermined operation on the terminal 10, or may be provided constantly.

[0054] Here, in the present embodiment, it is determined based on the viewer information of each viewer whether to provide the presentation (presentation according to the level of the viewer) provided to the viewer to other viewers other than the viewer. For example, the presentation provided to the viewer may be provided to other viewers at the same level as the viewer, and not provided to other viewers at a different level from the viewer. In the example shown in FIG. 5, since the viewer at the same level as the viewer "A" is the viewer "C", on the terminal 10 of the viewer "C", a distribution screen DS as shown in FIG. 6 (a distribution screen in which a presentation regarding the coin-operated object MO of the viewer "A" is being performed) is displayed, and on the terminals 10 of the viewers "B" and "D", a distribution screen DS as shown in FIG. 4 (a distribution screen in which a presentation regarding the coin-operated object MO of the viewer "A" is not being performed) is displayed. Note that, regarding the distribution screen DS displayed on the terminal 10 of the performer, the presentation may or may not be reflected.

[0055] Also, the effects provided to the viewer may be provided only to other viewers who are in a relationship with the viewer (or have matching attributes), and not to other viewers who are not in a relationship with the viewer (or do not have matching attributes). For example, when viewer "A" and viewer "B" are in a relationship, on terminal 10 of viewer "B", a distribution screen DS as shown in FIG. 6 is displayed, and on terminals 10 of viewer "C" and viewer "D", a distribution screen DS as shown in FIG. 4 is displayed. Also, when determining whether to provide the effects provided to the viewer to other viewers other than the viewer based on the level of each viewer, the criteria for determination may be changed according to whether the viewer and the other viewer are in a relationship. For example, when the viewer and the other viewer are not in a relationship, the effects provided to the viewer are provided to the other viewer only when the level of the viewer and the level of the other viewer are the same. When the viewer and the other viewer are in a relationship, the effects provided to the viewer may be provided to the other viewer if the difference between the level of the viewer and the level of the other viewer is within a predetermined value. Also, viewer history (cumulative number of past viewings, viewing time, etc.) of each viewer is managed as viewer information, and the effects provided to the viewer may be provided only to other viewers with a shallower viewer history than the viewer, and not to other viewers with a viewer history equal to or deeper than that of the viewer.

[0056] Thus, according to this embodiment, the viewer parameters of the viewer are changed based on the reaction behavior of the performer towards the viewer, and when providing effects corresponding to the viewer parameters of the viewer to the viewer by preventing the provision of the effects to other viewers who are not in a predetermined relationship with the viewer (not having the same level as the viewer, not being in a relationship with the viewer), etc., it is possible to prevent the viewer from becoming the target of ill feelings from other viewers and to give motivation for the viewer to make a donation.

[0057] In the above example, as an example of content that progresses based on the actions of the performer, the case of distributing a live video that captures the actions of the performer was described. However, the content may be content related to a character that acts in a virtual space based on an operation by the performer (for example, a character that moves in synchronization with the movements of the performer, or a character that appears in a game being played by the performer). In this case, the performer may perform an operation to cause the character to make a gesture such as pointing at the viewer, so as to perform a reaction action (a reaction action using the character) towards the viewer, or perform an operation such as directly specifying the viewer without operating the character, so as to perform a reaction action (a reaction action without using the character) towards the viewer, or both may be made possible. Here, when the performer performs a reaction action towards the viewer by operating the character and when the performer performs a reaction action towards the viewer without operating the character, the content of the change in the viewer parameters (points, level) of the viewer may be made different. For example, the amount of increase in the viewer parameters may be made different between the case of performing the former reaction action and the case of performing the latter reaction action, or it may be made to change whether to increase or decrease the viewer parameters.

[0058] Also, there may be a plurality of characters appearing in the content. The plurality of characters may each operate based on the operations of different performers, or may operate based on the operations of a single performer. In this case, the viewer may be able to pay money for the character selected from among the plurality of characters. In the example shown in FIG. 7, two characters CR (CRa, CRb) are displayed in the content image CI. After the viewer inputs the amount of money to be paid in the input area IA, by operating the execution button RBa corresponding to the character CRa, the viewer can pay the amount of money input for the character CRa, and by operating the execution button RBb corresponding to the character CRb, the viewer can pay the amount of money input for the character CRb. In this case, when the performer takes reaction actions for the viewer using the character CRa in response to the viewer paying money for the character CRa, and when the performer takes reaction actions for the viewer using the character CRb in response to the viewer paying money for the character CRb, the content of the change in the viewer parameters (points, level) of the viewer may be made different. For example, depending on the parameters (attributes, etc.) of the character CR selected as the target of the money payment, the amount of increase in the viewer parameters may be changed, or it may be changed whether to increase or decrease the viewer parameters. Also, when the viewer can pay money for the content itself separately from paying money for the character CR, when the performer takes reaction actions for the viewer in response to the viewer paying money for the character CR, and when the performer takes reaction actions for the viewer in response to the viewer paying money for the content, the content of the change in the viewer parameters of the viewer may be made different.

[0059] Also, depending on the combination of the character CR selected by the viewer as the object of coin - tossing and the character CR used by the performer for the reaction behavior towards the viewer, the content of the change in the viewer parameters (points, level) of the viewer may be made different. For example, when the character CR selected by the viewer as the object of coin - tossing matches the character CR used by the performer for the reaction behavior, or when the combination of the two corresponds to a predetermined combination, the increase amount of the viewer parameters is increased. When the two do not match or the combination of the two does not correspond to the predetermined combination, the increase amount of the viewer parameters may be decreased or the viewer parameters may be decreased.

[0060] Also, depending on how the performer performs the reaction behavior using the character CR selected by the viewer as the object of coin - tossing, the content of the change in the viewer parameters (points, level) of the viewer may be made different. For example, depending on the type of gesture of the character CR in the reaction behavior (winking, pointing, waving the hand, etc.), the increase amount of the viewer parameters may be changed, or whether to increase or decrease the viewer parameters may be changed.

[0061] Also, depending on the combination of the character CR selected by the viewer or the performer and the action (gesture) to be performed on the character CR, the content of the change in the viewer parameters may be made different. For example, the increase amount of the viewer parameters is set for each combination of the character CR and the gesture. In the reaction behavior in response to coin - tossing, when character CRa is made to wink, the increase amount of the viewer parameters is larger than when it is made to wave the hand, and when character CRb is made to wave the hand, the increase amount of the viewer parameters is larger than when it is made to wink.

[0062] In addition, when multiple characters appear in the content, the above method can be similarly applied when multiple performers appear in the content (a live video in which multiple performers PF are photographed in the content image CI is displayed). For example, when the first performer takes a responsive action towards the viewer in response to the viewer making a coin donation to the first performer, and when the second performer takes a responsive action towards the viewer in response to the viewer making a coin donation to the second performer, the content of the change in the viewer parameters of the viewer may be made different. Also, depending on the combination of the performer selected by the viewer as the target of the coin donation and the content of the responsive action (operation content, type of gesture, etc.) of the performer towards the viewer, the content of the change in the viewer parameters of the viewer may be made different.

[0063] 3. Processing Next, an example of the processing of the content distribution system (server 20) of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 8. First, the content distribution unit 210 starts distributing to the terminals 10 of a plurality of viewers of the content that progresses based on the actions of the performers (step S10). For example, video data photographed by the performer's terminal 10 is acquired and distributed as distribution data to the terminals 10 of a plurality of viewers.

[0064] Next, the information reception unit 212 determines whether or not it has received posting information (for example, information related to posting a coin donation or a comment) from the viewer's terminal 10 (step S11). If posting information has been received (Y in step S11), the received posting information is processed (step S12). For example, when a coin donation is received as posting information, the virtual currency held by the posting viewer is decreased by the amount of the coin donation, and the virtual currency held by the performer is increased by the amount of the coin donation.

[0065] Next, the parameter change unit 214 determines whether or not a reaction action with respect to the viewer designated by the performer has been detected (step S13). For example, when operation information for designating a viewer is received from the terminal 10 of the performer, it is determined that a reaction action with respect to the viewer has been made. When a reaction action with respect to the viewer has been detected (Y in step S13), the parameter change unit 214 changes the viewer parameter associated with the viewer (step S14). Here, the parameter change unit 214 may determine the increase amount of the viewer parameter of the viewer according to whether or not the detected reaction action is for the viewer who posted the posting information.

[0066] Next, the production control unit 216 determines whether or not to provide a production according to the viewer parameter of the viewer to other viewers other than the viewer based on the viewer information (viewer parameter, information specifying the relationship with friends, etc.) of each viewer, and when providing, determines the other viewers who will be the recipients (step S15), and provides the production to the viewer and the other viewers who have been determined (step S16). Next, the content distribution unit 210 determines whether or not to end the distribution of the content (step S17), and when continuing the distribution (N in step S17), proceeds to step S11. The present invention is not limited to those described in the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made. For example, terms cited as broad or synonymous terms in the description in the specification or drawings can be replaced with broad or synonymous terms in other descriptions in the specification or drawings.

[0067]

[0068] ​For example, a content delivery system may be composed of a user terminal (viewer's terminal), a content delivery server (such as a video delivery server or a game server) that performs content delivery processing, and a posting server that performs processing related to postings by viewers. In this case, the user terminal communicates with the content delivery server to send and receive information related to the content (such as information related to a game), and communicates with the posting server to perform processing related to postings. The posting server and the content delivery server communicate with each other. The posting server obtains information related to the content from the content delivery server, and the content delivery server obtains information related to the posting from the posting server. Even if the posting server does not execute content delivery, by communicating with the content delivery server, it can reflect the effects according to the posting content on the content, or change the posting content according to the results of the content (such as game results). Regarding the delivery screen displayed on the user terminal (a screen in which information related to the posting (such as a donation object) is synthesized with the image of the content), on the user terminal side, display processing for synthesizing information related to the posting with the image of the content may be performed based on the information obtained from the content delivery server and the posting server respectively, or the synthesis may be performed by the content delivery server or the posting server and then displayed on the user terminal. Note that the content delivery system may be composed only of the user terminal and the posting server.

Explanation of Signs

[0069] 10…Terminal, 20…Server, 200…Processing Unit, 210…Content Delivery Unit, 212…Information Reception Unit, 214…Parameter Change Unit, 216…Effect Control Unit, 270…Storage Unit, 272…Storage Section, 296…Communication Unit

Claims

1. A content distribution system that distributes content that progresses based on the actions of a performer to terminals of multiple viewers, an information receiving unit that receives posted information regarding the content or the performer based on an operation of a terminal by the viewer; a parameter changing unit that changes a viewer parameter associated with each of the viewers based on a reaction behavior of the performer in response to the posting of the posted information; a performance control unit that provides a performance according to the changed viewer parameter to the viewer associated with at least the changed viewer parameter; The performance control unit: A content distribution system characterized in that it determines whether or not to provide the performance to viewers other than the viewer associated with the changed viewer parameters based on information about the viewer.

2. In claim 1, The parameter change unit is A content distribution system, comprising: a content distribution unit that changes at least said viewer parameters associated with said viewer who has become the target of said reaction behavior.

3. In claim 1 or 2, The performance control unit: A content distribution system that provides the performance when the viewer operates a terminal.

4. In any one of claims 1 to 3, The information receiving unit is A content distribution system, comprising: a content distribution unit that accepts posting of the posted information when the viewer consumes a consideration owned by the viewer.

5. In any one of claims 1 to 4, The content distribution system, wherein the presentation is related to the posted information.

6. In any one of claims 1 to 5, The performance control unit: A content distribution system, characterized in that the higher the viewer parameter, the easier the viewer can recognize the presentation.

7. In any one of claims 1 to 6, the viewer information is information of the viewer associated with the changed viewer parameter and information of other viewers, The performance control unit: A content distribution system characterized in that the performance is provided to other viewers who have a predetermined relationship between the viewer and the viewer's information associated with the changed viewer parameters, and the performance is not provided to other viewers who do not have the predetermined relationship.

8. In claim 7, the viewer information is the viewer parameters, The performance control unit: A content distribution system characterized in that the performance is provided to other viewers whose viewer parameters are approximately the same as the viewer associated with the changed viewer parameters, and the performance is not provided to other viewers whose viewer parameters are not approximately the same as the viewer associated with the changed viewer parameters.

9. In claim 7, The information about the viewers is information about whether the viewers are friends with each other, The performance control unit: A content distribution system characterized in that the performance is provided to other viewers who are in a peer relationship with the viewer associated with the changed viewer parameters, and the performance is not provided to other viewers who are not in the peer relationship.

10. In any one of claims 1 to 9, A content distribution system, wherein the content is content related to a character operated by the actor.

11. In claim 10, The parameter change unit is A content distribution system characterized in that the changes to the viewer parameters are made different when the actor performs the reaction action by operating the character and when the actor performs the reaction action without operating the character.

12. In claim 10 or 11, The parameter change unit is A content distribution system, comprising: a content distribution unit that changes the viewer parameters in accordance with the character selected by the viewer.

13. In any one of claims 10 to 12, The parameter change unit is A content distribution system, characterized in that the changes to the viewer parameters are varied depending on the combination of the character selected by the viewer and the character used by the actor in the reaction behavior.

14. In any one of claims 10 to 13, The information receiving unit is A content distribution system, comprising: a display unit that displays a display image of a character selected by a viewer;

15. In any one of claims 10 to 14, The parameter change unit is A content distribution system, characterized in that the content of changes to the viewer parameters is varied depending on what reaction behavior the actor performs using the character selected by the viewer.

16. In any one of claims 10 to 15, The parameter change unit is A content distribution system, characterized in that the content of the change to the viewer parameters is varied according to a combination of the character selected by the viewer or the performer and an action to be performed by the character.

17. A server device for distributing content that progresses based on the actions of a performer to multiple viewers' terminals And, an information receiving unit that receives posted information regarding the content or the performer based on an operation of a terminal by the viewer; a parameter changing unit that changes a viewer parameter associated with each of the viewers based on a reaction behavior of the performer in response to the posting of the posted information; a performance control unit that provides a performance according to the changed viewer parameter to the viewer associated with at least the changed viewer parameter; The performance control unit: A server device characterized in that it determines whether or not to provide the performance to viewers other than the viewer associated with the changed viewer parameters based on information about the viewers.

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