System, method and program for providing content distribution service

Abstract

To support good advertisement or provide diversity in rewards.SOLUTION: A content distribution server 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention is communicably connected to a user terminal 30 via a communication network 20, and provides a content distribution service that delivers a content to users through the user terminal 30. The server 10 grants rewards to a distribution user associated with link information, the rewards corresponding to achievement of predetermined conditions by the user at a link destination accessed via the link information. The server also sets the ranking of the distribution user on the basis of the reward. Accordingly, the distribution user can enjoy the setting of the own ranking of the distribution user, together with a viewing user, while encouraging the viewing user of the content to achieve the predetermined conditions at the link destination by providing the link information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a system, method, and program for providing a content delivery service.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, various services for delivering content composed of images and / or sounds have been provided. A delivery user who delivers such content may have an influence on a viewing user who views the content. In this case, an advertisement for a product by the delivery user is considered to be effective. Regarding such advertisements, for example, Patent Document 1 below discloses a technique for enhancing the advertising effect in a network game. Specifically, the document discloses that when an advertisement screen is displayed during the execution of a game, game content for favorably advancing the game is provided to a player as a reward.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, although the above-described conventional technology can enhance the advertising effect in a network game, it is difficult to directly apply it to a content delivery service. For example, in an advertisement in a content delivery service, it is desirable to realize a mechanism that can be enjoyed by both a delivery user who delivers content and a viewing user who views the content.

[0005] Embodiments of the present invention aim to support good advertisements and provide diversity in rewards. Other objects of the embodiments of the present invention will become apparent by referring to the entire specification.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes one or more computer processors and is a system for providing a content delivery service. The one or more computer processors perform a step of granting a predetermined reward corresponding to achievement of a predetermined condition by a first user at a link destination accessed by the first user via first link information among a plurality of link information respectively associated with a plurality of delivery users capable of content delivery, to a first delivery user associated with the first link information, and a step of setting a rank for each of the plurality of delivery users based at least on the predetermined reward.

[0007] A method according to an embodiment of the present invention is executed by one or more computers and is a method for providing a content delivery service. The method includes a step of granting a predetermined reward corresponding to achievement of a predetermined condition by a first user at a link destination accessed by the first user via first link information among a plurality of link information respectively associated with a plurality of delivery users capable of content delivery, to a first delivery user associated with the first link information, and a step of setting a rank for each of the plurality of delivery users based at least on the predetermined reward.

[0008] A program according to an embodiment of the present invention is a program for providing a content distribution service, which causes one or more computers to perform the steps of: for a plurality of link information respectively associated with a plurality of distribution users capable of distributing content, giving a predetermined reward corresponding to achievement of a predetermined condition by a first user at a link destination accessed by the first user via the first link information, to a first distribution user associated with the first link information; and setting the rank of each of the plurality of distribution users based at least on the predetermined reward.

Advantages of the Invention

[0009] Various embodiments of the present invention support good advertisements or provide diversity of rewards.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

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MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same or similar components may be assigned the same reference numerals.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram schematically showing the configuration of a network including a content distribution server 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the server 10 is communicably connected to the user terminal 30 via a communication network 20 such as the Internet. In FIG. 1, only one user terminal 30 is shown, but the server 10 is communicably connected to a plurality of user terminals 30. Further, the content distribution server 10 and the user terminal 30 are communicably connected to a link destination server 22 configured as a general computer via the communication network 20. The server 10 provides a content distribution service for distributing content to a user via the user terminal 30. The content distribution server 10 is an example of an apparatus that implements part or all of the system of the present invention.

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

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

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

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

[0017] The storage 15 is composed of, for example, a magnetic disk, a flash memory, etc. The storage 15 stores various programs including an operating system, and various data, etc. For example, the storage 15 has various tables 151 that store various information for providing a content distribution service. Also, for example, the storage 15 stores a server-side program 40 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The program 40 is a program for causing the server 10 to function as all or part of a system for providing a content distribution service. At least a part of the server-side program 40 can be configured to be executed on the user terminal 30 side via a terminal-side program 42 described later.

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

[0019] The content distribution server 10 configured in this way can be configured to have functions as a web server and an application server. In this case, in response to a request from the terminal-side program 42 installed in the user terminal 30, it executes various processes, and transmits screen data (for example, HTML data) and control data, etc. corresponding to the result of the process to the user terminal 30. On the user terminal 30, a web page or other screen based on the received data can be output.

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

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

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

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

[0024] The storage 35 is configured by, for example, a magnetic disk or a flash memory, etc. The storage 35 stores various programs including an operating system and various data, etc. The programs stored in the storage 35 can be downloaded and installed from an application market, etc. Further, the storage 35 stores the terminal-side program 42. The program 42 is configured as a web browser or other application (e.g., a terminal-side application for a content delivery service, etc.) and can be configured to execute at least a part of the server-side program 40 as described above.

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

[0026] A user who operates the user terminal 30 configured as described above can utilize the content distribution service provided by the server 10 by executing communication with the content distribution server 10 via the terminal-side program 42 installed in the storage 35 or the like.

[0027] Next, the functions of the content distribution server 10 configured as described above will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the computer processor 11 of the server 10 is configured to function as a management function control unit 111 and a service provision control unit 112 by executing instructions included in a program (for example, at least a part of the server-side program 40) read into the main memory 12.

[0028] The management function control unit 111 is configured to execute various processes related to the control of the management function of the content distribution service. For example, the management function control unit 111 transmits screen data, control data, etc. of various screens related to the management function to the user terminal 30, executes various processes in response to operation inputs by the user via the screen output on the user terminal 30, and transmits screen data, control data, etc. corresponding to the result of the process to the user terminal 30. The management functions controlled by the management function control unit 111 include, for example, login processing (user authentication), billing control, and user account management, etc.

[0029] The service provision control unit 112 is configured to execute various processes for controlling the provision of the content distribution service. For example, the service provision control unit 112 is configured to distribute the content provided by the distributing user to a plurality of viewing users. For example, the service provision control unit 112 presents a viewing screen for viewing the content to each of the plurality of viewing users, and transmits, for example, the screen data, control data, etc. of the viewing screen to each user terminal 30 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a viewing terminal 30) of the plurality of viewing users.

[0030] In this embodiment, the service provision control unit 112 is configured to grant a predetermined reward corresponding to the achievement of a predetermined condition by a user at a link destination accessed by the user via specific link information, among a plurality of link information items respectively associated with a plurality of distribution users capable of distributing content, to the distribution user associated with the specific link information. The link destination is, for example, a web page related to an advertisement provided by the link destination server 22, and is accessed via various programs (including the terminal-side program 42 and other programs) installed in the user terminal 30. For example, the service provision control unit 112 acquires information regarding a user who has achieved a predetermined condition at the link destination via each link information from the link destination server 22, and grants a predetermined reward to each distribution user associated with each link information based on the acquired information.

[0031] Also, the service provision control unit 112 is configured to set the rank of each of the plurality of distribution users based at least on the predetermined reward. That is, it can be said that the predetermined reward is a reward that affects the setting of the rank of the distribution user.

[0032] As described above, since the content distribution server 10 in this embodiment grants a reward corresponding to the achievement of a predetermined condition by a user at a link destination accessed via link information to the distribution user associated with the link information, and sets the rank of the distribution user based on the reward, the distribution user can encourage the achievement of the predetermined condition at the link destination by providing link information to the content viewing user, and at the same time, enjoy the setting of their own rank together with the viewing user. As a result, the server 10 supports good advertisements in the content distribution service or provides diversity of rewards.

[0033] The content distributed in this embodiment includes various types of digital content. For example, the content is composed of an image (video or still image) and audio, or is composed of one of them. Also, the content is, for example, transmitted in real time (live distribution) from a user terminal 30 of a distribution user who provides the content (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a distribution terminal 30), or is provided in advance from the distribution terminal 30 and stored in advance in a storage device such as a storage 15. The live distribution of the content may involve a certain delay (time lag) depending on the settings of the distribution user or the network situation, etc. The live distribution of the content is performed, for example, in a streaming method using a protocol such as HTTP Live Streaming (HLS).

[0034] Also, the content transmitted from the distribution terminal 30 is composed of, for example, the video and audio of the distribution user input (captured) via a camera and a microphone that the distribution terminal 30 has. Also, such content is, for example, a video corresponding to the screen displayed on the distribution terminal 30, or a video corresponding to the screen output by an application (for example, a game) being executed on the distribution terminal 30, as well as the audio output by the application and / or the audio of the distribution user input via a microphone that the distribution terminal 30 has.

[0035] Also, in this embodiment, for the content to be distributed, while a part of the data constituting the content is transmitted in real time from the distribution terminal 30, a part of the data constituting the content may be stored in advance in the server 10 or the viewing terminal 30. For example, while the audio constituting the content is transmitted in real time from the distribution terminal 30, the image constituting the content is stored in advance in the server 10 or the viewing terminal 30, and the content is generated based on these data in the server 10 or the viewing terminal 30.

[0036] In addition, for example, while motion data (motion data) for operating an object such as a character is transmitted in real time from the distribution terminal 30 in addition to the audio constituting the content, the image constituting the content is stored in advance in the server 10 or the viewing terminal 30, and the image includes model data of the object. In this case, the motion data is generated based on, for example, the motion of the distribution user recognized through the camera of the distribution terminal 30 (including changes in facial expressions, etc.). And the content generated in the server 10 or the viewing terminal 30 includes an object such as a character that operates based on the model data and the motion data.

[0037] In the present embodiment, the service provision control unit 112 may be configured to present a screen including the link information described above to the user. For example, the service provision control unit 112 transmits screen data, control data, etc. of the screen to the user terminal 30. The link information includes, for example, a URL indicating the link destination, and values of parameters for identifying the associated distribution user, etc. On the above screen, it is directly displayed as a two-dimensional code, text, etc., or an object such as an image in which such link information is set is displayed. For example, when the link information displayed on the screen or the object in which the link information is set is selected, the user terminal 30 accesses the link destination. Such a configuration enables easy provision of link information to the user.

[0038] In addition, the service provision control unit 112 can be configured to give a predetermined point to the distribution user in response to the distribution of content by the distribution user. In this case, the ranking of the distribution user is the ranking based on the predetermined point, and the predetermined reward can be configured as a reward for increasing the number of the predetermined points (for example, multiplying by a predetermined magnification, or adding additional points, etc.). Such a configuration enables setting of a ranking based on the points given in response to the distribution of content.

[0039] In the present embodiment, the predetermined reward may be given in response to the achievement of the predetermined condition in the first period, and the ranking of the distribution users may be based on the number of predetermined points given in the second period after the first period. That is, the service provision control unit 112 can be configured to give a predetermined reward in response to the achievement of the predetermined condition in the first period. In this case, the ranking of each of the plurality of distribution users can be configured to be based on the number of predetermined points given in the second period after the first period. Such a configuration enables the enjoyment of the achievement of the predetermined condition for obtaining the predetermined reward and the setting of the ranking based on the points given in response to the distribution of the content in separate periods.

[0040] Also, during the distribution of the content by the distribution user, the service provision control unit 112 can be configured to receive an input of an object (for example, an item or the like) by the viewing user who views the content, and give the predetermined points when the input object is a predetermined type of object. In this case, the link destination accessed via the link information is related to the target product of the advertisement (for example, advertisement content related to the target product, or membership registration content, etc.), and the predetermined type of object may be an object related to the target product (for example, an object including an image corresponding to the target product). Such a configuration encourages the input of an object related to the target product of the advertisement, and as a result, supports the realization of an effective advertisement.

[0041] In the present embodiment, the predetermined reward may be based on the number of users who have achieved the predetermined condition at the link destination. For example, the predetermined reward is set so that the more users who have achieved the predetermined condition, the more advantageous it is for the distribution user (for example, the effect becomes higher). Such a configuration supports the distribution user in further encouraging the achievement of the predetermined condition for a larger number of viewing users.

[0042] In the present embodiment, the above-described predetermined conditions achieved at the link destination may include various conditions. For example, the predetermined conditions may be achieved by executing a predetermined action at the link destination (for example, including membership registration, viewing of predetermined content (content for advertising), or input of predetermined information, etc.). Such a configuration assists the distribution user in prompting the content viewing user to execute a predetermined action.

[0043] Next, a specific example as one aspect of the content distribution server 10 of the present embodiment having such a function will be described. In this example, the content distribution service provided by the server 10 is configured as a service for performing live distribution (live streaming) of content composed of the video and audio of the distribution user input (captured) via the camera and microphone included in the distribution terminal 30. First, in this example, the information managed by each table included in the various tables 151 will be described.

[0044] FIG. 2 illustrates the information managed by the user information table 1511 in this example. The user information table 1511 manages information regarding users of the content delivery service, and as illustrated, associates with a "user account" that identifies an individual user, "basic information" including an account name and date of birth, etc., "delivery history information" which is information regarding the delivery history as a delivery user, "viewing history information" which is information regarding the viewing history as a viewing user, "followed user information" which is information regarding other users followed by this user, "family information" which is information regarding the family to which this user belongs as a family member, "rank" which indicates the rank as a delivery user, "rank meter value" which is a parameter for determining rank up / down, "coin holding amount" which indicates the holding amount of virtual coins available in the content delivery service, "diamond holding amount" which also indicates the holding amount of virtual diamonds, "classification text" which is a classification as a delivery user set by the user himself / herself, "advertising event link" which is a link used when participating as a delivery user in an advertising event, "number of advertising event member registration users" which is the number of users who have registered as members at the link destination (induction destination), "advertising event point multiplier" which is a multiplier (predetermined reward) when calculating the event points (predetermined points) given in an advertising event, "number of advertising event points" which is the number of event points obtained in an advertising event, "advertising event rank" which is the rank in an advertising event, etc. Details of the advertising event will be described later.

[0045] In this example, a family is a community of fans who support delivery users, and can join in response to an invitation from a delivery user or a family administrator, or can also join in response to approval by a delivery user or a family administrator for a user's join application. In this example, an upper limit value (for example, 100 people) is set for the number of family members. Also, based on the viewing record of the content of the corresponding delivery user, etc., the level of the user as a fan of the delivery user may be set and managed.

[0046] In this example, coins are given to users for free and for a fee on various occasions. For example, a user can obtain coins for free as a reward such as a login bonus. Also, for example, a user can purchase coins for a fee (in real currency). Also, diamonds, which will be described in detail later, are given as one of the rewards for distributing users.

[0047] FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the ranks of distributing users in this example. As shown in the figure, in this example, there are six rank bands of "S", "A", "B", "C", "D", and "E". The "S" rank band has six ranks from "S1" to "S6", and each of the four rank bands of "A", "B", "C", and "D" is composed of three ranks (for example, "A1" to "A3"). Also, the "E" rank band is composed of one rank "E1". That is, in this example, there are 19 ranks (6 + 3×4 + 1 = 19).

[0048] Also, the rank bands are such that the "S" side is the highest and the "E" side is the lowest. Also, among the ranks within the same rank band, the rank with a larger number added to the rank band is higher, and the rank with a smaller number added is lower. In this example, the initial value of the user's rank is set to "D1". As will be described in detail later, in this example, the rank is updated based on the daily content distribution performance.

[0049] FIG. 4 illustrates the information managed by the distribution management table 1512 in this example. The distribution management table 1512 manages information regarding individual distributions, and as illustrated, in association with a "distribution ID" that identifies an individual distribution (content), it manages a "distribution user account" that identifies the distribution user, a "distribution start date and time" that is the date and time when the distribution started, a "distribution duration" that is the duration (elapsed time) since the start of the distribution, "number of viewing users (current value and maximum value)", a "number of comments" that is the number of comments input by viewing users during the distribution of the content, a "number of likes" that is the number of "likes" input by viewing users during the distribution of the content, a "total item points value" that is the total value of item points granted in response to the input of gift items by viewing users during the distribution of the content, a "total distribution points value" that is the total value of distribution points granted for this distribution, "distribution tag information" that is information regarding the distribution tags granted for this distribution, and other information.

[0050] FIG. 5 illustrates the information managed by the gift item information table 1513 in this example. The gift item information table 1513 manages information regarding gift items (objects) that can be input by viewing users during the distribution of content, and as illustrated, in association with a "gift item ID" that identifies an individual gift item, it manages information such as a "name", a "required number of coins" indicating the number of coins required for input, and an "advertising event flag" indicating whether it is a gift item for an advertising event (a predetermined type of object).

[0051] The information managed by each table has been described above. Next, the processes executed by the content distribution server 10 in this example and the screens output on the user terminal 30 and the like will be described.

[0052] FIG. 6 illustrates the top screen 50 of the content delivery service output on the user terminal 30. The screen 50 is the starting screen when using the content delivery service. As shown in the figure, it has a selection area 52 that displays texts such as "Follow", "Popular", "Notable", and "All", a list display area 54 located below the area 52, and a circular distribution button 56 located in the upper right corner of the screen.

[0053] The selection area 52 is an area for selecting the display content in the list display area 54. Specifically, when "Follow" is selected in the selection area 52, the distributions (contents being distributed) of other users followed by the user are listed and displayed in the list display area 54. Similarly, when "Popular" is selected in the selection area 52, the distributions with a large number of viewing users are listed and displayed in the list display area 54. Also, when "Notable" is selected in the selection area 52, the lively distributions (for example, distributions with a large number of comments and likes, etc.) are listed and displayed in the list display area 54. Further, when "All" is selected in the selection area 52, all distributions become the objects of list display in the list display area 54.

[0054] As shown in the figure, in the list display area 54, a plurality of individual display areas 541 that each display information regarding an individual distribution are arranged side by side in two columns in the vertical direction. The individual display area 541 is configured so that the viewing of the corresponding distribution can be started (the playback of the corresponding content is started) according to the selection by the user. The list display area 54 is configured so that the displayed individual display areas 541 can be switched by a flick operation or a slide operation in the vertical direction, etc.

[0055] FIG. 7 illustrates the display content of the individual display area 541. The individual display area 541 displays an image preset by the content delivery user, the account name of the delivery user, the number of viewers (current value), etc. As shown in the figure, at the lower end thereof, a first tag object 5411 and a second tag object 5412 are arranged side by side in the horizontal direction. The first tag object 5411 displays a classification text (managed in the user information table 1511), which is the classification of the delivery user set by the delivery user himself / herself, in the form of a hashtag (a form in which "#" is added at the beginning of a character string) (in the example of FIG. 7, it is displayed as "#Big Eater Delivery"). Further, the second tag object 5412 also displays the latest delivery tag given by the viewer for the corresponding delivery in the form of a hashtag (in the example of FIG. 7, it is displayed as "#Curry").

[0056] Return to the top screen 50 of FIG. 6. The delivery button 56 is an object for the user to deliver content as a delivery user. When the delivery button 56 is selected by the user, a delivery preparation screen 60 illustrated in FIG. 8 is output. As shown in the figure, the delivery preparation screen 60 includes a delivery title input area 62 for inputting a delivery title, a pull-out delivery setting switch 64 for setting a pull-out delivery mode, a post setting button 66 for setting a post (posting a message to SNS) automatically performed during delivery, and a delivery start button 68 with the text "Start!" added thereto. The pull-out delivery is a content delivery mode in which only new viewers (specifically, viewers whose total viewing time within a certain period for the corresponding delivery user is less than a predetermined value) can view the content.

[0057] When the delivery start button 68 is selected, the delivery of the content is started. Specifically, the transmission of content data composed of video and audio input (captured) via the camera and microphone of the delivery terminal 30 to the server 10 is started. Further, in response to the start of the delivery of the content, a new record is inserted into the delivery management table 1512.

[0058] FIG. 9 illustrates a distribution screen 70 output on the distribution terminal 30 in response to the start of content distribution. As shown in the figure, the screen 70 includes a video display area 71 corresponding to the entire screen, a basic information display area 72 located in the upper left corner of the screen, a comment display area 73 located in the lower left of the screen, a tag display area 74 located above the area 73, a viewing user information display area 75 located in the upper right corner of the screen, and a circular distribution stop button 76 located at the center of the lower end of the screen.

[0059] The video display area 71 displays the content being distributed, that is, the image input via the camera of the distribution terminal 30. Usually, the distributing user uses the in-camera of the distribution terminal 30 etc. to take the distributing user himself / herself as the subject, and in this case, the content being distributed includes the image of the distributing user himself / herself.

[0060] The basic information display area 72 displays the basic information of this distribution. Specifically, it displays distributing user information (profile image etc.), the number of viewing users of this distribution (current value), and the number of "likes" input by viewing users for this distribution, etc.

[0061] The comment display area 73 is an area for displaying user comments input by each viewing user and system comments automatically input by the server 10. Specifically, in the area 73, a plurality of comment objects 731 each corresponding to an individual comment are arranged side by side in the vertical direction. The comment display area 73 is configured such that when a new comment is input, the corresponding comment object 731 is added to the lower side and the existing comment objects 731 move upward in order. The comment display area 73 switches the displayed comment objects 731 by a flick operation or a slide operation etc. in the vertical direction.

[0062] The tag display area 74 displays information regarding the distribution tags assigned to this distribution. Specifically, in this area 74, a plurality of tag objects 741 each corresponding to an individual tag are arranged side by side in the horizontal direction.

[0063] The viewing user information display area 75 displays information regarding a plurality of viewing users who are viewing the content being distributed. Specifically, in this area 75, a plurality of icon objects 751 each corresponding to an individual viewing user are arranged side by side in the horizontal direction. The object 751 has a circular shape and displays the profile image of the corresponding viewing user. The plurality of icon objects 751 are arranged in an order according to a predetermined rule.

[0064] The distribution stop button 76 is an object for the distribution user to stop the distribution of the content. When the distribution stop button 76 is selected by the distribution user, the distribution of the content (transmission of content data from the distribution terminal 30 to the server 10) is stopped.

[0065] FIG. 10 illustrates a viewing screen 80 output on the viewing terminal 30. For example, when an arbitrary distribution (content) is selected by a viewing user via the list display area 54 or the like of the top screen 50, a viewing screen 80 for viewing the selected distribution is output on the viewing terminal 30. As shown in the figure, the screen 80 has a video display area 81, a basic information display area 82, a comment display area 83, a tag display area 84, and a viewing user information display area 85, similar to the above-described distribution screen 70. Further, the viewing screen 80 has, at the lower end of the screen, an input mode switching button 861, a comment input area 862, a "like" button 863 with a heart mark displayed thereon, and a gift input button 864 with a present design displayed thereon.

[0066] The comment input area 862 is an area for the viewing user to input comments or distribution tags. While the input mode switching button 861 is in the unselected state, the comment input area 862 is in the normal comment input mode. In the comment input mode, when a character string is input into the comment input area 862 and a confirmation operation is performed, the character string is sent as a user comment, and at the corresponding distribution terminal 30 (the user terminal 30 of the distribution user who distributes the content being viewed) and each viewing terminal 30 (each user terminal 30 of multiple viewing users who view the same content), in the comment display areas 73 and 83 of the distribution screen 70 and the viewing screen 80, comment objects 731 and 831 corresponding to the user comment are added. In the comment objects 731 and 831 corresponding to the user comment, the content (character string) of the comment is displayed together with the account name of the viewing user who input the comment. Also, when a user comment is input, the server 10 updates (increments by 1) the number of comments for the corresponding distribution in the distribution management table 1512.

[0067] Also, when the input mode switching button 861 is in the selected state, the comment input area 862 is in the tag input mode. In the tag input mode, when a character string is input into the comment input area 862 and a confirmation operation is performed, the character string is sent as a distribution tag, and the tag is assigned to the distribution. In this example, the viewing users who can input tags are limited to family members of the corresponding distribution user. Specifically, the input mode switching button 861 on the viewing screen 80 can be selected (enabled) when the viewing user is a family member of the distribution user, while it cannot be selected (disabled) when the viewing user is not a family member of the distribution user. Also, in this example, the number of tags that can be assigned to one distribution within a certain period is limited. Specifically, the number of tags that can be assigned within 5 minutes is up to 3.

[0068] When a distribution tag is assigned, corresponding tag objects 741 and 841 are added to the tag display areas 74 and 84 of the corresponding distribution screen 70 and viewing screen 80. In the tag display areas 74 and 84, the tag objects 741 and 841 are arranged side by side in the left - right direction so that the left side is newer (the assignment time is later). Therefore, the tag objects 741 and 841 corresponding to the newly assigned tag are added to the left end in the tag display areas 74 and 84. Note that the tag objects 741 and 841 corresponding to the tags for which 5 minutes have elapsed since assignment are deleted (for example, they disappear with an animation effect of moving to the right).

[0069] In this example, the tag objects 741 and 841 display the content of the tag in the form of a hashtag with "#" added to the beginning of the character string. For example, when the content of the tag is "Tokyo tourism", it is displayed as "#Tokyo tourism" in the tag objects 741 and 841. The left - right length of the tag objects 741 and 841 is automatically adjusted according to the length of the character string to be displayed.

[0070] Also, when a tag is assigned, comment objects 731 and 831 corresponding to system comments notifying the assignment of the tag are added to the comment display areas 73 and 83 of the corresponding distribution screen 70 and viewing screen 80. In the comment objects 731 and 831 corresponding to the system comments, the content of the assigned tag is displayed together with the account name of the viewing user who assigned (input) the tag. For example, a comment such as "User xx tagged the distribution with '#Tokyo tourism'." is displayed. Also, when a tag is assigned, the distribution tag information for the corresponding distribution is updated in the distribution management table 1512.

[0071] The like button 863 is an object for a viewing user to input "like" for a distribution user (or content). When the button 863 is selected by the viewing user, the "like" is input, and in the comment display areas 73 and 83 of the corresponding distribution screen 70 and viewing screen 80, comment objects 731 and 831 corresponding to the system comment notifying the input of "like" are added. In the comment objects 731 and 831 corresponding to the system comment, text indicating the input of "like" is displayed together with the account name of the viewing user who input "like". Also, when "like" is input, in the video display areas 71 and 81 of the distribution screen 70 and viewing screen 80, corresponding production displays (for example, display of an animation video effect such as a heart-shaped object flowing from the lower side to the upper side of the screen) are performed. Also, when "like" is input, the server 10 updates (adds 1) the "like count" of the corresponding distribution in the distribution management table 1512.

[0072] The gift input button 864 is an object for a viewing user to input a gift item. When the button 864 is selected, as illustrated in FIG. 11, a gift selection screen 200 for selecting a gift item to be input is displayed overlapping the lower area of the viewing screen 80.

[0073] FIG. 12 illustrates the gift selection screen 200. As shown in the figure, the screen 200 has a selection area 201, a list display area 204 arranged below the area 201 for listing one or more gift items, a price range selection area 206 arranged below the area 204 for selecting the price range of the gift item to be displayed, and a purchase button 207 arranged at the lower right corner of the screen, which is an object for purchasing coins. Also, the remaining coin balance of the corresponding user is displayed at the lower left corner of the gift selection screen 200.

[0074] The selection area 201 is an area for selecting (filtering) the display content in the list display area 204. For example, texts such as "All", "History", "Dressing Change", and "Limited Period" are displayed. When "All" is selected in the selection area 201, all gift items become the objects of list display in the list display area 204. Also, when "History" is selected in the selection area 201, the gift items input by the corresponding user in the past are listed and displayed in the list display area 204. When "Dressing Change" is selected, the gift items targeted by the item skin set for the corresponding user are listed and displayed in the list display area 204. When "Limited Period" is selected, the gift items provided within a limited period and that can be input at that time (for example, gift items that can be input in limited-period events within the service, etc.) are listed and displayed. The item skin is an item that changes the display mode of the target gift item.

[0075] In the list display area 204, a plurality of individual display areas 2041 that each display information about an individual gift item are arranged in 4 columns vertically. The individual display area 2041 displays an image corresponding to the gift item and the number of coins (price) required for input of the item. The list display area 204 is configured such that the displayed individual display areas 2041 can be switched by a flick operation or a slide operation in the vertical direction. When any one of the individual display areas 2041 is selected by the viewing user, the input of the corresponding gift item is performed.

[0076] The price range selection area 206 is an area for further selecting (filtering) the display content in the list display area 204 by the price range of the gift items. When any price range is selected in the price range selection area 206, the gift items in the corresponding price range become the objects of list display in the list display area 204.

[0077] When a gift item is input, in the comment display areas 73 and 83 of the corresponding delivery screen 70 and viewing screen 80, comment objects 731 and 831 corresponding to the system comment notifying the input of the gift item are added. In the comment objects 731 and 831 corresponding to the system comment, the name of the input gift item is displayed together with the account name of the viewing user who input the gift item. Also, when a gift item is input, in the video display areas 71 and 81 of the corresponding delivery screen 70 and viewing screen 80, a production display corresponding to the input gift item is performed. The production display includes the display of an image and a video effect corresponding to the input gift item.

[0078] Also, when a gift item is input, the server 10 grants a quantity of item points corresponding to the number of coins (price) of the input gift item to this delivery (for example, the more coins, the more points). Specifically, in the delivery management table 1512, the points corresponding to the number of coins are added to the item point number of the corresponding delivery. Also, when a gift item is input, the server 10 subtracts the number of coins of the input gift item from the coin balance of the corresponding user (the viewing user who input the gift item) in the user information table 1511.

[0079] Here, the process when the delivery user ends the delivery of the content will be described. As described above, when the delivery user selects the delivery stop button 76 on the delivery screen 70, the delivery of the content ends. When the delivery ends, the server 10 calculates and sets the delivery point number for the delivery. In this example, the delivery point number is calculated based on the number of viewing users (maximum value), the number of likes, the number of comments, and the number of item points. The delivery point number increases as the number of viewing users (maximum value), the number of likes, the number of comments, and the number of item points increase. The calculated delivery point number is set for the corresponding delivery in the delivery management table 1512.

[0080] The above described the processing when ending the content delivery. Next, the processing when determining the rank of the delivery user will be described. In this example, the rank for the current day is determined (updated) based on the number of delivery points acquired by the user on the previous day. FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating the processing executed by the server 10 when updating the rank of each user. These processes are executed every day at midnight (for example, 3:00 am).

[0081] First, as shown in the figure, the server 10 calculates the number of delivery points acquired by each user on the previous day (step S100). The number of delivery points acquired by each user on the previous day is calculated by referring to the delivery user account, delivery start date and time, and the number of delivery points in the delivery management table 1512. When a user performs multiple deliveries in one day, the delivery points acquired in each of the multiple deliveries are added together.

[0082] After calculating the number of delivery points of each delivery user on the previous day in this way, subsequently, the server 10 updates the rank meter value of each user (step S110). FIG. 14 illustrates the update rule of the rank meter value. As shown in the figure, in this example, the rank meter value varies based on the rank within the rank band to which the user belongs according to the number of delivery points of each user on the previous day. The initial value of the rank meter value is "0".

[0083] Specifically, the update rule for the rank meter value is as follows: First, when the ranking of the number of distribution points within the rank band is included in the top 10%, the change in the rank meter value is "+2" (an increase of 2 points). Similarly, when the ranking is included in the top 11 - 30% (the remaining 20% excluding the top 10% from the top 30%), the change is "+1", when the ranking is included in the middle 30% (the 31st - 60th percentile), the change is "±0" (no increase or decrease), and when the ranking is included in the bottom 40%, the change is "-1" (a decrease of 1 point). In addition, if there was no distribution on the previous day, regardless of the ranking within the rank band, the change in the rank meter value will be "-1". In step S110, according to the update rule illustrated in FIG. 14, in the user information table 1511, the rank meter value of each user is updated.

[0084] Returning to the flowchart of FIG. 13, after updating the rank meter value of each user, next, the server 10 updates the rank based on the updated rank meter value (step S120). In this example, the rank meter value required to rank up is +3, and the rank meter value required to rank down is -3. When the value of the rank meter reaches these values, the user ranks up / down. The rank meter value of the user whose rank has been updated (the user for whom rank up / down has occurred) is cleared to 0. In other examples of this embodiment, in order to suppress rapid rank up / down in a short period, for example, in the case of rank up / down across rank bands, compared with rank up / down within the same rank band, the absolute value of the required rank meter value may be increased (for example, set to +6 / -6).

[0085] The processing for determining the rank of the distribution user has been described above. Next, the processing for awarding diamonds to the distribution user will be described. In this example, diamonds, which are one of the rewards for the distribution user, are awarded based on the previous day's distribution time and the rank on the previous day. FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating the processing executed by the server 10 when awarding diamonds to each user. These processes are executed at midnight every day, for example, at a time (e.g., 0:00 am) earlier than the time when the ranks of each user illustrated in FIG. 13 are updated.

[0086] First, as illustrated, the server 10 calculates the previous day's distribution time for each user (step S200). Specifically, the previous day's distribution time for each user is calculated by referring to the distribution user account, the distribution start date and time, and the distribution duration in the distribution management table 1512. When a user performs multiple distributions in a day, the distribution durations of each of the multiple distributions are totaled.

[0087] Subsequently, the server 10 awards the number of diamonds to each user based on the calculated distribution time and the number of diamonds based on the reference (step S210). Specifically, the number of diamonds obtained by multiplying the calculated distribution time by the reference number of diamonds is awarded to each user. The reference number of diamonds is preset for each rank so that the higher the rank, the more diamonds there are, and the reference number of diamonds corresponding to the previous day's rank of each user is applied. When diamonds are awarded to a user, the diamond holdings of the corresponding user are updated in the user information table 1511. In this example, diamonds can be exchanged for coins or real currency.

[0088] The above described the process of assigning a rank to a distribution user. Next, the advertising event in this example will be described. The advertising event in this example is a time-limited event (for example, two weeks) for advertising the target product by the distribution user. The advertising event is composed of the period of the sub-event (the first period) and the period of the subsequent main event (the second period). In the sub-event, the distribution user guides the viewing user to the membership registration page of the target product and obtains a reward based on the number of membership registrations. Also, in the main event, the distribution users compete for the number of event points among the distribution users participating in the advertising event.

[0089] In this example, for each of a plurality of distribution users participating in the advertising event, different links are issued and registered in the user information table 1511. Each link includes the common URL of the membership registration page of the target product provided by the link destination server 22 and a URL parameter for identifying the corresponding distribution user. Each link is presented to each user via the screen output on the user terminal 30.

[0090] In this example, a pre-screening for participating in the advertising event may be performed. In this case, for example, when the "participation button" on the screen introducing the advertising event is selected by the user, the application for screening and the processes such as the issuance of the above-described links may be performed.

[0091] FIG. 16 illustrates a user profile screen 300 output on the user terminal 30. The screen 300 is a screen for displaying the profile of a specific user. When the user participates as a distribution user in an advertising event, an advertising link object 302 is arranged on the screen 300. The object 302 is an image introducing the target product, and a corresponding link is set. When the advertising link object 302 is selected by the user, a web browser is launched on the user terminal 30, and access is made (induced to the page) to the membership registration page of the target product provided by the link destination server 22 via the web browser. When membership registration (registration of user information) is performed on the page, the information of the membership registration is registered together with the information identifying the corresponding distribution user (the value of the URL parameter included in the link set in the selected advertising link object 302).

[0092] For example, during the distribution of content, the distribution user requests access to the membership registration page via a link and membership registration from the viewing user who is viewing the content.

[0093] FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating the processing executed by the server 10 at the timing when the sub-event of the advertising event ends. First, as illustrated, the server 10 acquires the number of membership-registered users for the target users participating as distribution users in the advertising event (step S300). Specifically, the number of membership-registered users for each target user is acquired from the link destination server 22 and registered in the user information table 1511.

[0094] Next, the server 10 sets a point multiplier for the target user (step S310). Specifically, in the user information table 1511, a point multiplier based on the number of registered members is registered. For example, when the number of registered members is 1 to 5, the point multiplier is 1.1 times; when the number of registered members is 6 to 10, the point multiplier is 1.2 times; and when the number of registered members is 11 or more, the point multiplier is 1.3 times. In this way, in this example, a point multiplier corresponding to the number of registered members acquired (induced) by the distributing user is set, and the point multiplier increases as the number of registered members increases.

[0095] During the period of the main event of the advertising event, during the distribution of content by the target user, input of gift items for the advertising event becomes possible (it becomes the target of display in the list display area 204 of the gift selection screen 200). In this example, gift items for the advertising event cannot be input in the content distributed by a distributing user who has not participated in the advertising event.

[0096] Also, when a gift item for the advertising event is input, in addition to the above-described processing when a general gift item is input, advertising event points are given to the distributing user. Specifically, in the user information table 1511, the number of advertising event points of the corresponding distributing user is added. The number of advertising event points to be added is the number of points obtained by multiplying the above-described number of item points (the number corresponding to the number of coins of the gift item) by the point multiplier.

[0097] When the main event ends, the ranking (position) of the target user is set based on the number of advertising event points obtained. The set ranking is registered in the user information table 1511 and is displayed on various screens such as the user profile screen 300. Also, various rewards are given to users with a higher ranking.

[0098] In the above example, each link guides to the membership registration page of the target product provided by the linked server 22. However, the destination of each link may be other advertising content. For example, it may be the friend registration page of the official account of the target product in the messaging service. In this case, for example, when the advertising link object 302 on the user profile screen 300 is selected, the terminal-side application of the messaging service is launched, and when friend registration is performed through the screen of the application, in the linked server 22 that provides the messaging service, the friend registration information is registered together with the information identifying the corresponding distribution user. Also, the destination may be other pages in the content distribution service.

[0099] In the above example, in the sub-event of the advertising event, the distribution user guides the viewing user to the membership registration page of the target product and obtains a reward based on the number of membership registrations. However, the user actions that are conditions for obtaining the reward are not limited to membership registration. For example, a reward may be given based on the number of users who have performed other actions such as viewing an advertising video on the linked page or inputting an answer to a questionnaire.

[0100] In the above example, the point multiplier applied when adding advertising event points is set based on the number of membership registration users. However, the rewards given to the distribution users are not limited to such point multipliers. For example, the number of advertising event points itself based on the number of membership registration users may be given to the distribution users.

[0101] In the above example, rewards available in the content distribution service (for example, gift items, images for decorating the user profile, etc. (images indicating that membership registration has been performed, or wallpaper images, etc.), or item skins, etc.) may be given to the users who have performed membership registration for the target product.

[0102] In the above example, the ranking of the target user is set based on the number of advertising event points acquired by the user. However, the number of advertising event points may be totaled for each team (for example, a family, etc.) composed of a plurality of users, and the ranking of the team may be set based on the totaled number of advertising event points.

[0103] In the above example, in the user profile screen 300, the advertising link object 302 is arranged. However, instead of or in addition to the object 302, the link information itself (for example, a two-dimensional code or text, etc.) may be displayed. Also, in the distribution screen 70 and / or the viewing screen 80, the arrangement of the advertising link object 302 or the display of the link information itself may be performed. Further, instead of displaying a screen including such a link, the distributing user may notify other users of the link via other means (external services such as SNS or messaging services, etc.).

[0104] The content distribution server 10 of the present embodiment described above grants a reward (for example, a point multiplier) corresponding to the achievement of a predetermined condition (for example, membership registration of the target product of the advertisement) by the user at the link destination accessed via the link information to the distributing user associated with the link information, and sets the ranking of the distributing user based on the reward. Therefore, the distributing user can encourage the achievement of the predetermined condition at the link destination by providing the link information to the viewing user of the content, and at the same time, enjoy the setting of the ranking of the distributing user himself / herself together with the viewing user. As a result, the server 10 supports good advertisements or provides diversity of rewards.

[0105] In another embodiment of the present invention, some or all of the functions of the content distribution server 10 in the above-described embodiment may be realized by the cooperation of the server 10 and the user terminal 30, or may be realized by the user terminal 30. That is, the system of the present invention may be constituted by the content distribution server 10, or may be constituted by the content distribution server 10 and the user terminal 30, or may be constituted by the user terminal 30.

[0106] The processes and procedures described in this specification can be realized by software, hardware, or any combination thereof, in addition to those explicitly described. For example, the processes and procedures described in this specification can be realized by implementing the logic corresponding to the processes and procedures in a medium such as an integrated circuit, volatile memory, non-volatile memory, magnetic disk, etc. Further, the processes and procedures described in this specification can be implemented as a computer program corresponding to the processes and procedures and can be executed on various computers.

[0107] Even if it is described that the processes and procedures described in this specification are executed by a single device, software, component, or module, such processes or procedures can be executed by a plurality of devices, a plurality of software, a plurality of components, and / or a plurality of modules. Also, the software and hardware elements described in this specification can be realized by integrating them into fewer components or decomposing them into more components.

[0108] In this specification, even when a component of the invention is described as either singular or plural, or is described without being limited to either singular or plural, unless the context requires otherwise, the component may be either singular or plural.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0109] 10 Content distribution server 11 Computer processor 111 Management Function Control Unit 112 Service Provision Control Unit 15 Storage 151 Various Tables 1511 User Information Table 1512 Distribution Management Table 1513 Gift Item Information Table 20 Communication Network 22 Linked Server 30 User Terminal 40 Server-Side Program 42 Terminal-Side Program 50 Top Screen 60 Distribution Preparation Screen 70 Distribution Screen 80 Viewing Screen 200 Gift Selection Screen 300 User Profile Screen 302 Advertising Link Object

Claims

1. A system comprising one or more computer processors for providing a content delivery service, wherein the one or more computer processors: grant a predetermined reward to a first distribution user associated with first link information among a plurality of link information respectively associated with a plurality of distribution users capable of content delivery, in response to achievement of a predetermined condition by a first user at a link destination accessed by the first user via the first link information; set the rank of each of the plurality of distribution users based at least on the predetermined reward; and execute the system.

2. The one or more computer processors further execute a step of presenting a screen including the first link information to the first user. The system according to Claim 1.

3. The one or more computer processors further execute a step of granting a predetermined point to the first distribution user in response to the delivery of the content by the first distribution user, the rank of each of the plurality of distribution users is a rank based on the number of the predetermined points, and the predetermined reward increases the number of the predetermined points. The system according to Claim 1.

4. The step of granting the predetermined reward grants the predetermined reward in response to achievement of the predetermined condition in a first period, and the rank of each of the plurality of distribution users is a rank based on the number of the predetermined points granted in a second period after the first period. The system according to Claim 3.

5. The one or more computer processors further execute a step of receiving an input of an object by a second user who views the content during the delivery of the content by the first distribution user, and the step of granting the predetermined point grants the predetermined point when the input object is an object of a predetermined type. The system according to Claim 3.

6. The link destination relates to a target product of an advertisement, and the object of the predetermined type is an object related to the target product. The system according to Claim 5.

7. The step of granting the predetermined reward grants the predetermined reward to the first distribution user according to the number of users who have achieved the predetermined condition at the link destination accessed via the first link information. The system of claim 1.

8. The predetermined condition is achieved by execution of a predetermined action at the link destination. The system of claim 1.

9. The predetermined action includes membership registration, viewing of predetermined content, or input of predetermined information. The system of claim 8.

10. A method executed by one or more computers for providing a content delivery service, the method comprising: granting a predetermined reward corresponding to achievement of a predetermined condition by a first user at a link destination accessed by the first user via first link information among a plurality of link information respectively associated with a plurality of delivery users capable of delivering content, to a first delivery user associated with the first link information; setting rankings of each of the plurality of delivery users based at least on the predetermined reward. Method.

11. A program for providing a content delivery service, the program causing one or more computers to: grant a predetermined reward corresponding to achievement of a predetermined condition by a first user at a link destination accessed by the first user via first link information among a plurality of link information respectively associated with a plurality of delivery users capable of delivering content, to a first delivery user associated with the first link information; set rankings of each of the plurality of delivery users based at least on the predetermined reward. Program.

Images