System for delivering live moving image and method and program

Abstract

To allow an involvement of a distributor / other viewers in awarding rewards to a viewer during a delivery of a live moving image.SOLUTION: A moving image delivery server 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention provides a live moving image delivery service for delivering and viewing a live moving image to a user via a user terminal 30. The server 10 grants a predetermined reward to a specific viewer who has reached a predetermined threshold for continuous viewing of a live moving image provided by a specific distributor, and the predetermined reward is granted based on an attribution / a behavior of a distributor / a viewer, therefore it facilitates continuous viewing of the live moving image with the viewer as well as allowing the distributor and other viewers to be involved in the granting of rewards to such viewer.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, a system for providing a live video distribution service for distributing live videos has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1 below). In such live video distribution services, rewards are sometimes given to viewers to encourage them to watch the live videos. For example, some live video distribution services give predetermined rewards (items usable within the live video distribution service, etc.) to viewers whose continuous viewing time of the live video being distributed reaches a predetermined threshold (e.g., 7 minutes). Such rewards based on continuous viewing time can encourage viewers to watch the live video continuously. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-022219 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, conventional rewards based on continuous viewing time are determined by the administrators of live video streaming services, and streamers have no control over the method of rewarding or the content of the reward. Furthermore, some viewers are interested in increasing the fan base of their favorite streamers and may wish to participate in / contribute to the rewarding process. Therefore, it is desirable to realize a system that allows streamers / viewers to participate in the rewarding process.

[0005] One of the objects of the embodiments of the present invention is to enable broadcasters / other viewers to participate in the awarding of rewards to viewers during live video broadcasts. Other objects of the embodiments of the present invention will become apparent by reading the entire specification. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A system according to one embodiment of the present invention is a system for streaming live video, comprising one or more computer processors, wherein the one or more computer processors execute, in accordance with execution of readable instructions, a process of streaming live video provided by a broadcaster to a plurality of viewers, and a process of granting a predetermined reward to the viewers while the live video is being streamed, wherein the process of granting the predetermined reward includes granting the predetermined reward to a specific viewer based at least on attributes or behavior of the specific broadcaster and / or attributes or behavior of at least some of the multiple viewers watching the live video being streamed provided by the specific broadcaster, in accordance with the establishment of a predetermined condition, the necessary condition being at least that the continuous viewing time by the specific viewer watching the live video being streamed provided by the specific broadcaster reaches a first threshold.

[0007] A method according to one embodiment of the present invention is a method for streaming live video, executed by one or more computers, comprising the steps of streaming live video provided by a streamer to a plurality of viewers, and granting a predetermined reward to the viewers while the live video is being streamed, wherein the step of granting the predetermined reward includes granting the predetermined reward to a specific viewer based at least on attributes or behavior of the specific streamer and / or attributes or behavior of at least some of the multiple viewers watching the live video provided by the specific streamer in response to the establishment of a predetermined condition, the necessary condition being at least that the continuous viewing time by the specific viewer watching the live video being streamed by the specific streamer reaches a first threshold.

[0008] A program according to one embodiment of the present invention is a program for streaming live video, which, when executed on one or more computers, causes the one or more computers to execute a process of streaming live video provided by a streamer to multiple viewers and a process of granting a predetermined reward to viewers while the live video is being streamed, and the process of granting the predetermined reward includes granting the predetermined reward to a specific viewer based at least on attributes or behavior of the specific streamer and / or attributes or behavior of at least some of the multiple viewers watching the live video provided by the specific streamer, in response to the establishment of a predetermined condition that includes at least as a necessary condition that the continuous viewing time by the specific viewer watching the live video being streamed by the specific streamer reaches a first threshold. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] Various embodiments of the present invention allow for broadcaster / other viewers' involvement in rewarding viewers during live video broadcasts. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a network including a video distribution server 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functions of the video distribution server 10. [Figure 3] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of information managed in a user information table 411. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining ranks. [Figure 5] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of information managed in a distribution management table 412. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a top screen 60. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a distributor screen 70. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a viewer screen 80. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of an item selection screen 200. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a box detailed information display screen 90. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the types of reward boxes corresponding to combinations of broadcast types and broadcaster ranks. [Figure 12] 4 is a flow diagram illustrating a process executed by the server 10 in response to a user (viewer) starting to watch a live video. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a box opening screen 210. [Figure 14] 10 is a flow diagram illustrating a process executed by the server 10 when updating a rank. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an update rule for a rank meter value. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the correspondence between update contents of rank and required rank meter value. [Figure 17] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a rank meter object 100. [Figure 18] 10 is a flow diagram illustrating a process executed by the server 10 when awarding diamonds. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

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

[0012] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a network including a video distribution server 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated, the video distribution server 10 is communicatively connected to a user terminal 30 via a communication network 20 such as the Internet. While only one user terminal 30 is illustrated in FIG. 1, the server 10 is communicatively connected to multiple user terminals 30. The video distribution server 10 provides users with a live video distribution service for distributing and viewing live videos via the user terminal 30. In this embodiment, a user operating the user terminal 30 can distribute live videos as a distributor and can also view live videos provided by other users as a viewer. The video distribution server 10 is an example of a device that implements part or all of the system of the present invention.

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

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

[0015] The input / output I / F 13 includes various input / output devices for exchanging information with a user, etc. The input / output I / F 13 includes, for example, information input devices such as a keyboard and a pointing device (e.g., a mouse, a touch panel, etc.), an audio 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 an audio output device such as a speaker.

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

[0017] The storage 15 is configured by, for example, a magnetic disk, a flash memory, etc. The storage 15 stores various programs including an operating system, various types of data, etc.

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

[0019] The video distribution server 10 configured in this manner can be configured to function as a web server and an application server, in which case it executes various processes in response to requests from a web browser and other applications (e.g., applications for live video distribution services) installed on the user terminal 30, and transmits screen data (e.g., HTML data) and control data according to the results of the processes to the user terminal 30. The user terminal 30 can display a web page or other screen based on the received data.

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

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

[0022] The input / output I / F 33 includes various input / output devices for exchanging information with a user, 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.), audio input devices such as a microphone, and image input devices such as a camera. The input / output I / F 33 also includes an image output device such as a display, and an audio output device such as a speaker.

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

[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, various data, etc. The programs stored in the storage 35 can be downloaded from an application market or the like and installed.

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

[0026] A user operating a user terminal 30 configured in this manner can use the live video distribution service provided by the video distribution server 10 by communicating with the video distribution server 10 via a web browser or other application installed on storage 35, etc.

[0027] Next, the functions of the video distribution server 10 of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically illustrating the functions of the video distribution server 10. As illustrated, the server 10 includes an information storage management unit 41 that stores and manages various information, a basic function control unit 43 that controls the basic functions of the live video distribution service, and a video distribution control unit 45 that controls the distribution of live videos. These functions are realized by the cooperative operation of hardware such as the computer processor 11 and main memory 12, as well as various programs and data stored in the storage 15, for example, by the computer processor 11 executing instructions included in a program loaded into the main memory 12. Furthermore, some or all of the functions of the server 10 illustrated in FIG. 2 may be realized by the cooperation of the server 10 and the user terminal 30, or may be realized by the user terminal 30.

[0028] The information storage management unit 41 of the video distribution server 10 stores and manages various information in the storage 15 etc. For example, as shown in Fig. 2, the information storage management unit 41 is configured to have a user information table 411 that manages information about users of the live video distribution service, and a distribution management table 412 that manages information about distribution of individual live videos.

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

[0030] The video distribution control unit 45 of the video distribution server 10 executes various processes related to the control of distribution of live video. For example, the video distribution control unit 45 is configured to distribute live video provided by a distributor to multiple viewers. For example, the video distribution control unit 45 is configured to receive live video transmitted from the distributor's user terminal 30 (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as the "distributor terminal 30") and transmit the live video to each of the multiple viewers' user terminals 30 (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as the "viewer terminal 30"). The live video is composed of, for example, images input via a camera of the distributor terminal 30 and audio input via a microphone. Such live video may be distributed by a streaming method using a protocol such as HTTP Live Streaming (HLS).

[0031] In this embodiment, the video distribution control unit 45 is configured to provide a predetermined reward to viewers during the distribution of a live video. For example, during the distribution of a live video provided by a specific broadcaster, the video distribution control unit 45 is configured to provide a predetermined reward to a specific viewer who watches the live video in response to the establishment of a predetermined condition. In this embodiment, the predetermined condition for providing the predetermined reward includes at least a necessary condition that the continuous viewing time (continuous viewing time) by the specific viewer reaches a predetermined threshold (e.g., 30 seconds, 3 minutes, or 7 minutes).

[0032] Furthermore, the video distribution control unit 45 is configured to provide a predetermined reward to a specific viewer based at least on the attributes or behavior of a specific broadcaster and / or the attributes or behavior of at least some of the viewers watching the live video being distributed by the specific broadcaster. The predetermined reward in this embodiment includes various virtual / electronic rewards, such as items (including coins, points, etc.) that can be used in the live video distribution service.

[0033] In this way, the video distribution server 10 in this embodiment awards a predetermined reward to a specific viewer whose continuous viewing time of a live video provided by a specific broadcaster reaches a predetermined threshold, and the predetermined reward is awarded based on the attributes / behavior of the broadcaster / viewer, thereby encouraging viewers to watch the live video continuously and allowing the broadcaster and other viewers to be involved in awarding the reward to the viewer.

[0034] In this embodiment, the provision of a predetermined reward based on the attributes / behavior of a broadcaster / viewer includes changing the method of providing the reward and changing the reward itself based on these attributes / behavior. For example, the video distribution control unit 45 may be configured to change the method of providing the predetermined reward based at least on the attributes or behavior of the broadcaster and / or the attributes or behavior of the viewer. The change in the method of providing the reward includes, for example, changing the conditions for providing the reward (the above-mentioned predetermined conditions). For example, the video distribution control unit 45 may be configured to selectively set a first value or a second value as the above-mentioned predetermined threshold for continuous viewing time for providing the predetermined reward based on the attributes / behavior of the broadcaster / viewer.

[0035] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the video distribution control unit 45 may be configured to change the predetermined reward itself based on at least the attributes or behavior of the distributor and / or the attributes or behavior of the viewer. Changes in the predetermined reward itself include changes in its content (type and / or quantity, etc.). Such a configuration makes it possible to change the predetermined reward itself based on the attributes / behavior of the distributor / viewer.

[0036] Furthermore, the video distribution control unit 45 may be configured to accept input of predetermined input information by viewers during distribution of the live video. The input predetermined input information is presented to, for example, the broadcaster and other viewers. For example, the video distribution control unit 45 is configured to present the live video to viewers via a viewer screen displayed on each viewer terminal 30, and to display predetermined input information input by one viewer via that screen on that screen on each viewer terminal 30 and on the broadcaster screen displayed on the broadcaster terminal 30 (for example, by displaying it superimposed on the live video). The predetermined input information includes, but is not limited to, comments and / or items, for example.

[0037] Furthermore, the video distribution control unit 45 may be configured to temporarily suspend counting the continuous viewing time of a specific viewer while the continuous time for which the specific viewer does not input predetermined input information is equal to or exceeds a predetermined threshold (e.g., 30 seconds, 2 minutes, etc.) during the distribution of a live video provided by a broadcaster. In other words, the video distribution control unit 45 may be configured to temporarily suspend counting the continuous viewing time when the viewer does not input predetermined input information for a predetermined continuous time, and to resume counting the continuous viewing time when the viewer subsequently inputs predetermined input information. This configuration encourages viewers to input predetermined input information in addition to continuously watching live videos.

[0038] Furthermore, the video distribution control unit 45 can be configured to grant a predetermined reward to a specific viewer in response to an input operation by the specific viewer within a predetermined time (e.g., 10 seconds, 20 seconds, or 60 seconds) after the continuous viewing time by the specific viewer reaches a predetermined threshold. This configuration prevents the predetermined reward from being granted when the continuous viewing time reaches the predetermined threshold without the viewer actually viewing (e.g., leaving the viewer terminal 30 unattended), because the reward is granted in response to an input operation by the viewer.

[0039] In this embodiment, the attributes / behaviors of the broadcaster / viewer may include various types of attributes / behaviors. For example, the attributes / behaviors of the broadcaster may include the type of live video provided by the broadcaster. For example, the video distribution control unit 45 may be configured to grant a predetermined reward such that the value of the predetermined reward is higher when a live video provided by a specific broadcaster includes a video of the specific broadcaster than when the live video does not include a video of the specific broadcaster. For example, the video distribution control unit 45 may grant a first reward when a live video provided by a specific broadcaster is a first type of live video configured to include video and audio, and grant a second reward that is lower in value than the first reward when the live video provided by the specific broadcaster is a second type of live video configured to include only audio (or audio and a predetermined image) (such live video broadcasts without video are sometimes called "radio broadcasts"). This configuration may encourage broadcasts of live videos including a video of the broadcaster.

[0040] The attributes / behaviors of the broadcaster also include predetermined attributes (e.g., rank, level, broadcast time, etc.) whose values ​​increase as the broadcaster broadcasts more live videos. For example, the video broadcast control unit 45 can be configured to award predetermined rewards such that the value of the predetermined reward increases the larger (or smaller) the value of the predetermined attribute of a particular broadcaster. This configuration can encourage viewers to watch live videos of advanced broadcasters (or beginner broadcasters) because the value of the reward awarded during the broadcast of a live video of an advanced broadcaster (or beginner broadcaster) increases.

[0041] The viewer attributes / behaviors also include the input status of predetermined input information (e.g., comments and / or items, etc.). For example, the video distribution control unit 45 may be configured to grant a predetermined reward based at least on the input status of the predetermined input information by at least some of the multiple viewers. For example, the greater the number of inputs of the predetermined input information by at least some of the multiple viewers, the higher the value of the predetermined reward to be granted. This configuration enables the granting of a reward based on the input status of the predetermined input information by viewers.

[0042] Furthermore, the video distribution control unit 45 may be configured to award a predetermined reward such that the value of the predetermined reward is higher when at least some of the viewers have input a predetermined item than when no viewers have input the predetermined item. For example, the video distribution control unit 45 may be configured to award a first reward to a specific viewer during a period when no viewers have input a predetermined item, and to award a second reward to the specific viewer when any viewer inputs a predetermined item, the second reward being higher in value than the first reward. This configuration encourages viewers to input predetermined items.

[0043] Furthermore, the viewer attributes / behaviors include various types of attributes, such as rank, level, viewing time, etc. For example, the video distribution control unit 45 may be configured to award a predetermined reward such that the value of the predetermined reward increases as the average value of the rank, level, and viewing time of all or some of the multiple viewers increases (or decreases).

[0044] Next, a specific example of the video distribution server 10 of this embodiment having such functions will be described. Fig. 3 illustrates information managed in the user information table 411 in this example. The user information table 411 manages information about users of the live video streaming service, and as shown in the figure, associates the information with a "user account" that identifies an individual user, and manages information such as "basic information" including account name, age, gender, etc., "streaming history information" that is information about the streaming history of live videos, "viewing history information" that is information about the viewing history of live videos streamed by other users, "continuous viewing time" that is the continuous viewing time when a live video streamed by another user is currently being viewed, "duration without comment" that is the duration without a comment being entered when a live video streamed by another user is currently being viewed, "following user information" that is information about other users followed by the user, "follower information" that is information about other users (followers) who follow the user, a "rank" that indicates the user's rank as a streamer, a "rank meter value" that is a parameter value for determining whether the user's rank has been increased or decreased, "number of coins held" that indicates the number of virtual coins held in the live video streaming service, and "number of diamonds held" that indicates the number of virtual diamonds held.

[0045] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the "rank" of a broadcaster in this example. As shown in the figure, in this example, there are six rank bands: "S," "A," "B," "C," "D," and "E." Each of the five rank bands, "S," "A," "B," "C," and "D," is composed of three ranks (for example, "S+," "S," and "S-"; a rank with a "+" added to the alphabet indicating the rank band, a rank with only the alphabet, and a rank with a "-" added to the alphabet). Furthermore, the "E" rank band is composed of a single rank, "E." In other words, in this example, there are 16 ranks (3 x 5 + 1 = 16).

[0046] Furthermore, the rank range is from the "S" side to the "E" side, with the highest being the "S" side, to the "E" side, with the lowest being the "E" side. Furthermore, within the same rank range, the "+" side is the highest being the "-" side, with the lowest being the "-" side. In this example, the user's rank is set to "D-" as the initial value.

[0047] 5 illustrates information managed in the distribution management table 412 in this example. The distribution management table 412 manages information related to distribution of individual live video images, and as shown in the figure, manages information such as a "distributor user account" that identifies the distributor of the distribution, "distribution date and time," "distribution duration" that indicates the duration of the distribution, "number of viewers (current value and maximum value)," "number of comments" that is the number of comments entered by viewers, "number of likes" that is the number of "likes" entered by viewers, "item points" that are added according to item input by viewers, and "distribution points" that are points awarded for the distribution, in association with a "distribution ID" that identifies an individual distribution.

[0048] 6 shows an example of a top screen 60 of a live video streaming service. As shown in the figure, the screen 60 has a filter area 62 labeled "Follow," "Popular," and "All," a list display area 64 displaying a list of live videos currently being streamed, and a streaming start button 66 labeled "Stream."

[0049] The filter area 62 is an area for setting filtering for live videos currently being distributed and displayed in the list display area 64. Specifically, when "Following" is selected in the filter area 62, the live videos displayed in the list display area 64 are narrowed down to live videos of other users the user is following. Similarly, when "Popular" is selected in the filter area 62, the live videos displayed in the list display area 64 are narrowed down to live videos extracted according to predetermined extraction conditions for extracting popular videos (for example, live videos with a current viewer count equal to or greater than a threshold). Furthermore, when "All" is selected in the filter area 62, all live videos currently being distributed are displayed in a list without filtering.

[0050] In the list display area 64, a plurality of individual display areas 641, each displaying information about an individual live video, are arranged in two columns. The individual display areas 641 display, for example, a still image set in advance by the broadcaster of the live video, the broadcaster's account name, the number of viewers (current value), etc. The list display area 64 is configured so that the displayed individual display areas 641 can be switched by a flick operation / slide operation in an up or down direction, etc.

[0051] The distribution start button 66 is an object for the user to start distributing live video as a distributor. When the distribution start button 66 is selected by the user, distribution of the live video starts, and specifically, transmission of a video composed of images input via the camera of the user terminal 30 and audio input via the microphone of the user terminal 30 to the server 10 starts. In addition, in response to the start of distribution of the live video, a new record is created in the distribution management table 412. Note that when starting distribution of the live video, the user can also select radio distribution that does not include video (images input via the camera of the user terminal 30).

[0052] 7 illustrates a broadcaster screen 70 that is displayed on the broadcaster terminal 30 in response to selection of the broadcast start button 66 (i.e., the start of broadcasting a live video). The screen 70 has a video display area 71 that covers the entire screen, a basic information display area 72 located in the upper left corner of the screen, an action information display area 73 located in the lower left corner of the screen, and a circular broadcast stop button 76 located in the center of the bottom edge of the screen.

[0053] The video display area 71 displays the live video to be distributed, that is, the image input via the camera of the broadcaster terminal 30. The broadcaster usually takes a picture of himself / herself via the internal camera of the broadcaster terminal 30, so the live video to be distributed includes the broadcaster himself / herself. In the case of radio broadcasting, a predetermined image (still image or video) is displayed in the area 71.

[0054] The basic information display area 72 displays basic information about this broadcast, specifically broadcaster information (profile image, etc.), the number of viewers of this broadcast (current value), and the number of "likes" entered by viewers for this broadcast.

[0055] The action information display area 73 displays information about actions performed by viewers, and specifically, in this area 73, a plurality of action objects 731, each corresponding to an individual action, are arranged vertically. The action information display area 73 is configured so that when a new action is performed by a viewer, a corresponding action object 731 is added to the bottom, and the existing action objects 731 move sequentially upward. The action information display area 73 is configured so that the action objects 731 displayed are switched by a flick operation / slide operation in the up / down direction, etc. Actions by viewers displayed in the action information display area 733 include entering a room (starting viewing), inputting a "like," inputting a comment, and inputting an item.

[0056] The distribution stop button 76 is an object that allows the distributor to stop distribution of the live video. When the distributor selects the distribution stop button 76, distribution of the live video (transmission of the live video from the distributor terminal 30 to the server 10) is stopped.

[0057] FIG. 8 illustrates a viewer screen 80 displayed on the viewer terminal 30. For example, when a viewer selects a live video via the list display area 64 on the top screen 60, the viewer screen 80 for viewing the selected live video is displayed on the viewer terminal 30. As shown in the figure, the viewer screen 80, like the broadcaster screen 70 described above, has a video display area 81, a basic information display area 82, and an action information display area 83. The viewer screen 80 also has, at the bottom of the screen, a comment input area 84, a "Like" button 85 with a heart mark, and an item input button 86 with a gift design. The viewer screen 80 also has, at the upper right corner of the screen, a box object 87 with the appearance of a box and a remaining time display area 88 that displays the remaining time until the reward box can be opened in countdown format.

[0058] The comment input area 84 is an area where a viewer can input a comment. When a viewer inputs a comment via this area 84, an action object 731, 831 corresponding to the input comment is added to the action information display area 73, 83 of the distributor screen 70 of the distributor terminal 30 and the viewer screen 80 of each viewer terminal 30, respectively. The action object 731, 831 corresponding to the comment displays the comment itself (text) along with the account name of the viewer who input the comment. In addition, when a comment is input, the number of comments in the distribution management table 412 is updated (increased by 1).

[0059] The like button 85 is an object that allows a viewer to "like" a broadcaster. When the viewer selects the button 85, a "like" is input, and an action object 731, 831 corresponding to the "like" is added to the action information display area 73, 83. The action object 731, 831 corresponding to the "like" displays text indicating that the "like" has been made, along with the account name of the viewer who input the "like." Furthermore, when a "like" is input, a predetermined visual effect (for example, an animation effect in which a heart-shaped object is displayed flowing from the bottom to the top of the screen) is added to the video display area 71, 81. Furthermore, when a "like" is input, the "number of likes" in the broadcast management table 412 is updated (increased by 1).

[0060] The item input button 86 is an object that allows the viewer to input an item. When the button 86 is selected by the viewer, an item selection screen 200, as shown in FIG. 9, is displayed superimposed on the viewer screen 80. As shown in the figure, the screen 200 displays a list of multiple individual display areas 202, each of which displays information about an item. Each individual display area 202 displays an image corresponding to the item and the number of coins required to input the item.

[0061] In this example, a plurality of items that can be input by the viewer are determined in advance, and a number of coins is set in advance as the price (value) of each item. The item selection screen 200 displays a list of the plurality of items that can be input. When a viewer selects one of the items via the item selection screen 200, the selected item is input.

[0062] When an item is input, an action object 731, 831 corresponding to the input item is added to the action information display area 73, 83. The action object 731, 831 corresponding to the input item displays the name of the input item together with the account name of the viewer who input the item. Furthermore, when an item is input, a visual effect corresponding to the input item is added to the video image display area 71, 81. Furthermore, when an item is input, item points according to the number of coins of the input item (for example, the more coins, the more points) are awarded to this broadcast, and are added to the item points of the corresponding broadcast in the broadcast management table 412. Furthermore, when an item is input, the number of coins of the input item is subtracted from the number of coins owned by the corresponding user (the viewer who input the item) in the user information table 411.

[0063] 10 shows an example of a box detail information display screen 90 that is displayed overlaid on the viewer screen 80 in response to selection of a box object 87. The screen 90 displays information about the reward box that the viewer can acquire, and as shown, includes a box object 91 that looks like a box, and a remaining time display area 92 that displays the remaining time until the reward box can be opened in countdown format. In addition, an explanation of the specifications of the reward box is displayed below the remaining time display area 92.

[0064] In this example, there are three types of reward boxes given to viewers: normal boxes, super boxes, and hyper boxes. Each reward box contains a predetermined number of coins; specifically, a normal box contains coins in the range of 2 to 10, a super box contains coins in the range of 20 to 30, and a hyper box contains coins in the range of 50 to 100. In this way, the reward boxes are more valuable to viewers than a normal box, and a hyper box is more valuable than a super box.

[0065] In this example, the type of reward box granted to a viewer is determined based on the type of live video (distribution type) being distributed by the broadcaster and the broadcaster's rank range (predetermined attribute). FIG. 11 illustrates the types of reward boxes corresponding to combinations of distribution type and broadcaster rank range. As shown in the figure, when the distribution type is a "normal distribution" that includes video, the broadcaster's rank range is a Hyper Box when it is "S" or "A," a Super Box when it is "B" or "C," and a Regular Box when it is "D" or "E." On the other hand, when the distribution type is a "radio distribution" that does not include video (consisting of audio and a predetermined image), the broadcaster's rank range is a Hyper Box when it is "S," a Super Box when it is "A" or "B," and a Regular Box when it is "C," "D," or "E." Thus, the value of the reward box granted is higher when the distribution type is a normal distribution than when it is a radio distribution, and the higher the broadcaster's rank range, the higher the value of the reward box granted. In another example of this embodiment, the lower the rank of the broadcaster, the higher the value of the reward box that is granted. The box object 87 on the viewer screen 80 and the box object 91 on the box detailed information display screen 90 are configured to have an appearance that corresponds to the type of reward box set according to Figure 11 (i.e., the type of reward box that the viewer can acquire).

[0066] Here, the operation related to opening the reward box will be described. Figure 12 is a flow diagram illustrating an example of the process executed by the server 10 in response to the start of viewing of a live video by a user (viewer) (i.e., the display of the viewer screen 80). The process illustrated in Figure 12 is executed individually for each viewer.

[0067] When viewing of a live video begins, the server 10 first waits for the viewer to enter no comment for two minutes or more, or for the continuous viewing time to reach seven minutes or more (NO in step S120 and NO in step S130), as long as the distribution of the live video has not ended (NO in step S110), as shown in the figure. During this waiting period, the remaining time until the reward box can be opened is counted down in the remaining time display area 88 of the viewer screen 80 (and the remaining time display area 92 of the box detailed information display screen 90) as the continuous viewing time passes. Note that the duration without entering a comment and the continuous viewing time are managed in the user management table 411, as described above.

[0068] Then, if the duration without a comment being entered reaches two minutes before the continuous viewing time reaches seven minutes (YES in step S120), the server 10 temporarily suspends counting the continuous viewing time (i.e., temporarily suspends the countdown of the remaining time until the reward box can be opened) (step S140). This suspension continues as long as the viewer does not enter a comment (NO in step S150). While the continuous viewing time count is suspended, a message prompting the viewer to enter a comment is displayed on the box detailed information display screen 90. Thereafter, when the viewer enters a comment (YES in step S150), the server 10 resumes counting the continuous viewing time (step S155) and returns to step S110.

[0069] Then, when the continuous viewing time reaches 7 minutes (YES in step S130), the server 10 waits for the reward box to be opened until 20 seconds have passed (NO in step S170 and NO in step S190).

[0070] FIG. 13 illustrates a box opening screen 210 that is displayed overlaid on the viewer screen 80 when the continuous viewing time reaches 7 minutes. A box object 212 for opening a reward box and obtaining a reward is located in the center of the screen 210. Also, as shown in the figure, a countdown of the time limit (20 seconds) until the reward box is opened is displayed below the object 212. The viewer can open the reward box by performing an operation input to select the box object 212 within the time limit. Setting a time limit for opening the reward box in this way encourages viewers to actually watch the live video compared to when no such time limit is set.

[0071] Then, when the box object 212 on the box opening screen 210 is selected and the reward box is opened (YES in step S170), the server 10 awards the viewer a number of coins corresponding to the type of box (step S180). Specifically, if the reward box is a normal box, a range of 2 to 10 coins is awarded, if the reward box is a super box, a range of 20 to 30 coins is awarded, and if the reward box is a hyper box, a range of 50 to 100 coins is awarded. The specific number of coins awarded is set according to a predetermined rule (for example, randomly) so as to be within these ranges. In response to the awarding of coins to the viewer, the number of coins owned by the corresponding user (viewer) is updated in the user information table 411.

[0072] Once the reward box has been opened (YES in step S170), or once the 20-second time limit has elapsed without the reward box being opened (YES in step S190), the process returns to step S110. In other words, in this example, the viewer can repeatedly open the reward box while the live video broadcast continues. In another example of this embodiment, the number of reward boxes that a viewer can open per day for a single broadcaster may be limited to a predetermined number (e.g., two).

[0073] The above describes the operations related to opening the reward box. Next, we will explain the operations when the broadcaster ends the broadcast. As described above, when the broadcaster selects the stop broadcast button 76 on the broadcaster screen 70, the broadcast of the live video ends. When the broadcast of the live video ends, the server 10 sets broadcast points for that broadcast. In this example, the broadcast points are calculated based on the number of viewers (maximum value), the number of likes, the number of comments, and the item points. The broadcast points are configured to increase as the number of viewers (maximum value), the number of likes, the number of comments, and the item points increase. The calculated broadcast points are registered in the broadcast management table 412.

[0074] In this example, the rank of the day is determined (updated) based on the distribution points the user acquired on the previous day. Fig. 14 is a flow diagram illustrating the process executed by the server 10 when updating the rank of each user. This process is executed late at night every day (for example, at 3:00 AM every day).

[0075] First, the server 10 updates the rank meter value of each user as shown in the figure (step S300). FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining the rules for updating the rank meter value. As shown in the figure, in this example, the rank meter value fluctuates based on the ranking of the distribution points earned by the user on the previous day within the rank band to which the user belongs. The distribution points earned by a specific user on the previous day are calculated by referring to the distributor user account, distribution date and time, and distribution points in the distribution management table 412. Note that if a user makes multiple distributions in one day, the distribution points earned for each of the multiple distributions are added together.

[0076] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 15, the update rule for the rank meter value is as follows: first, if the ranking of distribution points within a rank band is in the top 10%, the change in the rank meter value is "+2" (an increase of 2 points). Similarly, if the ranking is in the top 11-30% (the remaining 20% ​​after excluding the top 10% from the top 30%), the change is "+1", if the ranking is in the middle 30% (the top 31-60%), the change is "±0" (no increase or decrease), and if the ranking is in the bottom 40%, the change is "-1" (a decrease of 1 point). Note that if no distribution was performed on the previous day, the change in the rank meter value will be "-1" regardless of the ranking within the rank band.

[0077] In step S300, the rank meter value of each user is updated according to the update rule exemplified in Fig. 15. Note that, for a user whose rank meter value is negative and whose current change in rank meter value is an increase (specifically, +2 or +1), the rank meter value may be cleared to 0 and then incremented. That is, for example, if a user whose current rank meter value is "-1" has a current change of "+2", the rank meter value is cleared to 0 and then incremented by 2, so that the rank meter value after the change becomes "+2" (instead of "+1"). In this way, even for users whose rank meter value is negative (for example, users who infrequently stream), the rank meter value can be increased all at once, thereby promoting the streaming of live video.

[0078] After updating the rank meter value of each user, the server 10 then updates the rank based on the updated rank meter value (step S310). FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining the correspondence between the update contents of the rank and the required rank meter value. As shown in the figure, first, when ranking up across rank bands (in other words, when ranking up from the highest rank in each rank band), the rank meter value required is +4. That is, when a user belonging to the highest rank (e.g., A+) in each rank band has a rank meter value of +4, the user is ranked up to the lowest rank (e.g., S-) in the immediately upper rank band. Furthermore, when ranking up within the same rank band (in other words, when ranking up from the middle or lowest rank in each rank band), the rank meter value required is +2. That is, when a user belonging to the middle or lowest rank (e.g., B or B-) in each rank band has a rank meter value of +2, the user is ranked up to the immediately upper rank (e.g., B+ or B) in the same rank band.

[0079] Similarly, as illustrated in FIG. 16, the rank meter value required for a rank down within the same rank band (in other words, for a rank down from the highest or middle rank within each rank band) is -2. That is, when a user belonging to the highest or middle rank within each rank band (e.g., B+ or B) has a rank meter value of -2, the user will be ranked down to the next lower rank (e.g., B or B-) within the same rank band. Furthermore, the rank meter value required for a rank down across rank bands is -6. That is, when a user belonging to the lowest rank within each rank band (e.g., A-) has a rank meter value of -6, the user will be ranked down to the highest rank (e.g., B+) of the next lower rank band. Thus, in this example, the absolute value of the rank meter value required for a rank up / down across rank bands is larger than that required for a rank up / down within the same rank band. As a result, a sudden rank up / down in a short period of time is suppressed.

[0080] In step S310, the rank is updated based on the rank meter value in accordance with the correspondence relationship illustrated in Fig. 16. Note that the rank meter value of the user whose rank has been updated (the user whose rank has been upgraded / downgraded) is cleared to 0.

[0081] FIG. 17 illustrates a rank meter object 100 that displays a user's rank meter value. The object 100 is placed, for example, on a profile screen that displays basic information about the user. As shown in the figure, the rank meter object 100 has a needle-shaped needle object 102 and a scale object 104 that has a C-shape that opens downward. The user's current rank ("Rank A" in the example of FIG. 17) is displayed below the needle object 102. The needle object 102 is configured to swing (rotate) to the right as the rank meter value increases and to swing to the left as the rank meter value decreases. The needle object 102 in FIG. 17 is upright (pointing to 12 o'clock), which corresponds to a state where the rank meter value is 0. Furthermore, the needle object 102 tilts to the right as the rank meter value increases in the positive direction, and tilts to the left as the rank meter value decreases in the negative direction. A rank-up area 1041 corresponding to the rank meter value required for ranking up is set on the lower right side of the scale object 104, and a rank-down area 1042 corresponding to the rank meter value required for ranking down is set on the lower left side of the scale object 104. The user can grasp the current status of the rank meter value for ranking up / down via the rank meter object 100.

[0082] In this example, diamonds are awarded as a reward to the user as a distributor based on the distribution time of the previous day and the rank (rank on the previous day). Figure 18 is a flow diagram illustrating the process executed by the server 10 when awarding diamonds to each distributor. This process is executed late at night every day, for example, at a time (for example, at midnight every day) before the process executed when updating the rank of each user illustrated in Figure 14.

[0083] As shown in the figure, the server 10 first calculates the distribution time of each user on the previous day (step S400). Specifically, the distribution time of a specific user on the previous day is calculated by referring to the distributor user account and distribution date and time in the distribution management table 412. If a user makes multiple distributions in one day, the distribution times of each of the multiple distributions are added together.

[0084] Next, the server 10 grants each user a number of diamonds based on the calculated distribution time and the standard number of diamonds (step S410). Specifically, each user is granted a number of diamonds calculated by multiplying the calculated distribution time by the standard number of diamonds. The standard number of diamonds is preset for each rank so that the higher the rank, the greater the number, and the standard number of diamonds corresponding to each user's rank on the previous day is applied. When diamonds are granted to a user, the number of diamonds held in the user information table 411 is updated. In this example, diamonds can be exchanged for coins or real currency.

[0085] In the example described above, the type of reward box awarded to a viewer whose continuous viewing time reaches a predetermined threshold (7 minutes) is set based on the type of live video being distributed and the rank of the broadcaster. However, in another example of this embodiment, instead of or in addition to this, the type of reward box awarded to a viewer changes depending on the input of a predetermined item by a viewer. For example, the reward box awarded to a viewer before the input of a predetermined item is a normal box, but once the input of a predetermined item by a viewer, the reward box awarded to a viewer whose continuous viewing time thereafter reaches the predetermined threshold is a super box (or hyper box).

[0086] In the above example, a predetermined event may be triggered in response to the opening of a reward box. The predetermined event may include, for example, the appearance of a boss character. The boss character may be displayed in the video display area 71 of the broadcaster screen 70 and the video display area 81 of the viewer screen 80, and an attack on the boss character may be performed in response to an item input by each viewer. Note that the predetermined event is not limited to this, and various types of events may be configured to occur in response to the opening of a reward box.

[0087] The video distribution server 10 of this embodiment described above awards a predetermined reward (e.g., a reward box (a predetermined number of coins), etc.) to a specific viewer whose continuous viewing time of a live video provided by a specific broadcaster reaches a predetermined threshold, and the predetermined reward is awarded based on the attributes / behavior of the broadcaster / viewer (e.g., the type of broadcast, the rank range of the broadcaster, and the viewer's input of a predetermined item, etc.), thereby encouraging viewers to watch the live video continuously and allowing the broadcaster and other viewers to be involved in awarding the reward to the viewer.

[0088] The processes and procedures described herein, other than those explicitly described, may be implemented by software, hardware, or any combination thereof. For example, the processes and procedures described herein may be implemented by implementing logic corresponding to the processes and procedures in media such as integrated circuits, volatile memory, non-volatile memory, and magnetic disks. The processes and procedures described herein may also be implemented as computer programs corresponding to the processes and procedures and executed by various computers.

[0089] Although processes and procedures described herein are described as being performed by a single device, software, component, or module, such processes or procedures may be performed by multiple devices, software, components, and / or modules. Also, the software and hardware elements described herein may be implemented by combining them into fewer components or breaking them down into more components.

[0090] In this specification, even if a component of the invention is described as either singular or plural, or is described without limitation as either singular or plural, the component may be either singular or plural unless the context requires otherwise. [Explanation of symbols]

[0091] 10 Video distribution server 11. Computer Processor 15 Storage 20. Communication Networks 30 User terminals 41 Information Storage Management Department 43 Basic function control section 45 Video distribution control section 60 Top screen 70 Streamer Screen 80 Viewer Screen 90 Box detailed information display screen 100 Rank Meter Objects 200 Item selection screen 210 Box Opening Screen

Claims

1. 1. A system for streaming live video, comprising one or more computer processors, comprising: The one or more computer processors, in response to execution of the readable instructions: A process of distributing live video provided by a distributor to multiple viewers; During the distribution of the live video, a process of providing a predetermined reward to the viewer is executed; The process of granting the predetermined reward includes granting the predetermined reward to a specific viewer based at least on attributes or behavior of the specific broadcaster and / or attributes or behaviors of at least some of a plurality of viewers watching the live video being distributed provided by the specific broadcaster, in response to the establishment of a predetermined condition that includes at least a necessary condition that the continuous viewing time by the specific viewer watching the live video being distributed provided by the specific broadcaster reaches a first threshold. system.

2. The process of granting the predetermined reward includes changing the predetermined reward to be granted to the specific viewer based at least on attributes or behavior of the specific broadcaster and / or attributes or behavior of at least some of the multiple viewers. The system of claim 1.

3. The one or more computer processors further execute a process of accepting input of predetermined input information input by a viewer during distribution of the live video provided by the distributor; the process of granting the predetermined reward includes temporarily suspending counting of the continuous viewing time of the specific viewer while the continuous time during which the specific viewer has not input the predetermined input information is equal to or greater than a second threshold.

3. The system of claim 1 or 2.

4. the predetermined condition includes, as a necessary condition, that the specific viewer performs a predetermined input operation within a predetermined time after the continuous viewing time by the specific viewer reaches the first threshold.

4. The system of any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. the process of granting the predetermined reward includes granting the predetermined reward to the specific viewer such that the value of the predetermined reward is higher when the live video currently being distributed provided by the specific distributor includes a video of the specific distributor than when the live video does not include a video of the specific distributor; 5. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. the process of granting the predetermined reward includes granting the predetermined reward to the specific viewer such that a value of a predetermined attribute of the specific broadcaster increases in accordance with the broadcast of the live video, the value of the predetermined reward increasing as the value of the predetermined attribute of the specific broadcaster increases; 6. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. the process of granting the predetermined reward includes granting the predetermined reward to the specific viewer such that the value of a predetermined attribute of the specific broadcaster increases as the broadcaster broadcasts the live video, the smaller the value of the predetermined attribute of the specific broadcaster, the higher the value of the predetermined reward.

6. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

8. The one or more computer processors further execute a process of accepting input of predetermined input information input by a viewer during distribution of the live video provided by the distributor; the process of granting the predetermined reward includes granting the predetermined reward to the specific viewer based at least on an input status of the predetermined input information by at least some of the plurality of viewers; 8. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. the process of granting the predetermined reward includes granting the predetermined reward to the specific viewer such that the value of the predetermined reward is higher when at least some of the plurality of viewers have input a predetermined item than when they have not input the predetermined item; The system of claim 8.

10. 1. A method for streaming live video, executed by one or more computers, comprising: Distributing a live video provided by a distributor to a plurality of viewers; and a step of awarding a predetermined reward to the viewer during distribution of the live video; The step of granting the predetermined reward includes granting the predetermined reward to a specific viewer based at least on attributes or behavior of the specific broadcaster and / or attributes or behavior of at least some of a plurality of viewers watching the live video being distributed provided by the specific broadcaster, in response to establishment of a predetermined condition including at least a necessary condition that a continuous viewing time by the specific viewer watching the live video being distributed provided by the specific broadcaster reaches a first threshold. method.

11. A program for distributing live video, In response to being executed on one or more computers, the one or more computers: A process of distributing live video provided by a distributor to multiple viewers; During the distribution of the live video, a process of providing a predetermined reward to the viewer is executed; The process of granting the predetermined reward includes granting the predetermined reward to a specific viewer based at least on attributes or behavior of the specific broadcaster and / or attributes or behaviors of at least some of a plurality of viewers watching the live video being distributed provided by the specific broadcaster, in response to the establishment of a predetermined condition that includes at least a necessary condition that the continuous viewing time by the specific viewer watching the live video being distributed provided by the specific broadcaster reaches a first threshold. program.

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