System, method, program, and apparatus for providing live streaming service

Abstract

To promote viewer requests for displaying objects in a live streaming service.SOLUTION: A live streaming server 10 is communicatively connected to a user terminal 30 via a communication network 20 and provides a live streaming service to users via the user terminal 30 for live streaming of content and viewing thereof. The server 10 conducts a lottery for the occurrence of an event within the content when multiple display requests for an object to perform a corresponding predetermined display on the content satisfy predetermined conditions. This encourages viewers of the content to make display requests for the object in a manner that satisfies the predetermined conditions.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a system, a method, a program, and an apparatus for providing a live content distribution service. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, various services have been provided for live distribution (live streaming) of content consisting of images and / or audio. In such services, viewers of the content may request (input) the display of various objects. For example, Patent Document 1 below discloses that in a video distribution system, when a viewer of a video requests the display of a gift object, the gift object is displayed on the video. A mechanism for displaying such objects on content allows viewers of the content to participate in the content. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-083362 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the conventional system described above, viewers may be unsure of when to request the display of an object. For example, a viewer participating in a live broadcast by a particular broadcaster for the first time may hesitate to request the display of an object out of consideration for regular viewers.

[0005] One object of the present invention is to facilitate requests by viewers to display objects in a live streaming service. Other objects 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 providing a live streaming service for content, comprising one or more computer processors, wherein the one or more computer processors perform the following steps: accepting a request to display an object from each of multiple viewers of the content; performing a predetermined display corresponding to the object on the content in response to the acceptance of the request to display the object; determining whether multiple requests to display the object satisfy a predetermined condition in response to the acceptance of the request to display the object; holding a lottery to determine the occurrence of an event in the content in response to the satisfaction of the predetermined condition; and causing the event to occur if the lottery is won.

[0007] A method according to one embodiment of the present invention is executed by one or more computers and is a method for providing a live streaming service for content, comprising the steps of: accepting a request to display an object from each of multiple viewers of the content; performing a predetermined display corresponding to the object on the content in response to accepting the request to display the object; determining whether multiple requests to display the object satisfy a predetermined condition in response to accepting the request to display the object; holding a lottery to determine the occurrence of an event in the content in response to satisfaction of the predetermined condition; and causing the event to occur if the lottery is won.

[0008] A program according to one embodiment of the present invention is a program for providing a live streaming service for content, which causes one or more computers to execute the following steps: accepting a request to display an object from each of multiple viewers of the content; performing a predetermined display corresponding to the object on the content in response to the acceptance of the request to display the object; determining whether multiple requests to display the object satisfy a predetermined condition in response to the acceptance of the request to display the object; holding a lottery to determine the occurrence of an event in the content in response to the satisfaction of the predetermined condition; and causing the event to occur if the lottery is won.

[0009] An apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention is an apparatus for providing a live streaming service for content, and comprises: means for accepting a request to display an object from each of multiple viewers of the content; means for, in response to accepting the request to display the object, performing a predetermined display corresponding to the object on the content; means for, in response to accepting the request to display the object, determining whether multiple requests to display the object satisfy predetermined conditions; means for holding a lottery to determine the occurrence of an event in the content in response to satisfaction of the predetermined conditions; and means for causing the event to occur if the lottery is won. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] Various embodiments of the present invention facilitate viewer requests for display of objects in a live streaming service. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a network including a live distribution server 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of information managed in a user information table 1511. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the rank of a broadcaster. [Figure 4] FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of information managed in a distribution management table 1512. [Figure 5] FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating information managed in a gift item information table 1513. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a top screen 50. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of display content in an individual display area 541. [Figure 8] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a distribution preparation screen 60. [Figure 9] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a distribution screen 70. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a viewing screen 80. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a viewing screen 80 on which a gift selection screen 200 is superimposed. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a gift selection screen 200. [Figure 13] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process executed by the server 10 when a fever time is started. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating details of the effect display during the Fever Time lottery. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display on a slot machine during a fever time lottery. [Figure 16] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process executed by the server 10 when updating the rank of each user. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an update rule for a rank meter value. [Figure 18] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process executed by the server 10 when granting diamonds to each user. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a distribution screen 70 or a viewing screen 80 immediately after a battle has started. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the video display areas 71 and 81 immediately after the start of a battle. [Figure 21] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating video display areas 71 and 81 after the battle has progressed. [Figure 22]FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining how the input of a subsequent gift item is associated with the input of a new preceding gift item and counted again. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals may be used to designate the same or similar components.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a network including a live streaming server 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated, the server 10 is communicatively connected to a user terminal 30 via a communication network 20 such as the Internet. Although only one user terminal 30 is shown in FIG. 1, the server 10 is communicatively connected to a plurality of user terminals 30. The server 10 provides users with a live streaming service for live streaming and viewing of content via the user terminals 30. The live streaming server 10 is an example of a device that implements part or all of the system (or device) of the present invention.

[0014] First, we will explain the hardware configuration of the live streaming server 10. The live streaming server 10 is configured as a general computer, and as shown in Fig. 1, it includes a computer processor 11, a main memory 12, an input / output I / F 13, a communication I / F 14, and a storage (storage device) 15, and these components are electrically connected via a bus or the like (not shown).

[0015] The computer processor 11 is configured as a CPU, a GPU, or the like, and loads various programs stored in a storage 15 or the like into a main memory 12 and executes various instructions included in the programs. The main memory 12 is configured, for example, by a DRAM or the like.

[0016] The input / output I / F 13 includes various input / output devices for exchanging information with an operator, 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.), 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 an audio output device such as a speaker.

[0017] 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.

[0018] The storage 15 is configured, for example, by a magnetic disk, a flash memory, etc. The storage 15 stores various programs including an operating system, various data, etc. For example, the storage 15 has various tables 151 that store various information for providing a live streaming service. The storage 15 also stores, for example, a server-side program 40 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The program 40 is a program that causes the server 10 to function as all or part of a system (or device) for providing a live streaming service. At least a part of the server-side program 40 can be configured to be executed on the user terminal 30 via a terminal-side program 42, which will be described later.

[0019] In this embodiment, the live streaming server 10 may be configured using multiple computers, each having the hardware configuration described above. For example, the live streaming server 10 may be configured by one or multiple server devices.

[0020] The live streaming server 10 configured in this way 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 terminal-side program 42 installed on the user terminal 30, and transmits screen data (e.g., HTML data) and control data corresponding to the results of the processes to the user terminal 30. The user terminal 30 can output a web page or other screen based on the received data.

[0021] Next, we will explain the hardware configuration of the user terminal 30. The user terminal 30 is configured as a general computer, and 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).

[0022] 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.

[0023] 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.), an audio input device such as a microphone, and an image input device 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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] The storage 35 is configured, for example, by a magnetic disk or a flash memory. The storage 35 stores various programs including an operating system, various data, and the like. The programs stored in the storage 35 can be downloaded and installed from an application market or the like. The storage 35 also stores a terminal-side program 42. The program 42 can be configured as a web browser or other application (e.g., a terminal-side application for a live distribution service), and can be configured to execute at least a part of the server-side program 40, as described above.

[0026] In this embodiment, the user terminal 30 may be configured as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a personal computer, a wearable device, or the like.

[0027] A user operating a user terminal 30 configured in this manner can use the live streaming service provided by the server 10 by communicating with the live streaming server 10 via a terminal-side program 42 installed in storage 35 or the like.

[0028] Next, we will explain the functions of the live streaming server 10 configured as above. 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 delivery control unit 112 by executing instructions included in a program (e.g., at least a part of the server-side program 40) loaded into the main memory 12.

[0029] The management function control unit 111 is configured to execute various processes related to the control of the management functions of the live streaming service. For example, the management function control unit 111 transmits screen data and control data of various screens related to the management functions to the user terminal 30, executes various processes in response to operation input by the user via the screens output on the user terminal 30, and transmits screen data and control data according to the results of the processes 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.

[0030] The distribution control unit 112 is configured to execute various processes related to the control of live distribution of content. For example, the distribution control unit 112 is configured to distribute content provided by a distributor to multiple viewers in real time. For example, the distribution control unit 112 presents a viewing screen for viewing the content to each of the multiple viewers, and transmits, for example, screen data and control data of the viewing screen to each of the multiple viewers' user terminals 30 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as viewing terminals 30).

[0031] In this embodiment, the distribution control unit 112 is configured to accept a request for displaying an object from a viewer of the content. The request for displaying an object is also called object input, gifting, etc. The request for displaying an object is made, for example, via the viewing screen output on the viewing terminal 30.

[0032] Furthermore, the distribution control unit 112 is configured to, in response to receiving a display request for an object, perform a predetermined display corresponding to the object on the content. The predetermined display includes, for example, displaying an image and / or a video effect corresponding to the object, and is typically performed for a certain period of time (for example, several seconds). The predetermined display is performed on each viewing terminal 30 of multiple viewers viewing the content. For example, the distribution control unit 112 transmits screen data and control data of a viewing screen on which the predetermined display is performed on the content to each viewing terminal 30 of the multiple viewers.

[0033] Furthermore, the delivery control unit 112 is configured to determine whether or not multiple display requests for an object satisfy a predetermined condition in response to reception of a display request for the object. For example, the delivery control unit 112 determines whether or not the most recent multiple display requests, including the current display request, satisfy a predetermined condition.

[0034] Furthermore, the distribution control unit 112 is configured to hold a lottery to determine whether an event occurs in the content in response to the satisfaction of the predetermined condition, and to cause the event to occur if the lottery is won.

[0035] In this manner, the live streaming server 10 in this embodiment holds a lottery to determine whether an event will occur in the content when multiple requests to display an object for a specific display corresponding to the content satisfy a specific condition, thereby encouraging viewers of the content to make display requests for the object so as to satisfy the specific condition. As a result, the live streaming server 10 encourages viewers to make display requests for objects in the live streaming service.

[0036] In this embodiment, the content to be live-streamed includes various types of digital content. For example, the content may be composed of images (moving or still images) and audio. The content may also be transmitted in real time from a user terminal 30 (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as a "streaming terminal 30") of a content provider. The live streaming of content may involve a certain delay (time lag) depending on the settings of the provider or the network conditions. The live streaming of content is performed using a streaming method using a protocol such as HTTP Live Streaming (HLS).

[0037] The content transmitted from the broadcasting terminal 30 is composed of, for example, video and audio of the broadcaster input (captured) via a camera and microphone included in the broadcasting terminal 30. The content is composed of, for example, video corresponding to a screen output by an application (e.g., a game) running on the broadcasting terminal 30, audio output by the application, and / or audio of the broadcaster input via a microphone included in the broadcasting terminal 30.

[0038] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the content to be distributed may be such that part of the data constituting the content is transmitted in real time from distribution terminal 30, while part of the data constituting the content is pre-stored in server 10 or viewing terminal 30. For example, audio constituting the content may be transmitted in real time from distribution terminal 30, while images constituting the content may be pre-stored in server 10 or viewing terminal 30, and the content may be generated in server 10 or viewing terminal 30 based on these data.

[0039] Furthermore, for example, in addition to the audio constituting the content, motion data (motion data) for moving objects such as characters is transmitted in real time from the distribution terminal 30, while images constituting the content are stored in advance in the server 10 or the viewing terminal 30, and the images include model data of the objects. In this case, the motion data is generated based on the motions of the distributor (including changes in facial expressions, etc.) recognized via the camera of the distribution terminal 30, for example. The content generated in the server 10 or the viewing terminal 30 includes objects such as characters that move based on the model data and motion data.

[0040] In this embodiment, the predetermined condition for holding the lottery may be a condition that is satisfied in response to receiving a plurality of display requests for a second object different from the first object within a predetermined time (time limit) after receiving a display request for the first object. For example, the predetermined condition is configured as a condition that is satisfied in response to receiving a predetermined number of display requests, two or more, for the second object within a predetermined time after receiving a display request for the first object. Such a configuration encourages viewers to make a display request for the second object within a predetermined time after receiving a display request for the first object.

[0041] The predetermined condition may be configured to be satisfied in response to receiving requests to display a second object from a predetermined number of other viewers (two or more) within a predetermined time period after receiving a request to display a first object from a first viewer. This configuration encourages multiple other viewers to make requests to display a second object after receiving a request to display the first object.

[0042] Furthermore, the distribution control unit 112 may be configured to consume a predetermined value (which may include various values ​​such as items, coins, points, and in-service currency) held by the viewer who made the display request upon receiving the display request for the object. In this case, the predetermined value is consumed in an amount corresponding to the type of object for which the display request has been made, and for example, the amount of consumption of the predetermined value corresponding to a preceding first object may be greater than the amount of consumption of the predetermined value corresponding to a subsequent second object. This configuration increases the value of the display request for the first object that triggers the satisfaction of a predetermined condition.

[0043] Furthermore, the distribution control unit 112 may be configured to, after receiving first and second display requests for a first object in order, count a display request for a second object in association with the (earlier) first display request when the display request for a second object is received within the predetermined time period after receiving the first display request. This configuration makes it possible to accurately determine whether a predetermined condition is satisfied when multiple display requests for a first object are made in a short period of time.

[0044] In this case, the distribution control unit 112 may be configured to recount the display request for the second object in association with the second display request (made later) if the predetermined time has elapsed since accepting the (earlier) first display request without satisfying the predetermined condition. This configuration prevents the display request for the second object from going to waste, thereby encouraging viewers to make display requests for the second object.

[0045] Furthermore, the distribution control unit 112 may be configured to, when holding a lottery in response to the satisfaction of the predetermined conditions, display a visual effect corresponding to the lottery on the content. The visual effect may be configured, for example, to have a plurality of display modes with mutually different expectations of winning the lottery, and a display mode determined according to the appearance probability of each display mode from among the plurality of display modes is applied. The visual effect is displayed on each viewing terminal 30 of a plurality of viewers viewing the content. This configuration helps to liven up live streaming through the lottery of event occurrence.

[0046] In this embodiment, the event that occurs when a lottery is won may not occur if the number of occurrences per broadcaster in a predetermined period (e.g., one day, one week, one month, or one live broadcast) reaches a threshold. For example, if the number of occurrences of such an event per broadcaster reaches a threshold, the broadcast control unit 112 skips determining whether the predetermined condition is met, skips the lottery that would be held if the predetermined condition is met, or skips the occurrence of the event that would be held if the lottery was won. This configuration increases the value of the event.

[0047] The distribution control unit 112 may also be configured to generate advantageous effects for the content distributor in response to the occurrence of an event. The advantageous effects include various effects that benefit the distributor and may disappear, for example, upon the end of the event. For example, the distribution control unit 112 may be configured to award points to the distributor based on the actions of each of multiple viewers (e.g., a request to display an object or the entry of a comment, etc.). In this case, the advantageous effect may be an effect that increases the points (e.g., awarding bonus points or multiplying the points by a bonus multiplier). Furthermore, in this case, the distribution control unit 112 may be configured to match two or more distributors from multiple distributors live streaming content and determine the winner of these distributors based on the number of points earned. This configuration helps to liven up live streaming through the occurrence of events.

[0048] Next, a specific example of one aspect of the live streaming server 10 of this embodiment having such functions will be described. In this example, the live streaming service provided by the server 10 is configured as a service for live streaming and viewing of content composed of video and audio of a streamer input (captured) via a camera and microphone possessed by the streaming terminal 30. First, in this example, the information managed by each table included in the various tables 151 will be described.

[0049] 2 illustrates information managed by user information table 1511 in this example. User information table 1511 manages information about users of the live 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 and date of birth, "distribution history information" that is information about the distribution history of content as a distributor, "viewing history information" that is information about the viewing history of content as a viewer, "following user information" that is information about other users the user follows, "family information" that is information about families to which the user belongs as a family member, a "rank" that indicates the rank of the distributor, a "rank meter value" that is a parameter for determining whether the rank is increased or decreased, a "number of owned coins" that indicates the number of virtual coins (having a predetermined value) that can be used in the live streaming service, a "number of owned diamonds" that is the number of virtual diamonds that the user owns, and "classification text" that is a classification set by the user as a distributor.

[0050] In this example, a family is a community of fans who support a broadcaster, and a user can join by receiving an invitation from the broadcaster or a family manager, or by receiving approval from the broadcaster or family manager in response to a user's request to join. In this example, a maximum number of family members (e.g., 100) is set. Furthermore, a user's fan level for a broadcaster may be set and managed based on factors such as the user's viewing history of the broadcaster's content.

[0051] In this example, coins are given to users for various reasons, both free and for a fee. For example, users can acquire coins for free as a reward such as a login bonus. Also, for example, users can purchase coins for a fee (with real currency). Diamonds, which will be described in more detail later, are given to broadcasters as one type of reward.

[0052] 3 is a diagram for explaining the ranks of broadcasters in this example. As shown in the figure, in this example, there are six rank bands: "S," "A," "B," "C," "D," and "E." The "S" rank band is made up of six ranks: "S1" to "S6," and each of the four rank bands: "A," "B," "C," and "D" is made up of three ranks (e.g., "A1" to "A3"). Furthermore, the "E" rank band is made up of one rank: "E1." In other words, in this example, there are 19 ranks (6 + 3 × 4 + 1 = 19).

[0053] Furthermore, the rank range is highest on the "S" side and lowest on the "E" side. Furthermore, within the same rank range, the larger the number attached to the rank range, the higher the rank, and the smaller the number attached, the lower the rank. In this example, the user's rank is set to "D1" as the initial value. As will be described in more detail later, in this example, the rank is updated based on the daily content distribution performance.

[0054] 4 illustrates information managed by the delivery management table 1512 in this example. The delivery management table 1512 manages information related to individual deliveries, and as shown in the figure, in association with a "delivery ID" that identifies an individual delivery (content), the table stores the following information: a "delivery user account" that identifies the deliverer, a "delivery start date and time" that is the date and time when the delivery started, a "delivery duration" that is the duration (elapsed time) since the delivery started, the "number of viewers (current value and maximum value)", a "number of comments" that is the number of comments entered by viewers while the content was being delivered, a "number of likes" that is the number of "likes" entered by viewers, and the number of item points that are awarded in accordance with the viewer's entry of gift items. It manages information such as the "item points" which is the total value, the "delivery points" which is the total value of delivery points granted for this delivery, "delivery tag information" which is information about the delivery tag granted for this delivery, the "subsequent gift item input deadline" which indicates the deadline (time) for inputting a subsequent gift item (second object) to satisfy the lottery trigger condition (predetermined condition) for Fever Time (event), the "number of viewers who input a subsequent gift item" which is the number of viewers who input the subsequent gift item by the input deadline, and the "fever time end time" which is the end time when Fever Time occurs. The lottery trigger condition for Fever Time will be described in detail later, but in this example, it is satisfied when the subsequent gift item is input multiple times within the time limit (predetermined time) after the preceding gift item (first object) is input (display request).

[0055] If the same viewer enters subsequent gift items multiple times, only the first entry will be counted as the number of viewers who enter subsequent gift items (i.e., the number of viewers will be counted as the number of unique users).

[0056] 5 illustrates information managed by the gift item information table 1513 in this example. The gift item information table 1513 manages information related to gift items that can be input by viewers during live content distribution, and as shown in the figure, manages information such as a "name," a "required number of coins" indicating the number of coins required for input, a "preceding gift item flag" indicating whether the gift item is a preceding gift item that is input first to satisfy the conditions for generating a lottery for Fever Time, and a "subsequent gift item flag" indicating whether the gift item is a subsequent gift item that is input later to similarly satisfy the conditions for generating a lottery, in association with a "gift item ID" that identifies an individual gift item.

[0057] The information managed by each table has been explained above. Next, the processes executed by the live distribution server 10 in this example and the screens output on the user terminal 30 will be explained.

[0058] 6 shows an example of a live streaming service top screen 50 displayed on the user terminal 30. The screen 50 is the starting point when using the live streaming service, and as shown in the figure, has a selection area 52 displaying the text "Follow," "Popular," "Featured," and "All," a list display area 54 located below the selection area 52, and a circular streaming button 56 located in the upper right corner of the screen.

[0059] The selection area 52 is an area for selecting the content to be displayed in the list display area 54. Specifically, when "Following" is selected in the selection area 52, live broadcasts (content currently being broadcast) of other users the user is following are displayed in a list in the list display area 54. Similarly, when "Popular" is selected in the selection area 52, broadcasts with a large number of viewers are displayed in a list in the list display area 54. Furthermore, when "Featured" is selected in the selection area 52, broadcasts that are popular (for example, broadcasts with a large number of comments and likes) are displayed in a list in the list display area 54. Furthermore, when "All" is selected in the selection area 52, all broadcasts are displayed in a list in the list display area 54.

[0060] As shown in the figure, in the list display area 54, a plurality of individual display areas 541, each displaying information about an individual distribution, are arranged in two columns vertically. The individual display area 541 is configured so that viewing of the corresponding distribution can be started (playback of the corresponding content is started) in response to a user selection. The list display area 54 is configured so that the displayed individual display area 541 can be switched by a flick operation or a slide operation in an up or down direction, for example.

[0061] 7 illustrates an example of the display content of the individual display area 541. The individual display area 541 displays an image preset by the content distributor, the distributor's account name, the number of viewers (current value), and the like, and as illustrated, a first tag object 5411 and a second tag object 5412 are arranged side by side in the left-right direction at the bottom. The first tag object 5411 displays classification text (managed in the user information table 1511) that is the distributor's classification set by the distributor himself / herself in the form of a hashtag (a format in which "#" is added to the beginning of the string) (in the example of FIG. 7, "#bigeaterdistribution" is displayed). The second tag object 5412 also displays the latest distribution tag assigned by a viewer to the corresponding distribution in the form of a hashtag (in the example of FIG. 7, "#curry" is displayed).

[0062] Returning to the top screen 50 in FIG. 6 , the broadcast button 56 is an object that allows the user to live-broadcast content as a broadcaster. When the broadcast button 56 is selected by the user, a broadcast preparation screen 60, as shown in FIG. 8 , is output. As shown, the broadcast preparation screen 60 has a broadcast title input area 62 for inputting a broadcast title, a secret broadcast setting switch 64 for setting the secret broadcast mode, a post setting button 66 for setting the posts (posting messages to SNS) that are automatically made during broadcasting, and a broadcast start button 68 with the text "Start!" added. Secret broadcasting is a content distribution mode that can only be viewed by new viewers (specifically, viewers whose total viewing time for the corresponding broadcaster over a certain period of time is less than a predetermined value).

[0063] When distribution start button 68 is selected, live distribution of the content begins, and specifically, content data consisting of video and audio input (captured) via the camera and microphone of distribution terminal 30 begins to be transmitted to server 10. In addition, in response to the start of content distribution, a new record is inserted in distribution management table 1512.

[0064] 9 illustrates a distribution screen 70 that is output on distribution terminal 30 in response to the start of content distribution. As shown in the figure, 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, a comment display area 73 located in the lower left corner of the screen, a tag display area 74 located above area 73, a viewer information display area 75 located in the upper right corner of the screen, and a circular distribution stop button 76 located in the center of the bottom edge of the screen.

[0065] The video display area 71 displays the content to be distributed, that is, the image input via the camera of the distribution terminal 30. The distributor usually captures himself / herself as a subject via the in-camera of the distribution terminal 30, and in this case, the distributed content includes an image of the distributor himself / herself.

[0066] 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.

[0067] The comment display area 73 is an area for displaying user comments input by each viewer and system comments automatically input by the server 10. Specifically, in this area 73, a plurality of comment objects 731, each corresponding to an individual comment, are arranged vertically. The comment display area 73 is configured such that when a new comment is input, a corresponding comment object 731 is added to the bottom, and the existing comment objects 731 move sequentially upward. In the comment display area 73, the comment objects 731 displayed are switched by a flick operation or a slide operation in the vertical direction, for example.

[0068] The tag display area 74 displays information about the distribution tags assigned to this distribution, and specifically, in this area 74, multiple tag objects 741, each corresponding to an individual tag, are arranged side by side in the horizontal direction.

[0069] The viewer information display area 75 displays information about multiple viewers who are viewing the content being distributed. Specifically, multiple icon objects 751, each corresponding to an individual viewer, are arranged side by side in the horizontal direction in this area 75. Each object 751 has a circular shape and displays a profile image of the corresponding viewer. The multiple icon objects 751 are arranged in an order that follows a predetermined rule.

[0070] The distribution stop button 76 is an object that allows the distributor to stop distributing content. When the distribution stop button 76 is selected by the distributor, the distribution of the content (transmission of content data from the distribution terminal 30 to the server 10) is stopped.

[0071] 10 illustrates a viewing screen 80 output on the viewing terminal 30. For example, when a viewer selects a broadcast (content) via the list display area 54 of the top screen 50, a viewing screen 80 for viewing the selected broadcast 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 viewer information display area 85, similar to the broadcast screen 70 described above. Furthermore, the viewing screen 80 has, at the bottom of the screen, an input mode switching button 861, a comment input area 862, a "Like" button 863 with a heart mark, and a gift input button 864 with a gift design.

[0072] The comment input area 862 is an area where viewers can input comments or distribution tags. While the input mode switching button 861 is not selected, 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 transmitted as a user comment, and comment objects 731, 831 corresponding to the user comment are added to the comment display areas 73, 83 of the distribution screen 70 and the viewing screen 80 of the corresponding distribution terminal 30 (the user terminal 30 of the distributor who distributes the content being viewed) and each viewing terminal 30 (the user terminal 30 of each of multiple viewers viewing the same content). The comment objects 731, 831 corresponding to the user comment display the content of the comment (character string) along with the account name of the viewer who input the comment. In addition, when a user comment is input, the server 10 updates (adds 1 to) the number of comments for the corresponding distribution in the distribution management table 1512.

[0073] Furthermore, when the input mode switch button 861 is selected, the comment input area 862 enters tag input mode. In tag input mode, when a character string is entered in the comment input area 862 and a confirmation operation is performed, the character string is sent as a tag for the broadcast, and the tag is assigned to the broadcast. In this example, viewers who can input tags are limited to family members of the corresponding broadcaster. Specifically, the input mode switch button 861 on the viewing screen 80 is selectable (enabled) if the viewer is a family member of the broadcaster, but is not selectable (disabled) if the viewer is not a family member of the broadcaster. Also, in this example, the number of tags that can be assigned to one broadcast in a certain period of time is limited; specifically, the number of tags that can be assigned in a five-minute period is limited to three.

[0074] When a distribution tag is assigned, a corresponding tag object 741, 841 is added to the tag display area 74, 84 of the corresponding distribution screen 70 and viewing screen 80. In the tag display area 74, 84, the tag objects 741, 841 are arranged side by side in the left-right direction, with the tag on the left being newer (added later). Therefore, the tag object 741, 841 corresponding to the newly assigned tag is added to the left end of the tag display area 74, 84. Note that the tag object 741, 841 corresponding to a tag that has been assigned for more than five minutes is deleted (for example, disappears with an animation effect moving to the right).

[0075] In this example, tag objects 741 and 841 display the tag content in the form of a hashtag with a "#" added to the beginning of the string. For example, if the tag content is "Tokyo sightseeing," tag objects 741 and 841 display "#Tokyo sightseeing." The horizontal length of tag objects 741 and 841 is automatically adjusted according to the length of the string to be displayed.

[0076] Furthermore, when a tag is assigned, a comment object 731, 831 corresponding to a system comment notifying the assignment of the tag is added to the comment display area 73, 83 of the corresponding distribution screen 70 and viewing screen 80. The comment object 731, 831 corresponding to the system comment displays the content of the assigned tag along with the account name of the viewer who assigned (input) the tag, for example, a comment such as "xx tagged the distribution with "#TokyoSightseeing"." Furthermore, when a tag is assigned, distribution tag information for the corresponding distribution is updated in distribution management table 1512.

[0077] The like button 863 is an object that allows a viewer to input a "like" for a broadcaster (or content). When the button 863 is selected by a viewer, a "like" is input, and a comment object 731, 831 corresponding to a system comment notifying the input of a "like" is added to the comment display area 73, 83 of the corresponding broadcast screen 70 and viewing screen 80. The comment object 731, 831 corresponding to the system comment displays text indicating the input of a "like" along with the account name of the viewer who input a "like." Furthermore, when a "like" is input, a corresponding effect display (for example, an animated video effect in which a heart-shaped object is displayed flowing from the bottom to the top of the screen) is performed in the video display area 71, 81 of the broadcast screen 70 and viewing screen 80. Furthermore, when a "like" is input, the server 10 updates (adds 1 to) the "number of likes" for the corresponding broadcast in the broadcast management table 1512.

[0078] The gift input button 864 is an object for the viewer to input a gift item (to request the display of a gift item). When the button 864 is selected, a gift selection screen 200 for selecting the gift item to input is displayed superimposed on the lower area of ​​the viewing screen 80, as shown in FIG.

[0079] 12 illustrates a gift selection screen 200. As shown in the figure, the screen 200 has a selection area 201, a list display area 204 located below the area 201 and displaying a list of one or more gift items, a price range selection area 206 located below the area 204 for selecting the price range of the gift items to be displayed, and a purchase button 207 located in the lower right corner of the screen and serving as an object for purchasing coins. In addition, the number of coins owned by the corresponding user is displayed in the lower left corner of the gift selection screen 200.

[0080] The selection area 201 is an area for selecting (filtering) the content to be displayed in the list display area 204, and displays text such as "All," "History," "Popular," and "Limited Time." When "All" is selected in the selection area 201, all gift items are displayed in a list in the list display area 204. When "History" is selected in the selection area 201, gift items previously entered by the corresponding user are displayed in a list in the list display area 204. When "Popular" is selected, gift items with a large number of entries across the entire live streaming service are displayed in a list in the list display area 204. When "Limited Time" is selected, gift items that are offered for a limited time and that can be entered at that time (for example, gift items that can be entered for a limited-time event within the live streaming service) are displayed in a list.

[0081] In the list display area 204, a plurality of individual display areas 2041, each displaying information about an individual gift item, are arranged in four columns in the vertical direction. The individual display areas 2041 display an image corresponding to the gift item and the number of coins (price) required to input that item. The list display area 204 is configured so that the individual display areas 2041 displayed can be switched by a flick operation or a slide operation in the vertical direction. When a viewer selects one of the individual display areas 2041, the corresponding gift item is input.

[0082] 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 a price range is selected in the price range selection area 206, gift items in the corresponding price range are displayed in the list display area 204.

[0083] When a gift item is input, a comment object 731, 831 corresponding to a system comment notifying the input of the gift item is added to the comment display area 73, 83 of the corresponding distribution screen 70 and viewing screen 80. The comment object 731, 831 corresponding to the system comment displays the name of the input gift item along with the account name of the viewer who input the gift item. Furthermore, when a gift item is input, a presentation display (a predetermined display on the content) corresponding to the input gift item is performed in the video display area 71, 81 of the corresponding distribution screen 70 and viewing screen 80. The presentation display includes the display of an image and video effects corresponding to the input gift item.

[0084] Furthermore, 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 (for example, the more coins, the more points) to this distribution, and specifically adds the points corresponding to the number of coins to the number of item points of the corresponding distribution in the distribution management table 1512. Furthermore, when a gift item is input, the server 10 subtracts the number of coins of the input gift item from the number of coins owned by the corresponding user (the viewer who input the gift item) in the user information table 1511.

[0085] Here, we will explain the processing related to Fever Time. Fever Time is a mode (event) in which the number of item points awarded for broadcasting increases, and the condition for the lottery to occur is that "after inputting a preceding gift item, the number of other viewers who input a subsequent gift item reaches a threshold value (e.g., 3 people) within the time limit (e.g., 15 seconds)."

[0086] The leading gift item and the subsequent gift item are identified by referring to the leading gift item flag and the subsequent gift item flag in the gift item information table 1513. In this example, all gift items whose prices are equal to or greater than a threshold value (e.g., 111 coins) are set as leading gift items. Also, in this example, a specific gift item whose price is a predetermined value (e.g., 1 coin) lower than that of the leading gift item is set as the subsequent gift item. In this way, by increasing the price of the leading gift item, the value of inputting the leading gift item increases, thereby encouraging the viewer to input the leading gift item. Note that, when the corresponding gift item is a leading gift item or a subsequent gift item, a corresponding display (e.g., addition of an icon image) may be performed in the individual display area 2041 of the gift selection screen 200.

[0087] 13 is a flowchart illustrating a process executed by the server 10 when starting the fever time. The server 10 first waits for the input of the preceding gift item (NO in step S100), and when the preceding gift item is input (YES in step S100), sets the input deadline for the subsequent gift item (step S110). Specifically, the time at that time plus the time limit (e.g., 15 seconds) in the lottery generating condition described above is set as the input deadline for the subsequent gift item in the delivery management table 1512.

[0088] Next, the server 10 waits for the number of viewers who have input the subsequent gift items to reach a threshold value (NO in step S130) until the deadline for inputting the subsequent gift items arrives (NO in step S120). The number of viewers who have input the subsequent gift items is managed in the number of viewers who have input the subsequent gift items in the distribution management table 1512, as described above.

[0089] Then, if the deadline for inputting the subsequent gift item is reached before the number of viewers who have input the subsequent gift item reaches the threshold (YES in step S120), the server 10 clears the deadline for inputting the subsequent gift item and the number of viewers who have input (step S150), and if the live broadcast has not ended (NO in step S195), the server 10 returns to step S100 and waits again for the input of the preceding gift item.

[0090] On the other hand, if the number of viewers who have entered the subsequent gift items reaches the threshold before the deadline for entering the subsequent gift items arrives (YES in step S130), the server 10 executes a lottery for the fever time (step S160). In this example, accompanying the lottery, a visual effect is displayed on the content.

[0091] 14 illustrates details of the effect display during the Fever Time lottery in this example. As shown in the figure, in this example, four effect displays are set, and the probability of appearance and whether the Fever Time will be a win or a loss are set for each effect display. Specifically, when the Fever Time lottery is held, the "System Comment Only" effect display appears with a 55% probability, in which case the Fever Time lottery result is a loss. In the "System Comment Only" effect display, comment objects 731 and 831 corresponding to the system comment notifying the execution of the lottery and the result (loss) are added to the comment display areas 73 and 83 of the corresponding distribution screen 70 and viewing screen 80.

[0092] Furthermore, when a lottery for Fever Time is held, there is a 25% chance that a "slot miss effect" effect display will appear, in which case the result of the lottery for Fever Time will be a miss. In the "slot miss effect" effect display, comment objects 731, 831 corresponding to system comments notifying the execution of the lottery are added to the comment display areas 73, 83 of the corresponding distribution screen 70 and viewing screen 80, and furthermore, in the video display areas 71, 81, a display is made in which each reel of a slot machine having three reels spins and stops at three mutually different symbols (FIG. 15(A)).

[0093] Furthermore, when a lottery for Fever Time is held, there is a 15% chance that a "slot reach effect" effect display will appear, in which case the result of the lottery for Fever Time will be a miss. In the "slot reach effect" effect display, comment objects 731, 831 corresponding to system comments notifying the execution of the lottery are added to the comment display areas 73, 83 of the corresponding distribution screen 70 and viewing screen 80, and furthermore, in the video display areas 71, 81, the reels of the above-mentioned slot machine spin, and after passing through a reach state in which the two reels on the left and right sides stop with the same symbol, a display is made in which only the center reel stops with a different symbol (FIG. 15(B)).

[0094] Furthermore, when the Fever Time lottery is held, there is a 5% chance that a "slot winning effect" effect display will appear, and in this case, the result of the Fever Time lottery will be a winning result (i.e., in this example, the winning probability of the Fever Time lottery is 5%). In the "slot winning effect" effect display, comment objects 731, 831 corresponding to system comments notifying the execution of the lottery are added to the comment display areas 73, 83 of the corresponding distribution screen 70 and viewing screen 80, and furthermore, in the video display areas 71, 81, each reel of the slot machine described above spins, and after a reach state in which the two reels on the left and right sides stop with the same symbol, a display is made in which the center reel also stops with the same symbol (Fig. 15(C)).

[0095] Here, of the four effect displays, the "slot win effect", in which a slot machine is displayed that goes through a reach state and stops with the same pattern, is the display mode with the highest expectation of winning, the "slot reach effect", in which a slot machine including a reach state is displayed, is the display mode with the second highest expectation of winning, the "slot miss effect", in which a slot machine is displayed, is the display mode with the third highest expectation of winning, and the "system comment only", in which a slot machine is not displayed, is the display mode with the lowest expectation of winning.

[0096] 13, if the result of the lottery for fever time is a win (YES in step S170), the server 10 starts fever time (step S180). When fever time starts, the time obtained by adding the duration of fever time (for example, 180 seconds) to the time at that time is set as the fever time end time in the distribution management table 1512.

[0097] On the other hand, if the result of the lottery for Fever Time is a loss (NO in step S170) and the live distribution has not ended (NO in step S195), the process returns to step S100 and the input of the advance gift item is awaited again.

[0098] In this example, while Fever Time is occurring, the number of item points awarded for distribution increases in accordance with the input of gift items; specifically, the number of points awarded is 1.2 times the number of points added during normal times when Fever Time is not occurring. Fever Time continues until its end time is reached (NO in step S190). When Fever Time ends (YES in step S190), if the live distribution has not ended (NO in step S195), the process returns to step S100 and the input of a preceding gift item is awaited again.

[0099] In this example, even if a preceding gift item is input when the input of the preceding gift item is not being waited for (for example, when the number of viewers who have input subsequent gift items is waiting to reach a threshold, or when fever time is occurring), the series of processes from setting the deadline for inputting subsequent gift items to waiting for the number of viewers who have input subsequent gift items to reach a threshold (i.e., the process of determining whether the lottery conditions have been met) are not performed.

[0100] In this example, an upper limit may be set on the number of times that Fever Time can occur, and for example, the number of times that Fever Time can occur per day in each broadcaster's live broadcast may be limited to three. In this case, the number of times that Fever Time occurs for each broadcaster on that day is managed in user information table 1511, and when the number of occurrences reaches the upper limit, for example, each of the processes illustrated in FIG. 13 will not be executed thereafter.

[0101] The processing related to fever time has been described above. Next, the processing when a distributor ends distribution of content will be described. As described above, when the distributor selects the stop distribution button 76 on the distribution screen 70, the distribution of content ends. When the distribution ends, the server 10 calculates and sets the number of distribution points for that distribution. In this example, the number of distribution points is calculated based on the number of viewers (maximum value), the number of likes, the number of comments, and the number of item points. The number of distribution points increases as the number of viewers (maximum value), the number of likes, the number of comments, and the number of item points increase. The calculated number of distribution points is set for the corresponding distribution in the distribution management table 1512.

[0102] The above describes the processing when content distribution is terminated. Next, the processing when determining the rank of a distributor will be described. In this example, the rank for the day is determined (updated) based on the number of distribution points the user acquired on the previous day. FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating the processing executed by the server 10 when updating the rank of each user. These processing steps are executed every night (e.g., 3:00 AM).

[0103] As shown in the figure, the server 10 first calculates the number of distribution points each user earned on the previous day (step S200). The number of distribution points each user earned on the previous day is calculated by referencing the distributor user account, distribution start date and time, and number of distribution points in the distribution management table 1512. Note that if a user sends multiple distributions in one day, the number of distribution points earned for each of the multiple distributions is added together.

[0104] After calculating the number of distribution points for each distributor on the previous day in this way, the server 10 then updates the rank meter value for each user (step S210). Figure 17 illustrates an example of a rule for updating the rank meter value. As shown in the figure, in this example, the rank meter value fluctuates based on the ranking of each user's number of distribution points on the previous day within the rank band to which that user belongs. The initial value of the rank meter value is "0".

[0105] Specifically, the update rule for the rank meter value is as follows: first, if the ranking of the number of distribution points within the 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 to 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 to 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. In step S210, the rank meter value of each user is updated in the user information table 1511 according to the update rule illustrated in FIG. 17.

[0106] Returning to the flowchart of FIG. 16, once the rank meter value of each user has been updated, the server 10 then updates the rank based on the updated rank meter value (step S220). 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 rank meter value reaches these values, the user's rank is increased / decreased. The rank meter value of the user whose rank has been updated (the user whose rank has been increased / decreased) is cleared to 0. Note that in another example of this embodiment, in order to prevent a sudden increase / decrease in rank in a short period of time, for example, in the case of an increase / decrease in rank across rank bands, the absolute value of the required rank meter value may be made larger (for example, +6 / -6) compared to an increase / decrease in rank within the same rank band.

[0107] The above describes the process for determining the rank of a broadcaster. Next, the process for granting diamonds to a broadcaster will be described. In this example, diamonds, which are one of the rewards for a broadcaster, are granted based on the broadcast time of the previous day and the rank on the previous day. FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating the process executed by the server 10 when granting diamonds to each user. These processes are executed late at night every day, for example, at a time (for example, midnight) before the process executed when updating the rank of each user as illustrated in FIG. 16.

[0108] As shown in the figure, the server 10 first calculates the broadcast time of each user on the previous day (step S300). Specifically, the broadcast time of each user on the previous day is calculated by referring to the broadcaster user account, broadcast start date and time, and broadcast duration in the broadcast management table 1512. If a user broadcasts multiple times in one day, the broadcast durations of each of the multiple broadcasts are added together.

[0109] Next, the server 10 grants each user a number of diamonds based on the calculated distribution time and the standard number of diamonds (step S310). 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 by the corresponding user is updated in the user information table 1511. In this example, diamonds can be exchanged for coins or real currency.

[0110] In the above example, two live streamers (e.g., the streamer who most recently started Fever Time) may be randomly matched, and a battle based on distribution points may be held between these two streamers. FIG. 19 shows an example of a streaming screen 70 or a viewing screen 80 immediately after the battle has started. In this state, as shown in the figure, the video display area 71, 81, which previously covered the entire screen, has shrunk vertically and is now located between the basic information display area 72, 82, the viewer information display area 75, 85, and the tag display area 74, 84.

[0111] FIG. 20 illustrates the video display areas 71, 81 immediately after the start of a battle. In this state, the video display areas 71, 81 are horizontally divided into two areas, specifically, a first display area 711, 811 on the left side that displays the video of the original broadcaster (the broadcaster whose video was displayed in the video display areas 71, 81 immediately before the start of the battle), and a second display area 712, 812 on the right side that displays the video of the opponent (matched) broadcaster. As the battle progresses, the horizontal lengths (widths) of the two areas change based on a comparison of the number of broadcast points earned since the start of the battle. The larger the number of broadcast points earned, the larger the horizontal length (see FIG. 21). When the elapsed time since the start of the battle reaches a predetermined value (e.g., 120 seconds), the battle ends, and the broadcaster with the most broadcast points wins, while the broadcaster with the fewest broadcast points loses. Display effects corresponding to the outcome of the battle may be displayed.

[0112] In the above example, the conditions for triggering a lottery for Fever Time may be changed depending on the values ​​of parameters held by the broadcaster. For example, the type of preceding gift item, the type of subsequent gift item, the deadline (time limit) for inputting the subsequent gift item, and the threshold number of other viewers who have input the subsequent gift item in the conditions for triggering a lottery may be changed based on the values ​​of parameters such as the rank of the broadcaster. For example, the higher the rank of the broadcaster, the higher the price of the preceding gift item and / or the subsequent gift item, or the greater the number of other viewers who have input the subsequent gift item required to satisfy the conditions for triggering a lottery.

[0113] In the above example, while waiting for the number of viewers who have input subsequent gift items to reach a threshold, the process of determining whether the lottery trigger condition is met is not performed even if a new preceding gift item is input. However, if the subsequent gift item input deadline is reached before the number of viewers who have input subsequent gift items reaches the threshold, the input of the subsequent gift item may be counted again in association with the input of the new preceding gift item. In this case, for example, as shown in Figure 22(A), if three viewers input subsequent gift items within the time limit after the input of the preceding gift item (1), the lottery trigger condition is met at that time. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 22(B), if two viewers input subsequent gift items within the time limit after the first input of the preceding gift item (1), and then the input deadline for the subsequent gift item is reached, the input of subsequent gift items by the two viewers made after the input of the next preceding gift item (2) is counted again in association with the input of the next preceding gift item (2).

[0114] In the above example, the condition for generating a lottery for Fever Time is that "after the input of a preceding gift item, the number of other viewers who input a subsequent gift item within the time limit reaches a threshold value," but the condition for generating a lottery in this embodiment is not limited to this, and for example, instead of "the number of other viewers who input a subsequent gift item," "the number of times the subsequent gift item is input (which may be input by the same viewer)" may be applied. Furthermore, various other conditions that are satisfied based on the input of gift items multiple times may be applied as the condition for generating a lottery for Fever Time.

[0115] In the example described above, while Fever Time is occurring, the number of item points awarded for the broadcast increases in accordance with the input of the gift item, but the effect of Fever Time is not limited to this, and various effects that are advantageous to the broadcaster may be applied. Furthermore, instead of or in addition to the broadcaster, an effect that is advantageous to the viewer (for example, a discount on the price of the gift item) may also be generated.

[0116] In the above example, a ranking (order) of broadcasters may be set based on the total number of broadcast points earned within a predetermined period, and a reward may be awarded to broadcasters who are ranked in a predetermined order (e.g., the top three) in the ranking (such a system may be called an event or mission held within the live broadcasting service). In this case, the preceding gift item and / or the subsequent gift item may be sold or available for purchase only within the predetermined period.

[0117] The live streaming server 10 of the present embodiment described above holds a lottery to determine whether an event (e.g., fever time) will occur in the content when multiple display requests for an object (e.g., a gift item) for a corresponding predetermined display on the content satisfy a predetermined condition (e.g., when the number of other viewers who input a subsequent gift item within a time limit after inputting a preceding gift item reaches a threshold), and encourages viewers of the content to make display requests for the object so as to satisfy the predetermined condition. As a result, the live streaming server 10 encourages viewers to make display requests for the object in the live streaming service.

[0118] In another embodiment of the present invention, some or all of the functions of the live streaming server 10 in the above-described embodiment may be realized by cooperation between the server 10 and the user terminal 30, or may be realized by the user terminal 30. In other words, the system (or device) of the present invention may be constituted not only by the live streaming server 10, but also by the live streaming server 10 and the user terminal 30, or may be constituted by the user terminal 30.

[0119] 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.

[0120] 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.

[0121] 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]

[0122] 10 Live streaming server 11. Computer Processor 111 Management function control section 112 Distribution control section 15 Storage 151 various tables 1511 User Information Table 1512 Delivery Management Table 1513 Gift Item Information Table 20. Communication Networks 30 User terminals 40 Server-side programs 42 Terminal side program 50 Top screen 60 Distribution preparation screen 70 Streaming Screen 80 viewing screen 200 Gift selection screen

Claims

1. A system for providing a live content distribution service, comprising one or more computer processors, the one or more computer processors comprising: receiving a request to display an object from each of a plurality of viewers of the content; performing a predetermined display corresponding to the object on the content in response to receiving a display request for the object; determining whether or not a plurality of requests to display the object satisfy a predetermined condition in response to receiving the requests to display the object; a step of holding a lottery to determine whether an event will occur in the content in response to the satisfaction of the predetermined condition; and generating the event if the lottery is won. system.

2. the predetermined condition is a condition that is satisfied in response to receiving a plurality of display requests for a second object different from the first object within a predetermined time period after receiving a display request for the first object; The system of claim 1.

3. the predetermined condition is a condition that is satisfied in response to receiving a predetermined number of display requests of the second object, which is equal to or greater than two, within the predetermined time period after receiving a display request of the first object. The system of claim 2.

4. the predetermined condition is a condition that is satisfied in response to receiving requests to display the second object from a predetermined number of other viewers that are equal to or greater than two within the predetermined time period after receiving a request to display the first object from a first viewer, The system of claim 2.

5. the step of accepting the display request for the object includes consuming a predetermined value held by the viewer who has made the display request for the object, the predetermined value being a consumption amount corresponding to the type of the object; The consumption amount of the predetermined value corresponding to the first object is greater than the consumption amount of the predetermined value corresponding to the second object. The system of claim 2.

6. the step of determining whether the predetermined condition is satisfied includes, when a first display request for the first object and a second display request for the first object are received in order, and then a display request for the second object is received within the predetermined time from receiving the first display request, counting the display request for the second object in association with the first display request; The system of claim 2.

7. the step of determining whether the predetermined condition is satisfied includes, when the predetermined time has elapsed since the acceptance of the first display request without the predetermined condition being satisfied, recounting the display request for the second object in association with the second display request. The system of claim 6.

8. the step of holding the lottery includes displaying an effect corresponding to the lottery on the content. The system of claim 1.

9. The effect display has a plurality of display modes each having a different expected probability of winning the lottery. The system of claim 8.

10. The event does not occur if the number of occurrences per distributor in a predetermined period reaches a threshold value. The system of claim 1.

11. The one or more computer processors further perform the step of generating an advantageous effect for a distributor of the content in response to the occurrence of the event. The system of claim 1.

12. The one or more computer processors further perform the step of awarding points to the broadcaster based on actions by each of the plurality of viewers; The advantageous effect is an effect of increasing the points. The system of claim 11.

13. The one or more computer processors further execute the steps of: matching a first broadcaster and a second broadcaster from among a plurality of broadcasters currently live-streaming the content; and determining whether the first broadcaster and the second broadcaster win or lose based on the number of points acquired. The system of claim 12.

14. 1. A method executed by one or more computers for providing a live content streaming service, comprising: receiving a request to display an object from each of a plurality of viewers of the content; performing a predetermined display corresponding to the object on the content in response to receiving a display request for the object; determining whether or not a plurality of requests to display the object satisfy a predetermined condition in response to receiving the requests to display the object; a step of holding a lottery to determine whether an event will occur in the content in response to the satisfaction of the predetermined condition; and generating the event when the lottery is won. method.

15. A program for providing a live content distribution service, the program comprising: receiving a request to display an object from each of a plurality of viewers of the content; performing a predetermined display corresponding to the object on the content in response to receiving a display request for the object; determining whether or not a plurality of requests to display the object satisfy a predetermined condition in response to receiving the requests to display the object; a step of holding a lottery to determine whether an event will occur in the content in response to the satisfaction of the predetermined condition; and causing the event to occur if the lottery is won. program.

16. An apparatus for providing a live content distribution service, comprising: means for receiving a display request for an object from each of a plurality of viewers of the content; a means for performing a predetermined display corresponding to the object on the content in response to reception of a display request for the object; means for determining whether or not a plurality of requests to display the object satisfy a predetermined condition in response to reception of the request to display the object; means for holding a lottery to determine whether an event will occur in the content in response to the satisfaction of the predetermined condition; and a means for causing the event to occur when the lottery is won. Device.

Images