Evaluation information processing device, and control method and control program for the same

Abstract

To suppress excessive influence of separate evaluation by some of evaluators on overall evaluation.SOLUTION: An evaluation information processing device (for example, a server 4) includes identifying means (for example, an identifying unit 83) for identifying a real number (for example, an account number, a number of mobile terminals, and a real number) of users who perform an evaluation action (for example, an input of a score, a coin-tossing input) that gives an individual evaluation degree (for example, a score) to an evaluation target, and adjustment means (for example, an adjustment unit 84) for adjusting an overall evaluation degree (for example, an evaluation total score) obtained by accumulating the individual evaluation degrees given to the evaluation target so that the total evaluation degree changes when the real number identified by the identifying means changes.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 14

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a system for deriving an overall evaluation by combining individual evaluations of evaluation targets. [Background technology]

[0002] A voting method is known in which a plurality of voters vote for at least one of a plurality of candidate songs within the range of their respective points, and based on the accumulated vote points, a candidate song with a high score is selected. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a voting method in which non-paying voters who have normal points granted free of charge and paid voters who have premium points granted for a fee are allowed to vote within the range of their respective points. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-245225 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the voting method described in Patent Document 1, the voting behavior of paid voters who hold premium points tends to have a large influence on the final vote points, which can lead to the inconvenience that the merits of the candidate songs based on the final vote points are determined by the large number of votes cast by a small number of paid voters.

[0005] The problem that the present invention aims to solve is to prevent the individual evaluations by some evaluators from having an excessive influence on the overall evaluation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problem, the present invention adjusts the overall evaluation of a certain evaluation object in accordance with the actual number of evaluators who have individually evaluated the evaluation object. The present invention includes at least the following aspects.

[0007] [A] An evaluation information processing device comprising: a determination means for determining the actual number of users who have performed evaluation behavior that assigns individual evaluation levels to an evaluation object; and an adjustment means for adjusting an overall evaluation level obtained by accumulating the individual evaluation levels assigned to the evaluation object so that the overall evaluation level changes when the actual number determined by the determination means changes.

[0008] [B] A control method for an information processing device, including a determination step of identifying the actual number of users who have performed evaluation behavior that assigns individual evaluation levels to an evaluation object, and an adjustment step of adjusting an overall evaluation level obtained by accumulating the individual evaluation levels assigned to the evaluation object so that the overall evaluation level changes when the actual number identified in the determination step changes.

[0009] [C] A control program that causes a computer of an information processing device to realize a specific function of identifying the actual number of users who have performed evaluation behavior that assigns individual evaluation levels to an evaluation object, and an adjustment function of adjusting an overall evaluation level obtained by accumulating the individual evaluation levels assigned to the evaluation object so that the overall evaluation level changes when the actual number identified by the specific function changes.

[0010] [D] A recording medium that non-temporarily records a control program that causes a computer of an information processing device to realize a specific function that identifies the actual number of users who have performed evaluation behavior that assigns individual evaluation ratings to an evaluation object, and an adjustment function that adjusts an overall evaluation rating obtained by accumulating the individual evaluation ratings assigned to the evaluation object so that the overall evaluation rating changes when the actual number identified by the specific function changes. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the individual evaluations by some evaluators from having an excessive influence on the overall evaluation.

[0012] (1) The following technical limitations may be added to the "information processing device" in [A] above. In addition, similar technical limitations may be added to the "control method" in [B] above, the "control program" in [C] above, and the control program recorded on the "recording medium" in [D] above.

[0013] (2) The adjusting means adjusts the overall rating so that the overall rating increases as the number of actual users specified by the specifying means increases. This makes it possible to prevent the excessive influence of individual ratings by a few evaluators, since the overall rating increases as the number of actual users who have given individual ratings increases.

[0014] (3) The specifying means specifies the actual number of users who performed the rating behavior during the live distribution of the rating target. If the overall rating level is adjusted based on the actual number, rating behavior during the live distribution is encouraged.

[0015] (4) The specifying means specifies the actual number of users who have engaged in a second rating behavior that has looser restrictions on ratings than the first rating behavior. By adjusting the overall rating level based on the actual number, repetition of the second rating behavior is encouraged.

[0016] (5) The specifying means specifies the actual number of users who have engaged in the second rating behavior, which has a looser restriction on the number of ratings than the first rating behavior. By adjusting the overall rating level based on the actual number, the excessive influence of the second rating behavior, which is likely to be repeated, can be suppressed.

[0017] (6) The identification means identifies the actual number of users who have engaged in the second evaluation behavior using a second element that has looser restrictions on the number of items acquired than the first element used in the first evaluation behavior. By adjusting the overall evaluation level based on the actual number, the excessive influence of the second evaluation behavior, which is likely to be repeated, can be suppressed.

[0018] (7) The specifying means specifies the actual number of users who have engaged in the second evaluation behavior using the second element, which has a higher acquisition cost than the first element. By adjusting the overall evaluation level based on the actual number, excessive repetition of the second evaluation behavior can be prevented.

[0019] (8) The identification means identifies the actual number of users who have performed the evaluation behavior that can be performed using electronic information available in exchange for a fee. By adjusting the overall evaluation level based on the actual number, excessive repetition of evaluation behavior can be prevented.

[0020] (9) The identification means identifies the actual number of users who have performed the evaluation behavior that can be performed using electronic information with a set expiration date. By adjusting the overall evaluation level based on the actual number, excessive repetition of evaluation behavior can be prevented.

[0021] (10) The specifying means specifies the number of terminals used in the evaluation behavior as the actual number. By adjusting the overall evaluation level based on the actual number, the influence of repeated evaluation behavior by some evaluators can be suppressed.

[0022] (11) The specifying means specifies the actual number of users who have performed the evaluation behavior as the actual number. If the overall evaluation level is adjusted based on the actual number, the influence of repeated evaluation behavior by some evaluators can be suppressed.

[0023] In this specification, the following terms are used:

[0024] (1) "Subject to evaluation" may include objects that can be grasped through at least one of the five senses (especially sight and hearing). Objects may include living and non-living things. Objects may also include performances based on physical actions (e.g., vocalization, physical movement) that can be grasped through at least one of sight and hearing, as well as performers who perform the performance. Objects may also include digital information that can be played on an information processing terminal and participants in the digital information. Digital information includes at least one of video information and audio information. Digital information includes, for example, online distribution (e.g., live distribution, non-live distribution) and digital content. Online distribution includes, for example, performance videos that include video and audio of a performer's performance. Performances include, for example, karaoke singing. Participants in digital information include, for example, participants in the online distribution (e.g., distributors, performers) and participants in the digital content (e.g., producers, performers).

[0025] (2) "Evaluation" means judging the value of an object of evaluation, such as good or bad, beauty or ugliness, superiority or inferiority. The value being evaluated can include both positive and negative values. The value being evaluated can also be limited to positive values.

[0026] (3) "Individual evaluation" refers to evaluation by one person. Methods of "individual evaluation" include, for example, a single choice of whether to be positive (negative), a single choice of positive or negative, and input of the degree of evaluation (e.g., level, score). The criteria for "individual evaluation" may be arbitrary or may be explicitly specified in advance. The degree of evaluation input by "individual evaluation" is specifically referred to as the "individual evaluation level."

[0027] (4) "Overall evaluation" refers to an evaluation obtained by aggregating multiple individual evaluations. The aggregation method for the "overall evaluation" may include calculating a cumulative value or identifying a representative value. When calculating the cumulative value, a weight may be assigned to at least one of the individual evaluations based on some criteria. Representative values ​​include, for example, the average value and the median value. The degree of evaluation obtained by aggregating the individual evaluation degrees is specifically referred to as the "overall evaluation degree."

[0028] (5) "Evaluator" refers to the subject of an individual evaluation. "Evaluator" includes, for example, spectators of a performance, viewers of online distribution, and viewers of digital content. "Evaluators" grasp the object of evaluation with at least one of the five senses and make an individual evaluation of the object of evaluation. "Evaluators" grasp the object of evaluation visually, aurally, or audiovisually, for example, and make an individual evaluation of the object of evaluation.

[0029] (6) "Evaluation behavior" refers to the behavior of an evaluator in which the evaluator associates his or her own individual evaluation with the evaluation target. "Evaluation behavior" may be an action performed offline or online. Evaluation behavior performed online includes, for example, an operation using an information processing terminal (evaluation operation). The information processing terminal may be a terminal owned by the evaluator, or a terminal used for evaluation operations by multiple evaluators. The evaluation operation may be a designation operation that designates a single element (display element) displayed on the screen of the information processing terminal, or a selection operation that selects one of multiple elements (display elements) displayed on the screen of the information processing terminal.

[0030] (7) "Evaluation behavior" can be divided into "first evaluation behavior" and "second evaluation behavior." The "first evaluation behavior" and "second evaluation behavior" can be divided, for example, based on the degree of restrictions on evaluation, or according to the display elements used for evaluation. For example, they can be divided into "first evaluation behavior" with relatively strict restrictions on evaluation and "second evaluation behavior" with relatively looser restrictions. Also, for example, they can be divided into "first evaluation behavior" that uses a "first element" with relatively strict restrictions on acquisition and "second evaluation behavior" that uses a "second element" with relatively looser restrictions. Restrictions on evaluation include, for example, an upper limit on the number of individual evaluations by one evaluator for one evaluation object, and an upper limit on the cumulative value of individual evaluation levels that one evaluator can assign to one evaluation object.

[0031] (8) The "first element" and the "second element" may be classified, for example, based on the degree of restrictions on acquisition. For example, the "first element" may be classified as having relatively strict restrictions on acquisition, and the "second element" may be classified as having relatively loose restrictions. The restrictions on acquisition may include, for example, a limit on the number of items that can be acquired per acquisition procedure, a limit on the cumulative number of items that can be acquired, and a limit on the number of items that can be held.

[0032] (9) "Actual number" refers to the actual number. The actual number is, for example, the number obtained by eliminating duplicates as much as possible from the apparent number. The "actual number of users who performed rating behavior" includes, for example, the actual number or an approximation of the actual number of user accounts that were the subject of rating behavior, the actual number or an approximation of the actual number of terminals used for individual ratings, and the actual number or an approximation of the actual number of raters who performed individual ratings.

[0033] (10) When adjusting the overall rating to change as the actual number of users who have performed rating behavior changes, the adjustment mode includes at least a mode in which the overall rating increases as the actual number increases, and a mode in which the overall rating decreases as the actual number decreases. It may also include a mode in which the overall rating increases as the actual number of users who have performed positive rating behavior increases, and decreases as the actual number of users who have performed negative rating behavior increases.

[0034] (11) "Electronic information" is information that can embody, for example, monetary value, rights, qualifications, status, and standing. "Electronic information" can be obtained, for example, in exchange for a price. "Electronic information" may have an expiration date. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0035] [Figure 1] 1 is an explanatory diagram of a configuration example of a karaoke system (embodiment); [Figure 2] 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the electrical configuration of a server (embodiment); [Figure 3] 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the electrical configuration of a mobile terminal (embodiment); [Figure 4] 10A to 10C are explanatory diagrams illustrating examples of screen displays on a mobile device in the process of shooting a singing video (Example). [Figure 5] 10A to 10C are explanatory diagrams illustrating examples of screen displays on a mobile terminal in the procedure for watching a singing video (Example). [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a screen display on a mobile terminal of a viewing user in a singing competition (Example). [Figure 7] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating divided regions of a song used in a singing competition (Example); [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a screen display on a mobile terminal of a viewing user in a singing competition (Example). [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a screen display in the procedure for selecting a coin tip effect image (Example). [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a singing video on which a coin tip effect image is superimposed (Example). [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of a singing competition function (embodiment); [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a flow diagram illustrating the flow of a singing battle process (embodiment). [Figure 13] 10 is a flow diagram illustrating the flow of an evaluation reception process (embodiment); [Figure 14] 1 is a functional block diagram relating to an evaluation function (embodiment); [Figure 15] 10 is a flow diagram illustrating the flow of an evaluation derivation process (Example). DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0036] [1. Embodiment] [1-1. Overview] This embodiment relates to a system for deriving an overall rating by combining individual ratings by multiple evaluators for a rating object. The rating information processing device according to this embodiment is configured to adjust the overall rating for a rating object according to the actual number of evaluators who have individually rated the rating object, in order to prevent the individual ratings by some evaluators from having an excessive influence on the overall rating.

[0037] [1-2. Evaluation information processing device] The evaluation information processing device (e.g., server 4) according to the embodiment includes a determination means (e.g., determination unit 83) for determining the actual number of users who have performed evaluation behavior that assigns an individual evaluation rating to an evaluation target, and an adjustment means (e.g., adjustment unit 84) for adjusting an overall evaluation rating obtained by accumulating the individual evaluation ratings assigned to the evaluation target so that the overall evaluation rating changes when the actual number determined by the determination means changes.

[0038] The adjusting means preferably adjusts the overall rating so that the overall rating increases as the actual number of users identified by the identifying means increases. Specifically, the adjusting means may adjust the overall rating using, for example, the formulas shown in [Equation 1], [Equation 2], and [Equation 3]. This can induce users to take rating actions.

[0039] [Number 1] Overall rating = Cumulative rating × {1 + (weight w1 × actual number of users)} (However, w1>0)

[0040] [Number 2] Overall rating = (weight w21 × cumulative rating) + (weight w22 × actual number of users) (However, w21>0, w22>0)

[0041] [Number 3] Overall rating = (weight w31 × cumulative rating) × (weight w32 × actual number of users) (However, w31>0, w32>0)

[0042] Preferably, the specifying means specifies the actual number of users who performed the rating action during the live streaming of the rating target, thereby encouraging users who are watching the live streaming to perform the rating action while watching.

[0043] The specifying means preferably specifies the actual number of users who have performed a second rating behavior, which has looser restrictions on ratings than the first rating behavior, thereby encouraging users to perform the second rating behavior. [Example]

[0044] 2. Working Example [2-1. Overview of the Example] [2-1-1. Overview of evaluation function] This embodiment relates to an evaluation function that derives a total evaluation score (an example of an "overall evaluation level") for a live broadcast (an example of an "evaluation target") by aggregating points (an example of an "individual evaluation level") assigned by evaluation operations (an example of an "evaluator") performed by viewing users (an example of an "evaluator") while viewing the broadcast. In this embodiment, the evaluation function is implemented in a karaoke system that provides a karaoke service (hereinafter referred to as the "service of the embodiment").

[0045] In the service of the embodiment, when a viewing user viewing a live broadcast of a singing video or a singing competition video performs a rating operation targeting a display element displayed on the viewing screen, a score corresponding to the display element is assigned to the live broadcast. As the cumulative total of the assigned scores (cumulative score) increases, the total rating score increases. The superiority or ranking of multiple live broadcasts is determined based on the magnitude of the total rating score. The following mainly describes a case where an overall rating is derived by combining individual ratings given by viewing users during the live broadcast of a singing competition video, and superiority or inferiority is determined.

[0046] [2-1-2. Main characteristics of display elements] The display elements include a first element (corresponding to "operation icon 58A" in the following explanation) and a second element (corresponding to "throwing effect image" in the following explanation). There may be multiple types of the first element and the second element, each of which differs in at least one of the corresponding points and the appearance on the screen. When comparing the first element and the second element, there are differences, for example, in the restrictions on acquisition, acquisition cost, restrictions on use, and corresponding functions (activation effects).

[0047] (1) Differences in availability restrictions Compared to the first element, the second element has looser acquisition restrictions. For example, restrictions on acquisition include a limit on the number of items that can be acquired per acquisition procedure, a limit on the total number of items that can be acquired, and a limit on the number of items that can be held. In this respect, the second element is more likely to be acquired in bulk or held in large quantities.

[0048] (2) Differences in acquisition costs The second element has a higher acquisition cost than the first element. In the service of this embodiment, the first element is acquired free of charge, whereas the second element is acquired for a fee. Specifically, the first element can be acquired automatically (i.e., passively) at a predetermined timing before or during viewing of a live broadcast. On the other hand, the second element can be acquired for a fee at any timing before or during viewing of a live broadcast. It can be obtained (i.e., actively) in direct or indirect exchange with (monetary value). In this respect, there is a certain deterrent effect on the large-scale acquisition of the second element.

[0049] (3) Differences in restrictions on use Compared to the first element, the second element has looser restrictions on the number of times it can be used. A viewing user of the service of this embodiment performs a rating operation on one of the display elements that they have acquired while watching a live broadcast. In the following explanation, the upper limit on the number of times the first rating operation using the first element (corresponding to "inputting a score" in the following explanation) can be performed is once per broadcast, and the upper limit on the number of times the second rating operation using the second element (corresponding to "inputting a tip" in the following explanation) can be performed is unlimited. In other words, compared to the first rating operation, the upper limit on the number of ratings using the second rating operation (an example of a "restriction on ratings") is looser. In this respect, the second rating operation is more likely to be repeated.

[0050] (4) Differences in supported functions When a first evaluation operation targeting a first element is performed, a first performance is executed on the screen. On the other hand, when a second evaluation operation targeting a second element is performed, a second performance is executed on the screen. Compared to the first performance, the second performance is visually or auditorily flashy (rich). Being visually flashy means that the display content is directly made to stand out, for example, by using a large display area for visual information, a long display time for visual information, a large number of colors used in the visual information, a large amount of decorative visual information, large movement of the visual information, or a long period of time for the visual information to move. Being auditorily flashy means that the display content is indirectly made to stand out, for example, by using audio information, a long playback time for audio information, or a high playback volume for audio information. These features may be used alone or in combination.

[0051] [2-1-3. Main features of the evaluation function] In the service of this embodiment, the total evaluation score is adjusted according to the number of accounts of viewing users who have performed the second rating operation. Specifically, the total evaluation score is adjusted using the formula shown in [Equation 4]. Due to this feature, in the service of this embodiment, the magnitude of the cumulative score, which is a simple cumulative value of the points given by the second rating operation, may not match the magnitude of the total evaluation score. In other words, even if a user is at a disadvantage in terms of cumulative score, it is possible for the user to overtake the user in terms of the total evaluation score depending on the number of accounts of users who have performed the second rating operation.

[0052] [Number 4] Total score = cumulative score × {1 + (weight w4 × number of accounts)} (However, w4>0)

[0053] [2-2. Details of the Example] [2-2-1. Karaoke system configuration] Fig. 1 is an explanatory diagram of an example configuration of a karaoke system 1. As illustrated in Fig. 1, the karaoke system 1 includes a communication line 2, a plurality of mobile terminals 3 (mobile terminal 3A1, mobile terminal 3A2, mobile terminal 3B), and a server 4.

[0054] The communication line 2 forms a computer network, and is, for example, a wide area communication line provided by an electric utility company.

[0055] The mobile terminal 3 is an information processing terminal such as a smartphone, tablet terminal, or laptop computer, and is used by a user to utilize the service of the embodiment. The mobile terminal 3 includes a touch panel display 3a for displaying images, a speaker 3b for outputting sound, a microphone 3c for inputting sound, a camera 3d for capturing images of a subject, and an earphone terminal 3e for connecting earphones (not shown). Note that "capturing" here refers to a state in which the camera 3d is functioning and the subject is displayed on the touch panel display 3a regardless of whether recording is occurring. The touch panel display 3a includes, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) and a touch sensor. The LCD displays various images, and the touch sensor accepts various input operations performed using a pointing device such as a finger, a stylus, or a pen. In the following description, the touch panel display 3a is also referred to as a screen 3a.

[0056] The server 4 is an information processing device that provides the service of the embodiment to the mobile terminal 3 via the communication line 2. Note that a server system may be configured by linking a plurality of information processing devices, and a plurality of functions of the server 4 may be shared among the plurality of information processing devices, or the load on the server 4 may be distributed among the plurality of information processing devices. In addition, the information processing device that handles some functions may be managed by a different entity than the information processing device that handles other functions.

[0057] In the example of FIG. 1, a singing user uploads his / her singing video (singing video data) to a video posting site by transmitting the singing video (singing video data) from mobile terminal 3A to server 4. Meanwhile, a viewing user accesses the video posting site using mobile terminal 3B and views the singing video. Note that the singing user can also view the singing video he / she has uploaded by accessing the video posting site using mobile terminal 3A. Also, the user of mobile terminal 3B can become a singing user and upload a singing video to the video posting site.

[0058] [2-2-2. Server electrical configuration] Fig. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the electrical configuration of the server 4. As illustrated in Fig. 2, the server 4 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 20, which is a main control unit that controls the overall operation of the server 4, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 22 in which various programs and various data are stored in advance, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 24 that is used as a work area when the CPU 20 executes various programs, and an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 26 that serves as storage means for storing various programs and various data.

[0059] The HDD 26 stores singing video data transmitted from the mobile terminal 3A, i.e., singing video data uploaded to a video posting site, song data indicating songs that the singing user can sing, etc. The storage means is not limited to the HDD 26, and may be, for example, another storage medium such as a semiconductor memory, such as a flash memory.

[0060] Furthermore, the server 4 is equipped with an operation input unit 28 consisting of a keyboard, mouse, etc., which accepts input of various operations, a monitor 30 such as a liquid crystal display device which displays various images, and an external interface 32 which is connected to other information processing terminals such as a mobile terminal 3 via the communication line 2 and sends and receives various data to and from other information processing terminals, etc.

[0061] The CPU 20, ROM 22, RAM 24, HDD 26, operation input unit 28, monitor 30, and external interface 32 are electrically connected to one another via a system bus 34. Therefore, the CPU 20 can access the ROM 22, RAM 24, and HDD 26, grasp the operation status of the operation input unit 28, display images on the monitor 30, and send and receive various data to and from other information processing devices, etc. via the external interface 32.

[0062] [2-2-3. Electrical configuration of mobile terminal] Fig. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the electrical configuration of the mobile terminal 3. As illustrated in Fig. 3, the mobile terminal 3 includes a main control unit 40, a main memory unit 42, an auxiliary memory unit 44, a communication unit 46, and operation buttons 48 in addition to the configuration shown in Fig. 1.

[0063] The main control unit 40 is, for example, a CPU, a microprocessor, a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), or the like, and controls the overall operation of the mobile terminal 3.

[0064] The main storage unit 42 is configured with, for example, RAM or DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory), and is used as a work area when the main control unit 40 executes processes based on various programs.

[0065] The auxiliary storage unit 44 is, for example, a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory, and stores various data such as images, and programs used for processing by the main control unit 40. The programs stored in the auxiliary storage unit 44 include, for example, an operating system (OS) for implementing the basic functions of the mobile terminal 3, drivers for controlling various hardware, and programs for implementing email, web browsing, and various other functions. The auxiliary storage unit 44 also pre-stores an application program (hereinafter referred to as a "video posting and viewing app") for shooting and posting singing videos and viewing videos posted on a video posting site.

[0066] The communication unit 46 is, for example, a network interface controller (NIC), and has a function of connecting to the communication line 2. Note that the communication unit 46 may have, instead of or together with the NIC, a function of connecting to a wireless local area network (LAN), a function of connecting to a wireless wide area network (WAN), or a function of enabling short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), infrared communication, etc.

[0067] The operation buttons 48 are provided on the side of the mobile terminal 3, and include a power button for starting or stopping the mobile terminal 3, a volume adjustment button for adjusting the volume of the sound output by the speaker 3b, and the like.

[0068] The main control unit 40, main memory unit 42, auxiliary memory unit 44, communication unit 46, operation buttons 48, touch panel display 3a, speaker 3b, microphone 3c, camera 3d, and earphone jack 3e are electrically connected to one another via a system bus 49. Therefore, the main control unit 40 can access the main memory unit 42 and auxiliary memory unit 44, display images on the touch panel display 3a, grasp the operation status of the touch panel display 3a and operation buttons 48 by the user, input sound to the microphone 3c, output sound from the speaker 3b or earphones connected to the earphone jack 3e, control the camera 3d, access various communication networks and other information processing devices via the communication unit 46, and the like.

[0069] [2-2-4. Filming of singing videos by singing users] The procedure for a singing user to shoot a singing video using the mobile terminal 3A will be described.

[0070] When a singing user shoots a singing video, the singing user launches a video posting and viewing app on the mobile terminal 3A. When the video posting and viewing app is launched, the mobile terminal 3A accesses the server 4, which stores multiple pieces of music data. The singing user then arbitrarily selects a piece of music to sing from the video posting and viewing app and downloads the music data from the server 4 to the mobile terminal 3A. The singing user then plays the music at a timing of their choice using the video posting and viewing app and sings. The video posting and viewing app starts playing the music and starts shooting a video with the camera 3d. In other words, the singing video is a video shot by the mobile terminal 3A while the music is being played from the mobile terminal 3A.

[0071] Note that song data is also associated with lyric data, and when song data is downloaded from the server 4 to the mobile terminal 3A, the associated lyric data is also downloaded to the mobile terminal 3A. Note that in the following explanation, song data is assumed to include lyric data.

[0072] FIG. 4 shows an example (screen display example) of a display state (hereinafter referred to as "screen display") on the screen 3a of the mobile terminal 3A in the procedure for shooting a singing video.

[0073] 4, the screen 3a is divided into a lyrics display area 50A and a captured image display area 50B. The lyrics display area 50A includes a lyrics image 52 that displays the lyrics of the song being sung by the user, a pitch image 54 that displays the pitch of the song, and a progress bar 56 that displays the progress of the capture.

[0074] The lyric image 52 and the pitch image 54 are updated as the song progresses. In the service of the embodiment, for example, the lyric image 52 and the pitch image 54 are updated every few phrases and displayed in the lyrics display area 50A. Note that the update timing of the lyric image 52 and the pitch image 54 may be the same or different.

[0075] As an example, the lyrics image 52 displays lyrics in multiple rows (two rows in the example of FIG. 4), and the color of the lyrics in the upper row changes from the left end to the right end as the song progresses so that the singing user can understand the lyrics that should currently be sung. When the color change of the lyrics in the upper row reaches the right end, the lyrics in the lower row rises and are displayed in the upper row, and new lyrics are displayed in the lower row, and the color of the lyrics in the upper row changes again from the left end to the right end as the song progresses.

[0076] As an example, the pitch image 54 displays multiple pitch bars 54A in a stepped pattern in the left-right direction according to the pitch strength. Then, to enable the singing user to grasp the pitch of the lyrics that should currently be sung, the color of the pitch bars 54A changes from the left end to the right end as the song progresses, and the pointer 54B moves from the left end to the right end. When the color of the pitch bar 54A changes and the pointer 54B reaches the right end, the pitch image 54 indicating the next pitch is updated and displayed.

[0077] As an example, the length of the progress bar 56 from the left end to the right end indicates the length of the entire song. When playback of the song begins, a pointer 56A indicating the playback position of the song moves from the left end to the right end, and when the pointer 56A reaches the right end, the song ends. Note that the part of the progress bar 56 that the pointer 56A has passed through is displayed thicker than its position before the progress bar 56 began.

[0078] Recording of a singing video starts a predetermined time (e.g., 10 seconds) after the singing user selects a song and taps a recording start button (not shown) displayed on screen 3a. The start and end of video recording may coincide with the start and end of the song, but this is not limited thereto. Video recording may start a predetermined time (e.g., 5 seconds) before the start of the song, or may end a predetermined time (e.g., 5 seconds) after the song ends.

[0079] The singing user connects earphones to the earphone terminal 3e, listens to the music being played using the earphones, and sings along with the music. The mobile terminal 3A captures a photo of the singing user using the camera 3d and records the singing user's singing using the microphone 3c. In other words, the microphone 3c does not capture the sound of the music being played. The mobile terminal 3A then records the singing user's singing voice captured by the microphone 3c and uses the recorded data as singing data.

[0080] The singing data may be filtered to extract the frequency band of the human voice, which removes noise from the singing user's surrounding environment, making the recorded singing voice clearer.

[0081] The video posting and viewing app then combines the music data and singing data with the recording data to generate singing video data that can be sent to the server 4. As an example, the user can select one of the following two options for the timing of sending the singing video data to the server 4, i.e., the timing of uploading the data to the video posting site.

[0082] One is live streaming, in which a singing user uploads singing video data to a video sharing site in real time while singing. In live streaming, viewing users watch the singing user sing in real time. The other is non-live streaming, in which a singing user uploads singing video data to a video sharing site at a timing of their choice after completing singing of a song.

[0083] When performing live streaming, the singing user sets up the live streaming before recording the singing video, and the singing video data is uploaded to the video sharing site at the same time as the video recording starts. Note that in the case of live streaming, the singing video data may be uploaded to the video sharing site without being stored in the mobile terminal 3A.

[0084] In addition, as a setting for live streaming, a singing user can set either a first live streaming setting that allows viewing users to view the singing video during live streaming, or a second live streaming setting that allows viewing users to view the singing video even after the live streaming. That is, with the first live streaming setting, the singing video data is deleted from the server 4 when the live streaming ends, and viewing users cannot view the live-streamed singing video after the live streaming ends. On the other hand, with the second live streaming setting, the server 4 continues to store the singing video data even after the live streaming ends, so viewing users can view the singing video as a non-live stream even after the live streaming ends.

[0085] In the case of non-live distribution, the singing video data is temporarily stored in the mobile terminal 3A, and the singing user operates the video posting and viewing application to upload the singing video to the video posting site at any time.

[0086] [2-2-5. Viewing of singing videos by viewers] The procedure for the viewing user to view the singing video using the mobile terminal 3B will be described.

[0087] When a viewing user wishes to view a singing video, the viewing user launches a video posting and viewing app on the mobile terminal 3B. When the video posting and viewing app is launched, the mobile terminal 3B accesses a server 4 that stores multiple singing video data, i.e., a video posting site. The viewing user then selects the singing video they wish to view via the video posting and viewing app and displays it on the screen 3a. The server 4 distributes the singing video to the mobile terminal 3B by streaming, for example.

[0088] FIG. 5 shows an example of a screen display on the mobile terminal 3B in the procedure for viewing a singing video, and shows a screen display when live streaming is being performed.

[0089] The screen 3a displays a singing video and also has a singing user display area 50C, a lyrics display area 50D, and a comment input display area 50E. The singing user display area 50C, the lyrics display area 50D, and the comment input display area 50E may be displayed superimposed on the singing video.

[0090] The singing user display area 50C displays the username of the singing user who posted the singing video, an indication of whether or not it is a live broadcast, and the name of the song being sung.

[0091] The lyrics of the singing video are displayed in the lyrics display area 50D. For example, the lyrics displayed are multiple phrases at a time, and the color of the lyrics changes from the left end to the right end as the music progresses. For example, the lyrics display area 50D may display lyrics in multiple rows. In this case, when the color change of the lyrics in the upper row reaches the right end, the lyrics in the lower row rise and are displayed in the upper row, and new lyrics are displayed in the lower row. The color of the lyrics in the upper row changes again from the left end to the right end as the music progresses.

[0092] In the comment input display area 50E, a comment input field is displayed, and comments from viewing users who are viewing the singing video are displayed together with the user names. As an example, each time a comment is input from a viewing user, the comment is additionally displayed at the top of the comment input display area 50E, and comments that were previously displayed are moved down. When there are more comments than can be displayed in the comment input display area 50E, a scroll bar (not shown) is displayed on the right side of the comment display area, and the viewing user can operate the scroll bar to display comments that were not previously displayed on the screen 3a.

[0093] Furthermore, operation icons 58A to 58D are displayed on the screen 3a to allow the viewing user to perform various operations.

[0094] The operation icon 58A is an icon that is tapped when the viewing user empathizes with the singing video that the viewing user is viewing, and the total number of taps on the operation icon 58A for the singing video is displayed above the operation icon 58A.

[0095] Operation icon 58B is an icon that is tapped by a viewing user when the viewing user challenges a singing user who is live streaming a singing video displayed on screen 3a to a battle (hereinafter referred to as a "singing battle"). A singing battle involves simultaneously displaying multiple singing videos (first singing video, second singing video) by different singing users on screen 3a of the viewing user's mobile terminal 3B, and the singing videos alternate singing the same song. In other words, the viewing user who taps operation icon 58B becomes the singing user who will participate in the singing battle.

[0096] The operation icon 58C is an icon that is tapped by the viewing user when the viewing user makes various settings for the video posting and viewing app.

[0097] The operation icon 58D is an icon that is tapped by the viewing user when superimposing a decorative image on the singing video displayed on the screen 3a. The decorative images in the service of the embodiment have monetary values ​​determined according to their types, and can be obtained by the viewing user in exchange for monetary value (for example, by paying cash, consuming virtual currency, or consuming points). The viewing user then superimposes a decorative image on the singing video they are viewing by tapping the operation icon 58D. The singing user of the singing video on which the decorative image is superimposed receives money corresponding to the superimposed decorative image from the operator of the video posting site. In other words, the viewing user's superimposition of a decorative image on a singing video (display instruction) corresponds to a so-called tipping payment to the singing user.

[0098] [2-2-6. Overview of the competitive singing function] The video posting and viewing app supports a battle function in which multiple users, who are performers, compete against each other to see who can show the best performance video of their own. The battle function in the service of the embodiment is a kind of karaoke battle, and is a singing battle function that simultaneously displays multiple singing videos (first singing video 60A, second singing video 60B) by different singing users on the screen 3a of the mobile terminal 3B of the viewing user, as illustrated in FIG. 6. The singing battle function is executed by the server 4.

[0099] Fig. 6 is an example of a screen display on the mobile terminal 3B of the viewing user in a singing battle. The "VS" display shown in Fig. 6 is displayed when the singing battle begins, and is stopped a predetermined time (e.g., 3 seconds) after the singing battle begins. The screen display on the mobile terminal 3A of the singing user may be the same as that shown in Fig. 6, or may be a screen display such as that shown in Fig. 4 with the other singing users participating in the singing battle displayed in a reduced size (see Fig. 8 described later).

[0100] In order for a singing competition to take place, a singing user (hereinafter referred to as the "first singing user") requests another singing user (hereinafter referred to as the "second singing user") to simultaneously stream a singing video (hereinafter referred to as the "competition request"), and the second singing user must accept the competition request.

[0101] More specifically, the first singing user launches a video posting and viewing app on his / her mobile terminal 3A1 and sends a challenge request to a second singing user who is live streaming a singing video using the video posting and viewing app. The challenge request is sent by the first singing user tapping the operation icon 58B. The first singing user selects the song to be sung in the singing challenge. Information indicating the selected song (hereinafter referred to as the "challenge song"), such as the title and singer's name, is sent to the second singing user along with the challenge request.

[0102] The match request transmitted from the mobile terminal 3A1 is transmitted to the mobile terminal 3A2 of the second singing user via the server 4. An image corresponding to the received match request is displayed on the screen 3a of the mobile terminal 3A2, and if the second singing user accepts the match request, he or she taps a predetermined image displayed on the screen 3a.

[0103] Then, when the second singing user accepts the battle request from the first singing user, the server 4 starts the battle singing by distributing the first singing video 60A by the first singing user and the second singing video 60B by the second singing user so that they are simultaneously displayed on the screen 3a of the mobile terminal 3B. This allows the viewing user to watch the battle singing between the first singing user and the second singing user in real time (real-time battle). In the following description, the first singing video 60A and the second singing video 60B distributed in the battle singing are also collectively referred to as battle singing videos.

[0104] In this way, the singing competition function accepts a singing video competition request from a first singing user to a second singing user, and when the second singing user accepts the competition request, distributes the first singing video 60A and the second singing video 60B so that they are simultaneously displayed on the screen 3a of the mobile terminal 3B. Therefore, the singing competition function enables singing users to compete with each other using their own singing videos, and also enables viewing users to simultaneously view multiple competing singing videos.

[0105] It is also possible that the second singing user accepts the battle request but does not accept the battle song. For such a case, the battle singing function may have a function to transmit information indicating a change in the battle song and the battle song selected by the second singing user from the mobile terminal 3A2 of the second singing user to the mobile terminal 3A1 of the first singing user, and to request approval from the first singing user.

[0106] [2-2-6-1. Alternating singing in singing competitions] In the singing battle function according to the embodiment, a first singing user and a second singing user alternately sing the same song (hereinafter referred to as "alternate singing").

[0107] Alternate singing may take the form of, for example, a first singing user finishing singing a song, and then a second singing user singing the same song in its entirety. However, the singing battle function in the service of the embodiment virtually divides a song into multiple regions as shown in FIG. 7, and sets the order of singing users to sing for each divided region 68 (hereinafter referred to as "alternate performance setting"). As a result, the first singing user and the second singing user will alternate singing the same song according to the alternating performance setting, allowing viewing users to clearly recognize the difference in singing ability between the first singing user and the second singing user and to enjoy the singing battle even more. In the following description, the order of singing users to sing will be referred to as the alternating singing order.

[0108] As an example, the singing battle function highlights the portion of the lyrics that the singing user is to sing, thereby allowing the singing user to recognize the divided area 68 that he or she is to sing. The highlighting is achieved by changing the color or thickness of the lyrics, for example.

[0109] 7, divided areas 68 are set so that the first singing user and the second singing user sing alternately, and divided areas 68 are also set so that the first singing user and the second singing user sing together. The divided areas 68 are set in advance based on, for example, phrases, choruses, measures, etc. of a song, and the time lengths of the divided areas 68 do not necessarily have to be the same.

[0110] The alternating singing order is determined when a singing battle is decided. For example, the order is set so that the first singing user who requested the battle sings first, and the second singing user sings afterwards. Note that the divided area 68 in which the first singing user and the second singing user sing together may be set in advance for each song.

[0111] The alternating singing order set based on the divided areas may also change dynamically. For example, singing users with relatively higher total scores obtained by an evaluation function (described later) may sing in more divided areas 68. More specifically, the total scores for each singing user (singing video) are compared at each predetermined timing in the song, and the singing user with the relatively higher total score sings the subsequent divided areas 68 in succession. In this case, the maximum number of divided areas 68 that can be sung in succession is predetermined.

[0112] As a result, singing users with a relatively high total score will have more divided areas 68 to sing in, while singing users with a relatively low total score will have fewer divided areas 68 to sing in. Therefore, singing users with a relatively high total score can better showcase their singing ability to viewing users and more easily attract viewing users.

[0113] [2-2-6-2. Screen display and audio output during alternating singing] As described above, Fig. 6 shows the display screen of the viewing user's mobile terminal 3B in a singing battle, where the first singing video 60A and the second singing video 60B are both displayed in the same image size. Furthermore, a display (“NOW PLAYING” in Fig. 6) is displayed so that the viewing user can recognize the singing video in progress.

[0114] Here, a singing video and its audio when the singing is not currently being performed are not of interest to the viewing user, and may even distract the viewing user who is watching the singing in progress.

[0115] Therefore, in the service of the embodiment, singing videos are delivered to the mobile terminal 3B so that the sound of the singing video in which singing is being performed is output and the sound of the singing video in which singing is not being performed is not output. Also, the server 4 delivers the singing videos to the mobile terminal 3B so that the singing videos in which singing is being performed are displayed larger on the screen 3a of the mobile terminal 3B than the singing videos in which singing is not being performed. This allows the viewing user to watch the battle singing video without being distracted by the singing videos in which singing is not being performed.

[0116] Fig. 8 is an example of a screen display on the mobile terminal 3B during a singing battle. In the example of Fig. 8, the first singing video 60A is currently being sung, and the second singing video 60B is not currently being sung, so the first singing video 60A is displayed enlarged (full screen display), while the second singing video 60B is displayed reduced (window display). The image size and display position on the screen 3a when the singing videos are displayed reduced may be predetermined, or the viewing user may be able to change the image size and screen position to any desired value.

[0117] In the service of the embodiment, the singing videos are delivered to the mobile terminal 3B so that the audio of the first singing video 60A and the second singing video 60B is output or the screen of the first singing video 60A and the second singing video 60B is displayed based on the alternating singing order described above.

[0118] That is, in the divided area 68 where the first singing user sings, the audio of the first singing video 60A is output and the first singing video 60A is displayed enlarged, while the audio of the second singing video 60B is not output and the second singing video 60B is displayed in a reduced size. Also, in the divided area 68 where the second singing user sings, the audio of the second singing video 60B is output and the second singing video 60B is displayed enlarged, while the audio of the first singing video 60A is not output and the first singing video 60A is displayed in a reduced size. Also, in the divided area 68 where the first and second singing users sing together, the first singing video 60A and the second singing video 60B are displayed on the screen at the same image size, as shown in FIG. 6, and both are output as audio.

[0119] In this way, in the service of the embodiment, the audio output and screen display of the competitive singing video are controlled based on the alternating performance settings described above, so that even when singing videos are displayed simultaneously, the output of the competitive singing video on the viewing user's mobile terminal 3B can be easily controlled.

[0120] [2-2-6-3. Evaluation function] The video posting and viewing app has an evaluation function that accepts input of evaluations of each competitive singing video (hereinafter referred to as "evaluation actions") from the viewing user's mobile terminal 3B. The evaluation actions include a first evaluation action that associates positive feelings with the singing video and a second evaluation action that associates a degree of positivity with the singing video.

[0121] (1) Impression evaluation by the first evaluation behavior and the first performance The evaluation by the first evaluation action (hereinafter referred to as "impression evaluation") is input by the viewing user performing a first evaluation operation (tapping) on ​​operation icon 58A provided for each singing competition video as shown in FIGS. 6 and 8. That is, if the viewing user empathizes with a singing video, the viewing user taps operation icon 58A as an indication of their intention to give a favorable evaluation of the singing video. Then, in the singing competition, an image 66 showing the progress of the impression evaluation for each accepted singing video (hereinafter referred to as "impression evaluation progress image") is delivered to be displayed on the screen 3a of the mobile terminal 3B together with the singing video (first effect).

[0122] In this way, the evaluation function according to the embodiment allows the viewing user to give an impression evaluation of the singing video by tapping the operation icon 58A, for example. Therefore, when a singing competition is held, the viewing user can participate in the singing competition by giving an impression evaluation. Note that the viewing user can give an impression evaluation of one singing video and also give an impression evaluation of the other singing video.

[0123] In the service of the embodiment, the impression evaluation is input when the operation icon 58A is tapped once. The numbers (21 and 185) in the impression evaluation progress image 66 shown in FIGS. The bar image extending to the left and right of the screen 3a and hatched (colored differently) on the left and right relatively indicates the number of impression evaluations obtained for each singing video.

[0124] Furthermore, an upper limit is set on the number of times each viewing user can tap operation icon 58A (hereinafter referred to as "tap upper limit"), and in the service of this embodiment, the tap upper limit is set to 1. When the tap upper limit is reached, operation icon 58D is displayed on screen 3a instead of operation icon 58A, as shown in FIG.

[0125] (2) Score evaluation by the second evaluation behavior and second performance By tapping the operation icon 58D, the viewing user can superimpose a decorative image (hereinafter referred to as a "throw effect image") on the singing video corresponding to the tapped operation icon 58D (second effect). In this way, the evaluation function has a throw effect function that receives an instruction to superimpose a throw effect image on the singing video from the mobile terminal 3B and superimposes a throw effect image according to the received instruction on the singing video. In the following description, the instruction (selection) by the viewing user via the mobile terminal 3B to display the throw effect image is referred to as a throw input, as described above.

[0126] That is, the viewing user decorates the singing video by superimposing the coin tip effect image 69 on the singing video that he or she sympathizes with, so the coin tip effect function can liven up the viewers and the singing video itself while the singing video is being distributed. The coin tip effect function is a function executed by the server 4 in response to a display instruction from the viewing user via the video posting and viewing app.

[0127] FIG. 9 shows the screen display of the mobile terminal 3B to which the viewing user transitions when the viewing user presses and holds the operation icon 58D, and displays a plurality of different tip effect images 69 that the viewing user can select. A required number of points is set for each tip effect image 69, and the design differs depending on the required number of points. The viewing user selects one of the multiple tip effect images 69 displayed on the screen that can be obtained with the points (an example of "electronic information") that they possess. Note that different designs refer to, for example, different shapes, colors, or orientations.

[0128] As an example, a charge amount is set for each point, and the viewing user purchases points, and the number of selectable tip effect images 69 increases or decreases depending on the number of points they own. When a tip effect image 69 is selected by the viewing user, the number of points owned by the viewing user decreases according to the number of points required for the selected tip effect image 69. Note that points may not only be acquired through payment, but may also be increased by using other online services, etc. Points may also have an expiration date. The expiration date may be set by a date, hour, minute, etc., or may be set as the end of a valid period starting from a certain reference point in time.

[0129] The coin tip effect image 69 illustrated in Fig. 9 includes four types of spotlight images that mimic spotlights and have different fan-shaped directions, and four types of combined spotlight images that combine multiple spotlight images and have different colors. By using the coin tip effect image 69 as an image that mimics a spotlight, the viewing user can feel as if they are participating in a concert or the like. Note that the coin tip effect image 69 is not limited to the example in Fig. 9, and other images may also be used.

[0130] 10 is an example of a singing video (hereinafter referred to as an "effect-superimposed singing video") in which a combined spotlight image is selected by a viewing user as the coin-throwing effect image 69 and the coin-throwing effect image 69 is superimposed. The effect-superimposed singing video is viewable not only by the viewing user who selected the coin-throwing effect image 69, but also by other viewing users who are watching the singing competition.

[0131] The tip effect function according to the embodiment can be applied to a singing video in which singing is being performed, and after a tip input is made, a tip effect image 69 is superimposed on the singing video with almost no time delay. In other words, in the example of Fig. 10, the viewing user can superimpose the tip effect image 69 on the first singing video 60A, but cannot superimpose the tip effect image 69 on the second singing video 60B in which the singing user is not singing. More specifically, even if the viewing user presses and holds the operation icon 58D corresponding to a singing video in which the singing user is not singing, the tip effect function does not accept the long press.

[0132] Furthermore, when the evaluation function receives an instruction to superimpose the coin tip effect image 69, it receives input of a score corresponding to the coin tip effect image 69 as an evaluation (hereinafter referred to as "score evaluation"). In the service of the embodiment, as an example, points corresponding to the coin tip effect image are input as the score of the score evaluation.

[0133] The score evaluation by the second evaluation action is input by the viewing user performing a second evaluation operation (tap) on the coin tip effect image 69. The evaluation function accepts the input of a score according to the coin tip effect image 69 and derives the total score input during the distribution of the singing video (hereinafter referred to as the "total evaluation score") as the evaluation result. The total evaluation score is the sum of the points input (given) by multiple viewing users through the second evaluation action. The evaluation function then determines the winner of the singing competition based on the total evaluation score derived based on the points input by the time the singing competition ends. In other words, the singing user whose singing video has a relatively higher total evaluation score is determined to be the winner. In this way, according to the service of the embodiment, multiple viewing users can cooperate to perform the second evaluation action on the singing user (singing video) they support, thereby bringing the singing user they support closer to victory, and the viewing users are more likely to empathize with the singing user.

[0134] In this way, the rating function according to the embodiment can encourage viewing users to input a tip by accepting input of a score as a rating in response to an instruction to superimpose the tip effect image 69. There is no upper limit to the number of times each viewing user can input a tip. In other words, the viewing user can increase the total rating score of a singing video that he or she sympathizes with by repeatedly tapping the tip effect image 69.

[0135] (3) Adjustment of the total evaluation score Furthermore, in the service of this embodiment, the total evaluation score is adjusted according to the number of accounts of viewing users who have input donations. Specifically, the total evaluation score is adjusted using the formula shown in [Equation 5]. Due to this feature, in the service of this embodiment, the magnitude of the cumulative score, which is a simple cumulative value of the points input by point evaluation, may not match the magnitude of the total evaluation score. In other words, even if a player is at a disadvantage in terms of cumulative points, they may be able to turn the tables in terms of the total evaluation score depending on the number of accounts of viewing users who have input donations.

[0136] [Number 5] Total score = cumulative score × {1 + (weight w5 × number of accounts)} (where w5=5 / 10000)

[0137] (4) Display of highly rated users Furthermore, an image (icon image 64) showing a viewing user who has given a singing video a relatively higher score rating (second rating behavior) than other viewing users, i.e., a viewing user who has input a large cumulative value of scores (hereinafter referred to as a "highly rated user"), is displayed on the screen 3a of the mobile terminal 3B. This allows the viewing user to make other viewing users aware of the singing user they are supporting. Furthermore, the viewing user can also make the singing user aware that they are supporting him.

[0138] In the evaluation function of the embodiment, the top three users with the most points entered are designated as highly rated users, and icon images 64 of the highly rated users are displayed on the screen 3a for each singing video, but the number of highly rated users whose icon images 64 are displayed is not limited to this.

[0139] [2-2-6-4. Other functions] The server 4 may store information for each singing user (hereinafter referred to as "singing user information") in the HDD 26. The singing user information includes the number of fans the singing user has, the singing user's past match results and win rate, and favorite songs. The singing battle function may also accept a battle request from a first singing user with a similar number of fans to a second singing user. The number of fans a singing user has is thought to differ depending on the singing user's singing ability. In this way, by setting the similar number of fans as a condition for accepting a singing battle, it is possible to prevent singing battles between singing users with significantly different singing abilities.

[0140] More specifically, when a first singing user requests a match with a second singing user, the match-singing function compares the number of fans of the first singing user with the number of fans of the second singing user, and if the difference in the number of fans is within a predetermined reference value (for example, within ±20%), accepts the match request from the first singing user to the second singing user. The number of fans increases when a viewing user registers that they are a fan of the singing user via the video posting / viewing app. There is no limit to the number of singing users that a viewing user can register as a fan.

[0141] The singing battle function may accept a battle request even if the number of fans is similar as long as other conditions are met, or may accept a battle request even if the number of fans is not similar as long as the second singing user agrees. On the other hand, the singing battle function may only accept battle requests from users with similar numbers of fans. Here, "only" means, for example, that a battle request from users with an insufficient number of fans will not be accepted even if other conditions are met.

[0142] Furthermore, the singing battle function may provide a singing user who wins a singing battle with compensation according to the total evaluation points earned by the singing user's evaluation of the singing user. The compensation here may be money, points that can be used in a video posting / viewing app (video posting site) or other online services, etc. Furthermore, a singing user who wins a singing battle may receive compensation according to the total points obtained by adding up not only his or her own total evaluation points but also the total evaluation points of his or her opponents (so-called "take all").

[0143] [2-2-7. Singing competition function, singing competition processing, evaluation reception processing] [2-2-7-1. Functional block of the singing competition function] 11 is a functional block diagram of the singing battle function according to this embodiment. The CPU 20 of the server 4 includes a battle request receiving unit 70, a battle acceptance determination unit 71, a battle setting unit 72, a video evaluation unit 73, a coin tip effect superimposition unit 74, and a video distribution unit 75. The processing executed by each function of the server 4 is realized by a control program stored in the HDD 26.

[0144] The match request receiving unit 70 receives a match request from a first singing user to a second singing user. Note that the match request receiving unit 70 may also receive a match request from a first singing user to a second singing user who has approximately the same number of fans.

[0145] The competition acceptance determination unit 71 determines whether or not the second singing user has accepted the competition request from the first singing user.

[0146] The battle setting unit 72 performs various settings such as setting the song and the singing order for the singing battle. The battle setting unit 72 divides the song into multiple regions in chronological order and sets the order of singing users who will sing in each region (alternate singing order). The battle setting unit 72 may also dynamically change the alternating singing order set based on the divided regions 68.

[0147] The video evaluation unit 73 receives from the mobile terminal 3B an input of an impression evaluation for each singing video distributed to the mobile terminal 3B, and an instruction (tipping input) to superimpose a tipping effect image 69 on the singing video. The video evaluation unit 73 also specifies the score corresponding to the tipping effect image 69 according to the received tipping input. The video evaluation unit 73 then derives a total evaluation score according to the cumulative total of the scores input during the distribution of the singing video (cumulative score), and determines the winner of the singing competition.

[0148] When a coin tip input is received, the coin tip effect superimposing unit 74 superimposes a coin tip effect image 69 corresponding to the received coin tip input on the singing video.

[0149] The video distribution unit 75 distributes the singing video to the mobile terminal 3B. Furthermore, when the second singing user accepts the battle request from the first singing user, the video distribution unit 75 distributes the first singing video 60A by the first singing user and the second singing video 60B by the second singing user so that they are simultaneously displayed on the screen 3a of the mobile terminal 3B. Furthermore, the video distribution unit 75 distributes the battle singing videos to the mobile terminal 3B so that the sound of the singing video in which singing is being performed is output, the sound of the singing video in which singing is not being performed is not output, and the singing video in which singing is being performed is displayed larger on the screen 3a than the singing video in which singing is not being performed.

[0150] [2-2-7-2. Flow of singing competition processing] 12 is a flow diagram illustrating the flow of the singing battle process according to this embodiment, which is executed by the CPU 20 of the server 4. A control program for executing the singing battle process according to this embodiment is stored in advance in a predetermined area of ​​the HDD 26.

[0151] In step S100, the match request receiving unit 70 determines whether or not the first singing user has requested a match with the second singing user, and if the determination is affirmative, i.e., if a match request from the first singing user has been received, the process proceeds to step S102. On the other hand, if the determination is negative, the process enters a waiting state until a match request is received.

[0152] In step S102, the competition acceptance determination unit 71 determines whether the second singing user has accepted the competition request, and if the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S104, and if the determination is negative, the process returns to step S100.

[0153] In step S104, the battle setting section 72 performs various settings for the singing battle.

[0154] In step S106, the video distribution unit 75 starts distribution of the competition singing video.

[0155] In step S108, the video distribution unit 75 determines whether the song for the singing competition has ended, and if the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S110. On the other hand, if the determination is negative, the video distribution unit 75 continues to distribute the singing competition video until the song has ended.

[0156] In step S110, the video distribution unit 75 ends the distribution of the competitive singing video, and the process returns to step S100.

[0157] As described above, the server 4 (competitive singing function) according to this embodiment accepts a singing video competition request from a first singing user to a second singing user, and when the second singing user accepts the competition request, distributes the first singing video 60A and the second singing video 60B so that they are simultaneously displayed on the screen 3a of the mobile terminal 3B. Therefore, the server 4 (competitive singing function) according to this embodiment enables singing users to compete with each other using their own singing videos, and also enables viewing users to simultaneously view the competing singing videos.

[0158] [2-2-7-3. Evaluation acceptance process flow] 13 is a flow diagram illustrating the flow of the evaluation receiving process according to this embodiment, which is executed by the CPU 20 of the server 4. A control program for executing the evaluation receiving process according to this embodiment is stored in advance in a predetermined area of ​​the HDD 26.

[0159] In step S200, the moving image evaluation unit 73 determines whether the singing competition has started, and if the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S202. On the other hand, if the determination is negative, the process waits until the singing competition starts.

[0160] In step S202, the moving image evaluation unit 73 determines whether or not the operation icon 58A has been tapped by the viewing user, and if the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S204, and if the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step S206.

[0161] In step S204, the video evaluation unit 73 counts the number of impression evaluations obtained, and the video distribution unit 75 updates the display of the impression evaluation progress image 66.

[0162] In step S206, the video evaluation unit 73 determines whether or not a tip has been input by the viewing user, and if the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S208, and if the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step S210.

[0163] In step S208, the coin tip effect superimposing unit 74 superimposes the coin tip effect image 69 selected by the viewing user on the target singing video.

[0164] In step S210, the video evaluation unit 73 determines whether there has been a change in the users who have given the singing video high ratings, and if the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S212, and if the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step S214.

[0165] In step S212, the video distribution unit 75 updates the display of the icon image 64 of the highly rated user.

[0166] In step S214, the video distribution unit 75 determines whether the song for the singing competition has ended, and if the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S216, and if the determination is negative, the process returns to step S202.

[0167] In step S216, the video evaluation unit 73 determines the winner based on the total evaluation score of each singing video, and the video distribution unit 75 distributes an image showing the result.

[0168] In the next step S218, the video distribution unit 75 ends the distribution of the competition singing video, and ends this evaluation reception process.

[0169] As described above, the server 4 (evaluation receiving function) according to this embodiment receives, from the mobile terminal 3 B, a score evaluation for each singing video distributed to the mobile terminal 3 B. Therefore, the server 4 (evaluation receiving function) according to this embodiment enables a viewing user to easily determine the merits and demerits of the performance videos distributed by each of a plurality of singing users.

[0170] [2-2-8. Evaluation function, evaluation derivation processing] [2-2-8-1. Evaluation function function block] 14 is a functional block diagram of the evaluation function according to this embodiment. The CPU 20 of the server 4 includes an acquisition unit 81, a counting unit 82, an identification unit 83, an adjustment unit 84, and a provision unit 85. The RAM 24 of the server 4 functions as a storage unit 80. The processes executed by each function of the server 4 are realized by a control program stored in the HDD 26.

[0171] The storage unit 80 stores the evaluation target (identification information of the singing video), the evaluator (account information of the viewing user), and the evaluation content (input score) in association with each other. The storage unit 80 also stores the evaluation target (identification information of the singing video) in association with the total evaluation score.

[0172] While the singing competition is in progress, the acquisition unit 81 acquires, from the mobile terminal 3B that is watching the singing competition video related to the singing competition, identification information of the singing video being watched (i.e., the first singing video 60A or the second singing video 60B), information that can identify the viewing user (e.g., session identification information), and the input score, and stores these in association with each other in the memory unit 80.

[0173] The counting unit 82 refers to the storage unit 80, counts up the points input by coin input for a specific singing video, and obtains a cumulative number of points.

[0174] The identification unit 83 identifies the actual number of viewing users who have made a tip input for a specific singing video during distribution of the singing video. In this embodiment, the identification unit 83 identifies the number of accounts of viewing users who have made a tip input.

[0175] The adjustment unit 84 adjusts the total evaluation score using the formula shown in [Equation 5] above so that the total evaluation score increases as the real number (number of accounts) increases, and stores the evaluation target (identification information of the singing video) and the total evaluation score in correspondence with each other in the memory unit 80.

[0176] The providing unit 85 provides the adjusted total evaluation score stored in the storage unit 80 to the mobile terminal 3B in association with the identification information of the singing video. The providing method is arbitrary. For example, it is preferable that the adjusted total evaluation score is provided as part of data for displaying a winning / losing display of a singing competition or data for displaying a ranking display of the total evaluation score. In the winning / losing display and the ranking display, the cumulative score and the added points due to the adjustment may be displayed separately together with or instead of the total evaluation score, or only the total evaluation score may be displayed.

[0177] The acquisition unit 81, the aggregation unit 82, the determination unit 83, and the adjustment unit 84 correspond to or are equivalent to some of the functions of the video evaluation unit 73 in the singing competition function. The provision unit 85 corresponds to or are equivalent to some of the functions of the video distribution unit 75 in the singing competition function.

[0178] [2-2-8-2. Evaluation derivation process flow] 15 is a flow diagram illustrating the flow of the evaluation derivation process according to this embodiment, which is executed by the CPU 20 provided in the server 4. A control program for executing the evaluation derivation process according to this embodiment is stored in advance in a predetermined area of ​​the HDD 26.

[0179] In step S300, the counting unit 82 counts up the points input by coin input for the singing video to obtain a cumulative number of points.

[0180] In step S302, the identification unit 83 identifies the actual number of viewing users who have input a tip. In the service of this embodiment, the number of accounts that have input a tip is identified as the actual number.

[0181] In step S304, the adjustment unit 84 adjusts the total evaluation score using the above [Equation 5], and the evaluation derivation process ends.

[0182] As described above, the server 4 (rating function) according to this embodiment adjusts the total evaluation score according to the actual number of viewing users who have input a tip (number of accounts). Therefore, the server 4 (rating function) according to this embodiment can prevent the excessive influence that the tip input by some viewing users may have on the total evaluation score.

[0183] [3. Modifications] [3-1. Variation 1 (Variation regarding calculation of total evaluation score)] In the above embodiment, the tallying unit 82 tallys up the points input by coin input (score evaluation) for a specific singing video to obtain a cumulative score. Alternatively, the tallying unit 82 may also take impression evaluations into account to obtain a cumulative score. For example, the tallying unit 82 may determine the cumulative score by adding the number of impression evaluations obtained to the total value of the points input by coin input (score evaluation). Alternatively, the cumulative score may be determined by adding the value obtained by multiplying the number of impression evaluations obtained by an appropriate coefficient to the above total value. The coefficient multiplied by the number of impression evaluations obtained functions as a weight for the impression evaluation with respect to the total evaluation score. The coefficient can be set arbitrarily. The coefficient may be, for example, a positive real number smaller than 1.

[0184] [3-2. Variation 2 (Variation regarding the identification of real numbers)] (1) Example of identifying the number of devices In the above embodiment, the identification unit 83 identifies the number of accounts of viewing users who made donations to a specific singing video as the actual number of viewing users who made donations to the specific singing video. Alternatively, the identification unit 83 may identify the number of terminals used to make donations or an approximate value thereof. This can prevent excessive influence on the total evaluation score that may be caused by inappropriate donations made by some viewing users from multiple accounts.

[0185] The number of terminals used to input a tip, or an approximation thereof, can be obtained by excluding duplicate mobile terminals 3B from the number of accounts for which a tip was input. Duplicate mobile terminals 3B can be determined with a certain degree of accuracy by comparing session identification information, IP addresses, etc. For example, if a single mobile terminal 3B is used to input a tip from multiple accounts, there is a possibility that the session identification information and IP address (here, the IP address of mobile terminal 3B) are the same.

[0186] (2) Example of identifying the actual number of people In the above embodiment, the identification unit 83 identifies the number of accounts of viewing users who have made donations as the actual number of viewing users who have made donations to a specific singing video. Alternatively, the identification unit 83 may identify the actual number of viewing users who have made donations or an approximate value thereof. This can prevent an excessive impact on the total evaluation score that may be caused by inappropriate donations made by some viewing users from multiple accounts.

[0187] The actual number of viewing users who have made a tip input, or an approximation thereof, can be obtained by eliminating duplicate viewing users from the number of accounts that have made a tip input. Duplicate viewing users can be determined with a certain degree of accuracy by comparing the email addresses registered with the accounts, the identification information of the payment methods used to obtain tip effect images (e.g., credit card numbers, bank account numbers, electronic wallet identification information, virtual account identification information), IP addresses, etc. For example, if a tip input is made from multiple accounts using multiple mobile terminals 3B, the session identification information may be different and the IP addresses (here, the IP addresses of the routers) may be the same.

[0188] [3-3. Modification 3 (Modification related to screen display)] In the above embodiment, the video evaluation unit 73 counts the number of impression evaluations obtained, and the video distribution unit 75 updates the display of the impression evaluation progress image 66. Therefore, the impression evaluation progress image 66 represents the provisional number of viewers who have given impression evaluations to the singing video being distributed. Alternatively, the video evaluation unit 73 may tally up provisional total evaluation scores, and the video distribution unit 75 may update the display of a number or image representing the provisional total evaluation scores instead of or in addition to the impression evaluation progress image 66. This makes it easier for the viewing user to grasp the situation, including the merits and demerits, of the singing videos related to the competitive singing video they are viewing. [Explanation of symbols]

[0189] 1 Karaoke system 2. Communication lines 3. Mobile devices 4. Server (an example of an "evaluation information processing device") 80 Storage section 81 Acquisition Department 82 Counting Department 83 Specific part 84 Adjustment section 85 Providing Department

Claims

1. A means for identifying the actual number of users who have performed evaluation behavior of assigning individual evaluation levels to evaluation targets; an adjusting means for adjusting a total evaluation degree obtained by accumulating the individual evaluation degrees assigned to the evaluation object so that the total evaluation degree changes when the real number specified by the specifying means changes; An evaluation information processing device comprising:

2. the adjusting means adjusts the overall evaluation level so that the overall evaluation level increases as the real number specified by the specifying means increases; The evaluation information processing device according to claim 1 .

3. the specifying means specifies the actual number of users who performed the rating behavior during the live distribution of the rating target that is live distributed. The evaluation information processing device according to claim 2 .

4. the specifying means specifies the actual number of users who have engaged in a second rating behavior that has looser restrictions on ratings than the first rating behavior; The evaluation information processing device according to claim 2 or 3.

5. the specifying means specifies the actual number of users who have performed the second rating behavior, which has a looser restriction on the number of ratings than the first rating behavior; The evaluation information processing device according to claim 4 .

6. the specifying means specifies the actual number of users who have performed the second evaluation behavior using a second element that has looser restrictions on the number of items obtained than the first element used in the first evaluation behavior; The evaluation information processing device according to claim 4 .

7. the specifying means specifies the actual number of users who have performed the second evaluation behavior of using the second element, which has a higher acquisition cost than the first element. The evaluation information processing device according to claim 6 .

8. The identification means identifies the actual number of users who have performed the evaluation behavior that can be performed using electronic information available in exchange for a fee. The evaluation information processing device according to claim 2 or 3.

9. the specifying means specifies the actual number of users who have performed the evaluation behavior that can be performed using electronic information with a set expiration date; 9. The evaluation information processing device according to claim 2, claim 3 or claim 8.

10. The specifying means specifies the number of terminals used in the evaluation behavior as the real number. The evaluation information processing device according to any one of claims 2 to 9.

11. The specifying means specifies the actual number of users who performed the evaluation behavior as the actual number. The evaluation information processing device according to any one of claims 2 to 9.

12. An identification step of identifying the actual number of users who have performed evaluation behavior to assign individual evaluation levels to the evaluation target; an adjustment step of adjusting a comprehensive evaluation score obtained by accumulating the individual evaluation scores assigned to the evaluation object so that the comprehensive evaluation score changes when the real number specified in the specification step changes; A control method for an information processing device, comprising:

13. A function for identifying the actual number of users who have performed evaluation behavior to assign individual evaluation levels to evaluation targets; an adjustment function that adjusts a comprehensive evaluation degree obtained by accumulating the individual evaluation degrees assigned to the evaluation object so that the comprehensive evaluation degree changes when the real number specified by the specification function changes; A control program that causes the computer of an information processing device to realize the above.

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