Content distribution system and program

Abstract

To provide a content distribution system, etc. that enables viewers to actively check game actions of distributors.SOLUTION: A content distribution system includes a distribution processing unit which performs distribution processing for allowing a viewer of a viewer terminal to view a game distribution content of a game played by a distributor on a distributor terminal, a storage unit that stores information on the game distribution content and information on a game action performed by the distributor in a game, an acceptance unit that accepts a display request for a game action when a viewer makes the display request, and a display processing unit for performing processing for displaying, on a viewer terminal, a display image in which a game distribution image based on the information on the game distribution content and a game action image based on the information on the game action are combined with each other when the display request is accepted.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a content distribution system, a program, and the like. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, content distribution systems that distribute content via networks such as the Internet have been gaining popularity. A well-known example of such a content distribution system is a game distribution system in which viewers watch gameplay by a distributor. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a content distribution system that distributes e-sports live. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-171282 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in previous game streaming services, viewers could only watch images of the streamer's gameplay. For example, even if the streamer displayed a map screen or an item selection screen for a moment and then hid it, the viewer could not do anything to see more of the streamer's gameplay, and so the viewer could not actively check the streamer's gameplay.

[0005] According to some aspects of the present embodiment, it is possible to provide a content distribution system, program, etc. that allows viewers to actively check the game behavior of a distributor. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a content distribution system including: a distribution processing unit that performs distribution processing for allowing a viewer of a viewer terminal to view game distribution content of a game played by a distributor at a distributor terminal; a storage unit that stores information about the game distribution content and information about gaming actions taken by the distributor in the game; a reception unit that receives a display request from the viewer to display the gaming actions; and a display processing unit that, when the display request is received, processes a display image on the viewer terminal, in which a game distribution image based on the information about the game distribution content and a gaming action image based on the information about the gaming actions are combined. Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a program that causes a computer to function as each of the above units, or a computer-readable information storage medium that stores the program.

[0007] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a viewer viewing game distribution content requests the broadcaster to display the broadcaster's gaming actions. When the request is accepted, a display image in which the image of the requested gaming action is superimposed on the game distribution image is displayed on the viewer's terminal. This allows the viewer to actively request the display and view the broadcaster's gaming action image, thereby enabling the provision of a content distribution system that allows viewers to actively view the broadcaster's gaming actions.

[0008] In addition, in one aspect of the present disclosure, the game action image may be an image extracted from a game image or game video on a broadcaster terminal.

[0009] In this way, it becomes possible to generate a game action image through the simple process of extracting it from a game image or game video on the distributor terminal.

[0010] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the game action image may be an image generated based on game play information of the broadcaster at the broadcaster terminal.

[0011] In this way, it becomes possible to generate a game action image based on game play information with a small amount of data.

[0012] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the game behavior image may be an image generated based on the game play information, separate from the game image, during the broadcaster's game play on the broadcaster terminal.

[0013] In this way, when the distributor plays the game, a game action image generated based on game play information separately from the game image can be used, and this game action image can be synthesized with the game distribution image and displayed on the viewer terminal.

[0014] In addition, in one aspect of the present disclosure, the display device may include a sound processing unit that performs processing to output game broadcast sounds of the game being broadcast at the viewer terminal when the display image in which the game action image is composited with the game broadcast image based on the display request (a computer may function as the sound processing unit).

[0015] In this way, even when a display image in which a game action image is combined with a game distribution image is displayed, it is possible to output a game distribution sound corresponding to the game distribution image to the viewer.

[0016] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the accepting unit may change the degree of acceptance of the display request based on information about the viewer.

[0017] In this way, a request from a viewer to display the game action of the distributor can be accepted with a degree of acceptance according to the viewer's information, and a display image in which the game action image is synthesized with the game distribution image can be displayed.

[0018] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the distribution processing unit may perform a process of notifying the distributor that the viewer has made the display request.

[0019] This allows the broadcaster to be notified that viewers are interested in learning more about the broadcaster's gaming behavior.

[0020] In one aspect of the present disclosure, when the viewer inputs a command corresponding to the gaming action on the viewer terminal, the receiving unit may receive the command input as the display request for the gaming action.

[0021] In this way, the viewer can request the display of a game action simply by inputting a command corresponding to the game action.

[0022] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the display processing unit may perform processing to display the broadcaster's gaming behavior history on the viewer terminal, and the receiving unit may receive a designation operation of the viewer's gaming behavior in the gaming behavior history as the display request for the gaming behavior.

[0023] In this way, the viewer can request the display of a gaming action simply by performing an operation to specify the gaming action in the gaming action history.

[0024] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the game action may be an action of displaying a game map, an action of inputting a game command, or an action of using a game item.

[0025] In this way, images of game actions with low dynamic elements can be synthesized with game distribution images and displayed on the viewer terminal. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0026] [Figure 1] 1(A) to 1(F) are explanatory diagrams of hardware devices that realize the content distribution system of this embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 shows an example of the configuration of a content distribution system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 10 shows an example of the configuration of a terminal device. [Figure 4] An explanatory diagram of game behavior. [Figure 5] An explanatory diagram of game behavior. [Figure 6] FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. [Figure 8] 3 is a flowchart illustrating processing according to the present embodiment. [Figure 9] 3 is a flowchart illustrating processing according to the present embodiment. [Figure 10] 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams of a method for extracting game action images from game images or game videos. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a method for generating a game action image separately from a game image. [Figure 12] 12(A) and 12(B) are explanatory diagrams of a method for identifying game behavior. [Figure 13] An explanatory diagram of a method for playing game broadcast sounds. [Figure 14] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process for changing the degree of acceptance of a display request based on viewer information. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a method for notifying a distributor that a display request has been made. [Figure 16] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process when a display request is made by command input. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a display request based on a specified game action in the game action history. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] The present embodiment will be described below. Note that the present embodiment described below does not unduly limit the content of the claims. Furthermore, not all of the configurations described in the present embodiment are necessarily essential components.

[0028] 1. Content distribution system First, the hardware device that realizes the content distribution system of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1(A) to 1(F).

[0029] 1A, a server system 500 (information processing system) is communicatively connected to terminal devices TM1 to TMn via a network 510. For example, the server system 500 is a host, and the terminal devices TM1 to TMn are clients. The content distribution system and its processing of this embodiment may be realized by the server system 500, or may be realized by distributed processing between the server system 500 and the terminal devices TM1 to TMn.

[0030] The content distribution system and processing of this embodiment can also be realized using a blockchain technique. For example, each process of the content distribution system of this embodiment can be executed using a program called a smart contract that can be executed on Ethereum. In this case, the terminal devices TM1 to TMn will be connected peer-to-peer. Furthermore, various information, such as content information, communicated between the terminal devices TM1 to TMn will be transferred using a blockchain. Note that, hereinafter, each of the terminal devices TM1 to TMn will be referred to as a terminal device TM where appropriate.

[0031] The server system 500 can be realized, for example, by one or more servers (such as a management server, a content distribution server such as a game distribution server or a video distribution server, a billing server, a service providing server, an authentication server, a database server, or a communication server). The server system 500 provides various services for managing content distribution, manages data necessary for the distribution of viewing content, and distributes client programs and various data. This allows viewers to access the server system 500 using a terminal device TM, which is a viewer terminal, and view viewing content provided by the server system 500. The processing of the server system 500 also realizes a distribution function for distributing viewing content to viewers, a participation action function (posting function) that enables viewers to participate (post) in viewing content, such as tipping, and the like. A distributor is, for example, the performer of the viewing content. The processing of the server system 500 also realizes an online shopping function for virtual electronic media such as paid items, a game provision function that enables online games to be played, a user management function that registers users and manages user-specific information, and the like.

[0032] The network 510 (distribution network, communication line) is a communication path that uses, for example, the Internet or a wireless LAN, and can include a dedicated line (dedicated cable) for direct connection, a LAN using Ethernet (registered trademark), etc., as well as a communication network such as a telephone communication network, a cable network, or a wireless LAN. The communication method can be either wired or wireless.

[0033] The terminal device TM (user terminal) is, for example, a terminal having a network connection function (Internet connection function). These terminal devices TM may be various devices, such as a portable communication terminal such as a smartphone or mobile phone shown in FIG. 1(B), a portable game device shown in FIG. 1(C), a home game device (stationary type) shown in FIG. 1(D), an arcade game device shown in FIG. 1(E), or an information processing device such as a personal computer (PC) or tablet PC shown in FIG. 1(F). Alternatively, the terminal device TM may be a wearable device (HMD, watch-type device, etc.) worn on the user's head, arm, or other part of the body.

[0034] An example of the configuration of the content distribution system of this embodiment is shown in Figure 2. Note that the configuration of the content distribution system is not limited to that shown in Figure 2, and various modifications are possible, such as omitting some of the components (each unit) or adding other components.

[0035] The content distribution system includes a processing unit 100, a storage unit 170, and a communication unit 196. This content distribution system can be realized, for example, by a server system 500 shown in Fig. 1(A), and is communicatively connected to a distributor terminal TMP, which is a terminal device TM, and viewer terminals TMA to TMAm via a network 510. Note that, hereinafter, each viewer terminal TMA1 to TMAn will be collectively referred to as viewer terminal TMA where appropriate.

[0036] The processing unit 100 (processor) performs distribution processing, reception processing, management processing, display processing, sound processing, etc. based on various information, programs, operation information, etc. stored in the storage unit 170.

[0037] Each process (each function) of this embodiment performed by each unit of the processing unit 100 can be realized by a processor (a processor including hardware). For example, each process of this embodiment can be realized by a processor that operates based on information such as a program and a memory that stores information such as the program. The functions of each unit of the processor may be realized by separate hardware, or by integrated hardware. For example, the processor may include hardware, which may include at least one of a circuit for processing digital signals and a circuit for processing analog signals. For example, the processor may be configured with one or more circuit devices (e.g., ICs, etc.) mounted on a circuit board, or one or more circuit elements (e.g., resistors, capacitors, etc.). The processor may be, for example, a central processing unit (CPU). However, the processor is not limited to a CPU, and various processors such as a graphics processing unit (GPU) or a digital signal processor (DSP) can be used. The processor may also be a hardware circuit using an ASIC. The processor may also include an amplifier circuit, a filter circuit, etc. that process analog signals. The memory (storage unit) may be a semiconductor memory such as an SRAM or a DRAM, or a register. Alternatively, it may be a magnetic storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD), or an optical storage device such as an optical disk drive. For example, the memory stores computer-readable instructions, and the instructions are executed by the processor to realize the processing (function) of each unit of the processing unit 100. The instructions here may be an instruction set constituting a program, or may be instructions that instruct the hardware circuitry of the processor to operate.

[0038] The processing unit 100 includes a distribution processing unit 102, a reception unit 104, a management unit 118, a display processing unit 120, and a sound processing unit 130. Note that the configuration of the processing unit 100 is not limited to this, and various modifications are possible, such as omitting some of these components or adding other components.

[0039] The distribution processing unit 102 performs various distribution processes. Specifically, the distribution processing unit 102 performs distribution processing for viewing content by a viewer at the viewer terminal TMA. For example, the distribution processing unit 102 performs information transmission processing using the communication unit 196. Specifically, the distribution processing unit 102 performs processing for transmitting information to the viewer terminal TMA and the distributor terminal TMP via the communication unit 196 and the network 510. The information transmitted to the viewer terminal TMA is, for example, information about the viewing content. Furthermore, the information transmitted to the distributor terminal TMP is, for example, feedback information from the viewer terminal TMA. The information about the viewing content is, for example, information for displaying a display image (video) on the display unit 290 in FIG. 3 (described later) or information for outputting output sound such as audio, music, or sound effects from the sound output unit 292. For example, the distribution processing unit 102 performs streaming distribution of the viewing content. Streaming distribution is video distribution using streaming processing. Alternatively, the distribution processing unit 102 may distribute the viewing content to the viewer terminal TMA using playback information for playing the viewing content on the viewer terminal TMA. The playback information is, for example, input information input by a broadcaster using the broadcaster terminal TMP, or information for playing back the performance of the broadcaster who is an actor. The distribution processing unit 102 can also perform information reception processing using the communication unit 196. Specifically, the distribution processing unit 102 performs processing to receive information from the broadcaster terminal TMP and the viewer terminal TMA via the communication unit 196 and the network 510. The information received from the broadcaster terminal TMP is, for example, information about the viewing content broadcast by the broadcaster. The information received from the viewer terminal TMA is, for example, input information input by a viewer using the viewer terminal TMA, such as viewer participation behavior information regarding the viewing content. Participation behavior information is also called viewer posted information.

[0040] The distribution processing unit 102 may also perform various content processes. For example, the distribution processing unit 102 may perform a process for generating information about viewing content that progresses based on the distributor's operation of the distributor terminal TMP. That is, the distribution processing unit 102 performs a process for progressing the viewing content and generates information about the viewing content. For example, the distribution processing unit 102 may perform a game process for a user to play a game and generate information about game content, which is viewing content. The game process may include, for example, a process for starting a game when a game start condition is met, a process for progressing the started game, a process for ending the game when a game end condition is met, or a process for calculating game results such as game scores. Taking a browser game as an example, the distribution processing unit 102 manages various types of user information for each user, thereby controlling the progress of the game for each user. The user information is stored in the user information storage unit 174. For example, the distribution processing unit 102 displays web pages constituting a website providing a game service on a terminal device TM, such as the distributor terminal TMP or the viewer terminal TMA, in response to a request from the terminal device TM. Specifically, the web pages are displayed by a web browser provided in the terminal device TM. When a user selects a hyperlink on the displayed web page, new HTML data corresponding to the hyperlink is sent to the terminal device TM, and the terminal device TM displays a web page based on the new HTML data. In this way, web pages are sequentially provided to the terminal device TM in response to user operations, making it possible to progress the game based on user operations on the terminal device TM. In this case, the display image information generated by the distribution processing unit 102 is, for example, HTML data.

[0041] The accepting unit 104 performs various types of accepting processes. For example, the accepting unit 104 accepts information input by a distributor at the distributor terminal TMP, and information input by a viewer at the viewer terminal TMA. The details of the accepting unit 104 will be described later.

[0042] The management unit 118 performs, for example, user authentication processing. For example, it performs authentication processing for a user who logs in using the terminal device TM. This authentication processing is performed based on, for example, a password or account information entered by the user. The management unit 118 also performs various billing processing. For example, it performs billing determination processing, billing data creation processing, and storage processing. The management unit 118 also performs various management processing. For example, it performs management processing for various services and management processing for various information. The management unit 118 can be realized, for example, by a management server.

[0043] For example, a user acquires an account by following a predetermined procedure in order to use services provided by server system 500 or the like shown in Fig. 1(A). By logging in by entering a password associated with the acquired account, the user can use various services such as live streaming, playing social games or online games, services on live streaming sites or game sites, online shopping for items, exchanging messages with other users, and registering friend users. Management unit 118 also performs management processes for such user account information.

[0044] The display processing unit 120 performs processing to display an image on the display unit 290 of the terminal device TM shown in Fig. 3, which is the distributor terminal TMP or the viewer terminal TMA. For example, the display processing unit 120 transmits display image information (image generation data) such as HTML data to the terminal device TM via the communication unit 196 and the network 510, and performs processing to display an image corresponding to the display image information on the display unit 290 of the terminal device TM.

[0045] The sound processing unit 130 performs processing for outputting sound from the sound output unit 292 of the terminal device TM. For example, it transmits output sound information (sound generation data) to the terminal device TM via the communication unit 196 and the network 510, and performs processing for outputting sound (voice, music, game sound, sound effect) corresponding to the output sound information from the sound output unit 292 of the terminal device TM.

[0046] The storage unit 170 serves as a work area for the processing unit 100, the communication unit 196, etc., and its functions can be realized by a semiconductor memory, HDD, SSD, optical disk device, etc. The storage unit 170 includes a content information storage unit 172 and a user information storage unit 174. The content information storage unit 172 stores information on viewing content that is the subject of content distribution. The viewing content is entertainment content, such as game content, virtual reality (VR) content, or video distribution content. For example, the viewing content is live content. Examples of live content include game streaming content (game commentary content, game demonstration content) that streams a streamer's gameplay, and performance streaming content that streams performances by real-world idols, singers, bands, actors, etc., or VR characters corresponding to them. The viewing content information is various information that allows a viewer to view the viewing content on the viewer terminal TMA, such as display image information (video information), output sound information, or content sequence information for progressing through the content. The user information storage unit 174 stores various information about the user. For example, the user information storage unit 174 stores the user's personal information (name, gender, date of birth, email address, etc.) as user information. For example, the user's account information (user ID) is also stored as user information. For example, billing information that is the subject of billing processing is associated with each user's account information.

[0047] The communication unit 196 communicates with external devices, and its functions can be realized by hardware such as a communication ASIC or a communication processor, or communication firmware. For example, the communication unit 196, which is a communication interface, performs various communication processes for communicating with terminal devices TM such as a distributor terminal TMP and a viewer terminal TMA via the network 510.

[0048] The content distribution system of FIG. 2 performs each process of this embodiment based on a program of this embodiment. This program (a program for causing a computer to execute the processing of each unit) causes a computer (a device including an operation unit, a processing unit, a storage unit, and an output unit) to function as each unit of this embodiment. This program is stored, for example, in an information storage medium. That is, the content distribution system of this embodiment performs various processes of this embodiment based on the program (data) stored in the information storage medium. The information storage medium, which is a computer-readable medium, stores programs, data, etc., and its functions can be realized by an optical disk, a hard disk drive, a semiconductor memory, etc. Note that the program (data) for causing a computer to function as each unit of this embodiment may be distributed via a network 510 from an information storage medium included in a server system 500 (host device). The use of such an information storage medium by the server system 500 is also within the scope of this embodiment.

[0049] An example configuration of the terminal device TM is shown in Fig. 3. The terminal device TM includes a processing unit 200, an operation unit 260, an interface unit 262, a memory unit 270, an information storage medium 280, a display unit 290, a sound output unit 292, and a communication unit 296. Note that the configuration of the terminal device TM is not limited to that shown in Fig. 3, and various modifications are possible, such as omitting some of the components (each unit) or adding other components.

[0050] The processing unit 200 (processor) executes terminal-side processing in the content distribution system based on operation information from the operation unit 260, programs, etc. For example, it executes processing for content distribution, game processing, etc. The processing unit 200 can be realized by a processor or the like, similar to the processing unit 100 in FIG. 2 described above. Note that each process in the content distribution system of this embodiment may be realized by distributed processing between the server system 500 and the terminal device TM.

[0051] The operation unit 260 is used by the user to input various information such as operation information, and its functions can be realized by operation buttons, directional keys, analog sticks, levers, various sensors (angular velocity sensors, acceleration sensors, etc.), a microphone, or a touch panel display. The interface unit 262 performs interface processing with external devices, for example, processing to communicate with external devices according to a predetermined interface standard. The interface unit 262 also performs interface processing with portable information storage media such as IC cards (memory cards), USB memories, or magnetic cards, in which various information about the user is stored. The functions of the interface unit 262 can be realized by hardware such as an interface processing ASIC or interface processing processor, or interface processing firmware.

[0052] The storage unit 270 serves as a work area for the processing unit 200, the communication unit 296, etc., and its functions can be realized by a semiconductor memory, HDD, SSD, optical disk device, etc. The information storage medium 280 (a computer-readable medium) stores programs, data, etc., and its functions can be realized by an optical disk, HDD, semiconductor memory, etc. The processing unit 200 performs various processes of this embodiment based on the programs (data) stored in the information storage medium 280. This information storage medium 280 can store programs (programs that cause the computer to execute the processes of each unit) that cause a computer (a device including an operation unit, processing unit, storage unit, and output unit) to function as each unit of this embodiment.

[0053] The display unit 290 outputs images generated by this embodiment, and its function can be realized by an LCD, an organic EL display, a CRT, an HMD, etc. The sound output unit 292 outputs sounds generated by this embodiment, and its function can be realized by a speaker, headphones, etc. The communication unit 296 (communication interface) communicates with external devices such as the server system 500 and other terminal devices via the network 510, and its function can be realized by hardware such as a communication ASIC or a communication processor, or communication firmware.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 2, the content distribution system (server system) of this embodiment includes a distribution processing unit 102, a reception unit 104, a display processing unit 120, and a storage unit 170.

[0055] The distribution processing unit 102 performs distribution processing for viewing content to viewers on the viewer terminal TMA. Specifically, the distribution processing unit 102 performs distribution processing for viewing game distribution content of a game played by a distributor on the distributor terminal TMP to viewers on the viewer terminal TMA. The game distribution content is content for viewers to view the state of gameplay by a distributor, and is game demonstration content that allows viewers to view a demonstration of gameplay by a distributor. The game distribution content may be content that allows viewers to view a demonstration of past gameplay by a distributor, or content that allows viewers to view a demonstration of gameplay by a distributor in real time. The game distribution content may also be silent content in which only game images are displayed and no game sounds, etc. are output.

[0056] The storage unit 170 stores information about game distribution content and information about game behaviors performed by the distributor in the game. The information about the game distribution content is information for displaying game distribution images, which show the distributor's gameplay, on the viewer terminal TMA. For example, when the game distribution content is streamed, the information about the game distribution content is video information to be streamed. Alternatively, the game distribution images may be generated based on game play information, such as the distributor's operation information on the distributor terminal TMP. In this case, the information about the game distribution content is various information necessary for generating (playing) the game distribution images. The information about the game behavior is information for displaying images of the distributor's game behaviors in the game on the viewer terminal TMA. The game behavior images may be images extracted from game images or game videos on the distributor terminal TMP, or images generated based on the distributor's game play information on the distributor terminal TMP.

[0057] When a viewer makes a request to display a game action, the reception unit 104 performs a process of receiving the viewer's request to display a game action. For example, when the viewer performs a given operation for making a display request on the viewer terminal TMA, the reception unit 104 determines that the viewer has made a request to display a game action, and receives the display request.

[0058] When a display request from a viewer is accepted, the display processing unit 120 performs processing to display on the viewer terminal TMA a display image obtained by combining a game broadcast image based on information about the game broadcast content and a game action image based on information about the game action. The game broadcast image is, for example, an image displaying the broadcaster's game play (game demonstration). The game action image is an image displaying the broadcaster's game action requested by the viewer. The game action image is, for example, a notification image for notifying the viewer of the broadcaster's game action. The game action is various actions performed by the broadcaster while playing the game. For example, the game action is an action performed by the broadcaster operating the operation unit of the broadcaster terminal TMP. For example, if a character corresponding to the broadcaster appears in the game, the game action also includes the action of this character. The game action image is an image that allows the viewer to visually recognize the broadcaster's game action. Note that when a game broadcast image and a game action image are combined, the time axis of the game broadcast image to be combined does not need to match the time axis of the game action image. For example, an image of a game broadcast at a first timing in a broadcaster's game play demonstration may be superimposed with an image of a game action performed by the broadcaster at a second timing different from the first timing.

[0059] Furthermore, the game behavior image is, for example, an image extracted from a game image or game video on the broadcaster terminal TMP. For example, the game behavior image may be extracted by cutting out an image corresponding to a game behavior from a still game image, or by recording a game video of the broadcaster playing a series of games and extracting the game behavior image from the game video. For example, when the broadcaster plays a game on the broadcaster terminal TMP, a game video composed of game images is displayed on the display unit of the broadcaster terminal TMP. In this case, the game behavior image is, for example, an image extracted from the game image or game video displayed on the broadcaster terminal TMP, of an area in which the broadcaster's game behavior is visually displayed. Information on the game behavior image extracted from the game image or game video is then stored in the memory unit 170. For example, if the broadcaster's game behavior is the behavior of displaying a game map, the game behavior image can be obtained by, for example, extracting an image of a map screen from the game image or game video. If the broadcaster's game behavior is the behavior of inputting game commands, the game behavior image can be obtained by, for example, extracting a command input image from the game image or game video. Furthermore, if the distributor's gaming behavior is an action of using a game item, the gaming behavior image can be obtained by extracting, for example, an image of an item selection screen from a game image or game video.

[0060] Furthermore, the game behavior image may be an image generated based on the game play information of the broadcaster on the broadcaster terminal TMP, for example. For example, a game behavior image is generated based on the game play information when the broadcaster performs a game behavior, and the generated game behavior image is combined with the game broadcast image. In this case, the generation of the game behavior image based on the game play information may be performed in the content distribution system (server system) or in the broadcaster terminal TMP. For example, if the broadcaster's game behavior is the behavior of displaying a game map, the game behavior image can be generated by using, as the game play information, the operation information input by the broadcaster when displaying the map. If the broadcaster's game behavior is the behavior of inputting game commands, the game behavior image can be generated by using, as the game play information, the operation information input by the broadcaster when inputting the game commands. If the broadcaster's game behavior is the behavior of using a game item, the game behavior image can be generated by using, as the game play information, the game play operation information input by the broadcaster when using the item.

[0061] Furthermore, the game behavior image is an image generated based on game play information, separately from the game image, when the broadcaster plays the game on the broadcaster terminal TMP, for example. For example, when the broadcaster plays the game, a game image for the broadcaster to play the game is generated, and the game behavior image is also generated based on the broadcaster's game play information at that time. For example, on the broadcaster terminal TMP, a game behavior image generation process is also performed in parallel with the game image generation process. Then, information on the generated game behavior image is stored in the memory unit 170.

[0062] The content distribution system of this embodiment also includes a sound processor 130. The sound processor 130 processes to output game distribution sounds of the game being distributed to the viewer terminal when a display image in which a game action image is composited with a game distribution image based on a display request is displayed. For example, the sound processor 130 processes to output game distribution sounds of the game being distributed directly to the viewer terminal, rather than the sounds output when the game action image is displayed. For example, the sound processor 130 processes to output game distribution sounds corresponding to the game distribution image at that time to the viewer terminal. For example, suppose that a game distribution image at a first timing in a broadcaster's gameplay demonstration is composited with an image of a game action performed by the broadcaster at a second timing different from the first timing. In this case, the sound processor 130 causes the viewer terminal TMA to output game distribution sounds at the first timing, rather than game distribution sounds at the second timing when the game action was performed.

[0063] The receiving unit 104 also performs processing to change the degree of acceptance of the viewer's display request based on the viewer information. The viewer information includes, for example, relationship information between the viewer and the broadcaster, viewer attribute information, or the viewer's viewing history of the broadcaster's content. The viewer-broadcaster relationship information includes, for example, whether the viewer and the broadcaster are friends or followers, or whether the viewer and the broadcaster belong to the same team (group). The viewer attribute information includes, for example, whether the viewer's attribute and the broadcaster's attribute are the same attribute or the same type of attribute. The attribute may be, for example, a game attribute (warrior, wizard, etc.) or a real-world attribute (place of residence, gender, age, etc.). The viewer's viewing history of the broadcaster's content includes, for example, the number of times or frequency with which the viewer has viewed the broadcaster's viewing content. The degree of acceptance of the display request includes, for example, the extent to which a request for game action image display is accepted in response to a viewer's display request, such as the extent to which the disclosure scope, display time, or number of possible requests is accepted. For example, when the receiving unit 104 determines, based on the viewer information, that the acceptance level of the display request is a first acceptance level, the receiving unit 104 receives a display request for the game action image with a first disclosure range, a first display time, or a first requestable number of times. Furthermore, when the receiving unit 104 determines, based on the viewer information, that the acceptance level of the display request is a second acceptance level, the receiving unit 104 receives a display request for the game action image with a second disclosure range, a second display time, or a second requestable number of times. For example, when the second acceptance level is determined, the display request is granted such that the game action image is displayed with a second disclosure range narrower than the first disclosure range, the game action image is displayed with a second display time shorter than the first display time, or the display request is granted with a second requestable number of times less than the first requestable number.

[0064] The distribution processing unit 102 also performs processing to notify the distributor that a viewer has made a display request. For example, when a viewer requests to display the distributor's gaming behavior in game distribution content, the distribution is notified that the viewer has made a display request. In this case, the distributor may also be notified of the viewer's comments related to the distributor's gaming behavior. Furthermore, notifications from multiple viewers who have viewed the game distribution content may be sent together on a single notification screen.

[0065] Furthermore, when a viewer inputs a command corresponding to a game action on the viewer terminal, the receiving unit 104 receives this command input as a display request for the game action. For example, if the game action of the broadcaster is an action to display a game map, and the viewer inputs a command to display the game map, the receiving unit 104 receives this command input as a display request for the game action of map display. Furthermore, if the game action of the broadcaster is an action to use a game item, and the viewer inputs a command to use the item, the receiving unit 104 receives this command input as a display request for the game action of using the item.

[0066] The display processing unit 120 also performs processing to display the broadcaster's gaming behavior history on the viewer terminal TMA. For example, the display processing unit 120 performs processing to display on the viewer terminal TMA an image of the gaming behavior history, in which the gaming behavior performed at each timing is visibly displayed in association with each timing at which the broadcaster performed a gaming behavior in the game streaming video. The receiving unit 104 then receives an operation to designate a gaming behavior of the viewer in the gaming behavior history as a display request for the gaming behavior. For example, if the image of the gaming behavior history displays an image of a speech bubble or icon that visually indicates the gaming behavior performed at each timing, when the viewer performs an operation to designate the image of this speech bubble or icon, the receiving unit 104 determines that a display request for the gaming behavior corresponding to the speech bubble or icon has been made.

[0067] Furthermore, examples of game actions include an action of displaying a game map, an action of inputting a game command, or an action of using a game item. Game actions are not limited to these actions, and various game actions that a broadcaster may perform while playing a game can be envisioned. For example, when a broadcaster performs a game action of displaying a game map while playing a game on the broadcaster terminal TMP, information about the game action for displaying an image of the game action and specific information about the timing of the game action are stored in the memory unit 170, for example, in association with information about the game broadcast image. Similarly, when a broadcaster performs a game action of inputting a game command or an action of using a game item while playing a game on the broadcaster terminal TMP, information about the game action for displaying an image of the game action and specific information about the timing of the game action are stored in the memory unit 170, for example, in association with information about the game broadcast image.

[0068] The content distribution system of FIG. 2 described above, and the processes of this embodiment, such as the distribution process, the reception process, the process of combining game distribution images and game action images, and the process of displaying the combined image, can be implemented in various ways, such as by the server system 500 of FIG. 1(A), by a terminal device, or by distributed processing between the server system 500 and the terminal device. For example, the server system may process only the information necessary to perform each process of this embodiment, or may simply transmit that information to the terminal device, with the terminal device performing other processes. For example, a program for performing each process of this embodiment may be installed in the terminal device, and the terminal device may perform each process of this embodiment based on the installed program. The content distribution system may also be implemented by an information processing system other than the server system 500.

[0069] 2. Method of this embodiment Next, the method of this embodiment will be described in detail.

[0070] 2.1 Gaming behavior display request For example, in FIG. 4, a distributor, who is a player, controls a character CH to play a game such as an RPG (Role-Playing game). When a streamer performs a game action that displays a game map, a map screen such as that shown in A1 of FIG. 4 is displayed on the game image. When a streamer performs a game action that uses a game item, an item selection screen such as that shown in A2 is displayed on the game image. In FIG. 5, the streamer, who is a player, is playing a fighting game in which he or she fights against an enemy character. The streamer then inputs commands such as those shown in A3 to unleash a special move against the enemy character. Note that for ease of explanation, the command input image shown in A3 is displayed on the game image in FIG. 5; however, in normal game mode, such a command input image is not displayed. Instead, such a command input image is displayed in, for example, a training mode in which techniques are trained.

[0071] In game streaming (game commentary, game demonstration), game streaming images, such as those shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, displaying the streamer's gameplay are displayed on the viewer's device. Viewers can enjoy watching the streamer's gameplay through these game streaming images, and by checking the streamer's gameplay actions, they can obtain hints that will be useful when playing the same game. For example, by checking the map screen shown in A1 of FIG. 4, viewers can learn where in the game world the streamer is playing the game to complete a quest or the like, as well as the topography of the dungeon, which can provide useful hints for their own gameplay. Furthermore, by checking the item selection screen shown in A2 of FIG. 4, viewers can learn what items the streamer used to complete a quest or the like, which can provide useful hints for their own gameplay. Furthermore, by checking the command input image shown in A3 of FIG. 5, viewers can learn in what order the streamer operated the controls to perform a special move, which can provide useful hints for their own special moves.

[0072] However, when a broadcaster plays a game on a broadcaster terminal, they may open and display the map screen shown in A1 of FIG. 4, then immediately close and hide the map screen. As a result, viewers watching the game broadcast image may want to see more of the map screen, but may not be able to see the map screen in detail and may not get enough hints to complete the game. Similarly, when a broadcaster plays a game on a broadcaster terminal, they may display the item screen shown in A2 of FIG. 4, then immediately hide the item selection screen. As a result, viewers watching the game broadcast image may not be able to see in detail what items were selected on the item selection screen and may not get enough hints to complete the game. Furthermore, in games where the map screen or item selection screen is displayed on a screen separate from the screen displaying the game image, the map screen or item selection screen is not displayed in the game broadcast image, so viewers cannot see how the item was selected on the item selection screen. Furthermore, the command input image shown in A3 of FIG. 5 is not displayed when the broadcaster is playing the game in normal game mode, so viewers watching the game broadcast image cannot know what commands the broadcaster entered to perform a special move.

[0073] Therefore, in this embodiment, when a viewer requests to display the broadcaster's game actions in a game broadcast image, the display request is accepted, and a display image is displayed on the viewer's device, in which the game broadcast image and the requested game action image are combined. That is, by accepting a request from a viewer and combining the viewer's requested game action with the currently broadcast game broadcast image (game commentary image, game demonstration image) and displaying it on the viewer's device, the viewer can more actively understand the game action. For example, when watching a game broadcast (game commentary), viewers generally can only interact from outside the game, such as by posting comments. However, there are cases where viewers want their own actions to be reflected on the game broadcast screen in ways other than posting comments. For example, in games such as FPS / TPS, the broadcaster player may only briefly perform an operation to display the overall map. In such cases, the player can gather appropriate information even if the display is only fleeting because it is an intentional operation, but it is difficult for viewers to recognize the information because they cannot predict it. In this embodiment, a method is provided that allows a viewer to actively access and display an interface with low dynamic elements, such as a map, status, or menu.

[0074] 6 and 7 are explanatory diagrams of the method of this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6, a broadcaster plays a game such as an RPG while viewing game images displayed on the broadcaster terminal. Information on game broadcast content for broadcasting this gameplay is stored in the storage unit 170, which is a database of the server system 500. The information on the game broadcast content is an image for displaying the game images displayed on the broadcaster terminal on a viewer terminal. In the case of streaming broadcasting, video information on the game is stored in the storage unit 170 as information on the game broadcast content. Alternatively, playback information for playing the game broadcast images may be stored in the storage unit 170 as information on the game broadcast content. Furthermore, when the broadcaster performs a game action such as displaying a map or selecting an item, information on the game action is stored in the storage unit 170. In this case, timing information specifying when the broadcaster performed a game action such as displaying a map or selecting an item during game play on the broadcaster terminal is also stored in the storage unit 170 in association with the information on the game action. The game behavior information may be game behavior image information obtained by extracting an image of a map screen or an image of an item selection screen from a game image or game video displayed on the broadcaster terminal, or may be image information of a map screen or an item selection screen generated based on game play information separately from game images when the broadcaster plays the game on the broadcaster terminal. Alternatively, the game behavior information may be game play information, which is operation information of the broadcaster when displaying a map or selecting an item. In this case, an image of the map screen or item selection screen is generated based on the game play information stored as game behavior information.

[0075] Then, on the viewer terminal, a game broadcast image of, for example, an RPG is displayed based on the information of the game broadcast content stored in the storage unit 170. When the viewer makes a request to display a game action and this display request is accepted, a display image is displayed on the viewer terminal, in which a game broadcast image based on the information of the game broadcast content and a game action image based on the information of the game action are combined, as shown in FIG. 6. For example, when the viewer makes a request to display a game action of map display, a display image is displayed in which an image of the map screen is combined with the game broadcast image. When the viewer makes a request to display a game action of item selection, a display image is displayed in which an image of the item selection screen is combined with the game broadcast image.

[0076] 7, the broadcaster plays a fighting game in which he or she fights an enemy character while viewing game images displayed on the broadcaster terminal. Information about the game broadcast content for broadcasting this gameplay is stored in the storage unit 170, which is a database of the server system 500. When the broadcaster performs a game action such as inputting a command, information about the game action is stored in the storage unit 170. In this case, timing information specifying when the broadcaster performed the game action, such as inputting a command, during game play on the broadcaster terminal is also stored in the storage unit 170 in association with the game action information. The game action information may be information about a game action image in which a command input image is extracted from a game image or game video displayed on the broadcaster terminal, or information about a command input image generated based on game play information, separate from the game image, during game play by the broadcaster on the broadcaster terminal. Alternatively, the game action information may be game play information, which is operation information of the broadcaster when inputting a command. In this case, a command input image is generated in the server system 500 or the like based on the game play information stored as game action information.

[0077] Then, on the viewer terminal, a game distribution image of, for example, a competitive game is displayed based on the information of the game distribution content stored in the storage unit 170. Then, when the viewer requests to display the game action of command input and this display request is accepted, a display image is displayed in which the command input image is combined with the game distribution image, as shown in FIG.

[0078] 2.2 Processing example of this embodiment 8 and 9 are flowcharts illustrating the processing of this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8, game processing for the game played by the broadcaster is executed on the broadcaster terminal (step S1). Then, information on the game broadcast content of the game played by the broadcaster is stored (step S2). That is, information on the game broadcast content for displaying the game images on the broadcaster terminal shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 as game broadcast images on the viewer terminal is stored in the storage unit 170. Information on the game actions performed by the broadcaster in the game is also stored (step S3). For example, in FIG. 6, information on game actions for displaying images of game actions such as map display and item selection on the viewer terminal is stored in the storage unit 170. In FIG. 7, information on game actions for displaying images of game actions such as command input on the viewer terminal is stored in the storage unit 170.

[0079] As shown in FIG. 9, the content distribution system executes a distribution process for allowing a viewer at a viewer terminal to view the game distribution content based on the information on the game distribution content stored in the storage unit 170 (step S11). For example, the distribution process is performed to display the game images (game videos) at the broadcaster terminals shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 as game distribution images (game distribution videos) on the viewer terminals. The content distribution system then determines whether the viewer has requested the broadcaster to display the broadcaster's game actions (step S12). For example, in FIG. 6, it is determined whether the viewer has requested the broadcaster to display the broadcaster's game actions, such as a map display or an item selection. In FIG. 7, it is determined whether the viewer has requested the broadcaster to display the broadcaster's game actions, such as command input. When such a display request is made, the content distribution system performs a process to accept the display request (step S13). The content distribution system then displays on the viewer terminal a display image in which the game distribution image based on the game distribution content and the game action image based on the game action information are combined (step S14). For example, in FIG. 6, a display image in which a game action image, such as a map screen image or an item selection screen image, is combined with the game distribution image is displayed. In FIG. 7, a display image is displayed in which a command input image, which is a game action image, is combined with a game distribution image.

[0080] As described above, in this embodiment, a distribution process is performed to allow viewers at viewer terminals to view game distribution content of a game played by a broadcaster at a broadcaster terminal. Information about the game distribution content and information about the broadcaster's gaming behavior in the game are stored in the storage unit 170. When a viewer requests display of their gaming behavior, the display request is accepted, and a display image is displayed on the viewer terminal, in which a game distribution image based on the information about the game distribution content and a game behavior image based on the information about the gaming behavior are combined. In this manner, when a viewer viewing game distribution content requests display of the broadcaster's gaming behavior, a display image is displayed on the viewer terminal, in which the image of the requested gaming behavior is combined with the game distribution image. This allows viewers to display the broadcaster's gaming behavior image in response to their own active display request, thereby enabling them to check the broadcaster's gaming behavior. This makes it possible to provide a content distribution system, etc., that allows viewers to actively check the broadcaster's gaming behavior. The process of combining the game distribution image and the game behavior image based on the viewer's display request may be implemented, for example, via an external processing server. For example, the content distribution system may request a processing server to perform a composite process of a game distribution image and a game action image based on a display request, and then perform a process to display the composite image of the game distribution image and the game action image generated by the processing server on the viewer terminal.

[0081] Furthermore, the game behavior image is, for example, an image extracted from a game image or game video on a broadcaster terminal. For example, FIG. 10 shows a game image displayed on a broadcaster terminal, which includes an image of a map screen and an image of an item selection screen. In this case, as shown in B1 and B2, a process (trimming process) is performed to cut out and extract the image of the map screen or the image of the item selection screen from the game image, thereby generating a game behavior image of map display or an image of item selection. Information on the generated game behavior image is then stored in the storage unit 170. In this way, game behavior images can be generated by the simple process of cutting out and extracting an image from the game image on the broadcaster terminal. The generated game behavior image can then be combined with a game distribution image and displayed on a viewer terminal. For example, the display area of ​​the map screen or the item selection screen is often fixed in a game, and it is easy to identify which area of ​​the game image needs to be cut out and extracted to extract the image of the map screen or the image of the item selection screen. Furthermore, even when the display area of ​​the map screen or item selection screen changes depending on the game situation, the display area of ​​the map screen or item selection screen can be identified by using game information used in game processing (information about the game program and information about parameters used in the program). Therefore, by monitoring game play information such as the broadcaster's operation information, the timing when the broadcaster performs game actions such as displaying a map or selecting an item can be detected, and at the detected timing, the display area of ​​the map screen or item selection screen can be cut out and extracted, thereby extracting an image of the map screen or item selection screen.

[0082] The game behavior image may also be an image extracted from a game video on a broadcaster's terminal. For example, when a broadcaster (player) equips an item, a game video is recorded, which is a video of a series of game actions, such as removing the equipped item, selecting another item, and equipping the selected item. The game behavior image extracted from this game video may then be combined with the game broadcast image and displayed as a display image.

[0083] The game behavior image may also be an image generated based on the game play information of the broadcaster on the broadcaster terminal. For example, in FIG. 10, operation information input by the broadcaster to display a map screen or an item selection screen is acquired as game play information, and this game play information is stored in the storage unit 170 as game behavior information. The operation information, which is game play information, is, for example, input key information. Then, the content distribution system or the viewer terminal generates an image of the map screen or an image of the item selection screen, which is a game behavior image, based on this game play information, which is game behavior information. Then, an image in which the generated image of the map screen or the image of the item selection screen is combined with the game broadcast image is displayed on the viewer terminal. In this way, it becomes possible to generate game behavior images based on game play information with a smaller amount of data than game behavior images extracted from game images or game videos, thereby saving the used storage space of the storage unit 170, for example.

[0084] In this case, the game behavior image may be an image generated based on game play information, separately from the game image, when the broadcaster plays the game on the broadcaster terminal. For example, in FIG. 11 , a game image for the broadcaster to play the game is generated on the broadcaster terminal, and a command input image is generated separately from the game image. This command input image is generated by a command input image generation process executed in parallel with the game image generation process, separately from the game image, based on the broadcaster's operation information, which is game play information. The information on the command input image generated in this way is then stored in the storage unit 170 as game behavior information. A display image in which the command input image is superimposed on the game broadcast image is then displayed on the viewer terminal. In this way, when the broadcaster plays the game, a game behavior image generated based on game play information, separately from the game image, can be used to superimpose this game behavior image on the game broadcast image and display it on the viewer terminal.

[0085] For example, in a game device having a first display unit that displays a game image and a second display unit that displays various information not displayed in the game image, a command input image may be generated as the display image of the second display unit. Therefore, the command input image generated in this manner can be used as a game action image. Furthermore, if an image of a map screen or an image of an item selection screen is generated as the display image of the second display unit, the image of the map screen or the image of the item selection screen generated in this manner can be used as a game action image.

[0086] In this embodiment, game actions include actions such as displaying a game map, inputting game commands, or using game items. In this way, images of map screens with low dynamic elements, game command images, and item selection screen images can be combined with game distribution images as game images and displayed on viewer terminals.

[0087] FIGS. 12A and 12B are explanatory diagrams of a method for identifying game actions. As shown in FIG. 12A, in this embodiment, game actions are classified into, for example, map-based game actions, item-based game actions, and command-based game actions. Furthermore, each of map-based game actions, item-based game actions, and command-based game actions is further classified into smaller categories. Then, based on game play information such as the streamer's operation information, the type of game action performed by the streamer during game play is detected based on the behavior classification information shown in FIG. 12A. Then, game action information for displaying an image of the detected game action is generated using, for example, the method described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 12B, timing information is also generated to identify the timing at which game actions GA1, GA2, GA3, and GA4 were performed during the streamer's game play. FIG. 12B shows the streamer's game action history. This timing information is then associated with the game action information and stored in the storage unit 170. In this way, it becomes possible to read out from the storage unit 170 information about the game action at the timing specified by the timing information, and to synthesize a game action image based on the read out information about the game action with the game distribution image.

[0088] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when a display image in which a game action image is superimposed on a game broadcast image is displayed based on a viewer's display request, a process is performed to output game broadcast sounds (game commentary sounds) of the game being broadcast on the viewer terminal. For example, even when a map screen image or an item selection screen image is displayed on the display unit of the viewer terminal based on a viewer's display request, the viewer terminal outputs game broadcast sounds corresponding to the game broadcast image at that time, rather than the sounds output when the map screen or item selection screen is displayed. For example, when characters are fighting each other in the broadcast game, game broadcast sounds such as the voices of the characters during the battle are output. In this way, even when a display image in which a game action image is superimposed on a game broadcast image is displayed, game broadcast sounds corresponding to the game broadcast image can be output to the viewer, preventing the viewer from feeling as if the game broadcast has been interrupted.

[0089] In FIG. 13 , the viewer requests display of game actions at timing TR. In FIG. 13 , the direction of t is the direction of the time axis. In this case, in this embodiment, an image of the broadcaster's game actions at timing TA, which is different from timing TR, can be superimposed on the game broadcast image at timing TR. For example, while viewing the game broadcast image at timing TR, a viewer may want to check what game actions the broadcaster performed at an earlier timing TA. For example, the viewer may want to check an image of the map screen or item selection screen displayed at timing TA. In this case, the viewer requests display of the broadcaster's game actions at the earlier timing TA by requesting display at timing TR. In this way, even when a request to display game actions at a past timing TA is made, the game broadcast image displayed is an image corresponding to the timing TR of the display request, rather than the timing TA. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 13 , the game broadcast sound is output at the timing TV corresponding to the timing TR of the display request, rather than the timing TA. In this way, even when a viewer requests display of the broadcaster's game actions at a timing different from the display request, the game broadcast sound corresponding to the game broadcast image is output from the viewer terminal.

[0090] 14 is a flowchart illustrating a process for changing the degree of acceptance of a display request based on viewer information. First, the content distribution system determines whether the viewer has requested the broadcaster to display his / her game actions (step S21). If a display request has been made, the content distribution system determines the degree of acceptance of the viewer's display request based on viewer information such as relationship information between the viewer and the broadcaster, such as friend relationships or team relationships, viewer attribute information, or broadcaster content viewing information by the viewer (step S22). For example, the degree of acceptance of the display request is determined based on the number of times a display request can be requested, the display time, the disclosure range, and other factors. The content distribution system then performs a process for accepting the display request based on the result of the determination of the degree of acceptance (step S23).

[0091] As described above, in this embodiment, the degree of acceptance of display requests is changed based on viewer information. In this manner, a viewer's request to display the streamer's game behavior can be accepted at a degree of acceptance according to the viewer's information, and a display image in which game behavior images are superimposed on a game broadcast image can be displayed. For example, suppose the viewer and streamer are friends, belong to the same team, or have the same or similar attributes as the viewer. Alternatively, suppose the viewer's attributes and the streamer's attributes are the same or similar. Alternatively, suppose the viewer is a heavy user who has frequently viewed the streamer's viewing content many times in the past. In this case, for example, the number of possible display requests increases, and the display time of game behavior images becomes longer. Furthermore, the disclosure range of game behavior is also broadened, allowing, for example, disclosure of game behavior that the streamer considers confidential information. On the other hand, suppose the viewer and streamer are not friends, have little relationship, have dissimilar attributes, and the viewer has rarely viewed the streamer's viewing content. In this case, for example, the number of possible display requests decreases, the display time of game behavior images becomes shorter, and the disclosure range of game behavior becomes narrower.

[0092] In this embodiment, for example, when display requests are received from multiple viewers, the display requests may be accepted, and game action images corresponding to the display requests from the multiple viewers may be composited and displayed on the game broadcast image. For example, when display requests are received from a predetermined percentage (e.g., half) of the viewers watching the game broadcast content, it is determined that the display requirements for the game action images are met, and the game action images corresponding to the display requests are composited and displayed on the game broadcast image. For example, when a large number of viewers request the display of game action images that explain special moves, the game action images may be composited and displayed on the game broadcast image.

[0093] In this embodiment, a process is performed to notify the broadcaster that a viewer has made a display request. Specifically, a notification process is performed to make the broadcaster aware of which game action, among multiple game actions in the broadcaster's gameplay, the viewer has made the display request. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of such a notification to the broadcaster. In FIG. 15, the broadcaster is notified that a notification has been received from a viewer of the game broadcast who has made a display request. Comments from the viewer who made the display request are also displayed. Specifically, comments on the broadcaster's game actions, such as map display and command input, are displayed. For example, by seeing a viewer's comment such as "Please don't turn off the map too quickly," the broadcaster can recognize that the viewer is interested in the broadcaster's game action of displaying the map. Furthermore, by seeing this comment, the broadcaster can learn that it is better to take the time to perform game actions such as displaying and hiding the map during gameplay in the broadcast. Furthermore, by seeing a comment such as "I don't really understand how to perform that special move," the broadcaster can know that the viewer is interested in the command input for the special move. That is, by viewing a notification such as that shown in FIG. 15, the broadcaster can confirm that the broadcaster wants to know information about the broadcaster's game actions, such as map display and command input. In this manner, in this embodiment, the broadcaster is notified that a viewer has requested a display. This allows the broadcaster to be notified that the viewer wants to know the details of the broadcaster's game actions. By viewing such a notification, the broadcaster can use it to improve their own game broadcast content, for example.

[0094] Next, a specific example of a viewer's display request will be described. In this embodiment, for example, a viewer makes a command input corresponding to a game action, thereby making a display request for that game action. FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating the processing performed when a display request is made by command input. First, the content distribution system determines whether the viewer at the viewer terminal has made a command input while watching a game broadcast (step S31). If such a command input is made, the content distribution system searches for information on the broadcaster's game action corresponding to the command input (step S32). For example, the content distribution system searches for game action corresponding to the command input by tracing back from the time the display request was made in the game action history shown in FIG. 12(B) and FIG. 17 (described later). Then, the content distribution system displays on the viewer terminal a display image in which a game image based on the searched game action information is superimposed on a game broadcast image (step S33).

[0095] As described above, in this embodiment, when a viewer inputs a command corresponding to a game action on a viewer terminal, the command input is accepted as a request to display the game action. This allows the viewer to request the display of the game action simply by inputting a command corresponding to the game action, thereby providing an operation interface environment suitable for the viewer's display request. For example, if a viewer wants to view a game action image of a map display, the viewer uses the operation unit of the viewer terminal to input a command that is input to display a map screen in the game. Furthermore, if a viewer wants to view a game action image of an item selection, the viewer uses the operation unit of the viewer terminal to input a command that is input to display an item selection screen in the game. For example, viewers often play the game that the broadcaster is streaming, and in such cases, the viewer is familiar with the command inputs corresponding to game actions such as map display and item selection. Therefore, when a viewer wants to display an image of a game action that the viewer wants to see, the viewer can easily input a command that corresponds to that game action.

[0096] In this embodiment, a viewer requests the display of a game action by specifying the game action in the game action history. FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram of a display request based on the specification of a game action in the game action history. For example, C1 in FIG. 17 is a sequence bar (seek bar, progress bar) for a video of a game broadcast. Viewers can use this sequence bar to watch the video of the game broadcast at the timing specified by the viewer. The streamer's game actions performed at each timing of the game broadcast are associated with and displayed on this sequence bar, as shown in C2, C3, and C4. For example, at timing t1, the streamer opens and displays the map screen, and at timing t2, the streamer selects an item. Furthermore, at timing t3, the streamer inputs a specific command to perform a special move. For example, if a viewer wants to check the streamer's game action on the map display, the viewer performs an operation to specify the speech bubble in C2. For example, the viewer performs an operation to touch the speech bubble in C2. This requests the display of the game action on the map display, and a display image is displayed in which the game broadcast image and the map screen image are combined. If the viewer wants to see the streamer's game action of selecting an item, for example, they select the C3 bubble, and if they want to see the game action of entering a command for a special move, they select the C4 bubble. This requests the display of the game action of selecting an item or entering a command, and a display image is displayed that combines the game stream image with an image of the item selection screen and an image of the command input.

[0097] As described above, in this embodiment, the broadcaster's game behavior history is displayed on the viewer terminal, and a viewer's designation operation for a game behavior in the game behavior history is accepted as a display request for that game behavior. That is, in FIG. 17 , the broadcaster's game behavior history, as shown in C2, C3, and C4, is displayed on the viewer terminal. Then, for example, when a viewer performs a designation operation for a game behavior in this game behavior history, designating the portion shown in C2, C3, or C4, this designation operation is accepted as a display request for that game behavior. Then, a display image in which the image of the game behavior for which the designation operation was performed is superimposed on the game broadcast image is displayed on the viewer terminal. In this way, the viewer can request the display of that game behavior simply by designating the game behavior in the game behavior history, thereby providing an operational interface environment suitable for the viewer's display request. Note that the method of the viewer's display request is not limited to the method shown in FIGS. 16 and 17 . For example, a menu screen dedicated to display requests may be displayed on the viewer terminal, allowing the viewer to select the desired game behavior of the broadcaster from this menu screen.

[0098] Although the present embodiment has been described in detail above, those skilled in the art will readily understand that many modifications are possible without substantially departing from the novel features and advantages of the present disclosure. Therefore, all such modifications are intended to be within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, a term (such as "tipping") that appears at least once in the specification or drawings together with a different, broader or synonymous term (such as "participation behavior") may be replaced with that different term anywhere in the specification or drawings. Furthermore, the process of distributing game distribution content, the process of accepting display requests, the process of combining and displaying game distribution images and game action images, etc. are not limited to those described in the present embodiment; equivalent methods are also within the scope of the present disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0099] 100...processing unit, 102...distribution processing unit, 104...reception unit, 118...management unit, 120...display processing unit, 130...sound processing unit, 170...storage unit, 172...content information storage unit, 174...user information storage unit, 196...communication unit, 200...processing unit, 260...operation unit, 262...interface unit, 270...storage unit, 280...information storage medium, 290...display unit, 292...sound output unit, 296...communication unit, 500...server system, 510...network, CH...character, GA1, GA2, GA3, GA4...game action, TM, TM1 to TMn...terminal device, TMA, TMA1 to TMAm...viewer terminal, TMP...distributor terminal

Claims

1. a distribution processing unit that performs distribution processing for viewing, by a viewer at a viewer terminal, of game distribution content of a game played by a distributor at the distributor terminal; a storage unit that stores information about the game distribution content and information about game actions taken by the distributor in the game; a receiving unit that receives a display request when the viewer makes a display request for the game action; a display processing unit that, when the display request is accepted, performs processing to display on the viewer terminal a display image obtained by combining a game distribution image based on information about the game distribution content and a game action image based on information about the game action; A content distribution system comprising:

2. In claim 1, A content distribution system, wherein the game action image is an image extracted from a game image or a game video on the distributor terminal.

3. In claim 1, A content distribution system characterized in that the game behavior image is an image generated based on game play information of the distributor at the distributor terminal.

4. In claim 3, A content distribution system characterized in that the game behavior image is an image generated based on the game play information, separately from the game image, during the broadcaster's game play on the broadcaster terminal.

5. In any one of claims 1 to 4, A content distribution system characterized by including a sound processing unit that performs processing to output game distribution sounds of the game being distributed to the viewer terminal when the display image in which the game action image is synthesized with the game distribution image based on the display request is displayed.

6. In any one of claims 1 to 5, The reception unit A content distribution system characterized in that the degree of acceptance of the display request is changed based on the viewer information.

7. In any one of claims 1 to 6, The distribution processing unit a content distribution system that performs processing to notify the distributor that the viewer has made a display request;

8. In any one of claims 1 to 7, The reception unit A content distribution system characterized in that, when the viewer inputs a command corresponding to the game action at the viewer terminal, the command input is accepted as the display request for the game action.

9. In any one of claims 1 to 7, The display processing unit A process of displaying the game behavior history of the distributor on the viewer terminal is performed; The reception unit A content distribution system characterized in that a designation operation of the viewer's gaming behavior in the gaming behavior history is accepted as the display request for the gaming behavior.

10. In any one of claims 1 to 9, A content distribution system, wherein the game action is an action of displaying a game map, an action of inputting a game command, or an action of using a game item.

11. a distribution processing unit that performs distribution processing for viewing, by a viewer at a viewer terminal, of game distribution content of a game played by a distributor at the distributor terminal; a storage unit that stores information about the game distribution content and information about game actions taken by the distributor in the game; a receiving unit that receives a display request when the viewer makes a display request for the game action; a display processing unit that, when the display request is accepted, performs processing to display on the viewer terminal a display image obtained by combining a game distribution image based on information about the game distribution content and a game action image based on information about the game action, A program that causes a computer to function.

Images