System, method, program, and device for providing content distribution service

Abstract

To assist a distribution user in distributing a content.SOLUTION: A content distribution server 10 is connected so as to be able to communicate with a user terminal 30 over a communication network 20, and provides a user with a content distribution service for distributing and viewing content via the user terminal 30. The server 10 provides the distribution user with guide information for guiding to the distribution of a sub content and starts the distribution of the sub content in response to an instruction given by the distribution user. The sub content distributed together with the content can promote augmenting distribution.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a technique for providing a content distribution service. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, various services have been provided for distributing content composed of images and / or audio. In these services, a mechanism for supporting broadcasters who broadcast content is sometimes introduced. For example, Patent Document 1 below discloses that during live video distribution, advice information for the broadcaster is generated and displayed on the broadcaster's screen. Such a mechanism supports the broadcaster in conducting appropriate live distribution based on the displayed advice information. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-075401 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, while the conventional mechanisms described above can promote appropriate live streaming, there may be some broadcasters for whom simply displaying advice information is not sufficient. For example, even if broadcasters are given advice on how to behave during live streaming, it is conceivable that some broadcasters may find it difficult to follow that advice. As such, there is room for improvement in support for broadcasters in content distribution services.

[0005] One of the objects of the embodiments of the present invention is to support distribution users who distribute content. Other objects of the embodiments of the present invention will become apparent by reading the entire specification. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A system according to one embodiment of the present invention is a system for providing a content distribution service, comprising one or more computer processors, wherein the one or more computer processors perform the steps of: providing guidance information to a distribution user distributing the content during the distribution of the content, the guidance information directing the distribution of sub-content that can be distributed together with the content; and starting the distribution of the sub-content in response to an instruction from the distribution user who has been provided with the guidance information.

[0007] A method according to one embodiment of the present invention is a method for providing a content distribution service, executed by one or more computers, and includes the steps of: providing, during the distribution of content, guidance information to a distribution user distributing the content, which guidance information guides the distribution of sub-content that can be distributed together with the content; and starting the distribution of the sub-content in response to an instruction from the distribution user who has been provided with the guidance information.

[0008] A program according to one embodiment of the present invention is a program for providing a content distribution service, which causes one or more computers to execute the steps of: providing guidance information to a distribution user distributing content during the distribution of the content, which guidance information guides the distribution of sub-content that can be distributed along with the content; and starting the distribution of the sub-content in response to an instruction from the distribution user who has been provided with the guidance information.

[0009] An apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention is an apparatus for providing a content distribution service, and includes: means for providing guidance information to a distribution user distributing the content, during the distribution of the content, that guides the distribution of sub-content that can be distributed together with the content; and means for starting the distribution of the sub-content in response to an instruction from the distribution user who has been provided with the guidance information. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] Various embodiments of the present invention assist broadcast users in broadcasting content. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a network including a content distribution server 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of information managed by a user information table 1511. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the rank of broadcast users. [Figure 4] FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of information managed by a distribution management table 1512. [Figure 5] FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of information managed by a distribution user-specific viewing user management table 1513. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the conditions for each of a plurality of fan levels. [Figure 7] FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of information managed by a theme classification information table 1514. [Figure 8] FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of information managed by a talk topic information table 1515. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a top screen 50. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of display content in an individual display area 541. [Figure 11] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a distribution preparation screen 60. [Figure 12] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a distribution screen 70. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a viewing screen 80. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a viewing screen 80 on which a gift selection screen 200 is superimposed. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a gift selection screen 200. [Figure 16] 4 is a flowchart illustrating a process executed by the server 10 when a distribution user distributes sub-content. [Figure 17]FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a distribution screen 70 on which a guidance information object 78 is arranged. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a viewing screen 80 on which an information object 88 for viewing users is arranged. [Figure 19] 10 is a diagram illustrating a distribution screen 70 and a viewing screen 80 immediately after distribution of content corresponding to a talk topic suggestion tool has started. FIG. [Figure 20] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating subcontent display areas 79 and 89. [Figure 21] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of a distribution screen 70 and a viewing screen 80 when sub-content display areas 79 and 89 are displayed in a reduced size. [Figure 22] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a tool top screen 300. [Figure 23] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process executed by the server 10 when proposing a talk topic. [Figure 24] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a theme category selection screen 310. [Figure 25] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a theme classification top screen 320. [Figure 26] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a lottery execution screen 330. [Figure 27] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a lottery result screen 340. [Figure 28] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a talking screen 350. [Figure 29] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a talk end screen 360. [Figure 30] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process executed by the server 10 when updating the rank of each user. [Figure 31] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an update rule for a rank meter value. [Figure 32] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process executed by the server 10 when granting diamonds to each user. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

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

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

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

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

[0016] The input / output I / F 13 includes various input / output devices for exchanging information with an operator, etc. The input / output I / F 13 includes, for example, information input devices such as a keyboard and a pointing device (e.g., a mouse, a touch panel, etc.), a voice input device such as a microphone, and an image input device such as a camera. The input / output I / F 13 also includes an image output device such as a display, and an audio output device such as a speaker.

[0017] The communication I / F 14 is implemented as hardware such as a network adapter, various communication software, or a combination thereof, and is configured to be able to realize wired or wireless communication via the communication network 20 or the like.

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

[0019] In this embodiment, the content distribution server 10 may be configured using a plurality of computers each having the above-described hardware configuration. For example, the content distribution server 10 may be configured by one or a plurality of server devices.

[0020] The content distribution server 10 configured in this manner can be configured to function as a web server and an application server, and in this case, executes various processes in response to requests from a terminal-side program 42 installed in the user terminal 30, and transmits screen data (e.g., HTML data) and control data corresponding to the results of the processes to the user terminal 30. The user terminal 30 can output a web page or other screen based on the received data.

[0021] Next, we will explain the hardware configuration of the user terminal 30. The user terminal 30 is configured as a general computer, and as shown in Fig. 1, it includes a computer processor 31, a main memory 32, an input / output I / F 33, a communication I / F 34, and a storage (storage device) 35, and these components are electrically connected via a bus or the like (not shown).

[0022] The computer processor 31 is configured as a CPU, a GPU, or the like, and loads various programs stored in a storage 35 or the like into the main memory 32 and executes various instructions included in the programs. The main memory 32 is configured, for example, by a DRAM or the like.

[0023] The input / output I / F 33 includes various input / output devices for exchanging information with an operator, etc. The input / output I / F 33 includes, for example, information input devices such as a keyboard and a pointing device (e.g., a mouse, a touch panel, etc.), an audio input device such as a microphone, and an image input device such as a camera. The input / output I / F 33 also includes an image output device such as a display, and an audio output device such as a speaker.

[0024] The communication I / F 34 is implemented as hardware such as a network adapter, various communication software, or a combination thereof, and is configured to be able to realize wired or wireless communication via the communication network 20 or the like.

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

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

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

[0028] Next, a description will be given of the functions of the content distribution server 10 configured as above. As shown in Fig. 1, computer processor 11 of server 10 is configured to function as a management function control unit 111, a distribution control unit 112, and a sub-contents progress control unit 114 by executing instructions included in a program (for example, at least a part of server-side program 40) loaded into main memory 12.

[0029] The management function control unit 111 is configured to execute various processes related to the control of the management functions of the content distribution service. For example, the management function control unit 111 transmits screen data and control data of various screens related to the management functions to the user terminal 30, executes various processes in response to operation input by the user via the screens output on the user terminal 30, and transmits screen data and control data according to the results of the processes to the user terminal 30. The management functions controlled by the management function control unit 111 include, for example, login processing (user authentication), billing control, and user account management.

[0030] The delivery control unit 112 is configured to execute various processes for controlling the delivery of content. For example, the delivery control unit 112 is configured to deliver content provided by a delivery user who delivers the content to multiple viewing users. For example, the delivery control unit 112 presents a viewing screen for viewing the content to each of the multiple viewing users, and transmits, for example, screen data and control data of the viewing screen to each user terminal 30 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as viewing terminal 30) of the multiple viewing users.

[0031] The sub-contents progress control unit 114 is configured to execute various processes related to the control of the progress of an application corresponding to sub-content that can be distributed together with the content. For example, the sub-contents progress control unit 114 transmits screen data and control data of various screens related to the progress of the application to the user terminal 30, executes various processes in response to operation input by the user via the screens output on the user terminal 30, and transmits screen data, control data, etc. according to the results of the processes to the user terminal 30. The applications include various tools, games, etc.

[0032] In this embodiment, the distribution control unit 112 is configured to provide guidance information that guides the distribution user distributing the content to the distribution of sub-content during the distribution of the content. The guidance information is displayed, for example, on a distribution screen presented to the distribution user. The distribution screen is output on the user terminal 30 of the distribution user (hereinafter sometimes referred to as distribution terminal 30). The guidance information is displayed, for example, at a predetermined position on the distribution screen.

[0033] Furthermore, distribution control unit 112 is configured to start distribution of sub-content in response to an instruction from a distributor user who has been provided with guidance information. In this embodiment, the progress of an application corresponding to the sub-content is controlled by sub-content progress control unit 114, as described above. The sub-content is configured, for example, by video corresponding to a screen output by the corresponding application and audio output by the application.

[0034] In this way, the content distribution server 10 in this embodiment provides the distributor user with guidance information that guides the distributor user to distribute subcontent, and starts distributing the subcontent in response to an instruction from the distributor user. The subcontent distributed together with the content can promote excitement for the distribution. In other words, the server 10 supports the distributor user who distributes content.

[0035] In this embodiment, the content distributed includes various types of digital content. For example, the content may consist of images (video or still images) and audio, or one of these. Furthermore, the distributed content is transmitted in real time from the user terminal 30 of the distribution user who provides the content. Such live content distribution may involve a certain delay (time lag) depending on the settings of the distribution user or the network conditions. The live content distribution is performed using a streaming method using a protocol such as HTTP Live Streaming (HLS). Content distribution users include businesses such as broadcasting stations.

[0036] Furthermore, the content transmitted from the broadcasting terminal 30 is composed of, for example, video and audio of the broadcasting user input (captured) via a camera and microphone possessed by the broadcasting terminal 30. Furthermore, such content is composed of, for example, video and audio corresponding to a screen output on the broadcasting terminal 30. Furthermore, such content is composed of, for example, video corresponding to a screen output by an application (e.g., a game) running on the broadcasting terminal 30, audio output by the application, and / or audio of the broadcasting user input via a microphone possessed by the broadcasting terminal 30.

[0037] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the content to be distributed may be such that part of the data constituting the content is transmitted in real time from distribution terminal 30, while part of the data constituting the content is pre-stored in server 10 or viewing terminal 30. For example, audio constituting the content may be transmitted in real time from distribution terminal 30, while images constituting the content may be pre-stored in server 10 or viewing terminal 30, and the content may be generated in server 10 or viewing terminal 30 based on these data.

[0038] Furthermore, for example, in addition to the audio constituting the content, movement data (motion data) for moving an object such as a character may be transmitted in real time from the distribution terminal 30, while images constituting the content may be stored in advance in the server 10 or the viewing terminal 30, and the images may include model data of the object. In this case, the movement data may be generated based on the movement of the distribution user (including changes in facial expressions, etc.) recognized via a camera in the distribution terminal 30, for example. The content generated in the server 10 or the viewing terminal 30 may include an object such as a character that moves based on the model data and movement data.

[0039] In this embodiment, the distribution control unit 112 may be configured to start distribution of subcontent in response to a distributor user's selection operation of guidance information displayed on the distribution screen. For example, the guidance information displayed on the distribution screen may include a link for starting distribution of the subcontent, and a corresponding application may be launched upon start of distribution of the subcontent. This configuration allows the distributor user to easily instruct the start of distribution of the subcontent.

[0040] In this embodiment, the subcontent may be displayed on the distribution screen and the viewing screen that display the content. For example, the subcontent may be displayed in a first area of ​​the distribution screen and a second area of ​​the viewing screen. In this case, for example, the first and second areas that display the subcontent may be arranged to overlap the area that displays the content, or may be arranged at a position separate from the area.

[0041] Furthermore, the distribution control unit 112 may be configured to provide guidance information to the distribution user in response to the satisfaction of predetermined conditions. In this case, the type of subcontent may be determined in response to the type of satisfied condition. For example, the distribution control unit 112 may be configured to provide the distribution user with first guidance information that guides the distribution of a first subcontent in response to the satisfaction of a first condition, and to provide the distribution user with second guidance information that guides the distribution of a second subcontent of a different type from the first subcontent in response to the satisfaction of a second condition. In this case, for example, the first subcontent is content corresponding to a first application, and the second subcontent is content corresponding to a second application different from the first application. This configuration enables the distribution of subcontent based on the satisfaction of conditions.

[0042] Furthermore, the above-mentioned condition for providing the guidance information may be a condition related to the distribution status of the content. The distribution status may include, for example, the distribution time and the number of viewing users. Furthermore, for example, the condition is a condition that is satisfied based on the behavioral record of a viewing user who views the content, and the distribution control unit 112 may be configured to provide the viewing user with information aimed at the viewing user (e.g., information that guides the viewing user to propose distribution of subcontent to the viewing user) in addition to providing the distribution user with guidance information in response to the satisfaction of the condition. The information aimed at the viewing user is displayed, for example, at a predetermined position on the viewing screen. This configuration enables distribution of subcontent based on the behavioral record of the viewing user, and provision of information aimed at the viewing user.

[0043] In this embodiment, the application corresponding to the sub-content may be a tool that suggests talk themes. In this case, the sub-content progress control unit 114 may be configured to accept a theme category designated by the broadcast user from among a plurality of theme categories, and to determine one talk theme from a plurality of talk themes associated with the designated theme category. The theme category designated by the broadcast user is performed, for example, via a broadcast screen (e.g., an area on the broadcast screen that displays the sub-content). This configuration allows the broadcast user to enjoy selecting a talk theme using the tool together with the viewing user.

[0044] In this case, the theme classification that can be specified may be specified based on the value of a parameter associated with the broadcast user. That is, the sub-content progress control unit 114 may be configured to accept the broadcast user's specification of a theme classification from among one or more specific theme classifications that are specified based on the value of the parameter, among multiple theme classifications. The parameters include, for example, parameters related to the distribution status of the content (e.g., number of distribution days, distribution time, etc.) and parameters related to the usage status of the tool that suggests talk themes (e.g., number of uses, etc.). This configuration makes it possible to specify the theme classification that can be specified based on the value of a broadcast user-related parameter.

[0045] Next, a specific example of one aspect of the content distribution server 10 of this embodiment having such functions will be described. In this example, the content distribution service provided by the server 10 is configured as a service for live distribution of content made up of video and audio of a broadcasting user input (captured) via a camera and microphone possessed by the broadcasting terminal 30. First, in this example, the information managed by each table included in the various tables 151 will be described.

[0046] FIG. 2 illustrates information managed by the user information table 1511 in this example. The user information table 1511 manages information about users of the content distribution service, and as shown in the figure, associates the information with a "user account" that identifies an individual user, and manages information such as the account name, "basic information" including date of birth, etc., the "account registration date" which is the date the user account was registered (the date the content distribution service was started), "distribution history information" which is information about the distribution history as a distribution user, the "first distribution date" which is the date when content was first distributed as a distribution user, "viewing history information" which is information about the viewing history as a viewing user, "following user information" which is information about other users the user is following, "family information" which is information about families to which the user belongs as a family member, a "rank" which indicates the rank as a distribution user, a "rank meter value" which is the value of a parameter used to determine whether the rank has increased or decreased, "number of coins held" which indicates the number of virtual coins that can be used in the content distribution service, "number of diamonds held" which indicates the number of virtual diamonds held, "classification text" which is the classification as a distribution user set by the user themselves, and "number of tool uses" which is the number of times the talk theme suggestion tool has been used to suggest talk themes.

[0047] In this example, a family is a community of fans who support a broadcast user, and can be joined in response to an invitation from the broadcast user or a family manager (designated by the broadcast user), or in response to a user's application to join being approved by the broadcast user or family manager. Family information includes information (user account) that identifies the broadcast user corresponding to each family. In this example, an upper limit (e.g., 100 people) is set for the number of subscribers to a family. In this example, a user can join (belong to) multiple families.

[0048] In this example, coins are given to users for free or for a fee at various times. For example, users can acquire coins for free as a reward such as a login bonus. Also, for example, users can purchase coins for a fee (with real currency). Diamonds, which will be described in more detail later, are given to broadcasting users as one type of reward.

[0049] 3 is a diagram for explaining the ranks of broadcast users in this example. As shown in the figure, in this example, there are six rank bands: "S," "A," "B," "C," "D," and "E." The "S" rank band is made up of six ranks: "S1" to "S6," and each of the four rank bands: "A," "B," "C," and "D" is made up of three ranks (for example, "A1" to "A3"). Furthermore, the "E" rank band is made up of one rank: "E1." In other words, in this example, there are 19 ranks (6 + 3 × 4 + 1 = 19).

[0050] Furthermore, the rank range is highest on the "S" side and lowest on the "E" side. Furthermore, within the same rank range, the larger the number attached to the rank range, the higher the rank, and the smaller the number attached, the lower the rank. In this example, the user's rank is set to "D1" as the initial value. As will be described in more detail later, in this example, the rank is updated based on the daily content distribution performance.

[0051] 4 illustrates information managed by the distribution management table 1512 in this example. The distribution management table 1512 manages information related to individual distributions, and as shown in the figure, in association with a "distribution ID" that identifies an individual distribution (content), manages information such as a "distribution user account" that identifies the distribution user, a "distribution start date and time" that is the date and time the distribution started, a "distribution duration" that is the duration (elapsed time) since the distribution started, the "number of viewing users (current value and maximum value)", the "number of comments" that is the number of comments entered by viewing users while the content was being distributed, the "number of likes" that is the number of "likes" entered by viewing users while the content was being distributed, the "number of coins consumed" that is the number of coins consumed in response to gift item entries by viewing users during the content distribution, the "number of support points" that is the total number of support points granted for this distribution, "distribution tag information" that is information related to distribution tags granted for this distribution, and "talk theme history information" that is the history of talk themes determined using the talk theme suggestion tool for this distribution.

[0052] 5 illustrates information managed in this example by broadcast user-specific viewing user management table 1513. Broadcast user-specific viewing user management table 1513 manages information related to viewing users by broadcast user in a target year and month, and as shown, manages information such as the viewing user's "fan level" for the broadcast user in the target year and month, the viewing user's "number of coins consumed," "viewing time," "number of viewing days," and "number of comments entered" for the corresponding broadcast, in association with a combination of a "broadcast user account" that identifies the broadcast user, a "viewing user account" that identifies the viewing user, and a "target year and month."

[0053] In this example, a fan level is set for a distributor user based on the viewing user's monthly behavioral record for content distributed by the distributor user. FIG. 6 illustrates the conditions for each of the multiple fan levels in this example. As shown in the figure, in this example, two or three conditions are set for each fan level, and a user who meets any one of these conditions will be assigned the corresponding fan level (the level will increase). For example, for fan level "1," two conditions are set: condition 1, which states "spend 10 coins or more, watch for 1.5 hours or more, and enter 4 comments or more," and condition 2, which states "spend 100 coins or more," and a user who meets any one of these two conditions will be a viewing user with fan level "1." For example, for fan level "4," three conditions are set: condition 1, "consume more than 1,000 coins, watch for more than 5 hours, watch for more than 3 days, and enter more than 30 comments," condition 2, "consume more than 3,000 coins, watch for more than 2 hours, and enter more than 5 comments," and condition 3, "consume more than 5,500 coins." A user who meets any one of these three conditions becomes a viewing user with fan level "4."

[0054] This determination of fan level is performed in real time while content is being distributed. Specifically, while content is being distributed, server 10 updates the number of coins consumed, viewing time, number of viewing days, and number of comments entered in real time for each viewing user in viewing user management table by distributor 1513, and determines whether or not the fan level has been upgraded based on this information. When the fan level is upgraded, the fan level value of the corresponding record in viewing user management table by distributor 1513 is updated.

[0055] 7 illustrates information managed by the theme category information table 1514 in this example. The theme category information table 1514 manages information related to the categories (categories) of talk themes proposed by the talk theme suggestion tool, and as shown, manages information such as a "name" and a "minimum number of uses" that indicates the number of times the talk theme suggestion tool must be used to unlock the theme category, in association with a "theme category ID" that identifies the theme category, which is the category of the talk theme. The theme categories include, for example, "lifestyle" and "travel / gourmet."

[0056] 8 illustrates information managed by the talk theme information table 1515 in this example. The talk theme information table 1515 manages information related to talk themes proposed by the talk theme suggestion tool, and as shown in the figure, manages information such as a "name" and a "theme classification ID" that identifies the theme classification to which the talk theme belongs, in association with a "talk theme ID" that identifies the talk theme.

[0057] The information managed by each table has been described above. Next, the processing executed by the content distribution server 10 of this example, and the screens output on the user terminal 30 will be described.

[0058] 9 shows an example of a top screen 50 of the content distribution service output on the user terminal 30. The screen 50 is the starting point when using the content distribution service, and as shown in the figure, has a selection area 52 displaying the text "Follow," "Popular," "Featured," and "All," a list display area 54 located below the selection area 52, and a circular distribution button 56 located in the upper right corner of the screen.

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

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

[0061] 10 illustrates an example of the display content of individual display area 541. Individual display area 541 displays an image preset by the content's distributor user, the distributor user's account name, the number of viewing users (current value), etc., and, as illustrated, a first tag object 5411 and a second tag object 5412 are arranged side by side in the left-right direction at the bottom. First tag object 5411 displays classification text (managed in user information table 1511) that is the distributor user's classification set by the distributor user themselves in the form of a hashtag (a format in which "#" is added to the beginning of the string) (in the example of FIG. 10, it is displayed as "#bigeaterdistribution"). Second tag object 5412 also displays the latest distribution tag assigned by the viewing user to the corresponding distribution, also in the form of a hashtag (in the example of FIG. 10, it is displayed as "#curry").

[0062] Returning to the top screen 50 of FIG. 9, the distribution button 56 is an object that allows the user to distribute content as a distributor user. When the distribution button 56 is selected by the user, a distribution preparation screen 60, as shown in FIG. 11, is output. As shown, the distribution preparation screen 60 has a distribution title input area 62 for inputting a distribution title, a secret distribution setting switch 64 for setting secret distribution mode, a post setting button 66 for setting the posts (posting messages to SNS) that are automatically made during distribution, and a distribution start button 68 with the text "Start!" added. Secret distribution is a distribution mode for content that can only be viewed by new viewing users (specifically, viewing users whose total viewing time over a certain period of time for the corresponding distributor user is less than a predetermined value).

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

[0064] 12 illustrates a distribution screen 70 that is output on distribution terminal 30 in response to the start of content distribution. As shown in the figure, screen 70 has a video display area 71 that covers the entire screen, a basic information display area 72 located in the upper left corner of the screen, a comment display area 73 located in the lower left corner of the screen, a tag display area 74 located above area 73, a viewer information display area 75 located in the upper right corner of the screen, and a circular distribution stop button 76 located in the center of the bottom edge of the screen.

[0065] The video display area 71 displays the content to be distributed, that is, the image input via the camera of the distribution terminal 30. The distribution user usually takes a picture of themselves via the in-camera of the distribution terminal 30, and in this case, the distributed content includes an image of the distribution user themselves.

[0066] The basic information display area 72 displays basic information about this broadcast, specifically, broadcast user information (profile image, etc.), the number of viewing users of this broadcast (current value), and the number of "likes" entered by viewing users for this broadcast.

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

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

[0069] The viewing user information display area 75 displays information about multiple viewing users who are viewing the content being distributed. Specifically, multiple icon objects 751, each corresponding to an individual viewing user, are arranged side by side in the horizontal direction in this area 75. Each object 751 has a circular shape and displays a profile image of the corresponding viewing user. The multiple icon objects 751 are arranged in an order that follows a predetermined rule (for example, in descending order of the number of coins consumed in the current month).

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

[0071] 13 illustrates a viewing screen 80 output on the viewing terminal 30. For example, when a viewing user selects an arbitrary distribution (content) via the list display area 54 of the top screen 50, a viewing screen 80 for viewing the selected distribution is output on the viewing terminal 30. As shown in the figure, the screen 80 has a video display area 81, a basic information display area 82, a comment display area 83, a tag display area 84, and a viewing user information display area 85, similar to the distribution screen 70 described above. In addition, the viewing screen 80 has, at the bottom of the screen, an input mode switching button 861, a comment input area 862, a "Like" button 863 with a heart mark, and a gift input button 864 with a gift design.

[0072] The comment input area 862 is an area where a viewing user can input a comment or a distribution tag. While the input mode switching button 861 is not selected, the comment input area 862 is in the normal comment input mode. In the comment input mode, when a character string is input into the comment input area 862 and a confirmation operation is performed, the character string is transmitted as a user comment, and a comment object 731, 831 corresponding to the user comment is added to the comment display area 73, 83 of the distribution screen 70 and the viewing screen 80 at the corresponding distribution terminal 30 (the user terminal 30 of the distribution user who distributes the content being viewed) and at each viewing terminal 30 (each user terminal 30 of multiple viewing users who view the same content). The comment object 731, 831 corresponding to the user comment displays the content of the comment (character string) along with the account name of the viewing user who entered the comment. In addition, when a user comment is input, the server 10 updates (increases by 1) the number of comments for the corresponding distribution in the distribution management table 1512.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0079] 15 illustrates a gift selection screen 200. As shown in the figure, the screen 200 has a selection area 201, a list display area 204 located below the area 201 and displaying a list of one or more gift items, a price range selection area 206 located below the area 204 for selecting the price range of the gift items to be displayed, and a purchase button 207 located in the lower right corner of the screen and serving as an object for purchasing coins. In addition, the number of coins owned by the corresponding user is displayed in the lower left corner of the gift selection screen 200.

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

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

[0082] The price range selection area 206 is an area for further selecting (filtering) the display content in the list display area 204 by the price range of the gift items. When a price range is selected in the price range selection area 206, gift items in the corresponding price range are displayed in the list display area 204.

[0083] When a gift item is input, a comment object 731, 831 corresponding to a system comment notifying the input of the gift item is added to the comment display area 73, 83 of the corresponding distribution screen 70 and viewing screen 80. The comment object 731, 831 corresponding to the system comment displays the name of the input gift item together with the account name of the viewing user who input the gift item. Furthermore, when a gift item is input, a visual effect corresponding to the input gift item is displayed in the video display area 71, 81 of the corresponding distribution screen 70 and viewing screen 80. The visual effect display includes the display of an image and video effects corresponding to the input gift item.

[0084] In addition, when a gift item is input, the server 10 subtracts the number of coins for the input gift item from the number of coins held by the corresponding user (the viewing user who input the gift item) in the user information table 1511, and adds the number of coins to the number of coins consumed for the corresponding distribution in the distribution management table 1512.

[0085] In this example, the number of support points in the distribution management table 1512 is updated in real time while the content is being distributed. In this example, the number of support points is calculated based on the number of likes, the number of comments, and the number of coins consumed, and the larger these values ​​are, the larger the number of support points will be. When the distribution user selects the distribution stop button 76 on the distribution screen 70, the distribution of the content ends.

[0086] Here, the process when a broadcaster user broadcasts sub-content will be described. In this example, the broadcaster user can broadcast content corresponding to a talk topic suggestion tool as sub-content.

[0087] 16 is a flowchart illustrating a process executed by the server 10 when the distributor user distributes sub-content. First, as shown in the figure, if the distributor user is a target distributor user who is capable of distributing sub-content (YES in step S100), the server 10 waits for a target viewing user who is the subject of a guiding condition for guiding the distributor user to distribute the sub-content to satisfy the guiding condition (NO in step S120) while the content is being distributed (YES in step S110).

[0088] In this example, the target distribution users to whom subcontent can be distributed are users (i.e., beginners) who have been in the last 30 days since the initial distribution date (managed in user information table 1511) when content was distributed for the first time. Also, the target viewing users who are subject to the above-mentioned guidance conditions are users (i.e., beginners) who have been in the last 60 days since the user account registration date (managed in user information table 1511), and the guidance conditions are to watch the content for 60 seconds or more and enter a comment at least once (i.e., to actually participate in the content distribution).

[0089] Then, when such a target viewing user satisfies the guidance condition (YES in step S120), the server 10 presents the distribution user with guidance information that guides the distribution of the sub-content (step S130). In this example, the guidance information is displayed on the distribution screen 70, but is not displayed on the corresponding viewing screen 80.

[0090] 17 illustrates an example of a distribution screen 70 on which a guidance information object 78 that displays guidance information is placed. As shown in the figure, the guidance information object 78 is placed above the tag display area 74. The guidance information object 78 displays text such as "Have you been able to say hello to new people? If you want to find an exciting conversation, try using the 'talk topic suggestion tool'! <Tap to launch>" as guidance information, and disappears after a predetermined time (e.g., 20 seconds) has elapsed since it was placed.

[0091] 16, the server 10 then presents information for viewing users to the viewing users who satisfy the guidance conditions (step S140). In this example, the information for viewing users is displayed on the viewing screen 80 of the viewing user who satisfies the guidance conditions, and is not displayed on the viewing screen 80 or distribution screen 70 of other viewing users.

[0092] 18 illustrates a viewing screen 80 on which an information object for viewing users 88 that displays information for viewing users is placed. As shown in the figure, the information object for viewing users 88 is placed above the tag display area 84. The information object for viewing users 88 displays text such as "Try having a conversation with a live streamer! If you're stuck for a topic to talk about, ask the live streamer to use the 'talk topic suggestion tool'" as information for viewing users, and disappears after a predetermined time (e.g., 5 seconds) has passed since it was placed.

[0093] The guidance information object 78 placed on the distribution screen 70 is an object that allows the distribution user to instruct the launch of the talk theme proposal tool and the distribution of the corresponding content (sub-content). When the distribution user selects the object 78, the talk theme proposal tool is launched and the corresponding content begins to be distributed as sub-content. The content is composed of video corresponding to the screen output by the talk theme proposal tool executed on the distribution terminal 30, and audio output by the tool.

[0094] 19 illustrates a distribution screen 70 and a viewing screen 80 immediately after the start of distribution of content corresponding to the talk topic suggestion tool. In this state, the distribution screen 70 and the viewing screen 80 have subcontent display areas 79 and 89 arranged between the basic information display areas 72 and 82, the viewing user information display areas 75 and 85, and the tag display areas 74 and 84. The subcontent display areas 79 and 89 are configured, for example, as areas corresponding to a web view.

[0095] 20 illustrates subcontent display areas 79, 89. As shown in the figure, the areas 79, 89 have, in the upper right corners, volume adjustment objects 791, 891, which are objects for adjusting the volume of the subcontent, size adjustment buttons 792, 892, which are objects for adjusting the size of the areas 79, 89, and an end button 793. The end button 793 is an object for ending the talk theme proposal tool and ending the distribution of the subcontent, and is not located in the subcontent display area 89 of the viewing screen 80 (in other words, the distribution user can instruct but the viewing user cannot instruct to end the talk theme proposal tool). When the volume adjustment object 791, 891 is selected, the volume of the talk theme proposal tool (subcontent) output on the corresponding user terminal 30 is changed in stages.

[0096] When the size adjustment buttons 792, 892 are selected, the subcontent display areas 79, 89 are enlarged or reduced. The subcontent display areas 79, 89 illustrated in Fig. 19 correspond to a maximized state, and in this case, when the size adjustment buttons 792, 892 are selected, the subcontent display areas 79, 89 of the corresponding distribution screen 70 or viewing screen 80 are displayed in a reduced size.

[0097] 21 shows an example of the distribution screen 70 and the viewing screen 80 when the sub-content display areas 79, 89 are displayed in a reduced size. In this state, the distribution screen 70 and the viewing screen 80 have the sub-content display areas 79, 89 displayed in a reduced size in the upper left corner as shown in the figure. The reduced sub-content display areas 79, 89 overlap the basic information display areas 72, 82.

[0098] 22 illustrates an example of a tool top screen 300 that is displayed in the subcontent display area 79 of the distribution screen 70 in response to activation of the talk topic suggestion tool. During distribution of the subcontent, the display content in the subcontent display area 79 of the distribution screen 70 is also displayed as is in the subcontent display area 89 of each viewing user's viewing screen 80.

[0099] As shown in the figure, the tool top screen 300 displays the tool name (talk theme generator) and the text "Tap To Start." When any position on the tool top screen 300 is selected by the broadcasting user, the suggestion of a talk theme via the talk theme suggestion tool begins.

[0100] 23 is a flowchart illustrating the process executed by the server 10 when proposing a talk topic. As shown in the figure, the server 10 first accepts the selection of a topic category by the broadcast user (step S200).

[0101] 24 illustrates a theme category selection screen 310 that is displayed in the subcontent display area 79 in place of the tool top screen 300 in response to a selection of any position on the screen. The screen 310 is a screen for selecting a talk theme category, and as shown in the figure, a plurality of theme category objects 312, each corresponding to a separate theme category, are arranged in three rows in the horizontal direction. The theme category selection screen 310 switches between the theme category objects 312 displayed by a flick operation or slide operation in the horizontal direction, for example. The theme category object 312 displays the name of the corresponding theme category.

[0102] In this example, as described above, a minimum number of uses of the talk theme suggestion tool is set for each theme category, and theme categories for which the user has used the tool less than the minimum number of times are locked. On the theme category selection screen 310, a lock object 314 is placed on the theme category object 312 corresponding to a locked theme category, and the user cannot select the object 312. The user can select a desired theme category by selecting a theme category object 312 corresponding to an unlocked theme category (i.e., a theme category object 312 for which the lock object 314 is not placed).

[0103] Returning to the flowchart of FIG. 23, upon receiving the broadcast user's selection of a theme category, the server 10 next executes a lottery for a talk theme in accordance with the broadcast user's instructions (step S210). FIG. 25 illustrates a theme category top screen 320 that is displayed in place of the theme category selection screen 310 in accordance with the selection of a theme category object 312. As shown, the screen 320 displays the selected theme category (in the example of FIG. 25, "Episode (Family / Friends)"), and has a lottery exclusion checkbox 322 for excluding talk themes that have already been adopted in this broadcast from the lottery, and a lottery start button 324. The lottery start button 324 is an object that the broadcast user uses to instruct the broadcast user to execute a lottery for a talk theme.

[0104] When the lottery start button 324 is selected, a lottery for the talk theme is executed. Specifically, one talk theme is randomly selected from among multiple talk themes associated with the selected theme category (identified by referencing the theme category ID in the talk theme information table 1515). Note that if the lottery exclusion checkbox 322 is used to instruct the exclusion of already adopted talk themes from the lottery, the already adopted talk theme (identified by referencing the talk theme history information in the distribution management table 1512) will be excluded from the lottery.

[0105] 26 illustrates a lottery execution screen 330 that is displayed in place of the theme classification top screen 320 in response to selection of the lottery start button 324. As shown, the screen 330 has an information display area 332 that displays information, and a stop button 333. In the information display area 332, multiple talk theme objects TTO, each corresponding to a separate talk theme, are displayed spinning like the reels of a slot machine.

[0106] When the stop button 333 is selected, a lottery result screen 340, as shown in FIG. 27, is displayed instead of the lottery execution screen 330. As shown in the figure, the screen 340 has an information display area 342 that displays information, a category selection button 343, a re-lottery button 344 with the text "One More Time" added, and a confirm button 345. In the information display area 342, the rotating display of multiple talk theme objects TTO is stopped, and the talk theme object TTO corresponding to the talk theme determined through the lottery ("What's your favorite candy?" in the example of FIG. 27) is enlarged and displayed. The category selection button 343 is an object for reselecting (changing) the theme classification, the re-lottery button 344 is an object for re-drawing a talk theme in the same theme classification, and the confirm button 345 is an object for confirming (adopting) the talk theme determined through the lottery.

[0107] Note that the display effect of rotating multiple talk theme objects TTO like the reels of a slot machine is an example, and instead, various displays that imitate gacha, lottery, roulette, etc. can be applied.

[0108] Returning to the flowchart of Fig. 23, if a reselection of a theme category is instructed after the lottery for the talk theme has been executed (i.e., if the category selection button 343 is selected) (NO in step S220 and NO in step S230), the process returns to step S200, and the selection of a theme category is accepted again. Also, if a reselection of a talk theme is instructed after the lottery for the talk theme has been executed (i.e., if the reselection button 344 is selected) (NO in step S220 and YES in step S230), the process returns to step S210, and the lottery for the talk theme is executed again.

[0109] On the other hand, if the talk theme is determined after the lottery is executed (i.e., if the determination button 345 is selected) (YES in step S220), the server 10 updates the talk theme history (step 240). Specifically, the currently determined talk theme is registered in the talk theme history information of the distribution management table 1512.

[0110] FIG. 28 illustrates a talk screen 350 that is displayed in place of the lottery result screen 340 in response to selection of the confirm button 345. As shown in the figure, the screen 350 has an information display area 352 that displays information, and an end talk button 353. In the information display area 352, similar to the information display area 342 of the lottery result screen 340, a talk theme object TTO corresponding to the determined talk theme is displayed in an enlarged manner. Note that a different display effect may be displayed in the information display area 352. The distribution user enjoys a conversation with the viewing user based on the determined talk theme.

[0111] When the talk end button 353 is selected, a talk end screen 360, as shown in FIG. 29, is displayed in place of the talk in progress screen 350. As shown in the figure, the screen 360 has an information display area 362 that displays information, a category selection button 363, a re-draw button 364 with the text "One More Time" added, and an end tool button 365. The text "THANK YOU" is displayed in the information display area 362. The category selection button 363 is an object for reselecting (changing) the theme classification, the re-draw button 364 is an object for re-drawing a talk theme using the same theme classification, and the end tool button 365 is an object for exiting the talk theme suggestion tool.

[0112] Returning to the flowchart of FIG. 23, after updating the history of talk themes, if an instruction to end the talk theme suggestion tool is given (i.e., if the tool end button 365 is selected) (YES in step S250), the process ends as is. On the other hand, if an instruction to end the talk theme suggestion tool is not given and a reselection of the theme category is given (i.e., if the category selection button 363 is selected) (NO in step S250 and NO in step S230), the process returns to step S200, where the selection of the theme category is accepted again. Also, after updating the history of talk themes, if an instruction to redraw the talk theme is given (i.e., if the redraw button 364 is selected) (NO in step S250 and YES in step S230), the process returns to step S210, and the talk theme lottery is performed again.

[0113] The above describes the processing when a broadcast user broadcasts sub-content. Next, the processing when determining a broadcast user's rank will be described. In this example, the rank for the day is determined (updated) based on the number of support points the user earned as a broadcast user on the previous day. Figure 30 is a flowchart illustrating the processing executed by server 10 when updating each user's rank. These processes are executed late at night (e.g., 3:00 AM) every day.

[0114] As shown in the figure, the server 10 first calculates the number of support points that each user earned as a broadcast user on the previous day (step S300). The number of support points that each user earned on the previous day is calculated by referencing the broadcast user account, broadcast start date and time, and number of support points in the broadcast management table 1512. Note that if a user broadcasts multiple times in one day, the number of support points earned for each of the multiple broadcasts is added together.

[0115] After calculating the number of support points for each broadcast user on the previous day in this manner, the server 10 then updates the rank meter value for each user (step S310). Figure 31 illustrates an example of a rule for updating the rank meter value. As shown in the figure, in this example, the rank meter value fluctuates based on the ranking of each user's number of support points for the previous day within the rank band to which that user belongs. The initial value of the rank meter value is "0".

[0116] Specifically, the update rule for the rank meter value is as follows: first, if the ranking in the number of support points within the rank band is in the top 10%, the rank meter value will fluctuate by "+2" (an increase of 2 points). Similarly, if the ranking is in the top 11 to 30% (the remaining 20% ​​after excluding the top 10% from the top 30%), the fluctuate will be "+1", if the ranking is in the middle 30% (the top 31 to 60%), the fluctuate will be "±0" (no increase or decrease), and if the ranking is in the bottom 40%, the fluctuate will be "-1" (a decrease of 1 point). Note that if no broadcast was made on the previous day, the fluctuate of the rank meter value will be "-1" regardless of the ranking within the rank band. In step S310, the rank meter value of each user is updated in the user information table 1511 according to the update rule illustrated in FIG. 31.

[0117] Returning to the flowchart of FIG. 30, once the rank meter value of each user has been updated, the server 10 then updates the rank based on the updated rank meter value (step S320). In this example, the rank meter value required to rank up is +3, and the rank meter value required to rank down is -3. When the rank meter value reaches these values, the user is ranked up / down. The rank meter value of the user whose rank has been updated (the user whose rank has been upgraded or downgraded) is cleared to 0. Note that in another example of this embodiment, in order to prevent a sudden upgrade / downgrade in rank within a short period of time, for example, in the case of a upgrade / downgrade across rank ranges, the absolute value of the required rank meter value may be made larger (for example, +6 or -6) compared to a upgrade / downgrade within the same rank range.

[0118] The above describes the processing when determining the broadcast user's rank. Next, the processing when granting diamonds to the broadcast user will be described. In this example, diamonds, which are one of the rewards, are granted to the broadcast user based on the broadcast time of the previous day and the rank on the previous day. Figure 32 is a flowchart illustrating the processing executed by server 10 when granting diamonds to each user. These processes are executed late at night every day, and are executed, for example, at a time (e.g., midnight) before the processing executed when updating each user's rank as illustrated in Figure 30.

[0119] As shown in the figure, the server 10 first calculates the broadcast time of each user on the previous day (step S400). Specifically, the broadcast time of each user on the previous day is calculated by referring to the broadcast user account, broadcast start date and time, and broadcast duration in the broadcast management table 1512. If a user makes multiple broadcasts in one day, the broadcast durations of each of the multiple broadcasts are added together.

[0120] Next, the server 10 grants each user a number of diamonds based on the calculated distribution time and the standard number of diamonds (step S410). Specifically, each user is granted a number of diamonds calculated by multiplying the calculated distribution time by the standard number of diamonds. The standard number of diamonds is preset for each rank so that the higher the rank, the greater the number, and the standard number of diamonds corresponding to each user's rank on the previous day is applied. When diamonds are granted to a user, the number of diamonds held by the corresponding user is updated in the user information table 1511. In this example, diamonds can be exchanged for coins or real currency.

[0121] In the above example, the target distribution users who can distribute sub-content (i.e., use the talk topic suggestion tool) are users who have distributed content for the first time within the last 30 days, but the conditions for becoming a target distribution user are not limited to this, and various conditions based on the values ​​of various parameters associated with the user (e.g., rank, etc.) may be applied. Also, it is possible to allow all distribution users to distribute sub-content without setting such conditions.

[0122] In the above example, guidance information is presented to the distribution user when a target viewing user who is the subject of a guidance condition satisfies the guidance condition, but the conditions for presenting guidance information are not limited to this. For example, guidance information may be presented to the distribution user when the number of viewing users (or the number of family members viewing the content) reaches a threshold. Furthermore, in the above example, when the number of viewing users reaches a threshold, guidance information may be presented to the distribution user that guides the distribution of sub-content corresponding to an application other than the talk topic suggestion tool (e.g., a game, etc.).

[0123] In the above example, the guidance information object 78 displaying the guidance information is arranged on the distribution screen 70, but instead of or in addition to this, a comment object 731 corresponding to a system comment including the guidance information may be added to the comment display area 73 of the distribution screen 70. In this case, when the distribution user selects the comment object 731, a talk topic suggestion tool may be launched, and distribution of the comment object 731 as subcontent of the corresponding content may begin.

[0124] In the above example, an information object 88 for the viewing user that displays information for the viewing user is arranged on the viewing screen 80, but instead of or in addition to this, a comment object 831 corresponding to a system comment that includes information for the viewing user may be added to the comment display area 83 of the viewing screen 80 of the corresponding viewing user.

[0125] In the above example, it may be possible to distribute, as subcontent, content corresponding to an application designated by the distribution user from among a plurality of applications that can be distributed as subcontent.

[0126] In the example described above, a minimum number of times the talk topic suggestion tool is used is set for each topic category, and topic categories that have been used by users less than the minimum number of times are locked, but instead of the number of times the talk topic suggestion tool is used, the number of times a talk topic is determined via the talk topic suggestion tool can also be applied.

[0127] In the above example, one talk theme is randomly selected from among multiple talk themes associated with the selected theme category. However, the talk theme may be selected based on the type of distribution (content) (e.g., designated by the distributor user via the distribution preparation screen 60). For example, if the type of distribution is "karaoke," a talk theme such as song or music may be more likely to be selected (e.g., the probability of winning in a lottery may be increased). Furthermore, the distributor user may be able to create and register talk themes that are the subject of a lottery.

[0128] In the above example, during the distribution of sub-content, some or all of the objects other than the sub-content display areas 79, 89 on the distribution screen 70 and the viewing screen 80 (e.g., comment objects 731, 831 and tag objects 741, 841, etc.) may be hidden in response to a user instruction.

[0129] The content distribution server 10 of the present embodiment described above provides the distributor user with guidance information (for example, by placing a guidance information object 78 on the distribution screen 70) that guides the distributor user to distribute sub-content (for example, content corresponding to a talk topic suggestion tool), and starts distribution of the sub-content in response to an instruction from the distributor user. The sub-content distributed together with the content can help to boost the excitement of the distribution. In other words, the server 10 supports the distributor user who distributes content.

[0130] In other embodiments of the present invention, some or all of the functions of the content distribution server 10 in the above-described embodiments may be realized by cooperation between the server 10 and the user terminal 30, or may be realized by the user terminal 30. In other words, the system (or device) of the present invention may be configured not only by the content distribution server 10, but also by the content distribution server 10 and the user terminal 30, or may be configured by the user terminal 30.

[0131] In another embodiment of the present invention, the progress of the application corresponding to the sub-content is controlled by a device other than the server 10. Also, various types of content other than the content corresponding to the application may be distributed as the sub-content.

[0132] The processes and procedures described herein, other than those explicitly described, may be implemented by software, hardware, or any combination thereof. For example, the processes and procedures described herein may be implemented by implementing logic corresponding to the processes and procedures in media such as integrated circuits, volatile memory, non-volatile memory, and magnetic disks. The processes and procedures described herein may also be implemented as computer programs corresponding to the processes and procedures and executed by various computers.

[0133] Although processes and procedures described herein are described as being performed by a single device, software, component, or module, such processes or procedures may be performed by multiple devices, software, components, and / or modules. Also, the software and hardware elements described herein may be implemented by combining them into fewer components or breaking them down into more components.

[0134] In this specification, even if a component of the invention is described as either singular or plural, or is described without limitation as either singular or plural, the component may be either singular or plural unless the context requires otherwise. [Explanation of symbols]

[0135] 10 Content distribution server 11. Computer Processor 111 Management function control section 112 Distribution control section 114 Sub-content progress control section 15 Storage 151 various tables 1511 User Information Table 1512 Delivery Management Table 1513 Viewing user management table by distribution user 1514 Theme Classification Information Table 1515 Talk Topic Information Table 20. Communication Networks 30 User terminals 40 Server-side programs 42 Terminal side program 50 Top screen 60 Distribution preparation screen 70 Streaming Screen 78 Guidance Information Object 79 Subcontent display area 80 viewing screen 88 Information Object for Viewers 89 Subcontent display area 200 Gift selection screen 300 Tool top screen 310 Theme classification selection screen 320 Theme Classification Top Page 330 Lottery execution screen 340 Lottery result screen 350 Talk screen 360 Talk End Screen

Claims

1. 1. A system for providing a content distribution service, comprising one or more computer processors, the one or more computer processors comprising: providing, during the distribution of content, guidance information for guiding the distribution of sub-content that can be distributed together with the content to a distribution user who distributes the content; and starting distribution of the sub-content in response to an instruction from the distribution user who has received the guidance information. system.

2. the guidance information is displayed on a broadcast screen presented to the broadcast user; The system of claim 1.

3. the step of starting the distribution of the sub-content includes starting the distribution of the sub-content in response to a selection operation by the distribution user of the guidance information displayed on the distribution screen. The system of claim 2.

4. the sub-content is displayed in a first area of ​​a distribution screen that is presented to the distribution user and displays the content, and in a second area of ​​a viewing screen that is presented to a viewing user who views the content and displays the content, The system of claim 1.

5. the step of providing the guidance information includes providing the guidance information to the broadcast user in response to a predetermined condition being satisfied; The system of claim 1.

6. The step of providing the guide information includes providing the distribution user with first guide information that guides distribution of a first subcontent in response to satisfaction of a first condition, and providing the distribution user with second guide information that guides distribution of a second subcontent that is different in type from the first subcontent in response to satisfaction of a second condition. The system of claim 5.

7. the predetermined condition is a condition related to the distribution status of the content; The system of claim 5.

8. the predetermined condition is a condition that is satisfied based on a behavioral record of a viewing user who views the content, the step of providing the guide information includes providing the delivery user with the guide information in response to satisfaction of the predetermined condition, and also providing the delivery user with information intended for the viewing user. The system of claim 5.

9. The one or more computer processors further perform the step of controlling the progress of an application corresponding to the subcontent. The system of claim 1.

10. the application is a tool for suggesting talk topics; The step of controlling the progress of the application includes: Accepting designation of one theme category by the distribution user from among a plurality of theme categories; and determining a talk theme from among a plurality of talk themes associated with the one theme classification; The system of claim 9.

11. The step of controlling the progress of the application includes accepting designation by the broadcast user of one theme category from one or more specific theme categories identified based on values ​​of parameters associated with the broadcast user among the plurality of theme categories; The system of claim 10.

12. 1. A method executed by one or more computers for providing a content distribution service, comprising: providing, during the distribution of content, guidance information for guiding the distribution of sub-content that can be distributed together with the content to a distribution user who distributes the content; and starting distribution of the sub-content in response to an instruction from the distribution user who has received the guidance information. method.

13. A program for providing a content distribution service, the program being installed on one or more computers, providing, during the distribution of content, guidance information for guiding the distribution of sub-content that can be distributed together with the content to a distribution user who distributes the content; and starting distribution of the sub-content in response to an instruction from the distribution user who has received the guidance information. program.

14. An apparatus for providing a content distribution service, comprising: a means for providing, during the distribution of content, guidance information for guiding a distribution user who distributes the content to a distribution of sub-content that can be distributed together with the content; and a means for starting distribution of the sub-content in response to an instruction from the distribution user who has received the guidance information. Device.

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