Program and system

Abstract

To provide a program which can give a special feeling to a viewing user who has given a gift.SOLUTION: A program causes a computer to function as an acquisition unit 54 that acquires gift presentation information including a viewer object, which is image data representing a viewing user, in response to a gifting request from the viewing user, and a display unit 56 that displays a gift object including at least the viewer object in a video on the basis of the acquired gift presentation information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a program and a system. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, there has been known a video distribution system in which a video distribution user distributes a video to a viewing user in real time.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology that changes a character object based on the movement of a video distribution user (actor) to another character object when a predetermined condition (e.g., the total number of comments or giftings by viewing users) is met. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-168147 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, with the technology described in Patent Document 1, even viewing users who have not gifted can view other changed character objects, which poses a problem in that it is not possible to give a sense of specialness to viewing users who have gifted.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and its object is to provide a program and system that can give a special feeling to a viewing user who has made a gift. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problem, a program according to a first aspect of the present invention is a program for a video distribution user to provide a service of distributing videos to one or more viewing users, and causes a computer to function as an acquisition unit that acquires gift presentation information including a viewer object, which is image data representing the viewing user, in response to a gifting request from the viewing user, and a display unit that displays a gift object including at least the viewer object in the video based on the acquired gift presentation information.

[0008] In a second aspect of the present invention, the gift presentation information includes gift template information that is an element for moving the gift object in the video.

[0009] Furthermore, a program relating to a third aspect of the present invention is a program for generating gift presentation information that is an element of a gift object to be displayed in a video distributed by a video distribution user to one or more viewing users, and causes a computer to function as an acquisition unit that acquires a viewer object, which is image data representing the viewing user, and gift template information for operating a gift object including the viewer object in the video, and a generation unit that generates gift presentation information for each viewing user based on the acquired viewer object and gift template information.

[0010] In addition, in a fourth aspect of the present invention, the behavior of the gift object is changed according to the gift amount designated by the viewing user.

[0011] In addition, in a fifth aspect of the present invention, the higher the gift amount given by the viewing user, the more types of actions the gift object can select from.

[0012] In a sixth aspect of the present invention, the gift template information includes motion information of the viewer object, and the gift effect information includes effect information for causing the viewer object to move in accordance with the motion information.

[0013] In a seventh aspect of the present invention, the gift template information includes orientation information of the viewer object, and the gift effect information includes effect information for changing the orientation of the viewer object in accordance with the orientation information.

[0014] In an eighth aspect of the present invention, the gift template information includes effect information for the viewer object, and the gift presentation information includes presentation information for applying an effect to the viewer object in accordance with the effect information.

[0015] In addition, in a ninth aspect of the present invention, the viewer object is an avatar image of the viewing user.

[0016] In addition, in a tenth aspect of the present invention, the generation unit generates the gift presentation information in response to a gifting request from the viewing user during video distribution.

[0017] In an eleventh aspect of the present invention, the generation unit generates the gift presentation information in advance in accordance with the viewer object before video distribution.

[0018] In addition, in a twelfth aspect of the present invention, the gift object includes a common object that is common to each viewing user.

[0019] In addition, a system relating to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention is a system for a video distribution user to provide a service of distributing videos to one or more viewing users, and includes an acquisition unit that acquires gift presentation information including a viewer object, which is image data representing the viewing user, in response to a gifting request from the viewing user, and a display unit that displays a gift object including at least the viewer object in the video based on the acquired gift presentation information.

[0020] In addition, a system relating to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention is a system for generating gift presentation information that becomes an element of a gift object to be displayed in a video that a video distribution user distributes to one or more viewing users, and includes an acquisition unit that acquires a viewer object, which is image data representing the viewing user, and gift template information for operating a gift object that includes the viewer object in the video, and a generation unit that generates gift presentation information for each viewing user based on the acquired viewer object and gift template information. [Effects of the Invention]

[0021] According to the present invention, a program and a system are provided that can give a special feeling to a viewing user who has given a gift. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a video distribution system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a server device shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 3] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of a video distribution system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing performed by each functional unit shown in FIG. 3 in the video distribution system according to the present embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a distribution screen according to the present embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a designation screen in the present embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the first half of the gift presentation screen in this embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the second half of the gift presentation screen in this embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as "the present embodiment") will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. To facilitate understanding of the description, the same components and steps in each drawing will be denoted by the same reference numerals as much as possible, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted.

[0024] <Overall structure> (Example 1) FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a video distribution system 1 according to this embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] 1, the video distribution system 1 includes a server device 10 and a plurality of terminal devices 12. These devices are configured to be able to communicate with each other via a communication network NT such as the Internet or a telephone network.

[0026] The server device 10 is an information processing device (computer) for providing a service in which a video distribution user distributes videos to one or more viewing users. Examples of such videos include live streaming, in which a video distribution user communicates or performs in real time with one or more viewing users. For example, a video distribution user communicates with viewing users through facial expressions, actions, voice (spoken), text comments, stamps, etc. in a video. Viewing users, on the other hand, communicate with the video distribution user and other viewing users through text comments, stamps, gifting, etc. This gifting is sometimes called tipping, super chat, or donation. Examples of performances include game commentary, singing, playing an instrument, dancing, etc.

[0027] The terminal device 12 is an information processing device used by a viewing user or a video distribution user. Examples of the terminal device 12 include a mobile phone, a smartphone, a tablet, a personal computer, etc. that are equipped with an input device and a display device. Examples of the input device include a keyboard, a touch panel, a camera, a microphone, etc. Examples of the display device include a monitor, a touch panel, etc.

[0028] <Hardware configuration> FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the server device 10 shown in FIG.

[0029] 2, the server device 10 includes a control device 20, a communication device 26, and a storage device 28. The control device 20 is mainly configured to include a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 22 and a memory 24.

[0030] In the control device 20, the CPU 22 executes predetermined programs stored in the memory 24 or the storage device 28, thereby functioning as various functional units (functional means). Details of these functional units will be described later.

[0031] The communication device 26 is configured with a communication interface for communicating with an external device, etc. The communication device 26 transmits and receives various information to and from the terminal device 12, for example.

[0032] The storage device 28 is configured by a hard disk, etc. The storage device 28 stores various programs and various information required for executing the processes in the control device 20, as well as information on the results of the processes.

[0033] The server device 10 can be realized using an information processing device such as a dedicated or general-purpose server computer. The server device 10 may be configured from a single information processing device or from multiple information processing devices distributed over a communication network NT. FIG. 2 shows only a portion of the main hardware configuration of the server device 10, and the server device 10 may also have other components that are generally included in a server. The hardware configuration of the multiple terminal devices 12 may also have the same configuration as the server device 10, except for including, for example, an operation unit (operation means) and a display device.

[0034] <Summary> In this embodiment, when a viewing user gives a gift to a video distribution user, a gift object including a viewer object (e.g., an avatar image representing the viewing user) is displayed (appears) in the video. This gift object is a general term for objects related to gifts, and includes viewer objects and common objects. The viewer object is, for example, image data representing the viewing user (e.g., an avatar image). The common object is an object other than the viewer object included in the gift object. This common object is an object common to all viewing users.

[0035] In this embodiment, when a gift is given by a certain viewing user, a gift object including a viewer object (image data representing the certain viewing user) associated with the certain viewing user is displayed in the video, so that the video distribution user and all viewing users can recognize that the certain viewing user has given a gift.

[0036] <Functional configuration> FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the video distribution system 1 according to this embodiment.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 3, for example, the server device 10 in the video distribution system 1 includes, as functional components, a storage unit 50, a generation unit 52, an acquisition unit 54, a display unit 56, and a control unit 58.

[0038] The storage unit 50 stores viewing user information 50A and gift template information 50B.

[0039] The viewing user information 50A includes a password, a viewing user name, payment information, a viewer object, a gifting history, and the like, associated with the user ID (login ID) of each viewing user.

[0040] The payment information includes a payment method and detailed information associated with the viewing user. This payment is executed, for example, when the viewing user makes a gift (for example, when the gift amount is specified as 1 yen or more and the "Give" button is pressed). Payment methods include credit cards, debit cards, prepaid cards, carrier billing, etc. The detailed information includes, for example, individual information about the payment method (card number such as a credit card number, telephone number, etc.). A viewer object includes image data (image information) representing a viewing user. For example, a viewer object is an avatar image of the viewing user. Examples of this avatar image include a facial image of the viewing user, a deformed image of the facial image, an image created by the viewing user by selecting various features (face, hair, eyebrows, eyelashes, eyes, nose, mouth, clothes, sizes and colors thereof, etc.), and an image selected by the viewing user from a large number of avatar images prepared in advance in the video distribution system 1. Note that the avatar image may be an image including not only the face but also the upper body or the entire body. In this embodiment, the viewer object does not include the viewer user name (for example, text information).

[0041] The gifting history includes the date and time when a gift was given to a video distribution user and the amount of the gift (money).

[0042] The gift template information 50B is auxiliary information that serves as an element for operating a gift object in a video, and includes, for example, viewer object template information, common object template information, and the like.

[0043] The viewer object template information includes pre-prepared viewer object actions (motion information, direction information, effect information, etc.) associated with a gift amount specified by a viewing user. This gift amount is, for example, an amount (e.g., a tip amount) selected when giving a gift object to a video streaming user. In other words, the gift amount is the amount paid by the viewing user to the video streaming user.

[0044] For example, the viewer object template information includes motion information, orientation information, and effect information for each range of gift amounts. The motion information includes the direction, distance, and speed of movement of the viewer object. The orientation information includes an angle defining the orientation of the viewer object (e.g., whether to use an avatar image facing right or left). The effect information includes an effect to be applied to the viewer object. Examples of such effects include adjustment information for adjusting playback time and size, motion blur, fade-in / out, light effects, motion replay, etc. In this embodiment, the higher the gift amount, the larger the viewer object becomes, the more the viewer object moves, and the longer the playback time (e.g., operation time) becomes.

[0045] Specifically, the viewer object template information includes a motion pattern A, a direction pattern A, and an effect pattern A associated with a first range of gift amounts (1 to 100 yen). Furthermore, for example, the viewer object template information includes a motion pattern B, a direction pattern B, and an effect pattern B associated with a second range of gift amounts (101 to 200 yen). Furthermore, for example, the viewer object template information includes a motion pattern C, a direction pattern C, and an effect pattern C associated with a third range of gift amounts (201 to 300 yen). Furthermore, for example, the viewer object template information includes a motion pattern D, a direction pattern D, and an effect pattern D associated with a fourth range of gift amounts (301 to 400 yen). Furthermore, for example, the viewer object template information includes a motion pattern E, a direction pattern E, and an effect pattern E associated with a fifth range of gift amounts (401 to 500 yen). The viewer object template information may include a specific motion pattern, direction pattern, or effect pattern, regardless of the gift amount.

[0046] The higher the gift amount, the more types of actions the viewer object (gift object) can select from (the degree of freedom may be increased). This selection may be made intentionally by the viewing user or may be made randomly (by random lottery). This selection is made by, for example, the control unit 58. Specifically, the viewer object template information includes a motion pattern A, a direction pattern A, and an effect pattern A associated with a first range of gift amounts (1 to 100 yen). Furthermore, for example, the viewer object template information includes motion patterns A and B, direction patterns A and B, and effect patterns A and B associated with a second range of gift amounts (101 to 200 yen). Furthermore, for example, the viewer object template information includes motion patterns A to C, direction patterns A to C, and effect patterns A to C associated with a third range of gift amounts (201 to 300 yen). Furthermore, for example, the viewer object template information includes motion patterns A to D, direction patterns A to D, and effect patterns A to D associated with a fourth range of gift amounts (301 to 400 yen). Furthermore, for example, the viewer object template information includes motion patterns A to E, direction patterns A to E, and effect patterns A to E associated with a fifth range of gift amounts (401 to 500 yen).

[0047] The common object template information includes common object information and actions of the common object prepared in advance in association with the gift amount of the viewing user. The actions of the common object include, for example, motion information, direction information, effect information, etc., similar to the viewer object template information. In this embodiment, the higher the gift amount, the larger the size of the common object, the more the common object moves, and the longer the playback time (for example, operation time). The common object template information may include a specific motion pattern, direction pattern, or effect pattern, regardless of the gift amount.

[0048] Specifically, the common object template information includes a motion pattern F, a direction pattern F, and an effect pattern F associated with a first range of gift amounts (1 to 100 yen). Furthermore, for example, the common object template information includes a motion pattern G, a direction pattern G, and an effect pattern G associated with a second range of gift amounts (101 to 200 yen). Furthermore, for example, the common object template information includes a motion pattern H, a direction pattern H, and an effect pattern H associated with a third range of gift amounts (201 to 300 yen). Furthermore, for example, the common object template information includes a motion pattern I, a direction pattern I, and an effect pattern I associated with a fourth range of gift amounts (301 to 400 yen). Furthermore, for example, the common object template information includes a motion pattern J, a direction pattern J, and an effect pattern J associated with a fifth range of gift amounts (401 to 500 yen).

[0049] The higher the gift amount, the more types of actions of the common object (gift object) can be selected (the degree of freedom may be increased). This selection may be made intentionally by the viewing user or may be made randomly (by random drawing). This selection is made by, for example, the control unit 58. For example, the common object template information includes a motion pattern F, a direction pattern F, and an effect pattern F associated with a first range of gift amounts (1 to 100 yen). Furthermore, for example, the common object template information includes motion patterns F and G, direction patterns F and G, and effect patterns F and G associated with a second range of gift amounts (101 to 200 yen). Furthermore, for example, the common object template information includes motion patterns F to H, direction patterns F to H, and effect patterns F to H associated with a third range of gift amounts (201 to 300 yen). Furthermore, for example, the common object template information includes motion patterns F to I, direction patterns F to I, and effect patterns F to I associated with a fourth range of gift amounts (301 to 400 yen). Furthermore, for example, the common object template information includes motion patterns F to J, direction patterns F to J, and effect patterns F to J associated with a fifth range of gift amounts (401 to 500 yen).

[0050] Furthermore, for example, the common object information includes image data (image information) showing common objects (for example, a gift box, a bouquet, fireworks, confetti, a shooting star, a speech bubble saying "I LOVE YOU," etc.) for each range of gift amounts. The common object information may include a specific object regardless of the gift amount.

[0051] For example, the common object information includes image information of a common object K associated with a first range of gift amounts (1 to 100 yen). Also, for example, the common object information includes image information of a common object L associated with a second range of gift amounts (101 to 200 yen). Also, for example, the common object information includes image information of a common object M associated with a third range of gift amounts (201 to 300 yen). Also, for example, the common object information includes image information of a common object N associated with a fourth range of gift amounts (301 to 400 yen). Also, for example, the common object information includes image information of a common object O associated with a fifth range of gift amounts (401 to 500 yen).

[0052] Note that the higher the gift amount, the more types of common objects can be selected (the degree of freedom may be increased). This selection may be made intentionally by the viewing user or may be made randomly (by random drawing). This selection is made by, for example, the control unit 58. Specifically, the common object information includes image information of common object K in association with a first range of gift amounts (1 to 100 yen). Furthermore, for example, the common object information includes image information of common objects K and L in association with a second range of gift amounts (101 to 200 yen). Furthermore, for example, the common object information includes image information of common objects K to M in association with a third range of gift amounts (201 to 300 yen). Furthermore, for example, the common object information includes image information of common objects K to N in association with a fourth range of gift amounts (301 to 400 yen). Furthermore, for example, the common object information includes image information of common objects K to O in association with a fifth range of gift amounts (401 to 500 yen).

[0053] The generating unit 52 is a functional unit that generates gift presentation information for each viewing user.

[0054] In this embodiment, the generation unit 52 generates gift effect information including viewer object effect information and common object effect information by referring to the viewer object in the viewing user information 50A and the gift template information 50B. In other words, the gift effect information includes the gift template information 50B, which is an element for operating the gift object in the video.

[0055] The viewer object rendering information includes image information of the viewer object in the viewer user information 50A, and motion information, direction information, and effect information in the viewer object template information. For example, the gift effect information may include effect information for moving a viewer object in accordance with motion information of the viewer object, for changing the orientation of the viewer object in accordance with orientation information of the viewer object, or for applying an effect to the viewer object in accordance with effect information of the viewer object.

[0056] The common object performance information includes image information, motion information, direction information, and effect information of the common object in the common object template information. For example, the gift presentation information includes presentation information for moving a common object in accordance with motion information of the common object, for example, presentation information for changing the orientation of a common object in accordance with orientation information of the common object, and for example, presentation information for applying an effect to a common object in accordance with effect information of the common object.

[0057] For example, the generation unit 52 generates gift effect information (viewer object effect information and common object effect information) in response to a gifting request from a viewing user during video distribution. Examples of this gifting request include a viewing user selecting a gift amount or a common object with a predetermined gift amount.

[0058] Specifically, the generation unit 52 identifies a viewer object (e.g., an avatar image) by referring to the viewer object in the viewing user information 50A. Next, the generation unit 52 identifies motion information (e.g., motion pattern A), direction information (e.g., direction pattern A), and effect information (e.g., effect pattern A) associated with the gift amount (e.g., 100 yen) designated by the viewing user by referring to the viewer object template information in the gift template information 50B, and generates viewer object performance information. Furthermore, the generation unit 52 refers to the common object information in the gift template information 50B and identifies a common object (e.g., common object L) associated with the gift amount (e.g., 200 yen) specified by the viewing user. Next, the generation unit 52 refers to the common object template information in the gift template information 50B and identifies motion information (e.g., motion pattern G), direction information (e.g., direction pattern G), and effect information (e.g., effect pattern G) associated with the gift amount (e.g., 200 yen) specified by the viewing user, and generates common object performance information.

[0059] Furthermore, for example, generation unit 52 generates gift effect information (viewer object effect information and common object effect information) in advance according to the viewer object before video distribution. Examples of the time before video distribution include the time when an avatar image is stored in the viewer object of viewing user information 50A, the time when the avatar image is changed, a predetermined date and time (e.g., 0:00 on the first day of every month), a predetermined time (e.g., 1 hour before) before the video distribution user starts video distribution, etc.

[0060] Specifically, the generation unit 52 identifies the viewer object by referring to the viewer object in the viewing user information 50A. Next, the generation unit 52 identifies motion information (e.g., motion patterns A to E), direction information (e.g., direction patterns A to E), and effect information (e.g., effect patterns A to E) for each range of gift amounts by referring to the viewer object template information in the gift template information 50B, and generates the viewer object performance information for each of the ranges. Furthermore, the generation unit 52 refers to the common object information in the gift template information 50B to identify common objects (e.g., common objects K to O) for each range of gift amounts. Next, the generation unit 52 refers to the common object template information in the gift template information 50B to identify motion information (e.g., motion patterns F to J), direction information (e.g., direction patterns F to J), and effect information (e.g., effect patterns F to J) for each range of gift amounts, and generates common object performance information for each of them.

[0061] The acquisition unit 54 is a functional unit that acquires various information. In the present embodiment, in response to a gifting request from a viewing user, the acquisition unit 54 acquires gift presentation information including a viewer object, which is image data representing the viewing user. For example, the acquisition unit 54 acquires the gift presentation information generated by the generation unit 52 according to the gift amount designated by the viewing user. Also, for example, the acquisition unit 54 refers to the gift presentation information (viewer object presentation information and common object presentation information) generated in advance by the generation unit 52 for each range of gift amounts, and acquires gift presentation information according to the gift amount specified by the viewing user.

[0062] The display unit 56 is a functional unit that displays a screen on the display device of each terminal device 12.

[0063] In this embodiment, the display unit 56 displays a gift object including at least a viewer object in a video based on the acquired gift presentation information. For example, if the image information of the common object included in the common object presentation information is a gift box, the display unit 56 moves the gift box within the video (e.g., moves it toward the center where the video distribution user is displayed) according to the motion information, orientation information, and effect information included in the common object presentation information. Next, the display unit 56 displays the viewer object included in the viewer object presentation information appearing (e.g., popping out) from the gift box according to the motion information, orientation information, and effect information included in the viewer object presentation information. Furthermore, for example, when two or more actions of the viewer object are selected by the control unit 58, the display unit 56 causes the viewer object to perform each of the selected actions in sequence over time. Furthermore, for example, when two or more common objects are selected by the control unit 58, the display unit 56 causes each of the selected common objects to be displayed in sequence over time. Furthermore, for example, when two or more actions of the common object are selected by the control unit 58, the display means 54 causes the common object to perform each of the selected actions in sequence over time.

[0064] The control unit 58 is a functional unit that controls the entire video distribution system 1.

[0065] In this embodiment, the control unit 58 selects at least one of a plurality of types of viewer object action, common object action, and common object action, depending on the amount of gift from the viewing user.

[0066] For example, when the gift presentation information includes multiple types of viewer object movements (motion patterns, direction patterns, effect patterns), the control unit 58 selects one movement from the multiple types of viewer object movements by intentional action by the viewing user (e.g., an operation instruction) or randomly (e.g., a random drawing). Specifically, the control unit 58 selects one movement (e.g., motion pattern C, direction pattern E, and effect pattern D) by random drawing from the multiple types of viewer object movements (motion patterns A to E, direction patterns A to E, and effect patterns A to E).

[0067] Furthermore, when multiple types of common objects are included in the gift presentation information, the control unit 58 selects one common object from the multiple types of common objects intentionally (for example, an operation instruction) by the viewing user or randomly (for example, a random drawing). Specifically, the control unit 58 selects one common object (for example, common object L) from the multiple types of common objects (common objects K to O) in response to an operation instruction by the viewing user who has made the gifting request.

[0068] Furthermore, when the gift presentation information includes multiple types of common object actions (motion patterns, orientation patterns, effect patterns), the control unit 58 selects one action from the multiple types of common object actions by intentional action (for example, an operation instruction) by the viewing user or randomly (for example, a random drawing). Specifically, the control unit 58 selects one action (for example, motion pattern G, orientation pattern G, and effect pattern H) by random drawing from the multiple types of common object actions (motion patterns F to J, orientation patterns F to J, and effect patterns F to J).

[0069] <Processing flow> 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing performed by each functional unit shown in FIG. 3 in the video distribution system 1 according to this embodiment. The processing of the following steps is initiated, for example, when a viewing user (e.g., user E) specifies a video distribution user (video distribution channel) and starts watching a video. The order and content of the following steps can be changed as appropriate.

[0070] (Step SP10) The display unit 56 displays a distribution screen of a video being distributed by a video distribution user on the terminal device 12 of the viewing user.

[0071] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a distribution screen 60 in this embodiment.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 5, the distribution screen 60 is provided with a video distribution user information area 62, an action history information area 64, a comment input field 66, and a gift button 68. An avatar image or the like representing the video distribution user is displayed in the video distribution user information area 62. For example, this avatar image moves in accordance with the actual movement of the video distribution user. The comment history and gifting history of each viewing user are displayed in the action history information area 64. For example, in the action history information area 64, the comment history and the gifting history are displayed in different display modes. The comment input field 66 is an input field for the viewing user to input a comment to the video distribution user or other video distribution users. The gift button 68 is a button (instruction area) for issuing an instruction to display a selection screen for the viewing user to select a gift amount.

[0073] Returning to FIG. 4, the process proceeds to step SP12.

[0074] (Step SP12) The control unit 58 determines whether or not the viewing user has designated a gift button on the distribution screen to designate the amount of the gift. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step SP14, whereas if the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step SP10.

[0075] (Step SP14) The display unit 56 displays a designation screen for the viewing user to designate the gift amount.

[0076] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a designation screen 70 in this embodiment.

[0077] As shown in FIG. 6, the designation screen 70 is provided with a video distribution user information area 62, an action history information area 64, a gift amount input field 76, a "Give" button 78, and a "Back" button 79. The gift amount input field 76 is an input field for the viewing user to input (specify) the amount (money) of the gift to be given to the video distribution user. The "GIVE" button 78 is a button (instruction area) for confirming the gift amount entered in the gift amount input field 66 and issuing an instruction (gifting request) to give the video streaming user the gift amount. The back button 79 is a button (instruction area) for issuing an instruction to return to the distribution screen.

[0078] Returning to FIG. 4, the process proceeds to step SP16.

[0079] (Step SP16) The control unit 58 determines whether or not the gift button has been selected by the viewing user. For example, the control unit 58 makes a positive determination when 1 yen or more is specified in the gift amount input field on the selection screen and the gift button is selected. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step SP18. On the other hand, if the determination is negative, for example, if the back button is pressed, the process proceeds to step SP10.

[0080] (Step SP18) The generation unit 52 generates gift presentation information according to the gift amount. For example, the generation unit 52 references the viewer object in the viewing user information 50A corresponding to the viewing user who selected the gift button in step SP16 and the gift template information 50B, and generates gift presentation information including the viewer object presentation information and the common object presentation information corresponding to the gift amount specified in the gift amount input field.

[0081] Specifically, the generation unit 52 refers to the viewer object in the viewing user information 50A to identify image information of the viewer object. Next, the generation unit 52 refers to the viewer object template information in the gift template information 50B to identify motion information (e.g., motion patterns A to E), direction information (e.g., direction patterns A to E), and effect information (e.g., effect patterns A to E) associated with the specified gift amount (e.g., 500 yen), and generates viewer object performance information. Furthermore, the generation unit 52 refers to the common object information in the gift template information 50B to identify image information of a common object (e.g., common object O) associated with the specified gift amount (e.g., 500 yen). Next, the generation unit 52 refers to the common object template information in the gift template information 50B to identify motion information (e.g., motion pattern J), direction information (e.g., direction pattern J), and effect information (e.g., effect pattern J) associated with the specified gift amount (e.g., 500 yen), and generates common object performance information. Then, the process proceeds to step SP20.

[0082] (Step SP20) The acquisition unit 54 acquires the gift presentation information generated in step SP18. Then, the process proceeds to step SP22.

[0083] (Step SP22) The control unit 58 determines whether the gift presentation information acquired in step SP20 includes multiple types of viewer object movements. For example, the control unit 58 makes a positive determination when multiple types of patterns are included in the motion information, direction information, and effect information included in the viewer object presentation information. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step SP24, whereas if the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step SP26.

[0084] (Step SP24) The control unit 58 selects one action from among a plurality of types of actions of the viewer object by random lottery. For example, the control unit 58 selects one action (for example, motion pattern E, direction pattern E, and effect pattern D) from among a plurality of types of actions of the viewer object (motion patterns A to E, direction patterns A to E, and effect patterns A to E) by random lottery. Then, the process proceeds to step SP26.

[0085] (Step SP26) The display unit 56 displays a gift effect screen that causes a gift object to appear in the video being distributed in accordance with the gift effect information. For example, the display unit 56 displays a viewer object and a common object in the video based on the playback time of the effect information included in the viewer object effect information and the common object effect information. Note that when the playback time of each of the viewer object and the common object has elapsed, the display unit 56 erases the viewer object and the common object from the video.

[0086] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the first half of the gift presentation screen 80 in this embodiment.

[0087] 7, on the gift presentation screen 80, a common object CO, which is a gift object, is displayed near the video distribution user information area 62. This common object CO is, for example, a present box.

[0088] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the second half of the gift presentation screen 80 in this embodiment.

[0089] As shown in FIG. 8, the gift presentation screen 80 depicts the moment when a viewer object AO pops out from a common object CO near the video distribution user information area 62.

[0090] Then, the series of processes shown in FIG. 4 ends.

[0091] (Example 2) In the above-described specific example 1, the video distribution system 1 is used to provide a service of distributing videos to viewing users. However, the system may also be used to generate gift presentation information that is an element of a gift object to be displayed in the video. The acquisition unit 54 may also acquire a viewer object and gift template information.

[0092] The acquiring unit 54 acquires a viewer object, which is image data indicating a viewing user, and gift template information 50B for operating a gift object in a video. For example, the acquiring unit 54 acquires a viewer object from viewing user information 50A. Also, for example, the acquiring unit 54 acquires viewer object template information and common object template information from gift template information 50B.

[0093] For example, the acquisition unit 54 acquires the viewer object of the viewing user information 50A and the gift template information 50B in response to a gifting request from a viewing user during video distribution.

[0094] Specifically, the acquisition unit 54 acquires, from the viewer object template information in the gift template information 50B, motion information (e.g., motion pattern A), direction information (e.g., direction pattern A), and effect information (e.g., effect pattern A) associated with the gift amount (e.g., 100 yen) specified by the viewing user as the movement of the viewer object. Furthermore, the acquiring unit 54 acquires a common object (e.g., common object L) associated with the gift amount (e.g., 200 yen) specified by the viewing user from the common object information in the gift template information 50B. Next, the acquiring unit 54 acquires, as the operation of the common object, motion information (e.g., motion pattern G), direction information (e.g., direction pattern G), and effect information (e.g., effect pattern G) associated with the gift amount (e.g., 200 yen) specified by the viewing user from the common object template information in the gift template information 50B.

[0095] Furthermore, for example, the acquisition unit 54 acquires the viewer object and the gift template information 50B before video distribution.

[0096] Specifically, the acquiring unit 54 acquires a viewer object from the viewing user information 50A. Next, the acquiring unit 54 acquires motion information (e.g., motion patterns A to E), direction information (e.g., direction patterns A to E), and effect information (e.g., effect patterns A to E) as the movement of the viewer object for each range of gift amounts from the viewer object template information in the gift template information 50B. Furthermore, the acquiring unit 54 acquires common objects (e.g., common objects K to O) for each range of gift amounts from the common object information in the gift template information 50B. Next, the acquiring unit 54 acquires motion information (e.g., motion patterns F to J), direction information (e.g., direction patterns F to J), and effect information (e.g., effect patterns F to J) as the movements of the common objects for each range of gift amounts from the common object template information in the gift template information 50B.

[0097] The generating unit 52 generates gift presentation information for each viewing user based on the viewer object and gift template information acquired by the acquiring unit 54.

[0098] For example, the generation unit 52 generates viewer object effect information in accordance with the acquired viewer object and the action of the viewer object.

[0099] Furthermore, for example, the generation unit 52 generates common object effect information according to the acquired common object and the action of the common object. For example, when there are multiple acquired common objects, the generation unit 52 generates multiple pieces of common object effect information in which each common object acts. Similarly, when there are multiple actions of the acquired common object, the generation unit 52 generates multiple pieces of common object effect information in which each common object acts.

[0100] <Effects> As described above, in this embodiment, the program is for a video distribution user to provide a service of distributing videos to one or more viewing users, and causes a computer to function as an acquisition unit 54 that acquires gift presentation information including a viewer object, which is image data representing the viewing user, in response to a gifting request from the viewing user, and a display unit 56 that displays a gift object including at least the viewer object in the video based on the acquired gift presentation information.

[0101] According to this configuration, in response to a gifting request, a gift object including a viewer object, which is image data representing the viewing user, can be displayed in the video. This makes it possible for the viewing user who has made the gift to make an impression on the video distribution user and other viewing users, thereby giving the viewing user who has made the gift a sense of specialness.

[0102] In addition, in this embodiment, the gift presentation information includes gift template information that is an element for operating the gift object in the video.

[0103] According to this configuration, gift template information is used as an element for operating the gift object, so that the processing load for displaying the operation of the gift object can be reduced even when many viewing users make gifting requests.

[0104] In addition, in this embodiment, the program is for generating gift presentation information that is an element of a gift object to be displayed in a video distributed by a video distribution user to one or more viewing users, and causes a computer to function as an acquisition unit 54 that acquires a viewer object, which is image data representing the viewing user, and gift template information for operating a gift object including the viewer object in the video, and a generation unit 52 that generates gift presentation information for each viewing user based on the acquired viewer object and gift template information.

[0105] According to this configuration, it is possible to generate a gift object including a viewer object, which is image data representing a viewing user, thereby making the viewing user who has made the gift leave an impression on the video distribution user and other viewing users, thereby making the viewing user who has made the gift feel special.

[0106] In addition, in this embodiment, the behavior of the gift object changes depending on the gift amount designated by the viewing user.

[0107] According to this configuration, the behavior of the gift object changes depending on the gift amount, making it possible to give a special feeling to the viewing user who has made the gift.

[0108] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the higher the gift amount given by the viewing user, the more types of actions the gift object can select from.

[0109] According to this configuration, the higher the gift amount, the more options for the gift object's action can be selected from, making it possible to give a sense of specialness to the viewing user who has made the gift.

[0110] In this embodiment, the gift template information includes motion information of the viewer object, and the gift effect information includes effect information for making the viewer object move in accordance with the motion information.

[0111] According to this configuration, the gift template information includes motion information of the viewer object, so that the processing load for generating the gift presentation information can be reduced even when many viewing users make gifting requests.

[0112] In addition, in this embodiment, the gift template information includes orientation information of the viewer object, and the gift effect information includes effect information for changing the orientation of the viewer object in accordance with the orientation information.

[0113] According to this configuration, the gift template information includes orientation information of the viewer object, so that the processing load in video distribution can be reduced even when many viewing users make gifting requests.

[0114] In addition, in this embodiment, the gift template information includes effect information for a viewer object, and the gift effect information includes effect information for applying an effect to the viewer object according to the effect information.

[0115] According to this configuration, the gift template information includes effect information of the viewer object, so that the processing load during video distribution can be reduced even when many viewing users make gifting requests.

[0116] In this embodiment, the viewer object is an avatar image of the viewing user.

[0117] According to this configuration, a gift object including an avatar image of the viewing user can be displayed in the video, which makes the viewing user who made the gift more memorable to the video distribution user and other viewing users, thereby making the viewing user who made the gift feel special.

[0118] In this embodiment, the generation unit 52 generates gift presentation information in response to a gifting request from a viewing user during video distribution.

[0119] According to this configuration, gift presentation information is generated in response to a gifting request during video distribution, thereby reducing the processing load for generating the gift presentation information.

[0120] In this embodiment, the generation unit 52 generates gift presentation information in advance according to the viewer object before video distribution.

[0121] According to this configuration, the gift presentation information is generated in advance before the video is distributed, so that the processing load during the video distribution can be reduced even if many viewing users make gifting requests.

[0122] In addition, in this embodiment, the gift object includes a common object that is common to each viewing user.

[0123] According to this configuration, the gift object includes a common object that is common to each viewing user, so that the processing load for displaying the gift object can be reduced even when many viewing users make gifting requests.

[0124] <Modification> The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. In other words, variations of the above-described embodiments, which are appropriately modified by a person skilled in the art, are also included within the scope of the present invention as long as they include the features of the present invention. Furthermore, the elements of the above-described embodiments and the modifications described below can be combined to the extent technically possible, and such combinations are also included within the scope of the present invention as long as they include the features of the present invention.

[0125] For example, in the above embodiment, the display unit 56 displays a designation screen having a gift amount input field for the viewing user to input a gift amount in step SP14. However, a designation screen showing multiple types of common objects and monetary amounts (gift amounts) associated with each of the common objects may be displayed. Then, the control unit 58 determines whether or not a common object has been designated by the user in step SP16. Note that the monetary amount associated with the common object may be points that can be exchanged for money. For example, the viewing user may exchange points for money in advance and then designate a common object, or may designate a common object and then exchange points for money.

[0126] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the viewer object template information of the gift template information 50B includes motion information and the like prepared in advance. However, the viewer object template information may include motion information and the like created by the viewing user. For example, the control unit 58 may create motion information (motion patterns) and the like based on an operation input or a voice input from the viewing user that causes a viewer object (e.g., an avatar image) to move. Specifically, when the viewing user inputs the character string "jump," the control unit 58 stores motion information that causes the viewer object to "jump" in the viewer object template information. The control unit 58 may also create motion information from a video captured by the viewing user. Similarly, the motion information of the common object template information may be created by the viewing user. This creation may require payment of a fee by the viewing user. The viewing user may create motion information or the like during or before video distribution.

[0127] Furthermore, the viewer object template information of the gift template information 50B may include placement location information of the viewer object. Similarly, the common object template information of the gift template information 50B may include placement location information of the common object. This placement location information includes, for example, an initial position (appearance position) displayed in the video (on the screen), a stationary position (stationary position), a position to be erased (erased position), etc. The placement location information may be customizable by the viewing user. Also, for example, the placement location may be selectable from a wider variety of options as the gift amount provided by the viewing user increases.

[0128] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the common object template information of the gift template information 50B includes common object information (image data of the common object) prepared in advance. However, the common object template information may include a common object created by the viewing user. For example, the control unit 58 may create image data of the common object based on an operation input or voice input from the viewing user to create the common object. Specifically, when the viewing user inputs the phrase "blue bouquet" by voice, the control unit 58 stores the image data of the "blue bouquet" in the common object template information. Furthermore, this creation may require payment of a fee by the viewing user. The viewing user may create the common object information during or before video distribution.

[0129] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the viewer object does not include the viewer user name, but may include the viewer user name (text information).

[0130] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the display unit 56 is described as displaying a gift presentation screen in which a viewer object (avatar image) appears (pops out) from a present box (common object), but it may also be possible to display a gift presentation screen in which a common object appears after a viewer object, or a gift presentation screen in which a viewer object and a common object appear simultaneously. For example, the display unit 56 may display a gift presentation screen in which the viewer object moves toward the vicinity of the avatar image of the video distribution user, and after the viewer object moves to the vicinity, the text "I LOVE YOU", which is a common object, appears from the face of the viewer object.

[0131] In the above embodiment, generation unit 52 generates viewer object effect information by identifying image information and orientation information of the viewer object in step SP18. However, for example, if image information of viewer objects in different orientations is stored in advance for the viewer objects in viewing user information 50A, generation unit 52 may identify a viewer object corresponding to the orientation information. For example, if the identified orientation information is frontal, generation unit 52 may identify image information of a frontal-viewing viewer object, and if the identified orientation information is rightward, generation unit 52 may identify image information of a viewer object tilted approximately 45 to 90 degrees to the right.

[0132] In the above embodiment, the generation unit 52 generates gift effect information including viewer object effect information and common object effect information corresponding to the gift amount specified in the gift amount input field in step SP18. However, gift effect information may be generated in advance for each viewing user or each gift amount. Examples of timing for generating this gift effect information include timing when a viewing user logs in to the video distribution system 1, timing when a viewing user changes their viewer object, timing when a viewing user starts watching a video (participating in a video distribution), and the like. For example, the generation unit 52 may determine whether new gift effect information needs to be generated at the time of generating the gift effect information. Specifically, if gift effect information for the viewer object has already been generated, the generation unit 52 makes a negative determination. In addition, if the generation unit 52 has generated gift presentation information in advance, in step SP18, it only needs to select from the pre-generated gift presentation information corresponding to the gift amount specified in the gifting request in step SP16. [Explanation of symbols]

[0133] 10...Server device (computer) 12...Terminal device 50...Storage section 52...Generation section 54…Acquisition part 56...Display section

Claims

1. A program for a video distribution user to provide a service of distributing videos to one or more viewing users, Computer, an acquisition unit that acquires gift presentation information including a viewer object, which is image data representing the viewing user, in response to a gifting request from the viewing user; a display unit that displays a gift object including at least the viewer object in the video based on the acquired gift presentation information; To function as, program.

2. The gift presentation information includes gift template information that is an element for operating the gift object in the video. The program according to claim 1.

3. A program for generating gift presentation information that is an element of a gift object to be displayed in a video that a video distribution user distributes to one or more viewing users, Computer, an acquisition unit that acquires a viewer object, which is image data indicating the viewing user, and gift template information for operating a gift object including the viewer object in the video; a generating unit that generates gift presentation information for each of the viewing users based on the acquired viewer object and gift template information; To function as, program.

4. The behavior of the gift object is changed according to the gift amount designated by the viewing user. The program according to claim 2 or 3.

5. The higher the gift amount given by the viewing user, the more types of actions of the gift object can be selected. The program according to claim 4.

6. the gift template information includes motion information of the viewer object; The gift effect information includes effect information for causing the viewer object to move in accordance with the motion information. The program according to claim 2 or 3.

7. the gift template information includes orientation information of the viewer object; the gift effect information includes effect information for changing the orientation of the viewer object in accordance with the orientation information; The program according to claim 2 or 3.

8. The gift template information includes effect information of the viewer object, the gift effect information includes effect information for applying an effect to the viewer object in accordance with the effect information; The program according to claim 2 or 3.

9. The viewer object is an avatar image of the viewing user. The program according to claim 1 or 3.

10. the generating unit generates the gift presentation information in response to a gifting request from the viewing user during video distribution. The program according to claim 3.

11. the generation unit generates the gift presentation information in advance in accordance with the viewer object before video distribution. The program according to claim 3.

12. The gift object includes a common object common to each viewing user. The program according to claim 1 or 3.

13. A system for a video distribution user to provide a service of distributing videos to one or more viewing users, comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires gift presentation information including a viewer object, which is image data representing the viewing user, in response to a gifting request from the viewing user; a display unit that displays a gift object including at least the viewer object in the video based on the acquired gift presentation information; Equipped with system.

14. A system for generating gift presentation information that is an element of a gift object to be displayed in a video that a video distribution user distributes to one or more viewing users, comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires a viewer object, which is image data indicating the viewing user, and gift template information for operating a gift object including the viewer object in the video; a generating unit that generates gift presentation information for each of the viewing users based on the acquired viewer object and gift template information; Equipped with system.

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