Information processing system

Abstract

To provide an information processing system that suppresses unpermitted video distribution.SOLUTION: In an issuance step, an information processing system issues permission information which indicates permission of distribution of a video including a predetermined content. In a notification step, the information processing system provides the issued permission information to a user who requests distribution. In an assignment determination step, if a moving image including the content is distributed, the information processing system allows determination as to whether or not the permission information has been assigned to the moving image.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing system. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for providing a bonus to a live commentary user when a new player registers or the frequency of play increases in a game for which a live commentary video is distributed by the live commentary user. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-162881 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When distributing videos that include gameplay footage, there is a risk that the videos may be distributed without the permission of the owners of the game rights. In consideration of the above circumstances, this disclosure aims to curb unauthorized video distribution. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] (1) According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an information processing system is provided. In the issuing step of this information processing system, license information indicating permission for distribution of a video including predetermined content is issued. In the notifying step, the issued license information is notified to a user who wishes to distribute the video. In the grant determination step, when a video including the content is distributed, it is possible to determine whether the video has been granted license information.

[0006] According to this aspect, unauthorized video distribution can be suppressed. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a game video distribution system 1. FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the game server 10. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a game terminal 40. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the functional configuration of a control unit of each device. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is an activity diagram illustrating an example of an issuing process. [Figure 6] 10 is an example of a distribution condition table. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is an activity diagram showing another example of the issuing process. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a displayed distribution rights screen. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is an activity diagram illustrating an example of a distribution process. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a video editing screen. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a video editing screen for assigning a license ID. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is an activity diagram illustrating an example of a condition determination process. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is an activity diagram showing an example of a payment request process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Various features shown in the following embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0009] Incidentally, the program for realizing the software appearing in this embodiment may be provided as a non-transitory computer-readable medium, or may be provided so that it can be downloaded from an external server, or may be provided so that the program is started on an external computer and its functions are realized on a client terminal (so-called cloud computing).

[0010] In this embodiment, the term "unit" may also include, for example, a combination of hardware resources implemented by a circuit in the broad sense and software information processing that can be specifically realized by these hardware resources. In addition, this embodiment handles various types of information, which may be represented by, for example, physical values ​​of signal values ​​representing voltages and currents, high and low signal values ​​as a binary bit set consisting of 0 or 1, or quantum superposition (so-called quantum bits), and communication and calculations may be performed on a circuit in the broad sense.

[0011] In addition, a circuit in the broad sense is a circuit realized by at least appropriately combining a circuit, circuitry, a processor, a memory, etc. That is, it includes an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (e.g., a simple programmable logic device (SPLD), a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), and a field programmable gate array (FPGA)), etc.

[0012] 1. Hardware Configuration In this section, the hardware configuration of the game video distribution system according to this embodiment will be described.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a game video distribution system 1. The game video distribution system 1 is a system that executes processing for distributing videos that include content, and is an example of an "information processing system." Content is something that can be included in a video and that can be accompanied by some kind of right, such as copyright. Examples of content include games, music, animation, photographed images (either still images or moving images), broadcast programs (dramas, sports, variety shows, news, etc.), paintings, sculptures, books, poetry, etc.

[0014] In this embodiment, an example will be described in which a game is used as content. The game referred to here is a so-called computer game, which can be played on a dedicated game console, a personal computer, a smartphone, etc. Video including content, i.e., video including a game screen, will be referred to as a game video below. The game screen referred to here includes not only the screen of the game being played by the player, but also screens other than the game being played, such as demos, effects, and movies. Furthermore, the game screen includes not only video but also still images.

[0015] The game video distribution system 1 comprises a communication line 2, a BC system 3 (BC = Blockchain), a game server 10, a video distribution server 20, a license management server 30, a game terminal 40, and a video editing terminal 50. The communication line 2 includes the Internet and mediates data exchange between devices connected to the line. The BC system 3 distributes and manages various information using a blockchain mechanism.

[0016] The BC system 3 comprises multiple node devices connected to each other via a P2P network (P2P = Peer to Peer). The BC system 3 divides transaction data, which indicates the history of past processing, into blocks of a certain capacity, and generates a blockchain by arranging and linking these blocks in order. The BC system 3 assigns each block a hash value of the previous block, and distributes and stores the generated blockchain among multiple node devices. In this way, the BC system 3 improves the tamper-resistance of the blockchain.

[0017] The game server 10 is a device that provides game functions to players. The game terminal 40 is a device used by game players, and displays game screens provided by the game server 10. The game server 10 also has the function of recording game screens played by players. The video editing terminal 50 is a device that edits game videos using the recorded game screens as material. The video editing terminal 50 uploads the edited game videos to the video distribution server 20.

[0018] The video distribution server 20 is a device that stores and distributes uploaded game videos. The license management server 30 is a device that manages video distribution permissions. The license management server 30, for example, registers and manages transaction data that describes the video distribution permissions and agreements such as compensation in the BC system 3. The game videos distributed by the video distribution server 20 are displayed on devices with display capabilities, such as game terminals 40 and video editing terminals 50.

[0019] 2 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of game server 10. Game server 10 includes control unit 11, memory unit 12, communication unit 13, and bus 14. Bus 14 electrically connects the various units included in game server 10. Video distribution server 20 and license management server 30 may differ in performance and detailed specifications, but have the same hardware configuration as game server 10.

[0020] (Control unit 11) The control unit 11 is, for example, a central processing unit (CPU) not shown. The control unit 11 realizes various functions related to the game video distribution system 1 by reading out predetermined programs stored in the storage unit 12. In other words, information processing by software stored in the storage unit 12 is specifically realized by the control unit 11, which is an example of hardware, and can be executed as each functional unit included in the control unit 11. These will be described in further detail in the next section. Note that the control unit 11 is not limited to being single, and multiple control units 11 may be provided for each function. A combination of these may also be used.

[0021] (Storage unit 12) The memory unit 12 stores various pieces of information defined above. This may be implemented, for example, as a storage device such as a solid state drive (SSD) that stores various programs related to the game video distribution system 1 executed by the control unit 11, or as a memory such as a random access memory (RAM) that stores temporarily required information (arguments, arrays, etc.) related to program calculations. The memory unit 12 stores various programs, variables, etc. related to the game video distribution system 1 executed by the control unit 11.

[0022] (Communications Department 13) The communication unit 13 is configured to be able to transmit various electrical signals from the game server 10 to external components. The communication unit 13 is also configured to be able to receive various electrical signals from the external components to the game server 10. More preferably, the communication unit 13 has a network communication function, which allows various information to be communicated between the game server 10 and external devices via the communication line 2.

[0023] 3 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of game terminal 40. Game terminal 40 includes control unit 41, storage unit 42, communication unit 43, input unit 44, display unit 45, and bus 46. Bus 46 electrically connects the various units included in game terminal 40. Control unit 41, storage unit 42, and communication unit 43 may differ in performance and detailed specifications, but are similar in hardware to control unit 11, storage unit 12, and communication unit 13 described in FIG. 2. Video editing terminal 50 may differ in performance and detailed specifications, but has a similar hardware configuration to game terminal 40.

[0024] (Input section 44) The input unit 44 has buttons, a touch screen, etc., and accepts input from the user. In the case of the game terminal 40, a controller suitable for playing games is often used as the input unit 44.

[0025] (Display section 45) The display unit 45 has a display or the like and displays images on a display surface. Note that the display unit 45 displaying various images of characters, items, backgrounds, and the like that appear in the game is also referred to as "displaying a game screen."

[0026] 2. Functional configuration This section describes the functional configuration of this embodiment. As described above, information processing by software stored in the storage unit of each device is specifically realized by a control unit, which is an example of hardware, so that each functional unit included in the control unit can be executed.

[0027] 4 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of the control unit of each device. The control unit of game server 10 includes a game processing unit 111, a game storage unit 112, and a recording unit 113. The control unit of video distribution server 20 includes a video storage unit 211, a list distribution unit 212, and a video distribution unit 213. The control unit of license management server 30 includes a license information processing unit 311, a granting processing unit 312, a condition processing unit 313, an identification processing unit 314, and a BC processing unit 315. The control unit of game terminal 40 includes a game processing unit 411, a game storage unit 412, and a video processing unit 413. The control unit of video editing terminal 50 includes a video processing unit 511 and a video storage unit 512.

[0028] The game processing unit 111 of the game server 10 performs processing related to the game. The game memory unit 112 stores data related to the game. The game processing unit 411 of the game terminal 40 executes processing related to the game. The game memory unit 412 stores data related to the game. The game server 10 and the game terminal 40 use these functions to provide games to players. Games provided to players can be of any genre, including fighting games, action games, shooting games, role-playing games, simulation games, puzzle games, racing games, and music games.

[0029] The recording unit 113 of the game server 10 performs processing related to recording of game screens. The recording unit 113, for example, generates recording data showing the recorded game screens. The game storage unit 112 stores the generated recording data. The video processing unit 511 of the video editing terminal 50 performs processing related to game videos. The video processing unit 511 reads out the recording data stored in the game storage unit 112 and stores it in the video storage unit 512. The video processing unit 511 creates game videos using the stored recording data.

[0030] The video storage unit 512 uploads the created game videos to the video distribution server 20. The video storage unit 211 of the video distribution server 20 stores the uploaded game videos. The list distribution unit 212 creates and distributes a list of the game videos stored in the video storage unit 211. The video distribution unit 213 distributes the game videos stored in the video storage unit 211. The video processing unit 413 of the game terminal 40 performs display processing to display the distributed videos.

[0031] The license information processing unit 311 of the license management server 30 performs processes such as issuing and notifying license information related to the distribution of game videos. The license information is information indicating that the distribution of game videos is permitted, and in this embodiment, it is a license ID (Identification) expressed in letters and numbers, etc. License for distribution means that the owner of the rights related to the game permits the distribution of game videos including screens from that game. The rights related to the game include copyrights, design rights, patent rights, etc. for the game itself, characters appearing in the game, and music used in the game.

[0032] In the game video distribution system 1, the issued license information is assigned to the game video, thereby proving that distribution of the game video is permitted. The granting processing unit 312 performs processing related to the assignment of license information to the game video, such as determining whether or not license information has been assigned to the game video. Although distribution of game videos may be permitted without limit, some conditions are usually imposed. The condition processing unit 313 performs processing related to such distribution conditions for game videos.

[0033] The information assigned to the game video is not limited to license information. The identification processing unit 314, which identifies the screen video of the recorded game screen, processes the identification information assigned to the game video. The identification information here refers to identification information different from the license ID, such as a video ID that identifies the game video that has been licensed for distribution. The BC processing unit 315 performs BC (blockchain)-related processing, such as registering information related to the distribution of the game video in the BC system 3.

[0034] 3. Information Processing In this section, information processing of this embodiment will be described. The game video distribution system 1 performs distribution processing for distributing game videos. The distribution processing includes an issuance processing for issuing license information.

[0035] Fig. 5 is an activity diagram showing an example of the issuing process. The issuing process shown in Fig. 5 is an example in which a user records a game while playing it, and when the user has recorded a game screen that the user wants to use in the game video, the user permits distribution of the game video including the recorded game screen. First, in A101, the game processing unit 111 of the game server 10 and the game processing unit 411 of the game terminal 40 cooperate to execute game processing that provides the user with the functions of the game.

[0036] Next, at A102, when the game terminal 40 receives a recording operation from the user, it transmits instruction data indicating a recording instruction to the game server 10. At A103, the game server 10 causes the recording unit 113 to record the game screen based on the instruction indicated in the transmitted instruction data, and generates temporary data indicating the recorded game screen. When the user performs an operation to end recording on the game terminal 40, at A104, the game server 10 causes the recording unit 113 to generate recorded data indicating the recorded game screen based on the generated temporary data.

[0037] The recorded data is data representing moving images and still images showing game screens, sounds emitted during the game, etc. In this embodiment, the recorded data is generated by the game server 10, but may also be generated by the game terminal 40. The game server 10 transmits the generated recorded data to the video editing terminal 50. Upon receiving the transmitted recorded data, the video editing terminal 50 stores the recorded data in the video storage unit 512 at A105, and performs video editing processing by the video processing unit 511 to edit a game video including the game screens shown in the stored recorded data.

[0038] The transmission and reception of recorded data from the game server 10 to the video editing terminal 50 is managed by user ID. This may allow only the user of the game terminal 40 to receive the data, or may allow anyone to receive the data. Furthermore, the user or game administrator may be able to arbitrarily set whether or not to receive such recorded data.

[0039] Through video editing operations, the user can cut, enlarge / reduce, rearrange, loop, superimpose effect images and comment images, superimpose user video, add user voice, add subtitles for user voice, and arrange the game video, etc. When the video editing terminal 50 completes editing of the video, the video processing unit 511 generates video data indicating the completed game video and video information, which is meta information for the game video, at A106.

[0040] The video information indicates, for example, a video ID that identifies the game video, the time length of the game video (playback time of the game video), and the name of the game included in the game video. When a user completes a game video, they perform an inquiry operation to inquire about the distribution conditions that must be met in order to distribute the game video. Upon receiving the inquiry operation, the video editing terminal 50 transmits the generated video information to the license management server 30. The license management server 30 stores various distribution conditions in advance.

[0041] The distribution conditions are determined for each distributor of a video containing content (a game video in this embodiment). Furthermore, in this embodiment, the distribution conditions are determined in more detail for each game video. The license management server 30 stores the determined distribution conditions. Then, in A107, the license management server 30 reads the distribution conditions of the requested game video based on the transmitted video information using the condition processing unit 313.

[0042] In this embodiment, it is assumed that a fee for distributing game videos is set as a distribution condition. This fee is a license fee (also called a licensing fee) set based on the rights related to the content (game in this embodiment) included in the game video. The rights related to the content include, for example, copyright when the content is intellectual property such as a game, and in some cases also include design rights and patent rights. The fee is set for each distributor of game videos and is demanded by the owner of the rights related to the content from those who benefit from the distribution (the distributor, the agency to which the distributor belongs, etc.).

[0043] The payment of the fee is made, for example, in cash or virtual currency. Furthermore, if the content is a game, the payment may be made in the form of purchasing an item in the game. The fee may be set as a fixed amount, but in this embodiment, a fee is set according to the number of times the video is played (so-called pay-as-you-go). The license management server 30 uses a distribution condition table that associates the name of the game to be distributed, the range of the number of times the game video is played, and the fee required for distribution.

[0044] 6 is an example of a distribution condition table. In the example of FIG. 6, the name of a game, "Fighting Game C," is associated with the ranges of video playback counts, "less than B1," "B1 to B2," "B2 to B3," and "B3 or more," and the prices, "free," "P1," "P2," and "P3." The license management server 30 reads out, as the distribution conditions for the requested game video, a list of the relationship between the ranges of video playback counts and the prices associated with the game name indicated by the transmitted video information.

[0045] The license management server 30 transmits the read distribution conditions to the video editing terminal 50. At A108, the video editing terminal 50 displays the transmitted distribution conditions using the video processing unit 511. In this way, the license information processing unit 311 functions as a condition presenting unit that presents the conditions related to distribution permission (=distribution conditions) to the user. If the user decides to adopt one of the displayed distribution conditions for distribution, the user performs an operation to request permission for distribution by paying the fee for the adopted distribution condition.

[0046] At A109, the video editing terminal 50 uses the video processing unit 511 to send instruction data to the license management server 30 instructing payment of the fee required for permission to distribute. The video editing terminal 50 adds video information, distribution conditions, and a user ID that identifies the user to the instruction data and sends it. The user ID is, for example, identification information assigned to a user registered as a game user. At the license management server 30, A110, the condition processing unit 313 performs payment processing for the fee as indicated by the sent instruction data.

[0047] When the license management server 30 completes the payment process, at A111, the license information processing unit 311 issues a license ID indicating that distribution of the game video is permitted. In this way, the license information processing unit 311 of the license management server 30 functions as an issuing unit that issues license information indicating permission to distribute a video including predetermined content (a game screen in this embodiment). License information can be issued to various targets, such as for each video to be distributed, for each distributor, or for each organization to which the distributor belongs, but in this embodiment, the license information processing unit 311 issues license information for each video to be distributed.

[0048] Furthermore, in addition to the game itself, game videos may require the permission of multiple rights for images, music, etc. within the game. The license information processing unit 311 issues, for example, a license ID indicating the permission for those multiple rights. This license ID is a collection of IDs issued for each right, but the permission for multiple rights may be indicated by a single ID. In either case, when the permission for multiple rights related to content is required to distribute a video including that content, the license information processing unit 311 issues license information indicating that those multiple rights are granted. This embodiment can prevent omission of permission in video distribution.

[0049] Furthermore, when the distribution conditions presented in A108 are accepted, the license information processing unit 311 issues license information indicating acceptance under those distribution conditions. In this embodiment, the distribution conditions are conditions that limit distribution depending on the number of plays of the game video, as described in Fig. 6. Note that these distribution conditions are conditions that limit distribution of a predetermined number of plays or more, but this may also be rephrased as conditions that permit distribution of a number of plays less than the predetermined number.

[0050] Next, at A112, the license management server 30 stores the issued license ID by the license information processing unit 311 in association with the video ID, user ID, and distribution conditions indicated by the received request data. In this way, the license information processing unit 311 functions as a first registration unit that registers identification information associated with the license information. The identification information here is at least one of the identification information of the game video whose distribution is permitted by the license information (video ID in this embodiment) or the identification information of the distributor of that game video (user ID in this embodiment).

[0051] The license management server 30 transmits license-related information indicating the license ID, video ID, and user ID to the video editing terminal 50 via the license information processing unit 311. At A113, the video editing terminal 50 displays the transmitted license-related information via the video processing unit 511 to notify the user that distribution of the game video has been permitted. In this way, the license information processing unit 311 functions as a notification unit that notifies the user who wishes to distribute of the issued license information (in this embodiment, the license ID).

[0052] Furthermore, at A114, the license management server 30 transmits the ID information (in this embodiment, the license ID, video ID, and user ID) and distribution conditions stored at A112 to the BC system 3 shown in Fig. 1 via the license information processing unit 311 and the BC processing unit 315, and registers them in the blockchain. In this way, the license information processing unit 311 and the BC processing unit 315 function as a second registration unit that associates license information with the relationship between the license and compensation indicated by the license information and registers them in the blockchain.

[0053] As described above, in the example of Fig. 5, the user created a game video using game screens that he or she recorded himself or herself, but the user may also create a game video using game screens that other users recorded. In this case, the game server 10 creates a list of the generated recorded data at A104 shown in Fig. 5 and displays it on the game terminal 40. The user then selects one of the recorded data from the list, and the game server 10 transmits the selected recorded data to the video editing terminal 50, whereupon the operations from A105 onwards in Fig. 5 are carried out.

[0054] In the above example, the recording data is generated before the license information is notified, but the license information may be notified before the recording data is generated. The issuing process in this case will be described below. Fig. 7 is an activity diagram showing another example of the issuing process. The issuing process shown in Fig. 7 is started when a user performs an operation to search for a game screen recorded by another user. First, at A121, the game processing unit 111 of the game server 10 and the game processing unit 411 of the game terminal 40 cooperate to execute game processing that provides the user with game functions.

[0055] Here, it is assumed that the user performs an operation to display the distribution rights screen. The distribution rights screen is a screen for purchasing distribution rights for game videos. Distribution rights are the rights to distribute game videos, and indicate that distribution that meets predetermined distribution conditions has been permitted. At A122, the game terminal 40, via the video processing unit 413, accepts an operation to display the distribution rights screen and transmits request data requesting the display of the distribution rights screen to the game server 10.

[0056] At A123, the game server 10 transfers the request data transmitted by the video distribution unit 213 to the license management server 30 and inquires about distribution rights information. Before receiving this inquiry, at A124, the license management server 30 registers distribution rights information indicating predetermined distribution conditions using the license information processing unit 311. The distribution rights information is registered, for example, by a business operator that provides a game video distribution service. Once registered, the distribution rights information may remain unchanged, or may be periodically updated and re-registered.

[0057] When the license management server 30 receives the request data transmitted from the game server 10, at A125, the license information processing unit 311 reads out the registered distribution rights information. The license management server 30 transmits the read distribution rights information to the game server 10. At A126, the game server 10 creates a distribution rights screen for notifying the user of the transmitted distribution rights information, and transmits it to the game terminal 40. At A127, the game terminal 40 displays the transmitted distribution rights screen by the video processing unit 413.

[0058] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a displayed distribution rights screen. Game terminal 40 displays the distribution rights screen as part of an in-game item shop. On the distribution rights screen, distribution rights are sold in the same way as in-game items, such as a "B1 video play count pack" and a "B2 video play count pack." Note that "video play count" refers to the maximum number of times a game video can be played, as described above. The distribution rights screen displays the price of each distribution rights item and a button for purchase.

[0059] 7, the license information processing unit 311 also functions as a condition presenting unit that presents the conditions related to license for distribution (hereinafter referred to as "distribution conditions") to the user. At A128, the game terminal 40 receives, via the video processing unit 413, an operation to press a purchase button as a purchase operation. The game terminal 40 transmits, as purchase data, data to the game server 10, in which a user ID is associated with distribution rights information (in this embodiment, the upper limit on the number of video playbacks and the compensation) for the distribution rights for which the purchase operation was received.

[0060] At A129, the game server 10 performs payment processing for the price indicated by the transmitted purchase data using the game processing unit 111. When the game server 10 has performed the payment processing, it transmits request data indicating the distribution rights information and user ID indicated by the purchase data and a request for distribution permission to the license management server 30. Upon receiving the request data, the license management server 30 causes the license information processing unit 311 to issue a license ID indicating that distribution of the game video indicated by the received request data is permitted.

[0061] 7, the license information processing unit 311 of the license management server 30 also functions as an issuing unit that issues license information indicating permission for distribution of a video including predetermined content (a game screen in this embodiment). Furthermore, if the distribution conditions presented in A127 are accepted, the license information processing unit 311 issues license information indicating permission under those distribution conditions. In the example of FIG. 7, the distribution conditions are also conditions that limit distribution depending on the number of times the video is played.

[0062] Next, at A131, the license management server 30 causes the license information processing unit 311 to store the issued license ID and the user ID indicated in the received request data, i.e., the ID information, in association with the distribution conditions indicated by the distribution rights information. Thus, in the example of Fig. 7, the license information processing unit 311 also functions as a first registration unit that registers identification information associated with the license information (user ID in the example of Fig. 7). The license management server 30 causes the license information processing unit 311 to transmit license-related information indicating the license ID and user ID.

[0063] The destination of the license-related information is, for example, game terminal 40 or video editing terminal 50, and in the example of Fig. 7, it is video editing terminal 50. At A132, video editing terminal 50 displays the transmitted license-related information via video processing unit 511 to notify the user that distribution rights for the game video have been acquired. Thus, in the example of Fig. 7 as well, license information processing unit 311 functions as a notification unit that notifies the user who wishes to distribute of the issued license information (license ID in this embodiment).

[0064] Furthermore, at A133, the license management server 30 registers the ID information (license ID and user ID in the example of FIG. 7) and distribution conditions stored at A131 in the blockchain using the license information processing unit 311 and the BC processing unit 315. Thus, in the example of FIG. 7, the license information processing unit 311 and the BC processing unit 315 also function as a second registration unit that associates license information with the relationship between the license and compensation indicated by the license information and registers them in the blockchain. Next, the distribution process from notification of the license ID until the game video is distributed will be described.

[0065] FIG. 9 is an activity diagram showing an example of a distribution process. The distribution process shown in FIG. 9 is performed after the issuance processes of FIGS. 5 and 7. In each issuance process, a license ID is notified to the video editing terminal 50. In A141, the video editing terminal 50 assigns ID information to the game video by the video processing unit 511. The ID information here refers to a license ID, video ID, and user ID when the issuance process of FIG. 5 is performed, and to a license ID and user ID when the issuance process of FIG. 7 is performed. The methods for assigning each ID information can be the same, but the license ID will be explained as an example.

[0066] The video editing terminal 50 assigns a license ID, for example, by superimposing text or code indicating the license ID on the game video using digital watermarking technology. Alternatively, the video editing terminal 50 may assign a license ID to the game video by writing the license ID into video information, which is meta information of the game video. Alternatively, the video editing terminal 50 may assign a license ID to the game video by superimposing an inaudible sound indicating the license ID on the sound emitted by the game video. The video editing terminal 50 displays a video editing screen that provides a function for assigning a license ID.

[0067] 10 is a diagram showing an example of a video editing screen. The video editing screen includes a main screen E1, a thumbnail image E2, sound information E3, text information E4, a digital watermark button D1, and a meta information button D2. The main screen E1 displays the edited video. The thumbnail image E2 displays thumbnail images of frames included in the video in chronological order. By arranging recorded data in the thumbnail image E2, a game video including the recorded data is created.

[0068] The sound information E3 indicates sound information to be superimposed on the game video. The text information E4 indicates text information to be superimposed on the game video. The digital watermark button D1 is an operation image for adding a license ID to the game video as a digital watermark. The meta information button D2 is an operation image for including the license ID in meta information and adding it to the game video. When the digital watermark button D1 is operated, the screen switches to a video editing screen for adding a digital watermark.

[0069] FIG. 11 shows an example of a video editing screen for assigning a license ID. FIG. 11(a) shows the entire video editing screen. The video editing screen includes a main screen E11, a thumbnail image E12, and digital watermark information E13. The main screen E11 displays the video after the digital watermark has been added. The thumbnail image E12 displays thumbnail images of frames included in the video in chronological order. The digital watermark information E13 indicates the method of adding a digital watermark for each playback time of the game video.

[0070] In this embodiment, there are four methods for adding a digital watermark: "Full surface," "Four corners," "One corner," and "Specified position." The method for adding a digital watermark is selected using the Full surface button D11, Four corners button D12, One corner button D13, and Position specification button D14. In the "Full surface" method, multiple permission IDs are added evenly to the entire screen, as shown in FIG. 11(b). In the "Four corners" method, four permission IDs are added to the four corners of the screen, as shown in FIG. 11(c). In the "One corner" method, one permission ID is added to one of the corners of the screen, as shown in FIG. 11(d).

[0071] In the case of "position specification," the permission ID can be placed and assigned at any position on the screen, as shown in FIG. 11(e). With position specification, the number, size, and orientation of the permission IDs can also be freely set. The game terminal 40 assigns the permission ID to the game video based on the user's operations on these video editing screens. The game terminal 40 also assigns the video ID and user ID to the game video in the same way as the permission ID. Note that the assignment method may differ for each piece of ID information (e.g., the permission ID is a digital watermark, and other IDs are meta information).

[0072] The video editing terminal 50 may add a digital watermark in the form of blinking characters or a digital watermark with continuously changing color shading. ID information may also be added to the game screen when the game screen is recorded. In this case, at A131 in FIG. 7, the license management server 30 transmits license-related information to the game terminal 40. When recording the game screen, the game terminal 40 requests the game server 10 to add ID information indicated in the license-related information to the game screen.

[0073] When recording a game screen, the game server 10 records the game while assigning the requested ID information. Since the game screen represented by the recorded data thus generated has ID information assigned to it in advance, the game video created using this recorded data will also have ID information assigned to it. Note that the game server 10 may have a function for assigning ID information to the game screen as one of the game functions. In this case, the game server 10 assigns ID information to the game screen regardless of whether it has been recorded, and records the game screen to record the game screen with the ID information assigned to it.

[0074] Furthermore, game terminal 40 may allow the player to select whether or not to add ID information through an operation. Furthermore, when ID information is added as an invisible digital watermark, game terminal 40 may allow the player to select whether or not to visibly display the ID information only during recording through an operation. By visibly displaying the ID information, the player can proceed with the game while knowing that the game screen being recorded may later be distributed as a game video.

[0075] On the other hand, the video editing terminal 50 may have a function of reading out the ID information assigned to the game video to confirm that the creator of the video has assigned the ID information. For example, the video editing terminal 50 first saves a log of processing for the game video. Then, if there is a log of processing to assign ID information but there is no log of processing to delete the assigned ID information, the video editing terminal 50 determines that ID information has been assigned to the game video and reads out the ID information. Furthermore, instead of reading out the ID information, the video editing terminal 50 may notify the user by sounding an error or the like if ID information has not been assigned to the game video. These reading out and notification may be performed when the game video is uploaded.

[0076] After assigning ID information to the game video, the user performs an operation to upload the game video to the video distribution server 20. When the video editing terminal 50 accepts the upload operation, in A142, the video processing unit 511 transmits video data showing the edited game actions to the license management server 30. When the license management server 30 receives the transmitted video data, in A143, the assignment processing unit 312 determines whether ID information has been assigned to the game video shown by the received video data. Although the same method can be used to determine whether ID information has been assigned to each type of information, the following description will be given taking the license ID as an example.

[0077] For example, the license management server 30 searches for each of the stored license IDs from the meta information of the video data. If the search finds at least one license ID, the license management server 30 determines that the license ID has been assigned. If the license ID is not found in the meta information, or in parallel with this, the license management server 30 determines whether a digital watermark of the license ID has been assigned to the game video. For example, the license management server 30 selects multiple frames included in the game video and attempts to extract the license ID from the selected frames using image recognition technology.

[0078] The license management server 30 determines that a license ID has been assigned if at least one license ID is extracted, and determines that a license ID has not been assigned if no license ID is extracted. To increase the reliability of the determination, the license management server 30 may determine that a license ID has been assigned if the number of extracted license IDs is equal to or greater than a threshold. In either case, the assignment processing unit 312 functions as an assignment determination unit that, when a video including content (a game video in this embodiment) is uploaded, makes it possible to determine whether or not license information has been assigned to the video.

[0079] More specifically, the granting processing unit 312 determines that the license information has been granted when the license information superimposed on the video distributed as including the content is recognized by image recognition of the video. In addition, the license management server 30 determines, in A143, by the identification processing unit 314, whether the video ID and user ID registered in association with the license ID determined to have been granted have been granted to the game video, in the same way as the license ID.

[0080] In this case, the license management server 30 also uses image recognition technology to attempt to extract the corresponding video ID and user ID, and determines whether the video ID and user ID have been assigned to the game video, just like the license ID. This determines whether the correct combination of ID information has been assigned to the game video. In this way, when a video containing content is distributed and the assignment processing unit 312 determines that license information has been assigned, the identification processing unit 314 functions as an identification determination unit that can determine whether identification information corresponding to the license information has been assigned. The license management server 30 transmits the determined video data to the video distribution server 20. At A144, the video distribution server 20 stores the received video data in the video storage unit 211.

[0081] In this case, the license management server 30 also uses image recognition technology to attempt to extract the corresponding video ID and user ID, and determines whether a video ID and user ID have been assigned to the game video, just as it did with the license ID. In this embodiment, a license ID was assigned to each video being distributed. However, if a license ID is assigned to each distributor, for example, the license management server 30 can determine whether a user ID registered in association with the license ID has been assigned to the game video. In either case, the license management server 30 determines whether the correct combination of ID information has been assigned to the game video.

[0082] In this way, when a video including content is distributed and it is determined by the granting processing unit 312 that license information has been granted, the identification processing unit 314 functions as an identification determination unit that can determine whether identification information corresponding to the license information has been granted. The license management server 30 transmits the determined video data to the video distribution server 20. At A144, the video distribution server 20 stores the received video data in the video storage unit 211.

[0083] The license management server 30 may determine that ID information has not been assigned to a game video. This may occur, for example, when the user simply forgets to assign ID information, when the ID information has been assigned but is incorrect, or when the correct ID information has been assigned as a digital watermark but is difficult to read due to its compatibility with the video. In these cases, the license management server 30 determines that ID information has not been assigned to the game video and sends notification data to the video editing terminal 50 informing the user that the game video cannot be distributed because ID information has not been assigned.

[0084] At A145, the license management server 30 causes the video processing unit 511 to display a notification indicating that distribution is not possible, which is indicated by the transmitted notification data. When the user receives this notification, the user returns to A141 and performs an operation to assign ID information to the game video and then re-upload it, thereby enabling distribution of the game video. After the game video is stored at A144, a user (viewer) who wishes to watch the game video performs an operation to display a list of game videos on the game terminal 40 in order to distribute the game video. The viewer is generally a different user from the distributor, but there are also cases where the distributor becomes a viewer in order to check the performance of his or her own game video.

[0085] When the game terminal 40 accepts a video list display operation at A151, the video processing unit 413 transmits request data requesting a list of game videos to the video distribution server 20. At A152, the video distribution server 20 creates a video list indicated by the received request data at the list distribution unit 212. The video list created at this time also includes the game videos stored at A144. The video distribution server 20 transmits the created video list to the game terminal 40.

[0086] At A153, the game terminal 40 displays the transmitted video list via the video processing unit 413. The user performs an operation to select a game video to be distributed from the displayed video list. At A154, the game terminal 40 receives this selection operation via the video processing unit 413 and transmits request data requesting distribution of the selected game video to the video distribution server 20. At A155, the video distribution server 20 reads out the game video indicated in the received request data via the video distribution unit 213 as a video to be distributed and distributes it to the game terminal 40.

[0087] At A156, the video processing unit 413 of the game terminal 40 displays the distributed game video. The game video thus distributed is assigned ID information. In this manner, the video distribution unit 213 distributes, from among the game videos, videos to which the issued license information (in this embodiment, a license ID) has been assigned. Furthermore, when it is determined that the license information has been assigned to the game video, the video distribution unit 213 distributes the game video.

[0088] More specifically, the video distribution unit 213 distributes game videos that are determined by the granting processing unit 312 to have been granted license information and by the identification processing unit 314 to have been granted identification information. In this embodiment, as described above, the number of times a game video can be played is used as a distribution condition. Therefore, after distribution of a game video begins, repeated distribution may cause the distribution condition to no longer be met. In order to identify and deal with such game videos, a condition determination process is performed.

[0089] FIG. 12 is an activity diagram showing an example of the condition determination process. The condition determination process shown in FIG. 12 is performed for each game video for which distribution conditions are defined. First, in A161, the license management server 30, using the condition processing unit 313, determines whether or not the time has come to determine the distribution conditions for the game video to be determined. In this embodiment, the number of times a game video can be played is used as the distribution condition, so the license management server 30 queries the video distribution server 20 and determines that the time has come to determine the determination each time the video distribution server 20 distributes a game video and the number of plays increases.

[0090] The license management server 30 repeats the operation of A161 until it determines that the time for judgment has arrived. If the license management server 30 determines that the time for judgment has arrived, then in A162, the condition processing unit 313 determines whether the game video to be judged satisfies the distribution conditions. The license management server 30 makes this determination using the distribution conditions stored in association with the license ID assigned to the game video to be judged. If the license management server 30 determines that the distribution conditions are met, it returns to A161 and repeats the operation.

[0091] Note that the determination of the distribution conditions is performed only on game videos that are determined to have been assigned ID information including a license ID. In this way, when the assignment processing unit 312 determines that license information has been assigned to a video including content (a game video in this embodiment), the condition processing unit 313 functions as a condition determination unit that can determine whether the video satisfies the conditions indicated by the license information. When the license management server 30 determines that the distribution conditions are not satisfied, the license information processing unit 311 transmits notification data to the game terminal 40, notifying the game terminal 40 of a request to stop distribution.

[0092] At A163, game terminal 40 displays the notification content indicated by the received notification data and notifies the distributor of the request to stop distribution. If the distributor accepts the request to stop distribution, the distributor performs an operation to stop distribution. When game terminal 40 accepts the operation to stop distribution, video processing unit 413 transmits instruction data instructing video distribution server 20 to stop distribution. When video distribution server 20 receives the instruction data, at A164, video distribution unit 213 stops distribution by, for example, preventing the reading of video data indicating the game video to be determined.

[0093] Note that instead of requesting the distributor to stop distribution of a game video determined not to have license information, the license management server 30 may perform a process of forcing the distributor to stop distribution of the game video regardless of the distributor's intention. In this case, the license management server 30 performs the process of stopping distribution by sending notification data notifying the distributor that distribution of the game video has been stopped to the game terminal 40 and sending instruction data instructing the distributor to stop distribution of the game video to the video distribution server 20.

[0094] In this way, license information processing unit 311 functions as a first processing unit that enables execution of a distribution stop process for a video containing content determined not to satisfy the distribution conditions. If the distributor rejects the request to stop distribution, the distributor performs an operation to indicate their desire to continue distribution. When game terminal 40 accepts the operation to continue distribution, video processing unit 413 transmits inquiry data to video distribution server 20 inquiring about how to continue distribution.

[0095] When the video distribution server 20 receives the inquiry data, in A171, the condition processing unit 313 reads out the distribution conditions applicable to the game video to be determined. For example, when the distribution conditions shown in Fig. 6 are used, the applicable distribution conditions are distribution conditions that set the current number of video plays as the number of times the video can be played. The video distribution server 20 transmits guidance data to the game terminal 40 to guide the game terminal 40 to update the read distribution conditions.

[0096] When game terminal 40 receives the guidance data, video processing unit 413 displays the distribution conditions indicated in the received guidance data, thereby informing the distributor of the update to the distribution conditions, at A172. If the distributor does not accept the new distribution conditions because of an increase in the fee, for example, the distributor performs a refusal operation. When game terminal 40 receives the refusal operation, it transmits refusal data to video distribution server 20, indicating that the distribution conditions will not be updated.

[0097] When the video distribution server 20 receives the rejection data, in A173, the video distribution unit 213 stops distribution of the game video to be determined. If the distributor accepts the new distribution conditions, the distributor performs an operation to update the distribution conditions. An operation to update the distribution conditions is, for example, an operation to purchase the price for the new distribution conditions. When the game terminal 40 accepts the update operation, in A174, the video processing unit 413 transmits purchase data indicating the purchase of the new distribution conditions to the license management server 30.

[0098] In A175, the license management server 30 performs payment processing for the price indicated in the transmitted purchase data using the video processing unit 511. When the payment processing has been performed, in A176, the license management server 30 performs processing to update the distribution conditions of the game video to be determined using the license information processing unit 311 to the distribution conditions indicated in the received request data.

[0099] When the license management server 30 updates the distribution conditions, it returns to A161 and repeats the operation of the condition determination process. In this way, when there is a video (a game video in this embodiment) containing content for which it has been determined that the conditions are not satisfied, the condition processing unit 313 functions as a second processing unit that performs request processing to request the distributor of that video to obtain a distribution license with new distribution conditions that the distribution of that video satisfies.

[0100] As described above, in this embodiment, only videos that are determined to have a license ID assigned are distributed, which makes it possible to suppress unauthorized video distribution compared to when the determination of whether a license ID has been assigned is not performed. Furthermore, in this embodiment, by determining whether the distribution conditions are met, it is possible to find videos that violate the license conditions, and by requesting that the distribution be stopped at that time, it is possible to stop the distribution of the violating video. Furthermore, by requesting an update of the distribution conditions, it is possible to return the distribution of the violating video to proper distribution.

[0101] <Other embodiments> (1) How to purchase a license ID A license ID may be purchased in a manner different from that described in the embodiment. For example, the license management server 30 provides a web shop that sells license rights and issues a license ID to a user who purchases a license right from the web shop. The purchased license ID may be freely assignable to any game video, or may be assigned only to game videos that satisfy predetermined distribution conditions.

[0102] (2) Compensation processing A fee may be set for the distribution of a video including content according to the results of that distribution. The fee according to the results of distribution may be, for example, an amount calculated by multiplying the number of times the video is played by a predetermined coefficient, or an amount according to the number of times the video is played each time the number of times exceeds a predetermined number. Below, an example will be described in which a game video is distributed as a video including content.

[0103] The relationship between distribution records and compensation corresponds to the relationship between permission and compensation, and is registered in the blockchain as described in the embodiment. When a game video determined to have permission information granted by the granting processing unit 312 is distributed, the condition processing unit 313 performs request processing to request compensation corresponding to the distribution record of the game video. The compensation request processing by the condition processing unit 313 will be described with reference to FIG. 13.

[0104] Fig. 13 is an activity diagram showing an example of a fee request process. The fee request process shown in Fig. 13 is performed for each game video for which distribution conditions are defined. First, in A181, the license management server 30, using the condition processing unit 313, determines whether the time for fee processing has arrived for the game video that is the subject of fee processing. The license management server 30 determines that the time for fee processing has arrived at a predetermined time, for example, at midnight every day.

[0105] The license management server 30 may also determine that the time for payment processing has come when the number of times the game video has been played reaches a predetermined number, or when a video distribution channel is set up for each distributor and the number of subscribers to that channel reaches a predetermined number, etc. The license management server 30 may also provide free service until the number of plays or subscribers reaches a predetermined number, and then switch to a paid service when the number of plays or subscribers exceeds the predetermined number.

[0106] The license management server 30 repeats the operation of A181 until it determines that the time for payment processing has arrived. If the license management server 30 determines that the time for payment processing has arrived, then in A182, the condition processing unit 313 and the BC processing unit 315 read the distribution conditions of the game video that is the subject of payment processing from the blockchain. Next, in A183, the license management server 30 uses the condition processing unit 313 to calculate the payment for the target game video based on the read distribution conditions, and transmits payment data indicating the calculated payment to the game terminal 40.

[0107] At A184, the game terminal 40 displays the payment indicated by the payment data transmitted by the video processing unit 413. If the distributor wishes to stop distribution of the game video without paying the displayed payment, the distributor performs a distribution stop operation. Upon receiving the distribution stop operation, the game terminal 40 transmits distribution stop data indicating that distribution will be stopped to the video distribution server 20. Upon receiving the distribution stop data, the video distribution server 20 stops distribution of the game video that is the subject of payment processing by the video distribution unit 213 at A185.

[0108] If the distributor wishes to continue the distribution by paying the displayed fee, the distributor performs an operation to continue the distribution. An operation to continue the distribution is, for example, an operation to pay the displayed fee. When game terminal 40 accepts this operation, video processing unit 413 transmits purchase data indicating payment of the fee to license management server 30 in A186. Note that game terminal 40 may automatically determine to continue the distribution in A184 and transmit the purchase data in A186.

[0109] In A187, the license management server 30 performs payment processing for the fee indicated in the transmitted purchase data using the condition processing unit 313. After performing the payment processing, in A188, the license management server 30 causes the condition processing unit 313 to update the distribution conditions for the game video that is the subject of the payment processing that have been stored up to that point to the distribution conditions that will be applied upon payment of the fee indicated in the received notification data. After updating the distribution conditions, the video distribution server 20 returns to A181 and repeats the operation of the condition determination processing.

[0110] In this way, the license information processing unit 311 functions as a compensation unit that performs request processing to request compensation determined based on the relationship registered in association with the license information determined to be granted to a video including content. The relationship here refers to the relationship between the license and compensation indicated by the license information, and is information registered in the blockchain. According to this aspect, the owner of the rights to the content can receive compensation by allowing others to use the content.

[0111] (3) Display mode of videos containing the content When distributing a list of videos including content, the list distribution unit 212 of the video distribution server 20 may set priorities for the placement of those videos. For example, a priority is set for videos including content according to the price. In this case, the list distribution unit 212 stores priority information indicating the relationship between the price and the priority. The priority information basically indicates that the higher the price, the higher the priority, but it may also indicate the opposite relationship. Below, an example will be described in which a game video is distributed as a video including content.

[0112] The list distribution unit 212 functions as a display unit that displays a list of game videos that can be distributed. The list distribution unit 212 displays the game videos included in the list in a manner based on the priority of the game video. The video distribution unit 213 distributes a video selected from the displayed list. A manner based on priority is, for example, a manner in which a game video is placed in a position that is more likely to be selected the higher the priority. Generally, the closer to the top of the screen, the more likely the video is to be selected. If the text on the screen is written horizontally, the closer to the left side of the screen, the more likely the video is to be selected.

[0113] Furthermore, the priority-based mode may be such that the thumbnail image of the game video in the list is larger the higher the priority. Furthermore, the priority-based mode may be such that the frame of the thumbnail image is made a more conspicuous color or design. In this embodiment, the more the payment is made, the more likely the video is displayed in the list and the more likely it is to be selected and distributed. In other words, such a mode can be used to increase the number of views of the video.

[0114] (4) Management of video materials including content When creating a video containing content, images, videos, sounds, and other materials may be used to enhance the video. Many of these materials are available on the Internet, and some of them are protected by copyright or other rights. Such materials must not be used without permission, and obtaining permission can be time-consuming. Therefore, the license management server 30 may provide materials that users can use without the need to go through the trouble of obtaining permission.

[0115] In this case, for example, the license information processing unit 311 of the license management server 30 functions as a storage unit that stores materials. The materials referred to here are materials that any user of the game video distribution system 1 can include in videos without obtaining special permission. These can also be said to be materials that are already permitted for use when the user becomes a user of the game video distribution system 1. The license information processing unit 311 then functions as a provider that provides these materials to users.

[0116] The user here is a user who has been notified of the license information issued by the license information processing unit 311. The license information processing unit 311 displays a selection image for selecting a material on a screen for editing a video, and when an operation is performed on the selection image, transmits the selected material to the video editing terminal 50. The video editing terminal 50 generates a video including the transmitted material by the video processing unit 511. According to this embodiment, it is possible to suppress the use of unauthorized material in a video, compared to a case where the material is not provided.

[0117] The license management server 30 may also provide the content itself as material for a video containing the content. The content here includes not only primary content such as games, music, and broadcast screens, but also secondary content such as a video containing such primary content. The following describes an example of secondary content, specifically a video that can be displayed on a user terminal. Hereinafter, such content will be referred to as a "content video." A video created using the content video is called a "cut-out video."

[0118] The recorded data of the game screen is data representing the content video. For example, when the video distribution server 20 records the game screen, a player who plays the game to be recorded performs a consent operation to consent to the use of the content video represented by the recorded data generated by the recording as material for the game video. The license management server 30, via the license information processing unit 311, acquires and stores the recorded data representing the content video for which the consent operation has been performed from the video distribution server 20.

[0119] The license management server 30 then uses the license information processing unit 311 to create a list of content using thumbnails of the content videos and file names of the recorded data, and transmits the created list to the video editing terminal 50. When the user selects a content video from the list, the video editing terminal 50 transmits request data requesting the selected content video to the license management server 30. Upon receiving the request data, the license management server 30 uses the license information processing unit 311 to issue a license ID for a game video that includes the requested content video.

[0120] This license ID is license information indicating permission to create a video using the content video and permission to distribute the created video. The license management server 30 transmits the issued license ID and recording data indicating the requested content video to the video editing terminal 50. Note that the license information processing unit 311 may transmit a link to a site that shows the content for each page, rather than a list of the content.

[0121] In either case, the license information processing unit 311 of the license management server 30 functions as a storage unit that stores content (recorded game screens in the above example) and also functions as a content presentation unit that presents the stored content to the user. When the presented content is selected, the license information processing unit 311 issues license information for that content. According to this embodiment, it is possible to create a video using existing content.

[0122] The license information processing unit 311 may previously assign license information to content used as material. In this case, the license information processing unit 311 functions as an assigning unit that assigns license information to content. If the content includes images, such as a video content, the license information processing unit 311 assigns a license ID using a digital watermark or meta information, as described in the above embodiment. If the content is music or the like, the license information processing unit 311 assigns a license ID by superimposing an inaudible sound indicating the license ID.

[0123] The license information processing unit 311 then presents the user with a list of contents to which license IDs have been assigned, and transmits the content selected by the user to the video editing terminal 50. In this way, the license information processing unit 311 functions as a providing unit that provides the content to which license information has been assigned as described above as material for a video including the content. According to this aspect, it is possible to prevent license information from being not assigned to a video including the content.

[0124] Note that the content video provided as material may itself be a video for which distribution is permitted. In this case, the license management server 30 first issues license information (hereinafter referred to as "primary license information") indicating that distribution of the content video is permitted, and registers it in the blockchain in association with ID information including the issued primary license information. Then, the license management server 30 issues license information (hereinafter referred to as "secondary license information") indicating permission to create a video using the content video and permission to distribute the created video, and registers it in association with ID information including the issued secondary license information in the blockchain.

[0125] The license management server 30 also assigns the issued secondary license information to the content video before providing it as video material. This prevents a game video that includes the content video from not being assigned license information. The license management server 30 may also assign primary license information to the content video in addition to the secondary license information. In this case, it can be shown that the content video included in the game video has also been granted permission to be distributed.

[0126] The fact that the content video has obtained primary permission for distribution means that the distributor of the content video has paid compensation to the owner of the rights related to the content. The license management server 30 may also perform a payment process to have distributors who distribute game videos created using the content video pay compensation for the content video. This allows the requester of compensation, i.e., the owner of the rights related to the content, to receive more compensation the more secondary distribution of videos containing the content increases.

[0127] The license management server 30 may also display a list of registered primary license information and secondary license information. For example, when a game video creator or the like performs an operation to specify a game video, the license management server 30 reads out the primary license information and secondary license information registered in association with the video ID of the specified game video. The license management server 30 displays the read license information, for example, in a hierarchical format. The hierarchical format may, for example, display primary license information in the first layer, and both primary and secondary license information in the next layer. By listing the license information in this way, it is possible to easily grasp the license information that must be considered when distributing game videos.

[0128] When content is presented, guidelines regarding the use of the content may also be presented. The guidelines refer to distribution conditions that the distributor must observe, such as not violating public order and morals or not revealing spoilers about the game content. In this case, when the license information processing unit 311 presents the content to the user, the condition processing unit 313 of the license management server 30 presents the distribution conditions of the content to the user. When the presented content is selected and the distribution conditions of the content are accepted, the license information processing unit 311 issues license information for the content.

[0129] According to this embodiment, since the distribution conditions have already been accepted, it is easy to obtain consent to stop distribution when the distribution conditions are no longer met. The distribution conditions for which consent is obtained are not limited to this. For example, the license management server 30 may obtain consent to a distribution condition that allows the owner of the game rights to delete a game video at their discretion if they determine that the game video contains inappropriate content. Furthermore, the license management server 30 may obtain consent to a distribution condition that, if the owner violates the guidelines presented as described above, the deletion of the game video will not result in a refund of the fee.

[0130] (5) Timing of grant decision In the above embodiment, the granting processing unit 312 of the license management server 30 determines whether or not license information is granted to a game video when the game video including a game screen is uploaded, but the timing of the granting determination is not limited to this. The granting processing unit 312 may also determine whether or not license information is granted to a game video when the game video is edited.

[0131] In this case, the granting processing unit 312 cooperates with the video processing unit 511 of the video editing terminal 50 to, for example, forcibly upload the game video being edited at regular time intervals after starting editing of the game video, and determines whether or not the license information has been granted. The granting processing unit 312 transmits the determination result to the video editing terminal 50. The video editing terminal 50 disables the upload function while the determination result that the license information has not been granted is received, and enables the upload function when the determination result that the license information has been received is received.

[0132] In cases where the determination of whether to assign the license information at the time of uploading or editing is not performed as described above, or even in cases where such determination is performed, unless the determination is performed for all game videos to be uploaded, there is a possibility that a violating video that has not been granted permission for distribution and has not been assigned the license information may be uploaded. For such cases, the assignment processing unit 312 may determine whether the license information has been assigned to the game video when it is distributed.

[0133] In this case, when distributing a game video, the video distribution unit 213 of the video distribution server 20 transmits the game video to the license management server 30. The granting processing unit 312 determines whether or not license information is granted to the transmitted game video. The granting processing unit 312 notifies the video distribution server 20 of this determination result. If the video distribution unit 213 receives a determination result that license information is granted, it distributes the game video, and if the video distribution unit 213 receives a determination result that license information is not granted, it does not distribute the game video.

[0134] Note that the video distribution unit 213 may delete the game video as necessary after distribution of the game video has begun. For example, the video distribution unit 213 continues to acquire the number of views of the video even after distribution of the game video has begun, and when the acquired number of views of the video reaches a threshold value or more, it determines that the impact of the violating video is significant and that deletion is necessary, and deletes the game video. Regardless of when the granting determination is made, unauthorized video distribution can be suppressed compared to when the granting determination is not made.

[0135] (6) Motivation for granting As described above, in the game video distribution system 1, there is a possibility that illegal videos may be uploaded and distributed. To reduce such illegal videos and provide an incentive to obtain permission for distribution, the searchability of game videos to which license information has been added may be improved as a special benefit. Improving searchability means making the game videos more likely to appear at the top of search results when keywords related to the game videos are searched. For example, when the license information addition processing unit 312 of the license management server 30 determines that license information has been added to a video containing content, the license information addition processing unit 312 may function as a third processing unit that performs processing on the game video to improve its searchability on game video distribution sites.

[0136] The game video distribution site is, for example, a site listing game videos distributed by the list distribution unit 212 of the video distribution server 20. In this example, the list distribution unit 212 provides a search function for finding a desired video from the list of game videos. This search function is, for example, a function for searching for input keywords from video information of a game video. For example, when the video information includes a game name, the addition processing unit 312 performs processing to add keywords frequently used by users searching for that game to the video information.

[0137] For example, if the content included in the game video is a fighting game, the adding unit 312 performs processing to add keywords such as "battle," "command," "combo," "special move," and the names of characters appearing in the fighting game to the video information, thereby improving searchability. Furthermore, if the content is a drama, the adding unit 312 performs processing to add the names of the characters and actors appearing in the drama, and if the content is a sport, the adding unit 312 adds the name of the tournament and the names of the main players, thereby improving searchability.

[0138] Regardless of the type of processing performed, the license information provided will make the game video more likely to be displayed at the top of search results. Regardless of whether or not the processing described above is performed, any processing may be performed as long as it makes the game video more likely to be displayed at the top of search results, in other words, as long as it is evaluated to be ranked high in the algorithm that determines the display ranking of search engines. According to this aspect, obtaining a distribution license can be used to increase the number of views of videos containing the content.

[0139] Furthermore, when it is determined that license information has been assigned to a video including content, the assigning processing unit 312 may function as a fourth processing unit that performs processing to generate a link to the video to a site other than the distribution site of the video. Specifically, the assigning processing unit 312 performs processing to generate a link to the game video, for example, as an advertisement, on a site that sells the game content, a site that introduces the game, or a review site for the game. Furthermore, when a user uses an information providing service that periodically distributes information related to games, the assigning processing unit 312 performs processing to generate a link to the game video, for example, as an advertisement, in a distributed email or the like.

[0140] In either case, for example, the operator of the game video distribution system 1 obtains the right to post advertisements on each website or in each email, etc. Then, when the granting processing unit 312 determines that license information has been granted to a video including content, it executes a process of posting a link to the video in an advertisement. The more links to game videos are generated in this way, the more likely it is that more users will watch the game videos via those links. In this manner, obtaining a distribution license can also be used to increase the number of views of videos including content.

[0141] (7) Distribution conditions In the above embodiment, the condition processing unit 313 uses a condition that limits distribution depending on the number of times the game video has been played as the distribution condition, but this is not limited to this. The distribution condition may also be a condition that limits distribution depending on the time length of the game video. In this case, the license management server 30 permits distribution free of charge and without restrictions if the length of the game video is less than a predetermined time, for example.

[0142] If the length of the game video exceeds a predetermined time, the license management server 30 restricts distribution unless a fee corresponding to the length of the game video is paid. The distribution conditions may also be conditions that restrict the distribution period of the game video. For example, if the distribution period is limited to one year, the distributor must stop distributing the game video before one year has elapsed since the start of distribution. However, the distribution period may be extended by paying a new fee when the distribution period expires.

[0143] Additionally, the distribution conditions may be conditions that restrict the time periods during which game videos can be distributed. The distribution time periods may be restricted not only by time of day, but also by day of the week, date, month, and year. By using distribution conditions as described above, it is possible to make it more difficult for distribution to go beyond the intentions of the issuer of the license information, compared to when distribution is allowed unconditionally. The issuer of the license information is the owner of the rights to the content, or a party entrusted by the owner with the enforcement and management of the rights.

[0144] Note that the distribution conditions are not limited to conditions restricting distribution, and may also be conditions restricting game videos to be distributed. For example, the distribution conditions may be conditions restricting the time length of the game video, the size or resolution of the game video on the screen. The time length of the game video refers to the playback time of the entire game video, including portions where the game screen is not displayed. The size and resolution of the game video on the screen mean essentially the same thing and are expressed by the number of vertical and horizontal pixels of the game video (e.g., 1920*1080).

[0145] By using distribution conditions related to game videos in this way, it is possible to make it more difficult for game actions that go beyond the intention of the issuer of the license information to be distributed, compared to when distribution is allowed unconditionally. Furthermore, when the content is a predetermined game screen, as in the embodiment, the distribution conditions may be conditions related to the game screen. For example, the distribution conditions may be conditions that limit the range of game screens that can be included in the game video, the playback time of the game screens, or the size or resolution of the game screens on the screen.

[0146] The range of the game screen is indicated by, for example, the name of the game and the names of the scenes in the recorded game. Regardless of the genre of the game, the game usually progresses by changing the scenes to keep the player from getting bored. For example, in a fighting game, the scenes in the game are indicated by the names of the characters competing (e.g., Character A vs. Character B) or the name of the round in the tournament. In addition, in role-playing games and action games, the scenes in the game are indicated by the names of the locations in the game (e.g., castles, towns, plains), the names of the quests and events in which the player is participating, etc.

[0147] Furthermore, in the case of a puzzle game or music game, a scene within a game is indicated by the stage (also called a stage or level) currently being played or the name of a song. The playback time of a game screen is the time that the game screen is displayed in the game video. Here, the time when the game screen is still may or may not be included in the playback time. If still time is included, for example, even if the recorded game screen is one minute long, the playback time may become longer if the screen is frozen and commentary is provided.

[0148] On the other hand, if still periods are not included, the playback time can be limited to one minute if the game video uses only one minute of recorded game screen. The on-screen size or resolution of the game screen essentially means the same thing and is expressed by the number of vertical and horizontal pixels (e.g., 1920 x 1080) of the game screen included in the game video. The condition processing unit 313 may use image recognition technology to identify the range of the game screen from the game video, but to reduce the processing load, the range of the game screen may also be included in the recording information generated as meta information that indicates an overview of the recorded data.

[0149] This recording information is generated by the recording unit 113 of the game server 10. The game server 10 creates recording information that indicates all of the ranges of game screens included in the recording data and the playback start and end times of those ranges. The game server 10 transmits the created recording data and recording information to the video editing terminal 50. When editing the game video, the video processing unit 511 of the video editing terminal 50 creates video information that indicates the ranges of game screens that have been edited and included in the game video.

[0150] The condition processing unit 313 of the license management server 30 stores in advance the range of the game screen permitted for the game video as a distribution condition in association with the license ID of the game video. Then, for example, when a game video is uploaded together with video information, the condition processing unit 313 acquires the license ID and video information of the game video from the video distribution server 20 and determines whether the range of the game screen indicated by the acquired video information satisfies the distribution condition.

[0151] While both distribution conditions have been expressed in a form indicating the range of restrictions on the distribution of videos containing content, they may also be expressed in a form indicating the range of permission for the distribution of videos containing content. For example, a distribution condition that restricts the length of a game video to not exceed a predetermined time can be rephrased as a distribution condition that permits the game video as long as the length is within the predetermined time. Regardless of how the distribution conditions are expressed, this aspect makes it more difficult for distribution to go beyond the intentions of the issuer of the permission information than when distribution is permitted unconditionally.

[0152] (8) Unit of License In the above examples, the license information processing unit 311 of the license management server 30 issues license information permitting distribution for each video including content, but this is not limiting. For example, the license management server 30 may issue license information for a predetermined number of videos, or may issue license information for each user who creates a video.

[0153] Users include those who can earn revenue (e.g., advertising revenue) by distributing game videos and those who cannot. In this case, the distribution conditions may be conditions that restrict distribution according to the user ID that identifies those users. For example, a first distribution condition is used for users who can monetize, requiring payment according to the number of plays, and a second distribution condition is used for users who cannot monetize, allowing distribution unconditionally.

[0154] Furthermore, a video distributor on a certain video distribution site is eligible for monetization if the number of his / her channel subscriptions is equal to or greater than a predetermined number. In this case, the license management server 30, for example, when determining whether the distribution conditions are met at A162 in FIG. 12, references the number of channel subscriptions of the game video distributor on the video distribution site. If the referenced number of channel subscriptions is equal to or greater than the predetermined number, the license management server 30 determines that the user is eligible for monetization and determines whether the first distribution condition is met.

[0155] Furthermore, if the referenced number of channel subscriptions is less than a predetermined number, the license management server 30 determines that the user is not eligible for monetization and determines whether the second distribution condition is met. The license management server 30 may store a user ID list of monetizable users in advance, and determine whether the user is eligible for monetization based on the user ID associated with the license ID, and then determine the distribution conditions. Furthermore, without being limited to the above example, different distribution conditions may be used depending on whether the distributor is an individual or an organization, or depending on the organization to which the distributor belongs. According to this aspect, the content of distribution restrictions can be determined for each video distributor.

[0156] (9) License transactions License rights for the distribution of game videos, etc. may be tradable. These license rights are managed by registering license information in a blockchain, and therefore may be traded, for example, via an exchange used in a blockchain. In this case, the license management server 30, for example, executes transaction processing via the exchange using the license information processing unit 311. This allows, for example, compensation for part or all of the paid fees when a license right is purchased but not used.

[0157] (10) Usage of license rights The license management server 30 may register information indicating the usage status of the license right indicated by the issued license ID in the blockchain via the license information processing unit 311. For example, if a game video with the issued license ID is uploaded, the license management server 30 registers a used flag in the blockchain indicating that the license right indicated by the license ID has been used.

[0158] Furthermore, if a game video with the issued license ID has not been uploaded, the license management server 30 registers an unused flag in the blockchain, indicating that the license right is not being used. This information indicating the usage status may be used, for example, as a condition for determining whether or not the license right can be traded. For example, the license management server 30 executes trading processing via an exchange for license rights for which a used flag has been registered, and does not execute trading processing via an exchange for license rights for which an unused flag has been registered.

[0159] (11) Human decision-making In the embodiment, the license management server 30 determines whether license information is assigned to the video, but this determination may also be made manually. In this case, the video editing terminal 50 assigns ID information to the game video by including the ID information in the video information or by using a visible digital watermark at A141 in FIG. 9 . The video editing terminal 50 then uploads the game video with the ID information assigned to it to the license management server 30.

[0160] It is assumed that an operator terminal used by an operator is connected to the license management server 30. The operator displays the uploaded game video on the operator terminal. The operator visually checks the video information or the game video screen to see if a symbol believed to be ID information has been assigned. If a symbol believed to be ID information has been assigned, the operator performs an operation on the operator terminal to inquire of the license management server 30 about whether the symbol has been registered as ID information in the blockchain.

[0161] The license management server 30 uses the BC processing unit 315 to search the blockchain to confirm whether the inquired symbol is registered as ID information and transmits the confirmation result to the operator terminal. If the result displayed indicates that the symbol is registered, the operator determines that ID information has been assigned to the game video; if the result displayed indicates that the symbol is not registered, the operator determines that ID information has not been assigned to the game video. In this example, the BC processing unit 315 functions as an assignment determination unit that, when a video including content is uploaded, can determine whether the video has been assigned license information.

[0162] In the embodiment, the assignment processing unit 312 automatically determines whether ID information including license information has been assigned by image recognition, but a list of game videos determined to not have the registered correct combination of ID information assigned may be displayed on the operator terminal so that the operator can visually determine whether ID information has been assigned. Furthermore, when a game video is searched for on the operator terminal, the assignment processing unit 312 may search only game videos determined to not have the registered correct combination of ID information assigned, thereby making it easy to find game videos that are likely to be in violation.

[0163] The license management server 30 may also have a function for determining whether a game video contains copyrighted material. For example, the license management server 30 stores pattern data of images or sounds of copyrighted material, and determines that a game video contains copyrighted material if the game video contains images or sounds similar to the pattern data. When a game video is searched, the assignment processing unit 312 may search only for game videos that it determines contain copyrighted material and do not have the correct combination of ID information assigned, thereby making it easy to find game videos that are likely to be in violation despite containing copyrighted material.

[0164] (12) Variations in configuration The overall configuration shown in FIG. 1 is an example and is not limiting. For example, the game server 10, video distribution server 20, and license management server 30 may be integrated into one or two devices, or may be distributed across four or more devices. These servers may also be replaced by a cloud computing system. Video editing may be performed on a game terminal 40, and games may be played on a video editing terminal 50.

[0165] 4 is also an example and is not limited to this. For example, the functions of video distribution server 20 and license management server 30 may be realized by a single device, or conversely, the functions of license management server 30 may be distributed and realized by two or more devices. In short, as long as the functions shown in FIG. 4 are realized by the entire game video distribution system 1, the devices that realize those functions may have any configuration.

[0166] (13) Categories of disclosure The above-described embodiments may be implemented as an information processing method. The information processing method includes the components of an information processing system such as the game video distribution system 1. The above-described embodiments may also be implemented as a program. The program causes a computer to execute the steps of a similar information processing system.

[0167] <Additional Notes> Furthermore, it may be provided in the following aspects.

[0168] (2) In the information processing system, in the issuing step, if the distribution of the video requires permission for multiple rights related to the content, the permission information indicating that the multiple rights are granted is issued.

[0169] According to this aspect, it is possible to prevent omissions of permission in video distribution.

[0170] (3) In the information processing system, the storage step stores the content, the content presentation step presents the stored content to the user, and the issuing step issues the license information for the content when the presented content is selected.

[0171] According to this aspect, it is possible to create a video using existing content.

[0172] (4) In the information processing system, in the condition presentation step, conditions regarding permission for the distribution are presented to the user, and in the issuance step, the permission information indicating permission under those conditions is issued if the presented conditions are accepted.

[0173] According to this aspect, distribution permission can be obtained before the video is generated.

[0174] (5) In the information processing system, the conditions limit the length, size on the screen, or resolution of the video.

[0175] According to this aspect, it is possible to make it difficult for videos to be distributed that go beyond the intentions of the issuer of the license information.

[0176] (6) In the information processing system, the condition restricts distribution according to the length of the video or the number of times the video is played.

[0177] According to this aspect, distribution can be restricted for each video distributor.

[0178] (7) In the information processing system, the condition restricts the distribution period or distribution time period of the video containing the content.

[0179] According to this aspect, it is possible to prevent distribution of the license information beyond the intention of the issuer of the license information.

[0180] (8) In the information processing system, the content is a specified game screen, and the conditions limit the range, playback time, size on the screen, or resolution of the game screen that can be included in the video.

[0181] According to this aspect, it is possible to make it difficult for a game screen that goes beyond the intention of the issuer of the license information to be distributed.

[0182] (9) In the information processing system, the condition restricts distribution according to identification information that identifies a distributor of a video containing the content.

[0183] According to this embodiment, the content of distribution restrictions can be determined for each video distributor.

[0184] (10) In the information processing system, the condition determination step enables determination of whether the video satisfies the conditions indicated by the license information when the grant determination step determines that the license information has been granted to the video.

[0185] According to this embodiment, videos that violate the license conditions can be found.

[0186] (11) In the information processing system, in the first processing step, if there is a video determined not to satisfy the condition, a process for stopping distribution of the video can be executed.

[0187] According to this aspect, distribution of the violating video can be stopped.

[0188] (12) In the information processing system, in the second processing step, if there is a video that is determined not to satisfy the conditions, a request process is performed to request the distributor of the video to obtain a license that satisfies new conditions for the distribution of the video.

[0189] According to this embodiment, the distribution of the violating video can be returned to proper distribution.

[0190] (13) In the information processing system, in a first registration step, identification information associated with the permission information is registered, and the identification information is at least one of identification information of a video whose distribution is permitted by the permission information or identification information of a distributor of the video, and in an identification determination step, when a video containing the content is distributed and it is determined that the permission information has been granted in the grant determination step, it is possible to determine whether identification information corresponding to the permission information has been granted.

[0191] According to this aspect, it is possible to more accurately determine whether or not permission has been granted.

[0192] (14) In the information processing system, in the grant determination step, it is determined that the permission information has been granted when it is recognized by image recognition of a video distributed as including the content that the permission information is superimposed on the video.

[0193] According to this aspect, it is possible to reduce the time and effort required to determine whether or not permission is given.

[0194] (15) In the information processing system, the content is a content video that can be displayed on a user terminal, and in the granting step, the permission information is granted to the content video, and in the providing step, the content video to which the permission information is granted in the granting step is provided as material for a video including the content.

[0195] According to this aspect, it is possible to prevent the license information from not being given to the video including the content.

[0196] (16) In the information processing system, the license for the content specifies a fee for the distribution, and in the compensation step, if it is determined that the license information has been granted to the video, a request process is performed to request a fee corresponding to the distribution of the video.

[0197] According to this embodiment, it is possible to receive compensation for allowing the user to use the content.

[0198] (17) In the information processing system, in the second registration step, the license information and the relationship between the license and compensation indicated by the license information are associated and registered in a blockchain, and in the compensation step, a request process is performed to request compensation determined based on the relationship registered in association with the license information determined to be granted to the video.

[0199] According to this embodiment, it is possible to prevent the provision of incorrect compensation due to tampering.

[0200] (18) In the information processing system, in the third processing step, if the grant determination step determines that the video has been granted the permission information, processing is performed on the video to improve its searchability on the distribution site.

[0201] According to this embodiment, obtaining permission can be used to increase the number of views of the video.

[0202] (19) In the information processing system, in the fourth processing step, if it is determined by the grant determination step that the video has been granted the permission information, a process is performed to generate a link to the video to a site other than the distribution site of the video.

[0203] According to this embodiment, obtaining permission can be used to increase the number of views of the video. Of course, this is not the case. Furthermore, the above-described embodiments and modifications may be combined in any desired manner.

[0204] Finally, although various embodiments according to the present disclosure have been described, these are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. The novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the disclosure. The embodiments and their modifications are intended to be included within the scope and spirit of the disclosure, as well as within the scope of the disclosure and its equivalents as set forth in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0205] 1: Game video distribution system 2: Communication line 3:BC system 10: Game Server 20: Video distribution server 30: License Management Server 40: Game terminal 50: Video editing device 111: Game processing section 112: Game Memory Section 113: Recording Department 211: Video storage unit 212: List Distribution Department 213: Video Distribution Department 311: License information processing unit 312: Assignment processing unit 313: Condition processing section 314: Identification processing unit 315:BC Processing Section 316:BC Processing Section 411: Game processing section 412: Game Memory 413: Video processing section 511: Video processing section 512: Video storage unit

Claims

[Claim 1] An information processing system, In the issuing step, license information indicating permission for distribution of a video including the predetermined content is issued; In the notification step, the issued permission information is notified to the user who desires the distribution; The grant determination step makes it possible to determine whether the permission information is granted to a video containing the content when the video is distributed.

Images