Artist activity support device

Abstract

To provide means allowing fans to present gifts that can directly support artists' activities while compatibly achieving pleasing eyes of the fans and preventing performance organizers from having difficulties in handling them.SOLUTION: An artist activity support device 1 includes: a balloon purchase screen display instruction unit 113 that instructs to display a balloon purchase screen, the screen for purchasing balloons to be displayed at a performance venue as gifts for performers; a balloon screen display instruction unit 114 that instructs to display a balloon screen V, the screen on which balloon images, the images corresponding to the balloons, are displayed such that a ratio of the balloon images occupying the balloon screen V increases with an increase in balloon sales; and an amount calculation unit 115 that calculates an amount to be distributed to the performers, out of the balloon sales.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a support device for artist activities. [Background technology]

[0002] Fan activities for artists and the like are being carried out. These fan activities are also known as "oshikatsu." One example of fan activities is sending flowers to artists and the like who are performing at concerts, live music venues, and other performances. The flowers are then displayed at the venue by staff and the like, pleasing the eyes of attendees. However, flowers are bulky, require laborious transportation and management, and may also require heavy vases. As a result, handling the flowers after the performance is a burden on the organizers. For these reasons, there is a demand for a way to support artists (also known as "oshi") through gifts that are an alternative to flowers.

[0003] Regarding a means of sending gifts in place of flowers in the prior art, Patent Document 1 discloses a method for gifting products (fresh flowers, food, alcoholic drinks, dolls, etc.) to remote event participants, in which a server terminal transmits event information including product information to a user terminal, receives message information and a product purchase request from the user terminal, executes product order management processing in relation to the product purchase request, and transmits message information to the organizer terminal of the event in which the event participant is participating.

[0004] The technology of Patent Document 1 can provide a technology that can further deepen the bond between users and event participants. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-105345 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The products given in the technology of Patent Document 1 include fresh flowers, food, alcoholic drinks, dolls, etc. These items are large, require laborious transportation / management, heavy, or otherwise difficult to handle. Among the products given in the technology of Patent Document 1, food and alcoholic drinks pose a challenge in terms of directly supporting artists due to the artist's dietary management. Furthermore, among the products, decorative items such as dolls pose a challenge in terms of directly supporting artists due to the artist's need to prevent voyeurism. In addition, the amount of food, alcoholic drinks, etc. given is easy to predict. Therefore, these gifts may make fans feel the rawness of real-world money, which is far removed from the glamorous and fantastical world of the artist's activities, and there is a concern that this may discourage them from participating in fan activities.

[0007] Therefore, the technology of Patent Document 1 has room for further improvement in that it allows fans to give gifts that are pleasing to the eyes of fans, easy for the organizers of the performance to handle, directly support the artist, and do not make the fans feel that the gift is financially material.

[0008] To provide a means for fans to give gifts that can directly support the activities of artists, while pleasing the eyes of fans and making it easy for the organizers of a performance to handle. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] As a result of intensive research into solving the above-mentioned problems, the inventors have found that the above-mentioned object can be achieved by making it possible to give real balloons that are displayed at a performance venue, displaying virtual balloon images whose display area increases according to balloon sales, and calculating the amount to be distributed to performers such as artists from the sales. As a result, the inventors have completed the present invention.

[0010] The present invention provides a support device for artist activities, comprising: a balloon purchase screen display command unit that commands the display of a balloon purchase screen, which is a screen for purchasing balloons to be displayed in a performance venue as gifts for performers; a balloon screen display command unit that commands the display of a balloon screen, which is a screen on which balloon images, which are images corresponding to the balloons, are displayed, so that the proportion of the balloon images on the balloon screen increases as the sales of the balloons increase; and an amount calculation unit that calculates the amount of the sales to be distributed to the performers.

[0011] The present invention allows fans to purchase balloons to be displayed at a concert venue as gifts for performers such as artists through a balloon purchase screen display command unit. This allows fans who come to the concert venue to enjoy the balloons they have gifted. These balloons can also function as objects for fans to take commemorative photos to commemorate their visit.

[0012] Unlike flowers, which have the aforementioned cumbersome handling requirements, balloons can be deflated to reduce their bulk and facilitate their transportation. Furthermore, balloons do not deteriorate over time, so the effort required to maintain them is less than that required for flowers. Additionally, balloons are lighter than flowers. As a result, the present invention allows fans to give artists and other such gifts that are both pleasing to the eyes of active fans and easy for concert organizers to handle.

[0013] The present invention then uses a balloon screen display command unit to display a virtual balloon image whose display area increases in accordance with balloon sales. In other words, the present invention can indirectly show fans the level of their fan activities expressed by giving balloons, without directly indicating the amount. This allows fans to feel the fruits of their fan activities even before the concert begins, without having to deal with the tangibility of real-world money, and to feel a sense of solidarity with other fans who are also fans of the same artist.

[0014] Furthermore, the present invention supports distributing a portion of the sales to the performers by calculating the amount to be distributed to the performers from the sales of the balloons. This allows balloons purchased by fans to become gifts that directly support the artist's activities. Additionally, the present invention may have an aspect in which the balloon purchase screen display command unit commands the display of a balloon purchase screen that allows fans to purchase balloons with special benefits related to the performers. This aspect of the present invention allows fans to receive special benefits by purchasing balloons. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] As described above, the present invention provides a means for fans to give gifts that are pleasing to the eyes of fans and easy for the organizers of the performance to handle, and that directly support the activities of artists. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware and software configuration of a system S according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an example of the sales database 121. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a main flowchart showing an example of a preferable flow of the assistance process executed by the assistance device 1 of this embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flow chart continuing from the previous figure. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a flow chart continuing from the previous figure. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flow chart continuing from the previous figure. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flow chart continuing from the previous figure. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 shows an example of the balloon screen display. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] First, although the following disclosure, diagrams, and / or claims may be described as being presented alone or in combination with one or more other aspects, the subject matter of the immediate disclosure is not intended to be so limited. That is, the immediate disclosure, diagrams, and claims are intended to encompass the various aspects described herein, each alone or in one or more combinations with each other. For example, even if the immediate disclosure describes and illustrates a first, second, and third embodiment in such a way that the first embodiment is described and illustrated specifically in conjunction with the second embodiment, or the second embodiment is described and illustrated only in conjunction with the third embodiment, the immediate disclosure and illustrations are not so limited and may include only the first embodiment, only the second embodiment, only the third embodiment, or one or more combinations of the first, second, and / or third embodiments, such as the first and second embodiments, the first and third embodiments, the second and third embodiments, or the first, second, and third embodiments.

[0018] The use of the phrase "or" in this document shall mean a "non-exclusive" arrangement unless expressly specified otherwise. For example, when we say "item x is A or B," we mean either: (1) item x is either A or B, but not both; or (2) item x is both A and B. In other words, the word "or" is not used to define an "exclusive" arrangement.

[0019] Additionally, the phrases "comprising at least one of" and "comprising at least one of the following," when used in conjunction with a system or element, mean that the system or element includes one or more of the elements listed after the phrase. For example, if there are three types of elements, element 1 through element 3, the phrases "comprising at least one of" and "comprising at least one of the following" are to be interpreted as any of the following structural arrangements: a device including the first element, a device including the second element, a device including the third element, a device including the first and second elements, a device including the first and third elements, a device including the second and third elements, or a device including the first, second, and third elements.

[0020] A similar interpretation is intended when the phrase "used in at least one of the following" is used in this context. Furthermore, as used in this context, "and / or" is used as a verbal conjunction to indicate that one or more of the listed elements or conditions are included or occur. For example, a device including a first element, a second element, and / or a third element is to be interpreted as any of the following structural arrangements: a device including the first element, a device including the second element, a device including the third element, a device including the first element and the second element, a device including the first element and the third element, a device including the second element and the third element, or a device including the first element, the second element, and the third element.

[0021] In addition, the use of the phrase "and / or" in the text means a "non-exclusive" agreement, as stipulated in the Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS) "Format and preparation method of standard sheets JIS Z 8301."

[0022] Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0023] <System S> 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration and software configuration of a system S according to this embodiment. An example of the hardware configuration and software configuration of the system S according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG.

[0024] The system S includes an artist activity support device 1. The support device 1 is configured to communicate with a terminal T via a network N. Although not a required aspect, the support device 1 is preferably configured to communicate with other devices (not shown) participating in a blockchain via the network N to enable the offering and trading of non-fungible tokens (NFTs) associated with images of the artist.

[0025] [Support device 1] The support device 1 includes a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, and a communication unit 13. The type of the support device 1 is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a server device, a cloud server, or the like.

[0026] [Artist activities, performers] The "artist activity" related to the artist activity support device 1 is not particularly limited. The activity may be, for example, a musical activity, an idol activity, a dance-related activity, a storytelling activity, a theatrical activity, an acrobatics activity, or a magic activity. The "performer" who engages in the artist activity is not particularly limited. The performer may be, for example, a singer, a performer, an idol, a musician, a talent, a dancer, a comedian, a storyteller, an orator, an actor, a professional wrestler, a juggler, a magician, or the like. The performer may be a real person, or a fictional character (such as a mascot character, a yuru-chara (cute character), a VTuber, a masked hero, or an anime character) played by one or more performers or the like.

[0027] [Control unit 11] The control unit 11 includes a central processing unit (CPU), a random access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), and the like.

[0028] The control unit 11 cooperates with at least one of the memory unit 12 and the communication unit 13 as necessary. The control unit 11 then realizes the software components of the program of this embodiment executed by the support device 1, such as a login unit 111, a performance registration unit 112, a balloon purchase screen display command unit 113, a balloon screen display command unit 114, a price calculation unit 115, an auction screen display command unit 116, and an image purchase screen display command unit 117.

[0029] [Storage section 12] The memory unit 12 is a device for storing data and / or files, and has a storage unit for non-temporarily storing data using a hard disk, semiconductor memory, recording medium, memory card, etc. The memory unit 12 stores programs executed by a microcomputer, a sales database 121, etc. In order to realize processing for each user, it is preferable that the memory unit 12 also stores information related to login processing (account information, authentication information, etc.).

[0030] (Sales Database 121) Sales database 121 stores information identifying a performance and sales information related to the sales of balloons displayed at the performance, in association with each other. Information identifying a performance includes one or more of various pieces of information related to the performance, such as a performance ID, performance name, performance date and time, performance venue, performance organizer, or performance performers. Balloon sales include information that can identify balloon sales, such as the number of balloons purchased and the sales amount related to the purchased balloons.

[0031] Furthermore, it is preferable that information for calculating the amount of sales to be distributed to performers (distribution amount) be stored in association with information identifying the performance in the sales database 121. This information may be, for example, a distribution rate, a correspondence table between sales and distribution amount, a formula for calculating distribution amount, etc.

[0032] In order to manage sales for each performer, balloon sales may be stored in association with information identifying one of two or more performers appearing in the performance. In order to allow a performance venue to be decorated with a wide variety of balloons, balloon sales may be stored in association with the type of balloons to be displayed at the performance. The type of balloon may include one or more of the characteristics of the balloon, such as the size of the balloon, the color of the balloon, the shape of the balloon, or the decoration attached to the balloon.

[0033] To give fans the joy of receiving special benefits related to their favorite idol, the sales of balloons may be stored in association with the type of special benefit attached to the balloon. The type of special benefit may include one or more of various special benefits exemplified by digital content such as an image associated with a non-fungible token (NFT) (NFT image), a commemorative photo with a performer, a message from a performer, or an item used by audience members to cheer at a performance (clothing, accessories, cheering goods, etc.).

[0034] 2 is an example of the sales database 121. In this example, sales information related to the performance ID "S0001" stores data indicating that "5 large balloons (white, with NFT images), 7 medium balloons (white, with white penlights), and 5 small balloons (white, with white wristbands)" addressed to the performer "Shirai Baru" were sold.

[0035] In addition, in this example, sales information for performance ID "S0001" is stored, showing that four large balloons (red, with NFT images), three medium balloons (red, with red penlights), and three small balloons (red, with red wristbands) were sold, all addressed to performer "Akakaze Sen."

[0036] By storing the above data in the sales database 121, the support device 1 can display balloon images in a virtual space whose display area increases according to the sales of the balloons. Also, the support device 1 can display the balloon images in a manner that allows the balloons to be distinguished by color to identify which performer each balloon corresponds to. Also, the support device 1 can display the balloon images in a manner that allows the type of balloon purchased to be identified.

[0037] [Communications Section 13] The communication unit 13 is not particularly limited as long as it can connect the support device 1 to the network N and enable communication. Examples of the communication unit 13 include a network card compatible with the Ethernet standard and a communication device compatible with wireless LAN.

[0038] [Network N] The type of the network N is not particularly limited as long as it enables communication between the support device 1, etc. The type of the network N is, for example, the Internet, a mobile phone network, a wireless LAN, etc.

[0039] [Terminal T] The terminal T is used by fans of the artist, an administrator of the support device 1, etc. The type of the terminal T is not particularly limited. The type may be, for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a mobile terminal such as a laptop computer, or a fixed terminal such as a desktop computer.

[0040] Terminal T used by fans of an artist performs processes related to logging in to support device 1, processes for displaying various screens such as a login screen, balloon purchase screen, balloon screen, listing screen, image purchase screen, etc. based on display commands from support device 1, processes related to purchasing balloons, and processes related to listing / purchasing NFT images.

[0041] Although not a required feature, it is preferable that terminal T used by an artist's fans be configured to implement a wallet for holding tokens on the blockchain used for trading NFT images, etc., in order to execute processes related to the listing / purchase of NFT images.

[0042] Terminal T, used by the administrator of support device 1, performs processes related to logging in to support device 1, processes related to registering a performance on support device 1, and processes for displaying various screens such as a login screen, a performance registration screen, and a screen showing the amount to be distributed to performers.

[0043] [Main flowchart of support processing] FIG. 3 is a main flowchart showing an example of a preferred flow of the support processing executed by the support device 1 of this embodiment. FIG. 4 is a flowchart continuing from the previous figure. FIG. 5 is a flowchart continuing from the previous figure. FIG. 6 is a flowchart continuing from the previous figure. FIG. 7 is a flowchart continuing from the previous figure. Hereinafter, an example of a preferred flow of the support processing executed by the support device 1 of this embodiment will be described using FIGS. 3 to 7.

[0044] In order to realize processing for each user, the support processing preferably executes a series of processes related to user login. Steps S1 to S2 are an example of this processing.

[0045] [Step S1: Determine whether to perform login processing] The control unit 11 cooperates with the storage unit 12, the communication unit 13, etc. to execute the login unit 111. Then, the control unit 11 executes a process of determining whether or not to perform login processing by the login unit 111 (login determination step). If it is determined that the login processing should be performed, the control unit 11 shifts the process to step S2. If it is not determined that the login processing should be performed, the control unit 11 shifts the process to step S3.

[0046] The procedure of the determination in the login determination step is not particularly limited. For example, the procedure includes a procedure of determining that login processing should be performed when data related to a request to log in is received from terminal T.

[0047] [Step S2: Login process] The control unit 11 executes a login process to identify the user through authentication using the login unit 111 (login process step). The control unit 11 moves the process to step S3. The login process step is not particularly limited and may be the same as various login processes in conventional technology. Examples of such processes include a process related to authentication using an account name and password, a process related to biometric authentication, and a process related to authentication using an external authentication server.

[0048] The support process preferably executes a series of processes related to the registration of a performance so that the administrator or the like of the support device 1 can register the performance on the support device 1. Steps S3 to S4 are an example of this process.

[0049] [Step S3: Determine whether to register the performance] The control unit 11 cooperates with the memory unit 12, communication unit 13, etc. to execute the performance registration unit 112. Then, the control unit 11 executes a process to determine whether to register the performance using the performance registration unit 112 (performance registration determination step). If it is determined that registration should be performed, the control unit 11 shifts the process to step S4. If it is not determined that registration should be performed, the control unit 11 shifts the process to step S5.

[0050] The procedure for determining whether to register a performance in the performance registration determination step is not particularly limited. This procedure includes, for example, a procedure for determining whether to register a performance when data related to a request to register a performance is received from terminal T and the user who logged in in the login processing step is an administrator or the like of the support device 1. This procedure may also include a procedure for instructing the display of a screen that confirms whether to register a performance when the user who logged in in the login processing step is an administrator or the like of the support device 1, and determining whether to register a performance when data related to a request to register a performance is received via that screen.

[0051] [Step S4: Register the performance] The control unit 11 executes a process to register the performance in the sales database 121 etc. using the performance registration unit 112 (performance registration step). The control unit 11 moves the process to step S5. The information registered in the performance registration step is not particularly limited as long as it is information related to the sale of balloons to be displayed at the performance. This information includes, for example, the types of balloons that can be purchased for the performance, the types of benefits related to the balloons, the sales price, the sales period, and the association between the types of balloons and the performers.

[0052] The support process includes a series of steps to sell balloons to decorate the performance, display virtual balloons according to the sales, and calculate the amount of sales to be distributed to the performers. In this way, the support device 1 can help fans give gifts that are pleasing to the eyes of fans, easy for the organizers to handle, and allow fans to directly support artists, etc. Steps S5 to S12 are an example of this process.

[0053] [Step S5: Determine whether to display the balloon purchase screen] The control unit 11 cooperates with the memory unit 12, communication unit 13, etc. to execute the balloon purchase screen display command unit 113. Then, the control unit 11 executes a process to determine whether to display the balloon purchase screen, which is a screen for purchasing balloons to be displayed in the performance venue as gifts for the performers, using the balloon purchase screen display command unit 113 (balloon purchase screen display determination step). If it is determined that the screen should be displayed, the control unit 11 proceeds to step S6. If it is not determined that the screen should be displayed, the control unit 11 proceeds to step S7.

[0054] The procedure for determining whether to display the balloon purchase screen is not particularly limited. For example, the procedure includes a procedure for determining whether to display the balloon purchase screen when data related to a request to purchase balloons is received from terminal T.

[0055] [Step S6: Command to display the balloon purchase screen] The control unit 11 executes a process of commanding the balloon purchase screen display command unit 113 to display a balloon purchase screen, which is a screen for purchasing balloons to be displayed in the performance venue as gifts for the performers (balloon purchase screen display command step). The control unit 11 then proceeds to step S7.

[0056] The balloon purchase screen is not particularly limited as long as it is a screen for purchasing balloons to be displayed at the performance venue as gifts for performers. For example, the screen may be similar to a product purchase screen for electronic commerce in the prior art.

[0057] The balloon purchase screen preferably includes a display for purchasing balloons corresponding to one of two or more performers appearing in the performance. Such correspondence is indicated, for example, by displaying the performer's image color, performer's name, etc. In this way, the support device 1 allows the purchaser to purchase balloons by identifying an artist, etc. (also called "oshi") that the purchaser is a fan of among multiple performers appearing in the same performance.

[0058] The balloon purchase screen preferably includes a display that allows the user to select and purchase from multiple types of balloons. The "type" here may include one or more of the characteristics of the balloon, such as the size, color, shape, or decorations attached to the balloon. This allows fans to select and purchase the type of balloon that best reflects their feelings toward their "oshi." This also allows fans to distinguish the balloons they have purchased and given from the many balloons displayed at the concert venue by their type.

[0059] The balloon purchase screen preferably includes a display related to the purchase of balloons with special benefits. The "special benefits" referred to here are not limited to those related to the performance or artist. This allows the support device 1 to provide fans with the joy of receiving special benefits related to their favorite idol, which is expected to increase sales.

[0060] The rewards may include, for example, an image associated with a non-fungible token (NFT) (NFT image), an item showing an image of a performer, a commemorative photo with the performer, a message from the performer, an item used by the audience to cheer at a performance (clothing, accessories, cheering equipment, etc.), or an item used by the performer. In addition, the reward may be a combination of multiple rewards.

[0061] In particular, it is preferable that the reward includes an NFT image. Unlike rewards in the form of physical objects that take time to reach the giver, rewards in the form of digital images can be arranged to be delivered to the giver immediately after purchase. This allows the support device 1 to allow the giver to enjoy the reward more quickly. However, there are concerns about unauthorized duplication and distribution of rewards in the form of digital images.

[0062] NFT images are stored on the blockchain, and ownership of the image is indicated by the information stored in the NFT, which is difficult to tamper with. Therefore, providing a reward in the form of an NFT image allows for both providing a reward in the form of a digital image that is delivered to the giver immediately after purchase and preventing the digital image from being illegally obtained. This allows the support device 1 to further increase sales.

[0063] The same effect as an NFT image can be obtained with a benefit that associates digital content such as audio, video, text, or programs related to a performer with an NFT. The means for providing the image related to the NFT image and the digital content described above are not particularly limited. Such means include, for example, a means for distributing the digital content via the NFT from the support device 1 or another media server.

[0064] Among the special offers, items showing images of performers include, for example, bromides, photo booklets, etc. Among the special offers, clothing used by audiences at a performance to cheer on is, for example, shirts decorated with the name of the performance, the names of the performers, the names of the performing groups, images of the performers, designs related to the performers, etc. Among the special offers, accessories used by audiences at a performance to cheer on are, for example, wristbands, etc. Among the special offers, cheering items used by audiences at a performance to cheer on are, for example, wrist bells, penlights, etc. In order to emphasize that the items are for cheering on a specific artist, etc., it is preferable that among the special offers, items used by audiences at a performance to cheer on be designed using the theme color of the performer.

[0065] [Step S7: Determine if balloons were purchased] The control unit 11 executes a process to determine whether balloons have been purchased via the balloon purchase screen described above using the balloon purchase screen display command unit 113 (balloon purchase determination step). If it is determined that a purchase has been made, the control unit 11 proceeds to step S8. If it is not determined that a purchase has been made, the control unit 11 proceeds to step S9. The procedure for determining whether balloons have been purchased is not particularly limited. This procedure may be the same as the procedure for determining whether a product has been purchased in conventional electronic commerce, for example.

[0066] [Step S8: Balloon purchase process] The control unit 11 executes balloon purchase processing for the balloons determined to have been purchased in the balloon purchase determination step (balloon purchase processing step) using the balloon purchase screen display command unit 113. The control unit 11 then moves the process to step S9. The balloon purchase processing in the balloon purchase processing step may be similar to, for example, the product purchase processing associated with conventional electronic commerce. The purchased balloons will be displayed at the performance venue at a later date.

[0067] The balloon purchase process preferably includes a procedure for granting a bonus randomly selected from multiple bonuses related to a performer when a bonus-bearing balloon is purchased. This allows the support device 1 to stimulate fans' gambling instincts and thereby increase balloon sales. The multiple bonuses randomly awarded are preferably bonuses related to one of the multiple performers involved in the performance. This allows the support device 1 to stimulate fans' desire to acquire a bonus related to their "favorite" performer, thereby increasing balloon sales.

[0068] The balloon purchase process preferably includes a procedure for displaying a user interface that displays balloon images corresponding to the purchased balloons on a balloon screen (described later). This allows fans who have purchased balloons to suggest displaying the balloons in desired locations on the balloon screen via the user interface. Then, those who will decorate the venue with the purchased balloons can refer to the suggestions to decorate the venue.

[0069] [Step S9: Determine whether to display the balloon screen] Control unit 11 cooperates with storage unit 12, communication unit 13, etc. to execute balloon screen display command unit 114. Then, control unit 11 executes a process to determine whether to display a balloon screen, which is a screen on which balloon images, which are images corresponding to the balloons, are displayed, using balloon screen display command unit 114 (balloon screen display determination step). If it is determined that the balloon screen should be displayed, control unit 11 proceeds to step S10. If it is not determined that the balloon screen should be displayed, control unit 11 proceeds to step S11.

[0070] The procedure for determining whether to display the balloon screen in the balloon screen determination step is not particularly limited. This procedure includes, for example, a procedure for determining whether to display the balloon screen when data related to a request to view the balloon screen is received from terminal T. The user interface for making the request to view the balloon screen is not particularly limited. For example, the user interface is displayed on a screen for transitioning to various screens such as a part of the balloon purchase screen or the balloon purchase screen after the balloon purchase processing step.

[0071] [Step S10: Command to display the balloon screen] Control unit 11 executes a process of instructing balloon screen display command unit 114 to display a balloon screen, which is a screen on which balloon images, which are images corresponding to the above-mentioned balloons, are displayed (balloon screen display step). Control unit 11 then moves the process to step S11.

[0072] In the balloon screen display step, the balloon screen is instructed to be displayed so that the proportion of balloon images on the balloon screen increases as balloon sales increase. Examples of such a display include a display in which, each time a balloon is purchased, a balloon image corresponding to the purchased balloon is added to the balloon screen, or a display in which only a portion of an image showing one or more balloons is drawn corresponding to the sales, with the remaining portion hidden. The balloon screen may also include a display showing the percentage of current sales relative to a sales target. Examples of such a display include the display of text such as "Completion rate △△%." To indicate the popularity of a special offer, the balloon screen may include an image corresponding to the special offer that has been purchased.

[0073] The balloon screen display command unit 114 preferably displays balloon images associated with two or more performers in a manner that allows the relative magnitude of sales for each of the two or more performers to be visually confirmed. This allows the support device 1 to visually confirm, via the balloon screen, the level of support for a favorite performer among multiple performers appearing in the same performance. Such a balloon screen is expected to stimulate the competitive spirit of gift givers who support a certain performer against fans who support other performers, i.e., "fans with different favorites." Therefore, the support device 1 may further increase sales through the above-mentioned display.

[0074] [Step S11: Determine whether to calculate the distribution amount] The control unit 11 cooperates with the storage unit 12, the communication unit 13, etc. to execute the amount calculation unit 115. Then, the control unit 11 executes a process to determine whether the amount calculation unit 115 should calculate the amount (distribution amount) of the sales to be distributed to the performers (distribution amount calculation determination step). If it is determined that the amount should be calculated, the control unit 11 proceeds to step S12. If it is not determined that the amount should be calculated, the control unit 11 proceeds to step S13.

[0075] The procedure for determination in the distribution amount calculation determination step is not particularly limited. This procedure includes, for example, a procedure for determining that the distribution amount should be calculated when data related to a request to calculate the distribution amount is received from the terminal T and when the user who logged in in the login processing step is an administrator or the like of the support device 1. This procedure may also include a procedure for instructing the display of a screen for confirming whether to calculate the distribution amount when the user who logged in in the login processing step is an administrator or the like of the support device 1, and determining that the distribution amount should be calculated when data related to a request to calculate the distribution amount is received via the screen.

[0076] [Step S12: Calculate the distribution amount] The control unit 11 executes a process of calculating the amount (distribution amount) of the sales to be distributed to the performers by the amount calculation unit 115 (distribution amount calculation step). The control unit 11 moves the process to step S13. The distribution amount calculation step calculates the distribution amount based on, for example, information for calculating the distribution amount stored in the memory unit 12. The distribution amount calculated in the distribution amount calculation step is, for example, an amount obtained by multiplying the sales by a return rate selected from the range of 30% to 55%. If the performers and balloons are associated with each other, it is preferable that the distribution amount calculation step calculates the distribution amount for each performer.

[0077] (Sales Display) In order to provide information related to ordering balloons and decorating, the support process preferably further includes a process of displaying / transmitting the sales amount described above.In order to provide information related to the remittance of the distribution amount, the support process preferably further includes a process of displaying / transmitting the calculated distribution amount.

[0078] Although not a required feature, the support process includes a series of processes for mediating the trade of NFT images provided as bonuses, in order to increase sales by providing fans with a venue for trading bonuses in the form of digital images. Steps S13 to S20 are an example of such processes.

[0079] [Step S13: Determine whether to display the listing screen] The control unit 11 cooperates with the storage unit 12, communication unit 13, etc. to execute the listing screen display command unit 116. Then, the control unit 11 executes processing using the listing screen display command unit 116 to determine whether to display the listing screen, which is a screen on which the above-mentioned NFT image is listed (listing screen display determination step). If it is determined that the screen should be displayed, the control unit 11 proceeds to step S14. If it is not determined that the screen should be displayed, the control unit 11 proceeds to step S15.

[0080] The procedure for determining whether to display the listing screen is not particularly limited. For example, the procedure includes a procedure for determining whether to display the listing screen when data related to a request to list an NFT image is received from terminal T.

[0081] [Step S14: Command to display the listing screen] The control unit 11 executes processing to display the listing screen, which is a screen for listing the above-mentioned NFT image, via the listing screen display command unit 116 (listing screen display step). The control unit 11 then proceeds to step S15. The procedure for displaying the listing screen in the listing screen display step is not particularly limited. This procedure may be similar to the procedure for displaying a screen for listing an NFT image in the prior art.

[0082] [Step S15: Determine if the NFT image has been put up for sale] The control unit 11 executes a process to determine whether the NFT image has been put up for sale via the above-mentioned listing screen using the listing screen display command unit 116 (listing determination step). If it is determined that the NFT image has been put up for sale, the control unit 11 proceeds to step S16. If it is not determined that the NFT image has been put up for sale, the control unit 11 proceeds to step S17.

[0083] [Step S16: Listing process] The control unit 11 executes a listing process to list the above-mentioned NFT image through the listing screen display command unit 116 (listing process step). The control unit 11 then moves the process to step S17. The procedure for listing in the listing process step is not particularly limited. This procedure may be the same as the procedure for listing an NFT image in the prior art.

[0084] [Step S17: Determine whether to display the image purchase screen] The control unit 11 cooperates with the storage unit 12, communication unit 13, etc. to execute the image purchase screen display command unit 117. Then, the control unit 11 executes processing to determine whether to display an image purchase screen, which is a screen for purchasing an NFT image put up for sale via the above-mentioned listing screen, using the image purchase screen display command unit 117 (screen purchase screen display determination step). If it is determined that the image purchase screen should be displayed, the control unit 11 proceeds to step S18. If it is not determined that the image purchase screen should be displayed, the control unit 11 proceeds to step S19.

[0085] The procedure for determining whether to display the image purchase screen in the image purchase screen display determination step is not particularly limited. For example, the procedure includes a procedure for determining whether to display the image purchase screen when data related to a request to purchase an NFT image is received from terminal T.

[0086] [Step S18: Command to display image purchase screen] The control unit 11 executes processing to display an image purchase screen, which is a screen for purchasing the NFT image put up for sale via the above-mentioned selling screen, via the image purchase screen display command unit 117 (image purchase screen display step). The control unit 11 then moves the processing to step S19. The procedure for displaying the selling screen in the image purchase screen display step is not particularly limited. This procedure may be the same as the procedure for displaying a screen for purchasing an NFT image in the prior art.

[0087] [Step S19: Determine if the NFT image was purchased] The control unit 11 executes processing to determine whether the NFT image has been purchased or determined via the image purchase screen described above, via the image purchase screen, using the image purchase screen display command unit 117 (image purchase determination step). If it is determined that the NFT image has been purchased, the control unit 11 moves the processing to step S20. If it is not determined that the NFT image has been purchased, the control unit 11 returns the processing to step S1, and repeats the processing from step S1 to step S20.

[0088] [Step S20: Image purchase process] The control unit 11 executes image purchase processing to purchase the above-mentioned NFT image via the image purchase screen display command unit 117 (image purchase processing step). The control unit 11 returns the process to step S1 and repeats the processing from step S1 to step S20. The procedure for purchasing an NFT image in the image purchase processing step is not particularly limited. This procedure may be the same as the procedure for purchasing an NFT image in the prior art.

[0089] [Steps for hosting a virtual event] The support process preferably includes a virtual event hosting step of providing a right to participate in an event (virtual event) in a virtual space to a purchaser of the balloons and providing the virtual event for the purchaser who has the right. This virtual event is preferably an event featuring the above-mentioned performers. The procedure for the virtual event hosting step is not particularly limited. The procedure may be the same as that of conventional techniques for realizing an event in a virtual space.

[0090] [Subscription Management Steps] The support process preferably includes a subscription management step for managing subscriptions by fans to the balloon purchasing service. The procedure for managing subscriptions by fans to the balloon purchasing service is not particularly limited. The procedure may be similar to conventional techniques for subscribing to digital services. The procedure preferably includes one or more of the following: a procedure for giving subscribers priority in attending performances, a procedure for giving subscribers priority in ticket sales, a procedure for accumulating points awarded in accordance with balloon purchases, and a procedure for making payments using the points.

[0091] [Effect of support processing] At concert venues and other performance venues, fans often send flowers and other gifts to their favorite performers. The flowers are then displayed at the venue, pleasing the eyes of attendees. However, these gifts are bulky, require laborious transportation and management, or are heavy and otherwise difficult to handle. As a result, these gifts are a burden for the organizers of the performance. Therefore, there is a need for a way for fans to send gifts that directly support the artists' activities, while pleasing the eyes of fans and being easy for the organizers of the performance to handle.

[0092] Tipping on live streams allows the organizers of the performance to easily handle gifts and directly supports the artist's activities. However, live streams require time and effort. Streaming also places a burden on the streaming platform to meet its set goals. Tipping also poses challenges in terms of providing entertainment for the audience at the venue.

[0093] Crowdfunding for artist activities allows performance organizers to easily handle gifts and directly support the artist's activities. However, crowdfunding makes the amount of money invested visible. This raises the issue of rumors that it appears as though the artist is asking for money or that they don't have the funds. Crowdfunding also exposes fans to the rawness of real-world money, which is far removed from the glamorous and often fantasy-filled fan activities of supporting artists, raising concerns that it could discourage fans from participating in fan activities.

[0094] In the support process described above, the balloon purchase screen display command unit 113 allows fans to purchase balloons to be displayed at the performance venue as gifts for performers such as artists (steps S5 to S6). This allows fans to purchase the balloons (steps S7 to S8). Therefore, the support device 1 of this embodiment can entertain fans who visit the performance venue with the balloons they have given. Such balloon decorations are also expected to create a sense of unity among fans.

[0095] In addition, such balloon decorations can also function as objects for fans to take commemorative photos as a memento of their visit. By distributing commemorative photos / videos via social networking services (SNS), support for the artist's activities can be made visible on the SNS. In this way, the support device 1 can realize support to increase the artist's popularity. Furthermore, this decoration can also serve as a topic for the artist to post on the SNS on the day of the performance. The commemorative photos / videos distributed to fans or the artist on the decoration S can increase the popularity of the balloon support and increase sales.

[0096] Unlike flowers, which have the above-mentioned requirements for handling, balloons become less bulky when deflated, making them easier to transport and dispose of. Furthermore, balloons do not deteriorate over time, so the effort required to maintain them is less than that required for flowers. Additionally, balloons are lighter than flowers. Therefore, the above-mentioned support process allows fans to give artists and other such gifts that are both pleasing to the eyes of active fans and easy for concert organizers to handle.

[0097] Then, the support process displays a balloon image in the virtual space, the display area of ​​which increases in accordance with the sales of the balloons, via the balloon screen display command unit 114 (steps S9 to S10). In other words, the support process can show the fans the level of their fan activities, which they have demonstrated by giving balloons, by indirectly displaying the amount of the donation without directly indicating the donation amount. This allows fans to feel the results of their fan activities even before the performance begins, without having to deal with the physical reality of money in the real world, and to feel a sense of solidarity with other fans who "support" the same artist, etc.

[0098] Furthermore, the support process supports distributing a portion of the sales to the performers by calculating the amount to be distributed to the performers from the sales of the balloons in the amount calculation unit 115 (steps S11 to S12). In this way, the balloons purchased by fans become gifts that can directly support the activities of the artists, etc.

[0099] Furthermore, the support process described above can take the form of the balloon purchase screen display command unit 113 commanding the display of a balloon purchase screen for identifying one of two or more performers and purchasing balloons from that performer, and the balloon screen display command unit 114 displaying balloon images associated with each of the two or more performers in a manner that allows the relative sales of each performer to be visually confirmed (step S6). This type of display allows the degree of support for a favorite performer among multiple performers appearing in the same performance to be visually confirmed through the balloon screen. This type of balloon screen is expected to have the effect of stimulating the competitive spirit of gift givers who support a certain performer against fans who support other performers, i.e., "fans with different favorites." Therefore, this type of display can further increase sales.

[0100] Furthermore, the support process described above may take a form in which the balloon purchase screen display command unit 113 commands the display of a balloon purchase screen for purchasing balloons with special perks related to the performer (step S6). This form is expected to increase sales by giving fans the joy of obtaining special perks related to their favorite idol. In this case, the special perks granted by the balloon purchase screen display command unit 113 may be selected at random from multiple types of special perks related to the performer (steps S6 and S8). This form is expected to increase balloon sales by stimulating fans' gambling instincts.

[0101] Additionally, the support process described above may include a bonus in the form of a digital image of a performer, which is associated with a non-fungible token (NFT) (Step S6). Providing a bonus in the form of an NFT image allows for both the provision of a bonus in the form of a digital image that is delivered to the giver immediately after purchase and the prevention of unauthorized acquisition of the digital image. This is expected to further increase sales.

[0102] At this time, the support process may take a form including a procedure in which the listing screen display command unit 116 commands the display of an listing screen on which an NFT image is listed, and a procedure in which the image purchase screen display command unit 117 commands the display of an image purchase screen on which the NFT image put up for sale can be purchased via the listing screen (steps S13 to S20). This form may increase sales by providing fans with a place to trade benefits in the form of digital images.

[0103] As described above, the support device 1 of this embodiment, which executes the support process described above, can provide a means for fans to give gifts that directly support the artist's activities, while pleasing the eyes of fans and making it easy for the organizers of the performance to handle.

[0104] <Usage example> An example of how to use the support device 1 of this embodiment will be described below.

[0105] [Register a performance] The administrator of the support device 1 logs in to the support device 1 via terminal T. The support device 1 executes the login process. The administrator registers information related to the performance in the support device 1 via terminal T. The support device 1 stores the information in the memory unit 12.

[0106] [Fan Login] A fan of a performer appearing in a registered performance logs in to the support device 1 via terminal T. The support device 1 executes a login process.

[0107] [Purchasing balloons] The support device 1 commands the terminal T to display a balloon purchase screen. The terminal T displays a balloon purchase screen for purchasing an L balloon (white, with an NFT image), an M balloon (white, with a white penlight), an S balloon (white, with a white wristband), an L balloon (red, with an NFT image), an M balloon (red, with a red penlight), and an S balloon (red, with a red wristband). A fan purchases a white balloon, the image color of their favorite performer, "Shirai Baru," via the terminal T. The purchased balloon is given a bonus NFT image randomly selected from multiple NFT images. The support device 1 performs payment processing and registers information related to the purchase in the sales database 121. The support device 1 also provides the NFT image to the terminal T.

[0108] [Balloon screen display] The support device 1 instructs the terminal T to display a balloon screen. The terminal T displays a balloon screen, which is a screen on which a balloon image, which is an image corresponding to the above-mentioned balloon, is displayed.

[0109] FIG. 8 is a display example of a balloon screen V. In this example, a first balloon image B1 is displayed, which is a row of three different white balloons (large, medium, and small), and a second balloon image B2 is displayed, which is a row of three different red balloons (large, medium, and small). Note that the color red is represented by vertical hatching in FIG. 8. In this example, the white balloon is a balloon given to performer "Shirai Baru," whose image color is white. Also, in this example, the red balloon is a balloon given to performer "Akakaze Sen," whose image color is red.

[0110] The balloon screen V in this example reflects that the sales of balloons given to performer "Shirai Baru" were "L balloons (white, with NFT image) x 5, M balloons (white, with white penlight) x 7, and S balloons (white, with white wristband) x 5," and that the sales of balloons given to performer "Akakaze Sen" were "L balloons (red, with NFT image) x 4, M balloons (red, with red penlight) x 3, and S balloons (red, with red wristband) x 3." As a result, in the balloon screen V in this example, the proportion of the first balloon image B1 in the balloon screen V is greater than the proportion of the second balloon image B2 in the balloon screen V. In other words, the balloon screen V shows that the sales of balloons corresponding to performer "Shirai Baru" are greater than the sales of balloons corresponding to performer "Akakaze Sen."

[0111] By displaying this balloon screen V, fans who are particularly supporting the performer "Shirai Baru," that is, fans who "support" the performer as their "oshi," can confirm the performer's popularity and be motivated to support him even more. This is expected to lead to the purchase of more white balloons, which are the performer's image color.

[0112] Furthermore, by displaying this balloon screen V, fans who are particularly supporting the performer "Akakaze Sen," i.e., fans who "support" the performer as their "oshi," will feel a sense of rivalry with the performer "Shirai Baru" and his fans, who have received more balloons, and will be motivated to support him even more. This is expected to lead to the purchase of more red balloons, which is the performer's image color.

[0113] [NFT image trading] Because the attached NFT image was not an image of his / her favorite performer, "Shirai Baru," but an image of performer "Akakaze Sen," the fan instructs the display of the listing screen via terminal T. The support device 1 displays the listing screen for listing the NFT image. The fan then lists the NFT image via the listing screen. The support device 1 stores the listed NFT image in memory unit 12.

[0114] A fan who "supports" performer "Akakaze Sen" commands the display of an image purchase screen via terminal T in order to obtain an NFT image of the performer. The support device 1 displays the image purchase screen for purchasing the NFT image. The fan then purchases the NFT image of performer "Akakaze Sen" that was put up for sale via the listing screen via the image purchase screen. The support device 1 provides the purchased NFT image to the fan's terminal T.

[0115] [Balloon decorations] The administrator of the support device 1 logs in to the support device 1 via terminal T. The support device 1 executes the login process. The administrator displays the balloon sales on the support device 1 via terminal T. The support device 1 displays the sales on terminal T. The administrator checks the sales of each type of balloon and decorates the performance venue with the purchased balloons. The decorated balloons will delight the eyes of fans on the day of the performance. Also, on the day of the performance, the balloons will be used as a background when fans take commemorative photos, delighting the fans. After the performance ends, the balloons are deflated and put away.

[0116] [Payment of distribution amount] The administrator displays the distribution amount from the sales of each performer on the support device 1 via the terminal T. The support device 1 displays the distribution amount on the terminal T. The administrator transfers the displayed distribution amount to each performer. In this way, the artistic activities of performers such as artists are directly supported by purchasing balloons.

[0117] The above describes one example of a preferred embodiment of the present invention. However, within the scope of the concept of the present invention, those skilled in the art may conceive of various modifications and alterations. Therefore, it is understood that these modifications and alterations fall within the scope of the present invention, just like the above-described example. For example, if a person skilled in the art appropriately adds, deletes, or modifies components of the above-described embodiment, or adds, omits, or modifies the conditions of a process, these modifications will also fall within the scope of the present invention, just like the above-described example, as long as they incorporate the gist of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0118] S System 1 Support equipment 11 Control section 111 Login Section 112 Performance Registration Department 113 Balloon purchase screen display command unit 114 Balloon screen display command unit 115 Amount Calculation Department 116 Exhibition screen display command unit 117 Image purchase screen display command unit 12 Storage section 121 Sales Database 13 Communications Department N Network T-Terminal V Balloon Screen B1 First balloon image B2 Second balloon image

Claims

1. a balloon purchase screen display command unit that commands the display of a balloon purchase screen, which is a screen for purchasing balloons to be displayed in the performance venue as gifts for the performers; a balloon screen display command unit that commands the display of the balloon screen, which is a screen on which the balloon images corresponding to the balloons are displayed, so that the proportion of the balloon images in the balloon screen increases as the sales of the balloons increase; an amount calculation unit that calculates the amount of the sales to be distributed to the performers; This is a support device for artists' activities.

2. the balloon purchase screen display command unit commands the display of a balloon purchase screen for specifying one of two or more performers and purchasing balloons from the performers; the balloon screen display command unit displays balloon images associated with the two or more performers in a manner that allows a visual recognition of the magnitude relationship of sales related to each of the two or more performers. The support device according to claim 1 .

3. The support device according to claim 1 , wherein the balloon purchase screen display command unit commands the display of a balloon purchase screen for purchasing the balloons to which the special benefits related to the performer have been attached.

4. 4. The support device according to claim 3, wherein the bonus given by the balloon purchase screen display command unit is selected at random from a plurality of types of bonuses related to the performer.

5. The support device of claim 3 , wherein the reward includes a non-fungible token (NFT) image, which is a digital image related to the performer and associated with an NFT.

6. a listing screen display command unit that commands the display of a listing screen on which the NFT image is listed; an image purchase screen display command unit that commands the display of an image purchase screen, which is a screen for purchasing the NFT image put up for sale via the selling screen; The assist device of claim 5 further comprising:

Images