Method, information processing apparatus, and system

Abstract

To solve the problem that an advertisement cannot be distributed to a viewer of live distribution at more suitable timing.SOLUTION: A live distribution program executed by a computer including a processor and a storage unit, the program causing the processor to execute a distribution start step of starting a live distribution by a distributor, an advertisement output step of outputting an advertisement to a viewer at a predetermined timing during the distribution of the live distribution, and an advertisement change step of changing the predetermined timing at which the advertisement is output in accordance with an input operation from the distributor.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a live distribution program, a method, an information processing device, and a system. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Live distribution services of audio and the like via Internet communication are known. Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for maintaining the enthusiasm (excitement) shared among viewers during live streaming. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2024-074343 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] There is a problem in that advertisements cannot be delivered to viewers of live broadcasts at a more suitable time. Therefore, the present disclosure has been made to solve the above problem, and its purpose is to provide a technology for delivering advertisements to viewers of live streaming at more suitable times. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] This live distribution program is executed by a computer having a processor and a storage unit, and the processor executes a distribution start step of starting live distribution by a distributor, an advertisement output step of outputting advertisements to viewers at predetermined timing during the live distribution, and an advertisement change step of changing the predetermined timing of advertisement output in response to an input operation from the distributor. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the present disclosure, advertisements can be delivered to viewers of live streaming at more suitable times. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the system 1. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the server 10. [Figure 3] 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a first user terminal 20. FIG. [Figure 4] 3 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a second user terminal 30. FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the data structure of a user table 1012. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the data structure of a live distribution table 1013. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the data structure of a listener table 1014. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a data structure of an advertisement table. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of a live distribution process. [Figure 10] 10 is a first example of a screen showing the operation of the live distribution process. [Figure 11] 10 is a second example of a screen showing the operation of the live distribution process. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the basic hardware configuration of a computer 90. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In all drawings describing the embodiments, common components are designated by the same reference numerals, and repeated description will be omitted. Note that the following embodiments do not unduly limit the content of the present disclosure described in the claims. Furthermore, not all components shown in the embodiments are necessarily essential components of the present disclosure. Furthermore, each drawing is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily a precise illustration.

[0009] <System 1 Configuration> System 1 in the present disclosure is an information processing system that provides a live streaming service. The present disclosure relates to an information processing system that provides live streaming of a live commentary or the like of content (commentary content) provided by a distributor in parallel with the progress of the content distributed on other information distribution services, etc. (television, radio, YouTube (registered trademark), SHOWROOM, Niconico Live Broadcasting, etc., not necessarily live streaming via live broadcast). Note that system 1 in the present disclosure does not necessarily need to provide live streaming of a live commentary or the like in parallel with the progress of content on other information distribution services, etc. Commentary in live streaming refers to the act of commenting on and explaining the content being broadcast in real time to viewers. For example, the person providing the commentary (hereafter referred to as the broadcaster) communicates the content to viewers in an easy-to-understand manner. The system 1 includes information processing devices, namely, a server 10, a first user terminal 20, and a second user terminal 30, which are connected via a network N. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the system 1. As shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the server 10. As shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the first user terminal 20. As shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the second user terminal 30. As shown in FIG.

[0010] Each information processing device is configured by a computer equipped with an arithmetic unit and a storage device. The basic hardware configuration of the computer and the basic functional configuration of the computer realized by the hardware configuration will be described later. For each of the server 10, the first user terminal 20, and the second user terminal 30, descriptions that overlap with the basic hardware configuration and basic functional configuration of the computer will be omitted.

[0011] <Server 10 configuration> The server 10 is an information processing device that provides a live distribution service. The server 10 includes a storage unit 101 and a control unit 104 .

[0012] <Configuration of the storage unit 101 of the server 10> The storage unit 101 of the server 10 includes an application program 1011 , a user table 1012 , a live broadcast table 1013 , a listener table 1014 , and an advertisement table 1015 .

[0013] The application program 1011 is a program for causing the control unit 104 of the server 10 to function as each functional unit. Application programs 1011 include applications such as a web browser application.

[0014] User table 1012 is a table that stores and manages information about member users (hereinafter, "users") who use the service. When a user registers to use the service, the user's information is stored in a new record in user table 1012. This allows the user to use the service according to the present disclosure. The user table 1012 is a table having columns of user ID, user name, and user data, with the user ID as the primary key. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the data structure of the user table 1012. As shown in FIG.

[0015] The user ID is an item that stores user identification information for identifying a user. The user identification information is an item that is set with a unique value for each user. The user name is an item for storing the name of the user. The user name may be set to any character string such as a nickname instead of a name. The user data includes information specific to the individual user and attribute information relating to the user's characteristics and background. The user's unique information includes information unique to the user, such as the user's date of birth (age), sex, and the like. The user's attribute information includes information such as the user's educational history (highest level of education, major, graduation year), occupation, work history, interests, place of residence, and language.

[0016] The live broadcast table 1013 is a table that stores and manages live broadcast information such as audio and video. When a user broadcasts live, information about the live broadcast is stored in a new record in the live broadcast table 1013. The live broadcast table 1013 is a table having a broadcast ID as a primary key and columns of broadcast ID, user ID, broadcast title, supplementary information, broadcast data, broadcast start date and time, broadcast end date and time, and broadcast status. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the data structure of the live distribution table 1013.

[0017] The broadcast ID is an item for storing broadcast identification information for identifying a broadcast. The broadcast identification information is an item for storing a unique value for each live broadcast information. The user ID is an item for storing user identification information for identifying a user related to a broadcaster who broadcasts a live broadcast. The broadcast title is an item for storing the title of the live broadcast. Any character string that expresses the content of the broadcast can be set as the broadcast title. The additional information is an item for storing additional information related to live streaming. For example, the additional information includes a character string for identifying the content (commentary content) distributed by other information distribution services that are the subject of live commentary (for baseball, the game schedule, the names of the baseball teams involved in the game, and other information such as a URL where the commentary content can be viewed). The distribution data is an item that stores audio data related to live distribution. It may also store reference information (path) for audio data files located in other locations. The audio data may be in any format, such as AAC, ATRAC, mp3, or mp4. Note that while this disclosure discloses live commentary using audio data as an example, the distribution data may also include video data. The distribution start date and time is an item for storing the start date and time of live distribution. The distribution end date and time is an item for storing the end date and time of the live distribution. The distribution status is an item that stores the current status of the live distribution (e.g., distribution in progress, completed, canceled, etc.).

[0018] The listener table 1014 is a table that stores and manages information about users who watch live broadcasts (hereinafter, listeners). When a listener watches a live broadcast, the viewing information is stored in a new record in the listener table 1014. The listener table 1014 is a table having columns for listener ID, viewing start date and time, and viewing end date and time. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the data structure of the listener table 1014.

[0019] The listener ID is an item for storing user identification information for identifying a user who is viewing a live broadcast. The viewing start date and time is an item for storing the date and time when the listener started viewing the live broadcast. The viewing end date and time is an item for storing the date and time when the listener finished viewing the live broadcast.

[0020] The advertisement table 1015 is a table for storing and managing information relating to advertisements (advertising information). The advertisement table 1015 is a table having an advertisement ID as a primary key and columns of advertisement ID, distribution type, and advertisement distribution rule. {{ad table 1015_drawings}}

[0021] The advertisement ID is an item for storing advertisement identification information for identifying advertisements. The advertisement identification information is an item for which a unique value is set for each advertisement information. The distribution type is an item that stores the content type such as the genre or category of the live distribution. Note that the distribution type item is the same as the distribution type in the live distribution table 1013, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. The advertisement distribution rule is an item for storing the advertisement output rule. Specifically, the advertisement distribution rule includes the following information: Advertisement output frequency: Information specifying the advertisement output frequency. In the present disclosure, the upper limit of the output frequency (the upper limit beyond which the advertisement output frequency cannot be extended) is stored. For example, if the output frequency value is 10 minutes, the advertiser can adjust (postpone) the advertisement output timing to 10 minutes or less from the output start date and time, but cannot extend it beyond 10 minutes. - Deferral limit: The number of times (maximum number of times) that the advertiser can advance the timing of the advertisement output. For example, if the postponement limit is three times, the advertiser can adjust the timing of the advertisement output up to three times, but cannot adjust the timing of the advertisement output four times or more. In addition, the advertisement delivery rules include any conditions regarding the advertisements to be output, such as the advertisement output period (e.g., 30 seconds), the type of advertisement, information specifying the content, and other conditions regarding whether the advertisements output to listeners are personalized advertisements specified based on the user information of the poster or listener, or whether the poster or listener can select the content of the advertisement by operating their own user terminal.

[0022] <Configuration of the control unit 104 of the server 10> The control unit 104 of the server 10 includes a user registration control unit 1041. The control unit 104 executes an application program 1011 stored in the storage unit 101, thereby realizing each functional unit.

[0023] The user registration control unit 1041 performs processing to store information about users who wish to use the service according to the present disclosure in the user table 1012. The information stored in the user table 1012 is generated when a user opens a web page operated by a service provider from any information processing terminal, enters information into a predetermined input form, and transmits the information to the server 10. The user registration control unit 1041 stores the received information in a new record in the user table 1012, completing the user registration. This allows the user stored in the user table 1012 to use the service. Before the user registration control unit 1041 registers the user information in the user table 1012, the service provider may conduct a predetermined examination to restrict whether or not the user is permitted to use the service. The user ID may be any character string or number that can identify the user, any character string or number desired by the user, or may be automatically set by the user registration control unit 1041.

[0024] <Configuration of First User Terminal 20> The first user terminal 20 is an information processing device operated by a first user (a user related to the distributor) who uses the service. The first user terminal 20 may be, for example, a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or tablet, a stationary personal computer (PC) or a laptop PC, or a wearable terminal such as a head mounted display (HMD) or a wristwatch terminal. The first user terminal 20 includes a storage unit 201 , a control unit 204 , an input device 206 , and an output device 208 .

[0025] <Configuration of the storage unit 201 of the first user terminal 20> The storage unit 201 of the first user terminal 20 includes a first user ID 2011 and an application program 2012 .

[0026] The first user ID 2011 is a user's account ID. The first user transmits the first user ID 2011 from the first user terminal 20 to the server 10. The server 10 identifies the first user based on the first user ID 2011 and provides the first user with the service according to the present disclosure. The first user ID 2011 includes information such as a session ID temporarily assigned by the server 10 to identify the first user who is using the first user terminal 20.

[0027] The application program 2012 may be stored in advance in the storage unit 201, or may be configured to be downloaded from a web server or the like operated by a service provider via a communication IF. The application programs 2012 include applications such as a web browser application. The application program 2012 includes an interpreted programming language such as JavaScript (registered trademark) that runs on a web browser application stored on the first user terminal 20.

[0028] <Configuration of the control unit 204 of the first user terminal 20> The control unit 204 of the first user terminal 20 includes an input control unit 2041 and an output control unit 2042. The control unit 204 executes an application program 2012 stored in the storage unit 201, thereby realizing each functional unit.

[0029] <Configuration of the input device 206 of the first user terminal 20> The input device 206 of the first user terminal 20 includes a camera 2061 , a microphone 2062 , a position information sensor 2063 , a motion sensor 2064 , and a touch device 2065 .

[0030] <Configuration of the output device 208 of the first user terminal 20> The output device 208 of the first user terminal 20 includes a display 2081 and a speaker 2082 .

[0031] <Configuration of second user terminal 30> The second user terminal 30 is an information processing device operated by a second user (a user related to a listener) who uses the service. The second user terminal 30 may be, for example, a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or tablet, or may be a stationary personal computer (PC) or laptop PC. It may also be a wearable terminal such as a head mounted display (HMD) or a wristwatch terminal. The second user terminal 30 includes a storage unit 301 , a control unit 304 , an input device 306 , and an output device 308 .

[0032] <Configuration of the storage unit 301 of the second user terminal 30> The storage unit 301 of the second user terminal 30 includes a second user ID 3011 and an application program 3012 .

[0033] The second user ID 3011 is the account ID of the second user. The second user transmits the second user ID 3011 from the second user terminal 30 to the server 10. The server 10 identifies the second user based on the second user ID 3011 and provides the second user with the service according to the present disclosure. The second user ID 3011 includes information such as a session ID temporarily assigned by the server 10 to identify the second user who is using the second user terminal 30.

[0034] The application program 3012 may be stored in advance in the storage unit 301, or may be configured to be downloaded from a web server or the like operated by a service provider via a communication IF. Application programs 3012 include applications such as a web browser application. The application program 3012 includes an interpreted programming language such as JavaScript (registered trademark) that runs on a web browser application stored in the second user terminal 30.

[0035] <Configuration of the control unit 304 of the second user terminal 30> The control unit 304 of the second user terminal 30 includes an input control unit 3041 and an output control unit 3042. The control unit 304 executes an application program 3012 stored in the storage unit 301, thereby realizing each functional unit.

[0036] <Configuration of the input device 306 of the second user terminal 30> The input device 306 of the second user terminal 30 includes a camera 3061 , a microphone 3062 , a position information sensor 3063 , a motion sensor 3064 , and a touch device 3065 .

[0037] <Configuration of the output device 308 of the second user terminal 30> The output device 308 of the second user terminal 30 includes a display 3081 and a speaker 3082 .

[0038] <System 1 Operation> Each process of the system 1 will be explained below. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the live distribution process. FIG. 10 is a first example of a screen showing the operation of the live distribution process. FIG. 11 is a second example of a screen showing the operation of the live distribution process.

[0039] <Live streaming processing> The live distribution process is a process of live-distributing the voice and the like of a distributor to listeners via Internet communication. In the present disclosure, a user who is a distributor is referred to as a first user, and a user who is a viewer (listener) is referred to as a second user.

[0040] <Live streaming process overview> The live streaming process is a series of steps consisting of a step of accepting registration of live streaming information from a broadcaster, a step of starting live streaming, a step of viewers previewing the live broadcast, a step of outputting advertisements to viewers, and a step of ending live streaming.

[0041] <Live streaming process details> The live distribution process will be described in detail below.

[0042] <Live streaming information registration steps> In step S101, the control unit 104 of the server 10 executes a live distribution information registration step of registering live distribution information by a distributor. Specifically, the first user operates the input device 206 of the first user terminal 20 to execute a browser application or the like, and opens a live streaming page by inputting the URL of a web page (live streaming page) for executing the live streaming process. The control unit 204 of the first user terminal 20 sends a request including the first user ID 2011 for opening the live streaming page to the server 10. Note that the first user may also execute the live streaming process from the live streaming page displayed by operating the input device 206 of the first user terminal 20 and executing a live streaming app stored in the storage unit 201 of the first user terminal 20.

[0043] Upon receiving the request, the server 10 generates a live streaming page and transmits it to the first user terminal 20. The control unit 204 of the first user terminal 20 displays the live streaming page on the display 2081 of the first user terminal 20 for presentation. The live streaming page includes input fields for the broadcast title, broadcast start date and time, broadcast end date and time, and other additional information. The additional information is an input field for the items described in the additional information section of the live streaming table 1013.

[0044] The first user operates the input device 206 of the first user terminal 20 to input information into input fields such as the broadcast title, broadcast start date and time, broadcast end date and time, and additional information. The control unit 204 of the first user terminal 20 transmits the first user ID 2011 and the information entered into the input fields to the server 10. The control unit 104 of the server 10 receives and accepts the information from the first user terminal 20. The control unit 104 of the server 10 stores the received first user ID 2011, broadcast title, broadcast start date and time, broadcast end date and time, and additional information in the user ID, broadcast title, broadcast start date and time, broadcast end date and time, and additional information fields of a new record in the live broadcast table 1013. The control unit 104 of the server 10 also changes the broadcast status of the broadcast information to a status such as "waiting for broadcast." Note that each input item does not have to be mandatory, and a configuration may be adopted in which only information necessary for the first user is input. For example, the distribution start date and time is not mandatory, and if the distribution start date and time is not input, the distribution start step of step S102, which will be described later, may be executed immediately after the live distribution information is registered. Furthermore, the live distribution screen may include a button for "distribute immediately."

[0045] <Steps to start distribution> In step S102, the control unit 104 of the server 10 executes a distribution start step for starting live distribution by the distributor. Specifically, the first user operates the input device 206 of the first user terminal 20 to execute a browser application or the like and open a live streaming page. The control unit 204 of the first user terminal 20 sends a request including the first user ID 2011 to the server 10 to acquire the live streaming information registered in step S101. Upon receiving the request, the control unit 104 of the server 10 searches the user ID field in the live streaming table 1013 based on the received first user ID 2011 and acquires one or more pieces of live streaming information. The control unit 104 of the server 10 transmits the acquired one or more pieces of live streaming information to the first user terminal 20. The first user terminal 20 displays a list of the received one or more pieces of live streaming information on the display 2081 of the first user terminal 20 in a selectable manner. Note that the control unit 204 of the first user terminal 20 may be configured to display a list of only streaming information whose streaming status is "waiting for distribution." The first user selects live streaming information to start streaming from one or more pieces of live streaming information displayed in the list. Note that if the first user executes the process of immediately streaming in step S101, the process of selecting live streaming information may be omitted. Furthermore, the control unit 104 of the server 10 or the control unit 204 of the first user terminal 20 may refer to the live streaming table 1013, compare the live streaming start date and time with the current date and time, and start live streaming when it determines that the current date and time has reached the live streaming start date and time (scheduled streaming). In other words, live streaming may start automatically at the live streaming start date and time. When live streaming begins, the control unit 204 of the first user terminal 20 transmits content such as audio data, video data, and image data input from the input device 206 to the server 10. The control unit 104 of the server 10 stores the received content in the distribution data field of the live streaming table 1013. The control unit 104 of the server 10 changes the distribution status of the distribution information to a status such as "distributing."

[0046] The control unit 204 of the first user terminal 20 switches the content of the live distribution screen to a distributor distribution screen D1. Fig. 10 is a first screen example (distributor distribution screen D1) illustrating the operation of the live distribution process. The broadcaster broadcast screen D1 includes a broadcast title D101, an avatar D102, number of viewers D111, a comment field D121, a viewer field D122, a broadcast information field D123, an end broadcast button D131, a guest setting button D132, an announcement button D133, a mute button D134, and an advertisement output button D14. The broadcast title D101 displays the broadcast title of the live broadcast information. The avatar D102 displays a photo of the first user, etc. The number of viewers D111 displays the number of viewers watching the live broadcast. The comment field D121 displays comments sent by viewers watching the broadcast. The viewer field D122 displays the usernames, etc. of viewers watching the broadcast. The broadcast information field D123 displays additional information, etc., about the broadcaster. The end broadcast button D131 is a button for ending the live broadcast. The guest setting button D132 is a button for inviting users other than the first user to the live broadcast. The invited users (guests) can participate in the live broadcast, and the guest's content, such as audio and video, can also be stored in the broadcast data item of the live broadcast table 1013. The announce button D133 is a button for sending push notifications to viewers. By selecting the announce button D133, the distributor can communicate with viewers, for example by selecting a specific viewer and sending a comment or the like. The mute button D134 is a button for stopping the distribution of content such as audio and video of a live broadcast. When the distributor selects the mute button D134, content such as audio and video input from the input device 206 of the first user terminal 20 is not distributed to viewers (muted state). The mute state can be canceled by selecting the mute button D134 again.

[0047] In step S102, the control unit 104 of the server 10 executes a first presentation step of presenting to the distributor a first screen including an advertisement button that can accept an input operation from the distributor. The first presentation step executes a step of presenting information indicating a period until a predetermined timing on the first screen, superimposed on the advertisement button. Specifically, the distributor distribution screen D1 includes an advertisement output button D14. The advertisement output button D14 includes an icon D141 and a time display D142. When an advertisement is not being output, the advertisement output button D14 is displayed in a state where it can be pressed. In addition, the time display D142 counts (counts down) the period until the next advertisement output, such as "9:42." For example, "9:42" indicates that the next advertisement will be output in 9 minutes and 42 seconds. When an advertisement is being output, the advertisement output button D14 is displayed in a state where it cannot be pressed. When the first user presses the advertisement output button D14, the control unit 204 of the first user terminal 20 transmits a request to change the advertisement output timing to the server 10. When the control unit 104 of the server 10 receives the request to change the advertisement output timing from the first user terminal 20, it changes the advertisement output timing. For example, if the next advertisement is to be output in 9 minutes and 42 seconds, when the first user presses the advertisement output button D14, the next advertisement output timing is changed from "9 minutes and 42 seconds" to a different timing. The advertisement output process will be described in detail in the advertisement output step of step S104.

[0048] In step S102, the control unit 104 of the server 10 executes a second presentation step of presenting a second screen including a plurality of advertisement candidates to the distributor in response to receiving an input operation from the distributor. Specifically, when the first user presses the advertisement output button D14, the control unit 204 of the first user terminal 20 displays an advertisement candidate display screen D2 including a plurality of advertisement candidates on the display 2081 of the first user terminal 20. Fig. 11 is a second screen example (advertisement candidate display screen D2) showing the operation of the live distribution process. The advertisement candidate display screen displays a plurality of advertisement candidates D21, D22, D23, along with selection buttons D211, D221, D231 for each advertisement candidate, images D212, D222, D232 showing the contents of the advertisement candidates, and advertisement unit prices D213, D223, D233 in association with each other. This allows the broadcaster to select an advertisement suitable for their live broadcast content from among multiple advertisement candidates, and to output a more suitable advertisement to viewers. It should be noted that the advertisement candidate display screen D2 does not necessarily have to be displayed.

[0049] <Advance notice processing> In step S102, the control unit 204 of the first user terminal 20 executes an advertisement notification step of notifying the distributor in advance when the period until the next advertisement output timing falls within the second period. Specifically, when the control unit 204 of the first user terminal 20 determines that the next advertisement output timing according to the time display D142 has reached a predetermined timing (for example, 5 minutes, 1 minute, 30 seconds before the advertisement output timing, etc.), the control unit 204 notifies the first user via the output device 208 of the first user terminal 20 that the predetermined timing has arrived. For example, the advertisement notification step may be performed by a means other than the first screen. The output device 208 of the first user terminal 20 may output a sound (speaker 2082), a flashing light (LED, etc.), a vibration (actuator, motor, vibrator, etc.), etc. This allows live streamers to confirm the next ad output timing for regular streaming by means other than the regular time on the streamer's screen, such as sound, flashing, or vibration. It also prevents the streamer from reducing the visibility of the ad button on the first screen, allowing for more comfortable ad output. Alternatively, the notification may be given by a notification such as a pop-up display in a snack bar or the like on the display 2081 of the first user terminal 20. The first user can check the timing at which the advertisement output will start.

[0050] <Steps to start listening to listeners> In step S103, the control unit 104 of the server 10 executes a view start step for starting viewing by the viewer. Specifically, the second user operates the input device 306 of the second user terminal 30 to execute a browser application or the like, and opens the live viewing page by inputting the URL or the like of a web page (live viewing page) for executing the live viewing process. The control unit 304 of the second user terminal 30 transmits a request including the second user ID 3011 for opening the live viewing page to the server 10. Note that the second user may operate the input device 306 of the second user terminal 30 to execute a live viewing app stored in the storage unit 301 of the second user terminal 30, thereby executing the live viewing process from the live viewing page displayed.

[0051] Upon receiving the request, the server 10 generates a live viewing page and transmits it to the second user terminal 30. The control unit 304 of the second user terminal 30 displays the live viewing page on the display 3081 of the second user terminal 30 and presents it. The control unit 104 of the server 10 searches the live streaming table 1013 and obtains one or more pieces of live streaming information whose streaming status is "streaming." The control unit 104 of the server 10 transmits the obtained one or more pieces of live streaming information to the second user terminal 30. The second user terminal 30 displays the received one or more pieces of live streaming information in a selectable list on the display 3081 of the second user terminal 30. The second user selects the live streaming information to start viewing from one or more pieces of live streaming information displayed in the list. The control unit 304 of the second user terminal 30 sends a request including the streaming ID of the desired streaming content to the server 10. The control unit 104 of the server 10 searches the streaming ID item in the live streaming table 1013 based on the received streaming ID and obtains the streaming data. The control unit 104 of the server 10 sends the received streaming data to the second user terminal 30. The second user terminal 30 displays the received streaming data on the display 3081 of the second user terminal 30, etc.

[0052] Note that, in the present disclosure, an example has been described in which distribution data transmitted from the first user terminal 20 to the server 10 and stored in the live distribution table 1013 is transmitted to the second user terminal 30 related to the viewer, but this is not limiting. For example, the control unit 204 of the first user terminal 20 may identify the second user terminal 30 by an IP address or the like, and transmit information related to the distribution data directly to the second user terminal 30. Live distribution may be performed using any content platform and communication technology.

[0053] The control unit 304 of the second user terminal 30 outputs audio, video, etc. related to the received distribution data from the output device 308 of the second user terminal 30. This allows the second user, who is a viewer, to view the content related to the live distribution distributed by the first user.

[0054] <Ad output steps> In step S104, the control unit 104 of the server 10 executes an advertisement output step of outputting advertisements to viewers at predetermined times during the live distribution. The advertisement output step executes a step of outputting advertisements at predetermined intervals during the live distribution. Specifically, the control unit 104 of the server 10 outputs advertisements to viewers of the live distribution at regular intervals. For example, every 10 minutes, 20 minutes, or 30 minutes after the start date and time of content distribution, information related to advertisements is output (distributed) to the second user terminal 30 of the viewer for a certain period (advertising output period, 30 seconds, 1 minute, etc.). Based on the received advertisement information, the control unit 304 of the second user terminal 30 outputs audio advertisements from the speaker 3082 of the second user terminal 30, and images, video advertisements, etc. from the display 3081, etc. The viewer needs to have the advertisements output (view) in order to continue watching the live broadcast. As will be described later, the timing of advertisement output (advertisement output timing at predetermined intervals) can be changed in response to an input operation from the first user.

[0055] <Ad output step (change display timing)> In step S104, the control unit 104 of the server 10 executes an advertisement change step of changing the predetermined timing of advertisement output in response to an input operation from the distributor. The advertisement change step executes a step of changing the predetermined timing of advertisement output in response to a selection of an advertisement button by the distributor. The advertisement change step executes a step of starting advertisement output at the timing when the input operation from the distributor is accepted. Specifically, a broadcaster may wish to change the timing of advertisement output depending on the status of live broadcasting, such as a live commentary. For example, in sports such as baseball, there are times when the game stops, such as during breaks. The broadcaster would prefer to display advertisements to viewers at such times when the game is not progressing. In this case, the broadcaster presses the advertisement output button D14 provided on the broadcaster broadcast screen D1. The first user terminal 20 sends a request to the server 10 to change the advertisement output timing. In response to the request to change the advertisement output timing, the control unit 104 of the server 10 immediately outputs the advertisement that was scheduled to be delivered after a predetermined period of time to the second user terminal 30. As a result, the advertisement is immediately output to the viewer in response to the broadcaster's input operation. In response to the distributor's selection of the advertisement button, information indicating the period until a predetermined timing is reset to an initial value. Specifically, the time display D142 is set to the initial value (10 minutes, which is the period until the next advertisement is output in the case of an advertisement output at regular intervals). In addition, the time display D142 starts counting down again from the initial value. It should be noted that it is not necessary to immediately output the advertisement to the second user terminal 30 in response to the distributor's input operation. For example, the advertisement may be output after a predetermined period of time, such as 10 seconds, 20 seconds, or 1 minute, has elapsed after the distributor presses the advertisement button.

[0056] The advertisement changing step can advance the predetermined timing for outputting the advertisement in response to an input operation from the distributor, but cannot delay it. Specifically, a distributor can advance the timing of advertisement output, but cannot delay it. In other words, if the next advertisement output is scheduled for 9 minutes and 42 seconds later, the distributor can change the advertisement output timing to a timing earlier than 9 minutes and 42 seconds (9 minutes and 41 seconds, 7 minutes and 23 seconds, etc.), but cannot change the advertisement output timing to a timing later than 9 minutes and 42 seconds (9 minutes and 43 seconds, 9 minutes and 52 seconds, etc.). This prevents a decrease in the number of advertisement outputs. It also prevents a decrease in advertising revenue.

[0057] The advertisement change step may not change the predetermined timing for outputting the advertisement if, during live streaming, an input operation is received from the broadcaster a first period before the predetermined timing for outputting the advertisement, or if an input operation is received from the broadcaster a predetermined number of times or more. Specifically, during a live broadcast, the output timing of advertisements up to a first period in the future (e.g., 30 minutes) may be subject to change (advancement). For example, a broadcaster may change the output timing of advertisements that are output up to 30 minutes (first period) from the current date and time, but may not change the output timing of advertisements further in the future. In this case, if advertisements are output at 10-minute intervals, the broadcaster may advance the output timing of three advertisements at once, but even if advertisements are output by instructing the output of four or more advertisements, advertisements output after 30 minutes will not be advanced. For example, even if a broadcaster outputs four or more advertisements, from 40 minutes after the advertisements that are output 30 minutes in the future, the advertisements will be output at 10-minute intervals. Furthermore, an upper limit may be set on the number of times the advertisement output timing can be changed during one live distribution (for example, the advertisement output timing may be changed only three times). For example, if the timing of displaying many ads during a single live stream is brought forward, it is expected that the ad output timing will be biased towards the first half of the live stream. For example, in a one-hour live stream where ad output intervals are 10 minutes, if six ads are output at once immediately after the start of the live stream, no ads will be output during the remainder of the live stream. Since the advertising effectiveness of the combined ads is expected to be low, the effectiveness of the ad output will be suppressed. By setting an upper limit on the number of times a broadcaster can change the timing of advertisement output during live streaming, advertisement output can be distributed throughout the entire broadcast period. In other words, it is possible to prevent advertisement output timing from becoming uneven during the broadcast period of a live stream. Advertisements can be output at optimal times.

[0058] <Advertisement Output Conditions in Advertisement Output Step (First Embodiment)> In step S104, the advertisement output step executes a step of outputting an advertisement based on at least one of a predetermined timing for outputting an advertisement, a first period during which the advertisement output timing can be changed, an upper limit number of times the advertisement output timing can be changed by the advertisement change step, and an advertisement output period, which are determined according to the type of content related to the live distribution. Specifically, the control unit 104 of the server 10 may control (set) the interval at which advertisements are output (predetermined timing such as 10 minutes, 20 minutes, or 30 minutes), the upper limit on the number of times the advertisement output timing can be changed, and the advertisement output period (30 seconds, 1 minute, etc.) depending on the type (type of content) of the broadcaster's live content (sports such as baseball, soccer, basketball, volleyball, or tennis, games such as shogi, go, or chess, or other game events such as live music concerts or e-sports). For example, baseball, soccer, basketball, etc. have different game times (match durations), break timings and break periods such as halftime, so advertisements can be output at more optimal timing depending on the type of content. This can prevent viewers from abandoning advertisements and reduce advertising revenue.

[0059] <Advertisement Output Timing in Advertisement Output Step (Second Embodiment)> In step S104, the advertisement output step executes a step of outputting an advertisement based on at least one of a predetermined timing for outputting an advertisement, a first period during which the advertisement output timing can be changed, an upper limit number of times the advertisement output timing can be changed by the advertisement change step, and an advertisement output period, which are determined according to at least one of the play time, break time, and rules of the content related to the live distribution. Specifically, the control unit 104 of the server 10 may control (set) the advertisement output timing, the first period during which the advertisement output timing can be changed, the upper limit of the number of times the advertisement output timing can be changed by the distributor, and the advertisement output period, depending on the play time (including any timing such as competition time, match time, etc.), break time, and rules (including competition rules, match rules, etc.) of the commentary target content of the distributor, such as live commentary. This makes it possible to suppress advertisement dropouts and a decrease in advertising revenue.

[0060] The content to be commented on by the distributor, the play time of the content to be commented on (including any timing such as competition time, match time, etc.), break time, rules (including competition rules, match rules, etc.), and the corresponding advertisement output timing, the first period during which the advertisement output timing can be changed, the upper limit on the number of times the distributor can change the advertisement output timing, and the advertisement output period are stored in association with the distribution type and advertisement distribution rules in advertisement table 1015.

[0061] <Advertisement Output Timing in Advertisement Output Step (Third Embodiment)> In step S104, the advertisement output step executes a step of outputting an advertisement based on at least one of a predetermined timing for outputting an advertisement, a first period during which the advertisement output timing can be changed, an upper limit number of times the advertisement output timing can be changed by the advertisement change step, and an advertisement output period, which are determined according to the playback conditions of the content related to the live distribution. Specifically, the control unit 104 of the server 10 may control (set) the advertisement output timing, the first period during which the advertisement output timing can be changed, the upper limit number of times the distributor can change the advertisement output timing, and the advertisement output period, depending on playback conditions such as the playback speed (1.5x speed, 2x speed, etc.) of the broadcast content of the broadcaster. This allows the advertisement to be output at a more suitable timing, taking into account the playback speed of the broadcast content of the broadcaster.

[0062] <Advertisement Output Timing in Advertisement Output Step (Fourth Embodiment)> In step S104, the advertisement output step executes a step of outputting an advertisement based on at least one of a predetermined timing for outputting an advertisement, a first period during which the advertisement output timing can be changed, an upper limit number of times the advertisement output timing can be changed by the advertisement change step, and an advertisement output period, based on information obtained by inputting information related to live streaming into the artificial intelligence system. Specifically, information about live streaming, such as information about the content of the live streaming (content of the streamer's commentary, such as commentary, and playback speed), information about the streamer (the streamer's attribute information, such as gender and age, information about followers, and other unique information about the streamer), and information about the viewers (the viewer's attribute information, such as gender and age, viewing history, information about the channels they are watching, information about followers, and other unique information about viewers), may be input into an artificial intelligence system to obtain information about the live streaming, and the optimal advertisement output timing, a first period during which the advertisement output timing can be changed, the upper limit on the number of times the streamer can change the advertisement output timing, and the advertisement output period may be controlled (set).This can prevent viewers from abandoning the advertisements and reduce advertising revenue.

[0063] <Advertisement Output Contents in Advertisement Output Step (First Embodiment)> In step S104, the advertisement output step executes a step of outputting a predetermined advertisement candidate selected by the distributor from among a plurality of advertisement candidates. Specifically, in step S102, when the advertisement candidate display screen D2 is presented to the distributor, the control unit 204 of the first user terminal 20 transmits information indicating the advertisement candidates selected by the distributor to the server 10. The control unit 104 of the server 10 identifies the content of the advertisement (advertising content such as audio, video, and images) to be output to the second user terminal 30 based on the acquired information indicating the advertisement candidates, and transmits the content of the advertisement to the second user terminal 30. The control unit 304 of the second user terminal 30 outputs the received content of the advertisement from the output device 308 of the second user terminal 30.

[0064] <Advertisement Output Contents in Advertisement Output Step (Second Embodiment)> In step S104, an advertisement output step executes a step of outputting an advertisement having contents according to the advertisement output timing. Specifically, when outputting an advertisement to the second user terminal 30, the control unit 104 of the server 10 outputs an advertisement according to the date and time when the advertisement is output to the second user terminal 30. For example, the control unit 104 may control the content of the advertisement to be output to the second user terminal 30 to be different depending on the time of day, such as morning, afternoon, or evening.

[0065] <Advertisement Output Contents in Advertisement Output Step (Third Embodiment)> In step S104, the advertisement output step executes a step of outputting advertisements to each of a plurality of viewers watching the live distribution, in accordance with attribute information of each of the plurality of viewers. Specifically, the control unit 104 of the server 10 may output advertisements with different content to each of the second user terminals 30 of multiple second users. For example, the control unit 104 of the server 10 searches the user ID field in the user table 1012 based on the second user ID 3011, etc., and acquires user data. The control unit 104 of the server 10 also collects information such as the second user's live streaming viewing history, hobbies and preferences, and other information such as advertisements selected in the past. The control unit 104 of the server 10 outputs advertisements appropriate for the second user to the second user terminal 30 based on personal information (personal data) such as the second user's gender, age, occupation, and other past live streaming viewing history. In other words, the control unit 104 of the server 10 delivers different advertisements appropriate for each of the multiple second users. The content of the advertisement to be output to the second user can be identified using a learning model or the like that is trained based on reaction information regarding advertisements from other users, etc., whose personal information is similar to that of the second user. For example, it is preferable to output to the second user advertisement content that is likely to be preferred by other second users, whose personal information is similar to that of the second user, or advertisement content that the second user has selected in the past.

[0066] <Basic computer hardware configuration> 12 is a block diagram showing the basic hardware configuration of a computer 90. The computer 90 includes at least a processor 901, a main memory device 902, an auxiliary memory device 903, and a communication IF 991 (interface), which are electrically connected to one another by a communication bus 921.

[0067] The processor 901 is hardware for executing an instruction set written in a program, and is composed of an arithmetic unit, registers, peripheral circuits, and the like.

[0068] The main memory device 902 is used to temporarily store programs, data to be processed by the programs, etc. For example, it is a volatile memory such as a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory).

[0069] The auxiliary storage device 903 is a storage device for saving data and programs, such as a flash memory, a hard disk drive (HDD), a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, or a semiconductor memory.

[0070] The communication IF 991 is an interface for inputting and outputting signals for communicating with other computers via a network using wired or wireless communication standards. The network is composed of the Internet, a LAN, various mobile communication systems constructed by wireless base stations, etc. For example, the network includes 3G, 4G, and 5G mobile communication systems, LTE (Long Term Evolution), and wireless networks (e.g., Wi-Fi (registered trademark)) that can connect to the Internet via a predetermined access point. In the case of a wireless connection, communication protocols include, for example, Z-Wave (registered trademark), ZigBee (registered trademark), and Bluetooth (registered trademark). In the case of a wired connection, the network also includes a direct connection using a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable, etc.

[0071] It should be noted that the computer 90 can be virtually realized by distributing all or part of each hardware configuration across multiple computers 90 and interconnecting them via a network. In this way, the computer 90 is a concept that includes not only a computer 90 housed in a single housing or case, but also a virtualized computer system.

[0072] <Basic functional configuration of computer 90> The following describes the functional configuration of a computer realized by the basic hardware configuration (FIG. 12) of the computer 90. The computer includes at least the functional units of a control unit, a storage unit, and a communication unit.

[0073] The functional units of the computer 90 can also be realized by distributing all or part of the functional units among multiple computers 90 interconnected via a network. The computer 90 is a concept that includes not only a single computer 90 but also a virtualized computer system.

[0074] The control unit is realized by the processor 901 reading out various programs stored in the auxiliary storage device 903, expanding them in the main storage device 902, and executing processing in accordance with the programs. The control unit can realize functional units that perform various types of information processing depending on the type of program. In this way, the computer is realized as an information processing device that performs information processing.

[0075] The functions performed by the components described herein may be implemented in circuitry or processing circuitry, including general-purpose processors, application-specific processors, integrated circuits, ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), a CPU (a Central Processing Unit), conventional circuits, and / or combinations thereof, programmed to perform the described functions. A processor includes transistors and other circuits and is considered to be circuitry or processing circuitry. A processor may also be a programmed processor that executes programs stored in memory. In this specification, a circuitry, unit, or means is hardware that is programmed to realize or performs the described functions, which may be any hardware disclosed herein or any hardware known to be programmed to realize or perform the described functions. If the hardware is a processor considered to be a type of circuitry, the circuitry, means, or unit is a combination of the hardware and software used to configure the hardware and / or processor.

[0076] The storage unit is realized by a main storage device 902 and an auxiliary storage device 903. The storage unit stores data, various programs, and various databases. Furthermore, the processor 901 can allocate a storage area corresponding to the storage unit in the main storage device 902 or the auxiliary storage device 903 in accordance with the programs. Furthermore, the control unit can cause the processor 901 to execute processes for adding, updating, and deleting data stored in the storage unit in accordance with the various programs.

[0077] A database refers to a relational database, which manages data sets called masters and tables in a tabular format structurally defined by rows and columns, by relating them to each other. In a database, a table is called a table, a master, a column in a table is called a column, and a row in a table is called a record. In a relational database, relationships between tables and masters can be set and associated. Typically, each table and each master has a column set as a primary key to uniquely identify a record, but setting a primary key to a column is not essential. The control unit can cause the processor 901 to add, delete, or update records in specific tables and masters stored in the storage unit according to various programs. Furthermore, by storing data, various programs, and various databases in the storage unit, it can be considered that the information processing device and information processing system according to the present disclosure have been manufactured.

[0078] Note that the databases and masters in this disclosure may include any data structure in which information is structurally defined (such as a list, dictionary, associative array, or object). The data structure also includes data that can be considered as a data structure by combining data with functions, classes, methods, etc. written in any programming language.

[0079] The communication unit is realized by the communication IF 991. The communication unit realizes a function of communicating with other computers 90 via a network. The communication unit can receive information transmitted from other computers 90 and input the information to the control unit. The control unit can cause the processor 901 to execute information processing on the received information in accordance with various programs. In addition, the communication unit can transmit information output from the control unit to other computers 90.

[0080] <Additional Notes> The matters described in the above embodiments will be supplemented below.

[0081] (Appendix 1) A live distribution program to be executed by a computer having a processor and a storage unit, wherein the processor executes a distribution start step (S102) of starting live distribution by a distributor, an advertisement output step (S104) of outputting advertisements to viewers at predetermined timings during the live distribution, and an advertisement change step (S104) of changing the predetermined timings for outputting advertisements in response to input operations from the distributor. This allows ads to be displayed at a more convenient time for viewers of live streaming, which can reduce ad abandonment and a decline in advertising revenue.

[0082] (Appendix 2) A live streaming program as described in Appendix 1, wherein the advertisement output step (S104) is a step of outputting advertisements at predetermined intervals during live streaming, and the advertisement change step (S104) is a step of starting advertisement output when an input operation is received from the broadcaster. This allows the live broadcaster to output advertisements at a timing that is convenient for them based on their own input operations.

[0083] (Appendix 3) The live streaming program described in Appendix 1 or 2, wherein the advertisement change step (S104) is a step of not changing the predetermined timing for outputting the advertisement if, during live streaming, an input operation is received from the broadcaster a first period before the predetermined timing for outputting the advertisement, or if an input operation is received from the broadcaster a predetermined number of times or more. This allows a broadcaster to set an upper limit on the number of times they can change the timing of advertisement output during live streaming, which prevents bias in advertisement output timing during the live streaming period, allowing advertisements to be output at optimal times.

[0084] (Appendix 4) A live distribution program described in any one of Appendices 1 to 3, wherein the advertisement change step (S104) is a step in which the specified timing for displaying the advertisement can be advanced but cannot be delayed depending on input operations from the distributor. This allows distributors to advance the timing of advertisement output, but not delay it. This prevents a decrease in the number of advertisement outputs. This prevents a decrease in advertising revenue.

[0085] (Appendix 5) A live streaming program described in any one of Appendices 1 to 4, wherein a processor executes a first presentation step (S102) of presenting to a broadcaster a first screen including an advertisement button capable of accepting input operations from the broadcaster, and an advertisement change step (S104) is a step of changing the specified timing for outputting an advertisement in accordance with the broadcaster's selection of the advertisement button. This allows the distributor to display advertisements at the timing they desire by pressing the advertisement button on the distributor screen (first screen). For example, this can prevent advertisement abandonment and a decrease in advertising revenue.

[0086] (Appendix 6) A live streaming program as described in Appendix 5, wherein the first presentation step (S102) is a step of presenting information indicating the period until a predetermined timing on the first screen by superimposing it on an advertisement button, and the information indicating the period until the predetermined timing is reset to an initial value depending on the broadcaster's selection of the advertisement button. This allows live broadcasters to check the countdown to the next ad output timing for regular broadcasts by checking the broadcaster screen (first screen). Broadcasters can output ads at their desired timing within the period until the next ad output timing. For example, this can prevent ad abandonment and a decrease in advertising revenue.

[0087] (Appendix 7) A live distribution program as described in Appendix 5, wherein the processor executes an advertisement notification step (S102) of notifying the distributor in advance when the period until the next advertisement output timing becomes the second period. This allows live broadcasters to check the timing of the next advertisement output (for example, 5 minutes, 1 minute, 30 seconds, etc.) through notifications such as sound, flashing, vibration, and a pop-up display in the snack bar. Even if no input operation is performed, it is possible to check the timing at which advertisement output will begin.

[0088] (Appendix 8) The live distribution program according to claim 7, wherein the advertisement notification step (S102) provides advance notice by a means other than the first screen. This allows live streamers to confirm the next ad output timing for regular streaming by means other than the regular time on the streamer's screen, such as sound, flashing, or vibration. It also prevents the streamer from reducing the visibility of the ad button on the first screen, allowing for more comfortable ad output.

[0089] (Appendix 9) A live streaming program described in any one of Appendices 1 to 4, wherein the processor executes a second presentation step (S102) of presenting a second screen including a plurality of advertisement candidates to the distributor in response to receiving an input operation from the distributor, and an advertisement output step (S104) is a step of outputting a predetermined advertisement candidate selected by the distributor from the plurality of advertisement candidates. This allows the broadcaster to select an advertisement suitable for their live broadcast content from among multiple advertisement candidates, and to output a more suitable advertisement to viewers. Also, suitable advertisement candidates may be presented to the distributor on the advertisement candidate selection screen (second screen).

[0090] (Appendix 10) A live streaming program according to any one of appendices 1 to 9, wherein the advertisement output step (S104) is a step of outputting an advertisement based on at least one of a predetermined timing for outputting an advertisement, which is determined according to the type of content related to the live streaming, a first period during which the advertisement output timing can be changed, an upper limit number of times the advertisement output timing can be changed by the advertisement change step, and an advertisement output period. This allows for control of the timing of advertisement output (10-minute intervals, 20-minute intervals, 30-minute intervals, etc.), the upper limit of the number of times the advertisement output timing can be changed (2, 3, 4, etc.), the first period during which the advertisement output timing can be changed (30, 40, 60 minutes, etc.), and the advertisement output period (10-second, 30-second, 60-second period during which advertisements are displayed to viewers). Because the game duration (match duration), break timing (halftime, etc.), and break period vary in baseball, soccer, basketball, etc., advertisements can be output at more optimal timing depending on the type of content. For example, this can reduce ad abandonment and a decrease in advertising revenue.

[0091] (Appendix 11) A live streaming program described in any one of Appendices 1 to 9, wherein the advertisement output step (S104) is a step of outputting an advertisement based on at least one of a predetermined timing for outputting an advertisement, a first period during which the advertisement output timing can be changed, an upper limit number of times the advertisement output timing can be changed by the advertisement change step, and an advertisement output period, which are determined according to at least one of the play time, break time, and rules of the content related to the live streaming. This makes it possible to control the advertisement output timing, the upper limit of the number of times the broadcaster can change the advertisement output timing, the first period during which the advertisement output timing can be changed, and the advertisement output period according to the play time (including any timing such as competition time or match time), break time, and rules (including competition rules, match rules, etc.) of the broadcaster's commentary content. This allows advertisements to be output at more optimal timing. For example, this can prevent viewers from abandoning the advertisement and reduce advertising revenue.

[0092] (Appendix 12) A live streaming program according to any one of appendices 1 to 9, wherein the advertisement output step (S104) is a step of outputting an advertisement based on at least one of a predetermined timing for outputting an advertisement, a first period during which the advertisement output timing can be changed, an upper limit number of times the advertisement output timing can be changed by the advertisement change step, and an advertisement output period, which are determined according to the playback conditions of the content related to the live streaming. This makes it possible to control the advertisement output timing, the upper limit of the number of times the distributor can change the advertisement output timing, the first period during which the advertisement output timing can be changed, and the advertisement output period, depending on the content of the broadcaster's broadcast content, the broadcast speed, and the broadcast status of other live broadcasts. Taking into account the playback conditions of the broadcaster's broadcast content, advertisements can be output at more optimal timing.

[0093] (Appendix 13) The advertisement output step (S104) is a step of outputting an advertisement based on information obtained by inputting information related to the live distribution into an artificial intelligence system, and based on at least one of a predetermined timing for outputting the advertisement, a first period during which the advertisement output timing can be changed, an upper limit number of times the advertisement output timing can be changed by the advertisement change step, and an advertisement output period, the live distribution program described in any one of Appendices 1 to 9. This makes it possible to control the advertisement output timing, the maximum number of times the distributor can change the advertisement output timing, the first period during which the advertisement output timing can be changed, and the advertisement output period based on information related to live streaming and information output from the artificial intelligence system. Information about live streaming includes information about the content of the live streaming (the content of the content being commented on by the streamer, such as live commentary, streaming speed, and the streaming status of other live streams), information about the streamer (attribute information such as the streamer's gender and age, information about followers, and other unique information about the streamer), and information about the viewer (attribute information such as the viewer's gender and age, viewing history, information about the channel being watched, information about followers, and other unique information about the viewer). Advertisements can be displayed at more optimal times, which can prevent ad abandonment and a decline in advertising revenue.

[0094] (Appendix 14) 14. The live distribution program according to any one of appendixes 1 to 13, wherein the advertisement output step (S104) is a step of outputting an advertisement having content according to an output timing of the advertisement. This allows for more appropriate advertisements to be output depending on the timing of output, and for example, it is possible to prevent abandonment of advertisements and a decrease in advertising revenue.

[0095] (Appendix 15) A live streaming program according to any one of appendices 1 to 13, wherein the advertisement output step (S104) is a step of outputting advertisements to each of a plurality of viewers watching the live streaming according to attribute information of each of the plurality of viewers. This allows for more suitable advertisements to be displayed according to the attributes of each viewer, which can, for example, prevent viewers from abandoning the advertisement and reduce the decline in advertising revenue.

[0096] (Appendix 16) A computer-implemented method comprising a processor and a memory, wherein the processor performs all of the steps performed in the invention according to any one of appendices 1 to 15. This allows ads to be displayed at a more convenient time for viewers of live streaming, which can reduce ad abandonment and a decline in advertising revenue.

[0097] (Appendix 17) An information processing device comprising a control unit and a memory unit, wherein the control unit executes all of the steps executed in the invention according to any one of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 15. This allows ads to be displayed at a more convenient time for viewers of live streaming, which can reduce ad abandonment and a decline in advertising revenue.

[0098] (Appendix 18) A system comprising means for performing all steps performed in any of the inventions according to any one of appendixes 1 to 15. This allows ads to be displayed at a more convenient time for viewers of live streaming, which can reduce ad abandonment and a decline in advertising revenue. [Explanation of symbols]

[0099] 1 System, 10 Server, 101 Memory Unit, 104 Control Unit, 106 Input Device, 108 Output Device, 20 First User Terminal, 201 Memory Unit, 204 Control Unit, 206 Input Device, 208 Output Device, 30 Second User Terminal, 301 Memory Unit, 304 Control Unit, 306 Input Device, 308 Output Device

Claims

1. A live distribution program to be executed by a computer having a processor and a storage unit, the processor: a broadcast start step in which the broadcaster starts live broadcasting; an advertisement output step of outputting advertisements to viewers at predetermined times during the live streaming; an advertisement changing step of changing the predetermined timing for outputting the advertisement in response to an input operation from the distributor; A live streaming program that runs.

2. the advertisement output step is a step of outputting an advertisement at predetermined intervals during the live streaming; the advertisement change step is a step of starting output of the advertisement at a timing when an input operation from the distributor is accepted. The live distribution program according to claim 1.

3. the advertisement change step is a step of not changing the predetermined timing to output the advertisement when an input operation is received from the broadcaster a first period before the predetermined timing to output the advertisement during the live broadcast, or when an input operation is received from the broadcaster a predetermined number of times or more. The live distribution program according to claim 1.

4. the advertisement changing step is a step in which the predetermined timing for outputting the advertisement can be advanced but cannot be delayed in response to an input operation from the distributor. The live distribution program according to claim 1.

5. the processor: a first presentation step of presenting to the distributor a first screen including an advertisement button capable of receiving an input operation from the distributor; Run the advertisement changing step is a step of changing the predetermined timing for outputting the advertisement in response to selection of the advertisement button by the distributor; The live distribution program according to claim 1.

6. the first presentation step is a step of presenting, on the first screen, information indicating a period until the predetermined timing, superimposed on the advertisement button; resetting the information indicating the period until the predetermined timing to an initial value in response to the distributor's selection of the advertisement button; The live distribution program according to claim 5.

7. the processor: an advertisement notification step of notifying the distributor in advance when the period until the next advertisement output timing is a second period; To execute The live distribution program according to claim 5.

8. the advertisement notification step performs the advance notice by a means other than the first screen, The live distribution program according to claim 7.

9. the processor: a second presentation step of presenting a second screen including a plurality of advertisement candidates to the distributor in response to receiving an input operation from the distributor; Run the advertisement output step is a step of outputting a predetermined advertisement candidate selected by the distributor from the plurality of advertisement candidates; The live distribution program according to claim 1.

10. the advertisement output step is determined according to the type of content related to the live distribution; A predetermined timing for displaying the advertisement; a first period during which the timing of advertisement output can be changed; an upper limit number of times that the advertisement output timing can be changed by the advertisement changing step; and an output period of the advertisement; outputting the advertisement based on at least one of the following: The live distribution program according to claim 1.

11. the advertisement output step is determined according to at least one of a play time, a break time, and a rule of the content related to the live distribution. A predetermined timing for displaying the advertisement; a first period during which the timing of advertisement output can be changed; an upper limit number of times that the advertisement output timing can be changed by the advertisement changing step; and an output period of the advertisement; outputting the advertisement based on at least one of the following: The live distribution program according to claim 1.

12. the advertisement output step is determined according to a playback condition of the content related to the live distribution. A predetermined timing for displaying the advertisement; a first period during which the timing of advertisement output can be changed; an upper limit number of times that the advertisement output timing can be changed by the advertisement changing step; and an output period of the advertisement; outputting the advertisement based on at least one of the following: The live distribution program according to claim 1.

13. the advertisement output step is based on information obtained by inputting information related to the live broadcast into an artificial intelligence system, A predetermined timing for displaying the advertisement; a first period during which the timing of advertisement output can be changed; an upper limit number of times that the advertisement output timing can be changed by the advertisement changing step; and an output period of the advertisement; outputting the advertisement based on at least one of the following: The live distribution program according to claim 1.

14. The advertisement output step is a step of outputting the advertisement having content corresponding to an output timing of the advertisement. The live distribution program according to claim 1.

15. the advertisement output step is a step of outputting advertisements to each of a plurality of viewers watching the live streaming in accordance with attribute information of each of the plurality of viewers. The live distribution program according to claim 1.

16. A method implemented on a computer having a processor and a memory, wherein the processor performs all of the steps performed in any of the inventions according to claims 1 to 15.

17. 16. An information processing device comprising a control unit and a storage unit, wherein the control unit executes all of the steps executed in any one of the inventions according to claims 1 to 15.

18. A system comprising means for executing all steps performed in any one of the inventions according to claims 1 to 15.

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