Sponsorship intermediary methods and electronic devices

Abstract

This invention provides a sponsorship intermediary method and electronic device that attracts viewers to sponsorship and supports the improvement of broadcast quality through sponsorship. [Solution] The sponsor mediation method includes the steps of: an electronic device receiving a first signal related to a sponsor from a first external electronic device; and, in response to the receipt of the first signal, transmitting a second signal related to a first game function corresponding to the sponsor to a second external electronic device, wherein the first game function is applied to game content provided by the second external electronic device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a sponsor mediation method and an electronic device.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, live streaming services that perform real-time broadcasts using a PC (Personal Computer) or smartphone connected to a camera have been actively provided. For example, a user of a live streaming service (hereinafter referred to as a streamer) can perform personal broadcasts using various domestic and foreign streaming platforms, and viewers can connect to the streaming platform to watch broadcasts, participate in chats, or support the streamer through a sponsor for the streamer.

[0003] On the other hand, a sponsor for a streamer can be carried out by a viewer purchasing a sponsor item (or cyber money) corresponding to an actual amount through a streaming platform as a means for the viewer to support the streamer, and the streamer using the purchased sponsor item in the broadcast performed by the streamer. Through such a sponsor, the streamer can strive to improve the quality of the broadcast, such as performing a broadcast with content desired by the viewer (e.g., mission completion). However, in the case of a conventional sponsor, even if the viewer who has sponsored (hereinafter referred to as a sponsor) notifies the streamer of the content desired by the sponsor, there is a possibility that the streamer may not perform a broadcast with the content desired by the sponsor. For example, in the case of a game broadcast, even if a sponsor sponsors for the purpose of mission completion of the game, the streamer may only receive the sponsor and not complete the game mission. Therefore, there is a need to develop a technology for mediating a sponsor that affects streaming game content.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Korean Registered Patent Publication No. 10-2548343 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] This disclosure provides a sponsor mediation method and electronic device for solving the above-mentioned problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] This disclosure can be embodied in a variety of ways, including methods, apparatus (systems), and / or computer programs.

[0007] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a sponsor mediation method, performed by at least one processor, includes the steps of: receiving a first signal related to a sponsor from a first external electronic device; and, in response to the receipt of the first signal, transmitting a second signal related to a first game function corresponding to a sponsor to a second external electronic device, wherein the first game function may be applied to game content provided by the second external electronic device.

[0008] A computer program may be provided for executing a sponsor mediation method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure on a computer.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the electronic device includes a communication circuit, a memory, and at least one processor connected to the communication circuit and the memory and configured to execute at least one computer-readable program contained in the memory, the at least one program including instructions for receiving a first signal related to a sponsor from a first external electronic device via the communication circuit, and in response to receiving the first signal, transmitting a second signal related to a first game function corresponding to the sponsor to a second external electronic device via the communication circuit, the first game function may be applied to game content provided by the second external electronic device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, by mediating sponsors that influence streaming game content, it is possible to help broadcasts be made in a way that the sponsors desire, thereby attracting viewers to sponsorship and helping to improve the quality of broadcasts through sponsors.

[0011] The effects of this disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned above would be clearly understood by a person with ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains ("ordinary skill") from the claims. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings described below, where similar reference numbers indicate similar elements, but are not limited thereto. [Figure 1] This figure illustrates an example of an electronic device for sponsor mediation according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram showing a configuration in which an information processing system is connected to multiple user terminals in a communicative manner, relating to data processing according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] This is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of a user terminal and an information processing system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] This figure illustrates a sponsor intermediary system in which a game content operation module, a game content provision module, a game function linkage module, and a game function display module are included in a single device, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] This figure illustrates a sponsor intermediary system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, in which a game content operation module, a game content provision module, a game function linkage module, and a game function display module are included in different devices. [Figure 6] This figure illustrates a sponsor intermediary system in which a game content provision module and a game function linkage module, and a game content operation module and a game function display module are included in different devices, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] This figure illustrates a sponsor intermediary system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, in which a game content provision module, a game function linkage module, a game content operation module, and a game function display module are included in different devices. [Figure 8] This is a diagram illustrating the operation method of a sponsor intermediary system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] This figure illustrates a method for providing sponsor types according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] This figure illustrates a method for providing a detailed list of sponsor types according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] This figure illustrates a method for randomly selecting sponsors according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] This figure illustrates a method for displaying randomly selected sponsors according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] This figure illustrates another method for displaying randomly selected sponsors according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 14]A diagram for explaining yet another method of displaying a randomly selected sponsor according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 15] A diagram for explaining a method of displaying an object including information related to a sponsor according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 16] A diagram for explaining a method of providing a list of sponsors according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 17] A diagram for explaining a method of displaying a sponsor selected from a list according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 18] A diagram for explaining a method of displaying a sponsor corresponding to a game function executed according to the result of a yes / no vote determined by a sponsor during a predetermined time according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 19] A diagram for explaining a method of displaying an object related to a game function executed according to the result of a yes / no vote determined by a sponsor during a predetermined time according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 20] A diagram for explaining a method of integrating a plurality of game functions having the same function according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 21] A diagram for explaining a method of integrating a plurality of game functions having the same function in a list that has received a sponsor according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 22] A diagram for explaining a broadcast screen including game content according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 23] A diagram for explaining a method of displaying identification information of a sponsor and the content of a game function in an area adjacent to a user's character included in game content according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 24] A diagram for explaining another method of displaying an object including information related to a sponsor according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 25] A diagram for explaining a method of notifying a pause of game content or a streamer terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 26] This figure illustrates a method for adding a game object having a name corresponding to sponsor identification information to game content according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 27] This is a diagram illustrating a sponsor mediation method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] <Summary of the Invention>

[0014] According to one embodiment, a first object containing sponsor-related information may be displayed superimposed on at least a portion of the screen displaying game content.

[0015] According to one embodiment, information related to the sponsor may include at least one of the following: the sponsor's identification information, the content of the first game function, or the time until the first game function is applied.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the first object may be generated by the second external electronic device in response to the reception of the second signal.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the sponsor mediation method further includes the step of transmitting a third signal relating to the application of the first game function to a third external electronic device connected to the second external electronic device in response to the reception of the first signal, wherein the first object may be generated by the third external electronic device in response to the reception of the third signal.

[0018] According to one embodiment, game content to which the first game function is applied can be transmitted from the second external electronic device to the third external electronic device.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the sponsor mediation method further includes the step of transmitting a third signal related to the application of the first game function to the third external electronic device, the first object may be generated by the third external electronic device in response to the reception of the third signal.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the sponsor mediation method further includes the step of transmitting a third signal related to the application of a game function to a fourth external electronic device connected to the third external electronic device, the first object may be generated by the fourth external electronic device in response to the receipt of the third signal.

[0021] According to one embodiment, if a third signal related to another sponsor is received before the reception of the first signal, and before a second game function corresponding to the other sponsor is applied to the game content, the first object may be added to a list containing a second object that includes information related to the other sponsor.

[0022] According to one embodiment, if the first game function has the same functionality as the second game function, the first and second game functions are integrated into a third game function with a greater application intensity of the same functionality, and instead of adding the first object to the list, the second object already included in the list may be changed to a third object corresponding to the third game function.

[0023] According to one embodiment, if the first game function is a function that is executed in accordance with the results of a vote determined by a sponsor for a predetermined period of time, the first object may include the content of the vote.

[0024] According to one embodiment, if the first game function is a function that is executed when a predetermined sponsorship amount is achieved together with at least one other sponsor, the first object may include the total sponsorship amount to date.

[0025] According to one embodiment, when the first game function is applied to game content, the sponsor's identification information and the content of the first game function may be displayed in an area adjacent to the user's character included in the game content.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the first game function may include a function to add a game object to the game content that has a name corresponding to the sponsor's identification information.

[0027] <Detailed description of the invention>

[0028] The specific details for implementing this disclosure will be described below with reference to the attached drawings. However, in the following explanation, if there is a risk of unnecessarily obscuring the essence of this disclosure, specific descriptions of well-known functions and configurations will be omitted.

[0029] In the attached drawings, identical or corresponding components are assigned the same reference numerals. Furthermore, in the following descriptions of embodiments, the description of identical or corresponding components may be omitted. However, the omission of a description of a component does not mean that such a component is not included in that embodiment.

[0030] The advantages and features of the disclosed embodiments, and the methods for achieving them, will become clear with reference to the embodiments described below, along with the accompanying drawings. However, this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below and may be embodied in a variety of different forms, and these embodiments are provided merely to complete the disclosure and to fully inform the ordinary art of the scope of the invention.

[0031] This document will briefly explain the terminology used herein and then provide a detailed description of the disclosed embodiments. The terminology used herein has been selected to the greatest extent possible from currently widely used and general terms, taking into account the function described herein, although this may change depending on the intent of the articulates in the relevant field, case law, the emergence of new technologies, etc. In some cases, the applicant has arbitrarily selected terms, in which case their meaning will be described in detail in the description of the relevant invention. Therefore, the terminology used in this disclosure should not be merely nominal terms, but should be defined based on the meaning of the term and the overall content of this disclosure.

[0032] In this specification, singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly identifies them as singular. Conversely, plural expressions include singular expressions unless the context clearly identifies them as plural. When a part of the specification is described as containing a component, this means, unless otherwise specifically contradicted, that it may contain other components rather than excluding them.

[0033] Furthermore, the terms “module” or “part” as used in this specification mean a software or hardware component, and that the “module” or “part” performs a certain role. However, the meaning of “module” or “part” is not limited to software or hardware. A “module” or “part” may be configured to reside on an addressable storage medium, or to be configured to regenerate one or more processors. Thus, as an example, a “module” or “part” may include components such as software components, object-oriented software components, class components, and task components, and at least one of processes, functions, attributes, procedures, subroutines, segments of program code, drivers, firmware, microcode, circuits, data, databases, data structures, tables, arrays, or variables. The components and the functions provided within a “module” or “part” may be combined into a smaller number of components and “modules” or “parts,” or further separated into additional components and “modules” or “parts.”

[0034] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, “module” or “part” may be embodied in a processor and memory. “Processor” should be broadly interpreted to include general-purpose processors, central processing units (CPUs), microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), controllers, microcontrollers, state machines, etc. In some environments, “processor” may also refer to application-specific semiconductors (ASICs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), etc. “Processor” may also refer to combinations of processing devices such as, for example, a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a combination of multiple microprocessors, a combination of one or more microprocessors coupled with a DSP core, or any other combination of such configurations. “Memory” should also be broadly interpreted to include any electronic component capable of storing electronic information. "Memory" can also refer to various types of processor-readable media, such as random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), non-volatile random access memory (NVRAM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable PROM (EEPROM), flash memory, magnetic or optical data storage devices, and registers. Memory is said to be in electronic communication with the processor if the processor can read information from and / or write information to it. Memory integrated into a processor is in electronic communication with the processor.

[0035] Furthermore, terms such as 1st, 2nd, A, B, (a), (b), etc., used in the following embodiments are used to distinguish one component from another, and these terms do not limit the nature or order of the component in question.

[0036] Furthermore, in the following embodiments, when it is stated that one component is “connected,” “joined,” or “linked” to another component, it should be understood that the component is directly connected to or can be directly connected to the other component, but that other components may also be “connected,” “joined,” or “linked” between each component.

[0037] Furthermore, the terms "comprises" and / or "comprising" used in the following embodiments do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other components, steps, operations, and / or elements mentioned.

[0038] Various embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0039] Figure 1 is an illustrative diagram showing an electronic device for sponsor mediation according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Figure 1, a streamer (120) can broadcast using a streaming platform. For example, while playing a game, the streamer (120) can send a screen (122) containing game content through the streaming platform. Viewers (110) (e.g., a first viewer (112), a second viewer (114), or a third viewer (116)) can connect to the streaming platform and view the sent screen (122), participate in chats, and sponsor the streamer (120). In this case, the electronic device (100) can mediate the sponsorship.

[0040] The electronic device (100) for mediating sponsors may include a communication circuit, memory, and at least one processor. However, the configuration of the electronic device (100) is not limited thereto. According to various embodiments, the electronic device (100) may further include at least one other component in addition to the components described above. For example, the electronic device (100) may further include a display for outputting objects related to sponsors.

[0041] A communication circuit (or communication module) may assist in establishing a communication channel between an electronic device (100) and an external electronic device (e.g., a viewer terminal that displays a broadcast screen or a streamer terminal that transmits a broadcast screen) and in performing wired or wireless communication over the established communication channel. For example, the communication circuit may receive sponsor-related signals from the external electronic device and transmit signals to the external electronic device related to sponsor-related game features (or game effects).

[0042] The memory may store various data used by at least one component of the electronic device (100) (e.g., a processor). The data may include, for example, input or output data for software (or programs) and associated instructions. The memory may include volatile memory or non-volatile memory.

[0043] The processor may be connected to a communication circuit and memory and configured to execute at least one computer-readable program contained in memory. For example, the processor can execute software (or a program) to control at least one other component (e.g., hardware or software component) of an electronic device (100) connected to the processor and perform various data processing or calculations. According to one embodiment, as at least part of the data processing or calculation, the processor may load instructions or data received from other components (e.g., a communication circuit) into volatile memory, process the instructions or data stored in volatile memory, and store the resulting data in non-volatile memory.

[0044] The processor may include instructions related to sponsor mediation for at least one program executed by the processor. Hereafter, the processor will be described as performing some function, but this is for the sake of explanation; the function performed by the processor can be understood as the processor executing instructions contained in at least one program stored in memory.

[0045] With regard to sponsor mediation, the processor may receive a first signal related to a sponsor from a first external electronic device. Here, the first external electronic device may be an electronic device of a viewer (110) that sponsors the streamer (120), i.e., a viewer terminal. For example, the processor may receive a request signal from the viewer terminal for a sponsor that affects the streamed game content.

[0046] Subsequently, in response to receiving the first signal, the processor may transmit a second signal to a second external electronic device relating to game functions corresponding to the sponsor. Here, the second external electronic device may be an electronic device of a streamer (120) providing game content, i.e., a streamer terminal. Alternatively, the second external electronic device may be a game server providing game content. For example, based on a sponsor request received from a viewer (110), the processor may transmit a signal relating to game functions applicable to the game content to the streamer terminal or game server providing the game content.

[0047] Upon receiving a signal related to game functions, the second external electronic device may apply the game functions to the game content. Game functions can have an effect that influences the game's progression and can be classified into positive and negative effects. For example, game functions may include a function to change at least one attribute (e.g., health, movement speed, field of view, etc.) of the user's character or game object (e.g., mob) included in the game content, a function to add game items (e.g., weapons) that the user's character can use to the game content, or a function to add game objects to the game content. In this case, the game objects added to the game content may be generated with names corresponding to the sponsor's identification information. For example, a game function may include a function to add a game object to the game content that has a name corresponding to the sponsor's identification information.

[0048] According to one embodiment, a game function may be applied to game content after a predetermined time has elapsed following the reception of a signal related to the game function. For example, a game function may be applied to game content after a predetermined buffer time has elapsed following the streamer (120) becoming aware of the game function to be applied to the game content. In addition, if there are other game functions waiting to be applied by other sponsors, the game function may be applied to game content after the other waiting game functions have been applied. In this case, the time during which the game function is applied, i.e., the predetermined time counted after the reception of a signal related to the game function, may start counting after the other waiting games have been applied. For example, a game function may be applied to game content after a predetermined time has elapsed following the application of the other waiting games.

[0049] According to one embodiment, game functions may be applied sequentially to game content along with other game functions that are waiting to be applied. For this reason, signals for applying game functions may be stored and managed in a queue-type data structure. In addition, at least one game function to be applied to game content may be added to a list and managed.

[0050] In one embodiment, sponsor-related information may be exposed (e.g., displayed) on the broadcast screen, i.e., the screen (122) containing the game content, until the game function corresponding to the sponsor is applied to the game content. For example, an object (124) containing sponsor-related information may be displayed superimposed on at least a portion of the screen (122) containing the game content. Here, sponsor-related information may include at least one of the following: sponsor identification information, the content of the game function corresponding to the sponsor, or the time until the game function corresponding to the sponsor is applied (e.g., remaining time). In this case, the time until the game function is applied may be counted in a way that the remaining time decreases like a timer, and may be displayed in at least one way, such as a clock or a progress bar. Furthermore, the object (124) containing sponsor-related information may be an object that is not included in the game screen but is included only in the broadcast screen, similar to objects related to the progress of the broadcast, such as the real-time shooting screen of the broadcast camera, the broadcast character image of the streamer (120), and chat content. For example, the object (124) containing sponsor-related information may be a broadcast widget displayed in widget form on the broadcast screen.

[0051] According to one embodiment, when a game function corresponding to a sponsor is applied to game content, the sponsor's identification information and the content of the game function corresponding to the sponsor may be displayed in an area adjacent to the user's character included in the game content.

[0052] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration in which an information processing system (230) is communicatively connected to multiple user terminals (210_1, 210_2, 210_3) with respect to data processing according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The information processing system (230) may include multiple systems capable of providing data processing services (e.g., sponsor intermediary services). In one embodiment, the information processing system (230) may include one or more server devices and / or databases, or one or more cloud computing service-based distributed computing devices and / or distributed databases, capable of storing, providing, and executing computer-executable programs (e.g., downloadable applications) and data related to the data processing services. For example, the information processing system (230) may include a separate system (e.g., a server) for the data processing services.

[0053] Data processing services provided by the information processing system (230) may be provided to users through data processing applications, web browser applications, etc., installed on each of the multiple user terminals (210_1, 210_2, 210_3).

[0054] Multiple user terminals (210_1, 210_2, 210_3) can communicate with an information processing system (230) via a network (220). The network (220) may be configured to enable communication between the multiple user terminals (210_1, 210_2, 210_3) and the information processing system (230). Depending on the installation environment, the network (220) may consist of a wired network such as Ethernet, PowerLineCommunication, telephone line communication equipment and RS-serial communication, a mobile communication network, a wireless network such as WLAN (WirelessLAN), Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and ZigBee, or a combination thereof. The communication method is not limited and may include not only communication methods that utilize communication networks that the network (220) may include (for example, mobile communication networks, wired internet, wireless internet, broadcasting networks, satellite networks, etc.), but also short-range wireless communication between user terminals (210_1, 210_2, 210_3).

[0055] For example, multiple user terminals (210_1, 210_2, 210_3) can send data processing requests and commands related to user requests for data processing to an information processing system (230) via a network (220), and the information processing system (230) can receive them.

[0056] In Figure 2, a mobile phone terminal (210_1), a tablet terminal (210_2), and a PC terminal (210_3) are shown as examples of user terminals, but the definition is not limited to these. User terminals (210_1, 210_2, 210_3) can be any computing device capable of wired and / or wireless communication, on which data processing applications can be installed and run. For example, user terminals may include smartphones, mobile phones, navigation systems, computers, laptop computers, digital broadcasting terminals, PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants), PMPs (Portable Multimedia Players), tablet PCs, game consoles, wearable devices, IoT (Internet of Things) devices, VR (virtual reality) devices, AR (augmented reality) devices, and the like. Furthermore, although Figure 2 illustrates three user terminals (210_1, 210_2, 210_3) communicating with the information processing system (230) via the network (220), the system is not limited to this configuration, and it is also possible to configure the system to communicate with a different number of user terminals via the network (220) with the information processing system (230).

[0057] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of a user terminal (210) and an information processing system (230) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The user terminal (210) can refer to any computing device capable of executing data processing applications and the like, and capable of wired / wireless communication, and may include, for example, the mobile phone terminal (210_1), tablet terminal (210_2), PC terminal (210_3) in Figure 2. As shown, the user terminal (210) may include memory (312), a processor (314), a communication circuit (316), and an input / output interface (318). Similarly, the information processing system (230) may include memory (332), a processor (334), a communication circuit (336), and an input / output interface (338). As shown in Figure 3, the user terminal (210) and the information processing system (230) may be configured to communicate information and / or data over a network (220) using their respective communication circuits (316, 336). Furthermore, the input / output device (320) may be configured to input information and / or data to the user terminal (210) via the input / output interface (318), or to output information and / or data generated from the user terminal (210).

[0058] Memory (312,332) may include any non-temporary computer-readable recording medium. According to one embodiment, memory (312,332) may include permanent mass storage devices such as ROM (readonly memory), disk drives, SSDs (solid-state drives), and flash memory. In other examples, permanent mass storage devices such as ROM, SSDs, flash memory, and disk drives may be included in a user terminal (210) or information processing system (230) as separate permanent storage devices distinct from memory. Furthermore, memory (312,332) may store an operating system and at least one program code (for example, code for an application related to a data processing service).

[0059] These software components may be loaded from a computer-readable storage medium separate from memory (312,332). Such separate computer-readable storage medium may include storage mediums that can be directly connected to these user terminals (210) and information processing systems (230), and may include computer-readable storage mediums such as floppy drives, disks, tapes, DVD / CD-ROM drives, and memory cards. As another example, software components may also be loaded into memory (312,332) via communication circuits (316,336) that are not computer-readable storage mediums. For example, at least one program may be loaded into memory (312,332) based on a computer program (e.g., an application related to data processing services) that is installed by a file provided over a network (220) by a developer or a file distribution system that distributes application installation files (e.g., an application related to data processing services).

[0060] A processor (314,334) may be configured to process instructions for a computer program by performing basic arithmetic, logic, and input / output operations. Instructions may be provided to the processor (314,334) by memory (312,332) or communication circuits (316,336). For example, a processor (314,334) may be configured to execute instructions received according to program code stored in a recording device such as memory (312,332).

[0061] The communication circuits (316, 336) can provide configurations or functions for a user terminal (210) and an information processing system (230) to communicate with each other via a network (220), and can provide configurations or functions for a user terminal (210) and / or an information processing system (230) to communicate with other user terminals or other systems (for example, a separate cloud system). For example, a request or data (e.g., a data processing request or data) generated by the processor (314) of the user terminal (210) according to program code stored in a recording device such as memory (312) can be transmitted to the information processing system (230) via the network (220) under the control of the communication circuit (316). Conversely, control signals or commands provided under the control of the processor (334) of the information processing system (230) can be received by the user terminal (210) via the communication circuit (336) and the network (220) through the communication circuit (316) of the user terminal (210).

[0062] The input / output interface (318) may be a means for interface with an input / output device (320). For example, the input device may include a camera with audio sensors and / or image sensors, a keyboard, a microphone, a mouse, and other devices, and the output device may include a display, a speaker, a haptic feedback device, and other devices. As another example, the input / output interface (318) may be a means for interface with a device in which the configuration or function for performing input and output is integrated into one, such as a touchscreen. In Figure 3, the input / output device (320) is shown not to be included in the user terminal (210), but is not limited to this, and may be configured as a single device with the user terminal (210). Furthermore, the input / output interface (338) of the information processing system (230) may be connected to the information processing system (230) or a means for interface with input or output devices (not shown) that the information processing system (230) may include. In Figure 3, the input / output interface (318,338) is shown as an element configured separately from the processor (314,334). However, it is not limited to this configuration, and the input / output interface (318,338) can be configured to be included in the processor (314,334).

[0063] The user terminal (210) and the information processing system (230) may include more components than those shown in Figure 3. However, it is not necessary to clearly illustrate most of the conventional components. In one embodiment, the user terminal (210) may be embodied to include at least some of the aforementioned input / output devices (320). The user terminal (210) may also further include other components such as a transceiver, a GPS (Global Positioning System) module, a camera, various sensors, and a database. For example, if the user terminal (210) is a smartphone, it may include components that are generally found in smartphones, and the user terminal (210) may be embodied to further include a variety of components such as an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a microphone module, a camera module, various physical buttons, buttons using a touch panel, input / output ports, and a vibrator for vibration.

[0064] In one embodiment, the processor (314) of a user terminal (210) may be configured to run a data processing application or a web browser application that provides data processing services. In this case, program code related to the application may be loaded into the memory (312) of the user terminal (210). While the application is running, the processor (314) of the user terminal (210) can receive information and / or data provided by an input / output device (320) via an input / output interface (318) or information and / or data from an information processing system (230) via a communication circuit (316), process the received information and / or data, and store it in memory (312). In addition, such information and / or data may be provided to the information processing system (230) via the communication circuit (316).

[0065] While a data processing application is running, the processor (314) can receive or receive audio data, text, images, video, etc., input via input devices such as a touchscreen, keyboard, camera including audio sensors and / or image sensors, and microphone, which are connected to the input / output interface (318). The received audio data, text, images and / or video, etc., can be stored in memory (312) or provided to an information processing system (230) via a communication circuit (316) and a network (220). In one embodiment, the processor (314) can receive user input input via an input device and provide data / requests corresponding to the received user input to the information processing system (230) via a network (220) and a communication circuit (316).

[0066] The processor (314) of the user terminal (210) can transmit and output information and / or data to an input / output device (320) via an input / output interface (318). For example, the processor (314) of the user terminal (210) can output processed information and / or data via an output device (320) such as a display output device (e.g., touchscreen, display, etc.) or an audio output device (e.g., speaker).

[0067] The processor (334) of the information processing system (230) may be configured to manage, process, and / or store information and / or data received from multiple user terminals (210) and / or multiple external systems. The information and / or data processed by the processor (334) may be provided to the user terminals (210) via communication circuits (336) and networks (220).

[0068] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating a sponsor intermediary system in which a game content operation module, a game content provision module, a game function linkage module, and a game function display module are included in a single device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Figure 4, the sponsor intermediary system may include an electronic device (400) (e.g., electronic device (100) in Figure 1), a first external electronic device (410), and a second external electronic device (420). Here, the electronic device (400) may be a sponsor intermediary server, the first external electronic device (410) may be a viewer terminal, and the second external electronic device (420) may be a streamer terminal. In Figure 4, a sponsor intermediary system in which the game content operation module (422), game content provision module (424), game function linkage module (426), and game function display module (428) are all included in the second external electronic device (420) is described. Here, the game content operation module (422) receives user input for operating the game and transmits the received user input to the game content provision module (424), thereby reflecting the user input in the game content. The game content provision module (424) can provide game content and reflect user input in the game content. The game function linkage module (426) can reflect game functions corresponding to sponsors in the game content. The game function display module (428) can display an object containing sponsor-related information on the screen containing the game content, i.e., the broadcast screen.

[0069] First, the first external electronic device (410) can provide an interface to help viewers sponsor streamers. For example, the first external electronic device (410) can display a list of sponsors that influence game content and receive user input to select one of the sponsors included in the list. In addition, the first external electronic device (410) can, in response to receiving user input, transmit a signal related to the selected sponsor to the electronic device (400).

[0070] Electronic device (400), having received a sponsor-related signal from the first external electronic device (410), can acquire sponsor-related information based on the received signal. Here, sponsor-related information may include at least one of the following: sponsor identification information, the content of the game function corresponding to the sponsor, or the time until the game function corresponding to the sponsor is applied (e.g., remaining time). Furthermore, electronic device (400) can transmit a signal related to the game function corresponding to the sponsor to the second external electronic device (420) based on the sponsor-related information.

[0071] A second external electronic device (420), having received a signal from the electronic device (400) related to a sponsor-related game function, can apply the game function to the game content via the game function linkage module (426). Here, the game function may include a function to change at least one attribute (e.g., health, movement speed, field of view, etc.) of the user's character or game object (e.g., mob) included in the game content, a function to add a game item (e.g., weapon) that the user's character can use to the game content, or a function to add a game object to the game content. Subsequently, the second external electronic device (420) can provide the game content to which the game function has been applied via the game content provision module (424). For example, the second external electronic device (420) can display a screen containing the game content to which the game function has been applied via a display.

[0072] According to one embodiment, the second external electronic device (420) can apply a game function to the game content via the game function linkage module (426) after a predetermined time has elapsed following the reception of a signal related to the game function. Furthermore, if there are other game functions waiting to be applied by other sponsors, the second external electronic device (420) can apply the game function to the game content after the other waiting game functions have been applied. For example, the second external electronic device (420) can apply the game function to the game content after a predetermined time has elapsed following the application of other waiting game functions. In other words, the second external electronic device (420) can sequentially apply the game function to the game content together with other game functions waiting to be applied. For example, the second external electronic device (420) can store and manage signals for the application of game functions in a queue-type data structure, and can add and manage at least one game function to be applied to the game content in a list.

[0073] According to one embodiment, the second external electronic device (420) can display an object containing sponsor-related information superimposed on at least a portion of the screen containing game content via a game function display module (428). For example, the second external electronic device (420) can display an object containing sponsor-related information on the broadcast screen in the same way as objects related to the progress of the broadcast (e.g., real-time footage from a broadcast camera, a streamer's broadcast character image, chat content, etc.). For example, the second external electronic device (420) can display an object containing sponsor-related information on the broadcast screen in the form of a widget.

[0074] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating a sponsor intermediary system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, in which a game content operation module, a game content provision module, a game function linkage module, and a game function display module are contained in different devices. Referring to Figure 5, the sponsor intermediary system may include an electronic device (500) (e.g., electronic device (100) in Figure 1), a first external electronic device (510), a second external electronic device (520), and a third external electronic device (530). Here, the electronic device (500) is a sponsor intermediary server, the first external electronic device (510) is a viewer terminal, the second external electronic device (520) is a first streamer terminal, and the third external electronic device (530) may be a second streamer terminal connected to the first streamer terminal. Figure 5 illustrates a sponsor intermediary system in which the game content operation module (522), the game content provision module (524), and the game function linkage module (526) are included in the second external electronic device (520), and the game function display module (532) is included in the third external electronic device (530).

[0075] First, the first external electronic device (510) can provide an interface to help viewers sponsor streamers. For example, the first external electronic device (510) can display a list of sponsors that influence game content and receive user input to select one of the sponsors included in the list. In addition, the first external electronic device (510) can, in response to receiving user input, transmit a signal related to the selected sponsor to the electronic device (500).

[0076] Electronic device (500), having received a sponsor-related signal from the first external electronic device (510), can acquire sponsor-related information based on the received signal. Here, sponsor-related information may include at least one of the following: sponsor identification information, the content of the game function corresponding to the sponsor, or the time until the game function corresponding to the sponsor is applied (e.g., remaining time). Electronic device (500) can also transmit a signal related to the game function corresponding to the sponsor to the second external electronic device (520) based on the sponsor-related information. Electronic device (500) can also transmit a signal related to the application of the game function corresponding to the sponsor to the third external electronic device (530) connected to the second external electronic device (520).

[0077] A second external electronic device (520), having received a signal from the electronic device (500) related to a sponsor-related game function, can apply the game function to the game content via the game function linkage module (526). Here, the game function may include a function to change at least one attribute (e.g., health, movement speed, field of view, etc.) of the user's character or game object (e.g., mob) included in the game content, a function to add a game item (e.g., weapon) that the user's character can use to the game content, or a function to add a game object to the game content. Subsequently, the second external electronic device (520) can provide the game content to which the game function has been applied via the game content provision module (524). For example, the second external electronic device (520) can display a screen containing the game content to which the game function has been applied via a display.

[0078] According to one embodiment, the second external electronic device (520) can apply a game function to the game content via the game function linkage module (526) after a predetermined time has elapsed following the reception of a signal related to the game function. Furthermore, if there are other game functions waiting to be applied by other sponsors, the second external electronic device (520) can apply the game function to the game content after the other waiting game functions have been applied. For example, the second external electronic device (520) can apply the game function to the game content after a predetermined time has elapsed following the application of other waiting game functions. In other words, the second external electronic device (520) can sequentially apply the game function to the game content together with other game functions waiting to be applied. For example, the second external electronic device (520) can store and manage signals for the application of game functions in a queue-type data structure, and can add and manage at least one game function to be applied to the game content in a list.

[0079] A third external electronic device (530), having received a signal from the electronic device (500) related to the application of game functions corresponding to a sponsor, can display an object containing sponsor-related information superimposed on at least a portion of the screen containing game content via the game function display module (532). For example, the third external electronic device (530) can display an object containing sponsor-related information on the broadcast screen in the same way as objects related to the progress of the broadcast (e.g., real-time footage from a broadcast camera, a streamer's broadcast character image, chat content, etc.). For example, the third external electronic device (530) can display an object containing sponsor-related information on the broadcast screen in widget form.

[0080] Figure 6 illustrates a sponsor intermediary system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, in which a game content provision module and a game function linkage module and a game content operation module and a game function display module are included in different devices. Referring to Figure 6, the sponsor intermediary system may include an electronic device (600) (e.g., electronic device (100) in Figure 1), a first external electronic device (610), a second external electronic device (620), and a third external electronic device (630). Here, the electronic device (600) may be a sponsor intermediary server, the first external electronic device (610) may be a viewer terminal, the second external electronic device (620) may be a game server, and the third external electronic device (630) may be a streamer terminal. In Figure 6, a sponsor intermediary system in which the game content provision module (622) and the game function linkage module (624) are included in the second external electronic device (620), and the game content operation module (632) and the game function display module (634) are included in the third external electronic device (630) will be described.

[0081] First, the first external electronic device (610) can provide an interface to help viewers sponsor streamers. For example, the first external electronic device (610) can display a list of sponsors that influence game content and receive user input to select one of the sponsors included in the list. In addition, the first external electronic device (610) can, in response to receiving user input, transmit a signal related to the selected sponsor to the electronic device (600).

[0082] Electronic device (600), having received a sponsor-related signal from the first external electronic device (610), can acquire sponsor-related information based on the received signal. Here, sponsor-related information may include at least one of the following: sponsor identification information, the content of the game function corresponding to the sponsor, or the time until the game function corresponding to the sponsor is applied (e.g., remaining time). Furthermore, electronic device (600) can transmit a signal related to the game function corresponding to the sponsor to the second external electronic device (620) based on the sponsor-related information.

[0083] A second external electronic device (620), having received a signal from the electronic device (600) related to a sponsor-related game function, can apply the game function to the game content via the game function linkage module (624). Here, the game function may include a function to change at least one attribute (e.g., health, movement speed, field of view, etc.) of the user's character or game object (e.g., mob) included in the game content, a function to add a game item (e.g., weapon) that the user's character can use to the game content, or a function to add a game object to the game content. Subsequently, the second external electronic device (620) can provide the game content to which the game function has been applied via the game content provision module (622). For example, the second external electronic device (620) can transmit the game content to which the game function has been applied to a third external electronic device (630).

[0084] In one embodiment, the second external electronic device (620) can apply a game function to the game content via the game function linkage module (624) after a predetermined time has elapsed following the reception of a signal related to the game function. For example, the second external electronic device (620) previously transmitted the game content before the game function was applied to the third external electronic device (630). However, after a signal related to the game function is received and a predetermined time has elapsed, the second external electronic device (620) can transmit the game content with the game function applied to it to the third external electronic device (630). Furthermore, if there are other game functions waiting to be applied by other sponsors, the second external electronic device (620) can apply the game function to the game content after the other waiting game functions have been applied. For example, the second external electronic device (620) can apply the game function to the game content after a predetermined time has elapsed following the application of other waiting game functions. In other words, the second external electronic device (620) can sequentially apply the game function to the game content along with other game functions waiting to be applied. For example, the second external electronic device (620) can store and manage signals for applying game functions in a queue-type data structure, and can add and manage at least one game function to be applied to game content in a list.

[0085] The third external electronic device (630), having received game content from the second external electronic device (620), can display the screen containing the game content via a display. Furthermore, the third external electronic device (630) can receive user input during gameplay via a game content operation module (632), and transmit the received user input to the second external electronic device (620) so that the user input is reflected in the game content.

[0086] In one embodiment, the second external electronic device (620) can transmit signals to the third external electronic device (630) related to the application of sponsor-related game functions. In another embodiment, the electronic device (600) can transmit signals to the third external electronic device (630) related to the application of sponsor-related game functions.

[0087] A third external electronic device (630), having received a signal from an electronic device (600) or a second external electronic device (620) related to the application of game functions corresponding to a sponsor, can display an object containing sponsor-related information superimposed on at least a portion of the screen containing game content via a game function display module (634). For example, the third external electronic device (630) can display an object containing sponsor-related information on the broadcast screen in the same way as objects related to the progress of the broadcast (e.g., real-time footage from a broadcast camera, a streamer's broadcast character image, chat content, etc.). For example, the third external electronic device (630) can display an object containing sponsor-related information on the broadcast screen in widget form.

[0088] Figure 7 illustrates a sponsor intermediary system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, in which a game content provision module, a game function linkage module, a game content operation module, and a game function display module are contained in different devices. Referring to Figure 7, the sponsor intermediary system may include an electronic device (700) (e.g., electronic device (100) in Figure 1), a first external electronic device (710), a second external electronic device (720), a third external electronic device (730), and a fourth external electronic device (740). Here, the electronic device (700) is a sponsor intermediary server, the first external electronic device (710) is a viewer terminal, the second external electronic device (720) is a game server, the third external electronic device (730) is a first streamer terminal, and the fourth external electronic device (740) may be a second streamer terminal connected to the first streamer terminal. Figure 7 illustrates a sponsor intermediary system in which the game content provision module (722) and the game function linkage module (724) are included in the second external electronic device (720), the game content operation module (732) is included in the third external electronic device (730), and the game function display module (742) is included in the fourth external electronic device (740).

[0089] First, the first external electronic device (710) can provide an interface to help viewers sponsor streamers. For example, the first external electronic device (710) may display a list of sponsors that influence game content and receive user input to select one of the sponsors included in the list. In addition, the first external electronic device (710) may, in response to receiving user input, transmit a signal to the electronic device (700) related to the selected sponsor.

[0090] Electronic device (700), having received a sponsor-related signal from the first external electronic device (710), can acquire sponsor-related information based on the received signal. Here, sponsor-related information may include at least one of the following: sponsor identification information, the content of the game function corresponding to the sponsor, or the time until the game function corresponding to the sponsor is applied (e.g., remaining time). Furthermore, electronic device (700) can transmit a signal related to the game function corresponding to the sponsor to the second external electronic device (720) based on the sponsor-related information.

[0091] Upon receiving a signal from the electronic device (700) related to a sponsor-related game function, the second external electronic device (720) can apply the game function to the game content via the game function linkage module (724). Here, the game function may include a function to change at least one attribute (e.g., health, movement speed, field of view, etc.) of the user's character or game object (e.g., mob) included in the game content, a function to add a game item (e.g., weapon) that the user's character can use to the game content, or a function to add a game object to the game content. Subsequently, the second external electronic device (720) can provide the game content to which the game function has been applied via the game content provision module (722). For example, the second external electronic device (720) can transmit the game content to which the game function has been applied to the third external electronic device (730).

[0092] In one embodiment, the second external electronic device (720) can apply a game function to the game content via the game function linkage module (724) after a predetermined time has elapsed following the reception of a signal related to the game function. For example, the second external electronic device (720) previously transmitted the game content before the game function was applied to the third external electronic device (730). However, after a signal related to the game function is received and a predetermined time has elapsed, the second external electronic device (720) can transmit the game content with the game function applied to it to the third external electronic device (730). Furthermore, if there are other game functions waiting to be applied by other sponsors, the second external electronic device (720) can apply the game function to the game content after the other waiting game functions have been applied. For example, the second external electronic device (720) can apply the game function to the game content after a predetermined time has elapsed following the application of other waiting game functions. In other words, the second external electronic device (720) can sequentially apply the game function to the game content along with other game functions waiting to be applied. For example, the second external electronic device (720) can store and manage signals for applying game functions in a queue-type data structure, and can add and manage at least one game function to be applied to game content in a list.

[0093] The third external electronic device (730), having received game content from the second external electronic device (720), can display the screen containing the game content via a display. Furthermore, the third external electronic device (730) can receive user input during gameplay via a game content operation module (732), and transmit the received user input to the second external electronic device (720) so that the user input is reflected in the game content.

[0094] In one embodiment, the second external electronic device (720) can transmit signals related to the application of sponsor-related game functions to the fourth external electronic device (740), which is connected to the third external electronic device (730). In another embodiment, the electronic device (700) can transmit signals related to the application of sponsor-related game functions to the fourth external electronic device (740), which is connected to the third external electronic device (730).

[0095] A fourth external electronic device (740), having received a signal from an electronic device (700) or a second external electronic device (720) related to the application of game functions corresponding to a sponsor, can display an object containing sponsor-related information superimposed on at least a portion of the screen containing game content via a game function display module (742). For example, the fourth external electronic device (740) can display an object containing sponsor-related information on the broadcast screen in the same way as objects related to the progress of the broadcast (e.g., real-time footage from a broadcast camera, a streamer's broadcast character image, chat content, etc.). For example, the fourth external electronic device (740) can display an object containing sponsor-related information on the broadcast screen in the form of a widget.

[0096] In Figures 4 and 5 mentioned above, the game content manipulation module (422, 522) and the game content provision module (424, 524) are included in the streamer terminal, meaning the entire game content is installed on the streamer terminal and the game can run independently on the streamer terminal without interaction with the game server. In Figures 6 and 7 mentioned above, the game content manipulation module (632, 732) is included in the streamer terminal and the game content provision module (622, 722) is included in the game server, meaning at least a portion of the game content is installed on the streamer terminal and the game can run on the streamer terminal through interaction with the game server. In this case, the game may include a plugging game in which game functions corresponding to sponsors can be applied during game operation. A plugging game can refer to a game in which software modules (e.g., game functions) developed by users or third parties can be added to the game content created by the game developer.

[0097] Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating the operation method of a sponsor intermediary system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Figure 8, the first external electronic device (810) can determine a sponsor in step 852 (S852). For example, the first external electronic device (810) can display a list of sponsors that affect game content and receive user input to select one of the sponsors included in the list. Then, in step 854 (S854), the first external electronic device (810) can transmit a signal related to the sponsor to the electronic device (800).

[0098] Having received a sponsor-related signal from the first external electronic device (810), the electronic device (800) can acquire sponsor-related information based on the received signal. Subsequently, in step 856 (S856), the electronic device (800) can transmit a signal to the game function display module (820) related to the application of a game function corresponding to the sponsor.

[0099] Upon receiving a signal from the electronic device (800) related to the application of a game function corresponding to a sponsor, the game function display module (820) can generate an object containing sponsor-related information in step 858 (S858). Subsequently, the game function display module (820) can transmit the object containing sponsor-related information to the game content provision module (840), which in step 860 (S860) can overlay and display the object containing sponsor-related information on the screen displaying the game content. For example, the game content provision module (840) can display the object containing sponsor-related information on the broadcast screen in widget form.

[0100] In step 862 (S862), the electronic device (800) can transmit a signal related to a sponsor-related game function to the game function linkage module (830). Upon receiving the signal related to a sponsor-related game function from the electronic device (800), the game function linkage module (830) can apply the game function to the game content in step 864 (S864). For example, the game function linkage module (830) can change at least one attribute (e.g., health, movement speed, field of view, etc.) of the user's character or game object (e.g., mob) included in the game content, add a game item (e.g., weapon) that the user's character can use to the game content, or add a game object to the game content. Subsequently, in step 866 (S866), the game content providing module (840) can display the game content to which the game function has been applied. For example, the game content providing module (840) can display a screen containing the game content to which the game function has been applied via a display.

[0101] According to one embodiment, step 862 may be executed before step 856. Alternatively, steps 856 and 862 may be executed simultaneously. However, regardless of the execution order of steps 856 and 862, step 866 may be executed after step 860.

[0102] Figure 9 illustrates a method for providing sponsor types according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Figure 9, a viewer terminal can provide an interface (900) that assists viewers in sponsoring a streamer. The interface (900) can display a list of sponsors that affect game content. Alternatively, the interface (900) can assist viewers in randomly selecting sponsors. In this case, the interface (900) can classify and provide sponsor types according to how the game features corresponding to the sponsors affect the game progression. For example, game features may have an effect that affects the game progression and can be classified into positive effects (or supportive effects) and negative effects (or disruptive effects). According to one embodiment, at least one of the game features corresponding to a sponsor or the sponsor type may be classified by the streamer, and the streamer can add, change, or delete such classifications. Furthermore, the content of the streamer's classification of at least one of the game features or sponsor types, and the addition, change, or deletion of classifications, may be reflected in the interface (900) and exposed to viewers.

[0103] The interface (900) may include a first object (910) capable of randomly selecting game features that can have a negative (or disruptive) effect on the game, a second object (920) capable of randomly selecting game features that can have a positive (or supportive) effect on the game, and a third object (930) for providing a detailed list of sponsor types.

[0104] If a first object (910) or a second object (920) is selected, the interface (900) can assist in randomly selecting a game feature that can provide the selected positive (or supportive) or negative (or disruptive) effect. If a third object (930) is selected, the interface (900) can assist in providing a detailed list of sponsor types, as shown in Figure 10.

[0105] Figure 10 illustrates a method for providing a detailed list of sponsor types according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Figure 10, a viewer terminal may provide an interface (1000) that assists viewers in sponsoring a streamer. The interface (1000) may classify and provide sponsor types according to how the corresponding game features affect the game progression. For example, the interface (1000) may include a first object (1010) that can randomly select game features that can have a negative (or disruptive) effect on the game, a second object (1020) that can randomly select game features that can have a positive (or supportive) effect on the game, and a detailed list (1030) of sponsor types.

[0106] The detailed list of sponsor types (1030) may be modified depending on the selection of the first object (1010) or the second object (1020). For example, if the first object (1010) is selected, the detailed list of sponsor types (1030) may display a group of game features that can have a negative (or disruptive) effect on the game, and if the second object (1020) is selected, it may display a group of game features that can have a positive (or supportive) effect on the game. In this case, each game feature displayed as an item may include information about the game feature's identification, its content, and the probability of it being randomly selected.

[0107] Figure 11 is a diagram illustrating a method for randomly selecting sponsors according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Figure 11, a viewer terminal can provide an interface (1100) that assists viewers in sponsoring streamers. The interface (1100) can assist viewers in randomly selecting sponsors. In this case, the interface (1100) can classify and provide types of sponsors according to how the game features corresponding to the sponsors affect the game progression, and can assist in randomly selecting game features that can provide the selected positive (or supportive) or negative (or disruptive) effect.

[0108] The interface (1100) may include an image (1110) (e.g., a random box image) indicating whether the selected game feature is a positive (or supportive) or negative (or detrimental) game feature, information regarding the sponsorship amount for the random game feature (1120), a button to select the random game feature (1130) (e.g., a button to select random gacha), a button to select whether to prioritize the randomly selected game feature (1140), a button to select whether to anonymize the sponsor's identification information when sponsoring (1150), a button to select whether to skip the animation displayed when a game feature is randomly selected (1160), a cancel button (1170), a button to provide a detailed list of sponsorship types (1180), and a button to provide a history of game features sponsored by the user (1190).

[0109] Figure 12 is a diagram illustrating a method for displaying randomly selected sponsors according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Figure 12, a viewer terminal may provide an interface (1200) that assists viewers in sponsoring streamers. The interface (1200) can assist viewers in randomly selecting sponsors. Figure 12 illustrates a method for displaying game functions corresponding to randomly selected sponsors. For example, the interface (1200) shown in Figure 12 may represent the interface after the random game function selection button (1130) included in the interface (1100) of Figure 11 has been selected.

[0110] The interface (1200) may include an image (1210) showing the application status of the selected game feature, information about the probability of the selected game feature being randomly selected (1220), identification information for the selected game feature (1230), a button to select a random game feature (1240), a button to randomly select a game feature again without applying the selected game feature (1250), a button to select whether to anonymize the sponsor's identification information when sponsoring (1260), a button to select whether to skip the animation displayed when a game feature is randomly selected (1270), a button to provide a detailed list of sponsor types (1280), and a button to provide a history of game features sponsored by the user (1290).

[0111] According to one embodiment, in the case of a button (1250) that randomly selects a game function again without applying the selected game function, information indicating that a discount amount will be applied may be displayed adjacent to the button (1250), and information indicating the time available for selecting the button (1250) (e.g., a timer) may be displayed within the button (1250).

[0112] Figure 13 illustrates another method for displaying randomly selected sponsors according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Figure 13, a viewer terminal may provide an interface (1300) that assists viewers in sponsoring streamers. The interface (1300) may assist viewers in randomly selecting sponsors. Figure 13 illustrates a method for displaying game features corresponding to randomly selected sponsors. For example, the interface (1300) shown in Figure 13 may represent the interface after the random game feature selection button (1130) included in the interface (1100) of Figure 11 has been selected.

[0113] The interface (1300) may include an image (1310) showing the application status of the selected game function, information regarding the probability of the selected game function being randomly selected (1320), identification information for the selected game function (1330), a button to select a random game function (1340), information regarding the sponsorship amount for the random game function (1342), a button to change the game function (1350), information regarding the sponsorship amount associated with changing the game function (1352), a button to select whether to anonymize the sponsor's identification information when sponsoring (1360), a button to select whether to skip the animation displayed when a game function is randomly selected (1370), and a button (1380) to provide a history of game functions sponsored by the user.

[0114] According to one embodiment, in the case of a game function change button (1350), information indicating the selectable time for the button (1350) (e.g., a timer) may be displayed adjacent to the button (1350).

[0115] Figure 14 illustrates yet another method for displaying randomly selected sponsors according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Figure 14, a viewer terminal may provide an interface (1400) that assists viewers in sponsoring streamers. The interface (1400) may assist viewers in randomly selecting sponsors. Figure 14 illustrates a method for displaying game features corresponding to randomly selected sponsors. For example, the interface (1400) shown in Figure 14 may represent the interface after the random game feature selection button (1130) included in the interface (1100) of Figure 11 has been selected.

[0116] The interface (1400) may include an image (1410) showing the application status of the selected game feature, information on the probability of the selected game feature being randomly selected (1420), identification information for the selected game feature (1430), a button to select a random game feature (1440), information on the sponsorship amount for the random game feature (1442), a button to randomly select a game feature again without applying the selected game feature (1450), information on the sponsorship amount associated with the re-selection of a game feature (1452), a button to select whether to anonymize the sponsor's identification information when sponsoring (1460), a button to select whether to skip the animation displayed when a game feature is randomly selected (1470), a button to provide a detailed list of sponsorship types (1480), and a button to provide a history of game features sponsored by the user (1490).

[0117] According to one embodiment, in the case of a button (1450) that randomly selects a game function again without applying the selected game function, an animation can be applied to the button (1450) to indicate the remaining time until the button (1450) is selectable. For example, an animation can be applied to the button (1450) in which the color of the button (1450) gradually changes to another color over time.

[0118] Figure 15 illustrates a method for displaying an object containing sponsor-related information according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Figure 15, a streamer terminal can overlay an object (1500) containing sponsor-related information onto a screen displaying game content (e.g., a broadcast screen). The object (1500) containing sponsor-related information may include a list having at least one game function applicable to the game content as an item (1510). Each item (1510) may include at least one of the following: an image (1510) indicating the game function, sponsor identification information (1512) (e.g., sponsor's nickname), game function identification information (1514), or information (1518) indicating the time until the game function is applied to the game content (e.g., remaining time).

[0119] In one embodiment, the identification information (1514) of a game function may include information (1516) regarding the number of times the selected game function has been selected. For example, when a sponsor randomly selects a game function, the game function desired by the sponsor may not be selected. In this case, the sponsor can select a game function again by selecting a button (1250, 1450) that randomly selects a game function again without applying the selected game function shown in Figures 12 and 14, or by selecting a button (1350) that changes the game function shown in Figure 13. In this way, information (1516) regarding the number of times the re-selected game function has been selected may be included in the identification information (1514).

[0120] According to one embodiment, information (1518) indicating the time until a game function is applied to game content may be counted in a manner that decreases the remaining time, like a timer, and may be displayed in at least one of the following forms: clock form or progress bar form.

[0121] Figure 16 illustrates a method for providing a list of sponsors according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Figure 16, a viewer terminal may provide an interface (1600) that helps viewers sponsor streamers. The interface (1600) may display a list of sponsors that affect game content. For example, the interface (1600) may include a list having game features that affect game content as items (1610, 1620, 1630, 1640, 1650). Each item (1610, 1620, 1630, 1640, 1650) may include an image representing the game feature, identification information for the game feature (1612), content of the game feature (1614), information regarding the sponsorship amount for the game feature (1616), and a selection button for the game feature (1618).

[0122] According to one embodiment, the items included in the list of sponsors that affect game content (1610, 1620, 1630, 1640, 1650) may be determined by the system or the streamer. Information regarding sponsorship amounts for game features (1616) may also be determined by the system or the streamer.

[0123] If a selection button (1618) for a game function included in any one of the items (1610, 1620, 1630, 1640, 1650) in the list is selected, the interface (1700) can assist in providing information related to the selected sponsor, as shown in Figure 17.

[0124] Figure 17 illustrates a method for displaying a list of selected sponsors according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Figure 17, a viewer terminal may provide an interface (1700) that helps viewers sponsor streamers. The interface (1700) may include information relating to a sponsor corresponding to any one game feature selected by the viewer from a list having game features that affect game content as items.

[0125] The interface (1700) may include information regarding the sponsorship amount for the selected game feature (1710), an image showing the application status of the selected game feature (1720), identification information for the selected game feature (1730), the content of the selected game feature (1740), a button to select the selected game feature (1750), a button to select whether to apply the selected game feature preferentially (1760), a button to select whether to anonymize the sponsor's identification information when sponsoring (1770), and a button to select whether to skip the animation displayed when selecting a game feature (1780).

[0126] Figure 18 illustrates a method for displaying sponsors corresponding to game features that are executed in accordance with the results of a vote determined by sponsors during a predetermined period of time, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Figure 18, a viewer terminal may provide an interface (1800) that helps viewers sponsor streamers. The interface (1800) may include information relating to sponsors corresponding to any one game feature selected by the viewer from a list having game features that affect game content as items.

[0127] On the other hand, game features that affect game content may include features that are executed in accordance with the results of a vote determined by sponsors during a predetermined period of time. For example, a game feature that forcibly ends the game in progress (e.g., a feature that kills the streamer's character) may disrupt the flow of the game and may cause discomfort to many viewers. Thus, in the case of certain game features, they may be executed in accordance with the results of a vote determined by sponsors during a predetermined period of time, depending on the system or streamer settings. In this case, the interface (1800) may include information indicating the voting deadline (1810), identification information for the game feature that conducts the voting (1820), the content of the game feature that conducts the voting (1830), information indicating the progress of the voting (1840), information regarding the sponsor amount required to participate in the voting (1850), and a button to participate in the voting (1860).

[0128] In one embodiment, the information (1810) indicating the voting deadline can be counted using a timer-like method where the remaining time decreases. In this case, if the remaining time is less than a predetermined time (e.g., 1 minute), the information (1810) indicating the voting deadline can be changed to specific text (e.g., "Deadline approaching"). The remaining time can also be the sum of a time arbitrarily set by the system (e.g., 1 second to 60 seconds) and the actual remaining time (e.g., 1 minute). Furthermore, the information (1840) indicating the progress of voting may include information on the number (and / or percentage) of sponsors who support the application of the game function and the number (and / or percentage) of sponsors who oppose the application of the game function. The ratio of sponsors who support the application of the game function to those who oppose it can be represented by a graph showing the share ratio.

[0129] According to one embodiment, a game feature that affects game content may include a feature that is executed when a predetermined sponsorship amount is achieved together with at least one other sponsor. For example, in the case of a game feature that has a significant impact on the game during gameplay, the system or streamer settings can help ensure that the application to the game content is decided by a number of sponsors. In this case, the method of decision by a number of sponsors may include not only the method of voting for or against, as mentioned above, but also the method of achieving a predetermined sponsorship amount. In this case, the interface (1800) may include information indicating the sponsorship deadline, identification information for the game feature, the content of the game feature, information regarding the sponsorship amount set to apply the game feature, information regarding the total sponsorship amount to date, information regarding the sponsorship amount required to join the sponsorship, and a button to join the sponsorship.

[0130] Figure 19 illustrates a method for displaying objects related to a game feature that is executed in response to the results of a vote determined by sponsors during a given period of time, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Figure 19, a streamer terminal can overlay objects (1910) containing sponsor-related information onto a screen (1900) (e.g., a broadcast screen) that displays game content. The objects (1910) containing sponsor-related information may include objects related to a game feature that is executed in response to the results of a vote determined by sponsors during a given period of time. For example, the objects (1910) containing sponsor-related information may include identification information for the game feature being voted on, information indicating the voting deadline, and information indicating the progress of the vote. The information indicating the progress of the vote may include information regarding the number (and / or percentage) of sponsors who are in favor of applying the game feature and the number (and / or percentage) of sponsors who are against applying the game feature.

[0131] According to one embodiment, if a game feature that affects game content is a feature that is executed when a predetermined sponsorship amount is achieved together with at least one other sponsor, the object (1910) containing sponsor-related information may include identification information for the game feature, information indicating the sponsorship deadline, information regarding the sponsorship amount set to apply the game feature, and information regarding the total sponsorship amount to date.

[0132] Figure 20 is a diagram illustrating a method for integrating multiple game functions having the same function according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Figure 20, a sponsor intermediary server (e.g., electronic device (100) in Figure 1) can integrate multiple game functions (2010, 2020) having the same function. For example, if multiple game functions (2010, 2020) waiting to be applied to game content have the same function, the sponsor intermediary server can integrate the multiple game functions (2010, 2020) into a game function (2030) with a greater application intensity of the same function. Specifically, as illustrated in Figure 20, if the first game function (2010) is a function that adds n (e.g., 2) game objects (e.g., zombies) to the game content, and the second game function (2020) is a function that adds m (e.g., 3) identical game objects to the game content, then the sponsor intermediary server can integrate the first game function (2010) and the second game function (2020) into a third game function (2030) that adds (n+m) game objects to the game content.

[0133] Figure 21 illustrates a method for integrating multiple game functions having the same functionality in a sponsored list according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Figure 21, when a sponsor intermediary server (e.g., electronic device (100) in Figure 1) receives a sponsor-related signal from a viewer terminal, it can add objects (2110, 2120) containing sponsor-related information to the sponsor information list (2100). Here, the sponsor information list (2100) may include objects (2110, 2120) containing information related to at least one sponsor awaiting application to the game content.

[0134] The sponsor intermediary server can integrate multiple game functions that have the same functionality. For example, if multiple game functions waiting to be applied to game content have the same functionality, the sponsor intermediary server can integrate these multiple game functions into the game function with the greatest application strength for that functionality.

[0135] According to one embodiment, the sponsor intermediary server can integrate duplicate game functions if there are duplicate game functions in the sponsor information list (2100) that are received by the sponsor in the order they were received. For example, if the sponsor information list (2100) contains a first object (2110) and a second object (2120) corresponding to a first game function and a second game function that have the same function in the order they were received, the sponsor intermediary server can integrate the first and second game functions into a third game function that has a greater application strength of the same function. The sponsor intermediary server can also change the first object (2110) and the second object (2120) into a third object (2130) corresponding to the integrated third game function.

[0136] Figure 22 is a diagram illustrating a broadcast screen containing game content according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Figure 22, the streamer terminal can overlay an object (2210) containing sponsor-related information onto a screen (2200) (e.g., the broadcast screen) that displays game content. In this case, the streamer terminal can include the object (2210) containing sponsor-related information only on the broadcast screen (2200) and not on the game screen, similar to objects related to the progress of the broadcast (2220) (e.g., real-time footage from the broadcast camera, the streamer's broadcast character image, chat content, etc.). For example, the streamer terminal can display the object (2210) containing sponsor-related information on the broadcast screen (2200) in widget form.

[0137] An object (2210) containing sponsor-related information may include a list having at least one game function applicable to the game content as an item (2212, 2214, 2216). In this case, of the items (2212, 2214, 2216) included in the list, the item (2212) that is applied immediately after the previous item may include at least one of the following: game function identification information (2212a), information indicating the time until the game function is applied to the game content (e.g., remaining time) (2212b), or sponsor identification information (e.g., sponsor's nickname) and a message (2212c). According to one embodiment, the information indicating the time until the game function is applied to the game content (2212b) may be counted in a way that the remaining time decreases like a timer, and may be displayed in at least one of the following ways: clock form or progress bar form.

[0138] Of the items included in the list (2212, 2214, 2216), the most recently added item (2216) may include images representing game features and sponsor identification information. Additionally, of the items included in the list (2212, 2214, 2216), the remaining items (2214), excluding the most recently added item (2216) and the item immediately following it in order (2212), may include images representing game features.

[0139] Figure 23 illustrates a method for displaying sponsor identification information and game function content in an area adjacent to a user character included in game content, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Figure 23, the streamer terminal can overlay an object (2310) containing sponsor-related information onto the screen (2300) (e.g., broadcast screen) that displays game content. At this time, the streamer terminal can include the object (2310) containing sponsor-related information only on the broadcast screen (2300) and not on the game screen, similar to objects related to the progress of the broadcast (e.g., real-time footage from the broadcast camera, the streamer's broadcast character image, chat content, etc.).

[0140] An object (2310) containing information related to a sponsor may include a list having at least one game function applied to the game content as an item (2312). When the game function of an item (2312) in the list is applied to the game content, an object (2322) containing the sponsor's identification information and the details of the applied game function may be displayed in an area adjacent to the user's character (2320) included in the game content. For example, an object (2322) containing the sponsor's identification information and the details of the applied game function may be displayed above the character's (2320) head.

[0141] Figure 24 illustrates another method for displaying an object containing sponsor-related information according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Figure 24, a streamer terminal can overlay an object (2400) containing sponsor-related information onto a screen displaying game content (e.g., a broadcast screen). The object (2400) containing sponsor-related information may include a list having at least one game feature applicable to the game content as an item (2410, 2420, 2430, 2450). Each item (2410) may include at least one of the following: an image representing the game feature, sponsor identification information (2412) (e.g., sponsor's nickname), game feature identification information (2414), or information (2416) indicating the time until the game feature is applied to the game content (e.g., remaining time).

[0142] According to one embodiment, information (2416) indicating the time until a game function is applied to the game content may be counted in a manner that decreases the remaining time, like a timer, and may be displayed in at least one of the following forms: clock form or progress bar form.

[0143] According to one embodiment, if the number of game functions applied to game content, i.e., game functions awaiting application, exceeds a predetermined number, the items of the game functions corresponding to the excess number can be simplified and displayed as a single item (2450). In this case, the simplified item (2450) may be displayed with a specific symbol (e.g., "+") and a number corresponding to the excess number (e.g., 2) (e.g., "+2"). Subsequently, when some of the game functions of the items (2410, 2420, 2430, 2450) included in the list are applied and the number of game functions awaiting application no longer exceeds the predetermined number, the simplified item (2450) may be deleted.

[0144] Figure 25 illustrates a method for indicating the pausing of game content or a streamer terminal according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Figure 25, a streamer terminal may overlay an object (2500) containing sponsor-related information onto a screen displaying game content (e.g., a broadcast screen). The object (2500) containing sponsor-related information may include a list having at least one game function applicable to the game content as an item (2520).

[0145] According to one embodiment, if a game that was in progress is paused or a first streamer terminal that sends out the game screen stops, a second streamer terminal that sends out the broadcast screen, i.e., a streamer terminal that displays an object (2500) containing sponsor-related information, can include information (2510) in the object (2500) containing sponsor-related information indicating that the game or streamer terminal has been paused.

[0146] Figure 26 illustrates a method for adding a game object having a name corresponding to sponsor identification information to game content according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Figure 26, the streamer terminal can overlay an object (2610) containing sponsor-related information onto the screen (2600) (e.g., broadcast screen) that displays the game content. At this time, the streamer terminal can include the object (2610) containing sponsor-related information only on the broadcast screen (2600) and not on the game screen, similar to objects related to the progress of the broadcast (e.g., real-time footage from the broadcast camera, the streamer's broadcast character image, chat content, etc.).

[0147] An object (2610) containing information related to a sponsor may include a list having at least one game function applied to the game content as an item (2612). When the game function of an item (2612) in the list is applied to the game content, an object (2622) containing the sponsor's identification information and the details of the applied game function may be displayed in an area adjacent to the user's character (2620) included in the game content. For example, an object (2622) containing the sponsor's identification information and the details of the applied game function may be displayed above the character's (2620) head.

[0148] According to one embodiment, if the applied game function is the function of adding a game object (2630) (e.g., a zombie) to game content, the game object (2630) added to the game content may be generated with a name (2632) corresponding to the sponsor's identification information.

[0149] Figure 27 is a diagram illustrating a sponsor mediation method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Figure 27, the processor of the electronic device for sponsor mediation (e.g., the electronic device (100) in Figure 1) can receive a first signal related to a sponsor from a first external electronic device in 2710 steps (S2710). Here, the first external electronic device may be an electronic device of a viewer that sponsors the streamer, i.e., a viewer terminal. For example, the processor can receive a request signal from the viewer terminal for a sponsor that affects the streamed game content.

[0150] In step 2720 (S2720), the processor may, in response to receiving the first signal, transmit a second signal to a second external electronic device relating to a game function corresponding to the sponsor. Here, the second external electronic device may be an electronic device of a streamer providing game content, i.e., a streamer terminal. Alternatively, the second external electronic device may be a game server providing game content. For example, based on a sponsor request received from a viewer, the processor may transmit a signal relating to a game function applicable to the game content to the streamer terminal or game server providing the game content.

[0151] Subsequently, upon receiving signals related to game functions, the second external electronic device can apply game functions to the game content. Game functions may include functions to change at least one attribute (e.g., health, movement speed, field of view, etc.) of the user's character or game object (e.g., mob) included in the game content, functions to add game items (e.g., weapons) that the user's character can use to the game content, and functions to add game objects to the game content. At this time, the game objects added to the game content may be generated with names corresponding to the sponsor's identification information.

[0152] According to one embodiment, a game function may be applied to game content after a predetermined time has elapsed following the reception of a signal related to the game function. For example, a game function may be applied to game content after a predetermined buffer period following the streamer's recognition of the game function to be applied to the game content. Furthermore, if there are other game functions waiting to be applied by other sponsors, a game function may be applied to game content after those other waiting game functions have been applied. In this case, the time during which the game function is applied, i.e., the predetermined time counted after the reception of a signal related to the game function, may begin counting after the other waiting games have been applied. For example, a game function may be applied to game content after a predetermined time has elapsed following the application of other waiting games.

[0153] According to one embodiment, game functions can be sequentially applied to game content along with other game functions that are waiting to be applied. For this purpose, signals for applying game functions can be stored and managed in a queue-type data structure. In addition, at least one game function to be applied to game content can be added to a list and managed.

[0154] According to one embodiment, sponsor-related information may be exposed (e.g., displayed) on the broadcast screen, i.e., the screen containing the game content, until the game function corresponding to the sponsor is applied to the game content. For example, an object containing sponsor-related information may be displayed superimposed on at least a portion of the area of ​​the screen containing the game content. Here, sponsor-related information may include at least one of the following: sponsor identification information, the content of the game function corresponding to the sponsor, or the time until the game function corresponding to the sponsor is applied (e.g., remaining time). In this case, the time until the game function is applied may be counted in a manner in which the remaining time decreases, like a timer, and may be displayed in at least one of the following forms: clock form or progress bar form. Furthermore, an object containing sponsor-related information is an object that is not included in the game screen but is included only in the broadcast screen, similar to objects related to the progress of the broadcast, such as the real-time shooting screen of the broadcast camera, the broadcast character image of the streamer, and chat content, and may be a broadcast widget displayed in widget form on the broadcast screen.

[0155] According to one embodiment, when a game function corresponding to a sponsor is applied to game content, the sponsor's identification information and the content of the game function corresponding to the sponsor may be displayed in an area adjacent to the user's character included in the game content.

[0156] The flowchart and explanation described above are merely examples and may be implemented differently in some embodiments. For example, in some embodiments, the order of the steps may be changed, some steps may be repeated, some steps may be omitted, or some steps may be added.

[0157] The methods described above may be provided as computer programs stored on a computer-readable recording medium for execution on a computer. The medium may continuously store computer-executable programs or temporarily store them for execution or download. The medium may be various recording or storage means in the form of a combination of one or more hardware components, and is not limited to a medium directly connected to a computer system, but may be distributed over a network. Examples of media include magnetic media such as hard disks, floppy disks and magnetic tapes, optical recording media such as CD-ROMs and DVDs, magneto-optical media such as floptical disks, and ROM, RAM, flash memory, etc., which may be configured to store program instructions. Other examples of media include recording or storage media managed by app stores that distribute applications, and sites and servers that supply or distribute various other software.

[0158] The methods, operations, or techniques described herein may be embodied by various means. For example, these techniques may be embodied in hardware, firmware, software, or a combination thereof. A person of ordinary skill will understand that the various exemplary logical blocks, modules, circuits, and algorithmic stages described in conjunction with the disclosure may be embodied in electronic hardware, computer software, or a combination thereof. To clearly illustrate such interchangeability of hardware and software, various exemplary components, blocks, modules, circuits, and stages have been generally described above in terms of their functional aspects. Whether such functions are embodied as hardware or as software depends on the design requirements imposed on the particular application and the overall system. A person of ordinary skill may embodied the functions described in various ways for their respective specific applications, but such embodiments should not be construed as deviating from the scope of this disclosure.

[0159] In hardware implementations, the processing unit used to perform the technique may be embodied in one or more ASICs, DSPs, digital signal processing devices (DSPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), processors, controllers, microcontrollers, microprocessors, electronic devices, other electronic units designed to perform the functions described herein, computers, or combinations thereof.

[0160] Accordingly, the various exemplary logic blocks, modules, and circuits described in conjunction with this disclosure may be embodied or executed in any combination of general-purpose processors, DSPs, ASICs, FPGAs or other programmable logic devices, discrete gates and transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination of those designed to perform the functions described herein. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but alternatively, the processor may be any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. The processor may also be embodied in a combination of computing devices, such as a DSP and a microprocessor, multiple microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other combination of configurations.

[0161] In firmware and / or software embodiments, the technique may be embodied as instructions stored on a computer-readable medium such as random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), non-volatile random access memory (NVRAM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable PROM (EEPROM), flash memory, compact disc (CD), or magnetic or optical data storage devices. The instructions may be executable by one or more processors, causing the processors to perform specific aspects of the functionality described herein.

[0162] When embodied in software, the techniques described above may be stored on or transmitted as one or more instructions or codes on a computer-readable medium. Computer-readable medium includes any medium that facilitates the transmission of a computer program from one location to another, and includes both computer storage and communication media. Storage media may be any available medium accessible by a computer. In non-limiting examples, such computer-readable media may include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to transport or store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and is accessible by a computer. Any connection may also be appropriately referred to as computer-readable medium.

[0163] For example, when software is transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, digital subscriber line (DSL), or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave, these are included within the definition of a medium. As used in this application, disks and discs include CDs, laserdiscs, optical discs, DVDs (digital versatile discs), floppy disks, and Blu-ray discs, where disks typically reproduce data magnetically, while discs reproduce data optically using a laser. Any combination of the above should also be included within the scope of a computer-readable medium.

[0164] The software module may reside in RAM memory, flash memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, registers, hard disk, removable disk, CD-ROM, or any other known form of storage medium. An exemplary storage medium may be connected to the processor so that the processor can read information from or write information to the storage medium. Alternatively, the storage medium may be integrated into the processor. The processor and storage medium may reside within an ASIC. The ASIC may reside within a user terminal. Alternatively, the processor and storage medium may reside as separate components in the user terminal.

[0165] Although the embodiments described above are described as utilizing aspects of the subject matter currently disclosed in one or more standalone computer systems, the disclosure is not limited to and may be embodied in conjunction with any computing environment, such as a network or a distributed computing environment. Furthermore, aspects of the subject matter may be embodied in multiple processing chips or devices in this disclosure, and storage may be similarly affected across multiple devices. These devices may include PCs, network servers, and portable devices.

[0166] While this disclosure has been described in relation to some embodiments, various modifications and alterations may be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure as understandable to a person with ordinary skill in the art to which the invention of this disclosure pertains. Such modifications and alterations should be considered to fall within the scope of the claims appended to this specification.

Claims

1. A sponsor intermediary method, which is executed by at least one processor, The steps include receiving a first signal related to the sponsor from a first external electronic device, The process includes the step of transmitting a second signal to a second external electronic device in response to the reception of the first signal, relating to a first game function corresponding to the sponsor, The first game function described above is: A sponsorship intermediary method applicable to game content provided by the second external electronic device.

2. The sponsor mediation method according to claim 1, wherein a first object containing information related to the sponsor is displayed superimposed on at least a portion of the area of ​​the screen displaying the game content.

3. The sponsor mediation method according to claim 2, wherein the information relating to the sponsor includes at least one of the sponsor's identification information, the content of the first game function, and the time until the first game function is applied.

4. The sponsor mediation method according to claim 2, wherein the first object is generated in the second external electronic device in response to the reception of the second signal.

5. The process further includes the step of transmitting a third signal related to the application of the first game function to a third external electronic device connected to the second external electronic device in response to the reception of the first signal, The sponsor mediation method according to claim 2, wherein the first object is generated in the third external electronic device in response to the reception of the third signal.

6. The sponsor intermediary method according to claim 2, wherein the game content to which the first game function is applied is transmitted from the second external electronic device to the third external electronic device.

7. The further step includes transmitting a third signal related to the application of the first game function to the third external electronic device, The sponsor mediation method according to claim 6, wherein the first object is generated in the third external electronic device in response to the reception of the third signal.

8. The process further includes the step of transmitting a third signal related to the application of the game function to a fourth external electronic device connected to the third external electronic device, The sponsor mediation method according to claim 6, wherein the first object is generated in the fourth external electronic device in response to the reception of the third signal.

9. The sponsor mediation method according to claim 2, wherein, if a third signal related to another sponsor is received before the reception of the first signal, and before a second game function corresponding to the other sponsor is applied to the game content, the first object is added to a list that includes a second object containing information related to the other sponsor.

10. If the first game function has the same function as the second game function, the first and second game functions are integrated into a third game function that has a greater application intensity of the same function. The sponsor mediation method according to claim 9, wherein instead of adding the first object to the list, the second object already included in the list is changed to a third object corresponding to the third game function.

11. The sponsor mediation method according to claim 2, wherein the first game function is a function that is executed in accordance with the results of a vote determined by the sponsor for a predetermined period of time, and the first object includes the content of the vote.

12. The sponsor mediation method according to claim 2, wherein the first game function is a function that is executed when a predetermined sponsorship amount is achieved together with at least one other sponsor, and the first object includes the sponsorship amount that has been totaled up to that point.

13. The sponsor intermediary method according to claim 1, wherein when the first game function is applied to the game content, the sponsor's identification information and the content of the first game function are displayed in an area adjacent to the user's character included in the game content.

14. The sponsor mediation method according to claim 1, wherein the first game function includes a function to add a game object having a name corresponding to the sponsor's identification information to the game content.

15. A computer-readable computer program for causing a computer to perform the method described in any one of claims 1 to 14.

16. Communication circuit and Memory and The communication circuit and the memory are connected to at least one processor configured to execute at least one computer-readable program contained in the memory, The at least one program is The first signal related to the sponsor is received from the first external electronic device via the aforementioned communication circuit. The command includes, in response to the reception of the first signal, to transmit a second signal related to the first game function corresponding to the sponsor to a second external electronic device via the communication circuit, An electronic device to which the first game function is applied to game content provided by the second external electronic device.

Images