Content delivery system and content viewing system

Abstract

To provide technology that enables the transmission of communication information about content being viewed, while being aware of similar transmissions by other viewers. [Solution] The server system 1100 includes: a reception control unit 243 that receives communication information when an input preparation operation for inputting given communication information to be reflected on the content screen of the user terminal and an input execution operation following the input preparation operation are performed on the user terminal; a reflection control unit 245 that controls the reflection of the received communication information on the content screen; a detection unit 247 that detects the input preparation operation on the user terminal; and a prediction control unit 249 that calculates a predicted business sentiment index representing the degree of reflection when future reflection control is performed by the reflection control unit 245 based on the detection result of the detection unit 247, and controls the system to send a prediction notification to the user terminal based on the predicted business sentiment index.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This invention relates to a content delivery system, etc., that provides content to a user's terminal. [Background technology]

[0002] As a technology for live streaming of video and other content, there are known technologies that allow viewers (viewing users) to send communication information to the content, such as by commenting on the content to praise it or to support the poster (posting user), or by providing monetary compensation to the poster (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In particular, the provision of compensation from viewers to posters is called "tipping" or "gifting," drawing a parallel to donations from audiences to street performers. Hereafter, it will be collectively referred to as "tipping." [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2019-71957 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0004] The tipping system allows creators to earn income based on the amount of tips they receive, which encourages them to post more. For viewers, it provides the joy of self-expression by publicly sharing their opinions and opinions with other viewers through praise and support, and it is expected to create a lively atmosphere where tips can encourage more tips.

[0005] However, as the atmosphere becomes more lively and communication information such as donations increases, a problem arises where individual posts become less noticeable. In other words, even if a donation is made, if it gets buried among the posts made by other viewers at the same time, the viewer's desire to show their support to the poster is not fulfilled, and they may end up feeling like they missed out.

[0006] The problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide a technology for sending communication information, including tips, for content being viewed, while being aware of similar messages being sent by other viewers. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The first invention for solving the above problems is a content provision system that communicates with a user terminal of a viewing user and provides a given content to the user terminal, comprising: reception control means (for example, reception control unit 243 in Figure 13) that receives communication information when an input preparation operation for inputting given communication information to be reflected on the content screen of the user terminal and an input execution operation after the input preparation operation are performed on the user terminal; reflection control means (for example, reflection control unit 245 in Figure 13) that performs control to reflect the received communication information on the content screen in response to the reception by the reception control means; detection means (for example, detection unit 247 in Figure 13) that detects the input preparation operation on the user terminal; and prediction control means (for example, prediction control unit 249 in Figure 13) that calculates a predicted business sentiment index representing the degree of reflection when future reflection control is performed by the reflection control means based on the detection result of the detection means, and performs control to provide a prediction notification to the user terminal based on the predicted business sentiment index.

[0008] According to the first invention, by detecting the input preparation operation for communication information performed by a user terminal when a viewer transmits communication information, and calculating a predicted economic sentiment index assuming that the communication information is reflected on the content screen after the subsequent input execution operation, the degree of reflection can be predicted. Then, a prediction notification based on the predicted economic sentiment index can be sent to the user terminal. As a result, viewer users can transmit communication information at a time when it will stand out, while considering whether the reflection of their communication information will be buried among other communications. Therefore, it is possible to provide a technology that allows users to transmit communication information about the content they are viewing while being aware of similar transmissions by other viewer users.

[0009] Furthermore, the second invention is a content provision system of the first invention, wherein the input preparation operation includes an operation to set a monetary value that can be added to the communication information to be input, the reflection control means reflects the communication information on the content screen in a form that is different in visibility from when the monetary value is not added, the detection means detects the operation to set the monetary value, and the prediction control means calculates the predicted business conditions index based on the operation to set the monetary value detected by the detection means.

[0010] According to the second invention, when reflecting communication information on a content screen, communication information with added monetary value and communication information without added monetary value can be reflected in a form that has different visibility. Furthermore, the operation of setting the monetary value can be detected, and the detection result can be used in the calculation of the predicted business sentiment index.

[0011] Furthermore, the third invention is a content provision system of the second invention, wherein the reflection control means reflects the received communication information on the content screen in a form that has different visibility depending on the amount of the monetary value when the monetary value is attached to the communication information, and the prediction control means calculates the predicted business conditions index based on the amount of the monetary value detected by the detection means.

[0012] According to the third invention, when reflecting communication information on a content screen, it can be reflected in a form that corresponds to the amount of monetary value attached to the communication information. Furthermore, when an operation to set the monetary value is detected, a predicted business sentiment index can be calculated based on that amount.

[0013] Furthermore, the fourth invention is a content provision system of the third invention, further comprising: a second detection means (for example, the detection unit 247 in Figure 13) for detecting the input preparation operation on the user terminal of the recipient user of the predictive notification; and a destination notification variable control means (for example, the predictive control unit 249 in Figure 13) for variably controlling the predictive notification on the user terminal of the recipient user based on the detection result of the second detection means.

[0014] According to the fourth invention, the input preparation operation of the destination user who is the target of the predictive notification can be detected, and the predictive notification can be controlled variably.

[0015] Furthermore, the fifth invention is a content provision system according to any of the first to fourth inventions, wherein the input preparation operation includes a setting operation to include a comment in the communication information, the reflection control means controls the display of the comment on the content screen, the detection means detects the setting operation of the comment, and the prediction control means calculates the predicted business conditions index based on the content of the comment detected by the detection means.

[0016] According to the fifth invention, comments can be included in the communication information for setting. When a comment setting operation is detected, a predicted situation index can be calculated based on the content of the comment.

[0017] Further, the sixth invention further includes viewing history data management means (for example, the user management unit 210 in FIG. 13, the viewing data 550 in FIG. 14) for managing the viewing history data for each viewing user, and the prediction control means variably controls the prediction notification addressed to the viewing user based on the viewing history data of the viewing user for each viewing user. It is a content providing system according to any one of the first to fifth inventions.

[0018] According to the sixth invention, the prediction notification can be variably controlled according to the viewing history of the destination user who is the target of the prediction notification.

[0019] Further, the seventh invention detects the input preparation operation related to the destination user of the prediction notification and the input preparation operation related to a non-destination user who is a viewing user other than the destination user, and the prediction control means compares the detection result of the detection means related to the destination user with the detection result of the detection means related to the non-destination user relatively to calculate the predicted situation index. It is a content providing system according to any one of the first to sixth inventions.

[0020] According to the seventh invention, a predicted situation index can be calculated by detecting the input preparation operation of the destination user who is the target of the prediction notification and the input preparation operation of a non-destination user other than the destination user and relatively comparing the detection results.

[0021] Further, the eighth invention has calculation standard setting means for setting the calculation standard of the predicted situation index in the prediction control means, and calculates the predicted situation index using the calculation standard. It is a content providing system according to any one of the first to seventh inventions.

[0022] Furthermore, the ninth invention is a content provision system of the eighth invention, wherein the calculation standard setting means sets the calculation standard based on past detection results by the detection means.

[0023] According to the eighth invention, a calculation standard can be set and used to calculate a forecast business sentiment index. Furthermore, according to the ninth invention, the calculation standard can be set from the detection results of past input preparation operations.

[0024] Furthermore, the tenth invention is a content provision system of any of the first to ninth inventions, further comprising user data management means for managing user data for each viewing user (for example, the user management unit 210 in Figure 13, the user management data 540 in Figure 14), wherein the detection means detects the input preparation operation for each viewing user, and the prediction control means variably calculates the prediction business sentiment index based on whether or not there are viewing users whose user data satisfies specific conditions among the viewing users whose input preparation operation has been detected by the detection means.

[0025] According to the tenth invention, the predicted business sentiment index can be calculated variably depending on whether or not there are viewers who meet specific conditions among the viewers performing the input preparation operation.

[0026] Furthermore, the eleventh invention is a content provision system according to any of the first to tenth inventions, wherein the reflection control means has a reflection delay time control means that variably controls the delay time for reflecting the received communication information on the content screen.

[0027] Furthermore, the twelfth invention is a content provision system of the eleventh invention, further comprising a delay time reception control means that receives a delay time setting operation by a specific user among the viewing users that satisfies given specific user conditions, wherein the reflection delay time control means variably controls the delay time for reflecting the communication information of the specific user based on the delay time received by the delay time reception control means.

[0028] According to the 11th invention, the delay time from receiving communication information to reflecting that communication information on the content screen can be variably controlled. Furthermore, according to the 12th invention, viewers can set the delay time by meeting specific user conditions, thereby delaying the reflection of the communication information they have sent.

[0029] Furthermore, the 13th invention is a content provision system according to any of the 1st to 12th inventions, wherein the reception control means requests confirmation from the user terminal on which the input execution operation was performed, whether to cancel or confirm the input execution operation, when the predicted business conditions index satisfies a given confirmation request condition.

[0030] According to the 13th invention, for example, it becomes possible to request confirmation for input execution operations performed when the predicted business sentiment index is high, and to accept cancellation of said input execution operations.

[0031] Furthermore, the 14th invention is a content provision system of any one of the first to 13th inventions, further comprising: recording means for recording provided content in association with time-series data of the predicted business conditions index calculated at the time of provision (for example, the predicted index time-series data 605 in Figure 15); and archive content provision control means (for example, the archive content provision control unit 251 in Figure 13) for determining, based on the time-series data associated with the provided content, when the predicted business conditions index satisfies a given high index condition for the provided content recorded by the recording means, and providing the provided content to the user terminal based on that timing.

[0032] According to the 14th invention, provided content can be recorded along with the predicted business sentiment index calculated at the time of provision. Then, for example, it becomes possible to extract content portions with a high predicted business sentiment index from that content and deliver them as archives to the user's terminal.

[0033] Furthermore, the 15th invention is a content provision system of any one of the first to 14th inventions, further comprising: an input candidate management means (for example, a user management unit 210 in Figure 13) for managing input candidates for the communication information for each viewing user; and a recommendation candidate presentation means (for example, a server processing unit 200s in Figure 13) for selecting and presenting the communication information that is recommended for input from among the input candidates managed by the input candidate management means, based on the predicted business conditions index.

[0034] According to the 15th invention, input candidates corresponding to the predicted economic conditions index can be selected from among the input candidates for communication information and presented to each viewing user as communication information that is recommended for input. The input candidates may be set by the viewing user, for example, or they may be set automatically.

[0035] Furthermore, the sixteenth invention is a content viewing system (for example, the content viewing system 1000 in Figure 1) in which a server system (for example, the server system 1100 in Figure 1) which is a content provision system of any of the first to fifteenth inventions, and a user terminal (for example, the user terminal 1500 in Figure 1) are communicated with each other.

[0036] According to the 16th invention, a content viewing system can be realized that produces the same effects as any of the 1st to 15th inventions. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0037] [Figure 1] A diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a content viewing system. [Figure 2] A diagram showing an example of the device configuration of a user terminal. [Figure 3] A diagram explaining how to stream gameplay videos. [Figure 4] Another diagram explaining the distribution of gameplay videos. [Figure 5] A diagram showing an example of the screen layout of a content screen. [Figure 6]A diagram explaining the calculation of the forecast business sentiment index. [Figure 7] Figure 6 illustrates the calculation of individual forecast business conditions indices related to input communication information dB. [Figure 8] Another diagram illustrating the calculation of the individual forecast business conditions index related to the input communication information dB shown in Figure 6. [Figure 9] A figure showing an example of the first coefficient. [Figure 10] A figure showing an example of the second coefficient. [Figure 11] A diagram showing an example of the third coefficient. [Figure 12] A diagram showing an example of a confirmation screen. [Figure 13] A block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a server system. [Figure 14] A diagram showing an example of the data structure of user management data. [Figure 15] A diagram showing an example of the data structure of distribution management data. [Figure 16] A block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a user terminal. [Figure 17] A flowchart illustrating the processing flow in a server system. [Figure 18] A flowchart illustrating the flow of predictive control processing. [Figure 19] A diagram showing an example of the delay time setting screen. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0038] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below, nor are the applicable forms of the present invention limited to the embodiments described below. Furthermore, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals in the drawings.

[0039] [Overall structure] Figure 1 shows an example configuration of the content viewing system 1000 of this embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the content viewing system 1000 includes a server system 1100 which is a content provision system and a user terminal 1500 owned by user 2, and these are connected to each other via a network N so that they can communicate data with one another.

[0040] Network N refers to a communication path capable of data communication. In other words, Network N includes not only LANs (Local Area Networks) using dedicated lines (dedicated cables) or Ethernet (registered trademark) for direct connections, but also communication networks such as telephone networks, cable networks, and the Internet, and the communication method is either wired or wireless.

[0041] The server system 1100 includes, for example, a keyboard 1106, a touch panel 1108, and storage 1140, while the main unit 1101 is equipped with a control board 1150.

[0042] The control board 1150 is equipped with various microprocessors such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 1151, a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), and a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), various IC memories 1152 such as VRAM, RAM, and ROM, and a communication device 1153. Note that part or all of the control board 1150 may be implemented using an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or a SoC (System on a Chip).

[0043] The server system 1100 then performs calculations based on predetermined programs and data by the control board 1150, thereby realizing: (1) a user management function for registering users 2 and managing information on registered users 2; (2) a game provision function that enables online games to be played on the user terminal 1500; (3) a live distribution function that provides given distribution content by live distribution to the user terminal 1500; and (4) an archive distribution function that provides archived distribution content to the user terminal 1500 after live distribution has finished.

[0044] In this embodiment, the content to be streamed is a gameplay video of a game. An example is shown in which user 2 (posting user 2a), who is the uploader, streams a gameplay video of an online game being played on user terminal 1500 (1500a). In other words, in this embodiment, the live streaming function live streams the gameplay video of uploader user 2a to user terminal 1500 (1500b) of user 2 (viewing user 2b), who is the viewer. Furthermore, the archive streaming function archives the gameplay video that has been provided by the live streaming function and streams it to user terminal 1500b of viewing user 2b.

[0045] The server system 1100 manages the public website for the distributed content (in this case, gameplay videos) in order to implement each distribution function. However, the management of the public website may be handled by an external video publishing management server 1200. The video publishing management server 1200 is an external server for operating and managing existing video publishing sites (websites that accept video submissions from an unspecified number of contributors via the internet, etc., and provide the submitted videos to an unspecified number of viewers in a streamable format). In this case, the server system 1100 communicates with the video publishing management server 1200 to automatically submit gameplay videos, thereby enabling the publication of the distributed content.

[0046] Furthermore, the server system 1100 implements (5) a communication function for users 2b who are watching the live-streamed content to send communication information, and (6) a payment function for adding "tips" to the communication information, through calculation processing based on predetermined programs and data.

[0047] The communication function accepts communication information during live streaming of content (gameplay videos) and reflects this communication information on the content screen (see Figure 5). Communication information can include, for example, text (letters, numbers, symbols), as well as images such as illustrations and photographs (also known as stamps, etc.). Furthermore, virtual currency equivalent points (hereinafter simply referred to as "currency points") can be added to this communication information as tips. This communication function allows viewers 2b to send various comments, such as comments expressing their impressions of the content or comments of support for the posting user 2a, while watching the live stream. They can also send comments with tips attached by spending their currency points.

[0048] The payment function allows user 2 to purchase currency points. In response to a request from user terminal 1500, it cooperates with an external electronic payment server 1300 operated by an electronic payment provider to perform the purchase procedure (billing process) for currency points. During the billing process, the electronic payment server 1300 responds to an inquiry from server system 1100 and settles the purchase amount of currency points using user 2's credit card, prepaid card, etc. Server system 1100 then grants user 2 the currency points equivalent to the purchase amount settled by the electronic payment server 1300.

[0049] In Figure 1, the server system 1100 is depicted as a single server device, but it may also be configured so that multiple online-connected server devices share one or more of the following functions: user management, game provision, live streaming, archive streaming, communication, and payment functions. Furthermore, the server system 1100 may be configured with multiple blade servers, each handling a different function, and connected to each other via an internal bus for data communication. Alternatively, multiple independent server devices located in different locations may be configured to function as the server system 1100 by communicating data via a network N.

[0050] Furthermore, while Figure 1 shows one user terminal 1500 (1500a) for posting user 2 (2a) and one user terminal 1500 (1500b) for viewing user 2 (2b), in actual operation, there are multiple posting users 2, each operating a user terminal 1500 to access the server system 1100. Similarly, in actual operation, there are multiple viewing users 2, each using a user terminal 1500 to access the server system 1100.

[0051] Here, the user terminal 1500 is a computer system used individually by user 2 to play online games or watch videos of those games, and is an electronic device that can access the server system 1100 via the network N. In this embodiment, the user terminal 1500 is a device commonly known as a smartphone, but it may also be a portable game console, a tablet computer, a personal computer, etc.

[0052] Figure 2 is a front view showing an example configuration of the user terminal 1500 in this embodiment. As shown in Figure 2, the user terminal 1500 includes a directional input key 1502, a home key 1504, a touch panel 1506 that functions as both an image display device and a contact position input device, a built-in battery 1509, a speaker 1510, a microphone 1512, a camera 1520, a control board 1550, and a memory card reader 1542 that can read and write data to a memory card 1540, which is a computer-readable storage medium. In addition, there are other components such as a power button and volume control buttons, which are not shown. An IC card reader that can read and write data to an IC card type credit card or prepaid card that can be used to pay for game play, etc., may also be provided.

[0053] The control board 1550 is equipped with various microprocessors such as a CPU 1551, GPU, and DSP, various IC memories 1552 such as VRAM, RAM, and ROM, a wireless communication module 1553 for wireless communication with mobile phone base stations and wireless communication base stations connected to network N, and an interface circuit 1557. The interface circuit 1557 includes a circuit for receiving signals from the directional input keys 1502 and home key 1504, a driver circuit for the touch panel 1506, an output amplifier circuit for outputting audio signals to the speaker 1510, an audio signal generation circuit for generating audio signals collected by the microphone 1512, a circuit for inputting image data of images captured by the camera 1520, and a signal input / output circuit for the memory card reader 1542. Each of these elements mounted on the control board 1550 is electrically connected via bus circuits, etc., enabling data reading and writing, and signal transmission and reception. Note that part or all of the control board 1550 may be configured with ASICs, FPGAs, or SoCs.

[0054] In this control board 1550, the IC memory 1552 stores the game client program and various setting data necessary to execute this game client program. The game client program and other data are downloaded from the server system 1100 at appropriate times. Alternatively, the data may be read from a separate storage medium such as a memory card 1540. The CPU 1551 and other components then execute the game client program and perform calculations, controlling various parts of the user terminal 1500 in response to input from the touch panel 1506, directional input keys 1502, and home key 1504, thereby enabling user 2 to play the game.

[0055] [Regarding the distribution of gameplay videos] Figures 3 and 4 illustrate the distribution of gameplay videos. In this embodiment, gameplay videos posted by users are distributed to viewers as content. As described above, the game played by user 2 on user terminal 1500 is an online game run on a client-server system with server system 1100 as the game server.

[0056] Therefore, as shown in Figure 3, information related to game progress and information related to the display of the game screen W1 are generated by the server system 1100 and provided to the user terminal 1500 as appropriate. The user terminal 1500 functions as a terminal for operation input and game screen display. That is, the user terminal 1500 displays the game screen W1 based on the information provided by the server system 1100 and sends operation input information to the server system 1100 one by one. The server system 1100 advances the game based on the operation input information sent from the user terminal 1500. The content of the game is not particularly limited. Figure 3 and others show an example of the display of the game screen W1 as a competitive game.

[0057] Furthermore, the server system 1100 generates and stores play data 520 along with controlling the progress of the game. Play data 520 is generated for each game play and is constantly updated during gameplay to describe the latest status of the game. For example, one piece of play data 520 stores time-series data of operation input information transmitted from the user terminal 1500 during the game (operation input time-series data) 525 and time-series data of progress information showing the game's progress at that time (progress time-series data) 526, along with the game play ID 521, play date and time 522, and the user account 523 of the user playing the game.

[0058] The operation input time series data 525 stores operation input information from the user terminal 1500 (for example, various information describing the input such as the type of operation input, position, direction, amount of operation, force of operation, and input time) in association with time information indicating the time when the operation input was made (for example, date and time, elapsed time since the start of game play, number of frames drawn on the game screen, etc.). The progress time series data 526 stores game progress information at any given time during the game (for example, the stage number being played, the round of the match, the win / loss result for each round, the position and posture of the player character, parameter values ​​indicating the state, etc.) in association with time information.

[0059] Furthermore, the server system 1100 generates and stores gameplay reproduction data 530 based on the play data 520. The gameplay reproduction data 530 is also generated for each gameplay session. This gameplay reproduction data 530 is a data set that stores various data that make up the play data 520 in chronological order. Therefore, by reading the data stored in the gameplay reproduction data 530 in chronological order, the original gameplay can be reproduced. In that sense, the gameplay reproduction data 530 can also be called "replay data".

[0060] Then, when user 2 broadcasts a gameplay video as a poster (posting user), the server system 1100 generates a gameplay video 10 that reproduces the gameplay based on the gameplay reproduction data 530 related to user 2's gameplay, as shown in Figure 4, and distributes it as a broadcasted gameplay video 597 (see Figure 15). The generated gameplay video 10 is then broadcast live to the user terminal 1500 of viewer user 2. After the live broadcast, the gameplay video 10 is also archived and distributed to the viewer user's user terminal 1500.

[0061] Figure 5 shows an example of the screen configuration of a content screen for viewing gameplay videos (distributed content) distributed as described above. The content screen is displayed when a user accesses the public site on their user terminal 1500 and selects the gameplay video they want to watch. As shown in Figure 5, the content screen comprises a content display unit 20, a forecast economic index gauge 21, a communication information input operation unit 22, and a communication information display unit 26.

[0062] The content display unit 20 displays the gameplay video that the user is currently watching.

[0063] The Forecast Business Conditions Index Gauge 21 displays the Forecast Business Conditions Index, described later, as a meter. This Forecast Business Conditions Index Gauge 21 changes its display color according to the Forecast Business Conditions Index, making it easy to visually recognize whether the gauge value indicates a high or low Forecast Business Conditions Index. For example, it is displayed in blue when the Forecast Business Conditions Index is low (small value), yellow when the Forecast Business Conditions Index is moderate, and red when the Forecast Business Conditions Index is high (large value) and the gauge value approaches full.

[0064] The communication information input operation unit 22 includes an input field 221 for viewers to input comments to send as communication information, an input field 223 for inputting the amount of a tip, an execution button 225 for confirming the contents of each input field 221 and 223 and sending the communication information, and a purchase button 227 for purchasing currency points.

[0065] Therefore, viewers can send communication information at any time while watching the streamed content displayed on the content display unit 20. Specifically, comments can be sent by entering a comment in the input field 221 and selecting the execute button 225. In addition, by entering a tip amount (the amount of currency points to be consumed) in the input field 223 along with entering a comment in the input field 221 and selecting the execute button 225, the comment will be sent with that amount of tip added.

[0066] Then, when the execute button 225 is selected, the transmitted communication information is reflected on the content screen. In this embodiment, the display content of the communication information display unit 26 scrolls upward, and the content of the transmitted comment and the amount of the tip are added to the bottom of the communication information display unit 26 along with the username of the viewing user, etc., thereby reflecting the information. In other words, the communication information display unit 26 displays the communication information transmitted by each viewing user who is watching the live stream of the same gameplay video, in the order in which it was transmitted.

[0067] Furthermore, it is possible to set a limit on the amount of donations. In that case, the amount that can be entered in input field 223 will be restricted by the upper limit.

[0068] [detail] As explained with reference to Figure 5, on the content screen, the communication information display unit 26 displays communication information sent by the viewer in the order in which it was sent. Therefore, if there are other messages sent at the same time as your own, even if you send a message, it will get buried among the other messages in the communication information display unit 26, making it difficult to stand out.

[0069] On the other hand, in this embodiment, there are two types of communication information transmitted by viewers: comments without a tip attached (hereinafter also referred to as "normal comments") and comments with a tip attached (hereinafter referred to as "comments with tips"). Normal comments and comments with tips are displayed in the communication information display unit 26 in a form that is easily recognizable.

[0070] The display format for each comment is not particularly limited as long as both can be distinguished, but as shown in Figure 5, it is preferable to make the comment with a tip 263 more prominent than the normal comment 261 within the communication information display unit 26. For example, the normal comment 261 can be displayed with the same background color as the communication information display unit 26, while the comment with a tip 263 can be displayed with a different background color. The display format is controlled by the reflection control process described later.

[0071] According to this, in the communication information display unit 26, comments with tips 263 are displayed in a more prominent form compared to normal comments 261. However, if multiple comments with tips are sent at the same time, the same problems as above will occur. Moreover, since currency points are consumed when sending the comment, the sender's disappointment may be all the greater.

[0072] Therefore, in this embodiment, during live streaming, a predicted business sentiment index representing the degree of future reflection of communication information on the content screen (future additional display of communication information on the communication information display unit 26) is calculated as needed, and the predicted business sentiment index is displayed on a meter using the predicted business sentiment index gauge 21, thereby controlling the system to send a prediction notification to the user terminal 1500 based on the predicted business sentiment index. In this embodiment, since the predicted business sentiment index is calculated for each viewing user, the user terminal 1500 of each viewing user is notified of the predicted business sentiment index for that viewing user.

[0073] Specifically, the server system 1100 performs, for each live-streamed content, a reception control process to receive communication information, a reflection control process to reflect the communication information on the content screen, and a prediction control process to calculate and use a predicted economic sentiment index for each viewing user and to control the prediction notification to each viewing user's user terminal 1500. Below, we will explain each process focusing on one live-streamed content (hereinafter referred to as "featured content").

[0074] 1. Reception control processing When the server system 1100 starts live streaming of featured content, it initiates reception control processing for said featured content and receives communication information from the viewing user. Specifically, when the user terminal 1500 of the viewing user watching the live stream of the featured content performs an input preparation operation to input communication information, and after the input execution operation following the input preparation operation is performed, the server system 1100 controls the acceptance of said communication information.

[0075] The input preparation operation includes a setting operation performed by entering a comment in the input field 221 and a setting operation performed by entering an amount in the input field 223 in the communication information input operation unit 22 of the content screen. The selection operation of the execution button 225 is then detected as an input execution operation, and the communication information is accepted. That is, when the server system 1100 detects the selection operation of the execution button 225 performed on the user terminal 1500 of any viewing user, it accepts the comment entered in the input field 221 as communication information. In addition, if a tip amount has been entered in the input field 223, the tip amount of that amount is added to the comment that received the tip.

[0076] More specifically, in this embodiment, if a tipping amount is entered in the input field 223, the execute button 225 is only selectable if the viewer has currency points equivalent to that amount. Even if the balance is insufficient, the execute button 225 becomes selectable after purchasing currency points using the purchase button 227. Alternatively, the execute button 225 may always be selectable, but the system may also be configured to check the balance after the execute button 225 is selected and prompt the user to purchase currency points if the balance is insufficient. In that case, the server system 1100 accepts the communication information after the payment of the insufficient amount has been completed, rather than when the execution button 225 is selected.

[0077] 2. Reflection control processing In the reflection control process, the server system 1100 reflects the communication information received in the reception control process onto the content screen by adding it to the bottom row of the communication information display unit 26. At that time, as described above, if it is a comment with a tip attached, the server system 1100 controls it to display in a form that is different in appearance from a normal comment.

[0078] For example, the server system 1100 performs this control by setting the background color of comments with tips to a different color from the background color of the communication information display unit 26, and to a color corresponding to the tip amount. This allows comments with tips to be displayed in a color-coded manner according to the tip amount. For example, this can be achieved by dividing the amounts that can be entered as tip amounts into multiple price ranges and setting a different color for each, and then displaying the background color of comments with tips in the color corresponding to the price range of the tip amount. In addition to color, effects may also be added to comments with tips.

[0079] 3. Detection process In the detection process, the server system 1100 detects input preparation operations on each viewer's user terminal 1500. In this embodiment, it detects the comment setting operation, which is the operation of entering a comment in the input field 221, and the tip amount setting operation, which is the operation of entering an amount in the input field 223. That is, for each viewer's user terminal 1500, the server system 1100 detects a state in which some input has been made in the input field 221 and / or the input field 223, but the execution button 225 has not yet been selected, indicating that the communication information is still being entered.

[0080] Furthermore, as described above, if the system is configured to settle the remaining amount as appropriate after the execution button 225 is selected, the input execution operation is confirmed when the settlement is completed after the execution button 225 is selected. In this case, the server system 1100 detects the communication information as being in the process of being entered, even after the execution button 225 has been selected, until the settlement is completed and the input execution operation is confirmed.

[0081] 4. Predictive control processing In the predictive control process, the server system 1100 calculates a predicted economic sentiment index for each viewing user based on the detection results from the detection process, and controls each user terminal 1500 to send a prediction notification based on the predicted economic sentiment index calculated for that viewing user.

[0082] The predicted business sentiment index represents the degree of business sentiment that would result from the reflection control process, assuming that the communication information in the state of being input, detected in the detection process, is subsequently reflected in the content screen of each viewing user. Therefore, according to this prediction control process, it is possible to predict the degree of business sentiment for each viewing user, assuming that the communication information in the state of being input has subsequently been transmitted and reflected in the content screen of each viewing user, and to notify each user terminal 1500 accordingly.

[0083] Calculating the predicted situation index for each viewing user is because the degree of the situation reflected by the communication information on the content screen is not necessarily the same for all viewing users. For example, when other viewing users are in the state of inputting communication information, if oneself is also in the state of inputting communication information, there is a difference in the influence received by the transmission (reflection) of the other viewing user in terms of making one's own transmission prominent, depending on whether one inputs a higher or lower coin - tossing amount. That is, even if there is a transmission from another viewing user during the same period, if it is a comment with a smaller coin - tossing amount than oneself, one can make one's own transmission prominent without being much affected, and if it is higher than oneself, the transmission of the other viewing user will be more prominent, and there is a risk that one's comment with a coin - tossing will be overlooked.

[0084] FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the calculation of the predicted situation index. In FIG. 6, assuming that five users A to E are viewing the target content as viewing users, the input status of the communication information d A ~d E of each user A to E is shown. Specifically, in FIG. 6, three users B, C, and E are in the middle of inputting the communication information d B ,d C ,d E (during the input preparation operation), and users A and D are not performing the input preparation operation for the communication information d A ,d D . Therefore, in this example, in the previous detection process, the input preparation operations at each user terminal 1500 of users B, C, and E are detected. Hereinafter, the user terminal 1500 in which the viewing user is in the middle of inputting communication information is also referred to as an "input - middle terminal".

[0085] As the processing procedure of the prediction control processing, first, attention is paid to the case where the communication information being input (hereinafter also referred to as "input - middle communication information") d B ,d C ,d E is respectively reflected at the input - middle terminal. And the input - middle communication information d Bd C d E The forecast business conditions index that reflects this is calculated as an individual forecast business conditions index for each viewer (destination user) who is notified. For example, the communication information d that user B is inputting. B If we focus on this, the recipients (destination users) of the forecast business sentiment index that reflects this will be the four users A, C to E, excluding the non-destination user B, who is the person in question. Therefore, for each of the said recipient users A, C to E, the input communication information d B The individual forecast business conditions index related to this is calculated. Similarly, the communication information d entered by user C is calculated. C Regarding this, users A, B, D, and E are designated as recipient users, and the communication information being entered for each of them is d C This will involve determining the individual forecast business sentiment index related to that.

[0086] Next, the individual predicted business sentiment indices obtained are aggregated for each user to obtain the predicted business sentiment index for each user. For example, user B uses the communication information d that user C is inputting. C Since this will be the recipient user (the one being notified), we will calculate their individual forecast business sentiment index D21. Also, User B will use the communication information d that User E is inputting. E Since this user is also the recipient of the information, we calculate their individual forecast business conditions index D23, and then calculate the sum of these individual forecast business conditions indices D21 and D23 as the forecast business conditions index D25 for user B.

[0087] Next, we will explain the calculation of the individual forecast business sentiment index. Figures 7 and 8 show the communication information d entered by user B shown in Figure 6. B These diagrams illustrate the calculation of individual forecast business sentiment indices. Figure 7 shows the calculation of the individual forecast business sentiment index D4 for destination user A, and Figure 8 shows the calculation of the individual forecast business sentiment index D5 for destination user E. The situation differs in Figure 8, where destination user E is in the process of preparing to input data, compared to Figure 7, where destination user A is not.

[0088] Here, the individual forecast business sentiment index is calculated using a calculation function (1) based on three coefficients K1, K2, and K3. Individual forecast business sentiment index = f{K1,K2,K3} ···(1)

[0089] 4-1. Regarding the first coefficient K1 The first coefficient K1 is a coefficient based on the tip amount. In this embodiment, the server system 1100 focuses on the incoming communication information (in Figures 7 and 8, the incoming communication information d B The first coefficient K1 is determined from the difference between the input amount of the tip (if any communication information is entered by the recipient user) and the input amount of the tip from the input amount of the tip (if any). This makes it possible to calculate the predicted business sentiment index by relatively comparing the input amounts of both parties.

[0090] For example, in the example in Figure 7, since destination user A has not performed the input preparation operation, the communication information d being entered is not being processed. B The first coefficient K1 is determined from the input amount "10,000 (yen)". On the other hand, in the example in Figure 8, the input amount of recipient user E is the focus of the input communication information d. B The input amount is exceeded, and the first coefficient K1 is determined from the difference of "-5,000 (yen)".

[0091] Figure 9 shows an example of the first coefficient K1. As shown in Figure 9, the first coefficient K1 is determined within a range greater than 0 and less than the upper limit T61 (T61 > 1). More specifically, the first coefficient K1 is determined such that a difference of "0 (yen)" is set to "1", and as the difference increases in the positive direction, it approaches T61, and as it increases in the negative direction, it approaches 0. The first coefficient K1 can be calculated by preparing the calculation formula shown in Figure 9.

[0092] 4-2. Regarding the second coefficient K2 The second coefficient K2 is a coefficient based on the number of characters in the comment. In this embodiment, the server system 1100 focuses on the incoming communication information (in Figures 7 and 8, the incoming communication information d B The second coefficient K2 is determined from the number of characters in the input comment in ).

[0093] Figure 10 shows an example of the second coefficient K2. As shown in Figure 10, the second coefficient K2 is determined, for example, within the range greater than 1 and less than or equal to T63, and is basically determined so that it increases as the number of characters increases (approaches T63). The second coefficient K2 can be calculated by preparing the calculation formula shown in Figure 10.

[0094] Here, we have shown an example in which the second coefficient K2 is determined based on the number of characters in the input comment. However, it is also possible to prepare a calculation function that adds another coefficient (the fourth coefficient) K4 based on the content of the input comment as a variable, and then calculate the individual forecast business sentiment index by determining this fourth coefficient K4. Alternatively, it is also possible to prepare a calculation function that includes the fourth coefficient K4 instead of the second coefficient K2. Specifically, the keywords to be counted are defined in advance, and the number of keywords included in the input comment is counted. Examples of keywords include "I love it," "I hate it," and "world's best." On the other hand, the relationship between the number of keywords and the fourth coefficient K4 is also set in advance. Then, the fourth coefficient K4 is determined from the counted number of keywords.

[0095] Furthermore, the second coefficient K2 can also be determined in the same manner as the first coefficient K1, by subtracting the number of characters in any communication information being entered by the recipient user, and then determining the second coefficient K2 from this character difference. This makes it possible to calculate the predicted business sentiment index by relatively comparing the number of characters in the input comments of both parties.

[0096] 4-3. Regarding the third coefficient K3 The third coefficient K3 is a coefficient based on viewing level 571 (see Figure 14). In this embodiment, the server system 1100 receives the incoming communication information of interest (incoming communication information d in Figures 7 and 8). B The third coefficient K3 is determined from the viewing level 571 of the input-oriented viewing user (non-destination user).

[0097] Figure 11 shows an example of the third coefficient K3. As shown in Figure 11, the third coefficient K3 is determined, for example, within the range greater than 1 and less than or equal to T65, and is basically determined so that it increases (approaches T65) as the viewing level 571 increases. The calculation of the third coefficient K3 can be done by preparing the calculation formula shown in Figure 11.

[0098] Here, the third coefficient K3 is determined as "1" for viewers whose viewing level 571 does not exceed the predetermined level L6, as shown in Figure 11. On the other hand, for viewers whose viewing level exceeds the predetermined level L6, it is determined as a value greater than "1" and less than or equal to T65. Therefore, for example, by specifying that "the viewing level exceeds the predetermined level," it is possible to implement control that calculates a higher predicted business sentiment index when the relevant viewers are in the process of inputting communication information.

[0099] Furthermore, the third coefficient K3 can also be determined by calculating the level difference between the viewing level of the target user and the system, in the same manner as the first coefficient K1, and then determining the third coefficient K3 from that level difference. This makes it possible to calculate the predicted business sentiment index by relatively comparing the viewing levels of both parties.

[0100] Furthermore, the calculation formulas for the first to third coefficients K1, K2, and K3 shown in Figures 9 to 11 are examples and can be determined as appropriate. The calculation function (1) can also be set as appropriate. Basically, the function is designed so that the larger the values ​​of the first to third coefficients K1, K2, and K3, the higher the individual forecast business sentiment index obtained, and the smaller the values, the lower the index.

[0101] 5. Regarding confirmation requests In this embodiment, when the server system 1100 detects an input execution operation performed on any user terminal 1500 of a viewing user, that is, when any viewing user selects the execution button 225 on the communication information input operation unit 22, it determines the predicted business sentiment index for that viewing user at that time. Then, if the predicted business sentiment index satisfies the given confirmation request conditions, the server system 1100 requests confirmation from the user terminal 1500 of that viewing user whether to cancel or decide whether to cancel the input execution operation.

[0102] The confirmation request conditions can be set in advance, such as "the forecast business sentiment index exceeds a predetermined value." Specifically, for example, if the forecast business sentiment index is high and the forecast business sentiment index gauge 21 is displayed in red, it is determined that the confirmation request conditions are met. In that case, for example, a confirmation screen as illustrated in Figure 12 is displayed as a pop-up on the content screen, and the confirmation request is made by accepting a selection operation of either the confirm button B71 or the cancel button B73. If the cancel button B73 is selected, the input execution operation is canceled. On the other hand, if the confirm button B71 is selected, reception control processing is performed and communication information is received. This makes it possible to draw attention to the fact that when the forecast business sentiment index is high, the transmission of communication information is less noticeable.

[0103] Furthermore, regarding communication information transmitted by selecting the confirmation button B71 in response to this confirmation request, since this communication information was transmitted under circumstances where it is not easily noticeable, it may be possible to separately notify the posting user, along with the viewer's information, at the end of the live stream or similar occasion.

[0104] 6. About Archive Streaming When the server system 1100 finishes live streaming of the aforementioned content (gameplay video), it generates and stores a highlight video in preparation for archive streaming of the provided gameplay video. For example, the server system 1100 generates a highlight video based on the timing when the predicted business sentiment index calculated during the live stream meets a given high index condition. The high index condition can be set in advance, for example, "the predicted business sentiment index exceeds a predetermined value."

[0105] In this embodiment, the predicted economic sentiment index is calculated for each viewer, and the sum of the predicted economic sentiment indexes for each viewer is used to determine the high index condition. Specifically, the index is summed up for each elapsed time from the start of the streamed gameplay video 597 (hereinafter referred to as "streamed gameplay video time"). The timing when the sum exceeds a predetermined value is considered to satisfy the high index condition, and the video portion including that timing is extracted. After that, the extracted video portions are combined to generate a highlight video 607 of the streamed gameplay video 597 (see Figure 15).

[0106] According to this, in archived streaming, it becomes possible to efficiently watch video segments from the time periods during the live stream when the predicted economic sentiment index was high, that is, when many viewers were simultaneously preparing to input information, when viewers were preparing to input lengthy comments or large donation amounts, and when high-level viewers were preparing to input information.

[0107] [Functional Configuration] 1. Server System Figure 13 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the server system 1100. As shown in Figure 13, the server system 1100 of this embodiment includes an operation input unit 100s, a server processing unit 200s, an image display unit 390s, an audio output unit 392s, a communication unit 394s, and a server storage unit 500s.

[0108] The operation input unit 100s is for inputting various operations for system management and maintenance, and can be implemented using, for example, a keyboard, mouse, or touch panel. In Figure 1, the keyboard 1106 and touch panel 1108 correspond to this.

[0109] The server processing unit 200s can be implemented using, for example, a processor such as a CPU, GPU, ASIC, or FPGA, or electronic components such as IC memory, and controls data input and output with each part of the device, including the operation input unit 100s and the server storage unit 500s. It then performs various calculations based on predetermined programs and data, operation input signals from the operation input unit 100s, and data received from the user terminal 1500, and comprehensively controls the operation of the server system 1100. In Figure 1, the control board 1150 and its CPU 1151 correspond to this.

[0110] This server processing unit 200s includes a user management unit 210, a billing processing unit 220, a game management unit 230, a content provision control unit 241, a reception control unit 243, a reflection control unit 245, a detection unit 247, a prediction control unit 249, an archive content provision control unit 251, a timing unit 280s, an image generation unit 290s, a sound generation unit 292s, and a communication control unit 294s.

[0111] The user management unit 210 handles user registration processes and manages the data of each registered user (player) associated with a user account. For example, it can perform processes such as assigning unique user accounts to registered users, managing registration information for each user account, and managing usage history, including login and logout history. Of course, it can also include management processes for other data associated with user accounts as appropriate.

[0112] The billing processing unit 220 performs billing processing in response to a user's purchase operation for currency points and grants the user currency points equivalent to the purchase amount.

[0113] The game management unit 230 performs various controls for running the online game on the user terminal 1500. Since the multiplayer game in this embodiment is a client-server type online game, the game management unit 230 performs controls to provide the data necessary for gameplay while communicating with the user terminal 1500. In addition, the game management unit 230 generates and stores play data 700, and generates and stores play reproduction data 530 based on the play data 520.

[0114] The content provision control unit 241 performs various processes to realize live streaming of the content. In this embodiment, it generates a gameplay video from the gameplay reproduction data 530 that is generated and stored as needed by the game management unit 230, creates a streamed gameplay video 597, and controls the live streaming of the video to the user terminal 1500 of the viewing user. In addition, the content provision control unit 241 also manages the streaming schedule and the viewers.

[0115] The reception control unit 243 is a functional unit that performs reception control processing. It receives the user terminal 1500 of the viewing user to prepare for input of communication information and the subsequent input execution operation, and then performs control to accept the said communication information.

[0116] The reflection control unit 245 is a functional unit that performs reflection control processing and controls the reflection of the communication information received by the reception control unit 243 onto the content screen.

[0117] The detection unit 247 is a functional unit that performs detection processing and detects input preparation operations on the user terminal 1500 of the viewing user. Specifically, it detects the operation to set a comment and the operation to set the tip amount.

[0118] The prediction control unit 249 is a functional unit that performs prediction control processing. It calculates a predicted economic sentiment index for each viewing user and controls the viewing user's user terminal 1500 to send a prediction notification based on the predicted economic sentiment index.

[0119] The archive content provision control unit 251 controls the provision of archived gameplay videos 597 (see Figure 15) that have been provided by the content provision control unit 241 after live streaming has finished, to the user terminal 1500. In this embodiment, at the end of the live stream, the prediction index time series data 605 (see Figure 15) for each viewing user is aggregated for each duration of the gameplay video and used to generate a highlight video 607 (see Figure 15) from the gameplay video 597. Archive distribution is then performed by providing the highlight video 607 to the user terminal 1500 in a playable format. Of course, it may also be done by providing the gameplay video 597 in a playable format.

[0120] The timing unit 280s uses the system clock to determine the current date and time, time limits, and other time information.

[0121] The image generation unit 290s generates images related to the system management of the server system 1100 and outputs them to the image display unit 390s.

[0122] The sound generation unit 292s is implemented by executing ICs and software that generate and decode audio data, generating or decoding audio data such as operation sounds and background music related to system management and video distribution of the server system 1100. Audio signals related to system management are output to the sound output unit 392s.

[0123] The communication control unit 294s performs communication connection and data processing for data communication with an external device (e.g., user terminal 1500) via the communication unit 394s, thereby enabling data exchange with the external device.

[0124] The image display unit 390s displays various screens for system management and other purposes based on the image signals input from the image generation unit 290s. This can be achieved using image display devices such as flat panel displays, projectors, and head-mounted displays. In Figure 1, the touch panel 1108 is an example of this.

[0125] The sound output unit 392s emits the audio signal input from the sound generation unit 292s. In Figure 1, this corresponds to the speaker (not shown) provided by the main unit 1101 and the touch panel 1108.

[0126] The communication unit 394s connects to the network N to enable communication. This can be achieved, for example, by a wireless communication device, modem, TA (terminal adapter), jacks and control circuits for wired communication cables, etc. In Figure 1, the communication device 1153 corresponds to this.

[0127] The server storage unit 500s pre-stores programs for operating the server system 1100 and realizing the various functions of the server system 1100, as well as data used during the execution of these programs, or temporarily stores them each time processing is performed. For example, this can be realized by IC memory such as RAM or ROM, magnetic disks such as hard disks, or optical disks such as CD-ROMs or DVDs. In Figure 1, the IC memory 1152 and storage 1140 correspond to this.

[0128] Furthermore, the server storage unit 500s stores the server program 501, the game client program 503 for distribution, game setting data 510, play data 520 for each game play, play reproduction data 530 for each game play, user management data 540, and distribution management data 580. In addition, other necessary data such as timers, counters, various tables, thresholds, and flags are stored as appropriate.

[0129] The server program 501 is a program that causes the server processing unit 200s to function as a user management unit 210, a billing processing unit 220, a game management unit 230, a content provision control unit 241, a reception control unit 243, a reflection control unit 245, a detection unit 247, a prediction control unit 249, and an archive content provision control unit 251. Programs that cause the image generation unit 290s, sound generation unit 292s, and communication control unit 294s may also be included as appropriate.

[0130] The game client program 503 for distribution is the original version of the game client program 502 (see Figure 16) that is downloaded to the user terminal 1500.

[0131] The game setting data 510 stores various setting data necessary to run the online game of this embodiment. For example, it stores character setting data that defines the types of characters appearing in the game, various ability parameter values, model data, motion data used for motion control, etc., object definition data related to various game objects such as items that the player may obtain during the game, and stage setting data related to the settings of the game stage, etc.

[0132] User management data 540 is prepared for each user who has completed user registration and stores various management data related to that user. Specifically, as shown in Figure 14, one user management data 540 includes the user account (player ID) 541, payment medium ledger data 543, play history data 545, posted data 547, and viewing data 550 for the user in question. In addition, it also includes save data related to online game play status, personal information such as age, gender, and birthday.

[0133] The payment medium ledger data 543 stores information on the income and expenses of the electronic payment medium (currency points in this embodiment) associated with the user, such as the purchase date and time and the number of currency points purchased (amount charged), and the consumption date and time and the number of currency points consumed.

[0134] Play history data 545 stores the date and time the user played online games, the duration of play, and the user's play level, which indicates their experience as a player.

[0135] The posted data 547 stores posting history data, such as the distribution ID, for each piece of streaming content (in this embodiment, a gameplay video) posted by the user, as well as posting level, etc. The posting level indicates the user's experience as a poster and is updated as needed according to the number of live streams the user has posted.

[0136] Viewing data 550 stores, for example, viewing history data 560, viewing level 571, total number of comments with tips 573, total amount of tips 575, average tip amount 577, etc.

[0137] Viewing history data 560 is generated each time the user views the streamed content as a viewer. Specifically, one viewing history data 560 includes the stream ID 561 of the streamed content, the stream type 562 indicating whether it is a live stream or an archived stream, the viewing date and time 563, the viewing duration 564, the number of normal comments posted while viewing the streamed content (number of normal comments in the stream) 565, the number of comments with tips posted while viewing the streamed content (number of comments with tips in the stream) 566, the total amount of tips for each comment with a tip (total tips in the stream) 567, and the average amount of tips for each comment with a tip (average tips in the stream) 568.

[0138] Viewing level 571 indicates the user's experience as a viewer and is updated periodically based on factors such as the number of times they have watched streamed content and their total viewing time.

[0139] The total number of comments with donations, 573, is the sum of the 566 comments with donations within each stream, across 560 viewing history data points. The total donation amount, 575, is the sum of the 567 total donations within each stream, across 560 viewing history data points. The average donation amount, 577, is the average of the 568 average donation amounts within each stream, across 560 viewing history data points.

[0140] The distribution management data 580 is generated for each live stream and stores various data describing the latest status of the stream. For example, as shown in Figure 15, one distribution management data 580 includes a distribution ID 581, a distribution schedule 585, a streaming flag 587 indicating whether or not a live stream is in progress (ON: Live streaming in progress / OFF: Provided), a posting user account 589, a list of viewing user accounts 591, the number of viewers 593, the play ID (streaming play ID) 595 of the online game related to the live stream, the streamed gameplay video 597 which is the content of the live stream, a list of inputting terminals 599, inputting communication information 600, normal comment transmission record data 601, tipping comment transmission record data 603, prediction index time series data 605, and a highlight video 607.

[0141] The Input Terminal List 599 stores a list of user terminals 1500 that have been detected to be performing an input preparation operation during live streaming. When the detection unit 247 detects an input preparation operation on a user terminal 1500 during live streaming, that user terminal 1500 is registered in this Input Terminal List 599 as an input terminal. Furthermore, if an input execution operation is detected after the input preparation operation, the registration of that input terminal is deleted and updated accordingly.

[0142] The input communication information 600 is prepared for each input terminal and stores the communication information being entered on that terminal. Specifically, it updates and stores the input comments entered in input field 221 and the input amount entered in input field 223 as needed.

[0143] Normal comment transmission data 601 is generated each time a viewer sends a normal comment as communication information during the live stream. Each normal comment transmission data 601 stores the user account of the viewer who sent the comment, the comment content data of the normal comment (comment text, etc.), the timing of the input execution operation, and a confirmation request flag indicating whether or not a confirmation request was made for the input execution operation (ON: confirmation required / OFF: no confirmation required). The timing of the input execution operation is determined, for example, by the duration of the streamed gameplay video.

[0144] The tip-attached comment sending record data 603 is generated each time a viewer sends a tip-attached comment as communication information during the live stream. Each tip-attached comment sending record data 603 stores the user account of the viewer who sent the comment, the comment content data of the tip-attached comment (comment text, etc.), the timing of the input execution operation (the duration of the live stream gameplay video when the input execution operation occurred), the tip amount, a confirmation request flag, etc.

[0145] The forecast index time series data 605 is prepared for each viewer of the live stream, and the forecast economic sentiment index calculated for that viewer during the live stream is stored in association with time information (e.g., the length of the streamed gameplay video). This associates the provided content, the streamed gameplay video 597, with the forecast index time series data 605.

[0146] 2. User terminal Figure 16 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a user terminal 1500. As shown in Figure 16, the user terminal 1500 includes an operation input unit 100, a terminal processing unit 200, an image display unit 390, an audio output unit 392, a communication unit 394, and a terminal storage unit 500.

[0147] The operation input unit 100 is for the user to input various operations and can be implemented using, for example, a button switch, joystick, touchpad, trackball, accelerometer, angular velocity sensor, CCD module, etc. In Figure 2, the directional input keys 1502, home key 1504, and touch panel 1506 correspond to this.

[0148] The terminal processing unit 200 can be implemented using, for example, a processor such as a CPU, GPU, ASIC, or FPGA, or electronic components such as IC memory, and controls data input and output with each part of the device, including the operation input unit 100 and the terminal storage unit 500. It then performs various calculations based on predetermined programs and data, operation input signals from the operation input unit 100, data received from the server system 1100, etc., and comprehensively controls the operation of the user terminal 1500. In Figure 2, the control board 1550 and its CPU 1551 correspond to this. In this embodiment, the terminal processing unit 200 includes a user terminal calculation unit 270, a video viewing control unit 275, a timing unit 280, an image generation unit 290, a sound generation unit 292, and a communication control unit 294.

[0149] The user terminal processing unit 270 performs various calculations to enable the user terminal 1500 to function as a terminal for the user to play games. For example, the user terminal processing unit 270 includes an operation signal transmission control unit 271 and an image display control unit 273.

[0150] The operation signal transmission control unit 271 processes various data and request information to be transmitted to the server system 1100 in response to operation inputs to the operation input unit 100.

[0151] The image display control unit 273 controls the display of game screens, content screens, etc., based on various data received from the server system 1100. In this embodiment, the server system 1100 generates images for various screens such as game screens and content screens, but it is also possible to configure it so that the user terminal 1500 generates them. In that case, the image display control unit 273 controls, for example, objects placed in a virtual 3D space for generating 3DCG, and the image generation unit 290 renders the 3DCG and executes various controls for generating the game screen. Regarding the display of the content display unit 20 showing the game's gameplay, the server system 1100 receives operation input time-series data 525 and gameplay reproduction data 530, and a game program (game client program 502) is executed based on this data to generate a gameplay video.

[0152] The video viewing control unit 275 controls access to public sites and controls the viewing and browsing of distributed content, essentially enabling it to function as a web browser.

[0153] The image generation unit 290 works in conjunction with the image display control unit 273 to generate various image data and control the generation and output of image signals for displaying those images on the image display unit 390. In Figure 2, the GPU mounted on the control board 1550 corresponds to this unit.

[0154] The sound generation unit 292 is implemented by, for example, a digital signal processor (DSP), a processor such as a speech synthesis IC, and an audio codec for playing audio files, and generates audio signals such as sound effects, operation sounds, and background music, and outputs them to the sound output unit 392.

[0155] The communication control unit 294 performs communication connection and data processing for data communication with an external device (e.g., a server system 1100) via the communication unit 394, thereby realizing data exchange with the external device.

[0156] The image display unit 390 displays various screens, such as game screens and content screens, based on image signals input from the image generation unit 290. This can be achieved using image display devices such as flat panel displays, projectors, and head-mounted displays. In Figure 2, the touch panel 1506 is an example of this.

[0157] The sound output unit 392 is implemented by a device that outputs sound (emits sound) based on the audio signal input from the sound generation unit 292. In Figure 2, the speaker 1510 corresponds to this.

[0158] The communication unit 394 connects to the network N to enable communication. This can be achieved, for example, by a wireless communication device, modem, TA, jacks and control circuits for wired communication cables, etc. In Figure 2, the wireless communication module 1553 corresponds to this.

[0159] The terminal storage unit 500 pre-stores programs for operating the user terminal 1500 and realizing the functions of the user terminal 1500, as well as data used during the execution of these programs, or temporarily stores them each time processing is performed. For example, this can be achieved using IC memory such as RAM or ROM, magnetic disks such as hard disks, or optical disks such as CD-ROMs or DVDs. In Figure 2, the IC memory 1552 and memory card 1540 correspond to this. A configuration utilizing online storage is also possible.

[0160] Furthermore, the terminal storage unit 500 stores a game client program 502 for causing the terminal processing unit 200 to function as a user terminal calculation unit 270, a web browser program 504 for causing it to function as a video viewing control unit 275, and operation input data 506. The game client program 502 may be a dedicated client program according to the technical method for realizing online games, or it may be composed of a web browser program and a plugin that realizes interactive image display. In this embodiment, it is a copy of the distribution game client program 503 (see Figure 13) provided from the server system 1100.

[0161] [Process Flow] Figure 17 is a flowchart showing the processing flow related to the live streaming of content (gameplay video) performed by the server system 1100, and shows the processing flow focusing on one live stream. The processing described here is achieved by the server processing unit 200s reading and executing the server program 501. Prior to this processing, the streaming schedule 585 is set. Then, according to the set streaming schedule 585, the game management unit 230 starts controlling the game progress related to the uploader's gameplay, saving and rewriting necessary data in the play data 520, and starting to accumulate it as play reproduction data 530.

[0162] Then, as shown in Figure 17, the content provision control unit 241 starts generating the gameplay video 597 based on the gameplay reproduction data 530 and starts live streaming (step S1). Also, the prediction control unit 249 starts prediction control processing (step S3).

[0163] During live streaming, the detection unit 247 performs detection processing and monitors input preparation operations on the user terminal 1500. If the detection unit 247 detects an input preparation operation (step S5: YES), and if it is an input preparation operation on a user terminal 1500 that is not registered as an input terminal, it registers the user terminal 1500 as an input terminal in the input terminal list 599 (step S7).

[0164] Furthermore, during live streaming, the reception control unit 243 performs reception control processing and monitors input execution operations on the user terminal 1500 (input terminal). When the reception control unit 243 detects an input execution operation (step S9: YES), it refers to the forecast index time series data 605 and determines whether the confirmation request conditions are met based on the latest forecast economic conditions index calculated for the viewing user of the user terminal 1500 in the forecast control processing started in step S3. If the confirmation request conditions are met (step S11: YES), the reception control unit 243 requests confirmation from the user terminal 1500 to decide whether to cancel the input execution operation detected in step S9 (step S13). If the viewing user of the user terminal 1500 chooses to cancel the input execution operation (the cancel button B73 is selected on the confirmation screen in Figure 12) (step S15: YES), the input execution operation is canceled (step S16), and the process proceeds to step S23.

[0165] On the other hand, if a selection is made to determine whether to execute the input operation (the confirmation button B71 is selected on the confirmation screen in Figure 12) (step S15: NO), the reception control unit 243 deletes the registration of the user terminal 1500 as an input terminal and updates the input terminal list 599 (step S17). Then, the process proceeds to step S19.

[0166] Then, in step S19, the reception control unit 243 receives the input comment related to the input preparation operation as communication information. If there is an input amount related to the input preparation operation, it adds a tip of that amount to the communication information.

[0167] Next, the reflection control unit 245 reflects the communication information received in step S19 onto the content screen (step S21). In this embodiment, the received communication information, which is either a normal comment or a comment with a tip, is added to the communication information input operation unit 22 and displayed.

[0168] After that, until the live stream ends (step S23: NO), the process returns to step S5 and repeats as described above. Then, once the live stream has ended (step S23: YES), the archive content provision control unit 251 generates a highlight video 607 from the streamed gameplay video 597 that has finished live streaming using the prediction index time series data 605 (step S25), and the process ends.

[0169] Next, the flow of the predictive control process that starts in step S3 in Figure 17 will be explained with reference to Figure 18. As shown in Figure 18, in the predictive control process, the predictive control unit 249 repeatedly executes the processing of loop A at predetermined intervals until the live streaming ends (steps S301 to S329).

[0170] In other words, in loop A, the prediction control unit 249 sequentially processes all input terminals registered in the input terminal list 599 as input terminals and executes the processing of loop B (steps S303 to S325). Then, in loop B, the prediction control unit 249 first refers to the input communication information 600 of the input terminal and obtains the number of characters in the input comment and the amount of the tip (step S305).

[0171] Then, the prediction control unit 249 determines a second coefficient K2 from the number of characters in the input comment acquired in step S305 (step S307).

[0172] Furthermore, the prediction control unit 249 reads and uses the viewing level 571 (see Figure 14) of the viewing user of the terminal currently processing input to determine the third coefficient K3 (step S309).

[0173] Next, the prediction control unit 249 sets the viewing user of the terminal currently receiving the input as a non-destination user, and the viewing users other than the non-destination users as destination users (step S311), and then executes the processing of loop C, sequentially setting all destination users as processing destination users (steps S313 to S323).

[0174] In other words, in loop C, the prediction control unit 249 obtains the tip amount from the incoming communication information 600 if the user terminal 1500 of the processing destination user is registered as an input terminal (step S315). Subsequently, the prediction control unit 249 calculates the difference by subtracting the input amount of the processing destination user obtained in step S315 from the input amount of the non-destination user obtained in step S305 (step S317). If the user terminal 1500 of the processing destination user is not registered as an input terminal, or if it is registered but no tip amount has been entered, the input amount related to the non-destination user can be used as the difference.

[0175] Then, the prediction control unit 249 determines the first coefficient K1 from the difference obtained in step S317 (step S319).

[0176] Subsequently, the prediction control unit 249 calculates an individual predicted business sentiment index for the processing destination user related to the communication information 600 being input at the processing input terminal by substituting the first coefficient K1 determined in step S319, the second coefficient K2 determined in step S307, and the third coefficient K3 determined in step S309 into the calculation function (1) (step S321).

[0177] Then, the processing of Loop C is executed with all destination users set in step S311 as processing destination users, and after the processing of Loop B is executed for each input terminal, the individual predicted economic conditions index calculated in step S321 is then summed up for each viewing user to obtain the predicted economic conditions index for each viewing user's processing cycle (step S327). After that, the processing of Loop A for the current cycle is completed.

[0178] As described above, according to this embodiment, viewers watching a live stream of content can identify the timing when their own communication (reflection of their transmitted communication information) will stand out from the display of the forecast economic sentiment index gauge 21, and then transmit communication information. Therefore, this provides a technology for transmitting communication information, including tips, for the content being viewed, while being aware of similar transmissions by other viewers.

[0179] It should be noted that the applicable embodiments of the present invention are not limited to those described above, and components can be added, omitted, or modified as appropriate.

[0180] [Example 1] For example, when issuing a forecast notification, the notification may be variably controlled based on the viewing data 550 of the recipient user (see Figure 14). That is, in the above embodiment, when calculating the individual forecast economic sentiment index, the first coefficient K1 was determined by relatively comparing the tipping amount of non-recipient users with the tipping amount of recipient users. However, instead of using the tipping amount of recipient users for relative comparison, the first coefficient K1 may be determined by comparing it with the tipping amount of non-recipient users using the average tipping amount 577 of recipient users. With this, even if there is a viewing user in the process of input preparation operations, including setting a tipping amount that is generally considered to be a large amount, control can be implemented to calculate a lower forecast economic sentiment index for viewing users whose average tipping amount is equal to or greater than that amount.

[0181] In addition, by preparing a calculation function that includes other coefficients as variables, such as the total number of comments with tips (573) and the total amount of tips (575), and determining these coefficients to calculate individual predicted business sentiment indices, it is possible to calculate lower predicted business sentiment indices for viewers who have previously posted a large amount of communication information or viewers who have given large amounts of tips.

[0182] [Differentiation 2] Furthermore, while the above embodiment shows an example of calculating an individual forecast business sentiment index using a third coefficient K3 based on viewing level 571, it is also possible to determine another coefficient based on the viewing history data 560 of the relevant viewing user or the distribution management data 580 included in the viewing user account list 591 of that viewing user, and use it to calculate the individual forecast business sentiment index. For example, a calculation function may be prepared that includes as variables another coefficient based on the total viewing time of past distributed content, the number of times the same posting user's distributed content has been viewed in the past, the number of times communication information was sent during that viewing (number of times communication information was sent to the posting user), the total amount of tips received during that viewing (total amount of tips to the posting user), etc. Then, a coefficient based on each value may be determined and the individual forecast business sentiment index may be calculated.

[0183] According to this, it becomes possible to calculate a variable forecast economic index based on the viewing history of the user during the input preparation operation.

[0184] Furthermore, in addition to the viewing history of the user in question, if settings such as friend counts or follower counts are set separately, the predicted economic sentiment index may also be calculated according to those numbers. This would make it possible to calculate a higher predicted economic sentiment index when a popular user with a large number of followers is in the process of preparing to input communication information.

[0185] [Difference 3] Alternatively, a calculation standard may be set and used to calculate individual forecast business sentiment indices. For example, this can be achieved by calculating the fifth coefficient K5, which will be explained below, instead of the first coefficient K1.

[0186] In other words, the prediction control unit 249, acting as a calculation standard setting means, first refers to the distribution management data 580 and calculates the average amount of tips attached to comments with tips that have already been received for the featured content, and sets the calculated average amount as the calculation standard. Then, it compares the average amount with the input amount of tips in the input communication information of interest and selects the higher amount as the applicable amount. If the calculation standard is higher than the input amount, the calculation standard is selected as the applicable amount. On the other hand, if the input amount is higher, the input amount is set as the applicable amount.

[0187] Subsequently, in the same manner as determining the first coefficient K1, if there is any communication information being entered by the recipient user, the amount of the tip entered is subtracted from the applicable amount to find the difference, and the fifth coefficient K5 is determined from the found difference. This makes it possible to calculate the predicted business sentiment index based on the average amount of tips related to the featured content.

[0188] Furthermore, for example, by referring to the distribution management data 580 related to the provided distribution content where the user account of the user who posted the featured content is set as posting user account 589, the average amount of all tipping received during the live broadcast of each relevant distribution content can be calculated and used as the calculation standard. According to this, the predicted business sentiment index can be calculated based on the average amount of tipping related to the user who posted the featured content.

[0189] [Differentiation Example 4] Furthermore, instead of immediately reflecting the received communication information on the content screen, the system can be configured to reflect it after a predetermined time has elapsed. In this case, the reflection control unit 245 controls the delay time from when the communication information is received until it is reflected, as a reflection delay time control means. The prediction control unit 249 also treats the communication information as incoming communication information (as if the input execution operation has not yet been performed) during the delay time and calculates the predicted business conditions index.

[0190] The delay time may be a fixed length, or it may be configured to accept setting operations by the viewing user. In the latter case, the server processing unit 200s controls the delay time for each viewing user by accepting delay time setting operations in advance as a delay time acceptance control means. For example, when an input execution operation is detected (when the execution button 225 is selected in the communication information input operation unit 22), the system controls the system to display a delay time setting screen, as illustrated in Figure 19, as a pop-up on the content screen, and accepts the delay time setting operation. In this modified example, the viewing user selects the desired delay time from the pull-down menu M8 which presents a list of selectable delay times, and performs the setting operation by touching the OK button B8. Alternatively, a setting field may be provided in the communication information input operation unit 22 to accept delay time setting operations.

[0191] Furthermore, instead of all viewers being able to freely set the delay time, the system may be configured so that only specific users can do so. In that case, the system accepts delay time setting operations from specific users who meet given specific user conditions. For example, when an input execution operation is detected, it is determined whether the viewer meets the specific user conditions, and if so, the delay time setting screen shown in Figure 19 is displayed, and the delay time setting operation by that viewer is accepted. The specific user conditions can be set in advance, such as "viewing level exceeds a predetermined level."

[0192] According to this modified version, when the display of the predicted economic sentiment index gauge 21 on other viewers' content screens is high due to the input of communication information by the user, the high state of the predicted economic sentiment index can be maintained for the duration of the delay even after the input operation is completed. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the input of communication information by other viewers for a longer period of time, thereby making one's own message stand out more.

[0193] Furthermore, the specific user conditions are not limited to conditions based on viewing level; they may also include conditions such as "having used a specified item," or "having sent communication information with a tip amount exceeding a specified amount." In that case, when an input execution operation is detected and the tip amount exceeds the specified amount, a predetermined delay time is set, or the delay time is set upon receiving a setting operation from the viewing user who performed the input execution operation. It is also preferable that the range of delay times that can be set differs depending on the tip amount (for example, the larger the tip amount, the wider the range of delay times that can be set).

[0194] [Difference 5] Furthermore, the coefficients used in calculating individual forecast economic sentiment indices (for example, the first to third coefficients K1, K2, and K3) may be modified as needed using machine learning. To this end, for example, a survey on satisfaction with the display of the forecast economic sentiment index gauge could be conducted among viewers after the live stream. The calculation formulas for each coefficient and the collected survey results could then be stored along with the number of input characters and amounts used to determine each coefficient, the viewing level, the number of viewers of the live stream, the time of the stream, and the genre of the game played in the streamed video. Machine learning processing could then be performed based on this stored data to modify each coefficient.

[0195] [Modification 6] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example was shown in which a tipping comment is sent by entering the tipping amount in the input field 223 of the communication information input operation unit 22 (see Figure 5) on the content screen. However, it is also possible to configure the system to send a tipping amount without adding a comment. For example, multiple types of tipping items with different prices could be prepared, and viewers could purchase or obtain them to use for sending tips. This can be achieved, for example, by placing an item selection menu on the communication information input operation unit 22, allowing users to select or purchase tipping items from that menu.

[0196] Tipping items can include those that, when sent, trigger a specific visual effect on the content screen. While there are no strict limitations on the content of these effects, it's a good idea to associate more expensive tips with more elaborate (highly visible) effects. For example, effects such as "paper streamers fluttering" or "crackers going off" can be set for each tipping item.

[0197] Furthermore, tipping items are not limited to being purchased each time; they may also be purchased in advance and stockpiled. In that case, the user management unit 210 processes the types and number of tipping items owned by each user as input candidates for communication information related to that user. Meanwhile, on the content screen, the aforementioned item selection menu allows each viewer to select the tipping item they want to use for sending a message from their own collection of tipping items.

[0198] Furthermore, in configurations that manage the tipping items owned by each user, as in this modified example, it is also possible to create a configuration that selects and presents recommended tipping items (hereinafter referred to as "recommended items") for each viewing user by continuously calculating the predicted business sentiment index for each stocked tipping item if it were sent.

[0199] In that case, the server processing unit 200s calculates a predicted business sentiment index for each tipping item owned by each viewing user, based on the value of sending that tipping item. This can be calculated by replacing the tipping amount entered in the communication information entered by the recipient user with the sales price of the tipping item. The timing of the calculation can be set as appropriate, but for example, the calculation is performed for the viewing user who made the selection operation in the item selection menu. Then, the predicted business sentiment index for each calculated tipping item is judged against a threshold, and for example, tipping items whose predicted business sentiment index falls below a predetermined threshold are selected and determined as recommended items for that viewing user. After that, the selected tipping items are displayed in a list and presented to the viewing user.

[0200] [Other variations] Furthermore, while the above embodiment uses gameplay videos as an example of the distributed content, the content of the distributed content is not particularly limited. For example, it could be a live broadcast of a performance or entertainment by the posting user, or a video work filmed or edited by the posting user. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0201] 1000...Game System 1100…Server System 100s... Operation input section 200s... Server Processing Unit 210...User Management Department 220...Billing Processing Unit 230...Game Management Department 241…Content Provision Control Unit 243... Reception and Control Section 245...Reflection Control Unit 247...Detection unit 249…Prediction Control Unit 251…Archive Content Provisioning Control Unit 290s...Image generation unit 292s…sound generation section 294s...Communication Control Unit 390s...Image display section 392s... Audio output section 394s…Communication Department 500s... Server storage unit 501…Server program 503... Game client program for distribution 510...Game settings data 520... Play data 525…Time-series data of operation input 526…Progress time-series data 530... Data for recreating gameplay 540...User management data 543...Payment media ledger data 545... Play history data 547…Posted data 550…Viewing data 560…Viewing history data 566... ​​Number of comments with donations during the stream 567...Total amount of donations received during the live stream 568…Average amount of donations received during live streams 571... Viewing level 573...Total number of comments with donations 575...Total amount of tips 577...Average tip amount 580…Distribution management data 597... Live gameplay video 599...List of terminals currently being used 600...Inputting communication information 601...Normal comment transmission record data 603...Data on the number of comments sent with tips. 605…Prediction Index Time Series Data 607…Highlight video 1500... User terminal 100... Operation input section 200... Terminal Processing Unit 270...User terminal processing unit 271... Operation signal transmission control unit 273...Image display control unit 275...Video Viewing Control Unit 290...Image generation unit 292...Sound generation section 294... Communications Control Unit 390...Image display section 392...Sound output section 394... Communications Department 500... Terminal storage unit 502…Game Client Program 504…Web browser program 506... Operation input data N... Network 1200... Video publishing management server 1300... Electronic payment server 2…User

Claims

1. A content provision system that communicates with a user terminal of a viewing user and provides a given content to the user terminal, A reception control means for receiving communication information when an input preparation operation for inputting given communication information to be reflected on the content screen of the user terminal and an input execution operation following the input preparation operation are performed on the user terminal, A reflection control means that performs control to reflect the received communication information on the content screen in response to reception by the reception control means, A detection means for detecting the input preparation operation on the user terminal, Based on the detection results of the detection means, a predictive control means calculates a predicted business conditions index that represents the degree of business conditions when future reflection control is performed by the reflection control means, and controls the user terminal to send a prediction notification based on the predicted business conditions index. A content delivery system equipped with the following features.

2. The input preparation operation includes setting a monetary value that can be added to the communication information to be input. The reflection control means, when the received communication information has monetary value attached to it, reflects the communication information on the content screen in a form that is different in visibility from when the monetary value has not been attached. The detection means detects the operation to set the monetary value, The prediction control means calculates the predicted business conditions index based on the setting operation of the monetary value detected by the detection means. The content provision system according to claim 1.

3. The reflection control means, when the received communication information has monetary value attached to it, reflects the communication information on the content screen in a form that has different visibility depending on the amount of monetary value. The prediction control means calculates the predicted business conditions index based on the amount of the monetary value detected by the detection means. The content provision system according to claim 2.

4. A second detection means for detecting the input preparation operation on the user terminal of the recipient user of the predictive notification, A destination notification variable control means that variably controls the predictive notification on the destination user's user terminal based on the detection result of the second detection means, The content provision system according to claim 3, further comprising the above.

5. The input preparation operation includes a setting operation to include the comment in the communication information, The reflection control means controls the display of the comment on the content screen, The detection means detects the comment setting operation, The prediction control means calculates the predicted business conditions index based on the content of the comment detected by the detection means. A content provision system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. A viewing history data management means for managing viewing history data for each viewing user, Furthermore, The predictive control means controls the predictive notification addressed to each viewing user based on the viewing history data of that viewing user. A content provision system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The detection means detects the input preparation operation relating to the recipient user of the prediction notification and the input preparation operation relating to a non-recipient user who is a viewing user other than the recipient user, The predictive control means calculates the predicted business conditions index by relatively comparing the detection result of the detection means relating to the destination user with the detection result of the detection means relating to the non-destination user. A content provision system according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The prediction control means includes a calculation standard setting means for setting a calculation standard for the predicted business conditions index, and calculates the predicted business conditions index using the said calculation standard. A content provision system according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The calculation standard setting means sets the calculation standard based on past detection results by the detection means. The content provision system according to claim 8.

10. User data management means for managing user data for each viewing user, Furthermore, The detection means detects the input preparation operation for each viewing user, The predictive control means calculates the predicted business sentiment index variably based on whether or not the viewers whose input preparation operation has been detected by the detection means include viewers whose user data meets specific conditions. A content provision system according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The reflection control means includes a reflection delay time control means that variably controls the delay time for reflecting the received communication information on the content screen. A content provision system according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. Delay time reception control means that accepts the setting operation of the delay time by a specific user among the aforementioned viewing users who meets given specific user conditions, Furthermore, The reflection delay time control means controls the delay time for reflecting the communication information of the specific user in a variable manner, based on the delay time received by the delay time reception control means. The content provision system according to claim 11.

13. The reception control means, when the predicted business conditions index satisfies the given confirmation request conditions, makes a confirmation request to the user terminal from which the input execution operation was performed, asking whether to cancel or confirm the input execution operation. A content provision system according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. A recording means for recording the content already provided in association with the time-series data of the forecast business conditions index calculated at the time of provision, Archive content provision control means that, with respect to the provided content recorded by the recording means, determines the timing at which the forecast business conditions index satisfies a given high index condition based on the time-series data associated with the content, and provides the provided content to the user terminal based on that timing, A content provision system according to any one of claims 1 to 13, further comprising the above.

15. For each of the aforementioned viewing users, an input candidate management means for managing input candidates for the aforementioned communication information, For each of the aforementioned viewing users, a recommendation candidate presentation means selects and presents the communication information that is recommended for input from among the input candidates managed by the input candidate management means, based on the predicted business conditions index. A content provision system according to any one of claims 1 to 14, further comprising:

16. A server system which is a content provision system according to any one of claims 1 to 15, The user terminal and, A content viewing system connected to a network capable of communication.

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