Information processing systems, information processing methods, and computer programs

Abstract

This provides a technical improvement that solves or mitigates at least some of the problems of the prior art. One of the more specific issues addressed by this disclosure is to improve the willingness of viewers to gift. [Solution] The video distribution system in this disclosure is a video distribution system that distributes a video including animation of character objects generated based on the movements of a distribution user, and comprises one or more computer processors, the one or more computer processors comprising a distribution unit, a display unit, and a determination unit, wherein when the determination unit determines that a first object is displayed within a predetermined distance from a second object, the object display unit changes the first object and the second object to a third object and displays them.

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing system, an information processing method, and a computer program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a video distribution system is known that generates an animation of a character object based on the movement of an actor and distributes a video including such an animation of the character object (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] In this type of video distribution system, a system has been proposed in which an arbitrary object is displayed in a video by an operation of a viewing user. The object to be displayed in the video by the viewing user is, for example, a gift object or the like.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Normally, a gift selected by a viewing user is generally displayed as a gift object in a manner that it falls from the upper part to the lower part of the space in the video and is arranged at a predetermined position, and then the display ends with the passage of time.

[0006] Here, gifting by a viewing user leads to an improvement in the distribution motivation of the distribution user, and how to improve the motivation of such gifting by the viewing user has become an issue in this technical field.

[0007] Therefore, the purpose of this disclosure is to provide technical improvements that solve or mitigate at least some of the problems of the prior art described above. One of the more specific purposes of this disclosure is to provide a video distribution system, an information processing method, and a computer program that can increase the willingness of viewers to gift. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The video distribution system in this disclosure is a video distribution system that distributes a video including animation of character objects generated based on the movements of a distribution user, and comprises one or more computer processors, the one or more computer processors comprising: a distribution unit that distributes information about the video including animation of the distribution user's character objects to a viewing user terminal; an object display unit that displays a first object corresponding to a first gift in the video based on a first gift display request transmitted from the viewing user terminal; and a determination unit that determines whether the first object displayed by the object display unit is displayed within a predetermined distance from a second object already displayed in the video, wherein if the determination unit determines that the first object is displayed within a predetermined distance from the second object, the object display unit changes the first object and the second object to a third object and displays them.

[0009] The object display unit can prohibit the display of the first object based on further requests to display the first gift while the third object is being displayed.

[0010] One or more computer processors may prohibit the acceptance of further requests to display the first gift while the third object is being displayed.

[0011] One or more computer processors further include, when an object display unit displays multiple first objects, a measurement unit that measures the number of times each of the multiple first objects is determined to be displayed within a predetermined distance from one or more second objects already displayed in the video, and a count determination unit that determines whether the count measured by the measurement unit has reached a predetermined number. If the count determination unit determines that the count has reached a predetermined number, the object display unit can change the first and second objects to a third object and display them.

[0012] The object display unit can display at least a portion of the third object so as to cover the head of the character object and follow the movement of the character object's head.

[0013] One or more computer processors can change the predetermined number of times based on the screen size of the video.

[0014] If the count determination unit determines that the number of times has not reached the specified number, the object display unit can display the first object in contact with the second object.

[0015] The object display unit can display the first object based on the specification of the initial display position of the first object transmitted from the viewing user terminal.

[0016] The object display unit can display a third object so that it is attached to a specific part of the character object.

[0017] The object display unit can display a third object so that it is positioned within the space of the video.

[0018] The information processing method in this disclosure is an information processing method in a video distribution system that distributes a video including animation of character objects generated based on the movements of a distribution user, and is characterized in that it causes one or more computer processors in the video distribution system to perform a distribution step of distributing information about a video including animation of a distribution user's character objects to a viewing user terminal, an object display step of displaying a first object corresponding to a first gift in the video based on a request to display a first gift transmitted from the viewing user terminal, and a determination step of determining whether the first object displayed by the object display step is displayed within a predetermined distance from a second object already displayed in the video, and if the determination step determines that the first object is displayed within a predetermined distance from the second object, the first object and the second object are changed to a third object and displayed.

[0019] The computer program in this disclosure is a computer program executed on a distribution user terminal that constitutes a video distribution system that distributes videos including animations of character objects generated based on the movements of the distribution user, wherein the video distribution system comprises a distribution user terminal, a viewing user terminal, and a server device, and one or more computer processors in the distribution user terminal implement: a transmission function that transmits information about videos including animations of the distribution user's character objects to the server device; a reception function that receives a request from the server device to display a first gift to be displayed in the video by the viewing user terminal; an object display function that displays a first object corresponding to the first gift in the video based on the display request received by the reception function; and a determination function that determines whether the first object displayed by the object display function is displayed within a predetermined distance from a second object already displayed in the video, wherein if the determination function determines that the first object is displayed within a predetermined distance from the second object, the object display function changes the first object and the second object to a third object and displays them.

[0020] The information processing method in this disclosure is an information processing method in a distribution user terminal that constitutes a video distribution system that distributes a video including animation of character objects generated based on the movements of the distribution user, wherein the video distribution system comprises a distribution user terminal, a viewing user terminal and a server device, and causes one or more computer processors in the distribution user terminal to perform a transmission step of transmitting information about a video including animation of the distribution user's character objects to the server device; a reception step of receiving a request from the server device for displaying a first gift to be displayed in the video by the viewing user terminal; an object display step of displaying a first object corresponding to the first gift in the video based on the display request received in the reception step; and a determination step of determining whether the first object displayed in the object display step is displayed within a predetermined distance from a second object already displayed in the video, wherein if the determination step determines that the first object is displayed within a predetermined distance from the second object, the object display step changes the first object and the second object to a third object and displays them.

[0021] The computer program in this disclosure is a computer program executed on a viewing user terminal that constitutes a video distribution system that distributes videos including animations of character objects generated based on the movements of the distribution user, wherein the video distribution system comprises a distribution user terminal, a viewing user terminal and a server device, and one or more computer processors in the viewing user terminal implement a receiving function that receives information about videos including animations of the distribution user's character objects from the server device, a display function that displays the video based on the information about the video, and a transmission function that sends a request to the server device to display a first gift to be displayed in the video, wherein, as a result of determining whether the first object displayed in the video based on the display request is displayed within a predetermined distance from a second object already displayed in the video, if it is determined that the first object is displayed within a predetermined distance from the second object, the display function changes the first object and the second object to a third object and displays them.

[0022] The information processing method in this disclosure is an information processing method in a viewing user terminal that constitutes a video distribution system that distributes a video including animation of a character object generated based on the movements of a distribution user, wherein the video distribution system comprises a distribution user terminal, a viewing user terminal and a server device, and the viewing user terminal has one or more computer processors that perform a receiving step of receiving information about a video including animation of a distribution user's character object from the server device, a display step of displaying the video based on the information about the video, and a transmission step of sending a request to the server device to display a first gift to be displayed in the video, wherein, as a result of determining whether the first object displayed in the video based on the display request is displayed within a predetermined distance from a second object already displayed in the video, if it is determined that the first object is displayed within a predetermined distance from the second object, the display step is characterized in that the first object and the second object are changed to a third object and displayed.

Advantages of the Invention

[0023] According to the present disclosure, it is to provide a technical improvement that solves or alleviates at least some of the problems of the above-described prior art. Specifically, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a video distribution system, an information processing method, and a computer program that can improve the gifting motivation of viewing users.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0024] [Figure 1] It is a system configuration diagram showing an example of the video distribution system in the present disclosure. [Figure 2] It is a system configuration diagram showing an example of the video distribution system in the present disclosure. [Figure 3] It is a configuration diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus in the present disclosure. [Figure 4] It is a configuration diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the information processing apparatus in the present disclosure. [Figure 5] It is a conceptual diagram showing an image of the top screen displayed on the viewing / distribution user terminal. [Figure 6] It is a conceptual diagram showing an image of the distribution screen displayed on the viewing user terminal. [Figure 7] It is a conceptual diagram showing an image of the gift list screen displayed on the viewing user terminal. [Figure 8] (a)~(d) It is a conceptual diagram showing an image of the gift object displayed in the video. [Figure 9] (a)~(d) It is a conceptual diagram showing an image of the gift object displayed in the video. [Figure 10] It is a conceptual diagram showing an image of the gift object displayed in the video. [Figure 11] It is a conceptual diagram showing an image of the gift object displayed in the video. [Figure 12] It is a configuration diagram showing another example of the functional configuration of the information processing apparatus in the present disclosure. [Figure 13] This is a conceptual diagram showing the image of the gift object displayed in the video. [Figure 14] This flowchart shows an example of the information processing method described in this disclosure. [Figure 15] This is a conceptual diagram showing the image of the gift object displayed in the video. [Figure 16] This flowchart shows an example of the information processing method described in this disclosure. [Figure 17] This is a circuit diagram showing an example of a circuit configuration for realizing the computer program disclosed herein. [Figure 18] (a) A diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the distribution user terminal in this disclosure. (b) A diagram showing an example of the circuit configuration for realizing the functions of the distribution user terminal program in this disclosure. [Figure 19] This flowchart shows an example of the information processing method at the user terminal in this disclosure. [Figure 20] (a) A diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a viewing user terminal in this disclosure. (b) A diagram showing an example of the circuit configuration for realizing the functions of the viewing user terminal program in this disclosure. [Figure 21] This flowchart shows an example of the information processing method at the user's viewing terminal in this disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0025] First, an overview of the video distribution system according to the embodiment of this disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0026] The video distribution system in this disclosure is a video distribution system that distributes videos including animations of character objects generated based on the movements of a distribution user, and comprises one or more computer processors.

[0027] <System Configuration> As shown in Figure 1 as an example, the video distribution system 1000 according to this disclosure may include one or more viewing user terminals 1100, and an information processing device (support computer) 1300 located in a video distribution studio or the like, which is connected to these viewing user terminals 1100 via a network 1200.

[0028] Furthermore, the information processing device 1300 may be connected to a server device 1400 (not shown) via the Internet, and some or all of the processing that would be performed by the information processing device 1300 (described later) may be performed by the server device 1400. Note that the server device 1400 may be the information processing device 400 shown in Figure 2.

[0029] In this specification, distribution by such video distribution system 1000 shall be referred to as studio distribution.

[0030] In studio broadcasts, the full-body movements of the broadcasting user (actor) will be captured by cameras installed in the studio using markers attached to the broadcasting user, and reflected in the character in real time using known motion capture technology.

[0031] Furthermore, the video distribution system 1000 of the present invention can be linked with another video distribution system 2000, which is shown as an example in Figure 2. The video distribution system 2000 shown in Figure 2 may include a distribution user terminal 100, one or more viewing user terminals 200, and an information processing device (server device) 400 connected to these distribution user terminals 100 and viewing user terminals 200 via a network 300.

[0032] In the above example, the distribution user terminal 100 can be an information processing terminal such as a smartphone. In this specification, distribution by such video distribution system 2000 will be referred to as mobile distribution.

[0033] In mobile streaming, the facial movements of the streaming user will be captured by the camera on the streaming user terminal 100, and reflected in the character's face in real time using known face tracking technology.

[0034] The videos generated by the video distribution system 1000 and the video distribution system 2000 described above can, for example, be distributed to viewers from a single video distribution platform.

[0035] Furthermore, there is no particular distinction between broadcasters and viewers in mobile streaming; viewers can broadcast from their mobile devices at any time, and broadcasters can become viewers when watching videos from other broadcasters.

[0036] Furthermore, in any distribution, the process of reflecting motion onto the character to generate animation and the process of displaying the gifts described later may be shared among the distribution user terminal, the viewing user terminal, the information processing device, and other devices.

[0037] Specifically, the terminal or device that generates the character object animation receives face motion data and voice data from the distributing user's terminal. In addition to face motion, body motion may also be transmitted.

[0038] In the following explanation, the process of generating animations is assumed to be performed on both the streaming user's terminal and the viewing user's terminal, but this is not the only way to do so.

[0039] Furthermore, in the following description, the video distribution system in this disclosure will be described assuming that it has the system configuration shown in Figure 2 (mobile distribution), but it may also have the system configuration shown in Figure 1.

[0040] <Hardware Configuration> Here, using Figure 3, the hardware configuration of the information processing device 400 included in the video distribution system 2000 will be described. The information processing device 400 includes a processor 401, memory 402, storage 403, input / output interface (input / output I / F) 404, and communication interface (communication I / F) 405. Each component is interconnected via bus B.

[0041] The information processing device 400 can realize the functions and methods described in this embodiment through the cooperation of the processor 401, memory 402, storage 403, input / output I / F 404, and communication I / F 405.

[0042] The processor 401 executes functions and / or methods realized by code or instructions contained in a program stored in the storage 403. The processor 401 may include, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), a microprocessor, a processor core, a multiprocessor, an ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), etc., and may realize each process disclosed in each embodiment by logic circuits (hardware) or dedicated circuits formed on an integrated circuit (IC (Integrated Circuit) chip, LSI (Large Scale Integration)), etc. Furthermore, these circuits may be realized by one or more integrated circuits, and the multiple processes shown in each embodiment may be realized by a single integrated circuit. In addition, LSIs may be referred to as VLSI, Super LSI, Ultra LSI, etc., depending on the degree of integration.

[0043] Memory 402 temporarily stores programs loaded from storage 403 and provides a workspace for processor 401. Memory 402 also temporarily stores various data generated while processor 401 is executing programs. Memory 402 includes, for example, RAM (Random Access Memory) and ROM (Read Only Memory).

[0044] Storage 403 stores programs. Storage 403 includes, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), flash memory, etc.

[0045] The communication interface 405 is implemented as hardware such as a network adapter, communication software, or a combination thereof, and transmits and receives various types of data via the network 300. This communication may be performed via wired or wireless connection, and any communication protocol may be used as long as communication between the devices is possible. The communication interface 405 communicates with other information processing devices via the network 300. The communication interface 405 transmits various types of data to other information processing devices according to instructions from the processor 401. The communication interface 405 also receives various types of data transmitted from other information processing devices and transmits them to the processor 401.

[0046] The input / output interface 404 includes an input device for inputting various operations to the information processing device 400, and an output device for outputting processing results processed by the information processing device 400. The input / output interface 404 may have the input device and output device integrated, or they may be separated into an input device and an output device.

[0047] The input device is implemented by any or a combination of any type of device capable of receiving input from a user and transmitting the information related to said input to the processor 401. The input device includes, for example, hardware keys such as touch panels, touch displays, and keyboards, pointing devices such as mice, cameras (for image-based operation input), and microphones (for voice-based operation input).

[0048] The output device outputs the processing results processed by the processor 401. The output device includes, for example, a touch panel, a speaker, etc. The information processing device 1300, information processing device 1400, viewing user terminal 1100, distribution user terminal 100, and viewing user terminal 200 can also be configured with the same hardware configuration as shown in Figure 3, unless otherwise noted.

[0049] <Functional Configuration> Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, the one or more computer processors (information processing device 400 in this example) include a distribution unit 410, an object display unit 420, and a determination unit 430.

[0050] The distribution unit 410 distributes information about the video, including the animation of the distribution user's character object, to the viewing user terminal (viewing user terminal) 1100. The information about the video, including the animation of the distribution user's character object, includes, for example, motion information showing the character object's movements, the distribution user's voice information, and gift object information showing gifts sent by other viewing users. The gift object information includes at least gift object identification information that identifies the type of gift object, and location information that indicates where the gift object is displayed.

[0051] For example, the distribution unit 410 can live stream video via the video distribution platform described above.

[0052] Figure 5 shows the top screen 201 displayed on the user terminal 200 of a user who has accessed the video distribution platform mentioned above.

[0053] As shown in Figure 5, viewers can watch videos played on a particular streaming channel by selecting one of the one or more streaming channels 202 displayed in a list on the top screen 201.

[0054] Alternatively, viewers can access a permanent link to a specific streaming channel to watch videos played on that channel. Such permanent links can be obtained through notifications from streaming users they follow, or through shared notifications from other users.

[0055] As shown in Figure 5, the top screen 201 may also display a notification area 203 for campaigns, events, and other announcements. This notification area 203 can be switched to display other announcements by sliding it.

[0056] Furthermore, the aforementioned video streaming platform allows users to view a list of currently streaming channels and a list of channels scheduled to stream, separated by tabs (Currently Streaming / Video List). As an example, Figure 5 shows a list of currently streaming channels.

[0057] Viewers can watch videos by selecting a streaming channel on the top screen 201, but they can also become streaming users themselves by selecting the streaming button 204.

[0058] Figure 6 shows an example of the screen 205 of the streamed video displayed on the viewer's device. Viewers can post comments by entering text in the comment field 206 and pressing the send button 207. By pressing the gift button 208, viewers can see a list of gifts and send a specified gift. Viewers can also post a rating indicating their approval by pressing the like button 209. Pressing a button includes selecting a button displayed on the screen by tapping it, etc.

[0059] Additionally, on the screen of a video streamed by a broadcaster that the viewer does not yet follow, a follow button 216 will be displayed for the viewer to follow the broadcaster. This follow button 216 functions as an unfollow button on the screen of a video streamed by a broadcaster that the viewer already follows.

[0060] Furthermore, this "following" may occur from one viewer to another, from one broadcaster to another, or from one broadcaster to another. However, following will be managed as a one-way association only, and the reverse association will be managed separately as "followers."

[0061] Furthermore, regarding video sharing, viewers can press the share button 211 to see a list of shareable social media platforms and, by selecting one, send a permalink to a specified location on the specified social media platform.

[0062] Furthermore, regarding still images, viewers can save still images of the screen by pressing the screenshot button 212. Pressing the screenshot button 212 also displays a list of social media platforms to which the still image can be shared, and viewers can select a social media platform and send the still image to a specified location.

[0063] Additionally, by pressing the collaboration button 213, you can request a collaborative stream from the streaming user. A collaborative stream means that the viewer's character object will appear in the streaming user's video.

[0064] Furthermore, a request to end viewing can be sent by pressing the viewing end button 214 shown in Figure 6.

[0065] Then, the object display unit 420 displays a first object corresponding to the first gift in the video based on a first gift display request transmitted from the viewing user terminal (viewing user terminal 200).

[0066] The first gift, for example, is selected by the viewer user from a list of gifts displayed on the viewer user terminal 200 when they press the gift button 208 mentioned above, and a display request is made.

[0067] Figure 7 shows an example of a screen 215 displaying a list of gifts on the viewing user terminal 200. As shown in Figure 7, gifts can be displayed separately by category (free gifts, paid gifts, accessories, cheering goods, appeals, variety, etc.).

[0068] Here, paid gifts are gifts that can be purchased by viewers using their purchased My Coins, while free gifts are gifts that viewers can obtain using or without using My Points that they have acquired for free.

[0069] As an example, the first gift is a snowball gift that displays a snowball object SB1, which represents a snowball, as shown in Figure 8(a).

[0070] As another example, the first gift is a dango gift, as shown in Figure 9(a), which displays a dango object DP1 representing a dango.

[0071] However, the first gift and the first object are not limited to the examples above; they can be any shape of object as long as they can display the third object in relation to the second object, which will be described later.

[0072] The determination unit 430 then determines whether the first object displayed by the object display unit 420 is displayed within a predetermined distance from a second object already displayed in the video.

[0073] For example, the second object can be the same snowball object SB2 as the first object, as shown in Figure 8(b). In other words, the first object already displayed in the video becomes the second object.

[0074] The second object may also be an object SB3, which is a stack of multiple snowballs, as shown in Figure 8(c). Alternatively, the second object may be a snowball object SB4, which is larger than the first snowball object, as shown in Figure 8(d).

[0075] Furthermore, these second objects may all be displayed in response to a request to display the first gift. That is, as shown in Figure 8(d), when the first request to display the first gift is made within a single video, a large snowball object SB4 may be displayed, and from the second time onward, a smaller snowball object SB1 may be displayed than the object corresponding to the first request for the first gift.

[0076] As another example, the second object can be the same dumpling object DP2 as the first object, as shown in Figure 9(b). In other words, the first object already displayed in the video becomes the second object.

[0077] The second object may also be an object DP3 in which the first object, the dumpling objects, are arranged or stacked, as shown in Figure 9(c). Alternatively, the second object may be a base object DP4 for stacking the first object, the dumpling objects, as shown in Figure 9(d).

[0078] Furthermore, these second objects may all be displayed in response to a request to display the first gift. That is, as shown in Figure 9(d), if the first request to display the first gift is made for the first time in a single video, the pedestal object DP4 may be displayed, and from the second time onward, a different dumpling object DP1, which is different from the object corresponding to the first request to display the first gift, may be displayed. Alternatively, if the second request to display the first gift is made, an object with three dumplings lined up may be displayed, if the third request to display the first gift is made, an object with two dumplings lined up may be displayed, and if the fourth request to display the first gift is made, an object with one dumpling may be displayed. The number of dumplings is not particularly limited to the above example.

[0079] Information about the first object includes at least identification information that identifies the type of the first object and positional information that indicates where the object is displayed. The first object is then displayed at the specified location with the specified type of shape based on the information about the first object. Whether the first object is displayed within a predetermined distance from a second object already displayed in the video is determined by comparing the three-dimensional or two-dimensional coordinates of the location where the second object is displayed with the three-dimensional or two-dimensional coordinates of the location where the first object is displayed.

[0080] Furthermore, while the predetermined distance is not particularly limited, it is preferable to determine it considering ease of viewing for the viewer or broadcaster. For example, the predetermined distance can be set based on the video screen size and the size of the objects.

[0081] Furthermore, the first object may be displayed in a manner that moves from the top to the bottom of the screen, or from the bottom to the top, from the left to the right, from the right to the left, from the back to the front of the screen, or from the front to the back of the screen.

[0082] Furthermore, if the determination unit 430 determines that the first object is displayed within a predetermined distance from the second object, the object display unit 420 changes the first object and the second object to the third object and displays them accordingly.

[0083] For example, if the first object is a snowball object SB1, the third object can be a snowman object SM as shown in Figure 10.

[0084] Alternatively, if the first object is a dumpling object DP1, the third object can be a rabbit object RB as shown in Figure 11.

[0085] If the determination unit 430 determines that the first object is not displayed within a predetermined distance from the second object, the object display unit 420 will not change the first and second objects to the third object, and will display the first object in a predetermined position on the screen without changing its display mode until a predetermined time has elapsed, just like a normal gift object.

[0086] The above configuration can provide a technical improvement that solves or mitigates at least some of the problems of the prior art described above. Specifically, one embodiment of this disclosure can improve the willingness of viewers to gift.

[0087] Furthermore, with the above configuration, by varying the display of gifts, the appeal of gifting can be enhanced, and the desire of viewers to gift can be increased.

[0088] Furthermore, one or more computer processors in this disclosure may further include a measurement unit 440 and a count determination unit 450, as shown in Figure 12.

[0089] When the object display unit 420 displays multiple first objects, the measurement unit 440 measures the number of times it is determined that each of the multiple first objects is displayed within a predetermined distance from one or more second objects already displayed in the video.

[0090] The count determination unit 450 determines whether the number of counts measured by the measurement unit 440 has reached a predetermined number.

[0091] In this case, it is preferable that the predetermined number of repetitions be set based on the screen size of the video. That is, it is preferable that the predetermined number of repetitions differ depending on whether the screen size of the displayed video is portrait or landscape. For example, the predetermined number of repetitions may be 3 when the screen size is portrait, while it may be 2 when the screen size is landscape.

[0092] Then, if the count determination unit 450 determines that the count has reached a predetermined number, the object display unit 420 can change the first object and the second object to the third object and display them.

[0093] Furthermore, if the count determination unit 450 determines that the number of counts has not reached the specified number, and before the count determination unit 450 determines that the number of counts has reached the specified number, the object display unit 420 can display the first object in contact with the second object.

[0094] The position in which the first object makes contact with the second object is not particularly limited, but as an example, as shown in Figures 8 and 9, the first object can be displayed in a manner in which it is stacked on top of the second object.

[0095] Here, we will explain in detail an example where the prescribed number of times is three, referring to Figures 13 and 14.

[0096] As shown in Figures 13 and 14, when the object display unit 420 displays the first snowball object (second object) SB2 and the second snowball object (first object) SB1 is displayed at the same time (S20), if the determination unit 430 determines that they are within a predetermined distance (Yes in S30), the second snowball object SB1 is displayed in a manner that it appears to be stacked on top of the first snowball object SB2 (S40). Then, the measurement unit 440 updates the number of measurements, which is the number of times the determination was made, to 1 (S50).

[0097] The count determination unit 450 then determines that the number of measurements (1) by the measurement unit 440 has not reached the specified number (3) (No in S60), and waits for the display of the next snowball object (first object) SB1.

[0098] If the determination unit 430 determines in S30 that snowball object SB2 and snowball object SB1 are not within a predetermined distance of each other (No in S30), the second snowball object SB1 will not be displayed in a manner that places it on top of the first snowball object SB2, but will be displayed as a separate snowball object SB1 in a different position until the display ends (S70).

[0099] Next, when the object display unit 420 displays the first snowball object and the second snowball object SB2 (here referred to as the second object together), and the third snowball object (the first object) SB1 is displayed (S20), if the determination unit 430 determines that they are within a predetermined distance (Yes in S30), the third snowball object SB1 is displayed in a manner that it appears to be stacked on top of the second snowball object SB2 (S40). Then, the measurement unit 440 updates the number of measurements, which is the number of times the determination was made, to 2 (S50).

[0100] The count determination unit 450 then determines that the number of measurements (2 times) by the measurement unit 440 has not reached the specified number (3 times) (No in S60), and waits for the display of the next snowball object (first object) SB1.

[0101] If the determination unit 430 determines in S30 that these are not within a predetermined distance (No in S30), the third snowball object SB1 will not be displayed in a manner in which it is stacked on top of the second snowball object SB2, but will be displayed as a separate snowball object SB1 in a different position until the display ends (S70).

[0102] Finally, when the object display unit 420 displays the first snowball object, the second snowball object, and the third snowball object SB2 (here, the three together are referred to as the second object), and the fourth snowball object (the first object) SB1 is displayed (S20), if the determination unit 430 determines that they are within a predetermined distance (Yes in S30), the fourth snowball object SB1 is displayed in a manner that it appears to be stacked on top of the third snowball object SB2 (S40). Then, the measurement unit 440 updates the number of measurements, which is the number of times the determination was made, to 3 (S50).

[0103] Then, the count determination unit 450 determines that the number of measurements (3 times) by the measurement unit 440 has reached the specified number (3 times) (Yes in S60), and the object display unit 420 changes the snowball object SB1 and snowball object SB2 to a third object, the snowman object SM, and displays it.

[0104] If the determination unit 430 determines in S30 that these are not within a predetermined distance (No in S30), the fourth snowball object SB1 will not be displayed in a manner in which it is stacked on top of the third snowball object SB2, but will be displayed as a separate snowball object SB1 in a different position until the display ends (S70).

[0105] In the example above, the second object was defined as all the first objects that are already displayed, but it is also possible to define only the immediately preceding first object as the second object.

[0106] Furthermore, the specified number of times may be three or more, or less. In particular, if the specified number of times is one, the display of the first and second objects may change each time, for example, when the second object is placed on the first, it becomes a small snowman; when the third object is placed on the snowman, it becomes a medium-sized snowman; when the fourth object is placed on the medium-sized snowman, it becomes a large snowman.

[0107] Alternatively, the image could be depicted as a gradual evolution from a snowman to a snow monster, or as a transformation from a dumpling to a rabbit, and then from a rabbit to the moon—expressions of conceptually connected changes.

[0108] Additionally, when displaying a third object, you may add visual effects such as sound effects or smoke.

[0109] Furthermore, the object display unit 420 can display at least a portion of the third object so as to cover the head of the character object and follow the movement of the character object's head.

[0110] Figure 15 shows an example where the bottom of the snowman object SM's body covers the head of the character object CO. Note that before transforming into the snowman object SM, the stacked snowball objects are displayed stacked on top of the character object CO's head. Furthermore, the snowman object SM is displayed in such a way that it tilts to the right in response to the tilt of the character object CO's head to the right.

[0111] Furthermore, it is preferable that the object display unit 420 prohibits the display of the first object based on a further request to display the first gift while the third object is being displayed.

[0112] In this case, the first gift display request from the viewer will be accepted. A time limit may be set for prohibiting this display, and once the specified period has elapsed, the display will resume from the first object. At this time, previously made display requests will be placed in a queue.

[0113] Alternatively, one or more computer processors in this disclosure may prohibit accepting further requests to display the first gift while the third object is being displayed.

[0114] In this case, the viewing user's request to display the first gift will not be accepted. The gift list displayed on the viewing user's terminal will be presented in a manner that prevents the user from selecting the first gift, for which the display request is prohibited.

[0115] Furthermore, the object display unit 420 can display the first object based on the specification of the initial display position of the first object transmitted from the viewing user terminal.

[0116] As shown in Figure 15, the head of the character object CO can be moved based on the movements of the broadcasting user. By allowing the viewer to specify the initial display position of the first object, it becomes possible to provide an enjoyable experience by making it easier or harder to bring the first and second objects closer together, thereby stimulating communication between the broadcasting user and the viewer.

[0117] Furthermore, the object display unit 420 can display the third object so that it is attached to a specific part of the character object.

[0118] In other words, the third object functions as an attachable gift. Specifically, as shown in Figure 15, the third object can be attached to the head of a character object. Note that permission from the distribution user may be obtained before attaching the object.

[0119] Alternatively, the object display unit 420 can display a third object so that it is placed in the space within the video.

[0120] In other words, the third object functions as an unworn gift. Specifically, as shown in Figure 11, the third object is not something that the character object wears, but rather something that can be placed in a predetermined position in the virtual space within the video.

[0121] In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the first object is a snowball object, but the first object may be displayed as an animation in which multiple snowballs or crystals fall. In this case, when the animation finishes playing, or when the snowballs or crystals come into contact with the character object, a snowman object may be attached to the head of the character object.

[0122] Furthermore, while the above embodiment described an example in which the displayed object gradually changes in response to the same first gift display request, other types of gifts having attributes related to the first gift may also be able to change the displayed object.

[0123] To illustrate with a specific example using a snowman object, after a snowman object is attached to the character object's head in response to a request to display a snowball gift, a request to display an icicle gift may be made. When the icicle falls from the top to the bottom of the screen and comes into contact with the snowman object, the snowman object may grow larger. In this case, the icicle gift and the snowball gift are managed in association with each other.

[0124] One such management method involves assigning the same "ice attribute" to both icicle gifts and snowball gifts. Besides the "ice attribute," various other attributes such as "sweets attribute," "water attribute," "fire attribute," and "food attribute" can also be assigned.

[0125] The above configuration can provide a technical improvement that solves or mitigates at least some of the problems of the prior art described above. Specifically, one embodiment of this disclosure can improve the willingness of viewers to gift.

[0126] Furthermore, with the above configuration, by varying the display of gifts, the appeal of gifting can be enhanced, and the desire of viewers to gift can be increased.

[0127] Next, the information processing method in the embodiment of this disclosure will be described.

[0128] The information processing method in the embodiment of this disclosure is an information processing method in a video distribution system 2000 that distributes videos including animations of character objects generated based on the movements of the distribution user, as shown in Figure 2. The video distribution system 2000 comprises a distribution user terminal 100, a viewing user terminal 200, and an information processing device 400 (server device 400).

[0129] The information processing method in this disclosure is characterized by causing one or more processors in a video distribution system to execute a distribution step S11, an object display step S12, and a determination step S13, as shown as an example in Figure 16.

[0130] The distribution step S11 distributes information about a video, including the animation of the distribution user's character object, to the viewing user's terminal. This distribution step S11 can be performed by the distribution unit 410 described above.

[0131] The object display step S12 causes the video to display a first object corresponding to a first gift based on a request to display a first gift sent from the viewing user terminal. This object display step S12 can be performed by the object display unit 420 described above.

[0132] The determination step S13 determines whether the first object displayed in the object display step is displayed within a predetermined distance from a second object already displayed in the video. This determination step S13 can be performed by the determination unit 430 described above.

[0133] Then, if the determination step S13 determines that the first object is displayed within a predetermined distance from the second object (Yes in S13), the first object and the second object are changed to the third object and displayed (S14). This step S14 can be performed by the object display unit 420 described above.

[0134] The above configuration can provide a technical improvement that solves or mitigates at least some of the problems of the prior art described above. Specifically, one embodiment of this disclosure can improve the willingness of viewers to gift.

[0135] Furthermore, with the above configuration, by varying the display of gifts, the appeal of gifting can be enhanced, and the desire of viewers to gift can be increased.

[0136] Next, a computer program in an embodiment of this disclosure will be described.

[0137] The computer program in the embodiment of this disclosure is a computer program executed in a video distribution system 2000 that distributes videos including animations of character objects generated based on the movements of the distribution user, as shown in Figure 2. The video distribution system 2000 comprises a distribution user terminal 100, a viewing user terminal 200, and an information processing device 400 (server device 400).

[0138] The computer program in this disclosure is characterized by enabling one or more processors in a video distribution system to implement a distribution function, an object display function, and a judgment function.

[0139] The distribution function delivers information about the video, including the animation of the distribution user's character object, to the viewing user's device.

[0140] The object display function displays a first object corresponding to a first gift in the video based on a first gift display request sent from the viewing user's terminal.

[0141] The judgment function determines whether the first object displayed in the object display step is displayed within a predetermined distance from a second object already displayed in the video.

[0142] Then, if the judgment function determines that the first object is displayed within a predetermined distance from the second object, the object display function changes both the first and second objects to the third object and displays them.

[0143] The above functions can be realized by the distribution circuit 1410, object display circuit 1420, and determination circuit 1430 shown in Figure 17. The distribution circuit 1410, object display circuit 1420, and determination circuit 1430 are realized by the distribution unit 410, object display unit 420, and determination unit 430 described above, respectively. Details of each unit are as described above.

[0144] The above configuration can provide a technical improvement that solves or mitigates at least some of the problems of the prior art described above. Specifically, one embodiment of this disclosure can improve the willingness of viewers to gift.

[0145] Furthermore, with the above configuration, by varying the display of gifts, the appeal of gifting can be enhanced, and the desire of viewers to gift can be increased.

[0146] Next, we will describe the delivery user terminal in the embodiment of this disclosure.

[0147] As shown in Figure 2, the distribution user terminal in this disclosure constitutes a video distribution system 2000 that distributes videos including animations of character objects generated based on the movements of the distribution user. The video distribution system 2000 further comprises a viewing user terminal 200 and an information processing device 400 (server device 400).

[0148] The distribution user terminal 100, as shown in Figure 18(a), includes a transmission unit 110, a reception unit 120, an object display unit 130, and a determination unit 140.

[0149] The transmitting unit 110 transmits information about the video, including the animation of the distribution user's character object, to the server device 400.

[0150] The receiving unit 120 receives a request from the server device 400 to display the first gift to be shown in the video by the viewing user terminal 200.

[0151] The object display unit 130 displays a first object corresponding to the first gift in the video based on the display request received by the receiving unit 120. The object display unit 130 can have the same functional configuration as the object display unit 420 provided in the information processing device 400 described above.

[0152] The determination unit 140 determines whether the first object displayed by the object display unit 130 is displayed within a predetermined distance from a second object already displayed in the video. The determination unit 140 can have the same functional configuration as the determination unit 430 provided in the information processing device 400 described above.

[0153] Then, if the determination unit 140 determines that the first object is displayed within a predetermined distance from the second object, the object display unit 130 changes both the first and second objects to the third object and displays them.

[0154] The above configuration can provide a technical improvement that solves or mitigates at least some of the problems of the prior art described above. Specifically, one embodiment of this disclosure can improve the willingness of viewers to gift.

[0155] Furthermore, with the above configuration, by varying the display of gifts, the appeal of gifting can be enhanced, and the desire of viewers to gift can be increased.

[0156] Next, a computer program for the distribution user terminal in the embodiment of this disclosure will be described.

[0157] The computer program in this disclosure is a computer program executed on a distribution user terminal 100 that constitutes a video distribution system that distributes videos including animations of character objects generated based on the movements of the distribution user, as shown in Figure 2. The video distribution system 2000 further comprises a viewing user terminal 200 and an information processing device 400 (server device 400).

[0158] The computer program then enables one or more computer processors in the distribution user terminal to implement a transmission function, a reception function, an object display function, and a judgment function.

[0159] The transmission function sends information about the video, including the animation of the distribution user's character object, to the server device 400.

[0160] The receiving function receives a request from the server device 400 to display the first gift to be shown in the video, which is made by the viewing user terminal 200.

[0161] The object display function displays a first object corresponding to the first gift in the video based on a display request received by the receiving function. This object display function can have the same functional configuration as the object display function implemented by the information processing device 400 described above.

[0162] The judgment function determines whether the first object displayed by the object display function is displayed within a predetermined distance from a second object already displayed in the video. This judgment function can have the same functional configuration as the judgment function implemented by the information processing device 400 described above.

[0163] Furthermore, if the object display function determines, based on the judgment function, that the first object is displayed within a predetermined distance from the second object, it will change both the first and second objects to the third object and display them.

[0164] The above functions can be realized by the transmitting circuit 1110, receiving circuit 1120, object display circuit 1130, and determination circuit 1140 shown in Figure 18(b). The transmitting circuit 1110, receiving circuit 1120, object display circuit 1130, and determination circuit 1140 are realized by the transmitting unit 110, receiving unit 120, object display unit 130, and determination unit 140 described above, respectively. Details of each unit are as described above.

[0165] The above configuration can provide a technical improvement that solves or mitigates at least some of the problems of the prior art described above. Specifically, one embodiment of this disclosure can improve the willingness of viewers to gift.

[0166] Furthermore, with the above configuration, by varying the display of gifts, the appeal of gifting can be enhanced, and the desire of viewers to gift can be increased.

[0167] Next, we will describe the information processing method in the distribution user terminal in the embodiment of this disclosure.

[0168] The information processing method in this disclosure is an information processing method in a distribution user terminal that constitutes a video distribution system that distributes videos including animations of character objects generated based on the movements of the distribution user, as shown in Figure 2. The video distribution system 2000 further comprises a viewing user terminal 200 and an information processing device 400 (server device 400).

[0169] As shown as an example in Figure 19, the information processing method in this disclosure causes one or more computer processors in the distribution user terminal to perform the transmission step S21, the reception step S22, the object display steps S23 and S25, and the determination step S24.

[0170] The transmission step S21 transmits information about a video, including the animation of the distribution user's character object, to the server device 400. This transmission step S21 can be performed by the transmission unit 110 described above.

[0171] The receiving step S22 receives a request from the server device 400 to display a first gift to be shown in the video by the viewing user terminal 200. This receiving step S22 can be performed by the receiving unit 120 described above.

[0172] The object display step S23 causes the video to display a first object corresponding to the first gift, based on the display request received in the receiving step S22. This object display step S23 can be performed by the object display unit 130 described above.

[0173] The determination step S24 determines whether the first object displayed in the object display step S23 is displayed within a predetermined distance from a second object already displayed in the video. This determination step S24 can be performed by the determination unit 140 described above.

[0174] Then, if it is determined in the determination step S24 that the first object is displayed within a predetermined distance from the second object (Yes in S24), the first object and the second object are changed to the third object and displayed (S25). Step S24 can be performed by the object display unit 130 described above.

[0175] The above configuration can provide a technical improvement that solves or mitigates at least some of the problems of the prior art described above. Specifically, one embodiment of this disclosure can improve the willingness of viewers to gift.

[0176] Furthermore, with the above configuration, by varying the display of gifts, the appeal of gifting can be enhanced, and the desire of viewers to gift can be increased.

[0177] Next, we will describe the user terminal for viewing in the embodiment of this disclosure.

[0178] In this disclosure, the viewing user terminal constitutes a video distribution system 2000 that distributes videos including animations of character objects generated based on the movements of the distribution user, as shown in Figure 2. The video distribution system 2000 further comprises a distribution user terminal 100 and an information processing device 400 (server device 400).

[0179] The viewing user terminal 200 includes a receiving unit 210, a display unit 220, and a transmitting unit 230, as shown in Figure 20(a).

[0180] The receiving unit 210 receives information about the video, including the animation of the distribution user's character object, from the server device 400.

[0181] The display unit 220 displays a video based on information related to the video.

[0182] The transmission unit 230 sends a request to the server device to display the first gift to be shown in the video.

[0183] Furthermore, based on the display request, it is determined whether the first object displayed in the video is within a predetermined distance from the second object already displayed in the video. If it is determined that the first object is within a predetermined distance from the second object, the display unit 220 changes the first and second objects to a third object and displays them.

[0184] The above configuration can provide a technical improvement that solves or mitigates at least some of the problems of the prior art described above. Specifically, one embodiment of this disclosure can improve the willingness of viewers to gift.

[0185] Furthermore, with the above configuration, by varying the display of gifts, the appeal of gifting can be enhanced, and the desire of viewers to gift can be increased.

[0186] Next, a computer program for the viewing user terminal in the embodiment of this disclosure will be described.

[0187] The computer program in this disclosure is a computer program executed on a viewing user terminal 200 that constitutes a video distribution system 2000 that distributes videos including animations of character objects generated based on the movements of the distribution user, as shown in Figure 2. The video distribution system 2000 further comprises a distribution user terminal 100 and an information processing device 400 (server device 400).

[0188] The computer program then causes one or more computer processors in the viewing user terminal to implement receiving, displaying, and transmitting functions.

[0189] The receiving function receives information about videos, including animations of the streaming user's character object, from the server device 400.

[0190] The display function shows videos based on information about them.

[0191] The transmission function sends a request to the server device to display the first gift to be shown in the video.

[0192] Furthermore, if it is determined whether the first object displayed in the video based on the display request is displayed within a predetermined distance from the second object already displayed in the video, and if it is determined that the first object is displayed within a predetermined distance from the second object, the display function changes both the first and second objects to a third object and displays them. The determination of whether the first object displayed in the video based on the display request is displayed within a predetermined distance from the second object already displayed in the video may be performed by the viewing user terminal or by the server device.

[0193] The above functions can be realized by the receiving circuit 1210, display circuit 1220, and transmitting circuit 1230 shown in Figure 20(b). The receiving circuit 1210, display circuit 1220, and transmitting circuit 1230 are realized by the receiving unit 210, display unit 220, and transmitting unit 230 described above, respectively. Details of each unit are as described above.

[0194] The above configuration can provide a technical improvement that solves or mitigates at least some of the problems of the prior art described above. Specifically, one embodiment of this disclosure can improve the willingness of viewers to gift.

[0195] Furthermore, with the above configuration, by varying the display of gifts, the appeal of gifting can be enhanced, and the desire of viewers to gift can be increased.

[0196] Next, we will describe the information processing method in the viewing user terminal in the embodiment of this disclosure.

[0197] The information processing method in this disclosure is an information processing method in a viewing user terminal that constitutes a video distribution system that distributes videos including animations of character objects generated based on the movements of the distribution user, as shown in Figure 2. The video distribution system 2000 further comprises a distribution user terminal 100 and an information processing device 400 (server device 400).

[0198] The information processing method in this disclosure, as shown in Figure 21, causes one or more computer processors in the viewing user terminal to execute the receiving step S31, the display steps S32, S34, and the transmission step S33.

[0199] The receiving step S31 involves receiving information from the server device regarding a video containing animations of the distribution user's character object. This receiving step S31 can be performed by the receiving unit 210 described above.

[0200] Display step S32 displays the video based on the information about the video. This display step S32 can be performed by the display unit 220 described above.

[0201] The transmission step S33 sends a request to the server device to display the first gift to be shown in the video. This transmission step S33 can be performed by the transmission unit 230 described above.

[0202] Then, based on the display request, it is determined whether the first object displayed in the video is within a predetermined distance from the second object already displayed in the video. If it is determined that the first object is within a predetermined distance from the second object, the first and second objects are changed to the third object and displayed (S34).

[0203] The above configuration can provide a technical improvement that solves or mitigates at least some of the problems of the prior art described above. Specifically, one embodiment of this disclosure can improve the willingness of viewers to gift.

[0204] Furthermore, with the above configuration, by varying the display of gifts, the appeal of gifting can be enhanced, and the desire of viewers to gift can be increased.

[0205] Furthermore, a computer or mobile phone or other information processing device can be suitably used to function as a server or terminal device according to the above-described embodiment. Such an information processing device can be realized by storing a program describing the processing content that realizes each function of the server or terminal device according to the embodiment in the storage unit of the information processing device, and having the CPU of the information processing device read and execute the program.

[0206] While several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be carried out in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents.

[0207] Furthermore, the methods described in the embodiments can be distributed by storing the program, which can be executed by a computer, on recording media such as magnetic disks (floppy disks, hard disks, etc.), optical disks (CD-ROMs, DVDs, MOs, etc.), and semiconductor memory (ROMs, RAMs, flash memory, etc.), and by transmitting them via communication media. The program stored on the media also includes a configuration program that configures the software means (including not only the executable program but also tables and data structures) to be executed by the computer. The computer implementing this device reads the program recorded on the recording media and, if necessary, constructs the software means using the configuration program, and executes the above-described process by controlling its operation with this software means. The recording media referred to in this specification are not limited to those for distribution, but also include storage media such as magnetic disks and semiconductor memory provided inside the computer or in devices connected via a network. The storage unit may function as, for example, main memory, auxiliary memory, or cache memory. [Explanation of symbols]

[0208] 1000 video streaming systems 2000 Video Streaming System 100 distribution user terminals 200 Viewing User Terminals 300 Networks 400 Information Processing Devices 410 Distribution Department 420 Object Display Section 430 Judgment section

Claims

1. An information processing system comprising one or more computer processors, The one or more computer processors mentioned above are: A transmission unit that transmits information about a video, including the animation of the first user's character object, to the second user's terminal. The system includes an object display unit that displays multiple types of objects in the video transmitted from the second user terminal in accordance with the progress of the video, An information processing system comprising the aforementioned multiple types of objects, a third object that follows the movement of the character object, and other types of objects associated with the third object.

2. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the aforementioned other types of objects are newly displayed first objects that are associated with the third object and are assigned the same attributes as the first object which will be displayed together with the already displayed second object in the form of the third object.

3. The information processing system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein when the aforementioned other type of object comes into contact with the third object, it causes a change in the display manner of the third object.

4. The information processing system according to claim 2, wherein the second object includes at least one of the first objects that have already been displayed.

5. The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the third object is attached to the character object and displayed.

6. The information processing system according to claim 5, wherein the third object is attached to a specific part of the character object.

7. The information processing system according to claim 6, wherein the specific part includes the head of the character object.

8. The information processing system according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the third object is attached to the character object after obtaining permission from the first user.

9. The information processing system according to claim 2, wherein the first object and the second object are displayed stacked on top of the character object before being changed to the third object.

10. The information processing system according to claim 2 or 9, wherein the first object and the second object are changed to the third object attached to the character object when the playback of an animation in which another specific first object is displayed ends, or when another specific first object comes into contact with the character object.

11. One or more computer processors, A transmission step that transmits information about a video containing the animation of the first user's character object to the second user's second user terminal, The process involves performing an object display step in which multiple types of objects are displayed in the video transmitted from the second user terminal in accordance with the progress of the video, An information processing method comprising the aforementioned plurality of types of objects, a third object that follows the movement of the character object, and other types of objects associated with the third object.

12. One or more computer processors in the first user's first user terminal, A transmission function that transmits information regarding a video, including the animation of the first user's character object, to the server device. An object display function is implemented that displays multiple types of objects in the video received from the server device in accordance with the progress of the video. A computer program comprising the aforementioned multiple types of objects, a third object that follows the movement of the character object, and other types of objects associated with the third object.

13. One or more computer processors in the first user's first user terminal, A transmission step of sending information regarding a video including the animation of the first user's character object to a server device, The device performs an object display step in which it displays multiple types of objects in the video received from the server device in accordance with the progress of the video. An information processing method comprising the aforementioned plurality of types of objects, a third object that follows the movement of the character object, and other types of objects associated with the third object.

Images