Programs and Information Processing Systems

Abstract

To make it easier to send specific values ​​to other users. [Solution] The program causes the computer to function as a display control means that displays a push notification on the user's terminal device in response to a specific broadcaster starting a broadcast, and as a reception means that accepts the user's operation in response to the displayed push notification as an operation to send a gift from the user to the specific broadcaster without transitioning to the broadcast viewing screen.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a program and an information processing system.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a video distribution service that can send a specific value such as a gift to a distributor has been known (for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, in such a service, the method of sending a specific value is limited, and it may be difficult to send a specific value to other users.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to facilitate sending a specific value to other users.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] According to one embodiment shown in the present disclosure, a computer is caused to function as display control means for causing a display means to display a list of images associated with a distributor, and reception means for receiving an operation of a user on a specific image in the list as an operation of sending a specific value to a distributor associated with the specific image from the user, and a program is provided.

Effects of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to make it easier to send specific values ​​to other users. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a diagram illustrating the schematic configuration of an information processing system. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of an information processing system. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of a home screen. [Figure 4] This is a diagram showing an example of the first screen of the program guide. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of the second screen of the program guide. [Figure 6] This is a diagram illustrating how to send gifts from the viewing screen. [Figure 7] This is a diagram illustrating how to send gifts from the thumbnail list screen. [Figure 8] This is a diagram illustrating how to send gifts from the thumbnail list screen. [Figure 9] This is a diagram illustrating how to send gifts from the thumbnail list screen. [Figure 10] This is a diagram to explain how the broadcaster's response to receiving a gift is displayed. [Figure 11] This diagram illustrates other operations that can be performed from the thumbnail list screen. [Figure 12] This flowchart shows an example of the process involved in sending a gift. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0010] <Hardware configuration of the information processing system> As shown in Figure 1, the information processing system 1 of this embodiment includes a plurality of terminal devices 10 and a server 20.

[0011] The terminal device 10 and the server 20 are connected via the network 2. The network 2 may be constituted by, for example, the Internet, a mobile communication system (e.g., 3G, 4G, 5G, LTE (Long Term Evolution), etc.), WiFi (Wireless Fidelity), Bluetooth (registered trademark), other communication lines, or any combination thereof. Also, the connection between the terminal device 10 and the server 20 may be either a wired connection or a wireless connection.

[0012] The server 20 (in other words, a computer, an information processing device) may be, for example, a general-purpose computer such as a workstation or a personal computer. The server 20 includes a processor 21, a memory 22, a storage 23, a communication IF (interface) 24, and an input / output IF 25. These components included in the server 20 are connected to each other by a communication bus.

[0013] The processor 21 controls the operation of the entire server 20. The processor 21 may include a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), etc. The processor 21 reads a program from the storage 23 and expands it in the memory 22. The processor 21 executes the expanded program.

[0014] The memory 22 is a main memory device. The memory 22 is constituted by, for example, storage devices such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory). The memory 22 provides a working area for the processor 21 by temporarily storing the program and various data read by the processor 21 from the storage 23. The memory 22 also temporarily stores various data generated while the processor 21 is operating according to the program.

[0015] In addition, in this embodiment, the program may be a program for realizing a game by the terminal device 10. Further, the program may be a program for realizing the game by the cooperation of the terminal device 10 and the server 20. As an example, the game realized by the cooperation of the terminal device 10 and the server 20 may be a game executed on a browser started on the terminal device 10. Further, the program may be a program for realizing the game by the cooperation of a plurality of terminal devices 10. In addition, the various data includes, for example, data related to the game such as user information and game information, and instructions and notifications transmitted and received between the terminal device 10 and the server 20.

[0016] The storage 23 is an auxiliary storage device. The storage 23 is constituted by, for example, a storage device such as a flash memory or an HDD (Hard Disk Drive). Various data related to the game is stored in the storage 23.

[0017] The communication IF 24 controls the transmission and reception of various data via the network between the server 20 and the terminal device 10 or the like.

[0018] The input / output IF 25 is an interface for the server 20 to receive data input and an interface for the server 20 to output data. The input / output IF 25 may include, for example, an input unit which is an information input device such as a mouse and a keyboard, and a display unit which is a device for displaying and outputting an image.

[0019] The terminal device 10 (in other words, a computer, an information processing device) may be, for example, a smartphone, a feature phone, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a tablet computer, a personal computer, a wearable terminal, or a game device. The terminal device 10 may be a portable terminal. The terminal device 10 may be a portable terminal when the user executes a game.

[0020] The terminal device 10 comprises a processor 11, memory 12, storage 13, communication interface 14, input / output interface 15, input unit 17, and display unit 18. These components of the terminal device 10 are connected to each other by a communication bus.

[0021] The processor 11 controls the operation of the entire terminal device 10. The processor 11 may include a CPU, MPU, and GPU. The processor 11 reads a program from the storage 13 and loads it into the memory 12. The processor 11 executes the loaded program.

[0022] Memory 12 is the main memory. Memory 12 is composed of storage devices such as ROM and RAM. Memory 12 provides the processor 11 with a workspace by temporarily storing programs and various data read by the processor 11 from storage 13. Memory 12 also temporarily stores various data generated by the processor 11 while it is operating according to the program.

[0023] Storage 13 is an auxiliary storage device. Storage 13 is comprised of, for example, a storage device such as flash memory or an HDD. Various data related to the game is stored in Storage 13.

[0024] The communication interface 14 controls the transmission and reception of various types of data over the network between the terminal device 10 and the server 20, etc.

[0025] The input / output interface 15 is an interface for the terminal device 10 to receive data input and an interface for the terminal device 10 to output data. The input / output interface 15 may perform data input and output via, for example, USB (Universal Serial Bus). The input / output interface 15 may include an input unit 17 or a display unit 18, etc.

[0026] The input unit 17 accepts input from the user. The input unit 17 may be, for example, a pointing device such as a touchpad. The display unit 18 displays an image. The display unit 18 may be, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display. The terminal device 10 includes, for example, a touchscreen 16 which is an electronic component combining the input unit 17 and the display unit 18.

[0027] The input unit 17 has the function of detecting the position input to the input surface by user operation (for example, touch operation, tap operation, slide operation, swipe operation, flick operation, pinch-in operation, and pinch-out operation, etc.) and transmitting information indicating the detected position as an input signal. The touch panel as the input unit 17 can employ a capacitive type or a resistive type, but other types may also be used.

[0028] The input unit 17 may be, for example, a keyboard, various physical buttons, various sensors (e.g., an acceleration sensor, angular velocity sensor, motion sensor, gaze sensor, biopotential sensor, fingerprint sensor, breath sensor, pressure sensor, or image sensor), an operating stick, a camera, or a microphone. The display unit 18 may be, for example, a projector.

[0029] <Functional Configuration of Information Processing Systems> Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the server 20 and the terminal device 10. In this embodiment, the server 20 has functions such as providing various data and programs necessary to realize the game to each terminal device 10, collecting and managing game-related data from each terminal device 10, and performing synchronization processing between multiple terminal devices 10.

[0030] In this embodiment, the server 20 identifies each user and terminal device 10 using user accounts that have been registered in advance. The method of registering accounts is not particularly limited. For example, a terminal device 10 or another device such as a personal computer may transmit information necessary for user account registration to the server 20 based on user operations, and the server 20 may create and store each user's account based on the received information.

[0031] As shown in Figure 2, the server 20 functions as a control unit 210 and a storage unit 220 through the cooperation of the processor 21, memory 22, storage 23, communication interface 24, and input / output interface 25. The storage unit 220 stores various types of data used by the control unit 210. These types of data include, for example, game programs, game information, and user information.

[0032] The game program is a program that enables the game to be played. Game information and user information are data that the control unit 210 refers to when executing the game program.

[0033] In this embodiment, the game program may include not only the game program executed on the server 20 but also the game program executed on the terminal device 10. Furthermore, the storage unit 220 may store both the game program executed on the server 20 and the game program executed on the terminal device 10.

[0034] Game information is shared across accounts. This information includes, for example, information defining various virtual spaces (in other words, game spaces). A virtual space is the space where objects of user-controllable characters (hereinafter also referred to as "player characters") are placed. Game information also includes various setting information for objects shared across accounts, such as the placement, size, color, and shape of background objects like buildings, trees, and stones, as well as non-player characters (NPCs) placed within the virtual space. Furthermore, game information includes, for example, the setting values ​​of various NPC parameters. In the following, the character objects placed in the virtual space may simply be referred to as "characters."

[0035] User information is information managed for each game account. User information includes, for example, information about the player character, information about owned assets, and information indicating the progress of the game. Owned assets can be described as the value that the user owns in the virtual world. Examples of such value (in other words, in-game value, owned assets) include electronic currency, items, and characters. Examples of electronic currency include in-game currency usable within the game and cryptocurrencies.

[0036] The control unit 210 controls various processes related to the game by executing the game program stored in the memory unit 220. The control unit 210 includes, for example, a transmission / reception unit 211, a game progress unit 212, a user relationship management unit 215, and a gift processing unit 216.

[0037] The transmitting / receiving unit 211 transmits or receives various types of data. For example, the transmitting / receiving unit 211 receives requests to transmit various types of data and programs, requests for synchronization processing to support the multiplayer function, and data to be synchronized from each terminal device 10, and passes them to the game progress unit 212. The transmitting / receiving unit 211 also transmits various types of data and programs, including instructions for synchronization, to each terminal device 10 in accordance with the control of the game progress unit 212.

[0038] In this embodiment, the multiplayer function is a function that synchronizes the game processing of multiple accounts. The server 20 and terminal device 10 of the information processing system 1 execute various processes to support the multiplayer function when multiple accounts logged into the information processing system 1 participate in the same game.

[0039] The game progress unit 212 provides the game to the terminal device 10 by executing calculations described in the game program in response to requests from the terminal device 10.

[0040] The game progress unit 212 defines the virtual space based on the information for defining the virtual space included in the game information. The game progress unit 212 places objects in the virtual space based on the object setting information included in the game information. The game progress unit 212 controls the objects placed in the virtual space. Specifically, the game progress unit 212 changes the position, orientation, shape, color, etc., of objects in the virtual space, and makes objects perform predetermined actions.

[0041] Furthermore, the game progress unit 212 places the player characters of multiple players in the virtual space based on the play information transmitted from each terminal device 10. In other words, the game progress unit 212 processes the game space, which is an example of a virtual space, to be shared by multiple users. The game progress unit 212 also performs various judgment processes related to the progress of the game based on the play information transmitted from each terminal device 10. In other words, the game progress unit 212 controls objects and performs various judgment processes based on user input operations. Play information is output according to user input operations. For example, the play information may include the coordinate information of the player character as the content of the player character's operation, information about the player character's actions, and information indicating buttons operated by the user. The play information may also include information about the player character's settings. For example, the character's coordinate information is information indicating the character's position in the game space. For example, the action information is information about the character's actions. For example, a character's actions may include the character's posture, item use, skill use, attack, defense, or jump. For example, information regarding a character's settings may include information about the character's equipment, appearance, etc. Furthermore, the character's settings can be changed by the user.

[0042] Furthermore, when the game progress unit 212 receives, for example, a request for synchronization processing to support the multiplayer function or data to be synchronized from the terminal device 10 via the transmission / reception unit 211, it executes the synchronization processing to support the multiplayer function. The game progress unit 212 also commands the transmission / reception unit 211 to send game information or user information. For example, when the server 20 sends information to multiple terminal devices 10, the game progress unit 212 synchronizes the game progressing among the terminal devices 10 by simultaneously sending information to each terminal device 10. By executing the synchronization processing, it becomes possible to simultaneously reflect in-game events caused by an operation entered on one terminal device 10 to other terminal devices 10.

[0043] The user relationship management unit 215 manages information about friends and followers. For example, the user relationship management unit 215 associates one user (e.g., a first user) with another user (e.g., a second user) based on a request from the user relationship processing unit 115, which will be described later, and stores information about the relationships between users in the storage unit 220.

[0044] In this embodiment, the terminal device 10 has functions such as an input device that accepts user input operations, and an output device that outputs game images and sounds.

[0045] The terminal device 10 functions as a control unit 110 and a storage unit 120 through the cooperation of the processor 11, memory 12, storage 13, communication IF 14, and input / output IF 15, etc. The storage unit 120 stores various data used by the control unit 110. These various data include, for example, game programs, game information, and user information. The game program is a program for implementing the game on the terminal device 10 side. Game information and user information are data that the control unit 110 refers to when executing the game program. The game information and user information stored in the storage unit 120 may include the same information as the game information and user information stored in the storage unit 220.

[0046] The control unit 110 controls various processes related to the game executed on the terminal device 10 by executing the game program stored in the memory unit 120. The control unit 110 includes, for example, an operation reception unit 111, a transmission / reception unit 112, a game progress unit 113, a display control unit 114, a user relationship processing unit 115, and a distribution unit 116.

[0047] The operation reception unit 111 receives operations (hereinafter also referred to as "input operations") input by the user via the input unit 17. Specifically, when an input operation is performed on the input unit 17, the operation reception unit 111 detects the coordinates of the input position and the type of input operation. Examples of input operations include various operations performed with fingers, such as touch operations, tap operations, slide operations, swipe operations, flick operations, pinch-in operations, and pinch-out operations. Input operations are not limited to operations that physically contact the input unit 17 (for example, the touchscreen 16), but can also include non-contact operations. Operations that terminate an input operation that was previously performed, such as a touch-off operation that ends contact with the touchscreen 16, can also be considered a form of input operation.

[0048] Here, the operation reception unit 111 can accept input operations performed using operating devices connected via the input / output IF 15, in the same way as input operations performed on the input unit 17.

[0049] The transmitting / receiving unit 112 transmits or receives various types of data. For example, the transmitting / receiving unit 112 transmits various types of data and various requests to the server 20. As an example, the data that the transmitting / receiving unit 112 transmits to the server may include play information, game information, and user information. In other words, the transmitting / receiving unit 112 transmits to the server 20 information regarding input operations received by the operation reception unit 111.

[0050] Furthermore, the transmitting / receiving unit 112 receives various data, programs, and requests from the server. For example, the data that the transmitting / receiving unit 112 receives from the server 20 may include the types of one or more characters to be placed in the game space, character coordinate information, character action information, information regarding character settings, and other information. Also, for example, the data that the transmitting / receiving unit 112 receives from the server may include data for synchronization to support the multiplayer function. Synchronization data may include, for example, the data to be synchronized, the type of that data, and data to specify the timing of the synchronization.

[0051] The game progress unit 113 performs various processes related to the progress of the game. Based on the coordinates of the input position and the type of input operation detected by the operation reception unit 111, the game progress unit 113 identifies the user's instructions. Based on the results of various judgment processes related to the progress of the game performed based on the identified instructions, the game progress unit 113 controls objects, virtual cameras, etc. Depending on the progress of the game, the game progress unit 113 updates, adds, or deletes game information and user information.

[0052] The game progress unit 113 defines a virtual camera for specifying the area to be presented to the user within the virtual space. The game progress unit 113 positions the virtual camera within the virtual space by defining its position and orientation. The game progress unit 113 instructs the display control unit 114 to generate an image that renders the field of view defined by the virtual camera and the objects placed within this field of view.

[0053] The position and orientation of the virtual camera can be determined as appropriate for each virtual space. For example, the game progress unit 113 positions the virtual camera based on the position and orientation of a specific object, so that the specific object is centered in the field of view with a specific orientation. In doing so, the game progress unit 113 adjusts the position and orientation of the virtual camera using the direction, distance, and angle relative to the specific object. The specific object may be a dynamic object such as a player character or a non-player character, or a static object such as a building, tree, or stone. Dynamic objects include player characters that operate based on the actions of each user and non-player characters that operate based on the game program.

[0054] The user relationship processing unit 115 executes various processes related to the friend function and the follow function.

[0055] The distribution unit 116 performs various distribution-related processes, which will be described later.

[0056] The display control unit 114 causes the display unit 18 to display an image. A specific example will be given below.

[0057] The display control unit 114 generates an image that depicts the field of view of the virtual camera defined by the game progress unit 113 within the virtual space, along with the objects present in that field, and displays it on the display unit 18. The display control unit 114 can also superimpose objects related to the UI (User Interface) necessary for various game operations, such as icons, buttons, and menus showing various parameters, onto the image displayed on the display unit 18.

[0058] Furthermore, the control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 may place objects in the virtual space and display a predetermined area of ​​the virtual space on the display unit 18 based on object data sent from the server 20 and information indicating the positions of various objects in the virtual space. Alternatively, the control unit 210 of the server 20 may place objects in the virtual space, control the virtual camera, generate an image to be displayed on the display unit 18, and send it to the terminal device 10, and the control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 may display the image on the display unit 18. In other words, various processes related to object control based on user input, virtual camera control, and generation of images to be displayed on the display unit 18 may be performed by the server 20 or by the terminal device 10.

[0059] Note that the functions of the terminal device 10 and server 20 shown in Figure 2 are merely examples. Each device of the terminal device 10 and server 20 may have at least some of the functions of other devices. In other words, in this embodiment, the server 20 may have some or all of the functional blocks of the terminal device 10, and the terminal device 10 may have some or all of the functional blocks of the server 20. Also, each device such as the terminal device 10 and server 20 does not have to be implemented by a single device, but may be implemented by multiple devices connected via a network, for example. Furthermore, the information processing system 1 may consist of only the terminal device 10 or the server 20, for example. In other words, the information processing system 1 does not have to be implemented by multiple devices connected via a network. Also, the functions of the broadcaster's terminal device 10 and the viewer's terminal device 10, which will be described later, may be different.

[0060] <Processing according to this embodiment> Next, the processing according to this embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the processor 11 of the terminal device 10 or the processor 21 of the server 20 will be described as performing the processing described later by executing the game program stored in the information processing system 1. However, at least a portion of the processing described later that is performed by the processor 11 may be executed by a processor other than the processor 11. Also, at least a portion of the processing described later that is performed by the processor 21 may be executed by a processor other than the processor 21. In other words, in this embodiment, the computer that executes the game program may be either the terminal device 10 or the server 20, or it may be realized by a combination of multiple devices.

[0061] The following describes an example of applying the configuration of this embodiment to a game in which multiple users form teams. Specifically, the example will be a game in which multiple users are divided into multiple teams and compete against each other (for example, a GvG (Guild Versus Guild) game or an FPS (First Person Shooter) game). In the game of this embodiment, six users form a team and compete against other teams. The configuration of this embodiment may be applied to any game, including role-playing games, action games, and sports games. Furthermore, the configuration of this embodiment is not limited to multiplayer games, but may also be applied to single-player games, etc.

[0062] In the game of this embodiment, each user can control their own character and compete against an opponent. Here, the opponent is another user (in other words, a team to which another user belongs), but the opponent may also be a non-player character or the like.

[0063] Furthermore, in the information processing system 1 of this embodiment, a user can register other users as friends. A friend is a relationship in which one user and another user are associated with each other. In other words, a friend is a relationship in which one user is associated with the other user, and the other user is associated with the first user. That is, if the second user is a friend of the first user, then the first user is a friend of the second user. A friend may also be a relationship that is established based on mutual agreement between one user and another user.

[0064] Furthermore, in the information processing system 1 of this embodiment, users can follow other users. Following means that one user registers another user associating them with themselves. In other words, when a first user follows a second user, it does not necessarily mean that the second user follows the first user. Following may be a relationship that can be established based on the will of one party.

[0065] Information indicating other users associated with each user is stored as user information in memory unit 220 and memory unit 120. In other words, memory unit 220 and memory unit 120 store users who have a predetermined relationship with the first user (specifically, users who are friends of the first user, or users that the first user follows).

[0066] In the following, users associated with a particular user (for example, User 1) (for example, Users 1's friends or followers) will also be referred to as "related users" of that user.

[0067] A user can register another user as a friend by performing a predetermined input operation on the terminal device 10. A user can also follow another user by performing a predetermined input operation on the terminal device 10. Specifically, for example, when a first user performs an input operation on their terminal device 10 related to registering (or following) a second user as a friend (for example, by touching a predetermined button related to such registration), the user relationship processing unit 115 sends a friend registration (or follow) request to the server 20. The user relationship management unit 215 of the server 20 then processes the signal to associate the first user with the second user and stores the second user in a predetermined storage unit as a friend (or followed user) of the first user. Furthermore, when performing the processing based on the signal, the user relationship management unit 215 may transmit a signal to the second user's terminal device 10 informing it that a friend registration request has been made, and perform the processing when the second user performs a predetermined input operation to accept the request at the terminal device 10 that received the notification signal. In other words, the first user may require the consent of the second user to be registered as a friend. In other words, friend registration may only be established when the first user applies to the second user for friend registration and the second user accepts the application. Furthermore, friend registration and following may be performed automatically based on predetermined conditions without any operation by the user (for example, one or both of the first and second users in this case).

[0068] Figure 3 shows an example of the home screen 30 displayed on the display unit 18 in the game of this embodiment. The home screen 30 is the basic screen on which the user performs operations to advance the game. The home screen 30 displays multiple menu items related to the game. The home screen 30 is displayed first, for example, when this game (in other words, an application related to a predetermined service) is started on the terminal device 10. Here, "displayed first when started" includes cases where the home screen 30 is displayed after various displays related to the start (for example, title display, loading display, etc.). The home screen 30 is displayed not only at startup, but also at predetermined triggers. For example, the home screen 30 may be displayed when an input operation is performed on the home button 49, or when an in-game battle ends.

[0069] The display control unit 114 causes the display unit 18 to display the home screen 30. The home screen 30 displays the game space (in other words, the virtual space) and the objects that exist in the game space. Specifically, the home screen 30 displays the character 33 owned by the user of the terminal device 10 that is displaying the home screen 30.

[0070] The home screen 30 also displays a battle button 40 that accepts the operation to start a match against an opponent, and a button that accepts the operation to move to a screen for equipping items to character 33 (in other words, settings for character 33). The home screen 30 also displays a broadcast button 44 that accepts the operation to start broadcasting the game (in other words, the match).

[0071] Furthermore, a menu button 48 for displaying the menu screen is displayed on the home screen 30. When an operation (for example, a tap) is performed on the menu button 48, the display control unit 114 displays the menu screen on the display unit 18. The menu screen may display, for example, a user list display button for displaying a list of users who have been added as friends or are being followed, a profile button for displaying a profile screen related to character 33, a ranking button for displaying a predetermined ranking (for example, a ranking related to battles) related to users using the game, an option button for changing game settings, and a help button for receiving instructions on how to use the game. The screen for displaying a list of users who have been added as friends or are being followed can be said to be a screen where the user can check their related users.

[0072] The game progress unit 212 starts a match (in other words, an event) based on an operation on the match button 40 (for example, a tap operation). The user may select their opponent and teammates for the match, or the information processing system 1 (for example, the game progress unit 212) may automatically select them from among multiple users.

[0073] The rules of the game in this embodiment will now be explained. In the game of this embodiment, teams aim to achieve a predetermined goal. Specifically, teams aim to defeat the opposing team. However, the game of this embodiment may also aim to defeat a predetermined enemy character, reach a predetermined destination, or acquire a predetermined object. Here, "enemy character" may be an NPC or a character controlled by another user. Furthermore, the game of this embodiment may also be played by a single user aiming to achieve a predetermined goal, rather than as a team.

[0074] In this embodiment, the game is played under the rule that the team that acquires rule-related objects (e.g., one or more rule-related objects) placed in the virtual space wins. More specifically, for example, the game is played under the rule that the team that acquires (in other words, captures) bases (e.g., one or more bases) placed in the virtual space wins (for example, the team that acquires the most bases wins), or the team that acquires (in other words, collects) the most items (e.g., treasures) placed in the virtual space within a predetermined time wins. Note that the rule-related objects may or may not move in the virtual space. Also, for example, the game may be played under the rule that victory is achieved by defeating all of the opponent's team's characters.

[0075] The game progress unit 212 moves the player character based on user input during a match. Specifically, the game progress unit 212 moves the player character in the virtual space and causes the player character to perform actions related to attacking the opponent's character based on user input. By attacking the opponent's character and dealing damage, it is possible to defeat the opponent's character.

[0076] Furthermore, the method for starting a match and the basic operation methods of the player character (for example, processes related to movement and attacking designated objects) can be the same as in conventional games. In addition, in the game of this embodiment, the user may be able to configure their player character, specifically equipping the player character with items (for example, weapons, armor, etc.) or selecting the type of player character to use in a match, but the method for configuring such player characters can also be the same as in conventional games.

[0077] Furthermore, in the information processing system 1 of this embodiment, each user can distribute videos of matches in which they participate (hereinafter referred to as "play videos") to other users, and can also watch distributed play videos. Specifically, the application for playing games (for example, matches) is provided with functions for distributing matches and functions for watching matches. In other words, the information processing system 1 of this embodiment makes it possible to distribute and watch events taking place in the virtual space. Note that each user can also play the game (in other words, the match) without distributing it. In other words, the game progress unit 113 can advance the match (in other words, the game) even when no distribution is taking place.

[0078] The distribution unit 116 starts distribution based on, for example, a user operation on the distribution button 44 (e.g., a tap operation). Specifically, based on a user operation on the distribution button 44, the distribution unit 116 sends data to the server 20 for displaying a video (in other words, a gameplay video) corresponding to the user's gameplay status on another user's terminal device 10. That is, when a user operates the distribution button 44, the user's gameplay video is distributed. The distribution unit 116 also stops distribution based on, for example, a user operation on the distribution button 44 during distribution (e.g., a tap operation).

[0079] The control unit 110 receives data from the server 20 to display (in other words, play) the distributed gameplay video on the terminal device 10 based on the user's input operation related to starting to watch the distributed gameplay video (for example, a tap operation on the thumbnail 60 for a specific distribution, as described later), and instructs the display control unit 114 to display the gameplay video on the display unit 18. In other words, the display control unit 114 displays the gameplay video on the display unit 18 based on the operation related to starting to watch the distributed gameplay video. In other words, the display control unit 114 displays the video of the distribution selected by the user from among the viewable distributions on the display unit 18.

[0080] In other words, when an input operation related to the start of video distribution is performed on the first user's terminal device 10 and distribution begins, the second user's terminal device 10 becomes able to view the video. Here, the video (in other words, the distribution) that the second user views is the first user's gameplay video, showing the progress of the match in which the first user is participating. In other words, the second user's terminal device 10 is able to view the first user's gameplay, in other words, the first user playing the game, in real time. The second user's terminal device 10 may display a screen similar to the game screen displayed on the first user's terminal device 10 as the first user's gameplay video. Publicly known technologies can be used for the method of distributing and viewing the gameplay video.

[0081] If a user wants to broadcast a match they are participating in to other users, they can, for example, operate the broadcast button 44 displayed on the home screen 30. The broadcast function may not be available to a user unless they achieve a certain required rank. Specifically, if a user has not reached the required rank, the broadcast button 44 may not be displayed, or it may be displayed but input operations to start broadcasting may not be accepted. The rank can be said to indicate the user's skill level, or their relative position among other users. The rank includes what is commonly known as a level in general games. The user's rank may be the user's own rank, or it may be the rank of the character 33 the user is using.

[0082] Furthermore, if a user wants to watch a broadcast from another user, they perform an operation (for example, a tap) on the program guide transition button 46 displayed on the home screen 30. When this operation is performed, the display control unit 114 displays the program guide first screen 32 shown in Figure 4 on the display unit 18. In other words, when this operation is performed, the display control unit 114 transitions the home screen 30 to the program guide first screen 32.

[0083] The first screen of the program guide, screen 32, is the top screen of the program guide. It also displays a list of viewable broadcasts (in other words, programs). The first screen of the program guide displays thumbnails 60 of viewable broadcasts, categorized into multiple categories such as "Popular," "Favorites," and "New Arrivals." Furthermore, on the first screen of the program guide, by touching the area corresponding to each category and performing a horizontal scroll operation, the thumbnails 60 of that category (in other words, thumbnails 60 hidden outside the display screen) are displayed sequentially. The user can then select (for example, by tapping) a specific thumbnail 60 (in other words, a specific broadcast) from this list of thumbnails 60, and view the broadcast corresponding to the selected thumbnail 60. Note that the area of ​​each category on the first screen of the program guide may only display a selection of currently viewable broadcasts. Specifically, for example, the area of ​​each category on the first screen of the program guide may only display broadcasts selected according to predetermined indicator values ​​(in other words, points, scores). Such indicator values ​​may fluctuate depending on the actions of the broadcaster and the actions of viewers toward the broadcasted video. Specifically, for example, an indicator value showing the popularity of a broadcast may fluctuate based on one or more of the following: broadcast time, viewing time, number of viewers, specific values ​​sent by viewers toward the broadcast, and the number of viewer comments, and broadcasts with high indicator values ​​among those belonging to each category may be displayed in the respective category area of ​​the program guide screen 32.

[0084] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when an operation (for example, a tap) is performed on a category detail button 50 corresponding to each category on the first program guide screen 32, the display control unit 114 controls the display so that it switches to a screen that displays only the broadcasts (in other words, thumbnails 60) of the category for which the operation was performed. For example, when an operation is performed on the category detail button 50a corresponding to the "Favorites" category, the display control unit 114 displays the second program guide screen 34 shown in Figure 5 on the display unit 18, which displays only the broadcasts belonging to the "Favorites" category. That is, when the operation is performed, the display control unit 114 transitions the first program guide screen 32 to the second program guide screen 34. Then, on the second program guide screen 34, by performing an input operation such as scrolling the screen up or down, the thumbnails 60 of the broadcasts belonging to the "Favorites" category (in other words, thumbnails 60 hidden outside the display screen) are displayed sequentially. Note that in Figure 4, the category detail button 50 is shown as a button with an arrow mark and a tab-type button with the category name written on it.

[0085] In other words, when the first program guide screen 32, which displays a list of broadcasts in multiple categories, is displayed, and an input operation is performed to select a specific category, the display control unit 114 displays the second program guide screen, which displays a list of broadcasts in the selected specific category. Furthermore, broadcasts in categories other than the selected specific category are not displayed on the second program guide screen 34. In other words, in this embodiment, only a portion (in this case, one) of the categories displayed on the first program guide screen 32 are displayed on the second program guide screen 34. Note that broadcasts in categories other than the selected specific category may also be displayed on the second program guide screen.

[0086] Here, the multiple categories related to distribution include the "Favorites" category, as mentioned above. The "Favorites" category corresponds to distributions from users who have a predetermined relationship with the user attempting to view (in other words, the user of the terminal device 10 on which the program guide screen 1 32 or program guide screen 2 34 is displayed). Specifically, in this embodiment, only distributions from users related to the user attempting to view belong to the "Favorites" category. That is, only distributions from related users are displayed on the program guide screen 2 34 for the "Favorites" category.

[0087] Furthermore, the first program guide screen 32 may have certain restrictions on the display of information related to related users compared to the second program guide screen 34. In this embodiment, the first program guide screen 32 has a limited number of displayed broadcasts (in other words, thumbnails 60) compared to the second program guide screen 34. Specifically, in the second program guide screen 34, scrolling the screen (specifically, scrolling vertically) displays all currently broadcasting broadcasts related to the user. On the other hand, in the first program guide screen 32, even if the screen is scrolled (specifically, horizontally in the area corresponding to the "Favorites" category), a maximum of 5 broadcasts related to related users will be displayed. The maximum 5 broadcasts displayed in the first program guide screen 32 are broadcasts selected for each category based on a predetermined indicator (for example, the indicator value mentioned above). In other words, the first program guide screen 32 displays only broadcasts for each category whose ranking, determined based on the predetermined indicator, is a predetermined rank or higher (in this case, up to 5th place).

[0088] Furthermore, both or either of the first program guide screen 32 and the second program guide screen 34 may display only currently airing broadcasts. In other words, past broadcasts may or may not be displayed on the first program guide screen 32 or the second program guide screen 34. To put it another way, in this embodiment, only real-time viewing (in other words, live streaming) of broadcasts may be possible. Also, past broadcasts may be displayed on both or either of the first program guide screen 32 and the second program guide screen 34.

[0089] The display control unit 114 of the terminal device 10 of the user (i.e., viewer) watching the broadcast displays the viewing screen 70 for watching the broadcast, as shown in Figure 6, on the display unit 18, based on the user's operation on the thumbnail 60. Specifically, the display control unit 114 displays the viewing screen 70 for watching the broadcast corresponding to the specific thumbnail 60 on the display unit 18, based on the user's operation to select a specific thumbnail 60 from the list of thumbnails 60.

[0090] On the viewing screen 70, the gameplay video is played, and the user can watch the stream corresponding to the selected thumbnail 60. The viewing screen 70 also displays a chat section 72 that shows chat related to the stream being watched. The chat section 72 displays comments entered by the streamer and comments entered by viewers (the user and other users) watching the stream.

[0091] (Sending a specific value) In the information processing system 1 of this embodiment, so-called tipping is possible, similar to conventional video streaming services. In other words, users (in other words, viewers) can send specific value to other users (in other words, broadcasters). Here, the "specific value" that can be sent to other users may be something that a user can purchase by consuming their own assets, or the asset itself. That is, the "specific value" may be, for example, money (in other words, electronic currency), a substitute for money, or a predetermined item related to this game (for example, an item used in a match). In other words, "sending specific value" includes so-called tipping, sending items, etc. Hereafter, sending specific value will also be referred to as "sending a gift."

[0092] In the information processing system 1 of this embodiment, it is possible to send gifts to the broadcaster of a broadcast while watching it (in other words, within the broadcast), similar to conventional video streaming services. The method for sending gifts while watching a broadcast can be the same as in conventional video streaming services, but for example, it may be as follows.

[0093] As described above, the display control unit 114 displays a viewing screen 70 on the display unit 18 for viewing the stream based on the user's operation on the thumbnail 60. On the viewing screen 70, as shown in Figure 6(a), the play video is displayed in a predetermined area P, and a gift button 73 is also displayed. The user can then send a gift to the streamer of the stream being viewed by operating the gift button 73. The size of the predetermined area P (in other words, the proportion of the stream video in the entire display area of ​​the display unit 18) is larger than the size of one thumbnail 60 (in other words, the proportion of the thumbnail 60 in the entire display area of ​​the display unit 18). That is, on the first program guide screen 32 and the second program guide screen 34, the images related to the stream are displayed in a smaller format compared to the viewing screen 70. However, on the first program guide screen 32 and the second program guide screen 34, the images related to the stream may be displayed in a format that is the same size as the viewing screen 70 or larger than the viewing screen 70.

[0094] Specifically, as shown in Figure 6(b), the display control unit 114 displays a selection UI 74 on the display unit 18 as a UI for selecting the content of the gift to be sent (in other words, at least one of the type of value or the amount of value to be sent) based on an operation on the gift button 73 (e.g., a tap operation). The selection UI 74 displays a list of selectable gift contents. Then, by an operation to select a specific option from the displayed options (e.g., a tap operation on a specific option) and an operation on the execute button 75 included in the selection UI 74 (e.g., a tap operation), the gift of the selected content is sent to the broadcaster of the stream being viewed.

[0095] In other words, the operation reception unit 111 receives user operations on the gift button 73 and the selection UI 74 as operations to send a gift (specifically, the value of the content corresponding to the selection made in the selection UI 74) from the user to the broadcaster of the broadcast being viewed. The sending / receiving unit 112 sends a request to the server 20 for the user to send a gift to the broadcaster based on the operations on the gift button 73 and the selection UI 74. The gift processing unit 216 increases the broadcaster's assets by the amount of the gift sent by the user, and decreases the user's assets by the amount corresponding to the gift sent to the broadcaster (in other words, the amount equivalent to the consideration). In other words, the gift processing unit 216 sends a gift from the user to the broadcaster based on the user's operations on the gift button 73 and the selection UI 74.

[0096] Furthermore, in the game of this embodiment, it is possible to send gifts to broadcasters even when the user is not watching a broadcast (in other words, outside of the broadcast). Specifically, when the thumbnails 60 are displayed in a list, it is possible to send a gift to the broadcaster associated with a particular thumbnail 60. In other words, when the program guide screen 1 32 or the program guide screen 2 34 is displayed on the display unit 18, it is possible to send a gift to the broadcaster associated with a particular thumbnail 60. Hereinafter, the program guide screen 1 32 and the program guide screen 2 34 will also be referred to as the thumbnail list screen. Note that "broadcaster associated with a thumbnail" can also be said to be the broadcaster of the broadcast corresponding to the thumbnail. Note that in the thumbnail list screen, some or all of the thumbnails 60 may be in a state where the video corresponding to that thumbnail 60 is playing, but this state can also be said to be a state where the user has not yet started watching a broadcast (in other words, outside of the broadcast).

[0097] As shown in Figure 7, a gift button 82 is displayed on the thumbnail list screen. By interacting with the gift button 82, the user can send a gift to the broadcaster associated with a specific thumbnail 60 from among the multiple thumbnails 60 displayed in the list.

[0098] Specifically, the display control unit 114 displays a selection UI 83 on the display unit 18, which serves as a UI for selecting the content of the gift to be sent (in other words, at least one of the type of value or the amount of value to be sent) based on a tap operation on the gift button 82. The selection UI 83 displays a list of selectable gift contents.

[0099] In this embodiment, the content of the gift to be sent is determined by selecting a specific option from the list of options displayed on the selection UI 83. Furthermore, the recipient of the gift is determined by selecting a specific thumbnail 60 from the list of thumbnails 60 displayed on the thumbnail list screen.

[0100] In other words, the operation reception unit 111 accepts an operation to select a specific option from the list of options displayed on the selection UI 83 (for example, a tap operation on a specific option) as an operation to determine the contents of the gift to be sent. The gift processing unit 216 determines the contents of the gift to be sent based on the operation to select the specific option.

[0101] Furthermore, the operation reception unit 111 accepts an operation to select a specific thumbnail 60 from the list of thumbnails 60 displayed on the thumbnail list screen (for example, a tap operation on a specific thumbnail 60) as an operation to determine the recipient of the gift.

[0102] For example, as shown in Figure 7(b), the selection UI 83 allows the user to select from a first type of gift (e.g., 1,000 yen worth of electronic currency), a second type of gift (e.g., 500 yen worth of electronic currency), a third type of gift (e.g., a gift that looks like a flower), and a fourth type of gift (e.g., a gift that looks like fireworks). In this case, when a user selects a specific type of gift on the selection UI 83 and then touches a specific thumbnail 60 in the list of thumbnails 60, that specific type of gift is sent from the user to the distributor associated with that specific thumbnail 60.

[0103] In other words, the operation reception unit 111 receives a user's operation on a specific thumbnail 60 in the list of thumbnails 60 as an operation to send a gift from the user to the distributor associated with that specific thumbnail 60. The transmission / reception unit 112 sends a request to the server 20 for the user to send a gift to the distributor based on the operation on the specific thumbnail 60. The gift processing unit 216 increases the distributor's assets by the amount of the gift sent by the user, and decreases the user's assets by the amount corresponding to the gift sent to the distributor (in other words, the amount equivalent to the consideration). In other words, the gift processing unit 216 sends a gift from the user to the distributor associated with that specific thumbnail 60 based on the user's operation on that specific thumbnail 60. That is, in the information processing system 1 of this embodiment, it is possible for a user to send a gift to the distributor associated with the thumbnail 60 they operated on by operating on the thumbnail 60.

[0104] Furthermore, an operation on thumbnail 60 when the content of the gift to be sent has been determined (in other words, an operation on the selection UI83) will be accepted as an operation to send a gift to the broadcaster associated with thumbnail 60. On the other hand, an operation on thumbnail 60 when the content of the gift to be sent has not been determined (in other words, an operation on the selection UI83) may be accepted as an operation to start watching the broadcast corresponding to thumbnail 60.

[0105] The transmission of a specific value through an operation on thumbnail 60 may be carried out as follows:

[0106] (Example of operation 1) For example, the operation reception unit 111 may accept an operation in which the user traces one or more thumbnails 60 displayed in the list of thumbnails 60 (in other words, an operation in which the user slides their finger over the thumbnails 60 related to the streamer to whom they want to send a gift) as an operation to send a gift from the user to the streamer associated with the traced thumbnails 60. Then, when the sending / receiving unit 112 receives an operation in which the user traces multiple thumbnails 60 displayed in the list of thumbnails 60 (in other words, a sliding operation that passes over multiple thumbnails 60 in sequence), it may send a request to the server 20 to send a gift to each of the streamers associated with each of the multiple thumbnails 60 that have been passed over. Then, the gift processing unit 216 may increase each streamer's assets by the amount of the gift sent by the user, and decrease the user's assets by the amount corresponding to the gift sent to each streamer (in other words, the amount equivalent to the consideration). In other words, it may be possible to send gifts to multiple streamers corresponding to multiple streams in a single operation.

[0107] Specifically, for example, as shown in Figure 8(a), if a user moves their finger F, which has touched the display unit 18 (in other words, the touchscreen 16), along the trajectory R shown by the dotted line while keeping it in contact with the display unit 18, that is, if the finger moves through thumbnails 60a, 60b, 60c, and 60d displayed on the thumbnail list screen, a gift will be sent to each of the broadcasters associated with each of the thumbnails 60a, 60b, 60c, and 60d. The display control unit 114 may also display an image 84 representing the gift (in Figure 8(a), an image representing money when electronic currency is sent as a gift) on the display unit 18 in accordance with the movement of the finger F.

[0108] Here, the content of the gifts sent to each of the streamers associated with each of the multiple thumbnails 60 may be determined as follows. That is, for example, a specific type of gift pre-selected on the selection UI 83 may be sent to each of the streamers associated with each of the traced thumbnails 60. In this case, the amount of gifts sent to each streamer may be an amount corresponding to the time the operation was performed on the corresponding thumbnail 60 (for example, the time the finger was touching the thumbnail 60). Specifically, the longer the operation time, the larger the amount of gifts sent to the corresponding streamer may be. Also, the amount of gifts sent to each streamer may be constant (in other words, the same) regardless of the time the operation was performed on the corresponding thumbnail 60. Furthermore, gifts may be sent without the selection of the type of gift on the selection UI 83. That is, for example, when the gift button 82 is operated, the operation of tracing the thumbnail 60 becomes active without the operation on the selection UI 83, and a predetermined gift may be sent to the streamer by this tracing operation. In other words, the type of gift sent to the streamer may not be selectable.

[0109] Furthermore, the sending of gifts in proportion to the duration of the operation may take the following forms, for example: For example, while the user's finger is touching a specific thumbnail 60, a fixed amount of gifts may be sent to the distributor associated with that specific thumbnail 60 at regular intervals. Alternatively, for example, the total amount of gifts to be sent in a series of tracing operations may be determined separately before or after the execution of the series of tracing operations, and each distributor associated with the thumbnail 60 operated on in the series of tracing operations may receive a gift in proportion to the time spent operating on the series of tracing operations (in other words, while the user's finger was touching the thumbnail 60) out of the separately determined total amount. The process of determining the content of the gifts to be sent to each distributor according to the duration of the operation may be performed by the control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 or by the control unit 210 of the server 20.

[0110] Furthermore, if the time spent interacting with a particular thumbnail 60 is less than a predetermined time, the gift may not be sent to the streamer associated with that particular thumbnail 60. This configuration prevents the accidental sending of a gift to a streamer associated with a thumbnail 60 that was accidentally touched by a finger while performing the action of tracing the thumbnail 60.

[0111] (Example of operation 2) Furthermore, for example, a specific value may be sent by an operation on the thumbnail 60 without going through an operation on the gift button 82 or an operation on the selection UI 83. That is, for example, the operation reception unit 111 may accept a first operation on a specific thumbnail 60 in the list of thumbnails 60 (for example, a long press operation, a double tap operation, or an operation where the finger touching the specific thumbnail 60 is rotated in a circle on the screen) as an operation to send a gift to the broadcaster associated with that specific thumbnail 60. The operation reception unit 111 may also accept a second operation on the specific thumbnail 60 in the list of thumbnails 60 (for example, a tap operation) as an operation to start watching the broadcast corresponding to that specific thumbnail 60. The transmission / reception unit 112 may then send a request to the server 20 to send a gift to the broadcaster associated with that specific thumbnail 60 based on the first operation on that specific thumbnail 60.

[0112] Here, the display control unit 114 may display the selection UI 83 on the display unit 18 based on the first operation performed on a specific thumbnail 60. Then, the gift processing unit 216 may send a gift from the user to the distributor associated with the specific thumbnail 60, with the content specified by the operation on the selection UI 83, based on the first operation on the specific thumbnail 60 and the user's operation on the selection UI 83.

[0113] Furthermore, a first operation on a specific thumbnail 60 (for example, a long press, a double tap, or an operation where the finger touching the specific thumbnail 60 is rotated in a circular motion on the screen) performed after an operation on the gift button 82 or the selection UI 83 may be accepted as an operation to send a gift to the streamer associated with that specific thumbnail 60. Then, a second operation on the specific thumbnail 60 (for example, a tap) performed after an operation on the gift button 82 or the selection UI 83 may be accepted as an operation to start watching the stream corresponding to that specific thumbnail 60.

[0114] Furthermore, the user may be able to set whether or not to allow operations on the thumbnail 60, specifically, operations related to sending a gift (in other words, the first operation) and operations related to starting viewing (in other words, the second operation). That is, the control unit 110 may be able to switch, for example, between a state where the second operation is accepted but the first operation is not, and a state where both the second and first operations are accepted, based on the user's operation.

[0115] In this embodiment, the broadcaster may be the user of the account that is broadcasting (in other words, the user who performed the operation on the broadcast button 44), or a user of another account linked to the account that is broadcasting, or a user who is appearing in the broadcast, or a user who is controlling a character appearing in the broadcast (in other words, an avatar or player character). For example, each user can register in advance in the storage unit 220 the broadcasters who will appear in the broadcast that they start by operating the broadcast button 44 from their own terminal device 10, and the gift processing unit 216 may determine the recipient of the gift (in other words, the broadcaster) based on the registered information. In other words, when a gift is sent for a broadcast that is about to be started, it may be possible to register from a predetermined terminal device (for example, the terminal device 10 that performs the operation related to starting the broadcast) which user will receive the gift as the broadcaster, among the user who performs the operation to start the broadcast, the user who appears in the broadcast, or the user who controls a character appearing in the broadcast. Furthermore, it is possible for a user to invite other users as guests to a broadcast that has been started by operating the broadcast button 44, and users who join the broadcast based on such invitations may be included as broadcasters. Thus, a specific user, configured through a predetermined operation by the user, can become the broadcaster associated with thumbnail 60.

[0116] (Handling cases where there are multiple streamers) It is possible that multiple broadcasters may be associated with a single broadcast. In other words, multiple broadcasters may be associated with a single thumbnail 60. And, if multiple broadcasters are associated with a single broadcast, a user sending a gift may be able to specify which of the multiple broadcasters to send the gift to when sending the gift.

[0117] For example, as shown in Figure 8(b), the display control unit 114 may, based on the fact that an operation related to sending a gift has been performed for a specific thumbnail 60 associated with multiple distributors among the multiple thumbnails 60 displayed on the thumbnail list screen, display a confirmation message (hereinafter referred to as "Recipient Confirmation UI 86") on the display unit 18 to confirm which of the multiple distributors the gift should be sent to. The Recipient Confirmation UI 86 displays, for example, the usernames of each of the multiple distributors. The operation reception unit 111 may then accept the operation to select a specific distributor from among the multiple distributors displayed in the Recipient Confirmation UI 86 (in other words, candidates for the gift recipient) as an operation to specify the gift recipient. The gift processing unit 216 sends the gift to the recipient specified by the operation to specify the gift recipient.

[0118] Furthermore, the recipient of the gift may be determined depending on which area of ​​the thumbnail 60 is operated on. For example, when a touch operation is performed on a specific thumbnail 60 in the list of thumbnails 60 as an operation to determine the recipient of the gift, if the touch operation is performed on a first area of ​​that specific thumbnail 60, the operation reception unit 111 may accept the touch operation as an operation to send a gift to a first distributor associated with that specific thumbnail. Also, if the touch operation is performed on a second area of ​​that specific thumbnail 60, the operation reception unit 111 may accept the touch operation as an operation to send a gift to a second distributor associated with that specific thumbnail 60. Here, the first area and the second area may be, for example, the left half and the right half of the thumbnail 60, or each area obtained by dividing the entire thumbnail 60 according to the number of users associated with the thumbnail 60. Furthermore, the first and second regions may, for example, be the portion of the thumbnail 60 showing the face of the first streamer and the portion showing the face of the second streamer. Alternatively, the first and second regions may, for example, be the portion of the thumbnail 60 showing the character (in other words, avatar or player character) of the first streamer and the portion showing the character (in other words, avatar or player character) of the second streamer. The streamer associated with the thumbnail 60 may pre-set which region of the thumbnail 60 corresponds to which streamer. In addition, the control unit 210 of the server 20 or the control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 of the user sending the gift may use image recognition to identify the portion of the thumbnail 60 showing each streamer's face and the portion showing each character, and determine each region. Such image recognition may also be performed by pre-storing images of each broadcaster's face or images of characters corresponding to each broadcaster in the storage unit 220 of the server 20, and using these images.

[0119] (Prevention of accidental operation) The display control unit 114 may, when a predetermined operation is performed on a specific thumbnail 60 in the list of thumbnails 60, display a confirmation message (hereinafter referred to as "intention confirmation UI 87") on the display unit 18, as shown in Figure 9(a), to confirm whether the operation performed by the user was intended to send a gift. For example, the display control unit 114 may display the intention confirmation UI 87 on the display unit 18 based on the operation of tracing the thumbnail 60 as exemplified in Operation Example 1 (see Figure 8(a)). Alternatively, for example, the display control unit 114 may display the intention confirmation UI 87 on the display unit 18 based on the first operation performed on a specific thumbnail 60 as exemplified in Operation Example 2.

[0120] The intention confirmation UI 87 may, for example, display a string asking whether or not to send a gift. The intention confirmation UI 87 may also include an accept button to accept sending a gift and a reject button to reject sending a gift. When the accept button is pressed, the gift processing unit 216 sends the gift. When the reject button is pressed, the gift processing unit 216 does not send the gift. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent a gift from being sent by mistake if the user performs an operation related to sending a gift without intending to send one. The intention confirmation UI 87 may also confirm whether to send a gift or start watching the stream. That is, the reject button here may accept an operation to start watching the stream related to the thumbnail 60 that was operated on.

[0121] (Restrictions on sending gifts) It may be possible to pre-set an upper limit (in other words, a spending limit) for gifts sent when the list of 60 thumbnails is displayed (in other words, outside of streaming).

[0122] For example, the operation reception unit 111 accepts user input operations related to setting the upper limit when the setting screen related to the setting is displayed on the display unit 18. Specifically, the operation reception unit 111 may accept an operation to set an upper limit on the amount of gifts that can be sent to a distributor (specifically, one or more distributors) at one time. For example, the operation reception unit 111 may accept an operation to set an upper limit on the amount of gifts that can be sent for each operation of tracing the thumbnail 60 as exemplified in Operation Example 1. The operation reception unit 111 may also accept an operation to set an upper limit on the amount of gifts that can be sent to a distributor (specifically, one or more distributors) within a predetermined period. Based on the user's operation, the gift processing unit 216 sets an upper limit on the amount of gifts that can be sent to a distributor at one time or within a predetermined period, and restricts the sending of gifts by the user based on that setting.

[0123] (Bulk gift delivery) It may be possible to send gifts in bulk to multiple (for example, all) thumbnails 60 displayed on the thumbnail list screen. Specifically, it may be possible to send gifts in bulk to multiple thumbnails 60 displayed on a thumbnail list screen that displays a list of thumbnails 60 of a predetermined type (in other words, thumbnails having predetermined attributes). For example, it may be possible to send gifts in bulk to each of the multiple broadcasters associated with each of the multiple thumbnails 60 displayed on the second screen 34 of the program guide for the "Favorites" category, which displays a list of thumbnails for broadcasts belonging to the "Favorites" category.

[0124] For example, the selection UI 83 displayed based on an operation on the gift button 82 shown on the second program guide screen 34 may display a batch send button 88, as shown in Figure 9(b), which accepts an operation to send a gift to each of the multiple distributors associated with each of the multiple thumbnails 60 displayed on the second program guide screen 34. The gift processing unit 216 may then send gifts simultaneously to each of the multiple distributors associated with each of the multiple thumbnails 60 displayed on the second program guide screen 34, based on the operation on the batch send button 88 received by the operation reception unit 111. Here, the content of the gift to be sent may be selectable from a list of options displayed on the selection UI 83.

[0125] Furthermore, when sending gifts in bulk, the same amount of gifts may be sent to each of the multiple recipients, or some recipients may receive a larger amount of gifts than others. For example, the distribution of the total amount of gifts sent in bulk to each recipient may be configurable by the user. Specifically, for example, the gift processing unit 216 may send gifts according to the distribution specified by the user, based on the user's operation that specifies the distribution to each recipient, which is received by the operation reception unit 111. Alternatively, the distribution of the total amount of gifts sent in bulk to each recipient may be determined by the gift processing unit 216 according to a predetermined rule (in other words, automatically). Specifically, for example, the gift processing unit 216 may send a larger amount of gifts to a recipient who has a predetermined relationship with the user compared to a recipient who does not have such a relationship. Here, "a broadcaster who has a predetermined relationship with the user" may be, for example, the user's friend, a broadcaster the user follows, a broadcaster the user has registered as a favorite broadcaster, or a broadcaster who broadcasts frequently watched by the user (in other words, a specific user identified based on the user's viewing history).

[0126] (Thumbnail display method) The distribution may include distributions in which the user who sent the gift is granted a predetermined benefit, and distributions in which the user is not granted the predetermined benefit. Furthermore, on the thumbnail list screen, each thumbnail 60 may be displayed in a manner that makes it possible to distinguish between thumbnails 60 corresponding to distributions in which the user who sent the gift is granted the predetermined benefit and thumbnails 60 corresponding to distributions in which the user who sent the gift is not granted the predetermined benefit. For example, one of the former thumbnails 60 and the latter thumbnails 60 may be displayed surrounded by a frame of a specific color or marked with a predetermined mark. Also, for example, on the thumbnail list screen, the thumbnail 60 corresponding to the distribution in which the user who sent the gift is granted the predetermined benefit may be displayed in a manner that makes it possible to distinguish whether or not a gift has already been sent for the distribution to which that thumbnail 60 relates. With such a configuration, when sending gifts outside of distributions, it is possible to give the user information to decide which distribution to send a gift to.

[0127] Furthermore, on the thumbnail list screen, each thumbnail 60 may be displayed in a manner that allows for the identification of thumbnails 60 associated with streamers who have a relatively high demand for gift sending and thumbnails 60 associated with streamers who have a relatively low demand for gift sending. For example, one of the former thumbnails 60 and the latter thumbnails 60 may be displayed surrounded by a frame of a specific color or marked with a predetermined mark. With such a configuration, when sending gifts outside of a stream, users can be given information to decide which stream to send gifts to. Here, the relative level of demand may be determined, for example, as follows: That is, for example, if streamers can attach tags such as "Looking for friends," "Please share," and "Please give me gifts" to their streams, a streamer who attaches a tag requesting gift sending, such as "Please give me gifts," to their stream may be considered to have a relatively higher demand than a streamer who does not attach such a tag. Furthermore, for example, if a streamer can set their settings to refuse gift submissions, a streamer who has not made such a setting may be considered to have a relatively higher demand for gifts compared to a streamer who has made such a setting.

[0128] (Reactions to gift sending) The display control unit 114 of the broadcaster's terminal device 10 displays the broadcasting screen 90, as illustrated in Figure 10(a), on the display unit 18. The broadcasting screen 90 displays the content being broadcast to other users in a predetermined area Q. In other words, the broadcasting screen 90 allows the user to see what is displayed on the terminal devices 10 of other users who are watching the broadcast. The broadcasting screen 90 also displays a chat field 92 that displays chat related to the broadcast. The chat field 92 displays comments entered by the broadcaster and comments entered by viewers watching the broadcast. The content being streamed and the chat section 92 may be displayed separately or overlappingly. In this embodiment, the streaming screen 90 displays the game screen for the streamer to play the game as the content being streamed, and the streamer plays the game by controlling the player character while viewing the game screen. The streamer may also be able to stream images (for example, the streamer's face) captured by the camera provided in the terminal device 10. In this case, the content being streamed displayed on the streaming screen 90 will be the image captured by the camera.

[0129] When a user sends a gift to a broadcaster, the broadcaster is notified that a gift has been sent. Specifically, when a gift is sent to a broadcaster based on a predetermined operation by the user, the gift processing unit 216 sends a signal to the broadcaster's terminal device 10 indicating that a gift has been sent. The control unit 110 of the broadcaster's terminal device 10 then notifies the broadcaster that a gift has been sent based on this signal. Specifically, the display control unit 114 of the broadcaster's terminal device 10 displays a notification that a gift has been sent in the chat field 92 of the broadcasting screen 90. More specifically, the display control unit 114 displays the username of the user who sent the gift and the contents of the gift in the chat field 92. Furthermore, if the gift is sent from outside the broadcast (in other words, sent based on an operation on a specific thumbnail 60 on the thumbnail list screen), the display control unit 114 displays a notification that it was sent from outside the broadcast (in Figure 10(a), the words "Outside Broadcast") in the chat field 92. In other words, when the control unit 110 of the broadcaster's terminal device 10 notifies that a gift has been sent, it displays on the broadcast screen 90 an indication that identifies the status of the user who sent the gift (specifically, whether or not the user was watching the broadcast at the time the gift was sent or is currently watching the broadcast). As will be described later, in this embodiment, users can also send gifts anonymously, and if a gift is sent anonymously, the username of the user who sent the gift will not be displayed. The control unit 110 of the broadcaster's terminal device 10 may also notify the broadcaster that a gift has been sent by outputting a predetermined sound from the speaker of the terminal device 10, etc.

[0130] Furthermore, when a user sends a gift to a broadcaster, the display control unit 114 of the broadcaster's terminal device 10 displays a notification on the broadcasting screen 90 indicating that a gift has been sent, and also displays a reply button 93 on the broadcasting screen 90 as a UI for sending a response to the gift. When the reply button 93 is pressed, the display control unit 114 of the broadcaster's terminal device 10 displays an input field on the broadcasting screen 90 for entering a reply comment as a response to the gift. The control unit 110 of the broadcaster's terminal device 10 accepts the operation on the reply button 93 and the operation on the input field as an operation to send a reply comment to the gift, and sends the reply comment to the terminal device 10 of the user who sent the gift via the server 20. When the control unit 110 of the user's terminal device 10 receives the reply comment, it displays the reply comment on the display unit 18.

[0131] For example, suppose a user sends a gift by interacting with a thumbnail 60 displayed on the thumbnail list screen, and the user continues to display the thumbnail list screen. Then, the broadcaster who received the gift sends a reply comment in response to the gift from that user. In this case, the display control unit 114 of the user's terminal device 10 will display the reply comment 89 as a pop-up on the thumbnail list screen, as shown in Figure 10(b). In other words, the display control unit 114 provides the user who sent the gift with the response of the recipient of the gift based on the interaction with the thumbnail 60, while the thumbnail list screen remains displayed.

[0132] Furthermore, the display control unit 114 of the terminal device 10 of the user who sent the gift may display a viewing screen 70 for viewing the broadcaster's broadcast on the display unit 18 based on an operation (for example, a tap operation) in response to a response from the broadcaster (in other words, a reply comment 89) that is displayed as a pop-up on the thumbnail list screen. In other words, the operation reception unit 111 of the terminal device 10 of the user who sent the gift may accept an operation in response to a response from the broadcaster that is displayed as a pop-up on the thumbnail list screen as an operation to start viewing the broadcaster's broadcast.

[0133] Furthermore, the response to the gift may be provided to the user who sent the gift in the form of an audio message. Alternatively, the response to the gift may be provided to the user who sent the gift in the form of a video message. For example, the control unit 110 of the broadcaster's terminal device 10 may receive an audio input from the broadcaster as a response to the gift based on an operation on the reply button 93, and transmit the audio to the terminal device 10 of the user who sent the gift via the server 20. Upon receiving the audio, the control unit 110 of the user's terminal device 10 may output the audio from the speaker of the terminal device 10 while keeping the thumbnail list screen displayed.

[0134] Furthermore, it may be possible for users to send a return gift in response to the sending of a gift. For example, when a user sends a gift to a streamer, the display control unit 114 of the streamer's terminal device 10 may display a return button 94 on the streaming screen 90 as a UI for sending a response to the sending of the gift, in place of or in addition to the reply button 93. Based on the operation of the return button 94, the streamer may send a return gift to the user. The display control unit 114 of the user's terminal device 10 may then display a pop-up notification on the thumbnail list screen indicating that the return gift has been sent. Here, the return gift may be, for example, an image that the recipient user can see specially, a stamp that the recipient user can use as a comment to send to the stream, or a predetermined item related to this game (for example, an item used in battle).

[0135] Furthermore, a broadcaster's response to a gift sent by a user, which occurred before the user began watching, may be provided to the user based on the user beginning to watch the broadcast, instead of being provided when the thumbnail list screen is displayed. Specifically, when the user begins watching the broadcast, the control unit 110 of the user's terminal device 10 may display the various responses mentioned above, which are sent based on the broadcaster's operation of the reply button 93 or the return button 94, on the viewing screen 70 (for example, the chat section 72) or output them to the speaker. For example, suppose the broadcaster sends a reply comment in response to a gift sent by the user, and then the broadcaster and other viewers send comments to the broadcast, and the amount of comments sent after the reply comment exceeds the amount of comments that can be displayed at once in the chat section 72 when the user begins watching the broadcast. In such a case, if the chat section 72 is designed to allow users to review past comments, they can see the reply comments. However, even with such a design, the user would still have to interact with the chat section 72 to find the broadcaster's response to their gift. With this configuration, however, the broadcaster's response is provided to the user based on the user starting to watch the broadcast. Therefore, the broadcaster's response is automatically provided to the user without requiring any interaction with the chat section 72, allowing the user to enjoy the broadcaster's response without any effort. Furthermore, without this design, there is a risk that the user may not be able to see (or hear) the broadcaster's response to the gift. However, with this configuration, such a situation where the user cannot see or hear the broadcaster's response can be avoided.

[0136] Furthermore, the broadcaster's response to the gift, provided to the user who sent the gift, does not necessarily have to be sent to the user based on the broadcaster's operation on a predetermined UI such as a reply button 93 or a return gift button (in other words, generated based on such operation). For example, the control unit 110 of the broadcaster's terminal device 10 may automatically recognize a predetermined statement or action by the broadcaster after a gift has been received (for example, saying "thank you") as the broadcaster's response to the gift and send it to the user. Alternatively, for example, the broadcaster's character (in other words, avatar or player character) may be set to perform a predetermined action (for example, making a happy movement) when a gift is received, and when a user sends a gift, a display of the character performing the predetermined action may be shown on the user's terminal device 10 as the broadcaster's response to the gift. Additionally, for example, video and audio of the broadcast during a predetermined period immediately following the gift being sent may be provided to the user as the broadcaster's response to the gift. The acquisition of video and audio from such broadcasts may be performed based on the broadcaster's actions on a predetermined UI, or it may be performed automatically.

[0137] (Sending gifts anonymously) Gifts may be sent anonymously. Specifically, it may be possible to send gifts anonymously either from within the broadcast or from outside the broadcast. For example, it may be possible to send gifts anonymously by interacting with thumbnail 60. Note that "possible to do anonymously" includes cases where it is always done anonymously.

[0138] For example, the control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 may be able to pre-configure, based on user operations (for example, before performing each operation related to sending a gift), whether to send gifts based on various operations (in other words, sending gifts from within the distribution and sending gifts from outside the distribution) anonymously or with the user's username revealed. That is, if a gift is sent based on an operation that is set to be done anonymously, the gift may be sent anonymously.

[0139] Furthermore, the control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 may accept an operation to set whether or not to send a gift anonymously when sending a gift based on various operations.

[0140] Furthermore, for example, whether or not a gift is sent anonymously may be determined for each type of gift-sending operation (for example, whether the gift is sent from within the broadcast or from outside the broadcast). For example, gifts sent from within the broadcast may be sent with the username revealed, while gifts sent from outside the broadcast may be sent anonymously.

[0141] Furthermore, for example, whether or not a gift is sent anonymously may be determined depending on the type of gift. For instance, when sending a gift by performing an action on a specific thumbnail 60 displayed on the thumbnail list screen, whether or not the gift is sent anonymously may be determined depending on the type of gift selected in the selection UI 83.

[0142] When sending a gift anonymously, the username of the user who sent the gift is not made public. In other words, when sending a gift anonymously, as mentioned above, the username of the user who sent the gift is not displayed in the chat section 91 on the streamer's live stream screen 90, and the streamer is not informed of who sent the gift.

[0143] (Gift visibility settings) Regarding the sending of gifts from outside the broadcast, it is possible that the fact that a gift has been sent may not be visible to other users other than the broadcaster (in other words, other viewers). That is, conventionally, when a user sends a gift to a broadcaster, the broadcaster is notified of this (for example, it is displayed in the chat section 92), and other users watching the broadcaster's broadcast (hereinafter referred to as "other viewers") are also notified (for example, the username of the user who sent the gift and the contents of the gift sent are displayed in the chat section 72 of the other users). In this embodiment, it may be possible to send gifts from outside the broadcast without such notification to other viewers. In other words, it may be possible to send gifts from outside the broadcast without disclosing that a gift has been sent to other viewers.

[0144] For example, the control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 may be able to set in advance (for example, before performing each operation related to sending a gift) whether or not to make the sending of gifts based on various operations (in other words, sending gifts from within the broadcast and sending gifts from outside the broadcast) public to other viewers, based on the user's operations. That is, if a gift is sent based on an operation that is set not to be made public to other viewers, the fact that a gift has been sent will not be made public to other viewers (in other words, it will not be displayed in the chat section 72 of other viewers), and if a gift is sent based on an operation that is not set not to be made public to other viewers, the fact that a gift has been sent may be made public to other viewers.

[0145] Furthermore, the control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 may accept an operation to set whether or not to make the sending of a gift public to other viewers when sending a gift based on various operations.

[0146] In other words, the control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 may accept an operation to set the scope of who will be made aware that a gift has been sent. The scope of who will be made aware may be set on a per-unit basis, such as the sender of the gift, other users other than the sender, or the user's own related users, or it may be set on a per-user basis.

[0147] Furthermore, for example, whether or not a gift is made public to other users may be determined for each type of gift-sending operation (for example, whether the gift is sent from within the live stream or from outside the live stream). For example, gifts sent from within the live stream may be made public to other viewers, while gifts sent from outside the live stream may not be made public to other viewers.

[0148] Furthermore, for example, whether or not the sending of a gift is made public to other viewers may depend on the type of gift. For example, when sending a gift by performing an action on a specific thumbnail 60 displayed on the thumbnail list screen, whether or not the sending of the gift is made public to other viewers may depend on the type of gift selected in the selection UI 83.

[0149] Here, we have explained how to send gifts from outside the broadcast without disclosing the fact that a gift was sent to other viewers. However, it is also possible to send gifts from outside the broadcast while disclosing only the username, even if the fact that a gift was sent is disclosed to other viewers. In other words, for example, when a user sends a gift to a broadcaster, the broadcaster may be notified of the user's username and the contents of the gift, but other viewers may be notified of the contents of the gift, but not the user's username (in other words, they may know that someone sent a gift, but they may not be able to identify who sent it). That is, the phrase "not disclosing the sending of a gift to other viewers" as explained here may be appropriately reinterpreted as "disclosing the fact that a gift was sent, but not disclosing who sent it."

[0150] Furthermore, if a user sends a gift in a way that does not reveal that a gift has been sent, or who sent it, the streamer who received the gift may be notified of this in a manner that makes it identifiable that such a gift has been sent (i.e., that it is a gift that will not be made public to other viewers) (for example, by adding the word "private" similar to the word "not broadcast" in Figure 10(a)). Also, if a user sends a gift in a way that does not reveal that a gift has been sent, or who sent it, when notifying the streamer who received the gift during the broadcast, the streamer may not be notified of who sent the gift (for example, when displaying a notification that a gift has been sent in the chat section 92 of the broadcast screen 90, the username of the user who sent the gift may not be displayed). In this case, the streamer may be notified of who sent the gift after the broadcast has ended. This configuration prevents the broadcaster from accidentally reading out the username of a user who sent a gift during the broadcast, thus preventing other viewers from finding out that the user sent the gift.

[0151] (Presentation related to the delivery of gifts) The types of gifts are not particularly limited, but conventionally, there are known types of gifts (hereinafter referred to as "Type 1 gifts") in which, when a user sends a gift, the fact that a gift has been sent and the contents of the gift received are displayed in a designated chat field (for example, at least one of the chat field 72 of the user who sent the gift, the chat field 92 of the streamer who received the gift, or the chat field 72 of another viewer). Also, conventionally, there are known types of gifts (hereinafter referred to as "Type 2 gifts") in which, when a user sends a gift, a predetermined animation is played on a designated terminal device 10 (for example, at least one of the terminal device 10 of the user who sent the gift, the terminal device 10 of the streamer who received the gift, or the terminal device 10 of another viewer). In the service of this embodiment, at least one of Type 1 gifts and Type 2 gifts may be available for sending. Note that Type 2 gifts may not only play a predetermined animation, but also display the fact that a gift has been sent and the contents of the gift received in a designated chat field. In other words, Type 1 gifts may not play a predetermined animation, and only a predetermined display in a designated chat field is shown.

[0152] In this embodiment, when a Type 2 gift is sent to a broadcaster, an animation corresponding to the sent Type 2 gift is displayed within the video of the broadcast (in other words, overlaid on the video of the broadcast). Specifically, for example, the display control unit 114 of the broadcaster's terminal device 10 displays an animation corresponding to the sent Type 2 gift on the broadcast screen 90. Similarly, for example, the display control unit 114 of the terminal device 10 of a viewer watching the broadcast (for example, the user who sent the gift, or another viewer) displays an animation corresponding to the sent Type 2 gift on the viewing screen 70. For example, if the Type 2 gift is a gift that looks like a flower, an animation of a flower appearing in the video of the broadcast is performed, and if the gift looks like fireworks, an animation of fireworks appearing in the video of the broadcast is performed.

[0153] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the display control unit 114 of the terminal device 10 of a user who has sent a gift to a broadcaster from outside the broadcast displays a specific animation on the display unit 18 corresponding to the sending of the gift, based on the fact that the user has started watching the broadcaster's broadcast. For example, if the user sends a Type 2 gift that looks like fireworks to the broadcaster by operating on a specific thumbnail 60 displayed on the thumbnail list screen, and then starts watching the broadcaster's broadcast by operating on the same specific thumbnail 60, the display control unit 114 of the user's terminal device 10 executes an animation in which fireworks appear on the viewing screen 70. Here, the specific animation is an animation that is provided to other viewers who are watching the broadcaster's broadcast when the user sends a gift, and when it is provided to the user based on the fact that the user has started watching the broadcast, it is not provided again to other viewers who are watching the broadcast. In other words, for example, the display control unit 114 of the broadcaster's terminal device 10 and the display control unit 114 of the other viewer's terminal device 10 display a fireworks effect on the display unit 18 when the user sends a Type 2 gift that looks like fireworks to the broadcaster by performing an operation on a specific thumbnail 60. On the other hand, the display control unit 114 of the broadcaster's terminal device and the display control unit 114 of the other viewer's terminal device 10 do not display the fireworks effect on the display unit 18 when the user starts watching the broadcast. However, the display control unit 114 of the broadcaster's terminal device and the display control unit 114 of the other viewer's terminal device 10 may display the fireworks effect on the display unit 18 (for the first time or again) when the user starts watching the broadcast.

[0154] Furthermore, a third type of gift may be provided that allows the user to change at least one of the backgrounds of the streamed video or the thumbnail 60. When a third type of gift is sent through an operation on the thumbnail 60 or a predetermined operation while watching the stream, the background of the corresponding stream's thumbnail 60 or video changes to a specific background. Here, the specific background may be an advertising background. For example, when a user associated with a company's account sends a third type of gift, the background of the thumbnail 60 or video may change to a background that advertises the company. Specifically, the username of the user who sent the gift may appear in the background of the thumbnail 60 or video as an advertising background. Alternatively, a predetermined image set in advance by the user who sent the gift may appear in the background of the thumbnail 60 or video as an advertising background. Furthermore, a third type of gift may only change the thumbnail 60 and not the streamed video itself. In this embodiment, the change of the thumbnail 60 and the video background to a specific background also occurs on the terminal devices 10 of other users other than the user who sent the gift and the broadcaster who received the gift (in other words, the thumbnail list screen and viewing screen 70 that these other users see), and the specific background is visible to these other users as well. However, it may also be configured so that this occurs only on the terminal devices 10 of some users, such as the user who sent the gift and the broadcaster who received the gift.

[0155] (Effects based on sending gifts through multiple channels) A specific effect may be triggered based on the fact that a user has performed both actions: sending a gift to a broadcaster by performing an action on a specific thumbnail 60, and sending a gift to the broadcaster by performing a predetermined action while watching the broadcast related to that specific thumbnail 60. In other words, a specific effect may be triggered if a user sends a gift to a specific broadcast through multiple channels.

[0156] For example, the control unit 110 of the user's terminal device 10 may display a special effect on the display unit 18 based on the fact that the user has performed both of these actions. Also, for example, the control unit 210 of the server 20 may grant the user a predetermined benefit based on the fact that the user has performed both of these actions. Furthermore, whether or not a specific effect is activated, and the type of effect activated, may differ depending on the order in which these actions are performed.

[0157] (Sending gifts to the archived stream) Sending gifts by interacting with thumbnails 60 is not limited to thumbnails 60 related to currently streaming broadcasts; it may also be possible to send gifts by interacting with thumbnails 60 related to past broadcasts. Furthermore, the display control unit 114 of the broadcaster's terminal device 10 that receives gifts may be able to display a screen on the display unit 18 that lists the predetermined gifts sent to the broadcaster. In addition, this screen may display all the gifts sent by interacting with thumbnails 60 corresponding to each of the broadcaster's past broadcasts. Specifically, this screen may display all the gifts, such as the first gift sent by interacting with the thumbnail 60 corresponding to the broadcaster's first past broadcast, the second gift sent by interacting with the thumbnail 60 corresponding to the broadcaster's second past broadcast, and the third gift sent by interacting with the thumbnail 60 corresponding to the broadcaster's third past broadcast. With such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the broadcaster from missing gifts sent for past broadcasts.

[0158] (Image associated with the streamer) As described above, in the information processing system 1 of this embodiment, a list of thumbnails 60 as images associated with a broadcaster is displayed, and an operation on a specific image in the list is accepted as an operation to send a gift to the broadcaster associated with that specific image. However, the list of images associated with a broadcaster is not limited to a list of thumbnails 60. That is, for example, on a screen that displays a list of one's own related users (for example, a list of friends), the icons of each related user may be displayed in a list, and by operating on a specific icon, it may be possible to send a gift to the related user (in other words, the broadcaster) corresponding to that specific icon. Also, for example, on a screen that displays a predetermined ranking related to a game, the character images of users who are in the ranking may be displayed in a list, and by operating on a specific character's image, it may be possible to send a gift to the user corresponding to that specific character's image.

[0159] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when a broadcaster having a predetermined relationship with the user starts broadcasting, the display control unit 114 of the user's terminal device 10 may display a push notification on the display unit 18 informing the user that the broadcaster has broadcasted. The user may then be able to send a gift to the broadcaster associated with the displayed push notification by performing an action on that push notification. The display control unit 114 may also be able to display a list of received push notifications on the display unit 18. The user may then be able to send a gift to the broadcaster associated with a specific push notification by performing an action on that specific push notification among the displayed list.

[0160] In other words, in this embodiment, thumbnail 60 is given as an example of an image associated with the distributor, but thumbnail 60 may be interpreted as a user icon, an image of the user's character, an image related to a push notification, etc.

[0161] (Sending comments based on actions taken on the thumbnail) As described above, on the thumbnail list screen, it is possible to send gifts to the broadcaster based on operations on the thumbnail 60. In addition to this, or alternatively, the information processing system 1 of this embodiment may also allow sending comments to the broadcaster based on operations on the thumbnail 60.

[0162] Specifically, the display control unit 114 may display a UI for entering comments (for example, an input field where comments can be entered) on the thumbnail list screen, similar to the gift button 82 and the selection UI 83. The operation reception unit 111 may accept an operation on the UI as an operation to enter a comment to send to the broadcaster, and may also accept an operation to select a specific thumbnail 60 from the list of thumbnails 60 as an operation to determine the recipient of the comment. In other words, the control unit 110 of the user's terminal device 10 may send a comment to the broadcaster associated with the operated thumbnail 60 based on the operation on the thumbnail 60. The sent comment is displayed, for example, in the broadcaster's chat section 92 or in the chat sections 72 of other viewers. In other words, the control unit 110 of the user's terminal device 10 can send a comment to the broadcast corresponding to the operated thumbnail 60 based on the operation on the thumbnail 60, and the comment may be visible to the broadcaster and other viewers.

[0163] Furthermore, if a broadcaster enters a reply comment to a comment sent based on an action taken on a thumbnail 60 displayed on the thumbnail list screen, the reply comment may be displayed as a pop-up on the thumbnail list screen. The process of the broadcaster entering the reply comment, sending the entered reply comment, and displaying the sent reply comment as a pop-up can be the same as, for example, the case of a reply comment 89 to a gift sent as described above.

[0164] (Participation in the game based on actions taken on the thumbnail) It may be possible to influence the progress of the game being streamed (in other words, the match) based on actions taken on thumbnail 60.

[0165] Specifically, the display control unit 114 may display UI related to operations to assist the streamer on the thumbnail list screen, similar to the gift button 82 and the selection UI 83. For example, as shown in Figure 11(a), the display control unit 114 may display the assist button 95 as such UI on the thumbnail list screen. The operation reception unit 111 may then accept operations on the assist button 95 and operations on a specific thumbnail 60 in the list of thumbnails 60 as operations to assist the streamer related to that specific thumbnail 60. For example, when such an operation to assist the streamer is performed, the control unit 110 of the user's terminal device 10 transmits operation information to the server 20. Based on the transmitted operation information, the game progress unit 212 makes a predetermined object appear in the virtual space where the streamer is playing the game. In other words, based on the transmitted operation information, the game progress unit 212 makes a predetermined object appear in the virtual space where the streamer's character and the streamer's opponent's character exist.

[0166] Specifically, it may be possible to assist the streamer by repeatedly tapping a specific thumbnail 60 after operating the assist button 95. In this case, the game progress unit 212 may make a predetermined object appear in the virtual space when the number of operations on the specific thumbnail 60 reaches a predetermined number.

[0167] Here, the specified object may be, for example, an object used to attack (in other words, inflict damage on) the opponent's character. The specified object may be, for example, a bomb that explodes after a certain amount of time has passed since it was placed, damaging surrounding characters. That is, the user may be able to attack the streamer's opponent by interacting with thumbnail 60. The specified object may also be an object that heals the streamer's character, or an object that restricts the actions of the opponent's character, etc.

[0168] Furthermore, operations to assist the broadcaster may be performed on the viewing screen 70. For example, the display control unit 114 may display the assist button 95 on the viewing screen 70. The operation reception unit 111 may then accept operations on the assist button 95 as operations to assist the broadcaster of the stream being viewed. Specifically, it may be possible to assist the broadcaster by repeatedly pressing the assist button 95. In this case, the game progress unit 212 may make a predetermined object appear in the virtual space when the number of operations on the assist button 95 reaches a predetermined number.

[0169] Furthermore, if both a predetermined operation on the thumbnail list screen (for example, repeatedly pressing thumbnail 60) and a predetermined operation on the viewing screen 70 (for example, repeatedly pressing assist button 95) are possible, the game progress unit 212 may increase the memory value of a predetermined memory area (in other words, a counter) based on the former operation, and increase the memory value of the same predetermined memory area based on the latter operation, and execute a predetermined process that affects the progress of the game being streamed (for example, a process that makes a predetermined object appear in the virtual space) based on the memory value of the predetermined memory area reaching a predetermined value. In other words, the game progress unit 212 may execute a predetermined process that affects the progress of the game being streamed based on the total number of times both operations are performed reaching a predetermined value. Here, both the predetermined operation on the thumbnail list screen and the predetermined operation on the viewing screen 70 may be performed by the same user or by different users. Also, the degree to which the predetermined operation on the thumbnail list screen and the predetermined operation on the viewing screen 70 affect the progress of the game may differ. For example, the amount of increase in the memory value of the predetermined memory area when the operation is performed may differ between the former operation and the latter operation. Also, the type of processing that the game progress unit 212 performs to affect the progress of the game being streamed (for example, the type of object to appear in the virtual space) may differ between the former operation and the latter operation.

[0170] Furthermore, the operation reception unit 111 may accept a user's operation on a specific thumbnail 60 in the list of thumbnails 60 as an operation to perform a predetermined vote regarding the distribution related to that specific thumbnail 60. Furthermore, the content of the votes is not particularly limited. For example, they may involve making specific predictions about the stream (in other words, the game) (for example, predictions about the game's results, specifically predictions about the winner or the ranking of the streamers), or they may involve specific surveys, etc.

[0171] As shown in Figure 11(b), the display control unit 114 may display a voting UI 96, which is a UI for a predetermined vote, on the display unit 18 based on an operation performed on a specific thumbnail 60 in the list of thumbnails 60. The display control unit 114 may, for example, display the voting UI 96 on the thumbnail list screen. The operation reception unit 111 may then accept the operation on a specific thumbnail 60 in the list of thumbnails 60 and the operation on the voting UI 96 as an operation to perform a predetermined vote for the distribution corresponding to that specific thumbnail 60. For example, the voting UI 96 displays a list of options related to the vote, and the user can cast a vote by selecting a specific option from the displayed options.

[0172] Furthermore, the system may be configured so that users who cast a vote are granted a predetermined reward. Specifically, for example, if the vote involves making a predetermined prediction about the distribution, the control unit 210 of the server 20 may grant the user a predetermined reward if the user's prediction is correct. Alternatively, the control unit 210 of the server 20 may grant the user a predetermined reward regardless of the user's choice (in other words, for the act of voting itself).

[0173] (Processing related to sending gifts) Next, referring to Figure 12, we will explain an example of the process related to sending gifts that the information processing system 1 performs. Here, we will explain using the example of user A sending a gift to user B, who is the sender.

[0174] First, the control unit 110 of user A's terminal device 10 displays a list of thumbnails 60 (for example, the first program guide screen 32 or the second program guide screen 34) on the display unit 18 based on a predetermined operation by user A (step S101).

[0175] Next, the control unit 110 of user A's terminal device 10 requests the server 20 to send a gift to the distributor associated with a specific thumbnail 60 from the list of thumbnails 60, based on a predetermined operation performed by user A on that specific thumbnail 60 (step S102). Here, the specific thumbnail 60 is the thumbnail 60 associated with user B (in other words, the thumbnail 60 related to user B's distribution).

[0176] Next, the control unit 210 of the server 20 sends a gift from user A to user B based on a request from user A's terminal device 10 (step S103).

[0177] Next, the control unit 210 of the server 20 sends a signal to user B's terminal device 10 informing it that a gift has been sent from user A to user B (step S104).

[0178] Next, the control unit 110 of user B's terminal device 10 notifies user B that a gift has been sent from user A, based on a signal transmitted from server 20 (step S105).

[0179] When user B performs an operation to send a reply comment in response to a gift sent by user A, the control unit 110 of user B's terminal device 10 sends the reply comment to user A's terminal device 10 via the server 20 based on that operation (step S106).

[0180] Furthermore, when the control unit 110 of user A's terminal device 10 receives a reply comment while the list of thumbnails 60 is displayed on the display unit 18, it displays the received reply comment as a pop-up on the display unit 18 while keeping the list of thumbnails 60 displayed (step S107).

[0181] In this embodiment, the application for playing games (e.g., versus matches) is provided with functions for streaming games and functions for viewing games. However, at least one of the streaming and viewing functions may be performed by an application different from the one described above. For example, streaming and viewing may be implemented using a video streaming service that does not have a game-playing function. In this case, by linking the user's account in the video streaming service with the user's account in the game in advance, it becomes possible to reflect operations on the video streaming service side in the game.

[0182] Furthermore, the information processing system 1 of this embodiment does not necessarily have the function to play games; for example, it may only have the function to distribute and view videos.

[0183] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be implemented in various ways without departing from its essence. Within the scope of the invention, the components can be freely combined, any component can be modified, or any component can be omitted. Furthermore, the processing flow described herein is merely an example, and the order and configuration of each process may differ. Also, some of the various judgment processes described herein may not exist. In other words, the processing flow and specific judgment processes may differ from those exemplified herein.

[0184] <Note> The matters described in the above embodiments may also be described as follows:

[0185] (Note 1) Computers, A display control means (for example, a display control unit 114) that displays a list of images associated with the broadcaster on the display means, The above list includes a receiving means (e.g., an operation receiving unit 111) that receives user operations on a specific image as operations that send a specific value from the user to the distributor associated with the specific image. program. This configuration allows users to send specific values ​​to specific broadcasters from a screen displaying a list of images associated with that broadcaster, thus enabling the sending of specific values ​​to specific broadcasters from outside of their broadcasts. Furthermore, this configuration allows for quick selection of the recipient of the specific value and rapid delivery of that value. Therefore, it facilitates the sending of specific values ​​to other users.

[0186] (Note 2) The image associated with the aforementioned broadcaster is the broadcast thumbnail. The program described in Appendix 1. With this configuration, while a list of streaming thumbnails is displayed, it becomes possible to send a specific value by interacting with a specific thumbnail. Therefore, it becomes possible to send a specific value at a stage before the streaming begins.

[0187] (Note 3) Computers, further, The display means functions as a providing means (for example, control unit 110) that provides the user with the responses of the recipients to the sending of the specific value, by performing an operation on the specific image, while displaying the list on the display means. The program described in Appendix 1. With this configuration, even if a user who has sent a specific value from a screen displaying a list of images associated with a broadcaster has not yet started watching the broadcast of the person to whom they sent the value, the user can still receive a response from that person.

[0188] (Note 4) Computers, further, Based on the fact that the user has started viewing the broadcast of the recipient broadcaster to whom the specific value was sent by manipulating the specific image, the device functions as a providing means (e.g., control unit 110) to provide the user with the recipient broadcaster's response to the sending of the specific value, which occurred before the user started viewing the broadcast. The program described in Appendix 1. This configuration allows the user to receive the recipient's reaction, which occurred before the user began watching the stream, after the user has started watching the stream. Therefore, the user can receive the recipient's reaction at a time when it is convenient for them to enjoy it.

[0189] (Note 5) The display control means causes the display means to display a specific animation corresponding to the sending of the specific value, based on the fact that the user has started watching the broadcast of the recipient broadcaster to whom the specific value was sent by an operation on the specific image. The program described in Appendix 1. This configuration allows for the delivery of special effects triggered by the sending of specific values ​​to the user after they have started watching the stream. Therefore, specific effects can be provided to the user at a time when they are more likely to enjoy them.

[0190] (Note 6) The aforementioned specific performance is a performance that is provided to other users who are watching the broadcast of the recipient broadcaster when the user sends the aforementioned specific value, and when it is provided to the user based on the user starting to watch the broadcast, it is not provided again to other users who are watching the broadcast. The program described in Appendix 5. With this configuration, the effects generated by sending a specific value can be specially provided to the user who sent the value after they have started watching the stream.

[0191] (Note 7) The transfer of the specific value through the manipulation of the specific image can be done anonymously. The program described in Appendix 1. With this configuration, it is possible to send specific values ​​while concealing one's name.

[0192] (Note 8) Computers, further, The system functions as an effect generating means (e.g., control unit 110, control unit 210) that generates a specific effect based on the user performing both actions: sending the specific value to a specific broadcaster by manipulating a specific thumbnail as a specific image, and sending the specific value to the specific broadcaster by performing a predetermined operation while viewing the broadcast related to the specific thumbnail. The program described in Appendix 2. This configuration provides incentives for sending specific values ​​through multiple channels, thereby promoting the transmission of those values.

[0193] (Note 9) The display control means causes the display means to display a display confirming whether the operation performed by the user on a specific thumbnail as a specific image is intended to send a specific value, based on the user's specific operation on that thumbnail. The program described in Appendix 2. This configuration prevents users from accidentally sending specific values.

[0194] (Note 10) The receiving means accepts a specific operation by the user on a specific thumbnail as a specific image, as an operation for making a predetermined vote regarding the distribution related to the specific thumbnail while the list is displayed on the display means. The program described in Appendix 2. With this configuration, while a list of thumbnails is displayed, it becomes possible to perform a predetermined vote on a specific thumbnail by interacting with that thumbnail. Therefore, it becomes possible to participate in a broadcast from outside the broadcast itself.

[0195] (Note 11) Computers, further, It functions as a game progression means (for example, game progression unit 113, game progression unit 212) that executes processes related to the progress of a predetermined game. The image associated with the aforementioned streamer is the thumbnail for the stream of the aforementioned game. The game progression means performs a predetermined process that affects the progress of the predetermined game being streamed, based on a specific action by the user on a specific thumbnail as a specific image. The program described in Appendix 1. This configuration makes it possible to participate in a game being streamed from outside the stream itself.

[0196] (Note 12) A display control means (for example, a display control unit 114) that displays a list of images associated with the broadcaster on the display means, The system includes a receiving means (e.g., an operation receiving unit 111) that receives user operations on a specific image from the aforementioned list as operations that send a specific value from the user to a distributor associated with the specific image. Information processing system. With this configuration, the same effects and benefits as the program described in Appendix 1 can be achieved. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0197] 1 Information processing system, 10 Terminal device, 11 Processor, 12 Memory, 13 Storage, 17 Input unit, 18 Display unit, 20 Server, 21 Processor, 22 Memory, 23 Storage, 60 Thumbnail, 110 Control unit, 111 Operation reception unit, 112 Transmission / reception unit, 113 Game progress unit, 114 Display control unit, 115 User relationship processing unit, 116 Distribution unit, 120 Storage unit, 210 Control unit, 211 Transmission / reception unit, 212 Game progress unit, 215 User relationship management unit, 216 Gift processing unit, 220 Storage unit

Claims

1. Computers, A display control means that displays a push notification on the user's terminal device in response to a specific broadcaster starting a broadcast, The system functions as a receiving means that accepts the user's action in response to the displayed push notification as an action to send a gift from the user to the specific broadcaster, without transitioning to the viewing screen of the broadcast. program.

2. The computer is further configured to function as a means of providing to the user the response of the specific distributor to the sending of the gift via an action in response to the push notification, without transitioning to the viewing screen. The program according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned means outputs the audio as a response from the specific broadcaster to the terminal device without transitioning to the viewing screen. The program according to claim 2.

4. The computer is further configured to function as a means of providing to the user the specific broadcaster's response to the gift, which occurred before the user began watching the broadcast, based on the user starting to watch the broadcast of the specific broadcaster who sent the gift through an action taken in response to the push notification. The program according to claim 1.

5. A display control means that displays a push notification on the user's terminal device in response to a specific broadcaster starting a broadcast, The system includes a receiving means that accepts the user's action in response to the displayed push notification as an action to send a gift from the user to the specific broadcaster, without transitioning to the viewing screen of the broadcast. Information processing system.

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