Systems, methods, and programs for providing live streaming services.

Abstract

To promote the purchase or introduction of products in live commerce. [Solution] A live streaming service provider server 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention is connected to a user terminal 30 via a communication network 20, and provides a live streaming service for distributing and viewing live video to the user via the user terminal 30. The server 10 updates the values ​​of live streaming service parameters associated with the distributor or the viewers of the live video based on the sales performance of products associated with the distributor, which can serve as an incentive for distributors to introduce products and for viewers to purchase products.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a system, method, and program for providing a live distribution service.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in a service capable of distributing and viewing live videos, there is known a method of live commerce in which a distributor introduces a product and promotes the purchase of the product by viewers (see, for example, Patent Document 1 below). Such live commerce is performed on a dedicated platform specialized for live commerce or on a platform for general live distribution.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in conventional live commerce, even if a viewer who purchases a product is satisfied with the product itself, the viewer does not obtain a profit within the live distribution service. Similarly, even if a distributor who introduces a product receives a payment for the introduction, the distributor does not obtain a profit within the live distribution service. Thus, there is room for improvement in the motivation for purchasing or introducing products in conventional live commerce.

[0005] One object of an embodiment of the present invention is to promote the purchase or introduction of products in live commerce. Other objects of the embodiments of the present invention will become apparent by referring to the entire specification.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A system according to one embodiment of the present invention is a system for providing a live streaming service for distributing and viewing live video, wherein the one or more computer processors perform the following in response to the execution of a readable instruction: a process for controlling the provision of the live streaming service; a process for acquiring sales records of a product associated with a distributor; and a process for updating the value of a predetermined parameter used in the live streaming service, which is associated with each of the distributor and / or a plurality of viewers of the distributor's live video, based at least on the sales records.

[0007] A method according to one embodiment of the present invention is a method for providing a live streaming service for distributing and viewing live video, which is performed by one or more computers, and comprises the steps of: controlling the provision of the live streaming service; obtaining sales records of a product associated with a distributor; and updating the values ​​of predetermined parameters used in the live streaming service, which are associated with each of the distributor and / or a plurality of viewers of the distributor's live video, based at least on the sales records.

[0008] A program according to one embodiment of the present invention is a program for providing a live streaming service for distributing and viewing live video, which causes a computer to perform a process for controlling the provision of the live streaming service; a process for acquiring sales records of a product associated with a distributor; and a process for updating the values ​​of predetermined parameters used in the live streaming service, which are associated with each of the multiple viewers of the distributor's live video, based at least on the sales records. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] Various embodiments of the present invention facilitate the purchase or introduction of products in live commerce. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] A schematic diagram showing the configuration of a network including a live streaming service provider server 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] A diagram illustrating the information managed in user information table 151. [Figure 3] A diagram to explain the ranking system. [Figure 4] A diagram illustrating the information managed in the distribution management table 153. [Figure 5] A diagram illustrating the information managed in relation management table 155. [Figure 6] A diagram illustrating the information managed in sales performance management table 157. [Figure 7] A diagram illustrating the top screen 60. [Figure 8] A diagram illustrating the display content of individual display area 641. [Figure 9] A diagram illustrating the distribution preparation screen 100. [Figure 10] A diagram illustrating the streaming screen 70. [Figure 11] A diagram illustrating viewing screen 80. [Figure 12] A flowchart illustrating the process that Server 10 executes when updating the rank. [Figure 13] A diagram illustrating the rules for updating rank meter values. [Figure 14] A flowchart illustrating the process that server 10 executes when awarding diamonds. [Figure 15] A diagram illustrating the top screen 300 for product sales. [Figure 16] A diagram illustrating the purchase procedure screen 310. [Figure 17] This diagram illustrates the product purchase status list screen (90). [Figure 18] A flowchart illustrating the processes that server 10 executes after the end of a product PR event.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same or similar components may be assigned the same reference numerals.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram schematically showing the configuration of a network including a live distribution service providing server 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the server 10 is communicably connected to a user terminal 30 via a communication network 20 such as the Internet. In FIG. 1, only one user terminal 30 is shown, but the server 10 is communicably connected to a plurality of user terminals 30. Further, the server 10 is communicably connected to a product sales management server 22 configured as a general computer via the communication network 20. The server 10 provides a live distribution service for distributing and viewing live videos to users via the user terminal 30. In the present embodiment, a user who operates the user terminal 30 can distribute a live video as a distributor, and can also view a live video of another user as a viewer. The live distribution service providing server 10 is an example of a device that implements part or all of the system of the present invention.

[0013] First, the hardware configuration of the live distribution service providing server 10 will be described. The live distribution service providing server 10 is configured as a general computer, and as shown in FIG. 1, includes a computer processor 11, a main memory 12, an input / output I / F 13, a communication I / F 14, and a storage (storage device) 15, and these components are electrically connected via a bus or the like not shown in the figure.

[0014] The computer processor 11 is configured as a CPU or a GPU or the like, reads various programs stored in the storage 15 or the like into the main memory 12, and executes various instructions included in the programs. The main memory 12 is configured by, for example, DRAM or the like.

[0015] The input / output interface 13 includes various input / output devices for exchanging information with the operator, etc. The input / output interface 13 includes, for example, information input devices such as keyboards and pointing devices (e.g., mice, touch panels, etc.), audio input devices such as microphones, and image input devices such as cameras. Furthermore, the input / output interface 13 includes image output devices such as displays and audio output devices such as speakers.

[0016] The communication interface 14 is implemented as hardware such as a network adapter, various communication software, and a combination thereof, and is configured to enable wired or wireless communication via the communication network 20, etc.

[0017] The storage 15 is composed of, for example, a magnetic disk, flash memory, etc. The storage 15 stores various programs, including the operating system, and various data. For example, as shown in Figure 1, the storage 15 has a user information table 151 that manages information about users of the live streaming service, a distribution management table 153 that manages information about the distribution of individual live videos, a relationship management table 155 that manages information about the relationship between the distributor and the viewer, and a sales performance management table 157 that manages the sales performance of products. In addition, for example, the storage 15 stores a server-side program 40 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The program 40 is a program that causes the server 10 to function as all or part of a system for providing a live streaming service. At least a part of the server-side program 40 may be configured to be executed on the user terminal 30 side via a terminal-side program 42, which will be described later.

[0018] In this embodiment, the live streaming service provider server 10 may be configured using multiple computers, each having the hardware configuration described above. For example, the live streaming service provider server 10 may be configured using one or more server devices.

[0019] The live streaming service provider server 10 configured in this way can be configured to function as both a web server and an application server. In this case, it performs various processes in response to requests from terminal-side programs 42 installed on the user terminal 30, and sends screen data (e.g., HTML data) and control data, etc., to the user terminal 30 according to the results of those processes. The user terminal 30 may then output a web page or other screen based on the received data.

[0020] Next, the hardware configuration of the user terminal 30 will be described. The user terminal 30 is configured as a general-purpose computer and, as shown in Figure 1, includes a computer processor 31, main memory 32, input / output interface 33, communication interface 34, and storage (memory device) 35. These components are electrically connected via buses and the like (not shown).

[0021] The computer processor 31 is configured as a CPU or GPU, and loads various programs stored in storage 35, etc., into the main memory 32 and executes various instructions contained in those programs. The main memory 32 is configured as, for example, DRAM.

[0022] The input / output interface 33 includes various input / output devices for exchanging information with the operator, etc. The input / output interface 33 includes, for example, information input devices such as keyboards and pointing devices (e.g., mice, touch panels, etc.), audio input devices such as microphones, and image input devices such as cameras. Furthermore, the input / output interface 33 includes image output devices such as displays and audio output devices such as speakers.

[0023] The communication interface 34 is implemented as hardware such as a network adapter, various communication software, and a combination thereof, and is configured to enable wired or wireless communication via the communication network 20, etc.

[0024] The storage 35 is composed of, for example, a magnetic disk or flash memory. The storage 35 stores various programs, including the operating system, and various data. The programs stored in the storage 35 can be downloaded and installed from an application market or the like. The storage 35 also stores the terminal-side program 42. This program 42 is configured as a web browser or other application (for example, an application for a live streaming service), and as described above, it may be configured to execute at least a part of the server-side program 40.

[0025] In this embodiment, the user terminal 30 may be configured as a smartphone, tablet device, personal computer, wearable device, etc.

[0026] A user operating the user terminal 30 configured in this way can use the live streaming service provided by the server 10 (stream and view live video) by communicating with the server 10 via the terminal-side program 42 installed on the storage 35, etc.

[0027] Next, the functions of the live streaming service provider server 10 configured in this way will be described. As shown in Figure 1, the computer processor 11 of the server 10 is configured to function as a management function control unit 111, a live streaming service control unit 112, and a sales performance management unit 113 by executing instructions contained in a program loaded into the main memory 12 (for example, at least a part of the server-side program 40).

[0028] The management function control unit 111 is configured to perform various processes related to the control of the management functions of the live streaming service. For example, the management function control unit 111 transmits screen data and control data for various screens related to the management functions to the user terminal 30, performs various processes in response to user input via the screens output by the user terminal 30, and transmits screen data and control data corresponding to the results of those processes to the user terminal 30. The management functions controlled by the management function control unit 111 include, for example, login processing (user authentication), billing control, and user account management.

[0029] The live streaming service control unit 112 is configured to perform various processes related to the control of the live streaming service. For example, the live streaming service control unit 112 is configured to distribute live video provided by a broadcaster to multiple viewers. For example, the live streaming service control unit 112 receives real-time video transmitted from the broadcaster's user terminal 30 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "broadcaster terminal 30") and transmits the video to each of the multiple viewers' user terminals 30 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "viewer terminals 30"). On the viewer terminals 30, for example, a viewing screen for watching the live video is displayed, and the live video is displayed (played) on that screen. The real-time video consists of, for example, images input via the camera of the broadcaster terminal 30 and audio input via the microphone of the broadcaster terminal 30. Such live video distribution is performed using a streaming method that uses a protocol such as HTTP Live Streaming (HLS).

[0030] Furthermore, for example, the live streaming service control unit 112 controls the execution of actions by viewers. For instance, in response to comments, items, and other information input by viewers, the live streaming service control unit 112 displays objects on the live video corresponding to the input information.

[0031] The sales performance management unit 113 is configured to perform various processes related to the management of product sales performance. For example, the sales performance management unit 113 is configured to acquire sales performance associated with live video streamers. For example, sales of products introduced by streamers are managed by the product sales management server 22 (for example, a website for sales management of the product is provided), and the server 22 provides the live streaming service provider server 10 with sales performance of the product for a predetermined period (for example, associated with the streamer as the introducer). The acquired sales performance is stored in, for example, the sales performance management table 157.

[0032] In this embodiment, the live streaming service control unit 112 is configured to update the values ​​of live streaming service parameters associated with each of the streamers and / or multiple viewers of the streamers' live videos (e.g., multiple viewers of a specific live video, or multiple viewers of multiple live videos over a predetermined period) based at least on the sales performance of the products. These parameters may include various parameters used in the live streaming service. For example, the live streaming service control unit 112 updates the values ​​of the live streaming service parameters so that the more products sold (or the sales amount), the more advantageous it is for the streamer or the viewer. Furthermore, if the values ​​of these parameters are updated to be advantageous to the user, such update can be considered as providing a reward to the user.

[0033] Thus, the live streaming service provider server 10 in this embodiment updates the values ​​of live streaming service parameters associated with the streamer or the viewers of the live video based on the sales performance of the products associated with the streamer. This can serve as an incentive for streamers to introduce products and for viewers to purchase them. In other words, the server 10 promotes the purchase or introduction of products in live commerce.

[0034] In this embodiment, the live streaming service control unit 112 may be configured to evaluate the sales performance of a product and update the values ​​of the live streaming service parameters at least based on the evaluation results. For example, the live streaming service control unit 112 may be configured to set a ranking of the sales performance of multiple streamers based at least on the sales performance associated with each of the multiple streamers, and update the values ​​of the live streaming service parameters at least based on the ranking. For example, the live streaming service control unit 112 updates the values ​​of the live streaming service parameters so that a higher ranking is more advantageous for the streamer or viewer. Alternatively, for example, the live streaming service control unit 112 may update the values ​​of the live streaming service parameters for streamers and / or viewers of their live videos within a predetermined range of high rankings. Such a configuration provides users with the enjoyment of evaluations such as rankings based on sales performance.

[0035] Furthermore, the live streaming service control unit 112 can be configured to manage multiple related viewers who have a predetermined relationship with the streamer. In this case, it may be configured to update the values ​​of live streaming service parameters associated with the streamer's related viewers, among multiple viewers of the streamer's live video associated with the sales performance of the product, based at least on the sales performance of the product. The predetermined relationship includes, for example, relationships such as being friends, following, being followed, having a fan level above a threshold, and being a member of a group such as a fan club, and is managed, for example, in a relationship management table 155. This configuration promotes the purchase of products by viewers who have a predetermined relationship with the streamer.

[0036] Furthermore, the live streaming service control unit 112 may be configured to update the values ​​of live streaming service parameters associated with purchasing viewers—viewers who have purchased the product—from among multiple viewers of the streamer's live video associated with the sales performance of the product, based at least on the sales performance of the product. Information about viewers who have purchased the product is included, for example, in the sales performance provided by the product sales management server 22. Such a configuration further promotes product purchases by viewers.

[0037] Furthermore, the live streaming service control unit 112 may be configured to display a list of the delivery status of each product for multiple purchasing viewers. The delivery status of each purchasing viewer's product is provided, for example, by the product sales management server 22. The list of product delivery statuses is also presented to at least multiple purchasing viewers and is displayed, for example, on a screen associated with the streamer (for example, a screen for a group supporting the streamer). This configuration makes it possible for users to discuss the product delivery status.

[0038] In this embodiment, the parameter for the live streaming service includes the number of items or content (including images, etc.) available in the live streaming service. In other words, updating the value of the parameter for the live streaming service includes granting such items or content. The items include items that can be used by the streamer or viewer while the corresponding streamer is streaming or watching their live video. This configuration makes it possible to promote the purchase or introduction of products through the granting of items or content available in the live streaming service.

[0039] Furthermore, the live streaming service control unit 112 can be configured to associate tags (strings) entered by each of multiple viewers with live videos. In this case, based at least on product sales performance, the unit may be configured to update the value of the live streaming service parameter associated with tag-input viewers who entered tags corresponding to the product (e.g., tags including the product name) as tags associated with the live video of a broadcaster associated with that sales performance, from among the multiple viewers of the broadcaster's live video. Tags are entered, for example, through a viewing screen for watching live videos. Tags associated with live videos are also used, for example, in the live streaming service to search for the live video, or when generating information for other services other than the live streaming service (e.g., messages posted on social media). Such a configuration facilitates product introductions via tags associated with live videos.

[0040] Next, a specific example of a live streaming service provider server 10 of this embodiment having such functions will be described. In this example, the live streaming service is configured as a service for distributing and viewing live video consisting of images input via the camera of the broadcaster terminal 30 and audio input via the microphone of the broadcaster terminal 30. First, the information managed by each table in this example will be described.

[0041] Figure 2 illustrates the information managed in the user information table 151 in this example. The user information table 151 manages information about users of the live streaming service and, as shown in the figure, associates with a "user account" that identifies individual users, and manages information such as "basic information" including account name and date of birth, "broadcast history information" which is information about the broadcast history as a broadcaster, "viewing history information" which is information about the viewing history as a viewer, "rank" which indicates the rank of the user as a broadcaster, "rank meter value" which is a parameter value for determining rank up / down, "coin holdings" which indicates the number of virtual coins that can be used in the live streaming service, "diamond holdings" which similarly indicates the number of virtual diamonds held, "classification text" which is the classification of the broadcaster set by the user themselves, and "product introduction broadcaster code" which is a code used to identify the user when the user introduces products as a broadcaster.

[0042] In this example, coins are awarded to users both for free and for a fee under various circumstances. For example, users can acquire coins for free as rewards such as login bonuses. Alternatively, users can purchase coins for a fee (using real currency).

[0043] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating the "ranks" of the streamers in this example. As shown in the diagram, in this example there are six rank tiers: "S", "A", "B", "C", "D", and "E". The "S" rank tier consists of six ranks from "S1" to "S6", and each of the four rank tiers, "A", "B", "C", and "D", consists of three ranks (for example, "A1" to "A3"). The "E" rank tier consists of one rank, "E1". In other words, in this example there are 19 ranks (6 + 3 × 4 + 1 = 19).

[0044] Furthermore, the rank tiers are such that "S" is the highest and "E" is the lowest. Within the same rank tier, a higher number attached to the tier indicates a higher rank, and a lower number indicates a lower rank. In this example, the user's rank is initially set to "D1".

[0045] Figure 4 illustrates the information managed in the distribution management table 153 in this example. The distribution management table 153 manages information related to individual live video distributions, and as shown in the figure, it manages information such as the "distributor user account" that identifies the distributor, the "distribution start date and time", the "distribution duration" that indicates the duration from the start time of the distribution, the "number of viewers (current value and maximum value)", the "number of comments" which is the number of comments entered by viewers, the "number of likes" which is the number of "likes" entered by viewers, the "number of item points" which increases according to the number of items entered by viewers, the "number of distribution points" which is the points that are awarded for this distribution, and the "distribution tag information" which is information related to the distribution tags that have been assigned to this distribution.

[0046] Figure 5 illustrates the information managed in the relationship management table 155 in this example. The relationship management table 155 manages information about the relationship between the broadcaster and the viewer, and as shown in the figure, it associates the "broadcaster user account" that identifies the broadcaster and the "viewer user account" that identifies the viewer with a combination of these, and manages information such as a "follow flag" indicating that the viewer is following the broadcaster, a "family member flag" indicating that the viewer is a family member of the broadcaster, a "fan level" which is the viewer's level of being a fan of the broadcaster, and the viewer's "coins consumed," "viewing time," "viewing days," "number of comments entered," and "cheer points" for the live videos provided by the broadcaster.

[0047] In this example, a family is a community (group) of fans who support a streamer. Members can join upon invitation from the streamer or family administrator, or upon approval by the streamer or family administrator after submitting a membership application. In this example, there is an upper limit on the number of members in a family (e.g., 100).

[0048] In this example, the fan level increases as conditions related to at least some of the following are met: the number of coins consumed, viewing time, viewing days, and the number of comments entered. Higher values ​​for these parameters result in higher levels. Similarly, cheer points are points that are added as the number of coins consumed, viewing time, viewing days, and comments entered increases. These fan levels, coins consumed, viewing time, viewing days, comments entered, and cheer points are reset periodically (for example, on the 1st of each month).

[0049] Figure 6 illustrates the information managed in the sales performance management table 157 in this example. The sales performance management table 157 manages the sales performance of products introduced by distributors, and as shown in the figure, it manages information such as a "transaction ID" that identifies individual transactions (sales), a "product ID" that identifies the sold product, a "distributor code for product introduction" that identifies the distributor as the product introducer, a "purchasing viewer user account" that identifies the viewer as the product purchaser, "sale date and time", "quantity sold", and "delivery status" that indicates the delivery status of the purchased product.

[0050] In this example, as will be explained in more detail later, during a limited-time event promoting the target product, the broadcaster introduces the product, and the sale of the product is managed by the product sales management server 22. The sales performance of the product provided by the product sales management server 22 is then stored in the sales performance management table 157.

[0051] The above explains the information managed by each table. Next, we will explain the processes executed by the live streaming service provider server 10 in this example, and the screens displayed on the user terminal 30.

[0052] Figure 7 illustrates the top screen 60 of a live streaming service displayed on the user terminal 30. This screen 60 is the starting point for users of the live streaming service and, as shown in the figure, has a selection area 62 labeled "Follow," "Popular," "Trending," and "All," a list display area 64 located below the area 62, and a circular streaming button 66 located in the upper right corner of the screen.

[0053] The selection area 62 is an area for selecting the content to be displayed in the list display area 64. Specifically, if "Follow" is selected in the selection area 62, the list display area 64 will display a list of broadcasts (live videos currently being broadcast) from other users that the user is following. Similarly, if "Popular" is selected in the selection area 62, the list display area 64 will display a list of broadcasts that have been extracted according to predetermined extraction conditions for extracting popular broadcasts (for example, broadcasts with a current number of viewers above a threshold). Also, if "Trending" is selected in the selection area 62, the list display area 64 will display a list of broadcast tags attached to broadcasts, along with the corresponding broadcasts, in chronological order (in order of when the tags were attached). Furthermore, if "All" is selected in the selection area 62, all broadcasts will be included in the list display area 64.

[0054] As shown in the figure, the list display area 64 has multiple individual display areas 641 arranged vertically in two columns, each displaying information about an individual broadcast. The individual display areas 641 are configured so that, depending on the user's selection, viewing of the corresponding broadcast can be started (playback of the corresponding live video begins). The list display area 64 is configured so that the displayed individual display areas 641 can be switched by flicking or sliding operations in the vertical direction.

[0055] Figure 8 illustrates the display content of the individual display area 641. The individual display area 641 displays an image pre-set by the live video streamer, the streamer's account name, and the number of viewers (current value), etc. As shown in the figure, the first tag object 6411 and the second tag object 6412 are arranged side by side at its lower end. The first tag object 6411 displays the classification text (managed in the user information table 151), which is the streamer's classification set by the streamer themselves, in hashtag format (a string with "#" added to the beginning) (in the example in Figure 8, it displays "#eatingchallenge"). The second tag object 6412 also displays the latest streaming tag assigned by viewers to the corresponding stream, also in hashtag format (in the example in Figure 8, it displays "#curry").

[0056] The broadcast button 66 on the top screen 60 is an object that allows the user to broadcast live video as a broadcaster. When the broadcast button 66 is selected by the user, the broadcast preparation screen 100, as illustrated in Figure 9, is displayed overlaid on the top screen 60. As shown in the figure, the screen 100 has a broadcast title input area 102 for entering a broadcast title, a secret broadcast setting switch 104 for setting secret broadcast mode, a tweet setting button 106 for setting up tweets (posting messages to SNS) that are automatically performed during broadcasting, and a broadcast start button 108 that displays "Start!". Secret broadcasting is a live video broadcasting mode that can only be viewed by new viewers (specifically, viewers whose total viewing time for the corresponding broadcaster over a predetermined period is less than a predetermined value). In this example, the settings related to tweets allow for the automatic generation and posting (posting) of messages containing broadcast tags assigned by viewers during broadcasting.

[0057] When the "Start Streaming" button 108 is selected, live video streaming begins. Specifically, the server 10 starts sending a video to the server consisting of images input via the camera of the user terminal 30 and audio input via the microphone of the user terminal 30. In addition, a new record is created in the streaming management table 153 in response to the start of live video streaming.

[0058] Figure 10 illustrates a streaming screen 70 that is output on the streamer terminal 30 in response to the selection of the start streaming button 108 (i.e., the start of live video streaming). As shown in the figure, the screen 70 has a video display area 71 that covers the entire screen, a basic information display area 72 located in the upper left corner of the screen, a comment display area 73 located in the lower left corner of the screen, a tag display area 74 located above the area 73, a viewer information display area 75 located in the upper right corner of the screen, and a circular stop streaming button 76 located in the center of the bottom edge of the screen.

[0059] The video display area 71 displays the live video being streamed, that is, the image input via the camera of the streamer terminal 30. Since the streamer usually uses the front camera of the streamer terminal 30 as the subject, the streamed video includes the streamer's own image.

[0060] The basic information display area 72 displays the basic information of this broadcast, specifically the broadcaster's information (profile picture, etc.), the number of viewers of this broadcast (current value), and the number of "likes" given by viewers for this broadcast.

[0061] The comment display area 73 is an area for displaying user comments entered by viewers or system comments automatically entered by the server 10. Specifically, multiple comment objects 731, each corresponding to an individual comment, are arranged vertically within the area 73. The comment display area 73 is configured such that when a new comment is entered, a corresponding comment object 731 is added to the bottom, and the existing comment objects 731 move upwards in sequence. The comment display area 73 is configured so that the displayed comment objects 731 can be switched by flicking or sliding operations in the vertical direction.

[0062] The tag display area 74 displays information about the distribution tags assigned to this distribution. Specifically, the area 74 contains multiple tag objects 741, each corresponding to an individual tag, arranged side by side in a horizontal direction.

[0063] The viewer information display area 75 displays information about multiple viewers who are currently watching the corresponding broadcast. Specifically, the area 75 contains multiple icon objects 751, each corresponding to a viewer, arranged horizontally. Each object 751 has a circular shape and displays the profile image of the corresponding viewer. The multiple icon objects 751 are arranged in an order that follows a predetermined rule, for example, with viewers who have a large number of cheer points on the left.

[0064] The stop streaming button 76 is an object used by the streamer to stop streaming live video. When the stop streaming button 76 is selected by the streamer, the live video streaming (sending of video from the streamer's terminal 30 to the server 10) is stopped.

[0065] Figure 11 illustrates a viewing screen 80 output on the viewer terminal 30. For example, when a viewer selects a broadcast via the list display area 64 of the top screen 60, a viewing screen 80 for viewing the selected broadcast is output on the viewer terminal 30. As shown in the figure, the screen 80, like the broadcast screen 70 described above, has a video display area 81, a basic information display area 82, a comment display area 83, a tag display area 84, and a viewer information display area 85. The viewing screen 80 also has an input mode switching button 86, a comment input area 87, a "Like" button 88 with a heart mark displayed, and an item input button 89 with a gift design displayed at the bottom of the screen.

[0066] The comment input area 87 is an area for viewers to enter comments or tags for distribution. While the input mode switching button 86 is not selected, the comment input area 87 is in normal comment input mode. In comment input mode, when the transmission object 871 located at the right end of the comment input area 87 is selected, the string entered in area 87 is sent as a user comment, and comment objects 731 and 831 corresponding to the user comment are added to the comment display areas 73 and 83 of the distribution screen 70 and viewing screen 80 on the corresponding broadcaster terminal 30 (the user terminal 30 of the broadcaster of the live video being viewed) and each viewer terminal 30 (each user terminal 30 of multiple viewers of the live video being viewed). The comment objects 731 and 831 corresponding to the user comment display the content of the comment (string) along with the account name of the viewer who entered the comment. Furthermore, when a user comment is submitted, the server 10 updates the number of comments for the corresponding distribution in the distribution management table 153 (by adding 1), and also updates the number of input comments for the corresponding distributionr and viewer combination in the relationship management table 155 (by adding 1).

[0067] Furthermore, when the input mode switching button 86 is selected, the comment input area 87 switches to tag input mode. In tag input mode, when the transmission object 871 is selected, the string entered in the comment input area 87 is sent as a distribution tag, and that tag is attached to the distribution. In this example, viewers who can input tags are limited to family members of the corresponding broadcaster. Specifically, the input mode switching button 86 on the viewing screen 80 becomes selectable (enabled) if the viewer is a family member of the broadcaster, while it becomes unselectable (disabled) if the viewer is not a family member of the broadcaster. Also, in this example, the number of tags that can be attached to a single distribution within a predetermined period is limited; specifically, the number of tags that can be attached in 5 minutes is limited to 3.

[0068] When a distribution tag is assigned, corresponding tag objects 741 and 841 are added to the tag display areas 74 and 84 of the corresponding distribution screen 70 and viewing screen 80. In the tag display areas 74 and 84, the tag objects 741 and 841 are arranged horizontally so that the left side is newer (later assigned time). Therefore, the tag objects 741 and 841 corresponding to newly assigned tags are added to the leftmost part of the tag display areas 74 and 84. Tag objects 741 and 841 corresponding to tags that have been assigned for 5 minutes or more are deleted (for example, they disappear with an animation effect moving to the right).

[0069] In this example, tag objects 741 and 841 display the tag content in hashtag format, with a "#" prefix added to the beginning of the string. For example, if the tag content is "Tokyo sightseeing," tag objects 741 and 841 will display "#Tokyo sightseeing." The horizontal length of tag objects 741 and 841 is automatically adjusted according to the length of the string to be displayed.

[0070] Furthermore, when a tag is added, comment objects 731 and 831 corresponding to the system comment notifying the addition of the tag are added to the comment display areas 73 and 83 of the corresponding streaming screen 70 and viewing screen 80. The comment objects 731 and 831 corresponding to the system comment display the content of the tag along with the account name of the viewer who added (entered) the tag. For example, a comment such as "xx tagged the stream with "#TokyoTourism"" will be displayed. Also, when a tag is added, the streaming tag information for the corresponding stream is updated in the streaming management table 153.

[0071] The "Like" button 88 is an object that allows viewers to input a "Like" for a broadcaster (live video). When the button 88 is selected by a viewer, a "Like" is input, and comment objects 731 and 831 corresponding to a system comment notifying the input of a "Like" are added to the comment display areas 73 and 83 of the corresponding broadcast screen 70 and viewing screen 80. The comment objects 731 and 831 corresponding to the system comment display the account name of the viewer who input the "Like," along with text indicating that a "Like" has been input. In addition, when a "Like" is input, a corresponding visual effect (for example, an animation effect in which heart-shaped objects are displayed flowing from the bottom to the top of the screen) is added to the video display areas 71 and 81 of the broadcast screen 70 and viewing screen 80. Furthermore, when a "Like" is input, the server 10 updates (adds 1) the "Like Count" of the corresponding broadcast in the broadcast management table 153.

[0072] The item input button 89 is an object for viewers to input items. When the button 89 is selected by a viewer, a screen (not shown) is displayed for selecting an item to input, and the user can input an item selected from several items via this screen.

[0073] When an item is entered, comment objects 731 and 831 corresponding to the system comment notifying the entry of the item are added to the comment display areas 73 and 83 of the corresponding streaming screen 70 and viewing screen 80. The comment objects 731 and 831 corresponding to the system comment display the name of the entered item along with the account name of the viewer who entered the item. When an item is entered, a visual effect (video effect) corresponding to the entered item is added to the video display areas 71 and 81 of the corresponding streaming screen 70 and viewing screen 80. When an item is entered, the server 10 also assigns a quantity of item points to the stream corresponding to the number of coins (price) of the entered item (for example, the more coins, the more points are awarded). Specifically, in the stream management table 153, the number of points corresponding to the number of coins is added to the item points of the corresponding stream. When an item is entered, the server 10 also subtracts the number of coins of the entered item from the number of coins held by the corresponding user (viewer who entered the item) in the user information table 151. Additionally, when an item is entered, server 10 updates the number of coins consumed for the corresponding broadcaster and viewer combination in the relationship management table 155 (by adding the corresponding number of coins).

[0074] In this example, comment objects 731 and 831, which correspond to viewer actions (specifically, comments, streaming tags, likes, and item input), are decorated according to the viewer's fan level. For example, these comment objects 731 and 831 are given icons corresponding to the viewer's fan level, and text colors corresponding to that fan level are applied.

[0075] This section describes the process when a broadcaster ends a live video stream. As mentioned above, the live video stream ends when the broadcaster selects the stop streaming button 76 on the streaming screen 70. Once the stream ends, the server 10 calculates and sets the number of streaming points for that stream. In this example, the number of streaming points is calculated based on the number of viewers (maximum value), the number of likes, the number of comments, and the number of item points. The number of streaming points increases as the number of viewers (maximum value), the number of likes, the number of comments, and the number of item points increases. The calculated number of streaming points is set for the corresponding stream in the streaming management table 153.

[0076] Next, we will explain the process for determining a streamer's rank. In this example, the user's rank for the day is determined (updated) based on the number of streaming points earned the previous day. Figure 12 is a flowchart illustrating the processes that server 10 executes when updating each user's rank. These processes are executed every night (for example, at 3 a.m. every day).

[0077] Server 10 first calculates the number of distribution points each user earned the previous day, as shown in the diagram (step S100). The number of distribution points a particular user earned the previous day is calculated by referring to the distributor user account, distribution start date and time, and number of distribution points in the distribution management table 153. If a user has made multiple distributions in a day, the number of distribution points earned from each distribution are added together.

[0078] In this example, bonus points are added to the streaming points based on each viewer's fan level and cheer points for the streamer. Specifically, a number of bonus points is added based on the number of viewers whose fan level is above a threshold (the more such viewers there are, the more bonus points are added), and further bonus points are added based on the sum of the cheer points of multiple viewers (the larger the sum of cheer points, the more bonus points are added).

[0079] After calculating the number of distribution points for each broadcaster from the previous day, the server 10 then updates the rank meter value for each user (step S110). Figure 13 is a diagram illustrating the rules for updating the rank meter value. As shown in the diagram, in this example, the rank meter value changes based on the ranking of each user within the rank tier to which they belong, based on the number of distribution points from the previous day.

[0080] The rules for updating the rank meter value are as follows, as shown in Figure 13: First, if the ranking in the number of distribution points within the rank range falls within the top 10%, the rank meter value changes by "+2" (an increase of 2 points). Similarly, if the ranking falls within the top 11-30% (the remaining 20% ​​after subtracting the top 10% from the top 30%), the change is "+1". If the ranking falls within the middle 30% (top 31-60%), the change is "±0" (no change). If the ranking falls within the bottom 40%, the change is "-1" (a decrease of 1 point). Note that if no distribution took place the previous day, the rank meter value changes by "-1" regardless of the ranking within the rank range.

[0081] In step S110, each user's rank meter value is updated according to the update rule illustrated in Figure 13.

[0082] Returning to the flowchart in Figure 12, after updating each user's rank meter value, the server 10 then updates the rank based on the updated rank meter value (step S120). In this example, the rank meter value required to rank up is +3, and the rank meter value required to rank down is -3. When the rank meter value reaches these values, the user ranks up / down. The rank meter value of the user whose rank has been updated (the user who has experienced a rank up / down) is cleared to 0. In other examples of this embodiment, in order to suppress rapid rank up / down in a short period of time, the absolute value of the required rank meter value may be made larger (for example, +6 / -6) in the case of rank up / down across rank ranges compared to rank up / down within the same rank range.

[0083] The above explains the process for determining a streamer's rank. Next, we will explain the process for awarding diamonds to users. In this example, diamonds, which are the reward for a streamer, are awarded to the user based on their streaming time and rank (rank on the previous day). Figure 14 is a flowchart illustrating the processes that server 10 executes when awarding diamonds to each streamer. These processes are executed every night, at an earlier time (for example, at midnight every day) than the process executed when updating each user's rank as illustrated in Figure 12.

[0084] Server 10 first calculates the delivery time for each user the previous day, as shown in the diagram (step S200). Specifically, the delivery time for a particular user the previous day is calculated by referring to the sender user account, delivery start date and time, and delivery duration in the delivery management table 153. If a user makes multiple deliveries in a day, the delivery durations of each of the deliveries are added together.

[0085] Next, server 10 grants each user a number of diamonds based on the calculated delivery time and the base number of diamonds (step S210). Specifically, each user is granted a number of diamonds equal to the calculated delivery time multiplied by the base number of diamonds. The base number of diamonds is predetermined for each rank, with higher ranks receiving more diamonds, and the base number of diamonds corresponding to each user's rank on the previous day is applied. When diamonds are granted to a user, the corresponding number of diamonds held by that user is updated in user information table 151. In this example, diamonds can be exchanged for coins or real currency.

[0086] Here, we will describe a product promotion event held as a limited-time event in the live streaming service of this example. In this event, each streamer promotes a target product, and multiple streamers compete to sell the most of the product. During the live video broadcast, each streamer introduces the target product and provides each viewer with the URL of the website where the product can be purchased, as well as their own product introduction streamer code. The URL and streamer code may also be displayed on the viewing screen 80 (for example, as instructed by the streamer). Viewers access the product sales website to purchase the target product using the URL provided by the streamer. In this example, the website is provided by the product sales management server 22.

[0087] Figure 15 illustrates a product sales top screen 300, which corresponds to the top page of a product sales website provided by server 22. This screen 300 is output to the viewer's user terminal 30 or other device. As shown in the figure, the product sales top screen 300 has an account input area 302 for entering the viewer's user account, a distributor code input area 304 for entering the distributor code of the distributor who introduced the product, a password input area 306 for entering a password, and a login button 308. The viewer enters their user account and password for the live streaming service into areas 302 and 306, respectively, and enters the distributor code provided by the distributor who introduced the product into area 304, and then selects the login button 308.

[0088] Figure 16 illustrates a purchase procedure screen 310 that is displayed in place of the product sales top screen 300, depending on the selection of the login button 308 (i.e., login to the product sales website). As shown in the figure, the screen 310 displays an image and description of the target product and has a purchase quantity input area 312 for entering the purchase quantity, a first button 314 with the text "Delivery Address", a second button 316 with the text "Payment Method", and a third button 318 with the text "Place Order". The first button 314 is an object for setting the product delivery address (shipping address), the second button 316 is an object for setting the payment method, and the third button 318 is an object for confirming the product order. Once the product delivery address and payment method have been set, and the third button 318 is selected, the product order is confirmed. Subsequently, the product sales management server 22 performs the general post-order confirmation processing typical of e-commerce systems.

[0089] In this example, the product sales management server 22 provides product sales data to the live streaming service provider server 10 at regular intervals each day (for example, at one or more predetermined times), and the server 10 updates the contents of the sales data management table 157 based on the acquired sales data. The provided sales data includes the subsequent delivery status of the ordered products.

[0090] In this example, during the product PR event, the purchase status of the target product by family members is displayed in a list on the live streaming service. Figure 17 illustrates the product purchase status list screen 90 output on the user terminal 30. The screen 90 has a list display area 92 that displays information about the target product and lists the family members (viewers) of the streamer specified by the user. Within the area 92, individual display areas 921, each corresponding to an individual family member, are arranged vertically. Family members of a particular streamer are identified by referring to the relationship management table 155. The product purchase status list screen 90 is accessible to the corresponding streamer themselves and their family members, but is not accessible to other users.

[0091] The individual display area 921 displays the corresponding user's profile picture and account name, and has a purchase status display object 923 that displays the purchase status of the product. The object 923 displays the string "Not Purchased" if the corresponding user has not purchased the product (if there is no corresponding record in the sales performance management table 157), and displays a string indicating the delivery status (for example, "Preparing for Shipment," "In Delivery," or "Delivered") if the corresponding user has purchased the product (if there is a corresponding record in the sales performance management table 157). The distributor and each family member can find out the purchase status of each family member's products via the product purchase status list screen 90.

[0092] Figure 18 is a flowchart illustrating the processes that server 10 executes at a predetermined time after the end of a product PR event. First, as shown in the figure, server 10 aggregates the sales quantities of each distributor of the target product (step S300). Specifically, the sales quantities of the target products of this event (identified by the sales product ID) in the sales performance management table 157 are totaled for each product introduction distributor code.

[0093] Next, server 10 sets a ranking (rank) for multiple distributors based on the sales quantity of the target product (step S310), and then awards diamonds to the distributors based on that ranking (step S320). Specifically, in this example, diamonds are awarded to distributors who are ranked within the top 50. When diamonds are awarded, the number of diamonds held by the corresponding distributor is updated in user information table 151. The amount of diamonds awarded increases as the ranking increases.

[0094] Next, server 10 updates the number of cheer points from family members for streamers who have been awarded diamonds (i.e., streamers ranked within the top 50 in sales volume) (step S330). Specifically, in the relationship management table 155, a predetermined number of cheer points are added to the number of cheer points for the corresponding combination of streamer and viewer (family member). As mentioned above, an increase in the number of cheer points from viewers is advantageous for streamers because it increases the bonus points added to the number of streaming points.

[0095] In the example above, diamonds were awarded to the streamer and the number of cheer points from family members for that streamer were updated based on the sales volume ranking of the target product. However, the parameters updated based on the sales performance of the target product are not limited to the number of diamonds held by the streamer and the number of cheer points held by the streamer and / or the viewer(s) combination, but may be other parameters used in the live streaming service. For example, the streamer's rank meter value may be updated based on the sales performance of the target product, the number of coins held by the streamer and / or the viewers of the streamer's live video may be updated, or the viewer's fan level for the streamer may be updated. In addition, content such as background images that can be set on the profile screen may be added. Furthermore, items that can be entered while watching a live video (for example, items that can only be entered for the live video of a corresponding streamer, but not for the live video of other streamers) may be added to the corresponding viewer.

[0096] In another example of this embodiment, regardless of the sales volume ranking of the target product, diamonds are awarded to distributors, and the number of cheer points of family members for those distributors is updated (the points are awarded) based on other evaluation results of the sales volume or the sales volume itself.

[0097] In the example described above, the number of cheer points from family members to the broadcaster is updated based on the sales performance of the target product. However, the viewers to whom parameters such as the number of cheer points are updated are not limited to family members. For example, in another example of this embodiment, the parameters are updated for multiple viewers of the broadcaster's live video during a predetermined period, for viewers whose fan level is above a threshold among these multiple viewers, or for viewers who have purchased the target product. In yet another example of this embodiment, the parameters are updated for viewers who enter a distribution tag corresponding to the target product during the product PR event. The distribution tag corresponding to the target product is defined, for example, as a tag containing a predetermined string (e.g., the product name), and this definition is made known to users before the product PR event is held.

[0098] The live streaming service provider server 10 of this embodiment, as described above, updates the values ​​of live streaming service parameters (e.g., number of diamonds held and number of cheer points, etc.) associated with the streamer or the viewers of the live video, based on the sales performance of products associated with the streamer. This can serve as an incentive for streamers to introduce products and for viewers to purchase products. In other words, the server 10 promotes the purchase or introduction of products in live commerce.

[0099] In another embodiment of the present invention, some or all of the functions of the live streaming service provider server 10 in the above-described embodiment may be realized by the cooperation of the server 10 and the user terminal 30, or by the user terminal 30 alone.

[0100] In another embodiment of the present invention, the live streaming service provider server 10 may be configured to have the same functionality as the product sales management server 22 in the above-described embodiment.

[0101] The processes and procedures described herein can be implemented by software, hardware, or any combination thereof, in addition to those explicitly described herein. For example, the processes and procedures described herein can be implemented by implementing the logic corresponding to those processes and procedures on a medium such as an integrated circuit, volatile memory, non-volatile memory, or magnetic disk. Furthermore, the processes and procedures described herein can be implemented as computer programs corresponding to those processes and procedures and executed by various types of computers.

[0102] Even if a process or procedure described herein is described as being performed by a single device, software, component, or module, such process or procedure may be performed by multiple devices, multiple software programs, multiple components, and / or multiple modules. Furthermore, the software and hardware elements described herein can also be realized by integrating them into fewer components or by decomposing them into more components.

[0103] In this specification, where a component of the invention is described as either one or more, or without limitation to either one or more, such component may be either one or more, unless the context should be otherwise interpreted. [Explanation of symbols]

[0104] 10 Live streaming service provider servers 11 Computer Processors 111 Management Function Control Unit 112 Live Streaming Service Control Unit 113 Sales Performance Management Department 15. Storage (mechanisms) 151 User Information Table 153 Distribution Management Table 155 Relationship Management Table 157 Sales Performance Management Table 20 Communication Networks 22 Product Sales Management Server 30 User terminals 40 Server-side programs 42 Terminal-side programs 60 Top screen 70 Streaming screen 80 Viewing screen 90. Product Purchase Status List Screen 100 Streaming preparation screen Top screen for selling 300 products 310 Purchase Procedure Screen

Claims

1. A system comprising one or more computer processors for providing a live streaming service for distributing and viewing live video, wherein the one or more computer processors, in response to the execution of a readable instruction, A process that controls the provision of the aforementioned live streaming service, A process for obtaining sales records of a product, which are associated with the distributor. Based at least on the sales performance, the system performs a process to update the value of a predetermined parameter associated with each of the multiple viewers of the broadcaster's live video, which is used in the live streaming service. system.

2. The one or more computer processors further perform the process of evaluating the sales performance. The process of updating the value of the predetermined parameter includes updating the value of the predetermined parameter based at least on the evaluation results of the distributor's sales performance. The system according to claim 1.

3. The process for evaluating the sales performance includes setting a ranking of the sales performance of the multiple distributors, based at least on the sales performance associated with each of the multiple distributors. The process of updating the value of the predetermined parameter includes updating the value of the predetermined parameter based at least on the ranking of the distributor's sales performance. The system according to claim 2.

4. The one or more computer processors further execute a process for managing a plurality of related viewers, which are viewers who have a predetermined relationship with the broadcaster, among the plurality of viewers. The process of updating the value of the predetermined parameter includes updating the value of the predetermined parameter associated with each of the plurality of related viewers. The system according to claim 1.

5. The aforementioned sales performance includes information on multiple purchasing viewers, who are among the multiple viewers who have purchased the aforementioned product. The process of updating the value of the predetermined parameter includes updating the value of the predetermined parameter associated with each of the plurality of purchasing viewers. The system according to claim 1.

6. The one or more computer processors perform a process of presenting a list of the delivery status of each of the multiple purchasing viewers of the product. The system according to claim 5.

7. The predetermined parameters include the number of items or content available for use in the live streaming service. The system according to claim 1.

8. The predetermined parameters include the number of items available for use while the broadcaster is streaming or watching the live video. The system according to claim 7.

9. The process for controlling the provision of the live streaming service includes associating tags entered by each of the multiple viewers with the live video. The process of updating the value of the predetermined parameter includes updating the value of the predetermined parameter associated with one or more tag-input viewers among the multiple viewers who have entered the tag corresponding to the product. The system according to claim 1.

10. A method for providing a live streaming service for distributing and viewing live video, which is performed by one or more computers, The steps include controlling the provision of the aforementioned live streaming service, The steps include obtaining sales records of a product that are associated with the distributor, The process includes, at least based on the sales performance, updating the value of a predetermined parameter associated with each of the multiple viewers of the broadcaster's live video, which is used in the live streaming service. method.

11. A program for providing a live streaming service for distributing and viewing live video, which is installed on a computer. A process that controls the provision of the aforementioned live streaming service, A process for obtaining sales records of a product, which are associated with the distributor. Based at least on the sales performance, the system performs a process to update the value of a predetermined parameter associated with each of the multiple viewers of the broadcaster's live video, which is used in the live streaming service. program.

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