Systems, methods, programs, and apparatus for providing content distribution services

Abstract

To support the proper ranking of content providers on content distribution services. [Solution] A content distribution 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 content distribution service to the user via the user terminal 30 for distributing and viewing content. The server 10 updates the rank of a distribution user based on a reference value based on points awarded to each of a plurality of distribution users and the points awarded to the distribution user, and changes the reference value if it is above or below a predetermined value. Therefore, if the reference value used to update the rank is extremely large or small, it is possible to change the reference value to a more appropriate value.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a technology for providing a content delivery service.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, various services for delivering content composed of images and / or sounds have been provided. In such services, rankings of distributors may be made based on the delivery results of the content. For example, Patent Document 1 below discloses that points are given to a distributor based on the delivery results of live videos, and the rank of each distributor is determined based on the ranking of the points among the distributors. Such a mechanism can promote the active delivery of live videos by distributors.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the conventional mechanism as described above, since rankings are made based on the rankings among distributors, when the number of points obtained by other distributors is extremely large / smaller than before, there may be a sense of discomfort for individual distributors between the points obtained and the rank determined.

[0005] One object of an embodiment of the present invention is to assist in appropriately ranking distributors in a content delivery service. 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 content distribution service, comprising one or more computer processors, wherein the one or more computer processors perform the following: a process of awarding points to a distribution user based on the content distribution performance of the distribution user; a process of updating the rank of a distribution user based on a reference value set based on the points awarded to each of the multiple distribution users during a specific period; and the points awarded to the distribution user during the specific period, wherein the process of updating the rank changes the reference value if the reference value is greater than or equal to a predetermined value or less than or equal to a predetermined value.

[0007] A method according to one embodiment of the present invention is a method for providing a content distribution service, which is executed by one or more computers, and comprises the steps of: awarding points to a distribution user based on the content distribution record of the distribution user; updating the rank of a distribution user based on a reference value set based on the points awarded to each of a plurality of distribution users during a specific period, and the points awarded to the distribution user during the specific period, wherein the step of updating the rank changes the reference value if the reference value is greater than or equal to or less than a predetermined value.

[0008] A program according to one embodiment of the present invention is a program for providing a content distribution service, which causes one or more computers to execute a process of awarding points to a distribution user based on the content distribution record of the distribution user, a reference value set based on the points awarded to each of the multiple distribution users during a specific period, and a process of updating the rank of the distribution user based on the points awarded to the distribution user during the specific period, wherein the process of updating the rank changes the reference value if the reference value is greater than or equal to a predetermined value or less than or equal to a predetermined value.

[0009] An apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention is an apparatus for providing a content distribution service, comprising: means for awarding points to a distribution user based on the content distribution performance of the distribution user; a reference value set based on the points awarded to each of a plurality of distribution users during a specific period; and means for updating the rank of the distribution user based on the points awarded to the distribution user during the specific period, wherein the means for updating the rank changes the reference value when the reference value is greater than or equal to a predetermined value or less than or equal to a predetermined value. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] Various embodiments of the present invention support appropriate ranking of content distributors in content distribution services. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] A schematic diagram showing the configuration of a network including a content distribution server 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] A diagram illustrating the information managed by user information table 1511. [Figure 3] A diagram illustrating the ranking of streaming users. [Figure 4] A diagram illustrating the information managed by the distribution management table 1512. [Figure 5] This diagram illustrates the information managed by the streaming user-specific viewing user management table 1513. [Figure 6] A diagram illustrating the behavioral conditions for various levels of fan engagement. [Figure 7] A diagram illustrating the top screen 50. [Figure 8] A diagram illustrating the display content of individual display area 541. [Figure 9] A diagram illustrating the distribution preparation screen 60. [Figure 10] A diagram illustrating the streaming screen 70. [Figure 11] A diagram illustrating viewing screen 80. [Figure 12]A diagram illustrating a viewing screen 80 on which a gift selection screen 90 is superimposed. [Figure 13] A diagram illustrating a gift selection screen 90. [Figure 14] A diagram illustrating production objects 761 and 861. [Figure 15] A flowchart illustrating the process executed by the server 10 when updating the rank of each user. [Figure 16] A diagram illustrating the update rule of the rank point number. [Figure 17] A diagram illustrating the lower limit value and the upper limit value of each of the first to third borders. [Figure 18] A diagram illustrating a rank information display area 200. [Figure 19] A diagram illustrating a curve corresponding to the change over time of the point number. [Figure 20] A flowchart illustrating the process executed by the server 10 when awarding diamonds to each user. [Figure 21] A diagram showing an example in which the value of the border on the day is changed to the average value of the border values in the past seven days.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] 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.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram schematically showing the configuration of a network including a content distribution 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. The server 10 provides a content distribution service for distributing and viewing content to a user via the user terminal 30. The content distribution server 10 is an example of a device that implements part or all of the system (or device) of the present invention.

[0014] First, the hardware configuration of the content distribution server 10 will be described. The content distribution server 10 is configured as a general-purpose computer and, as shown in Figure 1, includes a computer processor 11, main memory 12, input / output interface 13, communication interface 14, and storage (memory device) 15. These components are electrically connected via buses and the like (not shown).

[0015] The computer processor 11 is configured as a CPU or GPU, and loads various programs stored in storage 15, etc., into the main memory 12 and executes various instructions contained in those programs. The main memory 12 is configured as, for example, DRAM.

[0016] 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.

[0017] 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.

[0018] The storage 15 is composed of, for example, a magnetic disk, flash memory, etc. The storage 15 stores various programs, including an operating system, and various data. For example, the storage 15 has various tables 151 that store various information for providing content distribution services. Also, for example, the storage 15 stores a server-side program 40 according to one embodiment of the present invention. This program 40 is a program that causes the server 10 to function as all or part of a system for providing content distribution services. 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.

[0019] In this embodiment, the content distribution server 10 may be configured using multiple computers, each having the hardware configuration described above. For example, the content distribution server 10 may be configured by one or more server devices.

[0020] The content distribution 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.

[0021] 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).

[0022] 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.

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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 terminal-side programs 42. These programs 42 are configured as a web browser or other application (for example, a terminal-side application for a content distribution service) and, as described above, can be configured to execute at least a portion of the server-side program 40.

[0026] In this embodiment, the user terminal 30 may be configured as a smartphone, tablet device, personal computer, wearable device, etc.

[0027] A user operating the user terminal 30 configured in this way can use the content distribution service provided by the content distribution server 10 by communicating with the content distribution server 10 via the terminal-side program 42 installed on the storage 35, etc.

[0028] Next, the functions of the content distribution 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 and a service provision control unit 112 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).

[0029] The management function control unit 111 is configured to perform various processes related to the control of the management functions of the content distribution 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 on 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.

[0030] The service provision control unit 112 is configured to perform various processes for controlling the provision of content distribution services. For example, the service provision control unit 112 performs various processes for controlling the distribution of content. For example, the service provision control unit 112 distributes content provided by a distribution user to multiple viewing users. For example, the service provision control unit 112 presents a viewing screen for viewing the content to each of the multiple viewing users, and transmits, for example, screen data and control data of the viewing screen to each of the multiple viewing users' user terminals 30 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as viewing terminals 30).

[0031] Here, viewing users include users who view content in the past, present, or future, and typically include all users of the content distribution service. Similarly, distributing users include users who distribute content in the past, present, or future, and typically include all users of the content distribution service. Users of the content distribution service can typically distribute content as distributing users and view content as viewing users.

[0032] In this embodiment, the service provision control unit 112 is configured to award points to a distribution user based on the content distribution performance of that distribution user. Content distribution performance includes, for example, the number of distributions, the number of distribution days, the distribution time, the number of viewers, the input performance of viewer users (comments, items, likes, etc.) during content distribution, and the amount of money paid by viewer users. Points may be awarded to the distribution user (indirectly) through the awarding of points to the content.

[0033] Furthermore, the service provision control unit 112 is configured to update the rank of a distribution user based on a reference value set based on points awarded to multiple distribution users (for example, distribution users belonging to the same rank) during a specific period, and the points awarded to the distribution user during that specific period. For example, the service provision control unit 112 updates the rank of a distribution user based on whether or not the points awarded to the distribution user have reached the reference value. The specific period includes various periods from a specific start date and time to an end date and time, and includes periods with lengths such as one day, one week, or one month.

[0034] Furthermore, the service provision control unit 112 is configured to change the above-mentioned reference value when updating the rank of each distribution user, if the reference value is greater than or equal to a predetermined value or less than or equal to a predetermined value. For example, the reference value decreases if it is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, or increases if it is less than or equal to a predetermined value. The predetermined value can also be said to be a value used to determine whether or not it is necessary to change the reference value.

[0035] Thus, in this embodiment, the content distribution server 10 updates the rank of a distribution user based on a reference value derived from points awarded to each of multiple distribution users, and the points awarded to the distribution user. If the reference value is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, or less than or equal to a predetermined value, the server changes the reference value. Therefore, if the reference value used to update the rank is extremely large or small, the server can change the reference value to a more appropriate value. In other words, the server 10 supports the appropriate ranking of distributors in the content distribution service.

[0036] In this embodiment, the content distributed includes various types of digital content. For example, the content consists of images (video or still images) and audio, or one of these. The content is transmitted in real time (live distribution) from, for example, the user terminal 30 of the distribution user providing the content (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the distribution terminal 30), or it is provided in advance from the distribution terminal 30 and stored in a storage device such as the storage 15. Live distribution of content may be accompanied by a certain delay (time lag) depending on the settings of the distribution user or the network conditions. Live distribution of content is performed using a streaming method that uses a protocol such as HTTP Live Streaming (HLS). The content distribution user includes businesses such as broadcasters.

[0037] Furthermore, the content transmitted from the distribution terminal 30 consists, for example, of video and audio of the distribution user input (captured) via the camera and microphone of the distribution terminal 30. This content also consists, for example, of video and audio corresponding to the screen output by the distribution terminal 30. Furthermore, this content also consists, for example, of video corresponding to the screen output by an application (e.g., a game) running on the distribution terminal 30, as well as audio output by the application and / or audio of the distribution user input via the microphone of the distribution terminal 30.

[0038] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the content distributed is such that a portion of the data constituting the content is transmitted in real time from the distribution terminal 30, while a portion of the data constituting the content can be pre-stored in the server 10 or the viewing terminal 30. For example, the audio constituting the content is transmitted in real time from the distribution terminal 30, while the images constituting the content are pre-stored in the server 10 or the viewing terminal 30, and the content is generated in the server 10 or the viewing terminal 30 based on this data.

[0039] Furthermore, for example, in addition to the audio that constitutes the content, motion data (e.g., motion data) for operating objects such as characters may be transmitted in real time from the distribution terminal 30, while images constituting the content may be pre-stored in the server 10 or viewing terminal 30, and these images may include model data of the objects. In this case, the motion data is generated based on the actions of the distribution user (including head movements and changes in facial expressions, etc.) recognized via the camera of the distribution terminal 30. The content generated in the server 10 or viewing terminal 30 then includes objects such as characters that operate based on the model data and motion data.

[0040] In this embodiment, the change in the aforementioned reference value when it is above or below a predetermined value can be achieved by applying various rules. For example, if the reference value is above a predetermined value, it may decrease by a predetermined percentage / a predetermined number of points. Alternatively, if the reference value is below a predetermined value, it may increase by a predetermined percentage / a predetermined number of points.

[0041] Furthermore, if the reference value is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, or less than or equal to a predetermined value, the reference value may be changed to that predetermined value. For example, if the reference value is greater than or equal to a first predetermined value, it is changed to the first predetermined value, while if it is less than or equal to a second predetermined value (which is smaller than the first predetermined value), it is changed to the second predetermined value. This configuration makes it possible to set the reference value within a range of greater than or equal to a predetermined value.

[0042] Furthermore, if the reference value is above or below a predetermined value, the reference value may be changed based on the reference values ​​in each of one or more past specific periods. In other words, if the reference value for the current specific period is above or below a predetermined value, it may be changed to a value based on the reference values ​​in each of one or more past specific periods (e.g., mean, median, maximum, or minimum). This configuration makes it possible to change the current reference value to a value based on past reference values.

[0043] In this embodiment, the predetermined value used to determine whether or not to change the reference value can be set by applying various rules. For example, the predetermined value may be based on the reference value in each of one or more specific past periods. For example, the predetermined value may be the mean, median, maximum, or minimum of the reference value in each of the multiple specific periods. The predetermined value may be set manually or it may be calculated and set automatically. This configuration makes it possible to change the current reference value if it is greater than or less than the predetermined value set based on past reference values.

[0044] In this embodiment, the rank of a distribution user may be updated by updating the value of a parameter associated with that distribution user. That is, the service provision control unit 112 may be configured to update the value of a parameter associated with the distribution user based on the reference value and the points awarded to the distribution user during a specific period, and to update the rank of the distribution user based on the value of that parameter (for example, the rank goes up or down when the value of the parameter reaches a threshold). Such a configuration enables updating the rank of a distribution user through updating the value of a parameter.

[0045] In this case, multiple reference values ​​may be set depending on the content of the parameter value update. For example, the service provision control unit 112 is configured to increase the parameter value if the points awarded to the distribution user during a specific period are equal to or greater than the first reference value, maintain the parameter value if they are equal to or greater than the second reference value but less than the first reference value, and decrease the parameter value if they are less than the second reference value. In this case, for example, the first reference value is changed if it is equal to or less than the first predetermined value, and the second reference value is changed if it is equal to or less than the second predetermined value (that is, a predetermined value is set for each reference value to determine whether or not a change is necessary). Such a configuration enables updating of parameter values ​​based on multiple reference values.

[0046] In this embodiment, a reference value (provisional value) at a specific point in time may be presented to the distribution user. That is, the service provision control unit 112 may be configured to present to the distribution user information including the reference value at that specific point in time, which is set based on the points awarded to each of the multiple distribution users up to that specific point in time included in the specific period (for example, by transmitting screen data and control data of the screen that displays the information to the distribution user terminal 30). In this case, if the reference value at that specific point in time is greater than or less than a predetermined value (provisional value) at that specific point in time, the reference value may be changed (in this case, information including the changed reference value is presented to the distribution user). The same rules as those for changing the reference value (final value) at the end of the specific period described above, or different rules, may be applied to the change of the reference value. This configuration makes it possible to inform the distribution user of the provisional value of the reference value at a specific point in time.

[0047] Next, a specific example of one aspect of the content distribution server 10 of this embodiment, which has such functions, will be described. In this example, the content distribution service provided by the server 10 is configured as a service for live streaming of content consisting of video and audio of the distribution user input (captured) via the camera and microphone of the distribution terminal 30. First, in this example, the information managed by each table included in the various tables 151 will be described.

[0048] Figure 2 illustrates the information managed by the user information table 1511 in this example. The user information table 1511 manages information about users of the content distribution service and, as shown in the figure, associates with a "user account" that identifies individual users, and manages information such as "basic information" including the account name and date of birth, "distribution history information" which is information about the distribution history as a distribution user, "viewing history information" which is information about the viewing history as a viewing user, "followed user information" which is information about other users that this user follows, "family information" which is information about families that this user belongs to as a family member, "rank" which indicates the rank as a distribution user, "rank points" which is the number of rank points held which is a parameter for determining rank up and down, "coin holdings" which indicates the number of virtual coins that can be used in the content distribution service, "diamond holdings" which similarly indicates the number of virtual diamonds held, and "classification text" which is the classification as a distribution user set by the user themselves.

[0049] In this example, a family is a community of fans who support a streaming user, and can be joined by invitation from the streaming user or family administrator (e.g., designated by the streaming user), or by approval of a user's application to join by the streaming user or family administrator. Family information includes information that identifies the streaming user corresponding to each family (e.g., user account). In this example, there is an upper limit on the number of members in a family (e.g., 100). In this example, a user can join (belong to) multiple families.

[0050] 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 a reward such as a login bonus. Also, for example, users can purchase coins for a fee (with real currency). Diamonds, as will be explained in more detail later, are awarded as one of the rewards for streaming users.

[0051] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating the rank of the delivery user 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).

[0052] Furthermore, in the rank tiers, "S" is higher and "E" is lower. Within the same rank tier, a higher number attached to the rank 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". As will be explained in more detail later, in this example, the rank is updated based on the daily content delivery performance.

[0053] Figure 4 illustrates the information managed by the distribution management table 1512 in this example. The distribution management table 1512 manages information related to individual distributions and, as shown in the figure, associates the "distribution ID" that identifies an individual distribution (content) with the "distribution user account" that identifies the distribution user, the "distribution start date and time" which is the date and time the distribution started, the "distribution duration" which is the duration (elapsed time) since the distribution started, the "number of viewing users (current value and maximum value)", the "number of comments" which is the number of comments entered by viewing users during the distribution of the content, the "number of likes" which is the number of "likes" entered by viewing users during the distribution of the content, the "number of coins consumed" which is the number of coins consumed in response to items entered by viewing users during the distribution of the content, the "number of support points" which is the total value of support points to be awarded for this distribution, and the "distribution tag information" which is information related to the distribution tags assigned to this distribution.

[0054] Figure 5 illustrates the information managed by the Viewer Management Table 1513 for each streaming user in this example. The Viewer Management Table 1513 manages information about viewers for each streaming user in the target month and year, and as shown in the figure, it associates the "Fan Level" of viewers for the streaming user in the target month and year with the combination of the "Streaming User Account" that identifies the streaming user, the "Viewer User Account" that identifies the viewers, and the "Target Month and Year," and manages information such as the "Number of Coins Consumed," "Viewing Time," "Number of Days Viewed," and "Number of Comments Entered" for viewers in the corresponding streaming.

[0055] In this example, a fan level for a content provider is determined based on the monthly viewing behavior of viewers of the content provided by that provider. Figure 6 illustrates the behavioral conditions for each of the multiple fan levels in this example. As shown in the figure, in this example, two or three conditions are set as behavioral conditions for each fan level, and a user who satisfies any one of these conditions becomes the corresponding fan level (their level increases). For example, fan level "1" has two conditions: condition 1, "spend 10 coins or more, watch for 1.5 hours or more, and enter 4 comments or more," and condition 2, "spend 100 coins or more." A user who satisfies either of these two conditions becomes a viewer of fan level "1". Furthermore, for example, Fan Level "4" has three conditions: Condition 1, "Consume 1000 coins or more, watch for 5 hours or more, watch for 3 days or more, and enter 30 comments or more"; Condition 2, "Consume 3000 coins or more, watch for 2 hours or more, and enter 5 comments or more"; and Condition 3, "Consume 5500 coins or more". Users who satisfy any one of these three conditions become Fan Level "4" viewers. Note that these behavioral conditions are examples, and in other examples of this embodiment, various other conditions may be set as behavioral conditions. For example, instead of conditions related to the number of coins consumed, conditions related to the number of input items, or the degree of contribution to the support points awarded to the streaming user (stream), may be set.

[0056] This fan level determination is performed in real time during content distribution. Specifically, during content distribution, server 10 updates the number of coins consumed, viewing time, viewing days, and number of comments entered in real time for each viewing user in the viewing user management table 1513, and determines whether the fan level has increased based on this information. When the fan level increases, the fan level value of the corresponding record in the viewing user management table 1513 is updated.

[0057] In this example, viewers with a fan level of "4" or higher are recognized as special fans of the corresponding streaming user. When a viewer reaches a fan level of "4," the value of the special fan flag in the corresponding record in the streaming user-specific viewer management table 1513 is updated.

[0058] The above explains the information managed by each table. Next, we will explain the processes executed by the content distribution server 10 in this example, and the screens displayed on the user terminal 30.

[0059] Figure 7 illustrates the top screen 50 of the content distribution service displayed on the user terminal 30. This screen 50 is the starting point when using the content distribution service, and as shown in the figure, it has a selection area 52 that displays the text "Follow," "Popular," "Featured," and "All," a list display area 54 located below the area 52, and a circular distribution button 56 located in the upper right corner of the screen.

[0060] Selection area 52 is an area for selecting the content to be displayed in the list display area 54. Specifically, if "Follow" is selected in selection area 52, the list display area 54 will display a list of broadcasts (content currently being broadcast) from other users that the user is following. Similarly, if "Popular" is selected in selection area 52, the list display area 54 will display a list of broadcasts with a large number of viewers. Also, if "Featured" is selected in selection area 52, the list display area 54 will display a list of broadcasts that are generating a lot of buzz (for example, broadcasts with a large number of comments, likes, and coins consumed). Furthermore, if "All" is selected in selection area 52, all broadcasts will be included in the list display area 54.

[0061] As shown in the diagram, the list display area 54 has multiple individual display areas 541 arranged vertically in two columns, each displaying information about an individual distribution. The individual display areas 541 are configured so that the user can start watching the corresponding distribution (playback of the corresponding content begins) according to their selection. The list display area 54 is configured so that the displayed individual display areas 541 can be switched by flicking or sliding up or down.

[0062] Figure 8 illustrates the display content of the individual display area 541. The individual display area 541 displays an image pre-set by the content distribution user, the distribution user's account name, and the number of viewers (current value), etc. As shown in the figure, the first tag object 5411 and the second tag object 5412 are arranged side by side at its lower end. The first tag object 5411 displays the classification text (managed in the user information table 1511), which is the distribution user's classification set by the distribution user themselves, in hashtag format (a format in which "#" is added to the beginning of the string) (in the example in Figure 8, it displays "#eatingchallenge"). The second tag object 5412 also displays the latest distribution tag assigned by viewers to the corresponding distribution in hashtag format (in the example in Figure 8, it displays "#curry").

[0063] Returning to the top screen 50 in Figure 7, the distribution button 56 is an object for the user to distribute content as a distribution user. When the distribution button 56 is selected by the user, the distribution preparation screen 60 illustrated in Figure 9 is displayed. As shown in the figure, the distribution preparation screen 60 has a distribution title input area 62 for entering the distribution title, a secret distribution setting switch 64 for setting the secret distribution mode, a post setting button 66 for setting up posts (posting messages to SNS) that are automatically performed during distribution, and a distribution start button 68 with the text "Start!" attached to it. Secret distribution is a content distribution mode in which only new viewers (specifically, viewers whose total viewing time over a certain period for the corresponding distribution user is less than a predetermined value) can view the content.

[0064] When the distribution start button 68 is selected, content distribution begins. Specifically, content data consisting of video and audio input (recorded) via the camera and microphone of the distribution terminal 30 is sent to the server 10. In addition, a new record is inserted into the distribution management table 1512 in response to the start of content distribution.

[0065] Figure 10 illustrates a distribution screen 70 that is output on the distribution terminal 30 in response to the start of content distribution. 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 at the top of the screen, an operation area 73 located at the bottom of the screen, a comment display area 74 located to the upper left of the area 73, a tag display area 75 located above the area 74, and a performance display area 76 located to the upper left of the area 75.

[0066] The video display area 71 displays the content being streamed, that is, the image input via the camera of the streaming terminal 30. Typically, the streaming user uses the front camera of the streaming terminal 30, etc., to film themselves, and in this case, the streamed content includes the streaming user's own image.

[0067] The basic information display area 72 displays basic information about this distribution (specifically, distribution user information (profile picture, etc.), the number of users watching this distribution (current value), and the number of "likes" entered by users watching this distribution), and has a user viewing information display area 721. The area 721 displays information about multiple users watching the content being distributed, and specifically, multiple icon objects 722, each corresponding to an individual user, are arranged side by side in a horizontal direction. The object 722 has a circular shape and displays the profile picture of the corresponding user. The multiple icon objects 722 are arranged in an order that follows a predetermined rule (for example, in descending order of the number of coins consumed in the current month).

[0068] The control area 73 includes a stop broadcast button 731, a microphone setting button 732, and a camera setting button 733.

[0069] The unsubscribe button 731 is an object used by the distribution user to stop the distribution of content. When the unsubscribe button 731 is selected by the distribution user, the distribution of content (transmission of content data from the distribution terminal 30 to the server 10) is stopped.

[0070] The microphone settings button 732 is an object used by the streaming user to mute the microphone. When the microphone settings button 732 is selected by the streaming user, the microphone's mute state is toggled.

[0071] The camera setting button 733 is an object used by the streaming user to set the active camera. When the camera setting button 733 is selected by the streaming user, the active camera (e.g., front camera or rear camera) is switched.

[0072] The comment display area 74 is an area for displaying user comments entered by each viewing user, as well as system comments automatically entered by the server 10. Specifically, multiple comment objects 741, each corresponding to an individual comment, are arranged vertically within the area 74. The comment display area 74 is configured such that when a new comment is entered, a corresponding comment object 741 is added to the bottom, and the existing comment objects 741 move upwards in sequence. The displayed comment objects 741 in the comment display area 74 can be switched by flicking or sliding up or down.

[0073] The tag display area 75 displays information about the distribution tags assigned to this distribution. Specifically, the area 75 contains multiple tag objects 751, each corresponding to an individual tag, arranged side by side in a horizontal direction.

[0074] The display area 76 is where visual effects are displayed in response to the input of gift items. Details of these visual effects will be described later.

[0075] Figure 11 illustrates a viewing screen 80 output on the viewing terminal 30. For example, when a user selects a streaming (content) via the list display area 54 of the top screen 50, a viewing screen 80 for viewing the selected streaming is output on the viewing terminal 30. As shown in the figure, the screen 80, like the streaming screen 70 described above, has a video display area 81, a basic information display area 82, an operation area 83, a comment display area 84, a tag display area 85, and a performance display area 86.

[0076] The basic information display area 82, like the basic information display area 72, has a viewer user information display area 821, in which multiple icon objects 822 are arranged side by side in the left-right direction.

[0077] The operation area 83 includes an input mode switching button 831, a comment input area 832, a "Like" button 833 with a heart mark, and a gift input button 834 with a gift image.

[0078] The comment input area 832 is an area for viewers to enter comments or distribution tags. While the input mode switching button 831 is not selected, the comment input area 832 is in normal comment input mode. In comment input mode, when a string is entered into the comment input area 832 and the confirmation operation is performed, the string is sent as a user comment, and on the corresponding distribution terminal 30 (the user terminal 30 of the distribution user distributing the content being viewed) and each viewing terminal 30 (each user terminal 30 of multiple viewing users viewing the same content), comment objects 741 and 841 corresponding to the user comment are added in the comment display areas 74 and 84 of the distribution screen 70 and viewing screen 80. The comment objects 741 and 841 corresponding to the user comment display the content of the comment (string) along with the account name of the viewing user who entered the comment. Also, when a user comment is entered, the server 10 updates (adds 1) the number of comments for the corresponding distribution in the distribution management table 1512.

[0079] Furthermore, when the input mode switching button 831 is selected, the comment input area 832 switches to tag input mode. In tag input mode, when a string is entered into the comment input area 832 and confirmed, that string is sent as a distribution tag, and that tag is attached to the distribution. In this example, only family members of the corresponding distribution user are allowed to enter tags. Specifically, the input mode switching button 831 on the viewing screen 80 becomes selectable (enabled) if the viewing user is a family member of the distribution user, while it becomes unavailable (disabled) if the viewing user is not a family member of the distribution user. In this example, the number of tags that can be attached to a single distribution over a certain period is limited; specifically, up to three tags can be attached every five minutes.

[0080] When a distribution tag is assigned, the corresponding tag objects 751 and 851 are added to the tag display areas 75 and 85 of the corresponding distribution screen 70 and viewing screen 80. In the tag display areas 75 and 85, the tag objects 751 and 851 are arranged horizontally so that the left side is newer (later assigned time). Therefore, the tag objects 751 and 851 corresponding to newly assigned tags are added to the leftmost part of the tag display areas 75 and 85. Tag objects 751 and 851 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).

[0081] In this example, tag objects 751 and 851 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 751 and 851 will display "#Tokyo sightseeing." The horizontal length of tag objects 751 and 851 is automatically adjusted according to the length of the string to be displayed.

[0082] Furthermore, when a tag is assigned, comment objects 741 and 841 corresponding to the system comment notifying the assignment of the tag are added to the comment display areas 74 and 84 of the corresponding streaming screen 70 and viewing screen 80. The comment objects 741 and 841 corresponding to the system comment display the content of the assigned tag along with the account name of the viewing user who assigned (entered) the tag. For example, a comment such as "xx tagged the stream with "#TokyoTourism"" will be displayed. In addition, when a tag is assigned, the streaming tag information for the corresponding stream is updated in the streaming management table 1512.

[0083] The "Like" button 833 is an object for viewers to input a "Like" for the broadcasting user (or content). When the button 833 is selected by a viewer, a "Like" is input, and comment objects 741 and 841 corresponding to a system comment notifying the input of a "Like" are added to the comment display areas 74 and 84 of the corresponding broadcasting screen 70 and viewing screen 80. The comment objects 741 and 841 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 animated video effect where heart-shaped objects flow from the bottom to the top of the screen) is displayed in the video display areas 71 and 81 of the broadcasting screen 70 and viewing screen 80. Furthermore, when a "Like" is input, the server 10 updates the "Like Count" of the corresponding broadcast in the broadcasting management table 1512 (incrementing by 1).

[0084] The gift input button 834 is an object for the viewer to input a gift item. When this button 834 is selected, a gift selection screen 90 for selecting the gift item to input is displayed overlaid on the lower area of ​​the viewing screen 80, as illustrated in Figure 12.

[0085] Figure 13 illustrates the gift selection screen 90. As shown in the figure, the screen 90 includes a selection area 91, a list display area 94 located below the area 91 that displays one or more gift items in a list, a price range selection area 96 located below the area 94 for selecting the price range of the gift items to display, and a purchase button 97 located in the lower right corner of the screen, which is an object for purchasing coins. The lower left corner of the gift selection screen 90 also displays the number of coins held by the corresponding user.

[0086] The selection area 91 is an area for selecting (filtering) the content to be displayed in the list display area 94, and displays text such as "All," "History," "Popular," and "Limited Time Offer." If "All" is selected in the selection area 91, all gift items will be included in the list display area 94. If "History" is selected in the selection area 91, the list display area 94 will display a list of gift items that the corresponding user has entered in the past. If "Popular" is selected, the list display area 94 will display a list of gift items that have been entered many times across the entire content distribution service. If "Limited Time Offer" is selected, the list will display gift items that are offered for a limited time and are available for entry at that time (for example, gift items that can be entered in limited-time events within the content distribution service).

[0087] The list display area 94 has multiple individual display areas 941 arranged vertically in four columns, each displaying information about an individual gift item. Each individual display area 941 displays an image corresponding to the gift item and the number of coins (price) required to enter that item. The list display area 94 is configured so that the displayed individual display areas 941 can be switched by flicking or sliding up or down. When a viewer selects any of the individual display areas 941, the corresponding gift item is entered.

[0088] The price range selection area 96 is an area for further selecting (filtering) the displayed content in the list display area 94 based on the price range of the gift items. When any price range is selected in the price range selection area 96, the gift items in the corresponding price range will be included in the list display area 94.

[0089] When a gift item is entered, comment objects 741 and 841 corresponding to a system comment notifying the entry of a gift item are added to the comment display areas 74 and 84 of the corresponding streaming screen 70 and viewing screen 80. The comment objects 741 and 841 corresponding to the system comment display the name of the entered gift item along with the account name of the viewing user who entered the gift item. In addition, when a gift item is entered, a visual display corresponding to the entered gift item is performed in the visual display areas 76 and 86 of the corresponding streaming screen 70 and viewing screen 80. This visual display includes the display of a visual object corresponding to the entered gift item.

[0090] Figure 14 illustrates the performance objects 761 and 861 displayed in the performance display areas 76 and 86. As shown in the figure, these objects 761 and 861 display the profile picture and account name of the viewer user who entered the gift item, as well as the name and image of the gift item. The performance objects 761 and 861 disappear after a predetermined time (for example, 3 seconds) has elapsed since they were displayed. Up to a predetermined number (for example, 3) of performance objects 761 and 861 are arranged vertically in the performance display areas 76 and 86.

[0091] In this example, some gift items (for example, items whose price is above a threshold) will trigger a larger visual display in the video display areas 71 and 81 (such as the display of a corresponding video effect) in addition to the visual display in the visual display areas 76 and 86, depending on the input.

[0092] Furthermore, when a gift item is entered, the server 10 subtracts the number of coins for the entered gift item from the number of coins held by the corresponding user (the viewing user who entered the gift item) in the user information table 1511, and adds that number of coins to the number of coins consumed for the corresponding distribution in the distribution management table 1512.

[0093] In this example, the number of support points in the distribution management table 1512 is updated in real time while the content is being distributed. In this example, the number of support points is calculated based on the number of likes, comments, and coins consumed, and the higher these values ​​are, the more support points are awarded. When the distribution user selects the stop distribution button 731 on the distribution screen 70, the distribution of the content ends.

[0094] Here, we will explain the process for determining the rank of a streaming user. In this example, the user's rank for the day is determined (updated) based on the number of support points they earned as a streaming user the previous day. Figure 15 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.).

[0095] Server 10 first calculates the number of support points each user earned as a broadcasting user the previous day, as shown in the diagram (step S100). The number of support points each user earned the previous day is calculated by referring to the broadcasting user account, broadcast start date and time, and number of support points in the broadcasting management table 1512. If a user broadcasts multiple times in one day, the number of support points earned from each broadcast is added together.

[0096] After calculating the number of support points for each streaming user from the previous day, the server 10 then updates each user's rank points (step S110). Figure 16 illustrates the rules for updating rank points. As shown in the figure, in this example, the rank points change based on each user's rank within their rank (or rank within a rank tier) from the previous day's support points. The initial value of the rank points is "0".

[0097] The rules for updating rank points are as follows: First, if a user's support points rank within the top 10%, their rank points will increase by "+2" (2 points). In other words, if the support points of the lowest-ranked user among those in the top 10% of the rank are set as the first border (first baseline), then the rank points of any user whose support points the previous day were equal to or higher than this first border will increase by "+2".

[0098] Similarly, if a user's rank in terms of support points falls within the top 11-30% (the remaining 20% ​​after subtracting the top 10% from the top 30%), the change in rank points is "+1". In other words, if the support points of the lowest-ranked user among those whose rank falls within the top 11-30% are set as the second border (first baseline), then the change in rank points for users whose support points the previous day were equal to or greater than the second border but less than the first border is determined to be "+1". Furthermore, if a user's rank in terms of support points falls within the middle 30% (top 31-60%), the change in rank points is "±0" (no increase or decrease). In other words, if the support points of the lowest-ranked user among those whose rank falls within the middle 30% are set as the third border (second baseline), then the change in rank points for users whose support points the previous day were equal to or greater than the third border but less than the second border is determined to be "±0". Furthermore, if a user's support points within a rank fall within the bottom 40%, the change in rank points is "-1" (a decrease of 1 point). In other words, for streaming users whose support points from the previous day were below the third border mentioned above, the change in rank points is "-1". Note that if no streaming took place the previous day, the change in rank points will be "-1" regardless of the user's rank. In step S110, the rank points of each user are updated in the user information table 1511 according to the update rules illustrated in Figure 16. Also, the ranks (percentages) corresponding to each of these borders are merely examples, and the specific values ​​are not limited to these.

[0099] In this example, for each rank, a lower limit and an upper limit (predetermined value) are set for each of the first to third borders described above. If the value of each border falls outside the range from the lower limit to the upper limit, the value of the corresponding border is changed, and the update of the rank points is determined based on the changed border value. Specifically, if the value of each border is smaller than the lower limit, it is changed to (increased) to that lower limit, and if it is larger than the upper limit, it is changed to (decreased) to that upper limit.

[0100] In this example, the lower and upper limits for each border are automatically set based on the average value of the border values ​​for a 30-day period randomly selected from the past 90 days. Specifically, the lower limit is set to a value smaller than the average (e.g., 0.5 times), and the upper limit is set to a value larger than the average (e.g., 1.5 times). In other examples of this embodiment, these lower and upper limits may be set manually.

[0101] Figure 17 illustrates the lower and upper limits for each of the first to third borders. In this example, for instance, the first border (rank points increase by 2 points) has an average value of 16,000 points, so the lower limit is set at 8,000 points (0.5 times that value) and the upper limit is set at 24,000 points (1.5 times that value). Similarly, the second border (rank points increase by 1 point) has an average value of 10,000 points, so the lower limit is set at 5,000 points (0.5 times that value) and the upper limit is set at 15,000 points (1.5 times that value). The third border (rank points remain unchanged) has an average value of 5,000 points, so the lower limit is set at 2,500 points (0.5 times that value) and the upper limit is set at 7,500 points (1.5 times that value).

[0102] For example, in the example in Figure 17, if the lowest-ranked streaming user in the top 10% of the ranking has 7,500 support points, which is less than the lower limit of the first border of 8,000 points, the first border will be changed to the lower limit of 8,000 points. Therefore, for example, the change in rank points for a streaming user with 7,700 support points will not be determined to be an increase of 2 points. Similarly, if the lowest-ranked streaming user in the top 10% has 25,000 support points, which is greater than the upper limit of the first border of 24,000 points, the first border will be changed to the upper limit of 24,000 points. Therefore, for example, the change in rank points for a streaming user with 24,500 support points will be determined to be an increase of 2 points.

[0103] Thus, in this example, the values ​​of each border used to determine the update of rank points fall within the range of lower and upper limits set based on past average values. Therefore, even if the number of support points earned by other streaming users is extremely high or low compared to before, it is unlikely that each streaming user will feel any discrepancy between the number of support points they have earned and the update of their rank points.

[0104] Returning to the flowchart in Figure 15, after updating each user's rank points, the server 10 then updates the rank based on the updated rank points (step S120). In this example, the number of rank points required to rank up is +3, and the number of rank points required to rank down is -3. When the number of rank points reaches these values, the user ranks up or down. Specifically, the rank of the corresponding user is updated in the user information table 1511. The rank points of users whose rank has been updated (users who have experienced a rank up or rank down) are cleared to 0. In other examples of this embodiment, in order to suppress rapid rank ups and downs in a short period of time, for example, in the case of rank ups and downs across rank ranges, the absolute value of the number of rank points required may be made larger (for example, +6 or -6) compared to rank ups and downs within the same rank range.

[0105] Figure 18 illustrates a rank information display area 200 that displays information about the user's rank as a distribution user. This area 200 is placed, for example, on a profile screen (output on the user terminal 30) that displays the user's basic information. As shown in the figure, the rank information display area 200 includes a basic information display area 202 that displays basic information about the rank, a rank meter object 204 that displays the update details of the rank points scheduled for that time, a border information display area 206 that displays information about the border at that time, and a remaining time display object 208 that displays the remaining time until the closing time of the support point aggregation period (in this example, 24:00 every day). The basic information display area 202 displays the user's current rank and the number of rank points remaining required to rank up.

[0106] The rank meter object 204 comprises a scale object 2042 and a needle object 2044. The scale object 2042 has a horizontally elongated bar shape, and its upper edge slopes upwards towards the right. The object 2042 is divided into four areas corresponding to the rank point update values. Specifically, from left to right, the four areas correspond to rank point update values ​​of "-1", "±0", "+1", and "+2", respectively. The boundaries of each area correspond to the first to third borders.

[0107] The needle object 2044 displays the planned update to the rank points at that time (in the example in Figure 18, it is "±0"), and to its right, the current number of support points and its rank within the ranks are displayed. The needle object 2044 is positioned along the top edge of the scale object 2042, and its left-right position corresponds to the current number of support points and is located in the area corresponding to the planned update to the rank points.

[0108] The border information display area 206 displays the values ​​(provisional values) of the 1st to 3rd borders at that time. The provisional values ​​of each border are calculated based on the number of support points each streaming user in the rank has at that time, similar to the final border values ​​(final values) described above. In this example, similar to the final border values ​​(final values) described above, the border values ​​at that time are changed based on the lower and upper limits (provisional values) of each border at that time.

[0109] In this example, the provisional values ​​for the lower and upper limits are determined based on the final values ​​of the lower and upper limits (which, as mentioned above, are automatically set based on the average of the border values ​​for 30 days randomly selected from the past 90 days) and the time at that point. Specifically, as illustrated in Figure 19, a curve (an upward curve) corresponding to the change over time of the lower and upper limits (number of points) during the aggregation period (from the start time to the closing time) is predetermined. Once the final values ​​of the lower and upper limits and the time at that point (t1) are determined, the provisional values ​​(Pt1) of the lower and upper limits at that point are also determined. Note that the curves corresponding to the change over time may be different for the lower and upper limits.

[0110] The above explains the process for determining the rank of a streaming user. Next, we will explain the process for awarding diamonds to streaming users. In this example, diamonds, one of the rewards for streaming users, are awarded based on the streaming time and rank from the previous day. Figure 20 is a flowchart illustrating the processes that server 10 executes when awarding diamonds to each user. These processes are executed every night, at an earlier time (for example, midnight) than the processes executed when updating each user's rank, as illustrated in Figure 15.

[0111] 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 each user the previous day is calculated by referring to the delivery user account, delivery start date and time, and delivery duration in the delivery management table 1512. If a user has made multiple deliveries in one day, the delivery durations of each of the deliveries are added together.

[0112] 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 pre-set 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 1511. In this example, diamonds can be exchanged for coins or real currency.

[0113] In the example above, the lower and upper limits of each border were set based on the average of the border values ​​over a 30-day period randomly selected from the past 90 days. However, other rules may be applied to setting the lower and upper limits. For example, the lower limit may be set based on the lowest border value over a predetermined period in the past, and the upper limit may be set based on the highest border value over the same predetermined period.

[0114] In the example above, if the border value based on the ranking of support points within a rank falls outside the range from the lower limit to the upper limit, the corresponding border value is changed to the lower limit or upper limit. However, other rules may be applied to change the border value. For example, as illustrated in Figure 21, if the border value based on the ranking of support points within a rank on that day (November 11th) (500 points) exceeds the maximum value of the border values ​​over the past 7 days (November 4th to November 10th) (130 points), the border for that day may be changed to the average value of the border values ​​over the past 7 days (93 points).

[0115] The content distribution server 10 of this embodiment, as described above, updates the rank of a distribution user based on a reference value (e.g., the values ​​of the first to third borders) based on points (e.g., support points) awarded to each of multiple distribution users, and the points awarded to the distribution user. If the reference value is greater than or less than a predetermined value (e.g., greater than the upper limit or less than the lower limit), the reference value is changed. Therefore, if the reference value used to update the rank is extremely large or small, it becomes possible to change the reference value to a more appropriate value. In other words, the server 10 supports the appropriate ranking of distributors in the content distribution service.

[0116] In other embodiments of the present invention, some or all of the functions of the content distribution server 10 in the above-described embodiments may be realized by the cooperation of the server 10 and the user terminal 30, or by the user terminal 30 alone. In other words, the system (or apparatus) of the present invention may consist of the content distribution server 10, or it may consist of the content distribution server 10 and the user terminal 30, or it may consist of the user terminal 30 alone.

[0117] 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.

[0118] 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. [Explanation of symbols]

[0119] 10. Content distribution server 11 Computer Processors 111 Management Function Control Unit 112 Service Provision Control Unit 15. Storage (mechanisms) 151 Various Tables 1511 User Information Table 1512 Distribution Management Table 1513 Viewer Management Table by Streaming User 20 Communication Networks 30 User terminals 40 Server-side programs 42 Terminal-side programs 50 Top screen 60. Streaming preparation screen 70 Streaming screen 80 Viewing screen 90 Gift Selection Screen 200 Rank Information Display Area

Claims

1. A system comprising one or more computer processors for providing content distribution services, wherein the one or more computer processors are A process for awarding points to a distribution user based on their content distribution record, The process of updating the rank of a distribution user is performed based on a baseline value set based on the points awarded to each of multiple distribution users during a specific period, and the points awarded to the distribution user during the specific period. The process for updating the rank involves changing the reference value if the reference value is greater than or equal to a predetermined value or less than or equal to a predetermined value. system.

2. The process for updating the rank updates the rank of the distribution user based on whether the points awarded to the distribution user have reached the threshold value. The system according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned multiple distribution users belong to the same rank as the aforementioned distribution user. The system according to claim 1.

4. The process for updating the rank involves changing the reference value to the predetermined value if the reference value is greater than or equal to the predetermined value or less than or equal to the predetermined value. The system according to claim 1.

5. The predetermined value is based on the reference value in each of the past one or more specified periods. The system according to claim 1.

6. The process for updating the rank involves changing the reference value for the current specified period based on the reference value in each of the past one or more specified periods, if the reference value is greater than or equal to the predetermined value. The system according to claim 1.

7. The process for updating the rank updates the value of the parameter associated with the distribution user based on the reference value and the points awarded to the distribution user during the specified period, and updates the rank of the distribution user based on the value of the parameter. The system according to claim 1.

8. The process for updating the rank involves increasing the value of the parameter if the points awarded to the distribution user during the specified period are equal to or greater than a first threshold value, maintaining the value of the parameter if they are equal to or greater than a second threshold value but less than the first threshold value, and decreasing the value of the parameter if they are less than the second threshold value. The system according to claim 7.

9. The one or more computer processors further perform a process of presenting to the distribution users information including the reference value at the specific time, which is set based on the points awarded to each of the multiple distribution users up to the specific time included in the specific period. The system according to claim 1.

10. The process of presenting the aforementioned information involves changing the aforementioned reference value at a specific time if the reference value at a specific time is greater than or less than the predetermined value at that specific time. The system according to claim 9.

11. A method for providing content distribution services, which is performed by one or more computers, A process of awarding points to a distribution user based on the content distribution performance of that distribution user, The process includes a step of updating the rank of a distribution user based on a reference value set based on the points awarded to each of multiple distribution users during a specific period, and the points awarded to the distribution user during the specific period. The process of updating the rank involves changing the reference value if the reference value is greater than or equal to a predetermined value or less than or equal to a predetermined value. method.

12. A program for providing content distribution services, which can be installed on one or more computers. A process for awarding points to a distribution user based on their content distribution record, The system performs a process to update the rank of a distribution user based on a baseline value set based on the points awarded to each of multiple distribution users during a specific period, and the points awarded to the distribution user during the specific period. The process for updating the rank involves changing the reference value if the reference value is greater than or equal to a predetermined value or less than or equal to a predetermined value. program.

13. A device for providing content distribution services, A means for awarding points to a distribution user based on the content distribution performance of that distribution user, The system includes a reference value set based on the points awarded to each of a plurality of distribution users during a specific period, and means for updating the rank of a distribution user based on the points awarded to the distribution user during the specific period, The means for updating the rank changes the reference value when the reference value is greater than or equal to a predetermined value or less than or equal to a predetermined value. Device.

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