Information processing device, computer program, and method

Abstract

This invention provides an information processing device, computer program, and method that allows users to understand the status of a competition and the voting content of other users, and to share a sense of unity with other users. [Solution] An information processing device (user terminal device 10) that controls the display of a competition video 7, wherein the display control unit displays one or more icons I1 to I3 on ​​the display unit 33 along with the video, indicating one or more users who have voted on the competition results, and changes the display pattern of one or more icons based on the status of the competition and the content of each vote of one or more users.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an online game system in which a plurality of players can gather at one place and play the same voting type racing game.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the above Patent Document 1, a racing game based on game-related data is executed, and the execution status of the race and the comprehensive voting odds are presented to players existing around the game device. However, in the online game system described in Patent Document 1, each player only plays and watches the race independently.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a computer program and an information processing apparatus capable of grasping the situation of a competition and the voting content of other users and sharing a sense of unity with other users.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] According to the present invention, an information processing device is provided for controlling the display of a video of a competition, wherein the display control unit displays one or more icons on the display unit, along with the video, representing one or more users who have voted for the results of the competition, and changes the display pattern of the one or more icons based on the status of the competition and the content of each of the one or more users' votes.

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to understand the status of the competition and the voting content of other users, and to share a sense of unity with other users. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This diagram shows an overview of the video distribution system 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the user terminal device 10. [Figure 3] Block diagram showing the hardware configuration of server 20. [Figure 4] This is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of video distribution system 1. [Figure 5] This is a flowchart showing the processing flow of video distribution system 1. [Figure 6] This is a diagram illustrating user voting. [Figure 7] This is an example showing a competition video 7 displayed on the display unit 33. [Figure 8] This figure shows a variation in the display mode of icon I2. [Figure 9] This diagram shows a change in the display mode of icon I1. [Figure 10] This diagram shows the display at the time the competition results were finalized. [Figure 11] This diagram illustrates the relationship between competition results and rewards. [Figure 12] This is an example showing the display mode of the display unit 33 in a modified example. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Several embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The various features shown in the embodiments below can be combined with each other. Furthermore, each feature constitutes an independent invention.

[0010] <1. First Embodiment> (1-1. Overview of Video Streaming System 1) An information processing device according to one embodiment of the present invention constitutes a part of a video distribution system 1 as shown in Figure 1. The video distribution system 1 comprises a plurality of user terminal devices 10 and a server 20. The information processing device is implemented in either the user terminal device 10 or the server 20.

[0011] The user terminal device 10 is configured to communicate with the server 20 via the communication line 5. Each user of the user terminal device 10 can watch videos of the competition (hereinafter referred to as "competition videos 7") distributed from the server 20. Users can also predict the results of the competition and vote by operating the user terminal device 10. The user terminal device 10 displays icons indicating other users watching the competition video, along with the competition video, and changes the display of the icons according to the status of the competition. The following describes each configuration in detail.

[0012] (1-2. Hardware configuration of video distribution system 1) Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the hardware configuration of video distribution system 1 will be explained.

[0013] (1-2-1. Hardware configuration of user terminal device 10) FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the user terminal device 10 according to the present embodiment. The user terminal device 10 is an information processing terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal, and in addition to a touch panel display 14 capable of displaying an image and receiving an operation, a speaker 15 for outputting sound, a microphone 16 for inputting sound, and a camera 17 for imaging a subject, further includes a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, a communication unit 13, and an operation button 18.

[0014] The control unit 11 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a microprocessor, a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), etc., and controls the overall operation of the user terminal device 10.

[0015] A part of the storage unit 12 is composed of, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory), etc., and is used as a work area when executing processing based on various programs by the control unit 11. Also, a part of the storage unit 12 is, for example, a non-volatile memory such as a ROM (Read Only Memory), or a HDD (Hard Disk Drive), and stores various data such as images and programs used for the processing of the control unit 11.

[0016] The programs stored in the storage unit 12 are, for example, an OS (Operating System) for realizing the basic functions of the user terminal device 10, drivers for controlling various hardware, programs for realizing functions such as email, web browsing, video playback, and other various functions, and include the computer program according to the present embodiment.

[0017] The communication unit 13 is, for example, a NIC (Network Interface Controller) and has the function of connecting to the communication line 5. Alternatively, the communication unit 13 may have functions to connect to a wireless LAN (Local Area Network), a wireless WAN (Wide Area Network), short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth®, and infrared communication, either in place of or together with the NIC.

[0018] The operation buttons 18 are located on the side of the user terminal device 10 and include a power button for starting or stopping the user terminal device 10, and a volume control button for the sound output by the speaker 15.

[0019] These control unit 11, memory unit 12, communication unit 13, touch panel display 14, speaker 15, microphone 16, camera 17, and operation buttons 18 are electrically connected to each other via a system bus 19. Therefore, the control unit 11 can access the memory unit 12, display images on the touch panel display 14, understand the user's operation status on the touch panel display 14 and operation buttons 18, input sound to the microphone 16, output sound from the speaker 15, control the camera 17, and access various communication networks and other information processing devices via the communication unit 13.

[0020] (1-2-2. Hardware configuration of Server 20) Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the server 20 according to this embodiment. The server 20 includes a control unit 21 that manages the overall operation of the server 20, a storage unit 22 used as a work area when various programs are executed by the control unit 21, and a storage unit 22 in which various programs and various data are pre-stored. The following explanation will focus on the differences from the user terminal device 10.

[0021] The server 20 is connected to other information processing devices such as user terminal devices 10 via a communication line 5 and includes a communication unit 24 that transmits and receives various types of data with other information processing devices. It may also include an operation input unit 25 consisting of a keyboard and mouse, etc., that accepts input for various operations, and a monitor 26, such as a liquid crystal display device, that displays various images.

[0022] These control unit 21, memory unit 22, communication unit 24, operation input unit 25, and monitor 26 are electrically connected to each other via a system bus 27.

[0023] (1-3. Functional Configuration of Video Distribution System 1) Referring to Figure 4, the functions of the video distribution system 1 will be explained. As shown in Figure 4, the user terminal device 10 includes a display control unit 31, a reward calculation unit 32, a display unit 33, and an operation reception unit 34. The server 20 includes a vote reception unit 35.

[0024] The display control unit 31 is implemented as a function of the control unit 11 and displays icons on the display unit indicating users who have voted on the competition results, along with the competition video 7 distributed from the server 20. Details on the display of icons will be described later. The reward calculation unit 32 determines the amount of reward for each user based on the content of the user's vote and the results of the competition.

[0025] The display unit 33 consists of a touch panel display 14 provided by the user terminal device 10 and displays various information such as competition videos 7 distributed from the server 20. The operation reception unit 34 consists of the touch panel of the touch panel display 14 and is configured to allow the user to input operations such as selecting competition videos 7 and voting.

[0026] The voting reception unit 35 is implemented as a function of the control unit 21 and receives votes from users of the user terminal device 10 regarding the results of the competition. The voting reception unit 35 transmits the received votes to the reward calculation unit 32 of the user terminal device 10.

[0027] The functional configuration described above may be implemented by software (including so-called applications) appropriately installed on the user terminal device 10, or by hardware. When implemented by software, the control unit 41 can implement various functions by executing programs that constitute the software.

[0028] If implemented by executing a program, the program may be stored in the storage unit 12 built into the user terminal device 10, or in a non-temporary recording medium readable by a computer. Alternatively, the program may be read from an external storage device and implemented through so-called cloud computing. Or, if implemented by hardware, it can be implemented by various circuits such as ASICs, SOCs, FPGAs, or DRPs. Furthermore, some of the functional configurations described above may be processed by the server 20 using software or hardware.

[0029] (1-4. Flow of watching the game via video streaming system 1) Refer to Figure 5 to explain the flow of watching the video using video streaming system 1.

[0030] In step S110, the user terminal device 10 receives the competition video 7 distributed from the server 20. The competition video 7 may include, for example, competitions in which participants compete for ranking using bicycles, automobiles, boats, or racehorses, or baseball or soccer matches.

[0031] The method of delivering the competition video 7 may be either live streaming or non-live streaming, but live streaming will allow viewers to experience a greater sense of realism. Furthermore, it may be delivered via streaming or download, but streaming may be selected for live streaming.

[0032] In step S120, the user terminal device 10 receives the votes of other users on user terminal devices 10 that have been received by the voting reception unit 35 of the server 20. In the example shown in Figure 6, users U1 to U3 on other user terminal devices 10 have voted based on their predictions for the rankings of runners R1 to R6.

[0033] In step S130, the reward calculation unit 32 calculates the amount of reward each user can receive based on the voting content of users U1 to U3 received from the voting reception unit 35 of the server 20. The amount of the reward is calculated based on the voting content of the users who voted in the competition, taking into consideration the odds (expected payout rate), etc.

[0034] In step S140, the display control unit 31 displays the received competition video 7 and the icons of the users who voted for the results of the competition. In the example shown in Figure 7, icons I1 to I3 representing users U1 to U3 are displayed along with the competition video 7.

[0035] In step S150, the user terminal device 10 shares information with the server 20. This information sharing includes information about the status of the competition being displayed. In step S160, the display control unit 31 displays the icons of users whose votes match the status of the competition on the display unit 33 in a different manner from the icons of users whose votes do not match the status of the competition. Steps S150 and S160 are repeated at a predetermined interval (e.g., once per second), and the display manner of icons I1 to I3 changes according to the status of the competition.

[0036] As shown in Figure 8, if the competition status matches the voting content of user U2, in step S160, icon I2 is displayed larger than the other icons. Also, as shown in Figure 9, if the competition status matches the voting content of user U1, in step S160, icon I1 is displayed larger than the other icons.

[0037] Preferably, as shown in Figures 8 and 9, the display control unit 31 displays the content of the votes received from users that match the status of the competition, along with the icon of the user, on the display unit 33. In this way, it is possible to confirm the votes of each user that are likely to be correct.

[0038] Furthermore, the display control unit 31 may adjust the size of the changed icon according to the amount of reward the user can receive if their vote is correct. In this way, the user's level of expectation is displayed by the size of the icon.

[0039] In step S165, a determination is made as to whether the competition has ended. If the competition has ended (Yes in step S165), step S170 is performed. If the competition has not ended (No in step S165), steps S150 and S160 are repeated.

[0040] In step S170, the user terminal device 10 shares information with the server 20. This information sharing includes information about the results of the competition being displayed. In step S180, the display control unit 31 reflects the results of the competition in the display of the user icon on the display unit 33.

[0041] Figure 10 shows the competition video 7 at the moment the competition results were finalized. As shown in Figure 11, once the competition results are finalized, rewards are given to users whose votes were correct. The display control unit 31 then displays the vote of user U3, whose vote was correct, on the display unit 33, as shown in Figure 10, so that other users can see whether their votes were correct or not, and share in the joy of users whose votes were correct and the disappointment of users whose votes were incorrect.

[0042] As described above, the user terminal device 10 of the video distribution system 1 comprises a display control unit 31 and a display unit 33. The display control unit 31 displays icons on the display unit indicating users who have voted on the competition results, along with the competition video, and changes the display pattern of one or more icons based on the status of the competition and the content of the users' votes.

[0043] This configuration allows users to see the voting patterns of other viewers and share a sense of unity with them.

[0044] (1-5. Variations)

[0045] Figure 12 shows a modified display configuration in the display unit 33. In the example shown in Figure 12, icons I1 to I3 are displayed in the area outside the competition video 7 on the display unit 33. This makes it possible to change the display configuration of icons I1 to I3 without interfering with viewing the competition video 7.

[0046] <2. Other Embodiments> While embodiments and variations thereof of the present invention have been described above, the application of this disclosure is not limited to the above. For example, in the above embodiments, the icons of users whose voting content matches the status of the competition are displayed in a large size, but the application is not limited to this form. For example, the icons of users whose voting content matches the status of the competition may be made to light up or blink.

[0047] Furthermore, although the above embodiment displays the icons of users of other user terminal devices 10, the system is not limited to this configuration, and the icons of users of the user terminal device 10 may also be displayed.

[0048] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the display of the icon is changed when the competition status and the voting content match, but the embodiment is not limited to this form. In other words, the display of the icon may be changed when only a part of the competition status and the voting content match.

[0049] In this case, it is preferable for the display control unit 31 to change the appearance of the icon according to the degree of agreement between the voting content and the status of the competition. For example, if the runner in first place in the competition matches the user's voting content to some extent, the size of the user's icon may be changed, and if the runners in second and third place also match, the size of the icon may be changed to be even larger. Alternatively, if the runner in first place matches the user's voting content to some extent, the user's icon may be made to light up, and if the runners in second and third place also match, the intensity of the icon's illumination may be increased.

[0050] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the votes of users whose votes were correct are displayed after the competition results, but the votes of all other users may also be displayed on the display unit 33.

[0051] Furthermore, although the user terminal device 10, etc., was described in the above embodiment as a terminal having a touch panel display 14 such as a smartphone, it is not limited to this example. The user terminal device 10 may be realized by installing software on a home PC or the like, and it may be configured to accept operations such as mouse input.

[0052] Furthermore, while the sharing of predetermined information via the communication line 5 is mainly carried out via a WAN such as the Internet, it may also be carried out between user terminal devices only via short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth® and infrared communication, without using a WAN.

[0053] Furthermore, although the above embodiment describes a configuration in which each function is mainly provided by the user terminal device 10, the configuration is not limited to this, and some functions may be provided by the server 20, or both the user terminal device 10 and the server 20 may be provided. For example, the server 20 may be configured to include the reward calculation unit 32.

[0054] Furthermore, each step described in the above embodiment as being performed by the user terminal device 10 may also be performed by the server 20.

[0055] Furthermore, the present invention can also be implemented as a computer-readable, non-temporary recording medium for storing the above-mentioned program.

[0056] <3. Features of the Embodiment> The features of embodiments of the present invention are summarized below.

[0057] The display control unit 31 displays one or more icons on the display unit 33, along with the video, representing one or more users who have voted on the competition results, and changes the display pattern of one or more icons based on the status of the competition and the content of each vote by one or more users.

[0058] This configuration allows users to see the voting patterns of other users watching the video, enabling them to share a sense of unity with other users.

[0059] The display control unit 31 causes the display unit to display icons of users whose voting content matches the status of the competition in a different manner from the icons of users whose voting content does not match the status of the competition.

[0060] This configuration allows us to distinguish between users who are likely to win and those who are unlikely to win, and to understand the voting patterns of other users.

[0061] The display control unit 31 changes the appearance of the icon according to the degree of agreement between the content of the vote and the status of the competition.

[0062] This configuration allows us to determine which user's vote is more likely to be accurate.

[0063] The user terminal device 10 further includes a reward calculation unit 32 that calculates the amount of reward for each of the one or more users based on the content of the votes of one or more users and the results of the competition, and the display control unit 31 changes the appearance of the icon according to the reward.

[0064] This configuration allows us to determine which users are likely to receive the most rewards.

[0065] The display control unit 31 displays the votes received from users that match the status of the competition, along with the icon of the user.

[0066] This configuration allows you to see the votes of each user that are likely to be accurate.

[0067] The display control unit 31 displays the results of other users' votes on the display unit after the competition.

[0068] This configuration allows users to see whether other users' votes were correct or not, making it possible to share the joy of users whose votes were correct and the disappointment of users whose votes were incorrect.

[0069] Although various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0070] 1: Video distribution system 5: Communication lines 7: Competition Videos 10: User terminal device 11: Control Unit 12: Storage section 13: Communications Department 14: Touch panel display 15: Speakers 16: Mike 17: Camera 18: Operation Buttons 19: System bus 20: Server 21: Control Unit 22: Storage section 24: Communications Department 25: Operation Input Section 26: Monitor 27: System bus 31: Display Control Unit 32: Reward Calculation Department 33:Display section 34: Operation Reception Section 35: Voting Department

Claims

[Claim 1] An information processing device that controls the display of videos of competitions, The display control unit is Along with the aforementioned video, one or more icons representing one or more users who have voted for the results of the aforementioned competition are displayed on the display unit. An information processing device that changes the display mode of one or more icons based on the status of the competition and the content of each of the one or more users' votes.

Images