A system, method, and program for providing a video streaming service.

Abstract

To promote the strengthening of the relationship between streamers and viewers. [Solution] A video 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 video distribution service for distributing and viewing videos to the user via the user terminal 30. The server 10 determines the grade of viewers to a distributor based on the fulfillment of grade conditions, and rewards the distributor based on the grade of each of the multiple viewers. For example, an upgrade in the viewer's grade becomes a direct benefit to the distributor, and the distributor is motivated to strengthen their relationship with the viewers.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, various video distribution services for distributing videos have been provided (see, for example, Patent Document 1 below). In such services, various mechanisms for strengthening the relationship between the distributor and the viewer (which can also be referred to as "connection" or "bond", etc.) have been introduced. For example, parameters such as a rank that increases as the corresponding distributor's video is viewed are set for each combination of the distributor and the viewer, and using the value of the parameter, the strength of the relationship between the distributor and the viewer is visualized.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, although the above-described mechanism visualizes the strength of the relationship between the distributor and the viewer, it is not a mechanism that directly benefits the distributor in strengthening the relationship with the viewer. In other words, in the conventional mechanism, it cannot be said that sufficient motivation for strengthening the relationship with the viewer has been given to the distributor.

[0005] One object of an embodiment of the present invention is to promote the strengthening of the relationship between the distributor and the viewer. 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 video distribution service, comprising one or more computer processors, wherein the one or more computer processors perform the following steps in response to the execution of a readable instruction: determining the grade of a viewer to a video distributor based at least on the viewer's satisfaction of grade conditions corresponding to each of a plurality of grades; and providing a reward to the distributor based at least on the grade of each of the plurality of viewers to the distributor.

[0007] A method according to one embodiment of the present invention is a method for providing a video distribution service, which is performed by one or more computers, and comprises the steps of: determining the grade of a viewer with respect to a video distributor based at least on the viewer's satisfaction with grade conditions corresponding to each of a plurality of grades; and providing a reward to the distributor based at least on the grade of each of the plurality of viewers with respect to the distributor.

[0008] A program according to one embodiment of the present invention is a program for providing a video distribution service, which causes one or more computers to perform the steps of: determining the grade of a viewer with respect to a video distributor, based at least on the viewer's satisfaction with the grade conditions corresponding to each of the multiple grades; and providing a reward to the distributor based at least on the grade of each of the multiple viewers with respect to the distributor. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] Various embodiments of the present invention can facilitate the strengthening of the relationship between broadcasters and viewers. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] A schematic diagram showing the configuration of a network including a video distribution server 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2]Block diagram schematically showing the functions of the video distribution server 10. [Figure 3] Diagram illustrating the information managed in the user information table 411. [Figure 4] Diagram for explaining the rank. [Figure 5] Diagram illustrating the information managed in the distribution management table 412. [Figure 6] Diagram illustrating the information managed in the grade management table 413. [Figure 7] Diagram illustrating the top screen 60. [Figure 8] Diagram illustrating the display content of the individual display area 641. [Figure 9] Diagram illustrating the top screen 60 when "topic" is selected in the selection area 62. [Figure 10] Diagram illustrating the display content of the individual display area 642. [Figure 11] Diagram illustrating the distribution preparation screen 100. [Figure 12] Diagram illustrating the distributor screen 70. [Figure 13] Diagram illustrating the viewer screen 80. [[ID=�4]] [Figure 14] Diagram illustrating the item selection screen 200. [Figure 15] Diagram for explaining the conditions for each of the multiple fan levels. [Figure 16] Diagram illustrating the viewer information display screen 300. [Figure 17] Diagram illustrating the condition satisfaction degree detailed screen 400. [Figure 18] Flow diagram illustrating the process executed by the server 10 when updating the rank. [Figure 19] Diagram illustrating the correspondence between the number of special fans and the distribution point bonus (multiplier). [Figure 20] Diagram for explaining the update rule of the rank meter value. [Figure 21] Diagram for explaining the correspondence between the updated content of the rank and the required rank meter value. [Figure 22]A flowchart illustrating the process executed by the server 10 when assigning diamonds.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

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

[0012] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram schematically showing the configuration of a network including a video distribution server 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the video distribution 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 user with a video distribution service for distributing and viewing videos via the user terminal 30. In the present embodiment, a user operating the user terminal 30 can distribute videos as a distributor and can also view videos of other users as a viewer. The video distribution server 10 is an example of a device that implements part or all of the system of the present invention.

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

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

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

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

[0017] The storage 15 is composed of, for example, magnetic disks, flash memory, etc. The storage 15 stores various programs, including the operating system, and various types of data.

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

[0019] The video 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 a web browser and other applications (e.g., an application for a video distribution service) 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 display a web page or other screen based on the received data.

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

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

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

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

[0024] The storage 35 is composed of, for example, a magnetic disk or flash memory. The storage 35 stores various programs, including the operating system, and various data. The programs stored in the storage 35 can be downloaded and installed from an application market or the like.

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

[0026] A user operating the user terminal 30 configured in this way can use the video distribution service provided by the server 10 by communicating with the video distribution server 10 via a web browser or other application installed on the storage 35, etc.

[0027] Next, the functions of the video distribution server 10 configured in this way will be described. Figure 2 is a block diagram schematically showing the functions of the video distribution server 10. As shown in the figure, the server 10 has an information storage management unit 41 that stores and manages various information, a management function control unit 43 that controls the management functions of the video distribution service, and a video distribution service control unit 45 that controls the video distribution service. These functions are realized by the cooperation of hardware such as the computer processor 11 and main memory 12, as well as various programs and data stored in the storage 15, etc. For example, they are realized by the computer processor 11 executing instructions contained in a program loaded into the main memory 12. In addition, some or all of the functions of the server 10 shown in Figure 2 are realized by the cooperation of the server 10 and the user terminal 30, or can be realized by the user terminal 30.

[0028] The information storage management unit 41 is configured to store and manage various types of information in the storage 15 and the like. For example, as shown in Figure 2, the information storage management unit 41 has a user information table 411 that manages information about users of the video distribution service, a distribution management table 412 that manages information about individual video distributions, and a grade management table 413 that manages the viewer grades (by distribution) for each distribution.

[0029] The management function control unit 43 is configured to perform various processes related to the control of the management functions of the video distribution service. For example, the management function control unit 43 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 displayed on the user terminal 30, and transmits screen data and control data to the user terminal 30 according to the results of those processes. The management functions controlled by the management function control unit 43 include, for example, login processing (user authentication), billing control, and user management (for example, updating the user information table 411).

[0030] The video distribution service control unit 45 is configured to perform various processes related to the control of the video distribution service. For example, the video distribution service control unit 45 is configured to distribute videos provided by a distributor to multiple viewers. For example, when performing real-time video distribution (live streaming), the video distribution service control unit 45 receives real-time video transmitted from the distributor's user terminal 30 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "distributor terminal 30") and transmits the video to each of the multiple viewers' user terminals 30 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "viewer terminals 30"). On the viewer terminals 30, the video is displayed (played) on the viewer screen for viewing the video. The real-time video consists of, for example, images input via the camera of the distributor terminal 30 and audio input via the microphone. The real-time video also consists of, for example, images and audio output via an application running on the distributor terminal 30 (e.g., a game application). Such live video distribution can be performed using a streaming method that uses a protocol such as HTTP Live Streaming (HLS). Furthermore, the video distribution service control unit 45 may be configured to record videos provided by the distributor in the information storage management unit 41 (storage 15, etc.) and to distribute the videos in response to individual requests from viewers.

[0031] In this embodiment, the video distribution service control unit 45 is configured to determine a viewer's grade towards a video distributor. This grade is determined based at least on the viewer's satisfaction with the grade conditions corresponding to each of a predetermined number of grades. For example, the video distribution service control unit 45 determines the grade of a viewer towards a specific distributor in real time while the viewer is watching the video. Alternatively, the video distribution service control unit 45 may determine the grade of each user as a viewer collectively. The grade may be expressed by other names such as rank and level.

[0032] Furthermore, the video distribution service control unit 45 is configured to reward a distributor based at least on the respective grades of multiple viewers of that distributor. For example, the reward for a distributor increases in value to the distributor as the grade of the viewers of that distributor increases. Such rewards include, for example, various electronic and virtual rewards that may be beneficial to the distributor.

[0033] Thus, in this embodiment, the video distribution server 10 determines the viewer's grade relative to the distributor based on the fulfillment of grade conditions, and rewards the distributor based on the grade of each of the multiple viewers. For example, an upgrade in the viewer's grade directly benefits the distributor, providing them with motivation to strengthen their relationship with the viewers. In other words, the video distribution server 10 can promote the strengthening of the relationship between the distributor and the viewers.

[0034] In this embodiment, the grade conditions may include conditions that are satisfied in response to actions taken by viewers on the broadcaster's videos. Actions on videos are not limited to these, but include, for example, watching the video, writing comments, entering items, and liking the video. Such a configuration can encourage viewers to take actions.

[0035] Furthermore, grade conditions may include conditions that are satisfied depending on whether viewers apply recurring subscriptions to the broadcaster. Recurring subscriptions to broadcasters are not limited to, but may be applied to enable certain actions (e.g., entering items) that involve charges for the broadcaster's videos for a certain period of time. For example, the video distribution service control unit 45 is configured to control the execution of actions by viewers on the broadcaster's videos, and such actions are executed based on individual charges or recurring subscriptions. For example, if a viewer is not subject to recurring subscriptions, the video distribution service control unit 45 will cause the viewer to consume a corresponding quantity of paid items in response to the action, while if a viewer is subject to recurring subscriptions, the video distribution service control unit 45 will not cause the viewer to consume paid items in response to the action. Such a configuration may encourage viewers to apply recurring subscriptions.

[0036] Furthermore, the grade conditions may be configured to vary based on at least one of the following: broadcaster information regarding broadcasters, viewer information regarding viewers, and combination information regarding combinations of broadcasters and viewers. For example, the grade conditions may vary based on the broadcaster's broadcasting history, level, residential area, etc., with the broadcaster being a beginner, for instance, being more likely to meet the criteria and achieve a higher grade. Similarly, the grade conditions may vary based on the viewer's viewing history, level, residential area, etc., with the viewer being from a specific residential area, for example, being more likely to meet the criteria and achieve a higher grade. Finally, the grade conditions may vary based on the viewer's viewing history of the corresponding broadcaster's videos, the relationship between the broadcaster and the viewer (whether they follow the broadcaster, etc.), with the viewer being more likely to meet the criteria and achieve a higher grade, for example, being less likely to view the corresponding broadcaster's videos. Such configurations can realize grade conditions tailored to individual circumstances.

[0037] In this embodiment, the viewer screen for watching a video may display the status of the viewer's fulfillment of grade conditions. For example, the viewer screen may be configured to display the status of fulfillment of grade conditions for at least some of the multiple viewers of the video (e.g., multiple viewers watching the video). For example, the viewer screen may be configured to display the current grade of at least some of the viewers, as well as the status of fulfillment of the grade conditions corresponding to the next (one level higher) grade. Such a configuration allows viewers to know the status of their fulfillment of grade conditions.

[0038] In this case, the viewer screen may be configured to display the status of the viewer's fulfillment of grade conditions in more detail than other viewers. That is, the viewer screen may be configured to display the status of the fulfillment of grade conditions for other viewers among the multiple viewers of the video, other than the viewer to whom the viewer screen is presented, at a first level of detail, while displaying the status of the viewer to whom the viewer screen is presented at a second level of detail that is more detailed than the first level of detail. Here, "level of detail" refers to the degree to which information about the fulfillment of grade conditions is given to the viewer, and for example, it is higher the more types or amount of information are displayed to the viewer on the viewer screen. Such a configuration makes it possible for viewers to know the details of their own fulfillment of grade conditions, as well as to know the general status of other viewers' fulfillment of grade conditions.

[0039] In this embodiment, the grade of each viewer may be managed at regular intervals. For example, the video distribution service control unit 45 is configured to determine the viewer's grade for a predetermined period (e.g., monthly) based at least on the viewer's satisfaction with the grade conditions during that period. In this case, for example, at the timing when the period changes (e.g., the start of the predetermined period), the grade (satisfaction status of grade conditions) for the previous period is cleared. Such a configuration makes it possible to promote the strengthening of the relationship between the distributor and the viewer at regular intervals.

[0040] In this embodiment, the provision of rewards based on the respective grades of multiple viewers can be implemented in various ways. For example, the video distribution service control unit 45 is configured to provide rewards based at least on the number of viewers of a predetermined grade or higher. In this case, for example, the more viewers of a predetermined grade or higher there are, the higher the value of the reward provided to the distributor. Such a configuration can, for example, motivate the distributor to build relationships of a certain strength with a large number of viewers.

[0041] Furthermore, the video distribution service control unit 45 can be configured to update the value of a predetermined parameter associated with a viewer, which increases in response to an action taken by the viewer on the corresponding viewer's video. In this case, the system may be configured to reward the viewer based on at least the value of the predetermined parameter corresponding to each of the multiple viewers, in addition to the respective grades of the multiple viewers. For example, the reward for a viewer increases as the sum of the predetermined parameter values ​​of multiple viewers increases. Such a configuration can encourage viewers to take action.

[0042] Next, a specific example of the video distribution server 10 of this embodiment having such functions will be described. In this example, the video distribution service is configured as a live distribution service that enables the live streaming and viewing of a video composed of images input via the camera of the distributor terminal 30 and audio input via the microphone.

[0043] Figure 3 illustrates the information managed in the user information table 411 in this example. The user information table 411 manages information about users of the live streaming service and, as shown in the figure, associates with a "user account" that identifies an individual user, and manages information such as "basic information" including account name, age, gender, residential area, and profile information, "broadcast history information" which is information about the broadcast history as a broadcaster, "viewing history information" which is information about the viewing history as a viewer, "followed user information" which is information about other users that this user follows, "follower information" which is information about other users (followers) that follow this user, "family information" which is information about families that this user belongs to as a family member, "rank" which indicates the rank of the user as a broadcaster, "rank meter value" which is a parameter value for determining rank up / down, "coin holdings" which indicates the number of virtual coins that can be used in the live streaming service, "diamond holdings" which indicates the number of virtual diamonds that are held, and "classification text" which is the classification of the broadcaster set by the user themselves.

[0044] In this example, a family is a community of fans who support a streamer, and can be joined upon invitation from the streamer or family administrator, or upon approval by the streamer or family administrator of a user's application to join.

[0045] Furthermore, in this example, coins are awarded to users both free of charge and for a fee under various circumstances. For example, users can acquire coins for free as rewards such as login bonuses. Also, for example, users can purchase coins for a fee (with real currency).

[0046] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating the "ranks" of the streamers in this example. As shown in the diagram, in this example there are six rank tiers: "S", "A", "B", "C", "D", and "E". Each of the five rank tiers, "S", "A", "B", "C", and "D", consists of three ranks (for example, "S+", "S", "S-", etc., with a "+" added to the letter indicating the rank tier, the letter alone, and the letter with a "-" added). The "E" rank tier consists of one rank, "E". In other words, in this example there are 16 ranks (3 x 5 + 1 = 16).

[0047] Furthermore, within the rank tiers, "S" is the highest rank and "E" is the lowest. Also, within the same rank tier, "+" is the highest rank and "-" is the lowest. In this example, the user's rank is initially set to "D-".

[0048] Figure 5 illustrates the information managed in the distribution management table 412 in this example. The distribution management table 412 manages information related to individual live streams (videos), and as shown in the figure, it manages information such as the "distributor user account" that identifies the distributor, the "distribution start date and time", the "distribution duration" that indicates the duration of the distribution, the "number of viewers (current value and maximum value)", the "number of comments" that are entered by viewers, the "number of likes" that are entered by viewers, the "number of item points" that increase according to the items entered by viewers, the "number of distribution points" that are awarded for this distribution, and "tag information" that is information related to the tags assigned to this distribution.

[0049] Figure 6 illustrates the information managed in the Grade Management Table 413 in this example. The Grade Management Table 413 manages information regarding the fan level (grade) of viewers (by broadcaster) for a broadcaster in a given month and year. As shown in the figure, it associates the "broadcaster user account" that identifies the broadcaster, the "viewer user account" that identifies the viewer, and the "target month and year" with a combination of these elements and manages information such as the "fan level" of the corresponding viewer for the corresponding broadcaster in a given month and year, the "number of coins consumed," "viewing time," "number of viewing days," and "number of comments entered" by the viewer for the corresponding live stream, a "subscription application flag" indicating whether or not the viewer has applied for a subscription to the broadcaster, and the "number of cheer points" earned by the viewer for the corresponding live stream. Thus, in this example, the fan level of viewers for a broadcaster is managed on a monthly basis.

[0050] The number of cheer points is calculated using a formula based on the number of coins consumed, viewing time, number of viewing days, and number of comments entered. The higher the value of each of these parameters, the higher the number of cheer points.

[0051] Figure 7 illustrates the top screen 60 of a live streaming service displayed on a user terminal 30. This screen 60 is the starting point for users of the live streaming service and, as shown in the figure, has a selection area 62 labeled "Follow," "Popular," "Trending," and "All," a list display area 64 located below the area 62, and a circular broadcast button 66 located in the upper right corner of the screen.

[0052] The selection area 62 is an area for selecting the content to be displayed in the list display area 64. Specifically, if "Follow" is selected in the selection area 62, the list display area 64 will display a list of live streams (videos currently being streamed) from other users that the user is following. Similarly, if "Popular" is selected in the selection area 62, the list display area 64 will display a list of live streams that have been extracted according to predetermined extraction conditions for extracting popular live streams (for example, streams with a current number of viewers above a threshold). Also, if "Trending" is selected in the selection area 62, the list display area 64 will display a list of tags attached to live streams along with the corresponding streams in chronological order (in order of when the tags were attached). Furthermore, if "All" is selected in the selection area 62, all live streams will be included in the list display area 64.

[0053] The top screen 60 in Figure 7 corresponds to the case where "Popular" is selected in the selection area 62. In this case, the list display area 64 has multiple individual display areas 641 arranged in two columns, each displaying information about an individual live stream, as shown in the figure. The individual display areas 641 are configured so that the user can start watching the corresponding stream (playback of the corresponding video begins) according to their selection. The list display area 64 is configured so that the displayed individual display areas 641 can be switched by flicking or sliding up or down. The configuration of the list display area 64 when "Follow" or "All" is selected in the selection area 62 is the same as the configuration described above when "Popular" is selected.

[0054] Figure 8 illustrates the display content of the individual display area 641. The individual display area 641 displays an image pre-set by the live streamer, the streamer's account name, and the number of viewers (current value), etc. As shown in the figure, the first tag object 6411 and the second tag object 6412 are arranged side by side at its lower end. The first tag object 6411 displays the classification text (managed in the user information table 411), which is the classification of the streamer set by the streamer 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 6412 also displays the latest tags assigned to the corresponding live stream by viewers, also in hashtag format (in the example in Figure 8, it displays "#curry").

[0055] Figure 9 illustrates the top screen 60 when "Topic" is selected in the selection area 62. In this case, as shown in the figure, the top screen 60 displays a list of tags assigned to any live stream in chronological order along with the stream in the list display area 64. In other words, when "Topic" is selected in the selection area 62, the list display area 64 displays a list of tags and their corresponding live streams (streams to which the tag was assigned), sorted in descending order of the time the tag was assigned.

[0056] In this case, the list display area 64 has multiple individual display areas 642 arranged vertically, each displaying its own tag and information about the corresponding live stream. When a new tag is assigned to any live stream, the corresponding individual display area 642 is added to the top of the list display area 64.

[0057] Figure 10 illustrates the display content of the individual display area 642. As shown in the figure, the area 642 has a tag object 6421 in the upper left corner and displays the profile image and account name of the broadcaster of the corresponding live stream (to which the tag has been assigned). The individual display area 642 has a link to the corresponding live stream, and the user can start watching the corresponding stream by selecting one of the multiple individual display areas 642 displayed in the list display area 64.

[0058] The broadcast button 66 on the top screen 60 is an object that allows the user to broadcast a live video as a broadcaster. When the broadcast button 66 is selected by the user, the broadcast preparation screen 100, as illustrated in Figure 11, is displayed overlaid on the top screen 60. As shown in the figure, the screen 100 has a broadcast title input area 102 for entering a broadcast title, a secret broadcast setting switch 104 for setting the secret broadcast mode, a tweet setting button 106 for setting up tweets (posting messages to SNS) that are automatically performed during broadcasting, and a broadcast start button 108 that displays "Start!". Secret broadcasting is a broadcasting mode for live streaming that can only be viewed by new viewers (specifically, viewers whose total viewing time for the corresponding broadcaster over a predetermined period is less than a predetermined value).

[0059] When the "Start Streaming" button 108 is selected, live streaming begins, and specifically, the transmission of a video consisting of images input via the camera of the user terminal 30 and audio input via the microphone of the user terminal 30 to the server 10 begins. In addition, a new record is created in the streaming management table 412 in response to the start of live streaming.

[0060] Figure 12 illustrates the broadcaster screen 70 displayed on the broadcaster terminal 30 in response to the selection of the broadcast start button 108 (i.e., the start of live streaming). As shown in the figure, the screen 70 has a video display area 71 that covers the entire screen, a basic information display area 72 located in the upper left corner of the screen, a comment display area 73 located in the lower left corner of the screen, a tag display area 74 located above the area 73, a viewer information display area 75 located in the upper right corner of the screen, and a circular broadcast stop button 76 located in the center of the bottom edge of the screen.

[0061] The video display area 71 displays the live-streamed video, that is, the image input via the camera of the broadcaster terminal 30. Since the broadcaster usually uses the front camera of the broadcaster terminal 30 to film themselves, the streamed video includes images of the broadcaster themselves.

[0062] The basic information display area 72 displays the basic information of this broadcast, specifically the broadcaster's information (profile picture, etc.), the number of viewers of this broadcast (current value), and the number of "likes" given by viewers for this broadcast.

[0063] The comment display area 73 is an area for displaying user comments entered by viewers or system comments automatically entered by the server 10. Specifically, multiple comment objects 731, each corresponding to an individual comment, are arranged vertically within the area 73. The comment display area 73 is configured such that when a new comment is entered, a corresponding comment object 731 is added to the bottom, and the existing comment objects 731 move upwards in sequence. The comment display area 73 is configured so that the displayed comment objects 731 can be switched by flicking or sliding operations in the vertical direction.

[0064] The tag display area 74 displays information about the tags assigned to this distribution. Specifically, the area 74 contains multiple tag objects 741, each corresponding to an individual tag, arranged side by side in a horizontal direction.

[0065] The viewer information display area 75 displays information about multiple viewers who are watching the corresponding live stream. Specifically, the area 75 has multiple icon objects 751, each corresponding to a viewer, arranged side by side in a horizontal direction. Each object 751 has a circular shape and displays the profile image of the corresponding viewer. The multiple icon objects 751 are arranged in an order that follows a predetermined rule, for example, so that viewers with a large number of cheer points are on the left.

[0066] The stop streaming button 76 is an object used by the streamer to stop the live stream. When the stop streaming button 76 is selected by the streamer, the live stream (sending of video from the streamer's terminal 30 to the server 10) is stopped.

[0067] Figure 13 illustrates a viewer screen 80 displayed on a viewer terminal 30. For example, when a viewer selects a live stream via the list display area 64 of the top screen 60, a viewer screen 80 for viewing the selected stream is displayed on the viewer terminal 30. As shown in the figure, the screen 80, like the broadcaster screen 70 described above, has a video display area 81, a basic information display area 82, a comment display area 83, a tag display area 84, and a viewer information display area 85. The viewer screen 80 also has an input mode switching button 86, a comment input area 87, a "Like" button 88 with a heart mark displayed, and an item input button 89 with a gift design displayed at the bottom of the screen.

[0068] The comment input area 87 is an area for viewers to enter comments or tags. While the input mode switching button 86 is not selected, the comment input area 87 is in normal comment input mode. In comment input mode, when the transmission object 871 located at the right end of the comment input area 87 is selected, the string entered in area 87 is sent as a user comment, and comment objects 731 and 831 corresponding to the user comment are added to the comment display areas 73 and 83 of the broadcaster screen 70 and viewer screen 80 on the corresponding broadcaster terminal 30 (the user terminal 30 of the broadcaster of the live stream being viewed) and each viewer terminal 30 (each of the user terminals 30 of the multiple viewers of the live stream being viewed). The comment objects 731 and 831 corresponding to the user comment display the content of the comment (string) along with the account name of the viewer who entered the comment. Also, when a user comment is sent, the server 10 updates the comment count of the corresponding record in the distribution management table 412 (incrementing by 1). Additionally, when a user comment is submitted, server 10 updates (adds 1 to) the number of input comments in the corresponding record of the grade management table 413.

[0069] Furthermore, when the input mode switching button 86 is selected, the comment input area 87 switches to tag input mode. In tag input mode, when a transmission object 871 is selected, the string entered in the comment input area 87 is sent as a tag, and that tag is attached (associated) with the live stream. In this example, only viewers who are family members of the corresponding broadcaster are allowed to enter tags. Specifically, the input mode switching button 86 on the viewer screen 80 becomes selectable (enabled) if the viewer is a family member of the broadcaster, while it becomes unselectable (disabled) if the viewer is not a family member of the broadcaster. Also, in this example, the number of tags that can be attached to a single live stream over a predetermined period is limited; specifically, up to three tags can be attached in a 5-minute period.

[0070] When a tag is assigned, the corresponding tag objects 741 and 841 are added to the tag display areas 74 and 84 of the corresponding broadcaster screen 70 and viewer screen 80. In the tag display areas 74 and 84, the tag objects 741 and 841 are arranged horizontally so that the left side is newer (later assigned time). Therefore, the tag objects 741 and 841 corresponding to newly assigned tags are added to the leftmost part of the tag display areas 74 and 84. Tag objects 741 and 841 corresponding to tags that have been assigned for 5 minutes or more are deleted (for example, they disappear with an animation effect moving to the right).

[0071] In this example, tag objects 741 and 841 display the tag content in hashtag format, with a "#" prefix added to the beginning of the string. For example, if the tag content is "Tokyo sightseeing," tag objects 741 and 841 will display "#Tokyo sightseeing." The horizontal length of tag objects 741 and 841 is automatically adjusted according to the length of the string to be displayed.

[0072] Furthermore, when a tag is assigned, comment objects 731 and 831 corresponding to the system comment notifying the assignment of the tag are added to the comment display areas 73 and 83 of the corresponding broadcaster screen 70 and viewer screen 80. The comment objects 731 and 831 corresponding to the system comment display the content of the assigned tag along with the account name of the viewer who assigned (entered) the tag. For example, a comment such as "xx has tagged the broadcast with "#TokyoTourism"" will be displayed. In addition, when a tag is assigned, the tag information in the corresponding record in the broadcast management table 412 is updated.

[0073] The "Like" button 88 is an object that allows viewers to input a "Like" for the broadcaster (live stream). When the button 88 is selected by a viewer, a "Like" is input, and comment objects 731 and 831 corresponding to a system comment notifying the input of a "Like" are added to the comment display areas 73 and 83 of the broadcaster screen 70 and viewer screen 80, respectively. The comment objects 731 and 831 corresponding to the system comment display the account name of the viewer who input the "Like," along with text indicating that a "Like" has been input. In addition, when a "Like" is input, a predetermined visual effect (for example, an animation effect in which heart-shaped objects are displayed flowing from the bottom to the top of the screen) is added to the video display areas 71 and 81 of the broadcaster screen 70 and viewer screen 80. Furthermore, when a "Like" is input, the server 10 updates (adds 1 to) the "Number of Likes" in the corresponding record of the broadcast management table 412.

[0074] The item input button 89 is an object used by viewers to input items. When the button 89 is selected by a viewer, the item selection screen 200, as illustrated in Figure 14, is overlaid on the viewer screen 80. As shown in the figure, the screen 200 displays a list of multiple individual display areas 202, each displaying information about an item. The individual display areas 202 display an image corresponding to the item and the number of coins required to input that item.

[0075] In this example, several items that viewers can input are predetermined, and each item has a predetermined number of coins as its price (which can also be called value or consideration). The item selection screen 200 displays a list of these inputtable items. When a viewer selects any of the items via the item selection screen 200, the input for the selected item is performed.

[0076] When an item is entered, comment objects 731 and 831 corresponding to the system comment notifying the entry of the item are added to the comment display areas 73 and 83 of the corresponding broadcaster screen 70 and viewer screen 80. The comment objects 731 and 831 corresponding to the system comment display the name of the entered item along with the account name of the viewer who entered the item. When an item is entered, a visual effect corresponding to the entered item is added to the video display areas 71 and 81 of the corresponding broadcaster screen 70 and viewer screen 80. When an item is entered, server 10 also assigns a quantity of item points to this broadcast according to the number of coins for the entered item (for example, the more coins, the more points are awarded). Specifically, in the broadcast management table 412, the number of points corresponding to the number of coins is added to the number of item points in the corresponding record. When an item is entered, server 10 also subtracts the number of coins for the entered item from the number of coins held in the corresponding record (the record of the viewer who entered the item) in the user information table 411. Furthermore, when an item is entered, server 10 adds the number of coins for the entered item to the number of coins consumed in the corresponding record in the grade management table 413.

[0077] In this example, viewers who have a subscription applied to the corresponding streamer (the streamer of the live stream they are watching) can enter certain items any number of times without consuming individual coins. For example, in the individual display area 202 of the item selection screen 200, it will be indicated that individual coin consumption is not required due to the subscription. Also, in this example, if a subscription is applied, the number of coins corresponding to the subscription amount will be added to the number of coins consumed each month in the corresponding record of the grade management table 413.

[0078] Furthermore, when a new viewer starts watching (enters the live streaming room), comment objects 731 and 831 corresponding to the system comment notifying the viewer's entry are added to the comment display areas 73 and 83 of the corresponding broadcaster screen 70 and viewer screen 80. The comment objects 731 and 831 corresponding to the system comment display the account name of the user who started watching (entered the room), etc. Also, if this viewing is the first viewing of the corresponding broadcaster's live stream on that day, the server 10 updates the viewing days of the corresponding record in the grade management table 413 (increments by 1).

[0079] Here, we will explain the operation regarding the management of viewer fan levels for streamers. Figure 15 is a diagram illustrating the conditions (grade conditions) for each of the multiple fan levels in this example. As shown in the diagram, in this example, two or three conditions are set for each fan level, and a user who satisfies any one of these two or three conditions will reach the corresponding fan level (their level will increase). For example, fan level "1" has two conditions: condition 1, "consume 10 coins or more, watch for 1.5 hours or more, and enter 4 comments or more," and condition 2, "consume 100 coins or more." A user who satisfies any one of these two conditions will become a viewer of fan level "1". For example, to reach fan level "4," three conditions are set: Condition 1 is "spend 1000 coins or more, watch for 5 hours or more, watch for 4 days or more, and enter 35 comments or more"; Condition 2 is "spend 3000 coins or more, watch for 2 hours or more, and enter 5 comments or more"; and Condition 3 is "spend 5500 coins or more." Users who satisfy any one of these three conditions become fans of fan level "4."

[0080] This fan level determination is performed in real time during the live stream. Specifically, during the live stream, server 10 updates the number of coins consumed, viewing time, viewing days, and number of comments entered in real time for each viewer in the grade management table 413, and determines whether the fan level has increased based on this information. When the fan level increases, the fan level value in the corresponding record in the grade management table 413 is updated.

[0081] In this example, the recurring subscription fee for the streamer is equivalent to 6,000 coins and is charged monthly. Therefore, viewers who are subscribed to the recurring subscription will immediately satisfy condition 3 (consuming 5,500 coins or more) of fan level "4" as illustrated in Figure 15.

[0082] In this example, comment objects 731 and 831, which correspond to viewer actions (specifically, entering a room (starting to watch), commenting, tagging, liking, and entering items), are decorated according to the viewer's fan level. For example, these comment objects 731 and 831 are given icons corresponding to the viewer's fan level, and text colors corresponding to that fan level are applied.

[0083] In this example, the status of each viewer's fulfillment of fan level conditions is displayed via the viewer information display areas 75 and 85 of the broadcaster screen 70 and the viewer screen 80. Figure 16 illustrates a viewer information display screen 300 that is overlaid on the broadcaster screen 70 and the viewer screen 80 according to the selection of icon objects 751 and 851 in the viewer information display areas 75 and 85. As shown in the figure, the screen 300 displays the corresponding viewer's profile image, account name, and profile, and below it, has a fan level information display area 302 that displays information related to the fan level.

[0084] As shown in the figure, the fan level information display area 302 displays an icon image corresponding to the current level, the number of cheer points, etc., and to its right, condition fulfillment objects 3021 are arranged horizontally to show the status of each of the 2 to 3 conditions required to advance to the next (one level higher) fan level. In the viewer information display screen 300 of Figure 16, three condition fulfillment objects 3021 are arranged, each corresponding to one of the three conditions, conditions 1 to 3. However, if there are two conditions for the next fan level, two condition fulfillment objects 3021 are arranged horizontally.

[0085] The condition satisfaction object 3021 displays the degree of condition satisfaction in the annular portion, specifically, the degree of satisfaction is displayed in the form of a circular progress bar that extends clockwise from the 12 o'clock position as the degree of condition satisfaction increases. The degree of condition satisfaction is set as the ratio of the current value to the condition value (maximum value) of the parameter corresponding to the condition (number of coins consumed, viewing time, number of viewing days, or number of comments entered). Users can learn about the current fan level of each viewer, including other users, and an overview of the status of fulfilling the conditions for advancing to the next fan level, via the viewer information display screen 300 (fan level information display area 302).

[0086] Furthermore, in this example, when the viewer information display screen 300, which displays the user's own information, is displayed by selecting the corresponding user's own icon object 851 in the viewer information display area 85 of the viewer screen 80, and the fan level information display area 302 is selected, the condition satisfaction detail screen 400 illustrated in Figure 17 is displayed. As shown in the figure, the screen 400 has a sub-condition indicator 402 that displays the degree of satisfaction of the corresponding sub-condition for each condition corresponding to the next fan level.

[0087] The sub-condition indicator 402 displays the degree of fulfillment of the condition in the form of a bar-shaped progress bar that extends to the right as the degree of fulfillment increases. In addition, text related to the degree of fulfillment of the corresponding sub-condition is displayed in the lower right of the sub-condition indicator 402. Specifically, text indicating the quantity needed to fulfill the sub-condition (for example, "1,256 coins left") is displayed, or if the sub-condition has already been fulfilled, the text "CLEAR!" is displayed.

[0088] In the example in Figure 17, "Condition 1" has four sub-conditions: a sub-condition related to the number of coins, a sub-condition related to viewing time, a sub-condition related to the number of comments, and a sub-condition related to the number of viewing days. Four sub-condition indicators 402 corresponding to each of the four sub-conditions are arranged vertically. The condition fulfillment details screen 400 is configured so that the displayed conditions can be switched by flicking or sliding operations in the left or right direction. Through the condition fulfillment details screen 400, users can find out the details of how well they have met the conditions to advance to the next fan level.

[0089] The above explains the operation related to managing the fan level of viewers for broadcasters. Next, we will explain the operation when a broadcaster ends a live broadcast. As mentioned above, the live broadcast ends when the broadcaster selects the stop broadcast button 76 on the broadcaster screen 70. When the live broadcast ends, the server 10 calculates and sets the number of broadcast points for that broadcast. In this example, the number of broadcast points is calculated based on the number of viewers (maximum), the number of likes, the number of comments, and the number of item points. The number of broadcast points increases as the number of viewers (maximum), the number of likes, the number of comments, and the number of item points increases. The calculated number of broadcast points is set in the corresponding record in the broadcast management table 412.

[0090] The above explains the actions taken when a streamer ends a live broadcast. Next, we will explain the actions taken when determining a streamer's rank. In this example, the user's rank for the day is determined (updated) based on the number of streaming points earned the previous day. Figure 18 is a flowchart illustrating the processes that server 10 executes when updating each user's rank. These processes are executed every night (for example, at 3 a.m. every day).

[0091] Server 10 first calculates the number of distribution points earned by each user the previous day, as shown in the diagram (step S300). The number of distribution points earned by a particular user the previous day is calculated by referring to the distributor user account, distribution start date and time, and number of distribution points in the distribution management table 412. If a user has made multiple distributions in one day, the number of distribution points earned from each distribution are added together.

[0092] After calculating the number of streaming points for each streamer from the previous day, Server 10 then adds a bonus to the number of streaming points (step S310). Specifically, in this example, a bonus is added to the number of streaming points according to the number of "special fans" whose fan level is "4" or higher. Figure 19 illustrates the relationship between the number of special fans and the streaming point bonus (multiplier). In this example, as shown in the figure, if the number of special fans is 2 to 4, the number of streaming points becomes 101% (multiplied by 1.01) as a streaming point bonus. In other words, if the number of special fans is 2 to 4, 1% of the calculated number of streaming points is added as a bonus. Similarly, if the number of special fans is 5 to 9, the streaming point bonus (multiplier) is 102%, and thereafter, as the number of special fans increases, the streaming point bonus (multiplier) increases, which is advantageous for the streamer.

[0093] Furthermore, as mentioned above, in this example, viewers who are subject to recurring subscriptions automatically become special fans with a fan level of "4" or higher, so gaining a large number of viewers who are subject to recurring subscriptions is advantageous for the streamer.

[0094] In this example, a bonus is added to the streaming points based on the total number of cheer points each viewer contributes. For example, if the total number of cheer points exceeds 5,000, a bonus of 500 points is added to the streaming points, and if the total number of cheer points exceeds 10,000, a bonus of 1,000 points is added. This bonus increases as the number of cheer points increases, making it advantageous for the streamer. In other examples of this embodiment, the bonus on streaming points based on the number of cheer points is not applied, and only the bonus on streaming points based on the number of special fans may be applied.

[0095] Once the bonus is added to the number of distribution points, the server 10 then updates each user's rank meter value (step S320). Figure 20 is a diagram illustrating the rules for updating the rank meter value. As shown in the diagram, in this example, the rank meter value changes based on each user's ranking within their rank tier based on the number of distribution points from the previous day.

[0096] The rules for updating the rank meter value are as follows, as shown in Figure 20: First, if the ranking in the number of distribution points within the rank range falls within the top 10%, the rank meter value changes by "+2" (an increase of 2 points). Similarly, if the ranking falls within the top 11-30% (the remaining 20% ​​after subtracting the top 10% from the top 30%), the change is "+1". If the ranking falls within the middle 30% (top 31-60%), the change is "±0" (no change). If the ranking falls within the bottom 40%, the change is "-1" (a decrease of 1 point). Note that if no distribution took place the previous day, the rank meter value changes by "-1" regardless of the ranking within the rank range.

[0097] In step S320, each user's rank meter value is updated according to the update rule illustrated in Figure 20.

[0098] Returning to the flowchart in Figure 18, after updating each user's rank meter value, Server 10 then updates the rank based on the updated rank meter value (step S330). Figure 21 is a diagram illustrating the correspondence between the rank update content and the required rank meter value. As shown in the diagram, first, when ranking up across rank tiers (in other words, when ranking up from the highest rank within each rank tier), the required rank meter value is +4. That is, a user belonging to the highest rank within each rank tier (e.g., A+) will rank up to the lowest rank within the rank tier immediately above (e.g., S-) when their rank meter value becomes +4. Also, when ranking up within the same rank tier (in other words, when ranking up from the middle or lowest rank within each rank tier), the required rank meter value is +2. That is, a user belonging to the middle or lowest rank within each rank tier (e.g., B or B-) will rank up to the highest rank within the same rank tier (e.g., B+ or B) when their rank meter value becomes +2.

[0099] Similarly, as illustrated in Figure 21, the required rank meter value for a rank down within the same rank tier (in other words, a rank down from the highest or middle rank within each rank tier) is -2. That is, a user belonging to the highest or middle rank within each rank tier (e.g., B+ or B) will be downgraded to the next lowest rank within the same rank tier (e.g., B or B-) when their rank meter value drops to -2. Also, the required rank meter value for a rank down across rank tiers is -6. That is, a user belonging to the lowest rank within each rank tier (e.g., A-) will be downgraded to the highest rank in the next lowest rank tier (e.g., B+) when their rank meter value drops to -6. Thus, in this example, the absolute value of the required rank meter is larger for rank up / down across rank tiers compared to rank up / down within the same rank tier. As a result, rapid rank up / down in a short period of time is suppressed.

[0100] In step S330, the rank is updated based on the rank meter value according to the correspondence shown in Figure 21. The rank meter value of users whose rank has been updated (users who have experienced a rank up / down) is reset to 0.

[0101] The above explains the process for determining a streamer's rank. Next, we will explain the process for awarding diamonds to users. In this example, diamonds, which are rewards for users as streamers, are awarded based on their streaming time and rank (rank on the previous day). Figure 22 is a flowchart illustrating the processes that server 10 executes when awarding diamonds to each streamer. These processes are executed every night, for example, at an earlier time (for example, 12:00 AM every day) than the process that is executed when updating each user's rank as illustrated in Figure 18.

[0102] Server 10 first calculates the delivery time for each user the previous day, as shown in the diagram (step S400). Specifically, the delivery time for a particular user the previous day is calculated by referring to the sender user account, delivery start date and time, and delivery time in the delivery management table 412. If a user makes multiple deliveries in one day, the delivery times of each of the multiple deliveries are added together.

[0103] Next, server 10 grants each user a number of diamonds based on the calculated delivery time and the base number of diamonds (step S410). 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 number of diamonds held in the corresponding record in user information table 411 is updated. In this example, diamonds can be exchanged for coins or real currency.

[0104] In the example described above, the conditions corresponding to fan level may vary based on broadcaster information about the broadcaster, viewer information about the viewers, or combination information about the combination of broadcaster and viewers. For example, the conditions corresponding to fan level may be more easily satisfied the lower the broadcaster's rank (for example, the condition value will be lower). Also, for example, the conditions corresponding to fan level may vary depending on the viewer's residential area (for example, the conditions for viewers in a specific residential area will be more easily satisfied). Also, for example, the conditions corresponding to fan level may be more easily satisfied in the target year and month in which the viewer first watched the corresponding broadcaster's live stream.

[0105] In the example described above, a predetermined higher fan level may be invalid for a certain period from the start of each month and become valid from a specific point in the middle of that month. In this case, for example, viewers who have met the conditions corresponding to a fan level that becomes valid at a specific point in each month (e.g., the 15th) before that fan level becomes valid will not be able to reach that fan level until that specific point becomes valid. This can prevent an excessive number of viewers at higher fan levels from appearing early in each month, which would discourage other general viewers.

[0106] In the example described above, a bonus is added to the number of streaming points according to the number of "special fans" whose fan level is "4" or higher. However, the reward based on the number of special fans is just one example of a reward based on the fan level of multiple viewers, and other rules may apply in other examples of this embodiment. For example, a bonus may be added to the number of streaming points according to the sum of the fan level values.

[0107] Furthermore, adding bonuses to the number of streaming points is just one example of a reward for streamers. In other examples of this embodiment, various rewards may be given to streamers based on the fan levels of multiple viewers. For example, rewards for streamers may include adding bonuses to the number of base diamonds or granting them the right to participate in special events.

[0108] In the example described above, a live streaming service is provided that allows for the live distribution of a video consisting of images input via the camera of the broadcaster terminal 30 and audio input via the microphone, and that the video can be viewed. However, in other examples of this embodiment, an on-demand video distribution service is provided in which videos provided by the broadcaster are stored in advance and the videos are distributed individually in response to requests from viewers. Even in this case, the fan level of the viewers towards the broadcaster (video provider) is managed, and the broadcaster may be rewarded based at least on the fan level of each of the multiple viewers.

[0109] As described above, the video distribution server 10 of this embodiment determines the viewer's grade (e.g., fan level) to the distributor based on the fulfillment of grade conditions, and provides the distributor with a reward (e.g., an addition of a bonus to the number of distribution points) based on the grade of each of the multiple viewers (e.g., the number of special fans with a fan level of "4" or higher). Therefore, for example, an increase in the viewer's grade becomes a direct benefit to the distributor, and the distributor is motivated to strengthen the relationship with the viewer. In other words, the video distribution server 10 can promote the strengthening of the relationship between the distributor and the viewer.

[0110] 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.

[0111] 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.

[0112] In this specification, where a component of the invention is described as either one or more, or without limitation to either one or more, such component may be either one or more, unless the context should be otherwise interpreted. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0113] 10 Video streaming servers 11 Computer Processors 15. Storage (mechanisms) 20 Communication Networks 30 User terminals 41 Information Storage Management Department 411 User Information Table 412 Distribution Management Table 413 Grade Management Table 43 Management Function Control Unit 45 Video Streaming Service Control Unit 60 Top screen 70 Streamer screen 75 Viewer information display area 80 Viewer screen 85 Viewer information display area 100 Streaming preparation screen 200 Item Selection Screen 300 Viewer Information Display Screen 302 Fan level information display area 3021 Condition Satisfaction Object 400 Condition Fulfillment Details Screen 402 Sub-condition indicator

Claims

1. A system comprising one or more computer processors for providing video streaming services, The one or more computer processors, in response to the execution of a readable instruction, A step of determining the viewer's grade for a video distributor, based at least on the viewer's fulfillment of the grade conditions corresponding to each of several grades, The process involves: performing the steps of: awarding a reward to the broadcaster based at least on the respective grades of multiple viewers of the broadcaster; system.

2. The aforementioned grade conditions include conditions that are satisfied in response to actions taken by the viewers on the broadcaster's videos. The system according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned grade conditions include conditions that are satisfied in accordance with the application of recurring charges by the viewers to the broadcaster, The system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The one or more computer processors further perform the step of controlling the execution of a predetermined action by the viewer on the broadcaster's video. The predetermined action is performed based on individual charges or periodic charges. The system according to claim 3.

5. The aforementioned grade conditions are configured to vary based on at least one of the following: broadcaster information relating to the broadcaster, viewer information relating to the viewer, and combination information relating to the combination of the broadcaster and the viewer. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The one or more computer processors further perform the step of presenting a viewer screen to the viewer for viewing the broadcaster's video. The viewer screen is configured to display the status of fulfillment of the grade conditions for at least some of the viewers of the broadcaster's video. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The viewer screen is configured to display, with a first level of detail, the satisfaction status of the grade conditions for viewers other than the viewer on whom the viewer screen is displayed, among a group of viewers of the broadcaster's video, while displaying, with a second level of detail that is more detailed than the first level of detail, the satisfaction status of the grade conditions for the viewer on whom the viewer screen is displayed. The system according to claim 6.

8. The determination step includes determining the viewer's grade during the predetermined period, based at least on the viewer's satisfaction of the grade conditions during the predetermined period. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The aforementioned granting step includes granting the reward based at least on the number of viewers of a predetermined grade or higher, The system according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The one or more computer processors further perform the step of updating the value of a predetermined parameter associated with the viewer, which is a distributor-specific parameter and increases in response to the viewer performing an action on the corresponding distributor's video. The granting step includes granting the reward to the broadcaster based at least on the grade of each of the plurality of viewers, as well as the value of the predetermined parameter corresponding to each of the plurality of viewers' broadcasters. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. A method for providing a video streaming service, which is performed by one or more computers, A step of determining the viewer's grade for a video distributor, based at least on the viewer's fulfillment of the grade conditions corresponding to each of several grades, The process includes granting a reward to the streamer based at least on the respective grades of multiple viewers of the streamer, method.

12. A program for providing a video streaming service, which can be installed on one or more computers. A step of determining the viewer's grade for a video distributor, based at least on the viewer's fulfillment of the grade conditions corresponding to each of several grades, The process involves performing the steps of rewarding the streamer based at least on the respective grades of multiple viewers of the streamer, program.

Images