Computer program, information processing method, and video distribution system

Abstract

To provide a video distribution system which can properly connect a distribution user and a viewing user, an information processing method, and a computer program.SOLUTION: In a video distribution system 10, an information processing apparatus includes: a distribution unit which distributes, to an information processing terminal of a viewing user, a video including animation of a character object of a distribution user; a determination unit which determines, when a predetermined association has not been made between the viewing user and the distribution user, whether an action of the viewing user on the video satisfies a specific condition; a display unit which causes the information processing terminal of the viewing user, when the determination unit determines that the action of the viewing user on the video satisfies the specific condition, to display a screen that requests an input as to whether to make the predetermined association with the distribution user; and a storage unit which stores, when receiving the input to make the predetermined association from the viewing user, the viewing user in association with the distribution user.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a computer program, an information processing method, and a video distribution system. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, a video distribution system has been known that generates animation of a character object based on the movement of a broadcasting user and broadcasts a video including the animation of the character object live. Such a video distribution system is disclosed in, for example, Patent Document 1 and Non-Patent Document 1.

[0003] Furthermore, in a video distribution system, it is common for a viewing user to be able to voluntarily follow a distributor at any time during the distribution of a video.

[0004] In addition, there are also cases where a screen is automatically displayed to viewers who have finished watching a video, inviting them to follow the distributor of that video. This is effective for viewers who forgot to follow the distributor during the video distribution, but it is merely annoying for viewers who were not interested in the content of the video, and it is difficult to say that it properly connects distributors and viewers. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2015-184689 A [Non-patent literature]

[0006] [Non-Patent Document 1] Yusuke Hasegawa, The Dawn of a New Era of Virtual Idols PROJECT MariA, CG WORLD, Japan, Born Digital Co., Ltd., November 10, 2017, Vol. 231, pp. 74-79 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a technical improvement that solves or alleviates at least a part of the problems of the conventional technology described above. A more specific object of the present disclosure is to provide a video distribution system, an information processing method, and a computer program that can appropriately connect distribution users and viewing users. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The video distribution system of the present invention is a video distribution system that distributes video including animation of a character object generated based on the movement of a broadcasting user, and is equipped with one or more computer processors, and the one or more computer processors are characterized in that they include a distribution unit that distributes video including animation of the broadcasting user's character object to an information processing terminal of a viewing user, a judgment unit that judges whether or not an action of the viewing user on the video satisfies specific conditions when a specific association has not been made between the viewing user and the broadcasting user, a display unit that displays a screen on the information processing terminal of the viewing user requesting input as to whether or not to make a specific association with the broadcasting user when the judgment unit judges that the action of the viewing user on the video satisfies specific conditions, and a memory unit that associates and stores the viewing user with the broadcasting user when input to make the specific association is received from the viewing user.

[0009] The determination unit can make the determination when a request to end viewing of a video is received from a viewing user.

[0010] The determination unit can determine whether or not the viewing user's viewing of the video, which is an action, has exceeded a predetermined time.

[0011] The determination unit can determine whether or not the number of comments posted by the viewing user to the video, which is an action, exceeds a predetermined number.

[0012] The determination unit can determine whether or not the number of times that a viewing user has posted a rating for a video, which is an action, has exceeded a predetermined number.

[0013] The determination unit can determine whether or not the number of times that a viewing user has gifted a video, which is an action, has exceeded a predetermined number of times.

[0014] The determination unit can determine whether or not the gifting of a video by a viewing user, which is an action, exceeds a predetermined amount.

[0015] The judgment unit further judges whether or not the distribution of the video has exceeded a predetermined time, and the display unit can display the screen when the judgment unit judges that the distribution of the video has exceeded the predetermined time and that the viewing user's action on the video satisfies certain conditions.

[0016] When the distribution unit distributes a video including animations of character objects of two or more distribution users to the information processing terminal of the viewing user, the judgment unit, when a specified association has not been made between the viewing user and at least one of the two or more distribution users, judges whether or not the viewing user's action on the video satisfies a specific condition, and when the judgment unit judges that the viewing user's action on the video satisfies a specific condition, the display unit can display a screen on the information processing terminal of the viewing user requesting input as to whether or not to make a specified association with a distribution user with whom a specified association has not been made.

[0017] When there are two or more distribution users with whom a specified association has not been made, the judgment unit judges whether or not the viewing user's action on the video satisfies a specific condition based on which distribution user the viewing user's action on the video is associated with, and when the judgment unit judges that the viewing user's action on the video satisfies a specific condition, the display unit can preferentially display on the viewing user's information processing terminal a screen requesting input as to whether or not to make a specified association with the distribution user with which the action is associated.

[0018] The information processing method of the present invention is an information processing method in a video distribution system that distributes video including animation of a character object generated based on the movement of a broadcasting user, and is characterized in having one or more computer processors execute the following steps: a distribution step of distributing a video including animation of the character object of the broadcasting user to an information processing terminal of a viewing user; a judgment step of judging whether or not an action of the viewing user on the video satisfies specific conditions when a specified association has not been made between the viewing user and the broadcasting user; a display step of displaying a screen on the information processing terminal of the viewing user requesting input as to whether or not to make a specified association with the broadcasting user when it is judged in the judgment step that the action of the viewing user on the video satisfies specific conditions; and a storage step of associating the viewing user with the broadcasting user and storing the same when input to make the specified association is received from the viewing user.

[0019] The computer program of the present invention is a computer program for distributing a video including animation of a character object generated based on the movement of a broadcasting user, and is characterized in that it has one or more computer processors realizing a distribution function of distributing a video including animation of the character object of the broadcasting user to an information processing terminal of a viewing user, a judgment function of determining whether or not an action of the viewing user on the video satisfies specific conditions when a specific association has not been made between the viewing user and the broadcasting user, a display function of displaying a screen on the information processing terminal of the viewing user requesting input as to whether or not to make a specific association with the broadcasting user when the judgment function determines that the action of the viewing user on the video satisfies specific conditions, and a storage function of associating the viewing user with the broadcasting user and storing the association when input to make the specific association is received from the viewing user. Effect of the Invention

[0020] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a technical improvement that solves or alleviates at least a part of the problems of the conventional technology described above. Also, according to the present invention, it is possible to appropriately connect distribution users and viewing users. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] 1 is a system configuration diagram showing an example of a video distribution system according to the present invention. [Diagram 2] 1 is a system configuration diagram showing an example of a video distribution system with which the video distribution system of the present invention can cooperate; [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of an information processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of an information processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] This is a conceptual diagram showing an image of the top screen of a video distribution platform. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing an image of a video viewing screen. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing an image of a video viewing screen. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram showing an image of a follow guidance screen. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram showing an image of a follow guidance screen. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram showing an image of a viewing screen for a co-starring video. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a flow diagram showing an example of the flow of an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a circuit configuration diagram showing an example of a circuit for realizing the functional configuration of a computer program according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0022] First, an overview of the video distribution system of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0023] The video distribution system of the present invention is a video distribution system that distributes video including animation of a character object generated based on the movement of a broadcast user, and includes one or more computer processors.

[0024] <System configuration> As shown as an example in FIG. 1, the video distribution system 100 may include one or more viewing user terminals 200, and an information processing device (support computer) 400 located in a video distribution studio, etc., and connected to these viewing user terminals 200 via a network 300.

[0025] Moreover, the information processing device 400 may be connected to a server device 500 (not shown) via the Internet, and part of the processing to be performed by the information processing device 400 (described later) may be performed by the server device 500.

[0026] In this specification, such distribution by moving image distribution system 100 is referred to as studio distribution.

[0027] In studio streaming, the entire body movements of the streaming user (actor) are captured by a camera installed in the studio using markers attached to the streaming user, and are reflected in the character in real time using known motion capture technology.

[0028] Furthermore, the video distribution system 100 of the present invention can cooperate with another video distribution system 10 shown as an example in Fig. 2. The video distribution system 10 shown in Fig. 2 can include a broadcast user terminal 20, one or more viewer user terminals 30, and an information processing device (server device) 50 connected to the broadcast user terminal 20 and the viewer user terminal 30 via a network 40.

[0029] In the above example, the broadcaster user terminal 20 may be an information processing terminal such as a smartphone. In this specification, such broadcasting by the video broadcasting system 10 is referred to as mobile broadcasting.

[0030] In mobile distribution, the facial movements of the broadcasting user are captured by a camera mounted on the broadcasting user's information processing terminal, and are reflected on the character's face in real time using known face tracking technology.

[0031] The videos generated by the video distribution system 100 and the video distribution system 10 can be distributed to viewing users from one video distribution platform, for example.

[0032] In addition, there is no particular distinction between distributor users and viewing users in mobile distribution; viewing users can perform mobile distribution at any time, and distributor users can become viewing users when viewing videos of other distributor users.

[0033] In the following, the video distribution system 100 of the present invention will be described as having the system configuration shown in FIG. 1, but is not limited to this.

[0034] <Hardware configuration> Here, the hardware configuration of the information processing device 400 included in the video distribution system 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. The information processing device 400 includes a processor 401, a memory 402, a storage 403, an input / output interface (input / output I / F) 404, and a communication interface (communication I / F) 405. The components are connected to each other via a bus B.

[0035] The information processing device 400 can realize the functions and methods described in this embodiment through cooperation between a processor 401, a memory 402, a storage 403, an input / output I / F 404, and a communication I / F 405.

[0036] The processor 401 executes functions and / or methods realized by codes or instructions included in a program stored in the storage 403. The processor 401 includes, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a micro processing unit (MPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a microprocessor, a processor core, a multiprocessor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), etc., and may realize each process disclosed in each embodiment by a logic circuit (hardware) or a dedicated circuit formed in an integrated circuit (an integrated circuit (IC) chip, a large scale integration (LSI)), etc.). These circuits may be realized by one or more integrated circuits, and a plurality of processes shown in each embodiment may be realized by one integrated circuit. An LSI may also be called a VLSI, a super LSI, an ultra LSI, etc., depending on the degree of integration.

[0037] The memory 402 temporarily stores a program loaded from the storage 403 and provides a working area for the processor 401. The memory 402 also temporarily stores various data generated while the processor 401 is executing the program. The memory 402 includes, for example, a random access memory (RAM) and a read only memory (ROM).

[0038] The storage 403 stores programs. The storage 403 includes, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), a flash memory, and the like.

[0039] The communication I / F 405 is implemented as hardware such as a network adapter, communication software, or a combination of these, and transmits and receives various data via the network 600. The communication may be performed either wired or wirelessly, and any communication protocol may be used as long as mutual communication can be performed. The communication I / F 405 executes communication with other information processing devices via the network 600. The communication I / F 405 transmits various data to other information processing devices according to instructions from the processor 401. The communication I / F 405 also receives various data transmitted from other information processing devices and transmits it to the processor 401.

[0040] The input / output I / F 404 includes an input device for inputting various operations to the information processing device 400, and an output device for outputting processing results processed by the information processing device 400. The input / output I / F 404 may be an integrated input device and an output device, or may be separate input device and output device.

[0041] The input device is realized by any one or a combination of all kinds of devices that can receive input from a user and transmit information related to the input to the processor 401. The input device includes, for example, a touch panel, a touch display, hardware keys such as a keyboard, a pointing device such as a mouse, a camera (operation input via an image), and a microphone (operation input by voice).

[0042] The output device outputs the processing result processed by the processor 401. The output device includes, for example, a touch panel, a speaker, etc. Note that, except where noted otherwise, the information processing device 500, the information processing device 50, the broadcasting user terminal 200, and the viewing user terminal 300 can also be configured with the same hardware configuration as that in FIG.

[0043] <Functional configuration> The one or more computer processors (information processing device 400 in this example) include a distribution unit 410, a determination unit 420, a display unit 430, and a storage unit 440, as shown in FIG.

[0044] The distribution unit 410 distributes a video including animation of the distributor user's character object to the information processing terminal 200 of the viewing user.

[0045] The distribution unit 410 can live distribute videos via the video distribution platform described above.

[0046] FIG. 5 shows a top screen 600 that is displayed on the information processing terminal of a viewing user who has accessed the video distribution platform.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 5, a viewing user can select one distribution channel from one or more distribution channels 610 listed on a top screen 600, and watch a video being played on that one distribution channel.

[0048] Alternatively, a viewing user can view a video being played on a specific distribution channel by accessing a fixed link of the specific distribution channel. Such a fixed link can be obtained from a notification from a distribution user being followed, or a share notification sent by another user.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 5, the top screen 600 may display a display area 620 for announcements such as campaigns.

[0050] In addition, the video distribution platform can display a list of distribution channels currently being distributed and a list of distribution channels scheduled to be distributed by using separate tabs. As an example, Figure 5 shows a list of distribution channels currently being distributed.

[0051] It should be noted that the viewing user can view a video by selecting one distribution channel on the top screen 600, but can also become a distributor user who distributes videos by selecting distribution button 630.

[0052] Then, when there is no specified association between the viewing user and the distribution user of the distribution channel being viewed by the viewing user, the judgment unit 420 judges whether the action of the viewing user on the video satisfies a specific condition.

[0053] As an example, a predetermined association may be made when a viewing user follows a broadcasting user. This "following" means connecting with another user, and allows the viewing user to display a list of other followed users on their own My Page and to receive notifications of broadcasts from other followed users.

[0054] FIG. 6 is an example showing a screen of a video distributed by a distributor user who is not yet being followed by a viewing user, and a follow button 710 for following the distributor user is displayed on screen 700.

[0055] 7 is an example showing a screen of a video distributed by a distributor user who is already being followed by the viewing user, and a Following button 760 is displayed on screen 750. When the Following button 760 is selected, the association is released and the Follow button 710 is displayed again.

[0056] Note that this "following" may be from viewing user to viewing user, from broadcasting user to viewing user, or from broadcasting user to broadcasting user. However, following is managed as a one-way association, and associations in the opposite direction are managed separately as followers.

[0057] The action of the viewing user on the video may be, for example, viewing the video, posting a comment, giving a gift (gifting), posting a rating, and so on.

[0058] 6, a comment can be posted by inputting text in a comment posting field 720 and pressing a send button 721. A gift can be posted by pressing a gift button 730, which displays a list of gifts and allows the user to select a specific gift. A rating can be posted by pressing a like button 740. Note that pressing a button includes selecting a button displayed on the screen by tapping or the like.

[0059] In addition, actions taken by a viewing user regarding a video may include sharing the video on an external service such as a social networking service (SNS), saving a still image (taking a screenshot) of the distribution screen including the distribution user's character object, and sharing the saved still image on an SNS.

[0060] 6, to share, press the share button 770, a list of available SNSs will be displayed, and a fixed link can be sent to a specified location on a specified SNS by selecting it. Also, a still image can be saved by pressing the screenshot button 780. Also, to share a still image, press the screenshot button 780, a list of available SNSs will be displayed, and a still image can be sent to a specified location on a specified SNS by selecting it.

[0061] These actions will be described in more detail below.

[0062] The determination by the determination unit 420 may be made, for example, when the viewing user has watched the video for a predetermined period of time, or when a viewing end request, which will be described later, is made. The viewing end request may be made by selecting a viewing end button 790 shown in FIG. 6.

[0063] In another embodiment, the judgment unit 420 may judge whether or not a predetermined association has been made between the viewing user and the distributor user when the viewing user's action on a video satisfies a specific condition.

[0064] The specific condition may be, for example, a condition that indicates that the viewing user has an interest in the distribution user, based on the action of the viewing user on the video. As an example, if the action is to watch a video, the specific condition may be that the viewing time exceeds a predetermined time.

[0065] When the judgment unit 420 judges that the action of the viewing user on the video satisfies certain conditions, the display unit 430 causes the viewing user's information processing terminal to display a screen requesting input as to whether or not to make a specified association with the distribution user.

[0066] The screen requesting input as to whether or not to make a specified association with the broadcasting user can be screen 800, as shown in FIG. 8, which includes a follow button 810 for following the broadcasting user, and a close button 820 for closing the screen without following or after following.

[0067] When the viewing user selects the follow button 810 for following, the follow button 810 changes to a following button 830 indicating a following state as shown in FIG.

[0068] When the viewing user selects the close button 820, the screen transitions to the top screen 600 of the video distribution platform shown in FIG.

[0069] When storage section 440 receives an input from the viewing user to make a predetermined association, it associates the viewing user with the broadcast user and stores them.

[0070] According to the above configuration, it is possible to provide a technical improvement that solves or alleviates at least a part of the problems of the conventional technology described above. Furthermore, according to the above configuration, it is possible to appropriately connect distribution users and viewing users.

[0071] Furthermore, according to the above configuration, a screen is displayed on the information processing terminal of the viewing user requesting input as to whether or not to perform a predetermined association with the distribution user only when an action on a video satisfies a specific condition. Therefore, the above screen is not displayed to viewing users whose actions on a video do not satisfy the specific condition.

[0072] The act of taking an action on this video can be used as an indicator of the viewing user's degree of interest in the distributor and the video.

[0073] Therefore, displaying a screen for following the broadcast user only to users with a high level of interest, and not displaying said screen to users with a low level of interest, is effective in appropriately connecting the broadcast user and the viewing user.

[0074] Furthermore, the determining unit 420 can make the above determination when a request to end viewing of a video is received from a viewing user.

[0075] The view end request can be transmitted by pressing the view end button 790 shown in FIG.

[0076] According to this configuration, a viewing user who, despite having taken an action on a video, attempts to end viewing midway through the video without waiting for the video distribution to end can be effectively encouraged to consider following the distributor. Since such a viewing user is often someone who simply forgot to follow the video during distribution, it becomes possible to effectively connect with the distributor.

[0077] When the action on the video is the viewing of the video by the viewing user, the determination unit 420 can determine whether the viewing has exceeded a predetermined time.

[0078] The predetermined time can be, for example, about 15 minutes, but is not limited to this time.

[0079] According to this configuration, viewing users who are determined to be interested in the broadcast user can effectively consider following the broadcast user.

[0080] In addition, the above-mentioned specified time may be determined by estimating the viewing time that the viewing user is likely to be interested in based on the viewing user's past viewing time, and setting this estimated viewing time as the above-mentioned specified time for each viewing user.

[0081] When the action on the video is a comment posted by the viewing user to the video, the determination unit 420 can determine whether or not the comment has been posted more than a predetermined number of times.

[0082] The predetermined number of times can be, for example, once, but is not limited to this number of times.

[0083] According to this configuration, viewing users who are determined to be interested in the broadcast user can effectively consider following the broadcast user.

[0084] The number of times the comment is posted may be the number of times a specific word is included in the comment. This is because comments that include specific words (e.g., "cute," "like," etc.) can be assumed to be comments that the distribution user is interested in. Such detection of specific words can be achieved by a detection unit included in the video distribution system of the present invention.

[0085] When the action on the video is a rating posted by the viewing user on the video, the determination unit 420 can determine whether the rating has been posted more than a predetermined number of times.

[0086] A rating post is posted by pressing the like button 740 shown in FIG. 6, and indicates a favorable evaluation given to a video by a viewing user.

[0087] The predetermined number of times can be, for example, once, but is not limited to this number of times.

[0088] According to this configuration, viewing users who are determined to be interested in the broadcast user can effectively consider following the broadcast user.

[0089] In addition, the above-mentioned specified number of times may be determined by estimating the number of times that the viewing user can be assumed to be interested in the distribution user based on the number of past evaluation posts made by the viewing user, and setting this estimated number of times as the above-mentioned specified number for each viewing user.

[0090] When the action on the video is a gifting to the video by the viewing user, the determination unit 420 can determine whether the gifting has exceeded a predetermined number of times.

[0091] The predetermined number of times can be, for example, once, but is not limited to this number of times.

[0092] According to this configuration, viewing users who are determined to be interested in the broadcast user can effectively consider following the broadcast user.

[0093] When the action on the video is a gifting to the video by the viewing user, the determination unit 420 can determine whether the gifting exceeds a predetermined amount.

[0094] Here, the types of gifts that can be given through the gifting will be explained.

[0095] In a video distributed according to an embodiment of the present invention, the gifts that a viewing user can give include free gifts and paid gifts.

[0096] A paid gift is a gift that can be purchased with coins (C), for example, one coin can be purchased for 1 yen.

[0097] Free gifts are gifts that can be exchanged for points (PT), and these points are awarded, for example, when downloading a dedicated application, logging in, watching a video, or at an event.

[0098] In addition, the points given when watching a video may be a predetermined number of points given on the condition that the user continues watching a video for a predetermined time or more. For example, 10 points may be given when a video is watched for 60 seconds or more. Furthermore, these points may be given up to 10 times in a day, i.e. up to 1000 points.

[0099] The predetermined amount here may be the total value of either the coins or the points, or may be the total value of both.

[0100] Also, in cases where points are considered to be scarcer than coins, the predetermined amount of coins may be set higher than the predetermined amount of points.

[0101] If the determination unit 420 determines that at least one of these specific conditions is satisfied, the display unit 430 can be made to display the above screen.

[0102] The determination unit 420 further determines whether the distribution of the video has exceeded a predetermined time, and the display unit 430 can display a screen for following when the determination unit 420 determines that the distribution of the video has exceeded the predetermined time and that the action of the viewing user on the video satisfies a specific condition. Alternatively, the specific condition may be configured by combining these conditions.

[0103] The predetermined time period can be, for example, 10 minutes, but is not limited to this.

[0104] In this way, in the case of a video with an extremely short distribution time, the above screen is not displayed even if, for example, the action of the viewing user on the video satisfies a specific condition.

[0105] With this configuration, it is possible to prevent viewing users from being induced to follow distributors who distribute low-quality videos.

[0106] Next, a case will be described in which distribution unit 410 distributes one video including animations of character objects of two or more distributor users to an information processing terminal of a viewing user.

[0107] A video including animations of character objects of two or more broadcast users means a video in which a character object of one broadcast user and a character object of another broadcast user appear together in the same video (hereinafter referred to as a "co-starring video"), as shown in FIG. 10.

[0108] FIG. 10 is an example of a screen displaying a moving image of character object A and character object B appearing together.

[0109] At this time, if there is no specified association between the viewing user and at least one of the two or more distribution users, the judgment unit 420 judges whether or not the action of the viewing user on the video satisfies a specific condition.

[0110] Then, when the judgment unit 420 judges that the viewing user's action on the video satisfies certain conditions, the display unit 430 causes the viewing user's information processing terminal to display a screen requesting input as to whether or not to make a specified association with a distribution user with whom a specified association has not been made.

[0111] According to the above configuration, an appropriate follow prompting screen can be displayed even in the case of a co-starring video.

[0112] In addition, when there are two or more distribution users with whom a specified association has not been made, the judgment unit 420 can judge whether or not an action of the viewing user on a video satisfies a specific condition, based on which distribution user the action of the viewing user on a video is associated with.

[0113] That is, a viewing user can associate an action on a video with one of the broadcasting users. Specifically, when the action is gifting, the viewing user can designate the broadcasting user to whom the gift is to be given and perform the gifting.

[0114] Then, when the judgment unit 420 judges that the action of the viewing user on the video satisfies a specific condition, the display unit 430 can preferentially display on the information processing terminal of the viewing user a screen requesting input as to whether or not to make a specified association with the distribution user to which the action is corresponding.

[0115] To give priority to displaying means, for example, displaying the screen of the broadcast user with whom the action is associated first, or, even if they are displayed simultaneously, making them stand out by changing the display mode.

[0116] Also, when actions are associated with both, the weights of the associated actions are compared to determine which broadcast user should be given priority. This weight can be determined, for example, based on the degree of satisfaction of a specific condition.

[0117] Next, an example of an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0118] The information processing method of the present invention is an information processing method in a video distribution system that distributes videos including animations of character objects generated based on the movements of a distribution user, as shown in FIG. 11, and causes one or more computer processors to execute a distribution step S110, a judgment step S120, a display step S130, and a storage step S140.

[0119] In the distribution step S110, a video including animation of the distributor user's character object is distributed to the information processing terminal of the viewing user. This distribution step S110 can be executed by the distribution unit 410 described above.

[0120] In the judgment step S120, when a predetermined association is not made between the viewing user and the distribution user, it is judged whether or not the action of the viewing user on the video satisfies a specific condition. Such judgment step S120 can be executed by the judgment unit 420 described above.

[0121] In the display step S130, when it is determined in the determination step that the action of the viewing user on the video satisfies a specific condition, a screen is displayed on the information processing terminal of the viewing user requesting input as to whether or not to perform a predetermined association with the broadcasting user. Such a display step S130 can be executed by the display unit 430 described above.

[0122] In the storage step S140, when an input to perform a predetermined association is received from the viewing user, the viewing user is associated with the distribution user and stored. Such storage step S140 can be executed by the storage unit 440 described above.

[0123] According to the above configuration, it is possible to provide a technical improvement that solves or alleviates at least a part of the problems of the conventional technology described above. Furthermore, according to the above configuration, it is possible to appropriately connect distribution users and viewing users.

[0124] Finally, the computer program of the present invention will be described.

[0125] The computer program of the present invention is a computer program for distributing moving images including animation of a character object generated based on the movements of a broadcasting user, and causes one or more computer processors to execute a distribution function, a judgment function, a display function, and a storage function.

[0126] The distribution function distributes moving images including animations of the distributor user's character objects to the information processing terminals of the viewing users.

[0127] The determination function, when a predetermined association is not made between a viewing user and a distribution user, determines whether or not an action of the viewing user on a video satisfies a specific condition.

[0128] When the judgment function determines that a viewing user's action on a video satisfies certain conditions, the display function causes the viewing user's information processing terminal to display a screen requesting input as to whether or not to make a specified association with the distribution user.

[0129] The storage function, when receiving an input from a viewing user to make a predetermined association, stores the distribution user and the viewing user in association with each other.

[0130] The above-mentioned distribution function, judgment function, display function, and storage function can be realized by the distribution circuit 1410, judgment circuit 1420, display circuit 1430, and storage circuit 1440 shown in Fig. 12. The distribution circuit 1410, judgment circuit 1420, display circuit 1430, and storage circuit 1440 are realized by the above-mentioned distribution unit 410, judgment unit 420, display unit 430, and storage unit 440, respectively. Details of each unit are as described above.

[0131] According to the above configuration, it is possible to provide a technical improvement that solves or alleviates at least a part of the problems of the conventional technology described above. Furthermore, according to the above configuration, it is possible to appropriately connect distribution users and viewing users.

[0132] In addition, an information processing device such as a computer or a mobile phone can be suitably used to function as the server device or terminal device according to the above-described embodiment. Such an information processing device can be realized by storing a program describing the processing contents for realizing each function of the server device or terminal device according to the embodiment in a storage unit of the information processing device, and reading and executing the program by a CPU of the information processing device.

[0133] Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples 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 modifications are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims.

[0134] The method described in the embodiment can be stored as a program that can be executed by a calculator (computer) on a recording medium such as a magnetic disk (floppy disk, hard disk, etc.), an optical disk (CD-ROM, DVD, MO, etc.), or a semiconductor memory (ROM, RAM, flash memory, etc.), and can also be distributed by transmitting it via a communication medium. The program stored on the medium side also includes a setting program that configures software means (including not only execution programs but also tables and data structures) that the computer executes. The computer that realizes this device reads the program recorded on the recording medium, and in some cases, configures the software means by the setting program, and executes the above-mentioned processing by controlling the operation of the software means. The recording medium referred to in this specification is not limited to a storage medium for distribution, but also includes a storage medium such as a magnetic disk or semiconductor memory provided inside the computer or in a device connected via a network. The storage unit may function as, for example, a main storage device, an auxiliary storage device, or a cache memory. [Note] The claims of the parent application as originally filed are set forth below. [1] A video distribution system that distributes videos including animations of character objects generated based on the movements of a broadcast user, comprising one or more computer processors, the one or more computer processors: a distribution unit that distributes a video including an animation of the character object of the distribution user to an information processing terminal of a viewing user; a determination unit that, when a predetermined association is not made between the viewing user and the distribution user, determines whether or not an action of the viewing user on the video satisfies a specific condition; a display unit that, when the determination unit determines that the action of the viewing user on the video satisfies a specific condition, displays on an information processing terminal of the viewing user a screen requesting input as to whether or not to make the predetermined association with the distributor user; a storage unit that, when receiving an input from the viewing user to perform the predetermined association, associates the viewing user with the distribution user and stores the associated user; A video distribution system comprising: [2] The video distribution system according to [1] above, wherein the judgment unit makes the judgment when a request to end viewing of the video is received from the viewing user. [3] The video distribution system described in [1] or [2] above, wherein the judgment unit judges whether the action, that is, the viewing of the video by the viewing user, has exceeded a predetermined time. [4] The video distribution system described in any one of [1] to [3] above, wherein the judgment unit judges whether the action, i.e., the viewing user's posting of a comment on the video, has exceeded a predetermined number of times. [5] The video distribution system described in any one of [1] to [4] above, wherein the judgment unit judges whether the action, i.e., the viewing user's posting of a rating for the video, has exceeded a predetermined number of times. [6] The video distribution system described in any one of [1] to [5] above, wherein the judgment unit judges whether the action, that is, gifting of the video by the viewing user, has exceeded a predetermined number of times. [7] The video distribution system described in any one of [1] to [6] above, wherein the judgment unit judges whether the action, that is, gifting of the video by the viewing user, exceeds a predetermined amount. [8] The determination unit further determines whether the distribution of the video has exceeded a predetermined time; The display unit is The video distribution system described in any one of [1] to [7] above, characterized in that the screen is displayed when the judgment unit determines that the distribution of the video has exceeded a predetermined time and that the viewing user's action on the video satisfies certain conditions. [9] In the case where the distribution unit distributes a video including animations of character objects of two or more distribution users to an information processing terminal of a viewing user, the determination unit, when a predetermined association is not made between the viewing user and at least one of the two or more distribution users, determines whether or not an action of the viewing user on the video satisfies a specific condition; The video distribution system described in any one of [1] to [8] above, characterized in that when the judgment unit judges that the viewing user's action on the video satisfies a specific condition, the display unit displays a screen on the viewing user's information processing terminal requesting input as to whether or not to make the specified association with a distribution user with whom the specified association has not been made.

[10] When there are two or more distribution users to whom the predetermined association has not been made, the determination unit determines whether or not an action of the viewing user on the video satisfies a specific condition based on which distribution user the action of the viewing user on the video is associated with; The video distribution system described in [9] above, characterized in that when the judgment unit judges that the viewing user's action on the video satisfies certain conditions, the display unit preferentially displays a screen on the viewing user's information processing terminal requesting input as to whether or not to make the specified association with the distribution user to which the action corresponds.

[11] An information processing method in a video distribution system that distributes videos including animations of character objects generated based on a distributor user's movements, comprising: a distribution step of distributing a video including an animation of the character object of the distributor user to an information processing terminal of a viewing user; a determination step of determining whether or not an action of the viewing user on the video satisfies a specific condition when a predetermined association has not been made between the viewing user and the distribution user; a display step of displaying, when it is determined in the determination step that the action of the viewing user on the video satisfies a specific condition, a screen requesting an input as to whether or not to perform the predetermined association with the distributor user on an information processing terminal of the viewing user; a storage step of associating the viewing user with the distribution user and storing the associated viewing user when an input to perform the predetermined association is received from the viewing user; An information processing method for executing the above.

[12] A computer program for distributing video including animation of a character object generated based on a distributor user's movements, comprising: a distribution function for distributing a video including an animation of the character object of the distribution user to an information processing terminal of a viewing user; a determination function for determining whether or not an action of the viewing user on the video satisfies a specific condition when a predetermined association is not made between the viewing user and the distribution user; a display function that, when it is determined by the determination function that the action of the viewing user on the video satisfies a specific condition, displays a screen on the information processing terminal of the viewing user requesting input as to whether or not to make the predetermined association with the distribution user; a storage function for storing the delivery user in association with the viewing user when receiving an input from the viewing user to perform the predetermined association; A computer program that achieves this. [Explanation of symbols]

[0135] 100 Video distribution system 200 Viewing user terminal 300 Network 400 Information processing device 600 screens 610 Distribution Channel 620 Display field 630 Distribution button 700 screens 710 Follow button 720 Comments 730 Gift Button 740 Like button 750 screens 760 Following button 770 Share Button 780 Screenshot Button 790 End viewing button 800 screens 810 Follow button 820 Close button 830 Followed button 900 screens

Claims

1. A video distribution system including one or more computer processors, the one or more computer processors: a distribution unit that distributes information for displaying videos including animations of character objects of two or more distribution users in a viewable manner on an information processing terminal of a viewing user to the information processing terminal of the viewing user; A first determination unit that determines whether or not an action of the viewing user on the video satisfies a specific condition; a display unit that displays, on an information processing terminal of the viewing user, a screen requesting an input as to whether or not to make the specified association with at least one distributor user with whom the specified association is not made, when the first determination unit has determined that an action of the viewing user on the video satisfies a specific condition and a specified association has not been made between the viewing user and at least one distributor user of the two or more distributor users; a storage unit that, when receiving an input from the viewing user to perform the specified association, associates the viewing user with at least one distribution user with whom the specified association has not been performed, and stores the association; A video distribution system comprising:

2. The one or more computer processors further include: a second determination unit that, when it is determined by the first determination unit that an action of the viewing user on the video satisfies a specific condition, determines whether or not a predetermined association is made between the viewing user and at least one of the two or more distribution users; The video distribution system of claim 1, characterized in that, when the first judgment unit judges that the viewing user's action on the video satisfies a specific condition and the second judgment unit judges that a specified association has not been made between the viewing user and at least one of the two or more distribution users, the display unit displays a screen on the viewing user's information processing terminal requesting input as to whether or not to make the specified association with the at least one distribution user with which the specified association has not been made.

3. 2. The video distribution system according to claim 1, wherein the distribution unit terminates distribution of the information when an input indicating that the predetermined association is not to be made is received from the viewing user.

4. The video distribution system according to claim 1 , wherein the first determination unit makes the determination when a request to end viewing of the video is received from the viewing user.

5. The video distribution system according to claim 2 , wherein the second determination unit makes the determination when a request to end viewing of the video is received from the viewing user.

6. The video distribution system according to claim 1 , wherein the first determination unit determines whether or not the action, that is, the viewing of the video by the viewing user, has exceeded a predetermined time.

7. The video distribution system according to claim 1 , wherein the first determination unit determines whether the action, that is, the posting of a comment by the viewing user to the video, has exceeded a predetermined number of times.

8. The video distribution system according to claim 1 , wherein the first determination unit determines whether the action, that is, the number of reviews posted by the viewing user on the video, exceeds a predetermined number.

9. The video distribution system according to claim 1 , wherein the first determination unit determines whether the action, that is, gifting of the video by the viewing user, exceeds a predetermined number of times.

10. The video distribution system according to claim 1 , wherein the first determination unit determines whether the action, that is, gifting of the video by the viewing user, exceeds a predetermined amount.

11. The action is the viewing of the video by the viewing user, The specific condition is that the viewing time of the video by the viewing user exceeds a first predetermined time, The first determination unit further determines whether or not the distribution of the video has exceeded a second predetermined time; The video distribution system of claim 1, characterized in that the display unit displays the screen when the first judgment unit determines that the distribution of the video has exceeded a second specified time and that the viewing user's action on the video satisfies a specific condition.

12. 12. The video distribution system according to claim 11, wherein the first predetermined time is a time estimated based on a past viewing time of the viewing user.

13. The action is the viewing of the video by the viewing user, The specific condition is that the viewing time of the video by the viewing user exceeds a first predetermined time, 2. The video distribution system according to claim 1, wherein the first predetermined time is a time estimated based on a past viewing time of the viewing user.

14. In a case where the distribution unit distributes information for displaying one video including animations of character objects of two or more distribution users in a viewable manner on the information processing terminal of the viewing user to the information processing terminal of the viewing user, The second determination unit determines whether or not a predetermined association is made between the viewing user and at least one of the two or more distribution users, The video distribution system described in claim 2, characterized in that when the second judgment unit determines that a specified association has not been made between the viewing user and at least one of the two or more distribution users, the display unit displays a screen on the information processing terminal of the viewing user requesting input as to whether or not to make the specified association with a distribution user with whom the specified association has not been made.

15. The video distribution system according to claim 1, characterized in that, when there are two or more distribution users to whom the specified association has not been made, the first judgment unit judges whether or not the action of the viewing user on the video satisfies a specific condition based on which distribution user the action of the viewing user on the video is associated with.

16. The video distribution system of claim 2, characterized in that when the first judgment unit judges that the action of the viewing user on the video satisfies a specific condition, the display unit preferentially displays a screen on the information processing terminal of the viewing user requesting input as to whether or not to make the specified association with the distribution user to which the action corresponds.

17. one or more computer processors, a distribution step of distributing information for displaying moving images including animations of character objects of two or more distributor users in a viewable manner on the information processing terminal of the viewing user to the information processing terminal of the viewing user; A first determination step of determining whether or not the action of the viewing user on the video satisfies a specific condition; a display step of displaying, on an information processing terminal of the viewing user, a screen for requesting an input as to whether or not to make the predetermined association with at least one distribution user with which the predetermined association has not been made, when it is determined in the first judgment step that the action of the viewing user on the video satisfies a specific condition and a predetermined association has not been made between the viewing user and at least one distribution user of the two or more distribution users; a storage step of associating the viewing user with at least one distribution user with which the predetermined association has not been made and storing the associated viewing user when an input to make the predetermined association is received from the viewing user; An information processing method for executing the above.

18. one or more computer processors, a distribution function for distributing information for displaying videos including animations of character objects of two or more distribution users in a viewable manner on an information processing terminal of a viewing user to the information processing terminal of the viewing user; A first determination function that determines whether the action of the viewing user on the video satisfies a specific condition; a display function that, when it is determined by the first determination function that an action of the viewing user on the video satisfies a specific condition and a predetermined association has not been made between the viewing user and at least one of the two or more distribution users, displays a screen on the information processing terminal of the viewing user requesting an input as to whether or not to make the predetermined association with at least one distribution user with which the predetermined association has not been made; a storage function for storing, when receiving an input from the viewing user to make the predetermined association, the viewing user in association with at least one distribution user with whom the predetermined association has not been made; A computer program that achieves this.

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