Computer system and content viewing system

Abstract

To provide a technique of a novel viewer action differing from a conventional viewer action.SOLUTION: A server system 1100 simultaneously distributes given entertainment content to each viewer's viewer terminal 1500, and performs control for showing each individual action display body corresponding to a viewer's action on the viewer terminal 1500 when receiving individual viewer action from the viewer. The server system 1100 accumulates and stores information on a cooperation viewer action when receiving the cooperation viewer action from a viewer, and performs control for displaying a cooperation action display body 7 on a viewer terminal when a given invocation condition is satisfied.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a computer system or the like that performs control for displaying an action display body corresponding to a viewer action on a viewer terminal. [Background technology]

[0002] Content viewing systems that provide multiple viewers with a given content streamed simultaneously through their terminals are popular. So-called video distribution services fall into this category. The content provided is diverse, including not only pre-created videos, but also live broadcasts of musical performances, singing, acting, street performances, and gameplay. Viewers use their terminals, such as smartphones and computers, to watch videos and live broadcasts online.

[0003] Among content viewing systems, viewer participation systems that have mechanisms for accepting viewer actions while viewing are particularly popular. Examples of viewer actions include posting text comments, inputting content ratings, and tipping (a function that allows viewers to send money to the distributor (content provider) as a token of appreciation or support).

[0004] The handling of viewer actions is one of the major attractions of the content viewing system. There are several conventional techniques for handling viewer actions (see, for example, Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-32180 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2020-89716 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] Conventionally, viewer actions have been carried out by individual viewers.

[0007] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a novel viewer action technology that differs from conventional viewer actions. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A first invention for solving the above-mentioned problems is a computer system that receives viewer actions from each viewer at each viewer terminal to which given entertainment content (hereinafter referred to as "content") is distributed, and controls the display of an action display body corresponding to the viewer action on the viewer terminal, comprising: individual reception control means for receiving individual viewer actions from viewers (e.g., the control board 1150 in FIG. 1, the server processing unit 200s in FIG. 10, the content viewing management unit 210, the individual reception control unit 222 in FIG. 11, the individual viewer action reception data 662 in FIG. 15, and step S76 in FIG. 17); an individual display object control means (e.g., the control board 1150 in FIG. 1, the server processing unit 200s in FIG. 10, the content viewing management unit 210, the individual display object control unit 224 in FIG. 11, step S78 in FIG. 17) for controlling the display of individual action display objects corresponding to the individual viewer actions received by the individual reception control means on the viewer terminal; cooperation reception control means for receiving cooperative viewer actions from viewers (e.g., the control board 1150 in FIG. 1, the server processing unit 200s in FIG. 10, the content viewing management unit 210, the cooperation reception control unit 232 in FIG. 11, the cooperative action event management data 664 in FIG. 15, the cooperative viewer action reception data 666, and step S96 in FIG. 17); The computer system includes a cooperative display object control means (e.g., control board 1150 in Figure 1, server processing unit 200s in Figure 10, content viewing management unit 210 in Figure 11, cooperative display object control unit 240 in Figure 11, step S130 in Figure 18) that accumulates and stores information about the cooperative viewer actions accepted by the cooperation acceptance control means, and controls the display of the cooperative action display object on the viewer terminal when given activation conditions are met.

[0009] The "computer system" referred to here may refer to a single computer or may be realized by multiple computers working together. "Content" includes entertainment such as gameplay (including e-sports), singing, musical instruments, acting, dancing, privately filmed videos, demonstrations of sports skills, accounts of experiences at campsites and tourist spots, etc. Of course, it also includes videos with themes such as news, education, enlightenment, and sharing of knowledge.

[0010] A second invention is the computer system of the first invention, wherein the cooperative viewer action is a viewer action of approval for a given cooperative action event initiated by a given specific viewer.

[0011] According to the first or second aspect of the present invention, the computer system can receive individual viewer actions from the viewer and display individual action display bodies corresponding to the individual viewer actions on the viewer terminal. In other words, it is possible to realize viewer actions for individuals similar to those of the conventional art.

[0012] In addition, the computer system of the first or second invention can receive cooperative viewer actions from viewers, store and store the information, and perform control to display a cooperative action display object on the viewer terminal when a given activation condition is met. In other words, information related to viewing actions from multiple viewers is stored, and when an activation condition is met, a cooperative action display object different from an individual viewer action can be displayed on the viewer terminal in parallel with the content being distributed.

[0013] By having multiple viewers cooperate with each other, interest in viewer actions increases and a sense of unity can be fostered among the viewers. Thus, a novel viewer action technology can be realized that can increase the appeal of the content viewing system.

[0014] The third aspect of the invention includes a specific viewer selection means (e.g., the control board 1150 in FIG. 1, the server processing unit 200s in FIG. 10, the content viewing management unit 210, the specific viewer selection unit 216 in FIG. 11, the specific viewer account list 658 in FIG. 15, and step S14 in FIG. 17) for selecting the specific viewer from among the viewers; The computer system of the second invention further includes an execution start control means (e.g., control board 1150 in FIG. 1, server processing unit 200s in FIG. 10, content viewing management unit 210 in FIG. 11, execution start control unit 228 in FIG. 11, step S98 in FIG. 17) for controlling the start of execution of the cooperative action event based on a request to execute the cooperative action event from the specific viewer, and the cooperation acceptance control means accepts the cooperative viewer action during the execution of the cooperative action event.

[0015] According to the third aspect of the present invention, the computer system can select a specific viewer who has a special authority to make a request for the execution of a cooperative action event.

[0016] A fourth invention is the computer system of the third invention, wherein the specific viewer selection means selects the specific viewer based on a history of acceptance of the individual viewer action or a history of acceptance of the cooperative viewer action.

[0017] According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the computer system can realize the selection of a particular viewer, for example, taking into consideration the aggressiveness of individual viewer actions.

[0018] A fifth invention is the computer system according to either the third or fourth invention, wherein the specific viewer selection means selects the specific viewer based on viewer information of each viewer.

[0019] "Viewer information" includes, for example, gender, age, place of residence, occupation, etc. Of course, other personal information may also be included as appropriate. According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the computer system can select specific viewers without bias in terms of, for example, age or sex.

[0020] A sixth invention is a computer system of the fifth invention, wherein the viewer information includes interest information of the viewer that has been pre-registered for the content of the content, and the specific viewer selection means selects the specific viewer based on the interest information of each viewer.

[0021] "Interest information" is information about the subject in which the viewer is interested. For example, if the content is a live singing video of an idol group, information indicating which member of the idol group the viewer is more interested in, in other words, which member the viewer prefers to support over others, corresponds to this. Also, if the content is a live distribution of gameplay, information such as which player or character appearing in the game the viewer is interested in corresponds to this. Also corresponds to the degree of interest by content category inferred from the viewing history of past content.

[0022] According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the computer system can select specific viewers based on interest information related to the content. Therefore, by selecting people who are highly interested in the content as specific viewers, more appropriate people can be selected as specific viewers. In addition, if the content is a live singing video of an idol group, by selecting the specific viewers so that the number of specific viewers is approximately the same for each group member, it is possible to prevent the target of cooperative viewer action from being biased toward a specific member.

[0023] A seventh invention is the computer system according to any one of the third to sixth inventions, wherein the specific viewer selection means selects the specific viewer by lottery from among the viewers.

[0024] According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, chance can be utilized in the selection of a particular viewer, thereby providing diversity.

[0025] An eighth invention is a computer system of any of the third to seventh inventions, further comprising an activation condition setting means (e.g., the control board 1150 in FIG. 1, the server processing unit 200s in FIG. 10, the content viewing management unit 210, the activation condition setting unit 226 in FIG. 11, the cooperative action event management data 664 in FIG. 15, steps S90 to S96 in FIG. 17) for setting the activation condition based on the setting operation of the specific viewer.

[0026] According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, a specific viewer has the authority to decide under what circumstances a cooperative action event will be triggered. This allows various arrangements of cooperative action events within the range of trigger conditions, thereby increasing diversity.

[0027] A ninth invention is a computer system of any of the third to eighth inventions, further comprising a cancellation control means (e.g., the control board 1150 in FIG. 1, the server processing unit 200s in FIG. 10, the content viewing management unit 210, the cancellation control unit 236 in FIG. 11, steps S184 to S192 in FIG. 19) that cancels the cooperative action event in response to a cancellation request from the specific viewer after the cooperative action event has started to be executed.

[0028] According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, a specific viewer can obtain the authority to cancel a cooperative action event. For example, if the number of other viewers responding to the cooperative viewer action is far less than expected, the specific viewer can cancel the cooperative action event.

[0029] A tenth invention is a computer system of any of the third to ninth inventions, further comprising an event introduction notification control means (e.g., the control board 1150 of Figure 1, the server processing unit 200s of Figure 10, the content viewing management unit 210 of Figure 11, the event introduction notification control unit 230 of Figure 18, step S100 of Figure 18) that notifies the viewer terminal of introduction information of the cooperative action event, including identification information of the specific viewer related to the cooperative action event.

[0030] The "identification information of a particular viewer" corresponds to, for example, an account (account name, user name) unique to the viewer.

[0031] According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, the viewer can know the identification information of a specific viewer in a cooperative action event. This can encourage the viewer to make a decision such as "If this is a cooperative action event called for by (account name), I will definitely participate," and can be expected to have the effect of encouraging active participation in cooperative viewer actions.

[0032] An eleventh invention is a computer system of any of the third to tenth inventions, further comprising a display mode setting means (e.g., the control board 1150 in FIG. 1, the server processing unit 200s in FIG. 10, the content viewing management unit 210, the display mode setting unit 242 in FIG. 11, the cooperative action display body definition data 520 in FIG. 13, step S162 in FIG. 21) for setting the display mode of the cooperative action display body based on the setting operation of the specific viewer.

[0033] According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, a specific viewer can be involved in determining the display mode of the cooperative action display object.

[0034] A twelfth invention is the computer system of any one of the first to tenth inventions, wherein the cooperative display object control means displays the cooperative action display object in a display mode different from that of the individual action display object.

[0035] According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, the computer system can bring variety to viewer actions by differentiating the display manner of cooperative viewer actions between individual action display objects and cooperative action display objects, thereby making content viewing more interesting.

[0036] A 13th invention is a computer system of any of the 1st to 11th inventions, wherein the cooperative display object control means changes the display mode of the cooperative action display object based on the accumulated and stored information of the cooperative viewer action.

[0037] According to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the computer system can change the display mode of a cooperative action display body related to a cooperative action event depending on how many viewers support and participate in the event, thereby realizing a novel viewer action technology that can bring diversity to cooperative action events and increase the interest of content viewing.

[0038] The 14th invention is a computer system of any of the 1st to 13th inventions, further comprising a cooperation reception status notification control means (e.g., the reception status notification display 14 of Figure 6, the cooperation reception status notification control unit 234 of Figure 11, steps S116 to S118 of Figure 18) for notifying the viewer terminal of the reception status, wherein the activation conditions include a condition based on the reception status of the cooperative viewer action by the cooperation reception control means and a condition related to a deadline, and a display object forcible control means (e.g., the control board 1150 of Figure 1, the server processing unit 200s of Figure 10, the content viewing management unit 210, the display object forcible control unit 244 of Figure 11, the alternative display object data 529 of Figure 13, step S260 of Figure 19) for controlling the viewer terminal to display a display object other than the cooperation action display object if the conditions based on the reception status are not met by the deadline.

[0039] According to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, the computer system can notify the viewer of the acceptance status of the cooperative viewer action by notifying the viewer terminal. If the acceptance status of the activation condition is not met within the time limit, the computer system can display a display object different from the cooperation action display object that would be displayed if the cooperation condition was met. The display object can clearly show whether the cooperation was successful or not.

[0040] The 15th invention is a computer system of any of the 1st to 114th inventions, further comprising a point awarding means for awarding points to the viewer according to the viewer action, and for awarding more points per viewer action for the cooperative viewer action than for the individual viewer action (e.g., the control board 1150 of Figure 1, the server processing unit 200s of Figure 10, the content viewing management unit 210 of Figure 11, the point awarding unit 250 of Figure 19).

[0041] In addition, the 16th invention is a computer system described in any one of claims 1 to 15, further comprising a bonus granting means (e.g., the control board 1150 of Figure 1, the server processing unit 200s of Figure 10, the content viewing management unit 210, the bonus granting unit 252 of Figure 11, step S278 of Figure 19) that grants a bonus corresponding to the viewer action to the creator or rights holder of the content (hereinafter collectively referred to as the "creator"), and sets a bonus granting rate corresponding to the individual viewer action and a bonus granting rate corresponding to the cooperative viewer action to different granting rates.

[0042] According to the fifteenth or sixteenth aspect of the present invention, the computer system can invite viewers to give priority to cooperative viewer actions over individual viewer actions.

[0043] A seventeenth aspect of the present invention is a content viewing system including the computer system according to any one of the first to sixteenth aspects (for example, the server system 1100 in FIG. 1) and the viewer terminal.

[0044] According to the seventeenth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to realize a content viewing system that can achieve the same effects as any one of the first to sixteenth aspects of the present invention. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0045] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a content viewing system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 4 is a front view showing a configuration example of a user terminal. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an example of content distribution and an example of viewer actions. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining cooperative viewer actions. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining an introduction of a cooperative action event for which event execution has been requested. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining notification of the acceptance status of a cooperative action event. [Figure 7] 11 is a diagram for explaining the initiation of a cooperative action event when an initiation condition is satisfied. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining how to deal with a cooperative action event that is determined to be unsuccessful. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the awarding of points and benefits in response to the execution of a viewer action. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the server system. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of functional units included in a content viewing management unit. [Figure 12] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing examples of programs and data stored in a server storage unit. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of cooperative action display body definition data. [Figure 14] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a data configuration of user management data. [Figure 15] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of distribution management data. [Figure 16] FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a user terminal. [Figure 17] 4 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of processing executed by a server system and a viewer terminal for content viewing. [Figure 18] Flowchart continuing from Figure 17. [Figure 19] Flowchart continuing from Figure 18. [Figure 20] 11 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of a specific viewer selection process. [Figure 21] 11 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of processing in the server system and the viewer terminal relating to activation procedure processing. [Figure 22] 11 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of processing in the server system and the viewer terminal relating to a cancellation procedure process. [Figure 23] 11 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of processing in the server system and the viewer terminal relating to the transfer procedure processing. [Figure 24] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a modification of the content viewing management unit. [Diagram 25] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a data configuration of a modified example of individual action display object definition data. [Figure 26] A figure showing an example of the data configuration of performance display definition data. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0046] Hereinafter, examples of embodiments of the present invention will be described, but it goes without saying that the forms to which the present invention can be applied are not limited to the following embodiments.

[0047] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a content viewing system. The content viewing system 1000 is a system that realizes a service that provides a user 2 via a network 9 with an opportunity to receive entertainment content (hereinafter simply referred to as content) and an opportunity to view the content.

[0048] The "content" referred to here includes not only entertainment such as gameplay, singing, musical instruments, acting, dancing, privately filmed videos, demonstrations of sports skills, and accounts of experiences at campsites or tourist spots, but also content intended for news, education, enlightenment, knowledge sharing, etc.

[0049] The content viewing system 1000 includes a server system 1100 and a user terminal 1500, which are connected to each other via a network 9 so that data communication between them is possible. Although three user terminals 1500 are illustrated in Fig. 1, in actual system operation, many more user terminals 1500 can access the server system 1100 at the same time.

[0050] The network 9 refers to a communication path that allows data communication. In other words, the network 9 includes a dedicated line (dedicated cable) for direct connection, a LAN (Local Area Network) using Ethernet (registered trademark), etc., as well as a telephone communication network, a cable network, the Internet, and other communication networks, and the communication method may be either wired or wireless.

[0051] The server system 1100 is a computer system having, for example, a main device 1101, a keyboard 1106, a touch panel 1108, and a storage 1140, and a control board 1150 mounted on the main device 1101.

[0052] The control board 1150 is equipped with various microprocessors such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 1151, a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), and a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), various IC memories 1152 such as a VRAM, RAM, and ROM, and a communication device 1153. Note that a part or the whole of the control board 1150 may be realized by an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or an SoC (System on a Chip).

[0053] The server system 1100 realizes (1) a user management function for managing information related to user registration, etc., (2) a function for storing and managing data for realizing content distribution and delivering video content, and (3) a function related to viewer actions on the distributed content, by the control board 1150 performing calculations based on predetermined programs and data.

[0054] Of course, the server system 1100 may realize functions other than those described above. For example, when the content includes distribution of gameplay, the server system 1100 may realize a game management function that controls the online game so that it can be played on the user terminal 1500.

[0055] Although server system 1100 is depicted as if it were a single server device, it may be configured to be realized by multiple devices. For example, (2) the function related to content distribution and (3) the function related to viewer actions may be realized by separate server devices connected online. Also, for example, server system 1100 may be configured to include multiple blade servers each sharing each function, connected to each other via an internal bus so that data communication is possible. Furthermore, the location of the hardware constituting server system 1100 does not matter. It may be configured so that multiple independent servers installed in remote locations communicate data via network 9 to function as server system 1100 as a whole.

[0056] The user terminal 1500 is a computer system used by the user 2 who has completed the registration procedure to utilize the content viewing system 1000 of this embodiment, and is an electronic device (electronic device) that can access the server system 1100 via the network 9. That is, when the user 2 is a distributor 2h, the user terminal 1500 functions as a distributor terminal 1500h used for content distribution. When the user 2 is a viewer 2v, the user terminal 1500 functions as a viewer terminal 1500v for viewing the content distribution.

[0057] FIG. 2 is a front view showing an example of the configuration of the user terminal 1500. As shown in FIG. The user terminal 1500 includes a directional input key 1502, a button switch 1504, a touch panel 1506 that functions as an image display device and a touch position input device, an internal battery 1509, a speaker 1510, a microphone 1512, a camera 1520, a control board 1550, and a memory card reader 1542 that can read and write data from a memory card 1540 that is a computer-readable storage medium. In addition, a power button, a volume control button, and the like that are not shown are provided. In addition, an IC card reader that can read and write data contactlessly from an IC card type credit card or prepaid card that can be used to pay for the use of the content viewing system 1000 may be provided.

[0058] The control board 1550 is equipped with (1) a CPU 1551 and various microprocessors such as a GPU and DSP, (2) various IC memories 1552 such as VRAM, RAM, and ROM, (3) a wireless communication module 1553 for wireless communication with mobile phone base stations and wireless LAN base stations connected to the network 9, and (4) an interface circuit 1557.

[0059] The interface circuit 1557 includes (1) a driver circuit for the touch panel 1506, (2) a circuit for receiving signals from the directional input keys 1502 and the button switches 1504, (3) an output amplifier circuit for outputting an audio signal to the speaker 1510, (4) an input signal generation circuit for generating an audio signal collected by the microphone 1512, (5) a circuit for inputting image data of an image captured by the camera 1520, and (6) a signal input / output circuit for the memory card reader 1542.

[0060] These elements mounted on the control board 1550 are electrically connected via a bus circuit or the like, and are connected so as to be able to read and write data and send and receive signals. A part or all of the control board 1550 may be configured with an ASIC, FPGA, or SoC. The control board 1550 stores programs and various data for realizing the functions of a user terminal in an IC memory 1552.

[0061] In this embodiment, the user terminal 1500 is configured to download programs and various setting data from the server system 1100, but may be configured to read them from a storage medium such as a memory card 1540 obtained separately.

[0062] 1 and 2 is a device known as a smartphone, but may be a computer such as a wearable computer, such as a smart watch or smart glasses, a portable game device, a tablet computer, or a personal computer. In the case where a plurality of electronic devices are communicatively connected to perform one function, such as a combination of a smartphone and a smart watch communicatively connected to the smartphone, these plurality of electronic devices can be regarded as one user terminal 1500.

[0063] 3 is a diagram for explaining an example of content distribution and an example of viewer action. A distributor 2h is a user who wants to live distribute his / her singing and dancing and is a content provider. The distributor 2h can also be said to be a creator or right holder of the content.

[0064] The distributor terminal 1500h of the distributor 2h executes the distribution client program acquired from the server system 1100 and communicates with the server system 1100, thereby enabling live distribution of a video image captured by a camera 1520 with audio collected by a microphone 1512. An original screen W2 showing the details of the content to be distributed is displayed on the touch panel 1506 of the distributor terminal 1500h.

[0065] The server system 1100 functions as a computer system that provides video (image of the original screen W2) provided from the distributor terminal 1500h to the viewer terminal 1500v of the viewer 2v, that is, as a video distribution server that distributes content live.

[0066] The viewer terminal 1500v is a user terminal 1500 of a user who will become the viewer 2v, and accesses the server system 1100 by executing a viewing client program acquired from the server system 1100.

[0067] The server system 1100 provides a list of distributable contents to the viewer terminal 1500v. The viewer 2v operates the viewer terminal 1500v to select the content he / she wishes to view from the list, thereby becoming able to view the live distribution of that content.

[0068] The viewer 2v can perform a "viewer action" on the content being viewed. A "viewer action" is an alternative action to express that the content has touched the viewer's heart. Specifically, the viewer actions include (1) a "comment" in which the viewer 2v inputs his / her thoughts at the time in text or voice, (2) a "rating" in which the viewer 2v selects the rating of the content being viewed from a predetermined rating scale (e.g., good / bad, 5-point rating, etc.), and (3) a "tipping" in which the viewer sends money to the distributor 2h as support, appreciation, or gratitude. Of course, the viewer action may omit one or more of these, or may include other types of actions, such as a combination of multiple types. In the following explanation, for ease of understanding, the viewer 2v will be described as performing a "tipping" as a viewer action.

[0069] The example in FIG. 3 shows individual viewer actions that the viewer 2v (2a) individually executes at any timing. An individual viewer action is an action that the viewer 2v executes individually on the content itself. When the viewer terminal 1500v of the viewer 2v (2a) detects a predetermined operation to start setting an individual viewer action, it presents the types of individual viewer actions that can be executed to be selected, and prompts the user to input the setting of the specific content of the viewer action. In the example of FIG. 3, the type of individual viewer action is selected and set as "tipping." Setting "tipping" includes setting a specific amount to be sent (e.g., 100 yen), or selecting which "tipping item" purchased in advance online shopping to use (consume).

[0070] Once the setting is complete, the viewer terminal 1500v of viewer 2v (2a) sends to the server system 1100 a request for a specified individual viewer action, along with information about the viewer account (user account of viewer 2v), the type of individual viewer action, and the content of the viewer action.

[0071] The server system 1100 distributes reflection information to the viewer terminal 1500v for displaying an individual action display object 6 corresponding to the received individual viewer action request within the content viewing screen W4. When the viewer terminal 1500v of each viewer 2v receives the reflection information, it superimposes the individual action display object 6 on the original screen W2 of the content being distributed. Similarly, when the distributor terminal 1500h receives the reflection information, it superimposes the individual action display object 6 on the original screen W2, thereby displaying a screen similar to the viewer screen.

[0072] The individual action display 6 has a unique display mode according to the type of individual viewer action. In the example of FIG. 3, a coin is shown as a display corresponding to "tipping", and is displayed as if the coin was thrown into the screen. If the type of individual viewer action is "comment", an object displaying comment text is displayed as a display, flowing across the screen. If the type of individual viewer action is "rating", a mark indicating the degree of rating (e.g., a star mark, a thumbs-up mark) or the like is displayed as a display, or a display in the form of a simple increase in the value of a rating counter is displayed.

[0073] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the cooperative viewer action. A cooperative viewer action is a viewer action that cooperates and supports a multi-viewer participation event that is realized through the cooperation and collaboration of multiple viewers2v, and originates from a specific viewer initiating a cooperative action event. Therefore, a cooperative viewer action can be said to be an action that shows the intention to support the viewer action of a specific viewer.

[0074] The specific viewers are selected from the viewers 2v based on a given selection algorithm, or the content distributor 2h may arbitrarily designate them from the viewers 2v.

[0075] The server system 1100 transmits a signal to the viewer terminal 1500v of the viewer 2v selected as a specific viewer to notify the viewer that he / she has been selected as a specific viewer. Upon receiving this signal, the viewer terminal 1500v of the viewer 2v (2a) selected as a specific viewer displays a specific viewer notification display 10 on the content viewing screen W6 to notify the viewer 2v (2a) that he / she has been selected as a specific viewer, and notifies the viewer 2v (2a) that he / she has the authority to initiate a cooperative action event.

[0076] The specific viewer notification display 10 also serves as an operation icon for performing an event setting start operation. When the specific viewer notification display 10 is touched, the viewer terminal 1500v assumes that a predetermined event setting start operation has been input, and displays the event setting screen 20.

[0077] The event setting screen 20 includes an event name setting section 21 for inputting the name of the cooperative action event to be initiated as text, an event type setting section 22, a display mode type setting section 23, a first activation condition setting section 24, a second activation condition setting section 25, and an execution request operation icon 26.

[0078] The event type setting unit 22 selects and sets the type of cooperative action event to be initiated. Specifically, the viewer 2v (2a) touches the menu icon 27 corresponding to the setting unit to display selectable types (e.g., "tipping," "comments," "ratings," etc.) and selects one of them. In the example of FIG. 4, "tipping" is selected.

[0079] The display mode type setting unit 23 sets the type (category) of the display mode of the display body to be displayed on the content viewing screen in relation to the cooperative action event to be initiated. One or more display mode types are prepared in advance for each event type ("tipping," "comment," "rating"), and a selection of types can be displayed by touching the menu icon 27 corresponding to the setting unit. The details of the display mode actually applied change depending on the reception status, such as the number of collaborators for the cooperative action event to be initiated and the content of the cooperation, as described below. The display mode type setting unit 23 sets the general direction of the display mode, not the details.

[0080] The example in Fig. 4 shows a type (named "wave tip") in which coin-shaped display bodies, the number of which corresponds to the number of contributors to the cooperative action event and the amount of tipping, are displayed to flow from the right to the left of the screen in a wave-like pattern. The actual display mode will be diversified, with details such as the color, size, movement, and type and number of additional performance displays such as sparkles of the coin-shaped display bodies changing according to the number of contributors and the amount of tipping.

[0081] Other examples of the display type of "tipping" include a type in which coin-shaped displays corresponding to the number of contributors and the amount of tipping are displayed across the screen, a type in which tip displays are continuously thrown onto the screen one after another without interruption, a type in which all tips are displayed in a giant coin-shaped display, a type in which all tips are displayed in a jewel-shaped display, and so on.

[0082] Examples of display types for "comments" include a type that displays a huge comment display (larger than the comment display for individual viewer actions) whose size corresponds to the number of contributors, a type that displays comments entered by contributors one after another on a long banner, a type that displays comments set by specific viewers like a banner and switches between contributors' accounts one after another, and so on.

[0083] Examples of the types of "rating" display formats include a type that displays a giant star mark or a thumbs-up mark (larger than the display of the ratings for individual viewer actions) whose size corresponds to the total rating of the collaborators, or a type in which a character appears on the screen and gives a thumbs-up, and so on.

[0084] The first activation condition setting unit 24 sets conditions (activation conditions) to be satisfied in order to activate a cooperation action event to be initiated, and sets conditions regarding the acceptance status and participation status of cooperative viewer actions (operations to express intention to cooperate and support and to set the content of cooperation) for the cooperation action event. By operating the corresponding menu icon 27, options are displayed, and the viewer 2v (2a), who is a specific viewer, selects and sets one of the options. In the example of FIG. 4, the total amount of "tipping" is specified as the activation condition.

[0085] When the event type setting unit 22 is selected as "tipping," the menu icon 27 can be touched to display options for the total amount of "tipping." In the example of FIG. 4, "reached 10,000 yen" is displayed, but other amounts such as "reached 1000 yen" and "0 yen (not set)" may also be included as options.

[0086] The options in the first activation condition setting unit 24 can include an option that includes an activation condition regarding the number of supporters, such as "1000 supporters." For example, options that combine multiple conditions with AND, such as "1000 supporters" and "reach 10,000 yen," or "1000 supporters" and "0 yen," can also be included.

[0087] Incidentally, the "supporter" in this case is the viewer 2v who expresses his / her support and performs the act of "tipping" as a cooperative act. On the surface, it looks like they are doing the same thing as the viewer 2v who performs the "tipping" of an individual viewer action, but they are actually event participants who support a given cooperative action event initiated by a given specific viewer.

[0088] When the event type setting section 22 is selected as "comment", touching the menu icon 27 displays options for the number of comments to be used as a trigger condition. The options include not only a simple option for the number of comments, such as "50 comments reached", but also options that combine multiple conditions with AND, such as "50 supporters" and "50 comments reached", or "10 supporters" and "100 characters or more". Incidentally, the "supporter" in this case is a viewer 2v who makes a "comment" as a cooperative action. Although it appears that they are doing the same thing as a viewer 2v who makes a "comment" as an individual viewer action, they are event participants who support a given cooperative action event initiated by a given specific viewer.

[0089] When the event type setting unit 22 is selected as "rating", touching the menu icon 27 displays options for the number of ratings that are to be used as a trigger condition. The viewer action of "rating" only requires an input operation to rate, and does not require additional elements such as the payment of fees associated with tipping, the consumption of items, or the input of comments. Therefore, the options for the number of ratings that are to be used as a trigger condition are options for the number of viewer actions that simply indicate support for the cooperative action event (simple number of supporters).

[0090] The second activation condition setting unit 25 sets the activation condition for the cooperative action event to be initiated, which is the activation condition for executing (activating) the cooperative action event when the activation condition is satisfied. By operating the corresponding menu icon 27, options are displayed, and the specific viewer 2v (2a) selects and sets one of the options. In the example of FIG. 4, the specific viewer who initiated the event is set to be able to activate the event at any timing. Other settings are possible, such as a timer type that is activated a predetermined time after the start of the event, an immediate type that is activated immediately when the acceptance status condition set by the first activation condition setting unit 24 is satisfied, and a random type that is activated at random timing.

[0091] In addition, the triggering condition is automatically set to the condition regarding the period during which cooperation and support for the cooperative action event is sought, i.e., the "event period." The period may be set appropriately, for example, between a few minutes and about 10 minutes. Of course, a third triggering condition setting section for setting the event period may be added to the event setting screen 20, and the specific viewer who initiated the event may set the event period himself.

[0092] When the various settings have been completed, the viewer 2v (2a), who is a specific viewer, operates the execution request operation icon 26 to complete the setting of the cooperative action event. When the execution request operation icon 26 is operated, the viewer terminal 1500v of the specific viewer, viewer 2v (2a), sends to the server system 1100 a request to execute a specified cooperative action event, along with information about the specific viewer's viewer account and the contents set on the event setting screen 20.

[0093] FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining an introduction of a cooperative action event for which an execution request has been made. When the server system 1100 receives a cooperative action event execution request from the viewer terminal 1500v of a specific viewer, the server system 1100 stores information about the cooperative action event and the contents of the event. Then, the server system 1100 controls to introduce the cooperative action event to the viewer 2v.

[0094] The referral destination is the viewer 2v (2c) who has been selected as a viewer available to cooperate. A viewer who can cooperate is selected from all viewers 2v of the content by a given algorithm. When the viewer terminal 1500v of the viewer who can cooperate receives a notification from the server system 1100 that the viewer is a viewer who can cooperate, the viewer terminal 1500v displays a viewer who can cooperate notification display 12 on the content viewing screen W8 to notify the viewer 2v (2c).

[0095] The notification that the viewer is available to cooperate includes introductory information about the event (including information about the contents of the cooperative action event whose event period has not yet ended). The cooperative viewer notification display 12 also serves as an introduction information display operation icon for displaying introduction information about cooperative action events. When the viewer terminal 1500v detects a touch operation on the cooperative viewer notification display 12, it assumes that an introduction information display operation has been performed, displays the introduction information display section 30 based on the event introduction information received together with the cooperative viewer notification, and obtains the relevant information from the server system 1100 to display an overview display 32 for each cooperative action event.

[0096] The summary display 32 simply displays the summary of the cooperative action event (for example, the event name and the initiator's viewer account, etc.), and also serves as a detail display operation icon for separately displaying the details. When any of the summary displays 32 is selected, the viewer terminal 1500v displays a detail display 40 of the corresponding cooperative action event.

[0097] The detailed display 40 includes a remaining time display 41 , an event name display section 42 , a display mode type display section 43 , an activation condition display section 44 , a reception status display section 45 , a cooperation content setting section 46 , and an execution request operation icon 47 .

[0098] The remaining time display 41 indicates the remaining time during which cooperation / participation in the cooperative action event can be accepted.

[0099] The reception status display unit 45 displays information indicating the reception status of cooperative viewer actions up to now (for example, the number of participants, the total amount of donated tips, etc.).

[0100] The cooperation content setting unit 46 accepts the selection and setting of the content of cooperation offered by the viewer 2v (2c) who is a viewer who is willing to cooperate. The content displayed in the cooperation content setting unit 46 (content that can be set or selected) changes automatically according to the event type of the cooperative action event. In the example of FIG. 5, since the event type is "tipping," the cooperation content setting unit 46 allows the viewer who is willing to cooperate to input the amount of tipping they would like to give (or the tipping item to be used).

[0101] The execution request operation icon 47 is an operation input icon for executing a viewer action to support a cooperative action event initiated by a specific viewer (an event selected and displayed in the detailed display 40). The cooperation content setting unit 46 indicates the specific cooperation content associated with the support.

[0102] When the execution request operation icon 47 is operated, the viewer terminal 1500v of the viewer who can cooperate transmits a predetermined cooperation request (indicating the intention to cooperate and participate in the cooperative action event) along with the viewer account of the collaborator, the event name of the cooperative action event to cooperate in, and information indicating the content selected and set in the cooperation content setting unit 46 to the server system 1100. The server system 1100 receives these and accumulates and stores them as acceptance information related to the cooperative viewer action.

[0103] FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining notification of the acceptance status of a cooperative action event. The server system 1100 distributes information on the acceptance status of the currently executed cooperative action event to the viewer terminal 1500v at a given timing (for example, every few seconds).

[0104] The "information on the reception status" includes the number of contributors, the fulfillment rate of the reception result against a threshold value (e.g., the target amount of tips) that is the triggering condition (e.g., the ratio of the total amount of tips received in cooperation to the target amount of tips), the remaining time of the event period, etc. Multiple types of information may be periodically switched and displayed.

[0105] When the viewer terminal 1500v receives the reception status information, it visually displays the contents on the reception status notification display 14. In the example of Fig. 6, the reception status notification display 14 is illustrated as a bar graph display, but is not limited to this. Depending on the information to be displayed, the display method can be appropriately set to a numerical display, a pie chart display, a red, blue, and yellow color display like a traffic light, a text display, or the like.

[0106] A viewer 2v (2a) who is a specific viewer and a viewer 2v (2c) who is a viewer who can cooperate can look at the reception status notification display 14 to roughly predict whether or not a cooperative action event that he or she has initiated or is cooperating in will occur, and can decide whether or not to add further cooperation.

[0107] FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the triggering of a cooperative action event when the triggering condition is satisfied during the event period. When a cooperative action event is being executed (during the event period) and the activation condition is satisfied, the server system 1100 transmits a predetermined activation readiness notification to the viewer terminal 1500v of the specific viewer who initiated the cooperative action event.

[0108] The viewer terminal 1500v of the specific viewer receives this and changes the reception status notification indicator 14 displayed on the content viewing screen W6 to an activation possibility notification indicator 16. The specific viewer 2v (2c) knows that the cooperative action event he or she initiated can now be successfully activated when the activation possibility notification indicator 16 is displayed, and inputs an activation operation at any timing on his or her own viewer terminal 1500v.

[0109] When the viewer terminal 1500v of the viewer 2v (2c) who is a specific viewer detects the activation operation input, it transmits the account of the specific viewer to the server system 1100 together with a predetermined activation request.

[0110] The server system 1100 receives these and displays the display object related to the corresponding cooperative action event. That is, the server system 1100 determines a specific display mode according to the reception status of cooperative viewer actions for the event from among the types of display modes set by the display mode type setting unit 23 (see FIG. 4). Then, it distributes reflection information including information for displaying the cooperative action display object 7 in the determined display mode.

[0111] When the viewer terminal 1500v of each viewer 2v and the distributor terminal 1500h of the distributor 2h receive the reflection information, they display a content viewing screen W10 in which the cooperation action display 7 is superimposed on the original screen W2 (see FIG. 3) of the content being distributed. In the example of FIG. 7, coin-shaped display objects, the number of which corresponds to the total amount of tips received from contributors, are displayed flowing from the right to the left of the screen in a wave pattern.

[0112] This cooperative action display 7 is more showy and large-scale than the individual action display 6. At actual idol live events, fan clubs often send their idols large-scale, impactful cheers such as waving or hanging banners, which are not possible with individual cheers. The cooperative action display 7 has the same or even greater effect as such cheers.

[0113] By successfully displaying the cooperative action display 7, the specific viewer 2v (2a) and the cooperating viewer 2v (2c) share and empathize with a sense of accomplishment and solidarity, and the mood for viewing the content distribution increases. This encourages further cooperative action events to be initiated and cooperation and support for them (cooperative viewer action), and becomes the source of the content viewing system 1000 providing a more satisfying user experience than other distribution systems.

[0114] On the other hand, the server system 1100 recognizes an event whose activation conditions are not satisfied during the execution of a cooperative action event as a "failure," and transmits a specified failure notification to the viewer terminal 1500v of the specific viewer who initiated the cooperative action event.

[0115] The viewer terminal 1500v of the specific viewer receives this and displays the failure notification display 17. The failure notification display 17 also serves as an operation icon that displays options for dealing with the failed cooperative viewer action, and when the specific viewer touches the failure notification display 17, the viewer terminal 1500v displays the options and allows the specific viewer to select one.

[0116] Fig. 8 is a diagram for explaining how to deal with a cooperative action event that has been determined to be unsuccessful. There are three options for dealing with unsuccessful events: "cancel," "force execution," and "transfer."

[0117] "Cancel" is an option in which the cooperation action event is considered to have not occurred because the activation condition was not met, and the cooperation action indicator 7 relating to the event is not displayed.

[0118] Specifically, when a viewer 2v (2a) who is a specific viewer selects "cancel" from the options for how to handle the situation, the viewer terminal 1500v of the specific viewer transmits the result of the selection of the action "cancel" to the server system 1100. Upon receiving this, the server system 1100 transmits a notification of cancellation to the viewer terminal 1500v of the collaborator of the cooperative action event (a viewer who is available for cooperation and has already accepted a cooperative viewer action related to the event).

[0119] The viewer terminal 1500v of the viewer who can cooperate receives this and displays the cancellation notification display 18 on the content viewing screen W12. The collaborators in the event are informed by this that the cooperative action event in which they cooperated has ended in failure. Note that if a cooperative action event in which the cooperation content is "tipping" is cancelled, the charge for the tip and the consumption of the tip item will not be executed.

[0120] "Forced Execution" is an option that, even if the conditions for activation were not met, will cause some kind of indicator to appear, even if it is a different indicator from the originally desired cooperative action indicator 7, in order to reward the collaborator, even if only a little, for cooperating and supporting the event.

[0121] Specifically, when a viewer 2v (2a) who is a specific viewer selects and inputs "force execution" from among the options for the action, the viewer terminal 1500v of the specific viewer transmits the action selection result of "force execution" to the server system 1100. Upon receiving this, the server system 1100 performs charging for the tip (or consumption of a tip item) and performs control to display the alternative cooperation action display body 8 on the content viewing screen W12.

[0122] The alternative cooperation action display 8 is a display that is inferior in scale and flashiness to the cooperation action display 7 that would have been originally displayed when the cooperation action event was triggered. In the case of "forced execution," the amount charged or the amount of items consumed may be discounted.

[0123] "Transfer" is an option with a completely different meaning from "Cancel" or "Force Execution". The specific viewer who was the original initiator thinks it is okay to "cancel" the event because it failed, but if there is someone who wants to take over the cooperative action event by making up for the missing activation conditions within the specified time limit, then it is an option to accommodate that. The time limit is a condition regarding the time counted from the end of the event period of the cooperative action event.

[0124] Specifically, when viewer 2v (2a), who is a specific viewer, selects and inputs "transfer", the viewer terminal 1500v of the specific viewer transmits the result of the selection of the response to "transfer" to the server system 1100. The server system 1100 receives this, sets the transfer charge (transfer conditions required for transfer; additional charge amount), and transmits a transfer acceptance notification to the viewer terminal 1500v of viewer 2v (2c), who is a collaborator in the cooperative action event.

[0125] The viewer terminal 1500v of the collaborating viewer 2v (2c) receives the notification and displays the transfer acceptance display 19. The transfer acceptance display 19 informs the collaborating viewer 2v (2c) that the cooperative action event has ended in failure, and that the person who has paid the transfer fee can become the new right holder of the cooperative action event in place of the original initiator.

[0126] When the collaborating viewer 2v (2c) inputs an operation to comply with the transfer charge, the viewer terminal 1500v transmits the viewer account together with the predetermined transfer request. The server system 1100 receives this and executes the transfer charge (or consumption of a tip item equivalent thereto). Then, the server system 1100 transmits an activation possible notification to the viewer terminal 1500v of the viewer 2v (2c) who is the new initiator of the transfer, in the same manner as when the activation condition is satisfied, and displays the cooperation action display 7 of the corresponding cooperation action event on the content viewing screen W14 in response to the activation operation. Rather than enabling the viewer 2v (2c) who is the new initiator of the transfer to perform the activation operation, the event period may be extended by a predetermined period by the transfer, making it possible to accept further cooperation (cooperative viewer action).

[0127] FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the awarding of points and benefits in response to the execution of a viewer action. The server system 1100 exercises control to award points to a viewer 2v who has performed a viewer action, and to award a privilege to a distributor 2h of the content for which the viewer action has been performed.

[0128] The purpose of use of the "points" can be set appropriately. For example, they may be usable as payment for using services provided by the content viewing system 1000. They may also be usable to purchase game items or as payment for individual viewer actions. The "benefits" vary depending on the type of viewing action. For example, in the case of "tipping," the "benefits" are a share of the tip amount. In the case of "comments," points may be awarded, or a predetermined amount may be awarded per comment. In the case of "ratings," a predetermined number of points or a predetermined amount may be awarded each time the total rating increases by a predetermined unit value.

[0129] FIG. 9(1) shows an example of the awarding of points and rewards in association with an individual viewer action, and FIG. 9(2) shows an example of the awarding of points and rewards in association with a cooperative viewer action. As is clear from comparing these, the points awarded for individual viewer actions are set smaller than the points awarded for cooperative viewer actions. Also, the value of the benefit awarded for individual viewer actions is set lower than the value of the benefit awarded for cooperative viewer actions.

[0130] In addition, when giving points to the viewer 2v who is the performer of the cooperative viewer action, the number of points given to the initiator viewer 2v (2a) may be set to be greater than the number of points given to the cooperating viewer 2v (2c). Also, the number of points may be set to be greater the greater the amount of the contributed tip.

[0131] Next, the functional configuration will be described. FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the server system 1100. The server system 1100 includes an operation input unit 100s, a server processing unit 200s, a sound output unit 390s, an image display unit 392s, a communication unit 394s, and a server storage unit 500s.

[0132] The operation input unit 100s is a means for inputting various operations for managing the server, and corresponds to the keyboard 1106 and the touch panel 1108 in FIG.

[0133] The server processing unit 200s is realized by electronic components such as processors serving as arithmetic circuits, such as a CPU, GPU, ASIC, and FPGA, as well as IC memories, and controls input and output of data between each functional unit including the operation input unit 100s and the server storage unit 500s. Then, it executes various types of arithmetic processing based on predetermined programs and data, operation input signals from the operation input unit 100s, data received from the user terminal 1500, etc., and controls the operation of the server system 1100 in an integrated manner.

[0134] The server processing unit 200s includes a user management unit 202, an online shopping management unit 204, a content viewing management unit 210, a timer unit 280s, a sound generation unit 290s, an image generation unit 292s, and a communication control unit 294s. Of course, other functional units may also be included as appropriate.

[0135] The user management unit 202 performs processing related to user registration procedures and storage management of various information linked to user accounts. Specifically, the user management unit 202 performs (1) providing unique user accounts to registered users, (2) storage management of personal information for each user account, (3) management of owned tipping items, (4) management of content viewing history, (5) management of viewer action history, etc. In addition, the unit may perform storage management of game-related save data, etc.

[0136] The online shopping management unit 204 is responsible for controlling online shopping, and can be realized by appropriately utilizing known online shopping technology. In this embodiment, various types of tipping items can be purchased through online shopping. When a tipping item is used as a viewer action, the purchased and held tipping item is consumed. Note that items for sale in online shopping can be set as appropriate other than the above.

[0137] The content viewing management unit 210 performs various controls, such as control to obtain content data to be distributed from the distributor terminal 1500h of the distributor 2h, control to distribute content to the viewer terminal 1500v of each viewer 2v, and various controls to accept viewer actions from each viewer 2v and display action display bodies corresponding to the viewer actions on the viewer terminal 1500v.

[0138] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of functional units included in the content viewing management unit 210. As shown in FIG. The content viewing management unit 210 has a viewer reception unit 214, a specific viewer selection unit 216, a specific viewer notification control unit 218, an individual reception control unit 222, an individual display object control unit 224, an activation condition setting unit 226, an execution start control unit 228, an event introduction notification control unit 230, a cooperation reception control unit 232, a cooperation reception status notification control unit 234, a cancellation control unit 236, a specific viewer change unit 238, a cooperation display object control unit 240, a point allocation unit 250, and a privilege allocation unit 252.

[0139] The viewer reception unit 214 receives the reception of the viewer 2v who desires to receive the content.

[0140] The specific viewer selection unit 216 selects specific viewers from among the viewers accepted by the viewer acceptance unit 214. Specifically, the specific viewer selection unit 216 makes the selection based on at least one of the acceptance history of individual viewer actions, the acceptance history of cooperative viewer actions, and viewer information of each viewer (including interest information. Interest information is information about the viewer's interests that are registered in advance for the content of the content to be viewed). In addition, the specific viewer selection unit 216 selects some of the specific viewers by lottery from among the viewers.

[0141] The specific viewer notification control section 218 controls the viewer terminal 1500v of the specific viewer to notify the viewer that he / she is a specific viewer.

[0142] The individual reception control unit 222 receives an individual viewer action from a viewer.

[0143] The individual display object control unit 224 performs control for displaying, on the viewer terminal 1500v, individual individual action display objects 6 corresponding to the individual viewer actions accepted by the individual acceptance control unit 222.

[0144] The trigger condition setting unit 226 sets trigger conditions for a cooperative action event based on the setting operation of the specific viewer.

[0145] The execution start control unit 228 controls the start of execution of a cooperative action event based on a request to execute the cooperative action event from a specific viewer. In other words, it starts timing the event period and starts accepting cooperative viewer actions for the cooperative action event.

[0146] The event introduction notification control unit 230 controls the notification of introduction information of the cooperative action event, including the identification information of the specific viewer related to the cooperative action event, to the viewer terminal. In this embodiment, since the activation condition is displayed in the activation condition display unit 44 in the detailed display 40 of the introduction information display unit 30, the event introduction notification control unit 230 functions as an activation condition notification control unit 231 that notifies the viewer terminal 1500v of the activation condition.

[0147] The cooperation acceptance control unit 232 accepts a cooperative viewer action from the viewer 2v during execution of a cooperation action event. The cooperation acceptance control unit 232 has a cooperation-capable viewer selection unit 233 that selects from among the viewers 2v a cooperative viewer who is to be a target for accepting the cooperative viewer action, and accepts the cooperative viewer action from the cooperation-capable viewer.

[0148] The cooperation acceptance status notification control unit 234 notifies the viewer terminal 1500v of the acceptance status of the cooperation viewer action by the cooperation acceptance control unit 232.

[0149] The stop control unit 236 stops the cooperative action event in response to a stop request from a specific viewer after the cooperative action event has started to be executed.

[0150] The specific viewer change unit 238 performs specific viewer change processing to set a viewer 2v who has performed a cooperative viewer action that satisfies a given transfer condition during the execution of a cooperative action event as a new specific viewer related to the cooperative action event. Specifically, the specific viewer change processing is performed by determining whether or not the cooperative viewer action involves a charge that satisfies the transfer condition (or consumption of a payment medium such as an item equivalent to a charge). The transfer condition is a condition related to a charge (transfer charge condition). In this embodiment, the transfer condition (transfer charge condition) is that a charge that is short of the activation condition at the end of the event period is made.

[0151] The cooperative display object control unit 240 accumulates and stores information on cooperative viewer actions accepted by the cooperation acceptance control unit 232, and when a given activation condition is satisfied, performs control for displaying the cooperative action display object 7 on the viewer terminal 1500v in a display mode different from that of the individual action display object 6. The cooperative display object control unit 240 includes a display mode setting unit 242 and a display object forced control unit 244.

[0152] The display mode setting unit 242 sets the display mode of the cooperation action display body 7 based on the setting operation of the specific viewer. Then, the display mode setting unit 242 (cooperation display body control unit 240) changes the display mode of the cooperation action display body 7 based on the accumulated and stored information of the cooperation viewer action. This corresponds to the point that the type of the cooperation action display body 7 is determined by the setting operation in the display mode type setting unit 23 (see FIG. 4), and the details of the display mode change depending on the acceptance status of cooperation in the cooperation viewer action.

[0153] If the conditions based on the reception status are not met by the deadline, the display object compulsion control unit 244 performs control to display, on the viewer terminal, a display object other than the cooperation action display object 7. This corresponds to the control related to the display of the alternative cooperation action display object 8 (see FIG. 8).

[0154] The point allocating unit 250 allocates points to the viewer according to the viewer action. Specifically, more points are allocated per viewer action for a cooperative viewer action than for an individual viewer action.

[0155] The reward granting unit 252 grants a reward according to the viewer action to the creator or right holder of the content (hereinafter collectively referred to as the "creator"). Specifically, the reward granting unit 252 grants a reward according to an individual viewer action and a reward granting rate according to a cooperative viewer action at different granting rates.

[0156] The timekeeping unit 280s uses a system clock to keep track of the current date and time, time limit, and the like.

[0157] The sound generation unit 290s is realized by executing an IC or software that generates or decodes audio data, and generates or decodes audio data such as operation sounds, sound effects, BGM, and voice calls related to system management of the server system 1100 and viewing of content, etc. Then, the audio signal related to system management is output to the sound output unit 390s.

[0158] 1, the sound output unit 390s corresponds to a speaker (not shown) provided in the main device or the touch panel 1108.

[0159] The image generating unit 292s generates an image to be displayed on the image display unit 392s and outputs the image signal. This corresponds to a part of the function of generating a screen related to system management of the server system 1100 and various screens related to content viewing and the like (or data for displaying them on the user terminal 1500).

[0160] The image display unit 392s is realized by a device that displays an image, such as a flat panel display, a head mounted display, a projector, etc. In the example of FIG.

[0161] The communication control unit 294s executes data processing related to data communication, and realizes data exchange with an external device via the communication unit 394s.

[0162] The communication unit 394s realizes communication by connecting to the network 9. For example, it is realized by a wireless communication device, a modem, a TA (terminal adapter), a jack for a wired communication cable, a control circuit, etc. In the example of FIG. 1, it corresponds to the communication device 1153.

[0163] The server storage unit 500s stores programs and various data for implementing various functions for the server processing unit 200s to comprehensively control the server system 1100. It is also used as a working area for the server processing unit 200s, and temporarily stores the results of calculations executed by the server processing unit 200s according to various programs. This function is implemented by, for example, IC memory such as RAM or ROM, magnetic disks such as hard disks, optical disks such as CD-ROMs or DVDs, online storage, etc. In the example of FIG. 1, this corresponds to storage media such as IC memory 1152 and hard disks mounted on the main unit, and storage 1140.

[0164] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of programs and data stored in the server storage unit 500s. The server storage unit 500s in this embodiment stores a server program 501, a distribution client program for distribution 503, a viewing client program for distribution 505, individual action display object definition data 510, cooperation action display object definition data 520, point setting data 540, benefit setting data 542, user management data 600, content registration data 630, distribution management data 650, and a current date and time 900. The server storage unit 500s also stores other programs and data (for example, timers, counters, various flags, etc.) as appropriate.

[0165] The server program 501 is a program that is read and executed by the server processing unit 200s to realize the functions of the user management unit 202, the online shopping management unit 204, and the content viewing management unit 210.

[0166] The distribution client program 503 for distribution is provided to the user terminal 1500, which is the distributor terminal 1500h, and is an original client program that realizes functions related to creating content that will be distributed as material to be executed, registering it in the server system 1100, and live distribution.

[0167] The delivery viewing client program 505 is provided to the user terminal 1500, which becomes the viewer terminal 1500v, and is an original client program that, when executed, realizes various functions relating to viewing on the viewer terminal 1500v. These client programs may be provided as one application program.

[0168] Individual action display body definition data 510 is prepared for each type of individual action display body 6. One individual action display body definition data 510 stores the applicable individual viewer action type to which the definition data applies, the applicable individual viewer action content to which the definition data applies (e.g., tip amount range, comment character count, evaluation point range, etc.), and display body data for realizing the display of the individual action display body 6.

[0169] Cooperative action display object definition data 520 is prepared for each type of cooperative action display object 7. As shown in Fig. 13, for example, one cooperative action display object definition data 520 includes applied event type 521 indicating the type of viewer action to which the definition data applies, applied display mode type 523 indicating the display mode type to which the definition data applies, a plurality of display mode candidate data 524, and alternative display object data 529 for realizing the display of an alternative cooperative action display object 8.

[0170] The display mode candidate data 524 is prepared for each display mode that can be changed within the type indicated by the applied display mode type 523, and each data is stored in association with the candidate selection requirement 525 and the display object data 528. The candidate selection requirement 525 is written by combining one or more sub-conditions with AND or OR. The sub-conditions can be set as appropriate, and for example, a helper number condition 526 and a cooperation content condition 527 can be used. The former is a condition that must be satisfied for the number of viewers who can cooperate and whose cooperation is accepted during the execution of the cooperation action event. The latter is a condition for the content of the cooperation accepted during the execution of the cooperation action event, for example, if it is "tipping", the total amount of tipping and the type and number of tipping items.

[0171] The cooperation action display object 7, which is displayed based on the display object data 528, is set to be larger and more impressive the higher the difficulty of achieving the candidate selection requirement 525.

[0172] Returning to Fig. 12, point setting data 540 is data that defines points to be awarded to the viewer 2v, who is the performer, in response to the execution of a viewer action, and there is setting data prepared for each type of individual viewer action, and setting data prepared for each type of cooperative action event. The points awarded for one viewer action are set so that the points awarded for the latter (corresponding to "100p" in Fig. 9(2)) are greater than the points awarded for the former (corresponding to "10p" in Fig. 9(1)).

[0173] The privilege setting data 542 is data that defines a privilege to be granted to the distributor 2h of the distributed content in response to the execution of a viewer action. Specifically, the data includes a privilege grant rate when an individual viewer action is executed and a grant rate when a cooperative viewer action is executed. The privilege grant rate is set so that the privilege grant rate for the cooperative viewer action is higher than that for the individual viewer action.

[0174] User management data 600 is prepared for each registered user, and various information associated with the user is stored. One user management data 600 includes, for example, as shown in Fig. 14, a unique user account 601 including a user ID, viewer information 602, the number of owned points 610, distributor information 612, owned privileges 616, individual viewer action history data 617, and cooperative viewer action history data 618. Of course, data other than these may also be included as appropriate.

[0175] The viewer information 602 stores personal information of the user, the usage status of the content viewing system 1000 as the viewer 2v, information entered and declared based on a predetermined declaration procedure when viewing content, etc. For example, the viewer information 602 includes a viewer account 603 (e.g., a handle name), a registered channel ID 604 registered as a favorite among distribution channels, a VIP registration ID 605 indicating that the user has been certified as a VIP based on past viewing history and viewer action records, interest information 606, etc.

[0176] The interest information 606 is information about the user's tastes, preferences, etc. Specifically, this corresponds to the broadcaster account of the favorite broadcaster 2h, if the broadcaster 2h is an idol group, the name of a member of the group that the user is interested in that indicates which member of the group the user is favored, the favorite game title, and the like.

[0177] The number of owned points 610 indicates the balance of points given to the user in response to the execution of a viewing action.

[0178] The distributor information 612 stores information set when the user uses the system as a distributor 2h, or information indicating the usage status. Specifically, this includes a creator account 613 (e.g., a handle name) which is the name as the distributor 2h (which may be different from the user account), a content ID list 614 for identifying the content provided for distribution, and an owned channel ID 615.

[0179] The owned privilege 616 stores information about the privilege that the user has received as a distributor 2h. In this embodiment, the remaining amount of the “tipping” amount received by the user as a viewer action is stored.

[0180] The individual viewer action history data 617 is created and saved each time the user performs an individual viewer action. One individual viewer action history data 617 stores, for example, a delivery content ID indicating for which content delivery the action was performed, the execution date and time, the type of individual viewer action, and the details of the individual viewer action. Of course, data other than these may also be stored as appropriate.

[0181] The cooperative viewer action history data 618 is created and saved each time the user performs a cooperative viewer action. One cooperative viewer action history data 618 stores, for example, a distribution content ID, the execution date and time, the event type of the cooperative action event in which the user cooperated, the cooperation details, an initiator flag, and the like. The initiator flag is set if the user was the initiator of the cooperative action event. Of course, data other than these may also be stored as appropriate.

[0182] In addition, statistical data on the history of each individual viewer action and each cooperative viewer action (for example, the number of times each type is performed, the frequency of execution, the total tip amount, etc.) may also be included in the user management data 600 as appropriate.

[0183] Returning to Fig. 12, the content registration data 630 is created each time a content is provided (posted) by the distributor 2h. One piece of content registration data 630 includes, for example, a unique content ID 631, a registration date and time 632, a creator account 633 (the account of the distributor 2h), and content data 634. Of course, data other than these may also be included as appropriate.

[0184] The distribution management data 650 is created for each content distribution, and stores information necessary to realize the distribution and various data describing the latest distribution status. 15, one distribution management data 650 includes, for example, a unique distribution ID 651, a distribution date and time 652, a distribution content ID 654 indicating the content to be distributed, a viewer account list 656, a specific viewer account list 658, a cooperative viewer account list 660, individual viewer action acceptance data 662, cooperative action event management data 664, and cooperative viewer action acceptance data 666. Of course, data other than these may also be included as appropriate.

[0185] The individual viewer action reception data 662 is created every time a request for an individual viewer action is received from the viewer terminal 1500v. One individual viewer action reception data 662 includes data such as the execution date and time, the viewer account, the type of the individual viewer action, and the individual viewer action content. The reception data is the source of the individual viewer action history data 617.

[0186] The cooperative action event management data 664 is created when a request to execute a cooperative action event is received from the viewer terminal 1500v of a specific viewer. One cooperative action event management data 664 stores the contents set on the event setting screen 20 (see FIG. 4). Specifically, it stores the event name, which also serves as a unique event ID, the initiator account (the viewer account of the specific viewer indicating the initiator), the event type, the display mode type, the activation conditions, and the latest reception status. The activation conditions include the reception status conditions, the activation operation conditions, and the event period. The information stored in the cooperative action event management data 664 becomes the source data for various displays in the introduction information display unit 30.

[0187] The viewer account list 656 is a list of the latest accounts of the viewers 2v, and is automatically updated according to an increase or decrease in the number of viewers 2v. In other words, the number of viewers 2v registered in the list indicates the latest number of viewers 2v.

[0188] The cooperative viewer action acceptance data 666 is created when a request to execute a cooperative viewer action is received from the viewer terminal 1500v. One cooperative viewer action acceptance data 666 includes, for example, the target event name indicating which cooperative action event the cooperation / support is being accepted for, the acceptance date and time, the viewer account indicating the collaborator, and the cooperation content (content set in the cooperation content setting section 46 of the detailed display 40 (see FIG. 5)). Of course, data other than these may also be included as appropriate. The acceptance data is the basis for the cooperative viewer action history data 618.

[0189] 16 is a functional block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of a user terminal 1500 (viewer terminal 1500v, distributor terminal 1500h). The user terminal 1500 includes an operation input unit 100, a voice input unit 102, a device processing unit 200, a sound output unit 390, an image display unit 392, a communication unit 394, and a device storage unit 500.

[0190] The operation input unit 100 outputs an operation input signal corresponding to various operation inputs made by a user to the device processing unit 200. For example, this can be realized by a push switch, a joystick, a touch pad, a track ball, an acceleration sensor, a gyro, a CCD module, etc. Examples of this include the direction input key 1502, the button switch 1504, and the touch panel 1506 in Fig. 2.

[0191] The audio input unit 102 collects the voice of the distributor 2h during play and outputs an audio signal to the terminal processing unit 200. In the example of FIG.

[0192] The device processing unit 200 is realized by electronic components such as a microprocessor such as a CPU or GPU, or an IC memory, and controls input and output of data between each functional unit including the operation input unit 100 and the device storage unit 500. Then, it executes various arithmetic processing based on predetermined programs and data, operation input signals from the operation input unit 100, and various data received from the server system 1100, to control the operation of the user terminal 1500. This corresponds to the control board 1550 in FIG. 2.

[0193] The terminal processing unit 200 in this embodiment has a distribution client calculation unit 270, a viewing client calculation unit 272, a timing unit 280, a sound generation unit 290, an image generation unit 292, and a communication control unit 294.

[0194] The distribution client calculation unit 270 realizes various functions for functioning as the distributor terminal 1500h. For example, it creates content data for distribution and controls transmission to the server system 1100.

[0195] The viewing client calculation unit 272 realizes various functions for functioning as the viewer terminal 1500v. For example, the viewing client calculation unit 272 executes control for displaying a content viewing screen based on data distributed from the server system 1100, control for accepting operation input of a predetermined viewer action from the operation input unit 100, control for transmitting information on the input viewer action to the server system 1100, control for displaying a display body of the viewing action on the content viewing screen based on reflection information, and the like.

[0196] The timekeeping unit 280 uses a system clock to keep track of the current date and time, time limit, and the like.

[0197] The sound generation unit 290 is realized, for example, by a digital signal processor (DSP), a processor such as a voice synthesis IC, or an audio codec capable of playing audio files, and generates sound signals for music, sound effects, and various operation sounds, and outputs them to the sound output unit 390.

[0198] The sound output unit 390 is realized by a device that outputs (emits) sound based on the sound signal input from the sound generation unit 290. This corresponds to the speaker 1510 in FIG.

[0199] The image generation unit 292 performs image generation, image composition, and output of image signals for displaying them on the image display unit 392. In the example of Fig. 2, this corresponds to a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) and a graphics controller mounted on the control board 1550.

[0200] The image display unit 392 is realized by a device that displays images, such as a flat panel display, a head mounted display, a projector, etc. In the example of FIG.

[0201] The communication control unit 294 executes data processing related to data communication, and realizes data exchange with external devices via the communication unit 394.

[0202] The communication unit 394 realizes communication by connecting to the network 9. For example, it is realized by a wireless communication device, a modem, a TA (terminal adapter), a jack for a wired communication cable, a control circuit, etc. In the example of FIG. 2, the wireless communication module 1553 corresponds to this.

[0203] The terminal storage unit 500 stores programs for causing the terminal processing unit 200 to realize given functions, various data, and the like. It is also used as a working area for the terminal processing unit 200, and temporarily stores the results of calculations executed by the terminal processing unit 200 according to various programs, input data input from the operation input unit 100, and the like. These functions are realized by, for example, IC memories such as RAM and ROM, magnetic disks such as hard disks, and optical disks such as CD-ROMs and DVDs. In the example of FIG. 2, these correspond to the IC memory 1552 and memory card 1540 mounted on the control board 1550. A configuration using online storage is also possible.

[0204] Specifically, the terminal storage unit 500 stores a delivery client program 504 for functioning as the delivery client calculation unit 270, a viewing client program 506 for functioning as the viewing client calculation unit 272, delivery client control data 700, viewing client control data 702, and a current date and time 900. Of course, data other than these can also be stored as appropriate.

[0205] The delivery client control data 700 and the viewer client control data 702 store various data necessary for functioning as the delivery terminal 1500h and the viewer terminal 1500v, respectively.

[0206] The viewing client control data 702 includes event introduction information 710 . The event introduction information 710 is a copy of the contents of the cooperative action event management data 664 for a cooperative action event that has remaining event time.

[0207] Next, the operation of the content presentation system 1000 will be described. 17 to 19 are flowcharts for explaining the flow of processing executed by the server system 1100 and the viewer terminal 1500v for content viewing. For ease of understanding, the following description is given on the assumption that only one cooperative action event is triggered, but in reality, multiple cooperative action events may coexist at the same time.

[0208] 17, the server system 1100 accepts viewers in accordance with a predetermined distribution schedule (step S10). The viewer terminal 1500v executes a procedure to register the viewer 2v as a viewer in response to the acceptance of the content distribution desired by the viewer 2v (step S12).

[0209] Next, after the viewer acceptance is completed, the server system 1100 executes a specific viewer selection process (step S14). FIG. 20 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of the specific viewer selection process. In this process, the server system 1100 first resets the specific viewer account list 658 (step S20; see FIG. 15), provides a viewer list to the distributor terminal 1500h, and displays the list so that the distributor 2h can specify a specific viewer from among the viewers (step S22). Then, the server system 1100 accepts the specification of the specific viewer from the distributor terminal 1500h (step S24). The account of the specified specific viewer is registered in the specific viewer account list 658.

[0210] Next, the server system 1100 performs a primary selection from among the viewers 2v who meet any of the following selection criteria (step S26). (First Selection Criterion) The viewer information 602 satisfies a predetermined first selection criterion (for example, the channel of the distributor 2h is included in the registered channel ID 604, the viewer has a VIP registration ID 605, etc.). (Second Selection Criterion) The individual viewer action history data 617 meets a predetermined second selection criterion (for example, an individual viewer action is performed more than a reference value per distribution, the cumulative number of times the action is performed reaches a predetermined reference value, etc.). (Third Selection Criterion) The cooperative viewer action history data 618 meets a specified third selection criterion (for example, cooperative viewer actions are performed more than a specified standard value per broadcast, the cumulative number of times they are performed reaches a specified standard value, the cumulative amount of tips reaches a specified standard value, etc.). (Fourth Selection Criterion) The interest information 606 relating to the content being distributed among the viewer information 602 satisfies a predetermined fourth selection criterion (for example, if the content is a live performance by an idol group, it includes a member of interest, etc.).

[0211] Next, the server system 1100 performs a second selection of a first predetermined number of those who have been initially selected in order of the number of times they satisfy the first to fourth selection criteria, and adds them to the specified viewers (step S28). Furthermore, the server system 1100 selects a second predetermined number (<the first predetermined number) by lottery from among the viewers 2v who are not specified viewers at this point in time, and adds them to the specified viewers (step S30).

[0212] Returning to FIG. 17, the server system 1100 transmits a predetermined notification to the viewer terminal 1500v of the selected specific viewer (step S36). When the viewer terminal 1500v receives the notification (YES in step S38), it starts displaying the specific viewer notification display 10 (step S40; see FIG. 4).

[0213] Next, the server system 1100 selects viewers who can cooperate (step S42). Specifically, a predetermined number of viewers other than the specific viewer at that time are selected by lottery to be able to cooperate. Alternatively, the viewers 2v other than the specific viewer may be sorted in descending order of the number of individual viewer action history data 617, and a predetermined number may be selected in descending order of the number of individual viewer action histories. Then, the specific viewer is added to the viewers who can cooperate.

[0214] Next, the server system 1100 starts simultaneous distribution of the content (step S50). The viewer terminal 1500v starts displaying the content on the content viewing screen (step S52).

[0215] When the viewer terminal 1500v detects an individual viewer action setting start operation during content viewing (YES in step S70), it displays an individual viewer action setting screen and accepts the setting operation (step S72).Then, it transmits the setting result together with an individual viewer action request to the server system 1100 (step S74).

[0216] The server system 1100 receives this and processes the acceptance (step S76). That is, it creates individual viewer action acceptance data 662 (see FIG. 15) in the distribution management data 650, and creates individual viewer action history data 617 (see FIG. 14) in the user management data 600 of the viewer of the viewer terminal 1500v that made the request.

[0217] Then, the server system 1100 determines the individual action display object 6 corresponding to the received request, and causes the viewer terminal 1500v to display this individual action display object 6 on the content viewing screen (step S78; see FIG. 3).

[0218] As described above, the specific viewer notification display 10 (see FIG. 4) that starts to be displayed in step S40 also serves as an operation icon for performing an operation to start setting an event. When an event setting start operation is detected during content viewing (YES in step S90), the viewer terminal 1500v displays the event setting screen 20 and accepts the setting operation (step S92; see FIG. 5).Then, a predetermined cooperative action event execution request (execution request) is sent to the server system 1100 along with the viewer account of the specific viewer and information on the contents set on the event setting screen 20 (step S94).

[0219] The server system 1100 receives this and processes the acceptance (step S96). That is, the cooperative action event management data 664 is created in the distribution management data 650 (see FIG. 15). The event period is automatically set as a predetermined time from the acceptance date and time.

[0220] Next, the server system 1100 begins managing the event period of the accepted cooperative action event (step S98), and then moves to FIG. 18, where it sends a predetermined notification and event introduction information to the viewer terminal 1500v of the viewer who is willing to cooperate, also as a notification of the start of the event (step S100).

[0221] When the viewer terminal 1500v receives this notification for the viewer who can cooperate (YES in step S102), it stores the event introduction information 710 and displays the viewer who can cooperate notification display 12 on the content viewing screen (step S104; see FIG. 5).

[0222] The cooperation-available viewer notification display 12 also serves as an introduction information display operation icon for displaying introduction information about the cooperation action event. When the viewer terminal 1500v detects a touch operation on the cooperative viewer notification display 12 (YES in step S106), it assumes that an operation to display the introduction information has been performed, displays the introduction information display unit 30 (see FIG. 5) based on the event introduction information 710, and accepts an operation to set the cooperation details (step S108). Then, it executes a cooperative viewer action. That is, it transmits the cooperation details setting details to the server system 1100 together with a predetermined cooperation request (step S112).

[0223] The server system 1100 receives and processes the requests (step S114). That is, the server system 1100 creates cooperative viewer action acceptance data 666 in the distribution management data 650 (see FIG. 15), and updates the latest acceptance status of the cooperative action event management data 664 for which cooperation has been requested.

[0224] Then, since the latest reception status of the cooperative action event has been updated, the server system 1100 notifies this to the viewer terminal 1500v (step S116). The viewer terminal 1500v receives the information on the latest reception status (YES in step S117) and updates the display on the reception status notification display 14 (step S118; see FIG. 6).

[0225] Furthermore, when there are no cooperative action events with remaining event period based on the event introduction information 710 (NO in step S120), the viewer terminal 1500v cancels the display of the cooperative viewer notification display 12 (step S122). This makes it impossible to set cooperation details for new cooperative viewer actions on the viewer terminal 1500v.

[0226] On the other hand, if there is a cooperative action event whose activation condition is satisfied within the event period (YES in step S130), the server system 1100 executes an activation procedure process (step S130).

[0227] FIG. 21 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of processing in the server system 1100 and the viewer terminal 1500v relating to the activation procedure processing. In this process, the server system 1100 first transmits a predetermined activation readiness notification to the viewer terminal 1500v of the initiator of the cooperative action event whose activation condition has been satisfied within the event period (step S132).

[0228] When the viewer terminal 1500v receives the activation possible notification (YES in step S134), it changes the reception status notification indicator 14 displayed on the content viewing screen W6 to an activation possible notification indicator 16 (see FIG. 7), notifies the initiator viewer 2v, and accepts the activation operation (step S136). Then, if an activation operation is performed (YES in step S138), the viewer terminal 1500v transmits an activation request and the initiator viewer account to the server system 1100 (step S140).

[0229] When the server system 1100 receives the activation request (YES in step S160), it determines a specific display mode of the cooperation action display body 7 according to the acceptance status of the cooperation action event requested to be activated (step S162).

[0230] Specifically, cooperation action display body definition data 520 (see FIG. 13) is searched for definition data whose applicable event type 521 and applicable display mode type 523 match various setting information (included in cooperation action event management data 664) of the requested cooperation action event. Then, display mode candidate data 524 of the searched definition data is searched for candidates for candidate selection requirement 525 that match the latest acceptance status, and display body data 528 of the searched candidate data is read out.

[0231] Next, the server system 1100 displays the cooperation action display 7 on the content viewing screen of the viewer terminal 1500v (step S164; see FIG. 7) and executes the billing process (step S166). If a payment medium such as a tip item is used, it is consumed.

[0232] Then, the server system 1100 stores the cooperative viewer action history data 618 relating to this cooperative viewer action in the user management data 600 of the collaborator in the cooperative action event (step S168; see FIG. 14), and terminates the activation procedure processing.

[0233] Moving on to Figure 19, if there is a cooperative action event whose activation conditions have not been met within the event period of the corresponding cooperative action event (YES in step S180), the server system 1100 sends a specified non-activation notification to the viewer terminal 1500v of the initiator of the cooperative action event (step S132; see Figure 8).

[0234] When the viewer terminal 1500v receives this (YES in step S184), it displays the misfire notification display 17, displays options for dealing with the misfire, and allows the initiator to select one (step S186). The viewer terminal 1500v then transmits the selection result for dealing with the misfire to the server system 1100 (step S188).

[0235] When the received selection result of the misfire handling is "cancel" (cancel in step S190), the server system 1100 executes a cancellation procedure (step S192).

[0236] FIG. 22 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of processing in the server system 1100 and the viewer terminal 1500v relating to the cancellation procedure processing. In this process, the server system 1100 first transmits a cancellation notice to the viewer terminal 1500v of the cooperator in the cooperative action event (step S202). When the viewer terminal 1500v receives this (YES in step S204), it displays the stop notification display 18 (step S206; see FIG. 8), and the stop procedure processing ends.

[0237] Returning to FIG. 19, when the received selection result of the misfire handling is "transfer" (transfer in step S190), the server system 1100 executes the transfer procedure process (step S210).

[0238] FIG. 23 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of processing in the server system 1100 and the viewer terminal 1500v relating to the transfer procedure processing. In this process, the server system 1100 first determines the transfer charge (step S212), and transmits a transfer acceptance notification to the viewer terminal 1500v of the collaborator of the cooperative action event (step S214). The transfer acceptance notification includes the event name of the cooperative action event to be transferred, information on the transfer charge, and information on the latest acceptance status.

[0239] When the viewer terminal 1500v receives the transfer acceptance notification (YES in step S216), it displays the transfer acceptance display 19 (step S218). The transfer acceptance display 19 displays, for example, an explanation of the transfer, the event name of the cooperative action event to be transferred, information on the latest acceptance status, information on the transfer charge, and a transfer request operation icon 50 (see FIG. 8). The transfer request operation icon 50 serves both as a payment approval operation icon for the transfer charge and as a transfer request operation icon.

[0240] When the viewer terminal 1500v detects a transfer request operation within a specified time (YES in step S220), it sends the specified transfer request to the server system 1100, along with the event name of the cooperative action event to be transferred, approval of the transfer charge, and the collaborator's viewer account (step S222).

[0241] If the transfer request is not received within a predetermined time limit from the transfer acceptance notification (NO in step S224), the server system 1100 executes a cancellation procedure (step S226) and ends the transfer procedure.

[0242] If the transfer request is received within the time limit (YES in step S224), the server system 1100 executes the previously determined transfer charge (or consumption of a tip item equivalent thereto) for the viewer 2v who made the transfer request (step S240), updates the latest reception status information for the cooperative action event to be transferred, and changes the initiator to the viewer 2v who made the transfer request (step S242). Specifically, the initiator account of the cooperative action event management data 664 for the cooperative action event to be transferred is changed (see FIG. 15).

[0243] Next, the server system 1100 transmits a transfer completion notification to the viewer terminal 1500v of the cooperator of the cooperative action event to be transferred (step S244). The viewer terminal 1500v receives this (step S246) and displays a transfer completion notification (step S248). The transfer completion notification displays the fact that the initiator has been changed, the event name, the specific viewer account of the original initiator, and the specific viewer account of the new initiator. Then, the transfer procedure process ends.

[0244] Returning to FIG. 19, when the transfer procedure process is completed, the server system 1100 assumes that the activation condition has been satisfied by the transfer, and executes the activation procedure process for the transferred cooperative action event (step S250).

[0245] In step S190, if the received selection result for handling the misfire is "forced execution" (forced in step S190), the server system 1100 searches for cooperation action display object definition data 520 (see FIG. 13) that matches the cooperative viewer action to be forcedly executed, reads out alternative display object data 529 from the searched definition data, and displays an alternative cooperation action display object 8 as a display object for the forcibly executed cooperative action event on the content viewing screen (step S260; see FIG. 8). Then, it executes a billing process for the forcibly executed cooperative action event (step S262). In the case of "forced execution", the billing amount or the amount of items consumed may be discounted.

[0246] When the distribution is completed (YES in step S270), the server system 1100 performs a point allocation process for each viewer 2v of the currently distributed content (step S274). That is, for each individual viewer action acceptance data 662 (see FIG. 15), the server system 1100 compares the points with the point setting data 540 (see FIG. 12) and allocates the number of points to the viewer 2v of the viewer account indicated by the acceptance data. Then, the server system 1100 issues a predetermined point allocation notification to the viewer terminal 1500v of the viewer 2v. The notification includes the total value to be allocated. The viewer terminal 1500v receives the point allocation notification and displays a notification including the total number of points allocated (step S276).

[0247] The server system 1100 also performs a reward granting process for the distributor 2h of the content currently distributed (step S278). That is, by referring to the individual viewer action acceptance data 662, the server system 1100 calculates the total amount of tips executed as individual viewer actions, determines the amount of the grant based on the individual viewer action reward grant rate Pp indicated by the reward setting data 542, and grants this amount to the distributor 2h. Similarly, the server system 1100 calculates the total amount of tips executed as cooperative viewer actions in this distribution based on the cooperative viewer action acceptance data 666, determines the amount of the grant based on the cooperative viewer action reward grant rate Pc indicated by the reward setting data 542, and grants this amount to the distributor 2h.

[0248] As described above, according to this embodiment, the content viewing system 1000 can realize novel viewer actions that are different from conventional viewer actions.

[0249] That is, the content viewing system 1000 can receive individual viewer actions from the viewer 2v and display the individual action display bodies 6 in response to the individual actions on the viewer terminal 1500v. In addition, the content viewing system 1000 can receive cooperative viewer actions from the viewer 2v, store and store the information, and perform control to display the cooperative action display body 7 on the viewer terminal 1500v when a given activation condition is met. Novel viewer actions realized by multiple viewers working together can increase the appeal of content distribution and content viewing by the content viewing system 1000, and can encourage the use of the content viewing system 1000. In addition, cooperative action events can bring viewers a sense of unity and excitement that has not been seen before.

[0250] Furthermore, in the content viewing system 1000, a specific viewer who has a special authority to set a cooperative action event can be selected and set from among the viewers 2v. In other words, it is possible to limit the special viewers who can be initiators of a cooperative action event.

[0251] The selection of specific viewers can be based on the acceptance history of individual viewer actions, the acceptance history of cooperative viewer actions, viewer information, interest information, etc. Therefore, it is possible to select appropriate specific viewers as initiators of cooperative action events, taking into consideration their proactiveness in viewer actions. In addition, by using a lottery for part of the selection of specific viewers, it is possible to bring diversity to viewers who become specific viewers.

[0252] In addition, the specific viewer who initiates the cooperative action event can determine the display mode of the cooperative action display body, set the conditions for initiating the cooperative action, and cancel the event. Therefore, the specific viewer can freely select the circumstances under which the cooperative action event will be initiated or canceled.

[0253] In addition, the authority as the initiator of a cooperative action event can be transferred to a viewer who meets the transfer charge conditions for the cooperative action event. Therefore, if a deadlock occurs in a cooperative action event, a mechanism can be provided to break the deadlock by changing the initiator.

[0254] In addition, in cooperative action events, information about the organizer of the cooperative action event is disclosed. Therefore, the organizer of the cooperative action event can encourage the viewer 2v to make a decision such as, "If this is a cooperative action event called for by (account name) who always watches the same idol's content, then I'll participate." This is expected to have the effect of encouraging the viewer 2v to actively participate in cooperative viewer actions.

[0255] In addition, by differentiating the display modes of the individual action display body 6 and the cooperative action display body 7, it is possible to bring variety to the viewer actions, thereby increasing the interest of viewing the content, and to give the viewer a sense of satisfaction in the cooperative viewer actions.

[0256] Moreover, the details of the display mode of the cooperation action display 7 change depending on how many viewers agree with and participate in one cooperation. This brings diversity to the display of the cooperation action display 7, making content viewing more interesting.

[0257] [Modifications] Although the embodiment to which the present invention is applied has been described above, the forms to which the present invention can be applied are not limited to the above-described forms, and constituent elements can be added, omitted, or modified as appropriate.

[0258] (Variation 1) For example, in the explanation of the flowcharts in Figures 17 to 19, one cooperative action event is exemplified, but in reality, if multiple specific viewers are selected, multiple cooperative action events are executed in parallel. In that case, steps S124 to S130 and steps S180 to S262 may be executed for each cooperative action event.

[0259] In addition, at that time, when accepting the cooperative action event in step S96, the server system 1100 may adjust the event period. That is, the event period set in the cooperative action event management data 664 is basically set to an initial value. If multiple cooperative action events coexist and the end timings of their event periods are close, multiple cooperative action display objects 7 may be displayed overlapping each other, which may reduce the impression compared to when the cooperative action display objects 7 are displayed with an appropriate time difference. In addition, since the cooperative action display object 7 is set to be larger and more flashy than the individual action display object 6, if multiple cooperative action display objects 7 are displayed overlapping each other, the display objects may fill the content viewing screen and interfere with viewing.

[0260] Therefore, when setting the event period of a newly accepted cooperative action event, the server system 1100 compares the predicted end timing of the event period when initially set with that of an existing cooperative action event, and if the time interval between the two satisfies a predetermined proximity determination condition, the end of the event period initially set for the newly accepted cooperative action event may be extended or corrected to shift the end timing of the event period to such an extent that the proximity determination condition is not satisfied.

[0261] (Variation 2) In the above embodiment, the viewers who can cooperate are limited to the viewers 2v, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, if all viewers 2v are set as viewers who can cooperate, all viewers can be encouraged to participate in the cooperative action event, and the content distribution can be made more exciting.

[0262] (Variation 3) In addition, the above embodiment may be added with one or more of the following functions: a function for notifying an increase or decrease in the number of viewers; a function for changing the display form of the individual action display body 6 (see Figure 3) according to the number of viewers; and a function for changing the content of various performance displays according to the number of viewers.

[0263] For example, in a configuration in which all of these functions are added, as shown in FIG. 24, a viewer count notification control unit 254, an individual action display body change unit 256, and a performance display change unit 258 are added to the content viewing management unit 210 of the server system 1100.

[0264] After the content distribution starts (after step S50), each time the number of registered viewers in the viewer account list 656 (which is changed according to an increase or decrease in the number of viewers 2v) is changed, the viewer number notification control unit 254 distributes the number to the viewer terminal 1500v. In response to this, the viewing client calculation unit 257 of the viewer terminal 1500v displays the number of viewers indicating the number of people who have been received on the viewing screen. For example, it displays it as a number.

[0265] The individual action display object change section 256 changes the individual action display object 6 (see FIG. 3) that is displayed in response to an individual viewer action according to the number of viewers.

[0266] When the individual action display object change unit 256 is added to the content viewing management unit 210, the server storage unit 500s stores individual action display object definition data 510B shown in FIG. 25 instead of the individual action display object definition data 510 of the above embodiment. The individual action display object definition data 510B is data that stores various data for displaying the individual action display object 6, and is prepared for each type of display form of the individual action display object 6. One individual action display object definition data 510B includes application requirements 511 and display object data 513.

[0267] The application requirement 511 indicates the condition that must be satisfied in order to apply the definition data, and is described by a combination of one or more sub-conditions, AND or OR. As the sub-condition, for example, an application individual viewer action type condition 511a, an application individual viewer action content condition 511b, and an application viewer number condition 511c can be used. Note that each sub-condition can be set to "no setting" or to essentially "unlimited."

[0268] The applicable viewer number condition 511c is a condition on the latest number of viewers 2v of the content (viewer number), that is, the number of people registered in the viewer account list 656 (see FIG. 15), and is described as a range of viewer numbers.

[0269] In step S78, the individual action display object change unit 256 searches for individual action display object definition data 510B that satisfies the application requirement 511, and displays the individual action display object 6 within the content based on the display object data 513 of the searched definition data.

[0270] The effect display change unit 258 changes various effect displays according to the number of viewers. The "effect display" mentioned here includes display objects superimposed on the video of the content (for example, a shower of cherry blossom petals, a dark area for a spotlight-like effect, pop displays of characters, etc.). In the case where the video of the content is created by rendering a state in which a 3D character model such as an avatar or a game character is placed in a virtual three-dimensional space and its movement is controlled, the type of object that will be the background, its movement control, light distribution control, etc. are included.

[0271] When the effect display change unit 258 is added to the content viewing management unit 210, the server storage unit 500s stores effect display definition data 550 as shown in Fig. 26. The effect display definition data 550 is prepared for each effect display content, and stores various data for realizing the corresponding effect. One effect display definition data 550 includes application requirements 551 and effect display data 553.

[0272] The application requirement 551 indicates a condition that must be satisfied in order to apply the definition data, and is described by a combination of one or more sub-conditions, AND or OR. Examples of the sub-conditions that can be used include an applied individual viewer action type condition 551a, an applied individual viewer action content condition 551b, an applied viewer number condition 551c, an applied cooperative action event condition 551d, and an applied content progress condition 551e. Each of the sub-conditions can be set to "no setting" or to essentially "unlimited."

[0273] The applicable viewer number condition 551c is a condition on the latest number of viewers 2v of the content (viewer number), that is, the number registered in the viewer account list 656 (see FIG. 15), and is described as a range of viewer numbers.

[0274] The applied cooperative action event condition 551d indicates a condition related to the cooperative action event, and is described using, for example, the number of cooperative action event management data 664 (see FIG. 15) or the number of cooperative viewer action acceptance data 666.

[0275] The applied content progress condition 551e is a condition regarding the progress of the content, and is described using, for example, the time elapsed since the start of distribution of the content, the specific characters that appear, and the like.

[0276] After the content is distributed, the production display change unit 258 searches for the production display definition data 550 that satisfies the application requirements 551 one by one, and if there is the corresponding definition data, performs the production display control according to the production display data 553. The production display can be created by rendering the image of the content in which a 3D character model such as an avatar or a game character is placed in a virtual three-dimensional space and the movement of the character model is controlled. In this case, an object for the production display is placed in the virtual three-dimensional space and the movement of the object is controlled. Depending on the content of the production, light distribution control in the virtual three-dimensional space may be performed. The production display control may be performed by the server system 1100, or the production display data 553 may be distributed to the viewer terminal 1500v, and the display based on the delivered production display data 553 may be compositely displayed on the image of the content as a function of the viewing client calculation unit 272. [Explanation of symbols]

[0277] 2. User 2h…Streamer 2v… Viewer 6…Individual action indicator 7...Cooperative action indicator 8…Alternative cooperative action indicators 10...Specific viewer notification display 12... Cooperating viewer notification display 14…Reception status notification indicator 16...Activable notification indicator 17...Non-fire notification indicator 18...Cancellation notice display 19...Transfer acceptance display 20...Event setting screen 21…Event name setting section 22...Event type setting section 23...Display mode type setting section 24…First activation condition setting section 25…Second activation condition setting section 30…Introduction information display section 44…Activation condition display section 45…Reception status display section 46… Cooperation Content Setting Division 50…Transfer request operation icon 200s…Server processing section 210…Content Viewing Management Department 216… Specific viewer selection section 218…Specific viewer notification control unit 222...Individual reception control unit 224...Individual display body control unit 226…Activation condition setting section 228...Execution start control unit 230...Event introduction notification control unit 231...Activation condition notification control unit 232... Cooperation reception control unit 233…Selection of viewers who can cooperate 234... Cooperation reception status notification control unit 236...Abort control unit 238…Specific Viewer Change Department 240...Cooperative display control unit 242...Display mode setting unit 244...Display body forced control unit 250…Points allocation section 252…Benefits Granting Department 270...Distribution client calculation unit 272... Viewing client calculation unit 501...Server program 504...Distribution client program 506... Viewing client program 510... Individual action display body definition data 520…Cooperative action display body definition data 521…Applicable event type 523…Applicable display type 528…Display data 529…Alternative display data 540...Point setting data 542...Bonus setting data 600...User management data 602... Viewer information 606...Interesting information 610…Number of points owned 612…Distributor information 616… Ownership benefits 617… Individual viewer action history data 618… Collaborative viewer action history data 630…Content registration data 633… Creator account 650…Distribution management data 656... Viewer account list 658…Specific viewer account list 660…List of viewer accounts that can cooperate 662…Individual viewer action reception data 664…Cooperative action event management data 666…Cooperative viewer action reception data 710...Event information 1000...Content viewing system 1100...Server system 1500: User terminal 1500h…Distributor terminal 1500v…Viewer terminal

Claims

1. 1. A computer system that receives viewer actions from each viewer at each viewer terminal to which given entertainment content (hereinafter referred to as "content") is distributed, and controls the display of an action display body corresponding to the viewer action on the viewer terminal, comprising: individual reception control means for receiving individual viewer actions from viewers viewing the content; an individual display object control means for controlling the display of individual action display objects corresponding to the individual viewer actions accepted by the individual reception control means on the viewer terminal; a cooperation acceptance control means for accepting a cooperation viewer action, which is a viewer action indicating support for a given cooperation action event initiated by a given specific viewer among the viewers viewing the content, from viewers other than the specific viewer; a cooperation display control means for storing and accumulating information on the cooperation viewer actions accepted by the cooperation acceptance control means, and for controlling the display of a cooperation action display object on the viewer terminal when a given activation condition is satisfied; A computer system comprising:

2. 1. A computer system that receives viewer actions from each viewer at each viewer terminal to which given entertainment content (hereinafter referred to as "content") is distributed, and controls the display of an action display body corresponding to the viewer action on the viewer terminal, comprising: individual reception control means for receiving individual viewer actions from viewers; an individual display object control means for controlling the display of individual action display objects corresponding to the individual viewer actions accepted by the individual reception control means on the viewer terminal; a specific viewer selection means for selecting a specific viewer from among the viewers; an execution start control means for controlling the start of execution of a given cooperative action event based on a request for execution of the given cooperative action event initiated by the particular viewer; a cooperation acceptance control means for accepting, during the execution of the cooperation action event, a cooperation viewer action from a viewer, which is a viewer action indicating approval of the cooperation action event; a cooperation display control means for storing and accumulating information on the cooperation viewer actions accepted by the cooperation acceptance control means, and for controlling the display of a cooperation action display object on the viewer terminal when a given activation condition is satisfied; A computer system comprising:

3. the specific viewer selection means selects the specific viewer based on a history of acceptance of the individual viewer action or a history of acceptance of the cooperative viewer action.

3. The computer system of claim 2.

4. the specific viewer selection means selects the specific viewer based on viewer information of each viewer; 4. A computer system according to claim 2 or 3.

5. The viewer information includes interest information of the viewer that is registered in advance with respect to the content of the content, the specific viewer selection means selects the specific viewer based on the interest information of each viewer; 5. The computer system of claim 4.

6. the specific viewer selection means selects the specific viewer by lottery from among the viewers; A computer system according to any one of claims 2 to 5.

7. an activation condition setting means for setting the activation condition based on a setting operation of the specific viewer; The computer system according to any one of claims 2 to 6, further comprising:

8. a stop control means for stopping the cooperative action event in response to a stop request from the specific viewer after the cooperative action event has started; The computer system according to any one of claims 2 to 7, further comprising:

9. an event introduction notification control means for notifying the viewer terminal of introduction information of the cooperative action event, the introduction information including identification information of the specific viewer related to the cooperative action event; The computer system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising:

10. A means for controlling a notification of identification information of the specific viewer related to the cooperative action event to the viewer terminal; The computer system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising:

11. a display mode setting means for setting a display mode of the cooperation action display body based on a setting operation of the specific viewer; The computer system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising:

12. the cooperative display object control means displays the cooperative action display object in a display mode different from that of the individual action display object. A computer system according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

13. the cooperative display object control means changes a display mode of the cooperative action display object based on the accumulated and stored information of the cooperative viewer action. A computer system according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

14. 1. A computer system that receives viewer actions from each viewer at each viewer terminal to which given entertainment content (hereinafter referred to as "content") is distributed, and controls the display of an action display body corresponding to the viewer action on the viewer terminal, comprising: individual reception control means for receiving individual viewer actions from viewers; an individual display object control means for controlling the display of individual action display objects corresponding to the individual viewer actions accepted by the individual reception control means on the viewer terminal; cooperation reception control means for receiving a cooperation viewer action from a viewer; a cooperation display control means for storing and accumulating information on the cooperation viewer actions accepted by the cooperation acceptance control means, and for controlling the display of a cooperation action display object on the viewer terminal when a given activation condition is satisfied; Equipped with the activation condition includes a condition based on a state of acceptance of the cooperative viewer action by the cooperation acceptance control means and a condition related to a deadline; a cooperation reception status notification control means for notifying the viewer terminal of the cooperation reception status; a display object forcible control means for controlling the display of a display object different from the cooperation action display object on the viewer terminal when the condition based on the acceptance status is not satisfied by the deadline; The computer system further comprises:

15. a point granting means for granting points to the viewer according to the viewer action, the point granting means granting more points per viewer action for the cooperative viewer action than for the individual viewer action; The computer system of any one of claims 1 to 14, further comprising:

16. 1. A computer system that receives viewer actions from each viewer at each viewer terminal to which given entertainment content (hereinafter referred to as "content") is distributed, and controls the display of an action display body corresponding to the viewer action on the viewer terminal, comprising: individual reception control means for receiving individual viewer actions from viewers; an individual display object control means for controlling the display of individual action display objects corresponding to the individual viewer actions accepted by the individual reception control means on the viewer terminal; cooperation reception control means for receiving a cooperation viewer action from a viewer; a cooperation display control means for storing and accumulating information on the cooperation viewer actions accepted by the cooperation acceptance control means, and for controlling the display of a cooperation action display object on the viewer terminal when a given activation condition is satisfied; a reward granting means for granting a reward corresponding to the viewer action to a creator or a right holder of the content, the reward granting means setting a reward granting rate corresponding to the individual viewer action and a reward granting rate corresponding to the cooperative viewer action to different reward granting rates; A computer system comprising:

17. A computer system according to any one of claims 1 to 16, The viewer terminal; A content viewing system comprising:

Images