Content distribution system, computer system, and content distribution method

Abstract

To provide a technology to make user experience richer by using a text and image transmission function.SOLUTION: A streaming server 1100 distributes a content including at least a video provided by a providing user to a user terminal of each viewing user. The user terminal of each viewing user includes a content display part for displaying the content, and a viewing screen capable of executing a transmission operation during viewing is displayed. In the streaming server 1100, a support point calculation part 213 calculates support points related to the content at least on the basis of the transmission operation. When an event generation condition including a condition at least based on the transmission operation is satisfied, an event control part 225 generates an event in which larger support points can be calculated when the event is generated than when the event is not generated for the same transmission operation.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a content distribution system that distributes content including at least video provided by a providing user to a user terminal of each viewing user. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Social networking services (SNS) that allow users to send text and images using functions called chat and text functions (see, for example, Patent Document 1), content distribution services, and the like are known.

[0003] The use of chat and text functions promotes communication between users. For example, in the case of a video distribution service, users can send and post text messages while watching a video, creating a virtual experience as if they were watching the video together.

[0004] When chat or text functions allow the transmission of images in addition to text, the transmission of those images is sometimes called "image posting," etc. For example, by transmitting (in this case, also called posting) images of characters with dialogue in speech bubbles or images of characters performing actions such as joy, anger, sadness, and happiness, it is possible to succinctly transmit feelings and thoughts that cannot be expressed in words.

[0005] The various user experiences provided by these functions for transmitting text and images can even be said to have become indispensable standard features in recent years in social networking services (SNS) and content distribution services. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] JP 2017-91393 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The present invention aims to provide a technique for enriching the user experience by utilizing a function for transmitting text and images. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A first invention for solving the above problem is a content distribution system (e.g., streaming server 1100 in FIG. 1) that distributes content including at least video provided by a providing user to a user terminal of each viewing user (e.g., user terminal 1500 in FIG. 1), wherein the user terminal includes a content display unit that displays the content, and a viewing screen on which a call operation can be performed while viewing is displayed, and the content distribution system is equipped with: cheering point calculation means (e.g., cheering point calculation unit 213 in FIG. 9) that calculates cheering points related to the content based on at least the call operation; and event control means (event control unit 225 in FIG. 9) that generates an event that, when an event generation condition including at least a condition based on the call operation is satisfied, can cause a larger cheering point to be calculated in the case where the event occurs than in the case where the event does not occur for the same call operation.

[0009] According to the first invention, it is possible to calculate support points related to content based on a transmission operation by a viewing user who is viewing the content. Then, when an event occurrence condition including a condition based on the transmission operation is satisfied, it is possible to generate an event that can calculate a larger support point than when the event does not occur for the same transmission operation (i.e., the support point can be earned more than when the event does not occur). Therefore, it is possible to encourage each viewing user to perform a transmission operation in order to increase the support points related to the content being viewed by generating an event, and it is possible to increase the transmission power. This provides a user experience of multiple viewing users gathering together to watch the content together, giving the viewing users a sense of excitement and excitement.

[0010] In addition, as a second invention, the event control means may configure the content distribution system of the first invention to determine whether the event occurrence condition is satisfied by including in the event occurrence condition that a state in which a chain condition is satisfied, the chain condition including at least a continuity certification condition for certifying the continuity of the call operation based on the timing at which the call operation is made, continues for a predetermined period of time or more.

[0011] According to the second invention, when the viewing users who are viewing the content continuously make transmission operations and the operations reach a certain scale, an event can be generated. For example, when a plurality of viewing users make transmissions one after another and the number of operations reaches 10, it is possible to generate an event that allows the viewing users to earn more support points than when the event does not occur. This makes it possible to further enhance the feeling that the viewing users are all working together to liven up the content, and to further improve the user experience.

[0012] In addition, as a third invention, the content distribution system of the second invention may be configured such that the chain condition further includes that the multiple call operations to be judged satisfy a relationship determination condition for determining the relationship between the call operations.

[0013] According to the third invention, the linkage condition can include the relationship between transmission operations, for example, the condition (relationship determination condition) of the relationship of the contents (transmission contents) transmitted by the transmission operation. Therefore, instead of generating an event when any contents are continuously transmitted until a certain scale is reached, an event can be generated when related contents are continuously transmitted to a certain scale. In addition, by making the relationship a condition, the complexity and fun of selecting the transmission contents to satisfy the condition is added, and the transmission operation itself can be one of the user experiences.

[0014] In addition, as a fourth invention, a content distribution system described in the second or third invention may be configured that includes a chain notification control means (e.g., the chain notification control unit 221 in Figure 9) that controls notification to the user terminal of the current continuation status of the state in which the chain condition is satisfied.

[0015] According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the viewing user can be made aware of the occurrence of an event by showing the viewing user how long the calling operation that satisfies the chain condition has continued to the present point in time.

[0016] In addition, as a fifth invention, the content distribution system may be configured as any of the second to fourth inventions, wherein the event control means changes the end time of the event based on a state in which the chain condition is satisfied during the generated event.

[0017] According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the end time of a generated event can be changed based on the state where a chain condition is satisfied during the generated event. For example, if the state where a chain condition is satisfied continues during the generated event, it is possible to extend the end time of the event.

[0018] In addition, as a sixth invention, the content distribution system may be configured as any one of the first to fifth inventions, wherein the event control means determines that the event condition is satisfied when the total number of the call origination operations reaches a predetermined number.

[0019] According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, when many calling operations are performed by viewing users who are viewing content, an event can be generated. In this case, an event can be generated earlier by each viewing user repeatedly performing a calling operation, rather than by only one of the viewing users performing a large number of calling operations. Therefore, it is possible to further increase the motivation of each viewing user to make the content more popular, and to further improve the user experience.

[0020] In addition, as a seventh invention, the content distribution system of any of the first to sixth inventions may be configured such that there are multiple types of the calling operation, some of the multiple types are associated with the providing user or the content, and the event control means has a means for determining whether or not the event condition is satisfied based on the calling operation of the associated type.

[0021] According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, an event can be generated based on a user who provides the content being viewed or a transmission operation of a type associated with the content.

[0022] In addition, as an eighth invention, the content distribution system of any of the first to seventh inventions may be configured to include a ranking calculation means (e.g., the ranking calculation unit 227 in FIG. 9 or the ranking calculation unit 227A in FIG. 25) that calculates rankings for each providing user or each content based on at least the support points.

[0023] According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to calculate a ranking of support points acquired by distributed contents by providing user or by content.

[0024] In addition, as a ninth invention, the content distribution system of the eighth invention may be configured to include a first viewing user privilege granting means (e.g., first privilege granting processing unit 229 of Figure 9) that determines whether or not to grant a privilege to the viewing user based on the result of the ranking, and if it is determined that a privilege should be granted, grants a privilege to each viewing user according to the viewing user's track record of the calling operation.

[0025] According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, for example, it is possible to give a privilege to a viewing user who has viewed a content with a high ranking according to the performance of the calling operation during the viewing. That is, instead of giving a privilege to all viewing users of the content with a high ranking, it is possible to give a luxurious privilege to a viewing user who contributed to the acquisition of the support points. Alternatively, a privilege can be given only to such viewing users.

[0026] In addition, as a tenth invention, the event control means may configure a content distribution system of the first to ninth inventions, in which, for each group made up of viewing users of the content being viewed, it determines whether the event occurrence condition is satisfied based on the calling operation of viewing users belonging to the group, and controls the occurrence of the event on a group-by-group basis.

[0027] According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to determine whether or not an event occurrence condition is satisfied on a group-by-group basis based on the originating operation of a viewing user belonging to the group, and to control the occurrence of an event on a group-by-group basis.

[0028] In addition, as an eleventh invention, the support point calculation means may calculate the support points for each group, and may configure the content distribution system of the tenth invention including a group ranking means (e.g., ranking calculation unit 227A of FIG. 25) that calculates the support points for each group and ranks the groups based on the support points for each group.

[0029] According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, the support points can be calculated for each group based on the person who performed the call originating operation. Then, the groups can be ranked in order of the support points.

[0030] In addition, as a 12th invention, the content distribution system of the 10th invention may be configured to include a second viewing user privilege granting means (e.g., second privilege granting processing unit 233A of Figure 25) that determines whether or not to grant a privilege to a viewing user belonging to a group based on the ranking of the group ranked by the group ranking means, and if it is determined that a privilege should be granted, grants a privilege to each viewing user belonging to the group in accordance with the record of the calling operation of the viewing user.

[0031] According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, for example, it is possible to give a privilege to a viewing user who has contributed to the acquisition of support points, among viewing users who belong to a group with a high ranking.

[0032] In addition, as a thirteenth invention, the support point calculation means may be configured to configure a content distribution system of any of the first to twelfth inventions, which is equipped with a viewing user ranking means (e.g., ranking calculation unit 227A of FIG. 25) that calculates the support points for each viewing user and ranks the viewing users based on the support points for each viewing user.

[0033] According to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the support points can be calculated for each viewing user based on the person who performed the call originating operation. Then, the viewing users can be ranked in order of the support points.

[0034] In addition, as a 14th invention, the content distribution system of the 13th invention may be configured to include a third viewing user privilege granting means (e.g., the third privilege granting processing unit 235A of Figure 25) that determines the viewing user to which a privilege will be granted and the privilege to be granted based on the ranking of the viewing users ranked by the viewing user ranking means, and grants the determined privilege to the viewing user to whom it is to be granted.

[0035] According to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to determine the viewing user to whom the privilege is to be granted and the privilege to be granted depending on the ranking of the viewing user. For example, it is possible to grant a more luxurious privilege to a viewing user with a higher ranking than to a viewing user with a lower ranking.

[0036] In addition, as a 15th invention, the content distribution system may be configured as any of the 1st to 14th inventions, wherein the event control means generates the event when the providing user performs a generation instruction operation, regardless of whether the event generation condition is satisfied or not.

[0037] According to the fifteenth aspect of the present invention, an event can be generated in response to a generation instruction operation by a providing user. The event may be generated immediately in response to the generation instruction operation.

[0038] In addition, as a sixteenth invention, the content distribution system of the fifteenth invention may be configured to include a fee collection means (for example, the fee collection processing unit 223 of FIG. 9) that collects a fee for the generation instruction operation from the providing user.

[0039] According to the sixteenth aspect of the present invention, the generation instruction operation can be accepted by collecting a fee from the providing user.

[0040] In addition, as a 17th invention, the event control means may configure a content distribution system of any of the 1st to 16th inventions, wherein the event control means generates the event when the viewing user performs a paid generation instruction operation to generate the event in exchange for the viewing user's consumption of a specific item or virtual currency, regardless of whether the event generation condition is satisfied or not.

[0041] According to the seventeenth aspect of the present invention, an event can be generated in response to a paid event generation instruction operation by a viewing user. In addition, at that time, the event can be generated in exchange for consuming a specific item or virtual currency.

[0042] In addition, as an 18th invention, the content distribution system of any of the 1st to 17th inventions may be configured such that there are multiple types of the call operation, and the support point calculation means calculates the support points according to the type of the call operation.

[0043] According to the eighteenth aspect, the support points can be calculated according to the type of calling operation.

[0044] As a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, a computer system (for example, the content providing system 1000 in FIG. 1) may be configured that includes a user terminal of each viewing user and the content delivery system of any one of the first to eighteenth aspects of the present invention.

[0045] The term "computer system" as used herein may refer to a system using a single computer, or a system in which multiple computers are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other. According to the nineteenth aspect of the present invention, a computer system having the same effects as those of the first aspect of the present invention can be realized. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0046] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a content providing system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the device configuration of a user terminal. [Diagram 3] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a screen configuration of a viewing screen. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a popup displayed when an allocation change operation is performed. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining conditions for generating a continuous combo. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining conditions for generating a combo combination. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining an example in which a relation is determined to exist; [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a viewing screen during a fever time. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a streaming server according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10]FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of programs and data stored in a server storage unit of the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of transmission image definition data. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of relevance determination condition definition data. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a data configuration of combination combo scale requirement definition data. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a data configuration of fever time definition data. [Figure 15] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a data configuration of user management data. [Figure 16] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of distribution management data. [Figure 17] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the viewing terminal. [Figure 18] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of a providing terminal. [Figure 19] 11 is a flowchart showing a processing flow of a streaming server. [Figure 20] 20 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing of the streaming server subsequent to FIG. 19; [Figure 21] 21 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing of the streaming server following FIG. 20. [Figure 22] 6 is a flowchart showing a processing flow of the viewing terminal. [Figure 23] 10 is a flowchart showing a processing flow of a providing terminal. [Figure 24] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a viewing screen in the second embodiment. [Diagram 25] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional arrangement of a streaming server 1100 according to the second embodiment. [Figure 26] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of programs and data stored in a server storage unit of the second embodiment. [Figure 27] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a chat screen display when the present invention is applied to a chat function of a social networking service. [Figure 28] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another display example of the chat screen. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0047] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below, and the forms to which the present invention can be applied are not limited to the following embodiments. In addition, in the description of the drawings, the same parts are given the same reference numerals.

[0048] [First embodiment] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a content providing system 1000 to which the present invention is applied. The content providing system 1000 is a computer system that provides a distribution service for allowing an unspecified number of people to enjoy content such as multimedia content at the same time. Although streaming distribution will be described as an example of content distribution, it goes without saying that other methods of distribution may also be used. The content providing system 1000 includes a streaming server 1100 and a plurality of user terminals 1500 (1500a, 1500b, ..., 1500T), which are connected to each other via a communication line 9 so that they can communicate data with each other.

[0049] The communication line 9 refers to a communication path that allows data communication. In other words, the communication line 9 includes a dedicated line (dedicated cable) for direct connection, a LAN (Local Area Network) such as Ethernet (registered trademark), a telephone communication network, a cable network, the Internet, and other communication networks, and may be either wired or wireless.

[0050] The streaming server 1100 is a computer system that realizes a content distribution system that distributes content including at least video provided from a user terminal 1500 (1500T) of a providing user 2 (2t) to the user terminals 1500 (1500a, 1500b, ...) of each viewing user 2 (2a, 2b, ...).

[0051] Specifically, the streaming server 1100 includes a main device 1101, a keyboard 1106, a touch panel 1108, and a storage 1140. The main device 1101 incorporates a control board 1150 on which electronic components such as a processor, which is an arithmetic circuit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 1151, a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), various IC memories 1152 such as a VRAM, RAM, or ROM, and a communication device 1153 are mounted. 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 a SoC (System on a Chip).

[0052] The streaming server 1100 performs calculations based on a predetermined program and data using the control board 1150, thereby: 1) User management functions related to user registration, etc.; 2) Content distribution service function; 3) A user transmission service function for distributing text and images (e.g., images for transmission) transmitted (or posted) from the user terminal 1500; 4) An online shopping function that enables the user to purchase images and other items online that can be sent using the user sending service function; Of course, it is also possible to configure the device to realize functions other than those described above. For example, it may be possible to realize a social networking service function, or a chat function as part of the social networking service function.

[0053] The distribution service function is a function that acquires content such as video data from the user terminal 1500T of the providing user 2t, who is a user that provides the content, and distributes the acquired content to the user terminals 1500 (1500a, 1500b, ...) of the viewing users 2 (2a, 2b, ...), who are users who have registered as viewers, in a format that allows viewing in parallel with the downloading of the content file.

[0054] The user transmission service function is a function that distributes text and transmission images transmitted from the user terminal 1500 (1500a, 1500b, ...) of the viewing user 2 (2a, 2b, ...) to the user terminal 1500 (1500a, 1500b, ...) of each viewing user 2 (2a, 2b, ...) and the user terminal 1500T of the providing user 2t, and displays the transmission content at the distribution destination.

[0055] The online shopping function is a function for purchasing images to be transmitted, etc., by consuming virtual currency equivalent points (hereinafter simply referred to as "currency points") owned by the viewing user 2, and performs a procedure for purchasing currency points (billing process) in cooperation with an external electronic settlement server operated by an electronic settlement company, etc. in response to a request from the user terminal 1500. During the billing process, the electronic settlement server responds to an inquiry from the streaming server 1100 and performs a process of settling the purchase amount of the currency points with the user's credit card, prepaid card, etc. Then, the streaming server 1100 grants the user currency points equivalent to the purchase amount settled by the electronic settlement server.

[0056] 1, the streaming server 1100 may be configured to include multiple blade servers each assigned to one function, and connected to each other via an internal bus for data communication. Alternatively, the streaming server 1100 may be configured to function as a whole as a streaming server 1100 by having multiple independent servers installed at different locations communicate with each other via a communication line 9.

[0057] The user terminals 1500 (1500a, 1500b, ..., 1500T) are computer systems used by users 2 (2a, 2b, ..., 2t), and by changing the programs they execute, they function as a providing terminal that creates content to be provided for distribution, or as a viewing terminal that enables viewing of the distributed content. In the example of FIG. 1, the user terminal 1500T corresponds to the providing terminal, and the user terminals 1500a and 1500b correspond to the viewing terminals. The user terminal 1500 in this embodiment is a device known as a smartphone, but may also be a portable game device, a personal computer, a tablet computer, a wearable computer, or the like.

[0058] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the device configuration of a smartphone, which is an example of the user terminal 1500. As shown in FIG. 2, the user terminal 1500 includes a directional input key 1502, a home key 1504, a touch panel 1506 that functions as an image display device and a contact position input device, an internal battery 1509, a speaker 1510, a microphone 1512, an image sensor module 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 (not shown) are provided. In addition, an IC card reader or the like that can contactlessly read and write data from an IC card-type credit card or prepaid card that can be used to pay for game play may be provided.

[0059] The control board 1550 is equipped with various microprocessors such as a CPU 1551, a GPU, and a DSP, various IC memories 1552 such as a VRAM, a RAM, and a ROM, a wireless communication module 1553 for wireless communication with a mobile phone base station or a wireless LAN base station connected to the communication line 9, and an interface circuit 1557. The interface circuit 1557 includes a circuit for receiving signals from the direction input key 1502 and the home key 1504, a driver circuit for the touch panel 1506, an output amplifier circuit for outputting a sound signal to the speaker 1510, an audio signal generating circuit for generating a signal of the sound collected by the microphone 1512, a circuit for inputting image data of an image captured by the image sensor module 1520, and a signal input / output circuit for the memory card reader 1542. Each of these elements mounted on the control board 1550 is electrically connected to each other via a bus circuit or the like, and is connected so as to be able to read and write data and transmit and receive signals. Note that a part or all of the control board 1550 may be configured with an ASIC, an FPGA, or an SoC.

[0060] In this control board 1550, an IC memory 1552 stores a video providing program for realizing the function as a providing terminal (for example, a providing terminal program enabling the creation and provision of content), a viewing program for realizing the function as a viewing terminal (for example, a viewing terminal program enabling the viewing of distributed content and the transmission of text and images for transmission), and data required for executing these programs. Then, the CPU 1551 etc. executes the providing terminal program and the viewing terminal program to perform arithmetic processing, and controls each part of the user terminal 1500 in response to operational inputs to the touch panel 1506, the directional input keys 1502, and the home key 1504, thereby enabling the user terminal 1500 to provide / view / etc. content.

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

[0062] 3 is a diagram showing an example of the screen configuration of a viewing screen for viewing content. In a user terminal 1500 that is executing a viewing program, a viewing screen W1 shown in FIG. 3 is displayed on a touch panel 1506. The viewing screen W1 may be, for example, 1) An additional information display unit 31 that displays additional information of a content being distributed and being viewed (hereinafter also referred to as a "distributed content" as appropriate); 2) a content display unit 32 that displays the distribution content; 3) a text transmission operation unit 33 for inputting text and performing a transmission operation (text transmission operation); 4) an image transmission operation icon 34 for performing a transmission operation (image transmission operation) of the transmission image 8; 5) A general-purpose display unit 35; 6) A transmission content display unit 36 ​​that displays the avatar 4 (4a, 4b, ...) of each viewing user 2 (2a, 2b, ...) and the contents of the text and transmission image 8 operated for transmission; 7) a shopping icon 37 for instantly purchasing the message image 8 online; Includes.

[0063] The incidental information displayed on the incidental information display unit 31 may include, for example, the title, genre, shooting date and time, shooting location, information about the subject, a situation description, profile information of the providing user 2t, a message from the providing user 2t, etc. Furthermore, if the distribution content is a gameplay video, the incidental information may include the play content and the game situation (for example, information about the game stage and location being played, information about equipment, the name of the enemy character, the progress of the game, the player level, the remaining time and elapsed time until the stage is cleared, the name of an obtainable rare item, etc.).

[0064] The additional information may be set by the providing user 2t himself / herself before providing the distribution content, or may be set by the operator of the distribution service. In addition, in the case of a game play video, the additional information may be automatically acquired and set from play information of the game being played. In this embodiment, the providing user 2t sets his / her own profile information in advance as information about the providing user 2t. The profile information includes, for example, items such as age, sex, date of birth, and place of birth, as well as items related to hobbies and tastes, such as favorite things such as favorite animals, favorite foods, favorite colors, and favorite music genres, and dislikes.

[0065] The content display unit 32 displays images of content that includes at least video (for example, live broadcasts of musical performances or shows by the providing user 2t, gameplay played by the providing user 2t, edited videos of live broadcasts of gameplay or recorded gameplay, video works filmed and edited by the providing user 2t, etc.).

[0066] The text transmission operation unit 33 includes an input field for inputting text (letters, numbers, symbols) such as a comment or message to be transmitted, a transmission execution operation icon for transmitting the text in the input field, and the like.

[0067] The image transmission operation icon 34 is a one-touch operation icon to which the image for transmission 8 to be transmitted can be assigned in advance. By simply touching the image transmission operation icon 34 once, the image for transmission 8 that has been assigned and set is transmitted (posted).

[0068] The image for transmission 8 is an image prepared by the operator of the distribution service and given to the viewing user 2 free of charge or for a fee. Each viewing user 2 can obtain or purchase an image for transmission 8, own it, and use it for transmission. The transmitted image for transmission 8 is consumed from the number owned by the viewing user 2.

[0069] Here, any type of transmission image 8 currently owned by the viewing user 2 can be assigned to the image transmission operation icon 34. As a result, although the same icon is in the same position on the viewing screen W1, different transmission operations can be performed by changing the transmission image 8 to be assigned.

[0070] Specifically, when a predetermined allocation change operation (for example, a two-finger touch operation on the image transmission operation icon 34) is performed, a pop-up display W3 as shown in FIG. 4 is displayed on the viewing screen W1. The pop-up display W3 displays the transmission images 8 (8a, 8b, ...) owned by the viewing user 2 along with the number of images owned and the number of added points for each type. The number of added points is set in advance for each type of transmission image 8. For example, a higher point number can be set for an image with a higher selling price. The viewing user 2 can set the allocation of the transmission image 8 to the image transmission operation icon 34 by touching any one of the transmission images 8 in this pop-up display W3. A check mark 40 indicating a selected state is displayed on the display of the currently assigned transmission image 8.

[0071] The type of the image 8 for transmission can be set appropriately, and is not limited to a still image, but may be an image with changes such as an animated GIF (Graphic Interchange Format). Basically, the image 8 for transmission is designed in various ways to be an item of communication between the viewing users 2. These include messages evaluating the distributed content (e.g., good, bad, interesting, not interesting, amazing, cool, ...), messages of support and appreciation to the providing user 2t (e.g., hang in there, calm down, ...), and images 8 for transmission designed to show the sender's predetermined intention (e.g., evaluation messages such as good and interesting, or I'm cheering you on, hang in there, ...).

[0072] Therefore, when an image transmission operation is performed while a transmission image 8 having a design including such a message or expression of intent is assigned to the image transmission operation icon 34, the operation becomes a message transmission operation or a default transmission operation showing a default expression of intent.

[0073] For example, the transmission image 8 assigned to the image transmission operation icon 34 can be a graphic figure with a motif of natural objects such as flowers and stars, like transmission images 8a, 8b, and 8c. Flowers and stars are suitable for transmission at times to express positive intentions such as joy, fun, or liking the subject. Alternatively, a graphic figure with a motif of large text that cannot be displayed in text may be used. A series (e.g., a spring flower series, a summer flower series, etc.) of multiple types of transmission images 8 with the same shape but different sizes, color schemes, etc. can also be prepared.

[0074] Moreover, the transmission image 8 assigned to the image transmission operation icon 34 can be an image in which a character holds some item, such as transmission images 8d and 8e (in the example of FIG. 4, a cheering item with a star on the end of a stick that is held in the hand and swung), a character plays music, such as transmission images 8k, 8m, and 8n shown in FIG. 7(c), or an image in which a character takes some pose or action (for example, blowing a kiss, smiling, looking disappointed, etc.). Different characters can be of different types even if they are holding the same item. Also, different characters can be of different types even if they are performing the same action.

[0075] Furthermore, the transmission image 8 assigned to the image transmission operation icon 34 can also include an image including a word or phrase within it, like the transmission image 8f. A character may be shown with a speech bubble, designed to make it look as if the character is speaking the word or phrase. Of course, the word or phrase may be an onomatopoeia, such as a sound effect expression in a manga. For example, an image may be created in which a surprised character is accompanied by the word "Surprise!", and an excited character is accompanied by the word "Wakuwaku!".

[0076] In this embodiment, the image 8 (8a, 8b, ...) for sending is prepared in advance by the operator of the distribution service, but the image may be one that the user has created. Of course, it is not limited to graphic design, illustration, and font, and may be an image that is actually taken.

[0077] In this embodiment, when the viewing user 2 touches the image transmission operation icon 34 to which the transmission image 8 is assigned and set as described above, and the transmission image 8 is transmitted (i.e., when the viewing user 2 performs an image transmission operation), the added points are added to the support points related to the distribution content. Therefore, if many viewing users perform many image transmission operations from the start to the end of the distribution, the support points are added accordingly, and the distribution content can acquire many support points. Also, the larger the added points of the transmission images 8 transmitted by each image transmission operation, the more points are added, and ultimately many support points are accumulated. In other words, it can be said that the support points represent the degree of excitement or popularity when the distribution related to the distribution content is considered to be a program, a stage, or a performance.

[0078] Returning to Fig. 3, the general-purpose display unit 35 is an area that is used for various notifications, effects, and other purposes without being limited to a specific purpose. In this embodiment, the general-purpose display unit 35 is mainly used to display cheering points and fever time that occurs when a predetermined event occurrence condition is met. Specifically, the general-purpose display unit 35 includes a cheering point display unit 351 that displays the current value of cheering points.

[0079] In addition, the general-purpose display unit 35 displays a combo gauge 353 for indicating the current continuation status of the image transmission operation that satisfies the chain condition of the "continuous combo" described later (the current chain number related to the continuous combo: the continuous combo chain number) when the fever time occurs. The combo gauge 353 is displayed and controlled so that the gauge value becomes full when the chain number related to the continuous combo reaches a reference value, and when the reference value is reached, the fever time occurs. The reference value is set in advance as a scale condition of the continuous combo occurrence condition described later. Therefore, the viewing user 2 can know from the combo gauge 353 how many more image transmission operations need to be chained before the fever time occurs, and can perform the image transmission operation while being aware of the occurrence of the fever time.

[0080] Furthermore, when fever time is not occurring, the forced generation item 355 owned by the viewing user 2 is displayed as an icon on the general-purpose display unit 35. Although details will be described later, the forced generation item 355 is a specific item that can be purchased at its selling price in exchange for consuming currency points, and can be used by touching the icon.

[0081] The transmission content display unit 36 ​​displays the avatars 4 (4a, 4b, ...) of the viewing users 2 (2a, 2b, ...) of the distribution content. The text transmitted from the viewing user 2 is displayed in a speech bubble 5 (5b, 5c) indicating that the avatar 4 (4b, 4c) of the viewing user 2 is speaking. The transmission image 8 transmitted from the viewing user 2 (viewing user 2a in FIG. 3) is displayed as if it were popping out of the avatar 4 (4a) of the viewing user 2 (2a) or as if the avatar 4 (4a) had taken it out. In this embodiment, the text and the transmission image 8 are displayed on the transmission content display unit 36 ​​for a predetermined display time and then erased. However, the transmission image 8 may be configured to be displayed as the background of the transmission content display unit 36 ​​until the end of the distribution.

[0082] When the shopping icon 37 is touched, a sales screen showing a list of the transmission images 8 for sale is popped up, and the desired transmission image 8 can be purchased at the sales price in exchange for consuming the currency points. In addition, the forced generation item 355 can be purchased on the sales screen.

[0083] The viewing screen W1 configured as described above is laid out so that the avatars 4 of each viewing user 2 are positioned and displayed in front of (below) the content display section 32, as shown in FIG. 3, providing users with the feeling that they are gathered together to watch the distributed content.

[0084] In addition, by displaying the text sent by each viewing user 2 in the speech bubble 5 of the avatar 4 and displaying the transmission image 8 from the avatar 4, it creates an atmosphere as if everyone is watching the distributed content together, expressing their thoughts and talking to their friends. Because the transmission image 8 does not need to be read one by one like text, it is possible to instantly, symbolically and succinctly convey what the viewing user 2 is feeling and thinking. It also has a greater effect on livening up the atmosphere than text.

[0085] In this way, the viewing screen W1 is designed to make it easy for the providing user 2t who provides the distribution content and the viewing users 2 (2a, 2b, ...) who watch it to get the feeling that they are working together to liven up a single live stage or performance.

[0086] In this embodiment, the user-generated service function of text and images is utilized to enhance the communication power of each viewing user 2, thereby providing new added value that further enhances the sense of unity and solidarity between viewing users 2.

[0087] [principle] When a text or image is transmitted from the user terminal 1500 (1500a, 1500b, ...) of each viewing user viewing a distribution content, information on when and what was transmitted, that is, information on the transmission record, is accumulated in the streaming server 1100. The streaming server 1100 also counts image transmission operations based on the transmission record, and updates and manages the support points related to the distribution content. Then, the transmission record and the current value of the support points are simultaneously transmitted to the user terminals 1500 of all viewing users via the streaming server 1100, and are displayed on each viewing screen W1 (transmission content display unit 36 ​​and support point display unit 351). The support points are also transmitted to the user terminal 1500 of the providing user, and are displayed on the providing screen.

[0088] Therefore, when an event occurrence condition including a condition based on an image transmission operation is satisfied, the streaming server 1100 performs control (event control) to generate a fever time as an event for livening up the viewing atmosphere of the distribution content.

[0089] In this embodiment, the image transmission operation is reflected in the cheering points, and the event occurrence conditions are judged for the image transmission operation to generate the fever time, but the text transmission operation may also be reflected in the cheering points. And, the event occurrence conditions (continuous combo conditions, combined combo occurrence conditions, operation count conditions) may also be judged including the text transmission operation.

[0090] 1. Event occurrence conditions In this embodiment, a plurality of event occurrence conditions are predefined, and whenever any of the event occurrence conditions is satisfied, a fever time occurs. In this embodiment, for example, the event occurrence conditions are four conditions: a continuous combo occurrence condition, a combination combo occurrence condition, a number of operations condition, and a forced occurrence condition.

[0091] (1) Continuous combo occurrence conditions / Combined combo occurrence conditions Fig. 5 is a diagram for explaining the successive combo occurrence conditions, and Fig. 6 is a diagram for explaining the combined combo occurrence conditions. The streaming server 1100 determines the occurrence of a "transmission combo (short for a combination of user transmissions)" in which transmissions of transmission images 8 by the same or different senders are linked to a predetermined scale or greater as an event occurrence condition. In this embodiment, the occurrence of two types of transmission combos, "successive combos" and "combined combos", is determined.

[0092] The occurrence of an outgoing combo is determined to be positive (determined) when the state in which the chain condition is satisfied continues long enough to satisfy the scale requirement.

[0093] First, as shown in FIG. 5, the chain condition for a continuous combo is determined to be satisfied if there is continuity in the timing of transmission (transmission timing).

[0094] The continuity is judged as "continuity exists" if the time difference between the transmission timings is equal to or less than a predetermined "continuity recognition time difference Δt". The continuity recognition time difference Δt can be set appropriately. For example, it is preferable to set it to about 5 to 30 seconds. The continuity recognition time difference Δt can be a common value for all distribution services, or different values ​​can be applied depending on the accompanying information, such as the genre of the distribution content.

[0095] On the other hand, the chain condition for a combination combo is determined to be met if there is continuity in the timing of transmissions and if the contents of those transmissions are related, as shown in Figure 6. The determination of the relationship is made for multiple transmission contents that are determined to have "continuity" and is made based on whether or not those multiple transmission contents have something in common or whether or not they create a pattern. In other words, if there is a relationship between the transmission operations, it is determined to be "related."

[0096] Fig. 7 is a diagram for explaining examples of what is determined to be related. Fig. 7(a)-(f) show examples of different types of messages that are determined to be related, and show examples of contents of messages that are determined to have continuity that is the subject of the determination of relatedness (contents of messages that have continuity) arranged from left to right in the order of their transmission. Note that the examples and the number of contents of messages arranged are for convenience of illustration, and are not limited to these in actual operation.

[0097] For example, as illustrated in Figs. 7(a) to 7(d), when multiple transmission contents having continuity have something in common, they are determined to be related. In the example of Fig. 7(a), all are transmission images 8a, and the types are common, so they are determined to be related. The commonality is not limited to the type of transmission image 8. It may also be the color scheme or shape of multiple transmission images 8 that are considered to be transmission contents having continuity. In the case of color scheme, it may be the color system of the main color that shows the largest area, or the color scheme that ranks high in area occupancy order. The condition of relevance may be determined by focusing on the commonality of the overall external shape, such as a circle, a triangle, or a square.

[0098] Also, attention may be paid to the commonality of the depicted content. For example, as shown in FIG. 7(b), if the characters depicted in the transmission image 8 are different but have the same poses and actions, it can be determined that there is a relationship.

[0099] Also, as shown in FIG. 7(c), even if the characters, poses, and actions are strictly different, they can be determined to be related if the poses and actions have a common theme. In the example of FIG. 7(c), they are determined to be related because they have a common theme of playing music. In addition, when certain actions such as "waving a flag," "yelling through a megaphone," and "clapping" are combined, they can be determined to be related because of the common theme of the action "cheering." Furthermore, they can be determined to be related if the characters depicted in the transmission image 8 form a single group motion as a whole (for example, a wave motion used for cheering in a stadium).

[0100] Also, if we focus on the text included in the image, as shown in Figure 7(d), it can be determined that there is a relationship if the meaning of the text included in the image for sending 8 is the same or if there is a common theme. In the example of Figure 7(d), both mean "cute," so it is determined that there is a relationship.

[0101] In addition, if consecutive messages form a pattern when they are arranged in the order in which they were sent (the order in which they were sent), or if a specific series is completed, it can be determined that there is a relationship.

[0102] For example, in the example of Fig. 7(e), although there is no commonality among all the transmission contents having continuity, the transmission image 8f and the transmission image 8b form a time series pattern in which they are transmitted alternately in the transmission order, so they are considered to be related. The contents of the time series pattern that is considered to be related can be set appropriately.

[0103] Also, in the example of FIG. 7(f), although the transmission images 8a, 8b, 8s, and 8t are of different types, they form a predetermined "flower" series, and therefore can be determined to be related to each other.

[0104] Next, the scale requirement is judged as positive if the number of times the chain condition is continuously satisfied (in other words, the number of chains) reaches a reference value. Specifically, the reference value for the consecutive combo (consecutive combo reference value) is set to "10 chains" as shown in FIG. 5. However, it is not limited to 10 chains, and the number of chains of 2 or more chains can be appropriately set. On the other hand, the reference value for the combination combo (combination combo reference value) is determined in advance for each relationship that can be recognized by the chain condition. The relationship between the relationship and the reference value may be set in advance. For example, the reference value may be "10 chains" for the relationship in FIG. 7(a) and "5 chains" for the relationship in FIG. 7(b), and a different number of chains may be set in relation to the relationship. In addition, for a relationship that is recognized when a specific action is set, the number of combinations of the action may be set as the reference value. In the example of FIG. 6, the reference value is "3 chains", and if there is continuity in the transmission of three different transmission images that have a common theme of musical performance, the occurrence of a combination combo is recognized.

[0105] In addition, the time length that satisfies the chain condition may be set as the scale condition by multiplying the continuity determination time difference Δt by a reference value. For example, in the case of a continuous combo, the scale condition may be satisfied when the time length reaches "10 × Δt", and in the case of a combination combo, the scale condition may be satisfied when the time length reaches "3 × Δt".

[0106] (2) Operation count conditions The streaming server 1100 determines the total number of image transmission operations (total number of transmission operations) by all viewing users as the event occurrence condition. For example, the number of image transmission operations from the start of distribution of the distribution content is counted, and when it exceeds a reference value (reference value for the total number of transmission operations), it determines that the operation count condition is met. In this embodiment, the reference value is the number of viewing users multiplied by a predetermined number (e.g., 20 times). However, it may be a fixed value regardless of the number of viewing users.

[0107] (3) Conditions for forced occurrence The forced occurrence condition is a condition for immediately generating a fever time regardless of the operation status of the image transmission operation. In the present embodiment, the forced occurrence condition includes a condition related to the operation of the viewing user and a condition related to the operation of the providing user.

[0108] First, the condition related to the operation of the viewing user 2 is set to "the viewing user 2 has performed a paid generation instruction operation." In this embodiment, a touch operation of the forced generation item 355 on the general-purpose display unit 35 is accepted as a paid generation instruction operation, and a fever time is generated in exchange for consumption of the forced generation item 355.

[0109] Note that the configuration is not limited to generating fever time through the use of the forced generation item 355 acquired or purchased by the viewing user, but may be such that a forced generation button is provided on the general-purpose display unit 35 or the like, and a touch operation of the button is accepted as a paid generation instruction operation. In other words, when the viewing user performs a touch operation of the forced generation button, fever time may be generated in exchange for consuming currency points equivalent to the selling price of the forced generation item 355.

[0110] On the other hand, the condition related to the operation of the providing user 2t is that "the providing user 2t has performed a generation instruction operation." The generation instruction operation is, for example, received by placing a fever generation button on the providing screen displayed on the user terminal 1500 of the providing user 2t during distribution and performing a touch operation on the button. When this generation instruction operation is performed, a fee is collected from the providing user. The collection of the fee can be realized by generating a fever time in exchange for consuming currency points held by the providing user.

[0111] More specifically, a limit is set for the number of times that the generation instruction operation can be performed, such as once per provision of one piece of content or once per a predetermined time period (for example, one hour), and once the generation instruction operation is performed, the button becomes unselectable until the limit is lifted. Also, the button becomes unselectable when fever time occurs. Therefore, the providing user cannot perform the generation instruction operation carelessly, and the timing of the operation is one of the strategies for acquiring many cheering points. In this embodiment, the limit is set to once per provision of one piece of content.

[0112] 2. Event Control When the event occurrence condition is satisfied, the streaming server 1100 generates a fever time during which a larger number of cheering points can be calculated than when the event does not occur. In this embodiment, when an image transmission operation is performed during the occurrence of a fever time, the number of points added to the transmitted transmission image 8 is multiplied by a predetermined number (for example, 1.5) and added to the cheering points. By controlling the event here, if an image transmission operation is performed during the occurrence of a fever time, more cheering points can be earned than when the fever time does not occur.

[0113] The length of the fever time (fever time length) is determined in advance for each event occurrence condition, and may be extended. In this embodiment, if the chain condition of the continuous combo continues to be satisfied even after the fever time occurs, the end time of the fever time is extended by the time length (extension time length) according to the chain number Cs after the fever time occurs.

[0114] Also, if the operation count condition is met during the fever time, the end time of the fever time is extended by a predetermined extension time length. In this case, the extension time length is fixed (for example, 15 seconds) in this embodiment.

[0115] Then, when the streaming server 1100 generates a fever time, it displays a presentation indicating that the fever time is in progress on the viewing screen. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the viewing screen W11 during the fever time. As shown in FIG. 8, when the fever time occurs, a notification notifying that the fever time is in progress and a notification of the remaining time of the fever time are displayed on the general-purpose display unit 35. In addition, as shown by the dashed line in FIG. 8, the appearance display of the transmission image 8 transmitted from the viewing user 2 (the viewing user 2a in FIG. 8) during the fever time is changed from when the fever time does not occur, and for example, the appearance display is displayed in a gorgeous manner. Note that the display location of the notification on the general-purpose display unit 35 may be anywhere within the screen. Also, a presentation display such as changing the background of the viewing screen W11 to a background for the fever time may be performed.

[0116] 3. Ranking As described above, the support points represent the degree of excitement or popularity of the distributed content. Therefore, the streaming server 1100 calculates the ranking based on the support points at a predetermined cycle, for example, once a month or once a week. In this embodiment, the ranking is calculated at a monthly cycle. The ranking targets the contents distributed within the cycle (here, within the past month), but it may also target all the contents that have been distributed.

[0117] Specifically, the streaming server 1100 reads out the maximum value of the support points from among the contents provided by each providing user during the period of the cycle, and calculates a ranking by providing user (providing user ranking) by arranging the read out maximum values ​​in descending order. Also, it calculates a ranking by content (content ranking) by arranging the contents distributed during the period of the cycle in the order of the support points.

[0118] Then, the streaming server 1100 executes a process (first privilege granting process) of granting a privilege to the providing user based on the providing user ranking and granting a privilege to the viewing user based on the content ranking.

[0119] The contents of the privilege to be given can be set appropriately. Specifically, the privilege may be an item (for example, an item that allows a specific image for transmission 8 to be used for free for a certain period of time), a coupon, a lottery ticket, points that can be used as currency points, etc.

[0120] More specifically, the privileges to be granted for each ranking in the ranking by providing user and the ranking by content are set in advance. For example, the number of items, points, etc. to be granted may be set to be greater as the ranking becomes higher, or the types of items, etc. to be granted may be increased. Also, items of higher value may be granted as the ranking becomes higher, or a combination of these may be set. Also, the ranking for which the privileges are granted may be appropriately limited, for example, from 1st to 10th place.

[0121] The provision users based on the ranking by providing users are given the privilege of the ranking corresponding to each providing user. On the other hand, the provision users based on the ranking by content are given the privilege of the ranking corresponding to each providing user. On the other hand, the provision users based on the ranking by content are given the privilege of the ranking corresponding to each viewing user who viewed the corresponding content. Specifically, the image transmission operations performed during viewing are counted for each viewing user, and the privileges are divided so that more privileges (or more valuable privileges) are given to viewing users with a high transmission record (high number of image transmission operations). The ratio of the division may be determined based on the number of image transmission operations. Alternatively, the total number of points added to the support points by the image transmission operations may be calculated for each viewing user, and the result may be used as the transmission record to determine the division ratio. In other words, any distribution method may be used as long as it distributes more privileges to viewing users who contributed to the acquisition of support points.

[0122] In addition, a configuration may be adopted in which benefits are given not only to the providing users but also to the viewing users based on the ranking by providing users. For example, benefits may be shared and given to the viewing users of the content that has earned the support points of the providing users with higher rankings.

[0123] As described above, in this embodiment, a fever time is generated when the event generation condition is satisfied. When an image transmission operation is performed when this fever time occurs, more cheering points are added than when an image transmission operation is performed when the fever time does not occur. Therefore, for the purpose of the point addition, each viewing user can cooperate with each other while watching the transmission images 8 from other viewing users displayed on the combo gauge 353 or the transmission content display unit 36, and can perform an image transmission operation that satisfies the chain condition of a continuous combo or a combination combo while appropriately changing the allocation setting of the transmission image 8 to the image transmission operation icon 34. In addition, in order to achieve the operation count condition, the viewing user can individually repeat the image transmission operation, or sometimes use a forced generation item to perform a paid generation instruction operation to generate a fever time. Alternatively, the viewing user can perform an image transmission operation in a fever time generated by a distribution content providing user performing a transmission instruction operation, and contribute to the acquisition of the cheering points. Therefore, it is possible to easily get a sense of cheering a lot on the providing user and a sense of excitement in the place, and it is possible to bring about a new added value that further enhances the sense of unity and solidarity between the viewing users.

[0124] In addition, in this embodiment, a providing user ranking and a content ranking are calculated every predetermined period (for example, every month) based on the support points acquired by the distributed content. Then, a privilege corresponding to the ranking position is given to the providing user of the content based on the ranking result of the providing user ranking. Meanwhile, a privilege corresponding to the ranking position is given to the viewing user of the content based on the ranking result of the content ranking. At that time, the privilege is distributed to each viewing user according to the transmission record (the number of times an image transmission operation was performed) when the content was viewed. In other words, a large number of privileges are distributed to viewing users with a high transmission record, or a high-value privilege is distributed. Therefore, the viewing user can aim to acquire more support points by performing an image transmission operation or a paid generation instruction operation while viewing, aiming for the ranking of the content provided by the favorite (supported) providing user or the content of the favorite genre, etc., and the privilege granted thereto. Also, the providing user can perform a generation instruction operation at the time of providing (distributing) the content, aiming for the ranking of the content provided by the providing user himself / herself and the privilege granted thereto, and can encourage the viewing user to perform an image transmission operation.

[0125] [Function configuration] 1. Streaming Server Fig. 9 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the streaming server 1100 in the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 9, the streaming server 1100 includes an operation input unit 100s, a server processing unit 200s, an image display unit 390s, a sound output unit 392s, a communication unit 394s, and a server storage unit 500s.

[0126] The operation input unit 100s is for inputting various operations for system management, maintenance, etc., and can be realized by, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, etc. In FIG.

[0127] The server processing unit 200s can be realized by a processor, which is an arithmetic circuit such as a CPU, GPU, ASIC, or FPFA, or an electronic component such as an IC memory, and controls input and output of data between each unit of the device including the operation input unit 100s and the server storage unit 500s. Then, it performs various 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 generally controls the operation of the streaming server 1100. In FIG. 1, this corresponds to the control board 1150 and its CPU 1151.

[0128] This server processing unit 200s includes a user management unit 202, an online shopping management unit 204, a distribution service management unit 206, an avatar display control unit 208, an outgoing service management unit 210, a timing unit 280s, an image generation unit 290s, a sound generation unit 292s, and a communication control unit 294s.

[0129] The user management unit 202 performs processes related to user registration and manages data of each registered user linked to a user account. For example, it can execute processes such as granting a unique user account to a registered user, registration information management processes for registering and managing personal information for each user account, ledger management processes for electronic payment media (e.g., virtual currency points) consumed for payment of billing elements (e.g., online shopping, etc.), usage history management processes for managing login and logout history, and creation and editing processes of avatars 4. Of course, it can also appropriately include management processes for other data linked to user accounts.

[0130] The online shopping management unit 204 is responsible for controlling online shopping, and can be realized by appropriately using known online shopping technology. In this embodiment, the viewing user can purchase transmission images, forced generation items, and the like through online shopping.

[0131] The distribution service management unit 206 performs various processes for realizing a content distribution service. For example, it can execute a process for managing a content distribution schedule, a process for managing viewing users, a process for acquiring data of content for distribution from a providing terminal, a distribution process, etc. Of course, it can also include other processes as appropriate.

[0132] The avatar display control unit 208 performs control to display an avatar for each viewing user on the message content display unit 36 ​​in the user terminal 1500 (1500a, 1500b, . . .) of each viewing user, which is a viewing terminal.

[0133] The outgoing service management unit 210 performs various processes for realizing a user outgoing service in parallel with the distribution service. This outgoing service management unit 210 includes a outgoing content display control unit 212, a support point calculation unit 213, an event occurrence condition determination unit 215, a chain notification control unit 221, a consideration collection processing unit 223, an event control unit 225, a ranking calculation unit 227, and a first benefit granting processing unit 229.

[0134] The transmission content display control unit 212 receives from the viewing terminal that a transmission operation (text transmission operation / image transmission operation) for the distribution content has been input, and controls the transmission content related to the transmission operation to be displayed on the transmission content display unit 36 ​​of each viewing terminal. This control realizes the display of text in a speech bubble 5 on the transmission content display unit 36 ​​of the viewing terminal, and the appearance of a transmission image 8. Note that when the streaming server 1100 intends the image itself displayed as the transmission content display unit 36 ​​to be the subject of distribution, the transmission content display control unit 212 may generate the image.

[0135] The cheering point calculation unit 213 receives from the viewing terminal that an image transmission operation has been input, and executes a process of counting up the image transmission operations and updating and managing the cheering points (cheering point calculation process).

[0136] The event occurrence condition determination unit 215 determines the event occurrence conditions, which are consecutive combo occurrence conditions, combination combo occurrence conditions, operation count conditions, and forced occurrence conditions. The event occurrence condition determination unit 215 includes a consecutive combo determination unit 217 that determines the consecutive combo occurrence conditions, and a combination combo determination unit 219 that determines the combination combo occurrence conditions.

[0137] The continuous combo determination unit 217 executes a process (continuous combo determination process) of determining whether a continuous combo has occurred and determining whether a continuous combo occurrence condition is satisfied.

[0138] The combination combo determination unit 219 executes a process (combination combo determination process) of determining whether a combination combo occurrence condition is satisfied by verifying the occurrence of a combination combo.

[0139] When fever time is not occurring, the chain notification control unit 221 controls the general-purpose display unit 35 of each viewing terminal to display a combo gauge 353 whose gauge value is the current continuous combo chain number 619 (see Figure 16), which is set and updated in the continuous combo determination process.

[0140] The consideration collection processing unit 223 performs a process of collecting the consideration when the providing user performs a generating instruction operation. For example, the consideration collection processing unit 223 consumes a predetermined number of currency points from the providing user who performed the generating instruction operation, and updates the payment medium ledger data 592.

[0141] The event control unit 225 performs event control and generates a fever time when an event occurrence condition (in this embodiment, a continuous combo occurrence condition, a combination combo occurrence condition, a number of operations condition, and a forced occurrence condition) including a condition based on an image transmission operation is satisfied.

[0142] The event control unit 225 includes a fever time extension processing unit 226. The fever time extension processing unit 226 determines whether the state in which the chain condition of the continuous combo is satisfied continues even after the fever time is generated in response to the satisfaction of the continuous combo occurrence condition, and extends the fever time end time 633 according to the chain number Cs after the fever time is generated. Specifically, during the fever time, while the state in which the chain condition of the continuous combo is satisfied continues, the number of continuous combo chains is counted and the current continuous combo chain number 619 is updated. Then, at the fever time end time 633, the extension time length is determined according to the extension setting of the fever time definition data 580, and the fever time end time 633 is updated. That is, the difference between the current continuous combo chain number 619 and the applied continuous combo reference value 703 is calculated as the chain number Cs, and the extension time length multiplied by a predetermined time (for example, 3 seconds) is added to the fever time end time 633 to update it. Furthermore, when the operation count condition is satisfied during the fever time, the fever time extension processing unit 226 reads the extension time length from the extension setting of the fever time definition data 580, and updates the fever time end time 633. It is preferable to set an upper limit on the extension time.

[0143] The ranking calculation unit 227 calculates rankings based on the support points at a predetermined cycle, for example, once a month, etc. In this embodiment, a ranking by providing user and a ranking by content are calculated.

[0144] The first privilege granting process unit 229 executes a first privilege granting process for granting a privilege to a providing user based on the providing user ranking and granting a privilege to a viewing user based on the content ranking.

[0145] The timekeeping unit 280s uses a system clock to keep track of the current date and time, time limit, and the like.

[0146] The image generating unit 290s generates images relating to system management of the streaming server 1100 and outputs them to the image display unit 390s.

[0147] The sound generation unit 292s is realized by executing an IC or software that generates or decodes audio data, and generates or decodes audio data such as operation sounds and BGM related to the system management and video distribution of the streaming server 1100. Audio signals related to system management are output to the sound output unit 392s.

[0148] The communication control unit 294s performs communication connection and data processing for data communication with an external device (eg, the user terminal 1500) via the communication unit 394s, and realizes data exchange with the external device.

[0149] The image display unit 390s displays various screens for system management and the like based on the image signal input from the image generation unit 290s. For example, this can be realized by an image display device such as a flat panel display, a cathode ray tube (CRT), a projector, or a head-mounted display. In FIG. 1, the touch panel 1108 corresponds to this.

[0150] The sound output unit 392s emits the sound signal input from the sound generation unit 292s. In FIG. 1, this corresponds to a speaker (not shown) provided in the main device 1101 or the touch panel 1108.

[0151] The communication unit 394s realizes communication by connecting to the communication line 9. For example, it can be realized by a wireless communication device, a modem, a TA (terminal adapter), a jack for a wired communication cable, a control circuit, etc. In FIG. 1, the communication device 1153 corresponds to this.

[0152] The server storage unit 500s stores in advance or temporarily stores each time processing is performed programs for operating the streaming server 1100 and implementing various functions of the streaming server 1100, and data used during execution of the programs. For example, it can be implemented by IC memory such as RAM or ROM, magnetic disk such as hard disk, optical disk such as CD-ROM or DVD, etc. In Fig. 1, the IC memory 1152 corresponds to this.

[0153] Fig. 10 is a diagram showing examples of programs and data stored in the server storage unit 500s of the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 10, the server storage unit 500s stores a server program 503, a distribution viewing terminal program 505, a distribution providing terminal program 507, sales product management data 509, origination service initial setting data 510, user management data 590, distribution management data 600, continuous combo condition setting 700, combination combo condition setting 710, operation count condition setting 720, application rate 730, ranking data 740, and current date and time 900. In addition, other necessary data such as image data of background images of the viewing screens W1 and W11 and material data for creating and editing avatars are appropriately stored.

[0154] The server program 503 is a program for causing the server processing unit 200s to function as the user management unit 202, the online shopping management unit 204, the delivery service management unit 206, the avatar display control unit 208, and the outgoing service management unit 210. Note that programs for causing the server processing unit 200s to function as the image generation unit 290s, the sound generation unit 292s, and the communication control unit 294s may also be included as appropriate.

[0155] The providing terminal program for distribution 507 is original data of an application program downloaded to the user terminal 1500 used as a providing terminal, and executing this enables the user terminal 1500 to function as a providing terminal. Note that the providing terminal program for distribution 507 can also be configured to be included in a game program for enabling the execution of a game with a live distribution function implemented.

[0156] The distribution viewing terminal program 505 is original data of an application program downloaded to the user terminal 1500 used as a viewing terminal, and by executing this, the user terminal 1500 becomes able to function as a viewing terminal.

[0157] The sales item management data 509 is data for defining and managing sales items (sales objects) through online shopping. For example, the sales item management data 509 stores data on purchasable items in association with the number of items in stock, the amount charged (corresponding to the amount debited from an electronic payment medium), etc.

[0158] The outgoing service initial setting data 510 stores various initial setting data for user outgoing services. In this embodiment, the outgoing service initial setting data 510 includes outgoing image definition data 520, event occurrence condition data 530, fever time definition data 580, and bonus definition data 543.

[0159] The transmission image definition data 520 is data that defines the transmission image 8. For example, as shown in Fig. 11, one piece of transmission image definition data 520 includes a transmission image type 521, transmission image data 523, the number of added points 525, a selling price 527, and a display duration 529 from when the transmission image is displayed on the transmission content display unit 36 ​​until it disappears.

[0160] The event occurrence condition data 530 is data that defines the event occurrence condition, and includes continuity determination condition definition data 531, relevance determination condition definition data 540, consecutive combo scale requirement definition data 550, combination combo scale requirement definition data 560, and operation count condition definition data 570.

[0161] The continuity certification condition definition data 531 defines the conditions for determining that temporally adjacent image transmission operations have continuity. In this embodiment, a continuity certification time difference Δt (see FIG. 5) is defined. Note that the continuity certification condition definition data 531 is not limited to a configuration in which one continuity certification time difference Δt is defined, and when it is desired to vary the continuity certification condition according to the content of the distribution content such as genre, for example, different continuity certification time differences Δt may be defined in association with each selection condition (for example, genre).

[0162] Data defining conditions for determining relevance is stored in the relevance determination condition definition data 540. For example, as shown in Fig. 12, one piece of relevance determination condition definition data 540 includes a unique relevance ID 541, selection conditions 542 describing conditions under which the definition data is selected and applied, and relevance determination conditions 544.

[0163] The selection conditions 542 include, for example, a genre condition 542a, a providing user condition 542b, a subject condition 542c, a situation condition 542d, and a viewing user number condition 542e, and are described as AND conditions or OR conditions. Any of these conditions included in the selection conditions 542 may include "no setting".

[0164] The genre condition 542a is a condition regarding the genre of the distribution content. For example, a relatedness determination condition that is applied only to "live broadcast" may be prepared.

[0165] The providing user condition 542b is a condition for information about the providing user. For example, conditions can be set for the providing user's profile information such as age, sex, and favorite things, player level and title in a specific game title, and the providing user's ranking in the distribution service.

[0166] The subject condition 542c is a condition for the main subject of the distribution content. For example, the providing user himself / herself, children, animals, food, cars, teams, game characters, etc., and their proper names can also be included. In this case, multiple proper names may be defined as AND conditions or OR conditions.

[0167] The situation condition 542d is a condition about the situation of the contents of the distribution content. The content's supplementary information can include situation descriptions such as "I tried playing (song title)", "I tried dancing to (ending song of program name)", "I opened (product name)", "I cleared the difficult part of the stage of (game title)", and "I beat the boss character of the fourth stage of (game title)". The situation condition 542d can be defined by setting keywords included in them.

[0168] Viewing user number condition 542e is a condition regarding the number of viewing users of the distribution content.

[0169] The relevance determination condition 544 is written as an AND condition or an OR condition of a common point condition 544a and a series condition 544b. Any of these conditions included in the relevance determination condition 544 may include "not set."

[0170] The commonality condition 544a defines the requirements that should be common to the images 8 to be transmitted, which are the transmission contents of multiple image transmission operations having continuity. For example, it is possible to set a list of types of images to be transmitted that have in common, common text contained (drawn) in the images 8 to be transmitted, main color schemes, and lists of subject types that are recognized as common. Note that, when determining the relevance not only of image transmission operations but also of text transmission operations, it is sufficient to define the requirements that should be common between the texts that are the transmission contents, and between the images 8 to be transmitted and text. In that case, the main color scheme can be applied to the font color of the transmitted text as well as the images 8 to be transmitted.

[0171] More specifically, for example, by defining a list of types of transmission images having the same main color scheme (e.g., red) as commonality condition 544a, while setting "favorite color is red" as providing user condition 542b, a relatedness determination condition can be defined that determines that there is relatedness when the main color scheme of each transmission image 8 that is determined to have continuity matches the providing user's favorite red color, thereby making it possible to associate the providing user with the transmission image 8.

[0172] The series condition 544b defines a combination of images 8 to be transmitted, which are the transmission contents of a plurality of image transmission operations having continuity. For example, a list of types of images to be transmitted related to the combination, a list of main color schemes related to the combination, a list of text contained (drawn) in the images 8 to be transmitted related to the combination, etc., and the transmission order of these can also be included in the definition. Note that, when determining the relevance not only for image transmission operations but also for text transmission operations, it is possible to define, for example, combinations of keywords contained in the transmitted text, combinations of types of images to be transmitted and text (keywords), etc.

[0173] More specifically, for example, if there is a series of transmission images 8 titled "Flowers of the Four Seasons," by defining a list of the types of transmission images that make up the series, it is possible to define a condition for determining that there is a relationship when the transmissions of the transmission images 8 of the flowers of the four seasons are arranged in chronological order. Also, by setting the constituent colors of the rainbow as a list of the main colors so that the transmission order is the same as the arrangement order of the rainbow, it is possible to define a condition for determining that there is a relationship, regardless of what is depicted in each transmission image 8 that is considered to have continuity, if it forms the same color pattern as the rainbow when arranged in the transmission order.

[0174] Alternatively, by defining a list of types of communication images that include the action of playing music as series condition 544b, while setting "music performance" as genre condition 542a, a relatedness determination condition can be defined that determines that each communication image 8 that is determined to have continuity is related if it is a communication image 8 that matches the genre of the distributed content, thereby making it possible to associate the distributed content with the communication image 8.

[0175] Returning to Fig. 10, the continuous combo scale requirement definition data 550 defines the scale requirement required when determining whether a continuous combo has occurred. In this embodiment, a continuous combo reference value (e.g., 10 consecutive chains) is defined. If it is desired to vary the scale requirement depending on the content of the distribution content, such as the genre, for example, multiple continuous combo scale requirement definition data may be prepared that correspond to the same relationship conditions as the selection conditions 542 of the relationship determination condition definition data 540.

[0176] The combination combo scale requirement definition data 560 stores data defining scale requirements required for determining whether a combination combo occurs. For example, as shown in Fig. 13, one combination combo scale requirement definition data 560 includes a unique scale requirement ID 561, a corresponding relationship ID 563 that stores a corresponding relationship ID 541, and a combination combo reference value 565, and is associated with the relationship determination condition definition data 540 by the corresponding relationship ID 563.

[0177] The operation count condition definition data 570 defines a reference value for the total number of outgoing operation. In this embodiment, the reference value for the total number of outgoing operation is set as the number of viewing users×a predetermined number (20 times).

[0178] As shown in FIG. 14, the fever time definition data 580 stores a magnification (e.g., 1.5 times) 581 to be applied when a fever time occurs, and stores the fever time length and extension setting in association with each event occurrence condition (continuous combo occurrence condition, combination combo occurrence condition, operation count condition, and forced occurrence condition). The fever time length is the time length of the fever time that occurs when the corresponding event occurrence condition is satisfied. The extension setting stores the extension time length for the consecutive combo occurrence condition and the operation count condition under which the fever time can be extended. For example, the extension time length for the consecutive combo occurrence condition is defined as the time length obtained by multiplying the chain number Cs by a predetermined time (3 seconds in FIG. 14). On the other hand, the extension time length for the operation count condition is set as a fixed length (15 seconds in FIG. 14). Note that the magnification 581 is not limited to a value that is uniformly applied to each event occurrence condition as illustrated, and may be configured to set a separate value for each type of event occurrence condition.

[0179] The privilege definition data 543 includes privilege definition data 543 for a providing user and privilege definition data 543 for a viewing user. In the privilege definition data 543 for a providing user, the contents of a privilege to be granted to the corresponding providing user are set in association with each ranking rank in the ranking by providing user. On the other hand, in the privilege definition data 543 for a viewing user, the contents of a privilege to be granted (shared) to the viewing user of the corresponding content are set in association with each ranking rank in the ranking by content.

[0180] User management data 590 is prepared for each registered user. One user management data 590 includes, for example, as shown in Fig. 15, a unique user account 591, payment medium ledger data 592, avatar setting data 593, a list of images for transmission in possession 594, a number of forced possession occurrence items 595, and transmission log data 596.

[0181] The payment medium ledger data 592 stores information on the income and expenditure of the electronic payment medium (currency points in this embodiment) linked to the user, such as the history of the purchase date and time and number of currency points purchased (charged amount), the history of the consumption date and time and number of currency points consumed, etc.

[0182] The avatar setting data 593 stores setting data for the avatar 4 of the user.

[0183] The owned transmission image list 594 stores the number of images owned by the user in association with the types of transmission images 8 owned by the user.

[0184] The transmission log data 596 is created each time the user performs a transmission operation (text transmission operation / image transmission operation) as a viewing user. One transmission log data 596 stores, for example, the transmission date and time, the distribution title of the transmission target, the user account of the providing user who provided the content of the transmission target, the transmission content (transmitted text and type of image for transmission), etc.

[0185] The distribution management data 600 is prepared for each distribution and stores various data describing the distribution status. As shown in Fig. 16, one distribution management data 600 includes a distribution title 601, a distribution schedule 603, content data 605, additional information 607, viewing user management data 609, avatar display management data 611, text transmission record data 613, image transmission record data 615, current support points 617, current continuous combo chain number 619, current combination combo chain number 621, current transmission operation total number 623, occurrence instruction operation flag 625, and fever time occurrence status data 630. In addition, for example, background data defining the background of the viewing screen (for example, viewing screen W1 and viewing screen W11) and material data for performing various performance displays during fever time are stored.

[0186] The viewing user management data 609 stores various data related to the viewing users who have registered as viewers of the content related to the distribution (distribution content). For example, the data stores access information (e.g., IP address) for connecting to the user terminal 1500 of each viewing user via the communication line 9 in association with the user accounts of all the viewing users who have registered as viewers.

[0187] The avatar display management data 611 stores various data describing the display status of the avatar of each viewing user in the message content display unit 36. For example, the avatar data, the arrangement position coordinates, the display size, and the like are set in association with the user account of each viewing user.

[0188] Image transmission record data 615 is created every time a viewing user performs an image transmission operation on a viewing terminal. One image transmission record data 615 includes the user account of the viewing user who is the sender, the transmission timing, the transmission content data (transmitted image data for transmission), and its display duration (a copy of the display duration 529).

[0189] The text transmission record data 613 is created every time the viewing user performs a text transmission operation on the viewing terminal. One piece of text transmission record data 613 includes the user account of the viewing user who is the sender, the transmission timing, the transmission content data (transmitted text, font, font size, etc.), and its display duration.

[0190] The generation instruction operation flag 625 stores whether or not a generation instruction operation has been performed by the providing user (yes: ON / no: OFF). The event generation condition determination unit 215 initializes the generation instruction operation flag 625 to "OFF" when content distribution starts, and accepts the generation instruction operation of the providing user only while the generation instruction operation flag 625 is "OFF". Then, when it is accepted from the providing terminal that a generation instruction operation has been input, the generation instruction operation flag 625 is updated to "ON".

[0191] The fever time occurrence status data 630 stores a fever time occurrence flag (when occurring: ON / when not occurring: OFF) 631 and a fever time end time 633.

[0192] 10, the consecutive combo condition setting 700 includes an applied consecutiveness certification condition 701 and an applied consecutive combo reference value 703. In this embodiment, since the consecutiveness certification condition is fixed, the consecutiveness certification condition definition data 531 is copied to the applied consecutive combo certification condition 701. The consecutive combo scale requirement definition data 550 is copied to the applied consecutive combo reference value 703.

[0193] The combination combo condition setting 710 includes an applied continuity determination condition 711, an applied relevance determination condition 713, and an applied combination combo reference value 715. The continuity determination condition definition data 531 is copied to the applied continuity determination condition 711. The relevance ID 541 of definition data searched for as matching the selection condition 542 from among a plurality of types of relevance determination condition definition data 540 is copied to the applied combination combo reference value 715. The combination combo reference value 565 of the combination combo scale requirement definition data 560 in which the relevance ID of the applied relevance determination condition 713 is set as the corresponding relevance ID 563 is copied.

[0194] In the operation count condition setting 720, the operation count condition definition data (reference value for total number of outgoing call operations) 570 is copied.

[0195] The applied multiplier 730 is set to "normal" when fever time is not occurring, and is set to the multiplier 581 of the fever time definition data 580 when fever time occurs.

[0196] The ranking data 740 stores the ranking results of the provider user ranking and the content ranking calculated by the ranking calculation unit 227 at predetermined intervals.

[0197] 2. Viewing device 17 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of a user terminal 1500 (1500a, 1500b, ...) serving as a viewing terminal. As shown in FIG. 17, the user terminal 1500 (1500a, 1500b, ...) serving as a viewing terminal includes an operation input unit 100, an imaging unit 102, a sound collection unit 104, a device processing unit 200, an image display unit 390, a sound output unit 392, a communication unit 394, and a device storage unit 500.

[0198] The operation input unit 100 is for the user to input various operations, and can be realized by, for example, a button switch, a joystick, a touch pad, a track ball, an acceleration sensor, an angular velocity sensor, etc. In Fig. 2, this corresponds to the direction input key 1502, the home key 1504, and the touch panel 1506.

[0199] The imaging unit 102 receives light from a subject to be photographed, converts it into an electrical signal, generates digital image data, and outputs it to the device processing unit 200. For example, it can be realized by a lens, a mechanical shutter, a shutter driver, a photoelectric conversion element such as a CCD image sensor module or a CMOS image sensor module, a digital signal processor (DSP) that reads the amount of charge from the photoelectric conversion element and generates image data, an IC memory, etc. In FIG. 2, this corresponds to the image sensor module 1520.

[0200] The sound collector 104 converts the collected sound into an electrical signal and outputs it. In FIG.

[0201] The device processing unit 200 can be realized by a processor, which is an arithmetic circuit such as a CPU, GPU, ASIC, or FPGA, or an electronic component such as an IC memory, and controls input and output of data between each unit of the device including the operation input unit 100 and the terminal storage unit 500. Then, it performs various arithmetic processing based on a predetermined program or data, an operation input signal from the operation input unit 100, data received from the streaming server 1100, etc., and controls the operation of the user terminal 1500 as a viewing terminal. In FIG. 2, this corresponds to the control board 1550 and its CPU 1551. And, the device processing unit 200 of the viewing terminal in this embodiment includes a viewing terminal arithmetic unit 260, a timer unit 280, a sound generation unit 292, and a communication control unit 294.

[0202] The viewing terminal calculation section 260 includes an operation signal transmission control section 262 and a viewing screen display control section 264 .

[0203] The operation signal transmission control unit 262 performs processing for transmitting various data and request information to the streaming server 1100 in response to an operation input to the operation input unit 100 .

[0204] The viewing screen display control unit 264 performs control for displaying the viewing screens W1 and W11 based on various data received from the streaming server 1100.

[0205] The sound generation unit 292 is realized by, for example, a processor such as a DSP or a voice synthesis IC, or an audio codec capable of playing audio files, and generates sound signals for sound effects, background music, and various operation sounds related to video distribution, and outputs them to the sound output unit 392.

[0206] The communication control unit 294 performs communication connection and data processing for data communication with an external device (eg, the streaming server 1100) via the communication unit 394, and realizes data exchange with the external device.

[0207] Image display unit 390 displays various screens such as viewing screens W1, W11, etc. based on image signals input from viewing screen display control unit 264. For example, this can be realized by an image display device such as a flat panel display, a cathode ray tube (CRT), a projector, or a head mounted display. In this embodiment, this corresponds to touch panel 1506 in FIG. 2.

[0208] The sound output unit 392 outputs sounds such as background music based on the sound signal input from the sound generation unit 292. In FIG.

[0209] The communication unit 394 realizes communication by connecting to the communication line 9. For example, it can be realized by a wireless communication device, a modem, a TA, a jack of a wired communication cable, a control circuit, etc. In FIG. 2, the wireless communication module 1553 corresponds to this.

[0210] The terminal storage unit 500 stores in advance or temporarily stores each time processing is performed programs for operating the user terminal 1500 as a viewing terminal and realizing the functions of the user terminal 1500 as a viewing terminal, and data used during execution of the programs. For example, it can be realized by IC memory such as RAM or ROM, magnetic disk such as hard disk, optical disk such as CD-ROM or DVD, etc. In FIG. 2, this corresponds to the IC memory 1552 and memory card 1540.

[0211] Furthermore, the terminal storage unit 500 of the viewing terminal stores a viewing terminal program 504, a received distribution data group 800, an image allocation setting for transmission 802, and a current date and time 900. Of course, other programs and data can also be stored as appropriate.

[0212] The viewing terminal program 504 is a program for causing the terminal processing unit 200 to function as the viewing terminal calculation unit 260. In this embodiment, it is a copy of the distribution viewing terminal program 505 (see FIG. 10) provided by the streaming server 1100.

[0213] The received distribution data group 800 stores various types of distribution data received from the streaming server 1100 during distribution.

[0214] The transmission image allocation setting 802 indicates the allocation of the transmission image 8 to the image transmission operation icon 34. Specifically, the transmission image type of the assigned transmission image 8 is stored.

[0215] 3. Device provided Fig. 18 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of a user terminal 1500 (1500T) serving as a providing terminal. In Fig. 18, the same components as those of the user terminals 1500 (1500a, 1500b, ...) serving as viewing terminals are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0216] In the user terminal 1500 (1500T) serving as a providing terminal, the device processing unit 200 performs various types of arithmetic processing based on predetermined programs and data, operation input signals from the operation input unit 100, data received from the streaming server 1100, etc., and generally controls the operation of the user terminal 1500 serving as a providing terminal. The device processing unit 200 of the providing terminal includes a providing terminal arithmetic unit 270, a timing unit 280, a sound generation unit 292, and a communication control unit 294.

[0217] The providing terminal calculation unit 270 includes an operation signal transmission control unit 272 , a content providing control unit 274 , and a providing screen display control unit 276 .

[0218] The operation signal transmission control unit 272 performs processing for transmitting various data and request information to the streaming server 1100 in response to an operation input to the operation input unit 100 .

[0219] The content provision control unit 274 performs processing related to the generation of content data for distribution and control of provision to the streaming server 1100. In the case of live distribution, it realizes the function of a live streaming encoder that encodes images captured by the imaging unit 102 one by one and controls provision to the streaming server 1100.

[0220] The providing screen display control unit 276 performs control for displaying the providing screen. The providing screen is an operation screen that accepts various operations for live distribution of content, and also serves as a monitor screen for monitoring the distribution status.

[0221] The terminal storage unit 500 prestores a program for operating the user terminal 1500 as a providing terminal and realizing the functions of the user terminal 1500 as a providing terminal, as well as data used during execution of the program, or temporarily stores the data each time processing is performed. For example, the terminal storage unit 500 can be realized by IC memory such as RAM or ROM, a magnetic disk such as a hard disk, or an optical disk such as a CD-ROM or DVD.

[0222] Furthermore, the terminal storage unit 500 of the providing terminal stores a providing terminal program 506, a received distribution data group 800, provided content data 810, and a current date and time 900. Of course, other programs and data can also be stored as appropriate.

[0223] The providing terminal program 506 is a program for causing the terminal processing unit 200 to function as the providing terminal computing unit 270. In this embodiment, it is a copy of the distribution providing terminal program 507 (see FIG. 10) provided by the streaming server 1100.

[0224] The received distribution data group 800 stores various types of distribution data received from the streaming server 1100 when providing content.

[0225] The provided content data 810 includes a distribution title at the time of registration 811, a distribution schedule at the time of registration 813, additional information at the time of registration 815, and content data to be provided 817. The distribution title at the time of registration 811, the distribution schedule at the time of registration 813, and the additional information at the time of registration 815 each store setting data when a distribution registration procedure is performed as a providing user. The content data to be provided 817 is original data of the content to be distributed.

[0226] [Processing flow] 1. Streaming Server 19 to 21 are flowcharts showing the flow of processing related to live distribution of content in the streaming server 1100. The processing described here is realized by the server processing unit 200s reading and executing the server program 503. Note that the calculation of the provider user ranking and the content ranking by the ranking calculation unit 227 and the granting of a privilege based on these rankings by the first privilege granting processing unit 229 (first privilege granting processing) are performed at predetermined intervals separately from this processing.

[0227] Here, it is assumed that the distribution title, distribution schedule, and supplementary information of the content have already been set by the providing user in the distribution registration procedure, and that the viewing user has already completed a separate login procedure for the viewing terminal.

[0228] First, the distribution service management unit 206 initializes the distribution management data 600 (step S100). Note that the distribution title 601, distribution schedule 603, and supplementary information 607 have already been set in conjunction with the distribution registration procedure. Since the content data 605 is a live distribution, it is not stored until the start of distribution. If it is not a live distribution, data of the content prepared in advance will be stored.

[0229] Next, the distribution service management unit 206 starts distribution of various distribution data to the viewing terminal and the providing terminal, such as avatar display management data 611, text transmission record data 613, image transmission record data 615, current cheering points 617, current continuous combo chain number 619, current combination combo chain number 621, current total number of transmission operations 623, generation instruction operation flag 625, fever time generation status data 630, possessed transmission image list 594, possessed forced generation item number 595, etc., based on the viewing user management data 609 (step S102: distribution α). The distribution timing can be, for example, when the distribution data is added, deleted, or updated, when a new viewing user is registered, etc., but may be at a predetermined cycle.

[0230] After that, the distribution service management unit 206 monitors the reception of a viewing request (step S104). When a viewing user selects a distribution title he or she wants to view on a user terminal 1500 (1500a, 1500b, ...) functioning as a viewing terminal and performs a predetermined viewing operation, the viewing request is transmitted to the streaming server 1100 together with information such as a user account.

[0231] When this viewing request is received (YES in step S104), the distribution service management unit 206 creates new viewing user management data 609 and registers the user of the viewing terminal as a viewing user (step S106).

[0232] Then, the avatar display control unit 208 creates new avatar display management data 611, and causes the avatar related to the viewing user to be displayed in the message content display unit 36 ​​(step S108).

[0233] As described above, since the distribution of the avatar display management data 611 has started in step S102, the newly created avatar display management data 611 is also distributed to the viewing terminal. The viewing terminal updates the display of each avatar based on this data. As a result, on the viewing screen W1, it appears as if a new virtual viewer has appeared in front of the screen.

[0234] This makes the virtual experience of watching a broadcast more rich, and creates a sense of unity among the viewers. The sense of unity among the viewers leads to a desire to liven up the viewing environment together, which in turn encourages viewers to actively send out information, and ultimately becomes one of the factors that make the broadcast service of this embodiment a more enjoyable and fulfilling user experience than conventional broadcast services.

[0235] Next, the online shopping management unit 204 monitors whether a purchase request has been received (step S110). The purchase request is transmitted to the streaming server 1100 when the viewing user performs a predetermined purchase operation (for example, an operation on the shopping icon 37 in FIG. 3) on the viewing terminal.

[0236] When this purchase request is received (YES in step S110), the online shopping management unit 204 executes processes related to online shopping, such as purchasing a transmission image or a forced generation item (step S112). With this purchase, the transmission image list 594 owned by the viewing user who made the purchase request and the number of forced generation items owned 595 are updated, and these are also delivered to the viewing terminal.

[0237] Furthermore, the transmission service management unit 210 monitors the reception of a text transmission request (step S114). When a viewing user performs a text transmission operation on the viewing terminal, the text transmission request is transmitted to the streaming server 1100 together with information such as the user account and the transmission content (text).

[0238] When this text transmission request is received (YES in step S114), the transmission service management unit 210 creates text transmission record data 613 for the received new transmission content, and creates and updates transmission log data 596 for the requesting viewing user (step S116).

[0239] In this way, even before the live broadcast, viewing users can send text messages and purchase images to be sent, allowing viewing users to freely discuss their expectations for the live performance before it begins and to prepare images to be sent in preparation for the start of the live performance.

[0240] Thereafter, when the scheduled start time of the live distribution arrives (YES in step S118), the distribution service management unit 206 starts the live distribution of the content (step S120). This process starts the reception of content data from the providing terminal and the distribution to the viewing terminal.

[0241] When the content distribution is started, the continuous combo determination unit 217 starts the continuous combo determination process (step S122). In the continuous combo determination process started here, first, the continuousness determination condition definition data 531 is stored in the applied continuousness determination condition 701, and the continuous combo scale requirement definition data 550 is stored in the applied continuous combo reference value 703. In addition, the current continuous combo chain number 619 is initialized to "0".

[0242] In the continuous combo determination process, the following process is performed each time an image transmission request is received. First, based on the applicable continuity determination condition (continuity determination time difference Δt) 701, it is determined whether or not the time difference between the transmission timing and the previous transmission result data 636 is Δt or less. If it is Δt or less, the current continuous combo chain number 619 is incremented by one and updated. If the current continuous combo chain number 619 reaches the applicable continuous combo reference value 703 and satisfies the scale requirement, it is determined that the continuous combo occurrence condition is met. Note that if it exceeds Δt, the current continuous combo chain number 619 is set to "0".

[0243] The combination combo determination unit 219 also starts the combination combo determination process (step S124). In the combination combo determination process started here, first, the continuity determination condition definition data 531 is stored in the applied continuity determination condition 711. Next, definition data that matches the selection condition 542 is searched for among a plurality of relevance determination condition definition data 540, and the searched relevance determination condition definition data 540 is stored in the applied relevance determination condition 713. Then, the combination combo scale requirement definition data 560 is searched for definition data in which the relevance ID of the applied relevance determination condition 713 is set as the corresponding relevance ID 563, and the combination combo reference value 565 of the searched combination combo scale requirement definition data 560 is stored in the applied combination combo reference value 715. Also, the current combination combo chain number 621 is initialized to "0".

[0244] In the combination combo determination process, the following process is performed each time an image transmission request is received. That is, first, based on the applied continuity determination condition (continuity determination time difference Δt) 711, it is determined whether or not the time difference between the transmission timing and the previous transmission result data 636 is Δt or less. If it is Δt or less, it is determined whether or not the current transmission image 8 and the previous transmission image 8 satisfy the relation determination condition of the applied relation determination condition 713, and if it does, the current combination combo chain number 621 is updated by increasing it by one. After that, if the current continuous combo chain number 619 reaches the applied combination combo reference value 715 and satisfies the scale requirement, it is determined that the combination combo occurrence condition is met. Note that if it exceeds Δt, the current continuous combo chain number 619 is set to "0".

[0245] Moreover, the event occurrence condition determination unit 215 stores the operation count condition definition data 570 in the operation count condition setting 720 (step S126).

[0246] Furthermore, the cheering point calculation unit 213 starts the cheering point calculation process (step S128). In the cheering point calculation process started here, the cheering point calculation unit 213 monitors the reception of an image transmission request. When the viewing user performs an image transmission operation on the viewing terminal, the image transmission request is transmitted to the streaming server 1100 together with the user account and the type of image for transmission of the image for transmission 8, which is the transmission content. A configuration in which the image data of the image for transmission 8 itself is transmitted may also be used.

[0247] Then, every time an image transmission request is received, the added points number 525 of the image 8 for transmission is adjusted by multiplying it by the applied magnification 730 and added to the cheering points. In step S178 described later, the applied magnification 730 during fever time is changed from "normal" to, for example, "1.5 times" for fever time. Therefore, during fever time, the added points number is multiplied by 1.5 and added to the cheering points.

[0248] Thereafter, as shown in Fig. 20, the online shopping management unit 204 monitors whether a purchase request has been received (step S130). If a purchase request has been received (YES in step S130), the online shopping management unit 204 executes a process related to online shopping (step S132).

[0249] Furthermore, transmission service management unit 210 monitors the reception of a text transmission request (step S134). Then, when a text transmission request is received (YES in step S134), text transmission record data 613 is created for the received new transmission content, and transmission log data 596 of the requesting viewing user is created and updated (step S136).

[0250] Furthermore, the transmission service management unit 210 monitors the reception of an image transmission request (step S138). Then, when an image transmission request is received (YES in step S138), image transmission record data 615 is created for the received new transmission content, and transmission log data 596 of the requesting viewing user is created and updated (step S140). Furthermore, one transmitted transmission image 8 is consumed, and the owned transmission image list 594 is updated (step S142).

[0251] In addition, when the event occurrence condition determination unit 215 determines that the event occurrence condition is satisfied, the event control unit 225 performs event control for generating fever time. That is, first, when it is determined that the consecutive combo occurrence condition is satisfied in the consecutive combo determination process started in step S122, or when it is determined that the combination combo occurrence condition is satisfied in the combination combo determination process started in step S124 (YES in step S144), the fever time occurrence flag 631 is determined. Then, if the fever time occurrence flag 631 is "OFF" and fever time is not occurring (YES in step S146), the fever time occurrence flag 631 is updated to "ON" (step S148), and the fever time length corresponding to the consecutive combo occurrence condition or the combination combo occurrence condition determined to be satisfied in step S144 is read from the fever time definition data 580, and the fever time end time 633 is set (step S150). Then, the process proceeds to step S178 in FIG. 21.

[0252] Next, if the current outgoing operation total number 623 reaches the operation count condition setting 720 (step S152: YES), the fever time occurrence flag 631 is judged. If the fever time occurrence flag 631 is "OFF" (step S154: YES), it is updated to "ON" (step S156), and the fever time length corresponding to the operation count condition is read from the fever time definition data 580, and the fever time end time 633 is set (step S158). On the other hand, if the fever time occurrence flag 631 is "ON" (step S154: NO), the extension time length corresponding to the operation count condition is read from the fever time definition data 580, and the read extension time length is added to the fever time end time 633 to update it (step S160). Then, the process proceeds to step S178.

[0253] Next, as shown in Fig. 21, when a notification is received that a paid generation instruction operation has been accepted at the viewing terminal (step S162: YES), one forced generation item is consumed to update the number of held forced generation items 595 (step S164). Then, the fever time generation flag 631 is updated to "ON" (step S166), and the fever time length corresponding to the paid generation instruction operation, which is the forced generation condition, is read from the fever time definition data 580, and the fever time end time 633 is set (step S168). Then, the process proceeds to step S178.

[0254] Next, when a notification is received that the generating instruction operation has been accepted at the providing terminal (step S170: YES), the value collection processing unit 223 performs a process of collecting currency points equivalent to the value of the generating instruction operation from the providing user (step S172). After that, the event control unit 225 updates the fever time generation flag 631 to "ON" (step S174), reads out the fever time length corresponding to the generating instruction operation of the forced generation condition from the fever time definition data 580, and sets the fever time end time 633 (step S176). Then, the process proceeds to step S178.

[0255] Then, in step S 178 , the event control unit 225 stores the magnification 581 in the applied magnification 730 .

[0256] During fever time, the event control unit 225 monitors the fever time end time 633. When the fever time end time 633 is reached (YES in step S180), if the fever time is due to the successive combo occurrence condition being satisfied (YES in step S182), the chain count Cs is used to calculate the extended time length, and this is added to the fever time end time 633 to update (step S184). On the other hand, if the fever time is not due to the successive combo occurrence condition being satisfied (YES in step S180), or if the extended time length calculated in step S184 is 0 (i.e., the chain count Cs is 0) and the fever time is not extended (YES in step S186), the applied magnification 730 is returned to "normal magnification" (step S188).

[0257] Thereafter, the process returns to step S130 in Fig. 20 and repeats the above-described processing until the distribution is completed (NO in step S190). Then, when the distribution is completed (YES in step S190), the series of processing is terminated.

[0258] 2. Viewing device 22 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing related to viewing of content in the user terminal 1500 (1500a, 1500b, ...) serving as a viewing terminal. The processing described here is realized by the terminal processing unit 200 reading and executing the viewing terminal program 504.

[0259] As shown in FIG. 22, the viewing terminal first executes a login process (step S300). After that, when a predetermined viewing operation (including selection of the content to be viewed) for viewing the distribution of the content is detected (YES in step S310), the operation signal transmission control unit 262 transmits a viewing request to the streaming server 1100 (step S312: communication A). In response to the viewing request, the streaming server 1100 registers the user of the viewing terminal as a viewing user, and starts distribution of various distribution data for displaying the viewing screens W1 and W11 to the viewing terminal (distribution α). Then, in the viewing terminal, the viewing screen display control unit 264 receives these and stores them in the received distribution data group 800, and starts displaying the viewing screen (step S314). The display of the viewing screen started here realizes the display of the viewing screen W1 when fever time does not occur, and the display of the viewing screen W11 when fever time occurs.

[0260] Furthermore, when a purchase operation of a sales item such as the transmission image 8 or a forcibly generated item is detected (YES in step S320), the operation signal transmission control unit 262 transmits a purchase request to the streaming server 1100 (step S322: communication B).

[0261] Furthermore, when the operation signal transmission control unit 262 detects a text transmission operation (YES in step S330), it executes a text input / edit process (step S332) and transmits a text transmission request together with the input text to the streaming server 1100 (step S334: communication C).When it detects an image transmission operation of one-touching the image transmission operation icon 34 (YES in step S336), it transmits an image transmission request together with the selected image type for transmission to the streaming server 1100 (step S338: communication D).

[0262] Here, the viewing terminal starts display control of the viewing screens W1 and W11 based on various distribution data in step S314 as described above. Therefore, in steps S330 and S336, the transmission contents that the viewing user operated to transmit on the viewing terminal or another viewing terminal are displayed on the transmission contents display section 36. Specifically, the newly transmitted text is displayed in a speech bubble 5 from the sender's avatar 4, or the newly transmitted transmission image 8 appears from the sender's avatar 4. Note that the display of the transmission contents that exceeds the display duration is erased one by one.

[0263] Moreover, when a paid generation instruction operation of touching the forced generation item 355 on the general-purpose display unit 35 is detected (YES in step S340), a notification to that effect is transmitted to the streaming server 1100 (step S342: communication E).

[0264] In addition, when the viewing terminal detects an operation to change the allocation of a call image to the image call operation icon 34 (YES in step S350), it executes an allocation change process including display control of the pop-up display W4 to change the call image allocation setting 802 (step S352).

[0265] Thereafter, the process returns to step S320 and repeats the above-described processing until the distribution is completed (NO in step S360). Then, when the distribution is completed (YES in step S360), the series of processing is terminated.

[0266] 3. Device provided 23 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing related to the provision of content in the user terminal 1500 (1500T) which is the providing terminal. The processing described here is realized by the terminal processing unit 200 reading and executing the providing terminal program 506. Note that if the content is to be live broadcast content of game play video, it is assumed that a separate game program is being executed.

[0267] 23, the audiovisual terminal first executes a login process (step S500), after which the providing screen display control unit 276 starts display control of the providing screen (step S502).

[0268] Next, the content provision control unit 274 sets the distribution title, distribution schedule, and additional information of the content to be provided, and performs the registration procedure process (step S504). Then, when the scheduled distribution time arrives, the content provision is started (step S506: communication F). In this embodiment, since live distribution is assumed, for example, in the case of live distribution by live action, the content provision control unit 274 sequentially creates content data by adding sound collected by the sound collection unit 104 to the video captured by the imaging unit 102, and performs live streaming encoding of the content and transmits it to the streaming server 1100. In the case of live distribution of a game play video, the content data is sequentially created by adding game sound to a video captured from a game screen. In the case of video data or the like that the content is prepared in advance, it is uploaded to the streaming server 1100 without waiting for the scheduled distribution time.

[0269] Moreover, when a touch operation to instruct generation of a fever generation button on the provision screen is detected (YES in step S508), a notification to that effect is transmitted to the streaming server 1100 (step S510: communication G).

[0270] When the content distribution is completed (YES in step S512), the series of processes is terminated.

[0271] As described above, according to the first embodiment, in a content distribution service, a more enjoyable and fulfilling user experience than conventional services can be provided by utilizing the text and image transmission function, thereby improving the distribution service.

[0272] Second Embodiment In the first embodiment, the support points related to the distribution content are totaled for the image transmission operations of all viewing users, and the fever time is generated. In contrast, the viewing users may be divided into groups, support points may be calculated for each group, and the fever time may be generated for each group.

[0273] 24 is a diagram showing an example of a viewing screen when fever time is not occurring in the second embodiment. In this embodiment, it is assumed that a content in which a plurality of characters C1 (C1-1 to C1-3) appear is distributed, and the content is provided as a video of each character C1 dancing to music, and the viewing user 2 can register a favorite character (fan character) C from among the characters C1 prior to the distribution of the content.

[0274] First, in this embodiment, the streaming server 1100 counts the image transmission operations performed on the user terminal 1500 of each viewing user 2 for each operating subject (viewing user 2) during the period from the start to the end of distribution, and updates and manages individual support points (support points by viewing user). In addition, the viewing users 2 are divided into groups according to which character C1 each viewing user 2 is a fan of, and the image transmission operations of the viewing users 2 belonging to each group are counted for each group, and the support points by group (support points by group) are updated and managed. In FIG. 24, the group G1 of the viewing users 2a, 2c, and 2e of the avatars 4a, 4c, and 4e who have registered as fans of the character C1-1 and the group G2 of the viewing users 2b, 2f, and 2g of the avatars 4b, 4f, and 4g who have registered as fans of the character C1-3 are illustrated by being surrounded by a dashed line. In this case, for example, the group support points of the group G1 are calculated based on the image transmission operations performed by the three viewing users 2a, 2c, and 2e.

[0275] Therefore, the viewing screen includes a viewer-specific cheering point display section 3511 for the viewing user 2 (viewing user 2a in FIG. 24) and a group-specific cheering point display section 3513 for the group G1 to which the viewing user 2 (2a) belongs, in the general-purpose display section 35. The general-purpose display section 35 also displays a combo gauge 3531 indicating the number of continuous combo chains based on the image transmission operation of the viewing user 2, and a combo gauge 3533 indicating the number of continuous combo chains based on the image transmission operations of the viewing users 2a, 2c, and 2e of the group G1 to which the viewing user 2 (2a) belongs.

[0276] Then, the streaming server 1100 judges the continuous combo occurrence condition, the combination combo occurrence condition, and the operation count condition on a group basis, and generates a fever time for each group. As for the condition related to the operation of the viewing users 2 of the forced occurrence condition, when any of the viewing users 2 performs a paid transmission instruction operation, a fever time is generated for the group to which the viewing user 2 belongs. In other words, when a fever time is generated for a certain group, the number of added points of the transmission image 8 transmitted by the viewing users 2 belonging to the group is multiplied by an application magnification (for example, 1.5 times) and added to the viewing user-specific support points and group-specific support points.

[0277] In addition, at that time, the viewing user 2 involved in the occurrence of the fever time is specified as the viewing user to be adjusted. For example, if the fever time is caused by satisfying the continuous combo occurrence condition, the viewing user 2 to be adjusted who performed the image transmission operation related to the continuous combo is specified. For example, if the continuous combo occurs by the two viewing users 2a and 2c repeating the image transmission operation, and the viewing user 2e does not perform an image transmission operation even once during that time, the viewing users 2a and 2c are set as the viewing users to be adjusted. Then, the applied magnification is further increased for the viewing user 2 to be specified as the viewing user to be adjusted. In the above example, the applied magnification (1.5 times) is adjusted by adding a predetermined value (for example, 0.3) to the applied magnification for the viewing user 2a and the viewing user 2c. Then, if the viewing user 2a and the viewing user 2c perform an image transmission operation during the fever time, the added points of the transmitted transmission image 8 are multiplied by 1.8 and added to their viewing user support points and group support points. On the other hand, when the viewing user 2e performs an image transmission operation during the fever time, the applied magnification remains at 1.5 times.

[0278] Next, in this embodiment, when the distribution of the content is completed, the streaming server 1100 calculates a ranking by viewing user (ranking by viewing user) by arranging each viewing user 2 in the order of viewing user support points, and calculates a ranking by group (ranking by group) by arranging each group in the order of group support points.

[0279] Then, the streaming server 1100 executes a process (second privilege granting process) of granting a privilege to the viewing users 2 based on the group ranking. That is, in the second privilege granting process, first, it is determined whether or not to grant a privilege to the viewing users 2 of each group based on the ranking order in the group ranking. Then, the privilege is granted to the viewing users 2 for which it is determined that a privilege should be granted. For example, a privilege may be granted only to the viewing users 2 belonging to the group ranked first. Note that it is possible to appropriately set up to which ranking the privilege is granted. The privilege to be granted may be set in advance in association with the ranking order.

[0280] At that time, the privilege is allocated to each viewing user 2 using the transmission record (the number of image transmission operations, the total value of the added points added to the support points by the image transmission operations, etc.) of the viewing user 2 who was determined to be awarded the privilege. The distribution (splitting) can be performed in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

[0281] The streaming server 1100 also executes a process (third privilege granting process) of granting a privilege to the viewing user 2 based on the viewing user ranking. That is, in the third privilege granting process, first, it is determined whether or not to grant a privilege to each viewing user 2 based on the ranking position in the viewing user ranking. Then, the privilege is granted to the viewing user 2 for which it is determined that a privilege should be granted. The ranking position up to which the privilege is granted can be appropriately set as in the second privilege granting process, and the privilege to be granted may also be set in advance in association with the ranking position.

[0282] [Function configuration] FIG. 25 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the streaming server 1100 in the second embodiment, and FIG. 26 is a diagram showing an example of programs and data stored in the server storage unit 500s in the second embodiment. In each of FIGS. 25 and 26, the same components as those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals. As shown in FIG. 25, in this embodiment, the outgoing service management unit 210A of the server processing unit 200s includes a group setting unit 211A, an outgoing content display control unit 212, a support point calculation unit 213A, an event occurrence condition determination unit 215A, a chain notification control unit 221, a consideration collection processing unit 223, an event control unit 225A, a ranking calculation unit 227A, a second privilege granting processing unit 233A, and a third privilege granting processing unit 235A.

[0283] The group setting unit 211A performs a process of dividing the viewing users who are registered as viewers into groups when content distribution starts. For example, as shown in Fig. 24, the grouping may be performed by the viewing users registering a specific character being distributed, or the viewing users may select a group to which they belong. The group setting unit 211A then assigns a group ID to each group, and generates group setting data 750A by associating each group ID with the user account of the viewing user who belongs to the corresponding group.

[0284] The support point calculation unit 213A calculates support points for each viewing user by tallying up the image transmission operations for each viewing user, and calculates support points for each group by tallying up the image transmission operations for each group.

[0285] The event occurrence condition determination unit 215A does not determine the event occurrence condition for all viewing users as in the above embodiment, but determines the event occurrence condition for each group.

[0286] When the event occurrence condition determination unit 215A determines that the event occurrence condition is satisfied, the event control unit 225A generates a fever time for the group. The event control unit 225A includes a fever time extension processing unit 226 and an application magnification adjustment unit 231A.

[0287] The applied magnification adjustment unit 231A identifies an adjustment-target viewing user who was involved in the occurrence of the fever time, and adjusts the applied magnification 730 to be applied to the image transmission operation of the adjustment-target user during the fever time.

[0288] The ranking calculation unit 227A calculates a ranking for each viewing user based on the support points for each viewing user, and calculates a ranking for each group based on the support points for each group, at the end of distribution of the content.

[0289] The second privilege granting process unit 233A executes a second privilege granting process of granting a privilege to a viewing user based on the group ranking.

[0290] The third privilege granting process unit 235A executes a third privilege granting process of granting a privilege to a viewing user based on the viewing user ranking.

[0291] 26, server storage unit 500s stores server program 503A, viewing terminal program for distribution 505, providing terminal program for distribution 507, sales item management data 509, origination service initial setting data 510, user management data 590, distribution management data 600A, successive combo condition setting 700, combination combo condition setting 710, operation count condition setting 720, group setting data 750A, application rate 730A, ranking data 740A, and current date and time 900. In addition, other necessary data such as image data of a background image of the viewing screen and material data for creating and editing avatars are stored as appropriate.

[0292] The distribution management data 600A can be realized with a data configuration similar to that of the distribution management data 600 of the above-mentioned embodiment shown in Fig. 16, but the current values ​​of the viewing user support points and the group support points are set in the current support points 617, and the current value of the total number of transmission operations for each group is set in the current total number of transmission operations 623. In addition, fever time occurrence status data 630 is prepared for each group.

[0293] The group setting data 750A stores information on grouping of each viewer user set by the group setting section 211A.

[0294] The applied magnification 730A stores the applied magnification for each viewer user. In this applied magnification 730A, the applied magnification for all viewing users is set to "same magnification" when fever time does not occur. On the other hand, when fever time occurs, the applied magnification for viewing users belonging to the corresponding group is set to "1.5 times", and the applied magnification for the adjustment target viewing user among them is further increased by a predetermined value (for example, 0.3) to "1.8 times".

[0295] Ranking data 740A stores the results of the ranking by viewing user and the ranking by group calculated by ranking calculation section 227A at the end of distribution of the content.

[0296] [Processing flow] The process related to the live distribution of content in the streaming server 1100 of the second embodiment can be performed in a procedure almost similar to the process procedure of the above embodiment shown in Figs. 19 to 21. However, in this embodiment, when the distribution of content starts, the viewing users who are registered as viewers are divided into groups. In addition, in the support point calculation process after the distribution starts, the support points for each viewing user and the support points for each group are calculated. Then, each process such as determining the event occurrence condition and controlling the event is performed for each group, and a fever time is generated on a group basis. In addition, when the distribution of content ends, the ranking for each viewing user and the ranking for each group are calculated, and the second benefit granting process and the third benefit granting process are executed in sequence to grant (share) the benefit to the viewing user 2 to be granted.

[0297] As described above, according to the second embodiment, it is possible to achieve the same effects as those of the first embodiment. In addition, it is possible to cheer for a specific character (for example, a character) in the distribution content individually, or for viewing users who cheer for the same character to form a group and cheer for the character together, thereby enhancing the sense that viewing users are all working together to liven up the content, and further improving the user experience.

[0298] The forms to which the present invention can be applied are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and constituent elements can be added, omitted, or modified as appropriate.

[0299] [Variation 1] For example, in each of the above-mentioned embodiments, an example was given in which a distribution service is realized in a client-server type computer system, but it may be realized in a computer system in which a plurality of user terminals 1500 are connected peer-to-peer to each other. In that case, one of the user terminals 1500 is made to function as the streaming server 1100. Alternatively, the functions of the distribution service management unit 206 may be shared among a plurality of user terminals 1500.

[0300] [Modification 2] Furthermore, each of the above-described embodiments can also be applied to other services as long as the services are accessed simultaneously by a plurality of users and each user can operate to send text or images.

[0301] For example, the screen portion below the general-purpose display portion 35 of the viewing screen can be a chat screen to which the chat function of a social networking service is applied. Figures 27 and 28 are diagrams showing display examples in that case.

[0302] On the left side of the lower chat screen 38, the avatar 4a of the viewing user 2a who uses the user terminal 1500 on which the screen is displayed is displayed, and the text that the viewing user 2a has operated to send is displayed in a speech bubble 5a, and the transmission image 8 that the viewing user 2 has operated to send is displayed from the avatar 4. On the other hand, on the right side of the chat screen 38, the avatars 4b, etc. of the other viewing users 2b, etc. are displayed, and the text that they have operated to send is displayed in a speech bubble 5, and the transmission image 8 that they have operated to send an image is displayed from the avatar 4. In this modified example, the background of the chat screen 38 is appropriately changed to special background data during fever time, and the appearance display of the transmission image 8 that each viewing user 2 has operated to send is produced.

[0303] Alternatively, as shown in Fig. 28, a screen configuration may be used in which a content screen 39 consisting of the additional information display section 31, the content display section 32, and the general-purpose display section 35 of the viewing screen is displayed in the center of a chat screen 38. On both sides of the content screen 39, as in the case of Fig. 27, the avatar 4a of the viewing user 2a using the user terminal 1500 on which the screen is displayed and the avatar 4b of another viewing user 2b are displayed, and text is displayed in a speech bubble 5 and an image 8 for transmission is displayed. The display position of the content screen 39 is fixed and is always displayed in the center of the chat screen 38, while the avatars 4, speech bubbles 5, and image 8 for transmission displayed on both sides, which are enclosed by dashed lines, are scrolled when a new transmission operation is performed. [Explanation of symbols]

[0304] 1000…Content provision system 1100...Streaming server 200s…Server processing section 202...User Management Department 204…Online Shopping Management Department 206…Distribution Service Management Department 208...Avatar display control unit 210, 210A…Outgoing service management department 212...Call content display control unit 213, 213A… Support point calculation section 215, 215A: Event occurrence condition determination section 217…Continuous combo judgement section 219…Combination Combo Judgment Section 221... Chain notification control unit 223...Compensation collection processing unit 225, 225A…Event control section 226…Fever time extension processing unit 227,227A…Ranking calculation section 229…First privilege granting processing unit 211A…Group setting section 233A…Second benefit granting processing unit 235A…Third benefit granting processing unit 500s…Server storage 503,503A...Server program 505...Streaming viewing terminal program 507... Distribution provision terminal program 509...Sales management data 510...Outgoing service initial setting data 590...User management data 600,600A…Distribution management data 700…Continuous combo condition setting 710…Combination Combo Condition Setting 720…Operation count condition setting 730,730A…Applicable magnification 740,740A…Ranking data 750A...Group setting data 1500 (1500a, 1500b, ..., 1500T) ... User terminal 100...Operation input section 102...imaging unit 104…Sound collection section 200...Terminal processing section 262, 272...Operation signal transmission control unit 264…Viewing screen display control section 274…Content provision control unit 276... Provision screen display control unit 390...Image display section 392…Sound output section 394…Communications Department 500…Device memory section 504... Viewing terminal program 506... Terminal program provided 800: Received distribution data group 802…Outgoing image allocation settings 810…Provided content data 811…Titles distributed at time of registration 813…Registration distribution schedule 815…Additional information at the time of registration 817…Content data for provision 9. Communication lines 2(2a,2b,...,2t)...User W1, W11… Viewing screen 31...Additional information display section 33…Text sending operation section 34...Image transmission operation icon 35…General-purpose display section 36…Message content display section 37…Shopping icon 38…Chat screen 4(4a,4b,…)…Avatar 8…Image for transmission

Claims

1. A content distribution system that distributes content including at least video provided by a providing user to a user terminal of each viewing user, comprising: the user terminal includes a content display unit that displays the content, and a viewing screen on which a user can perform a call operation while viewing the content is displayed; An event control means for generating an event when a given event generation condition is satisfied; Equipped with the event control means changes the end time of the event based on a state in which a chain condition including at least a continuity determination condition for determining the continuity of the call operation based on the timing at which the call operation is performed is satisfied. Content delivery system.

2. the event control means determines whether the event occurrence condition is satisfied by including in the event occurrence condition that the state in which the chain condition is satisfied has continued for a predetermined period of time or more; The content distribution system according to claim 1 .

3. The link condition further includes that the plurality of calling operations to be judged satisfy a relation determination condition for determining a relation between the calling operations.

3. A content distribution system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. a chain notification control means for controlling notification of a current continuation status of the state in which the chain condition is satisfied to the user terminal; The content distribution system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising:

5. the event control means determines that the event occurrence condition is satisfied when the total number of the call origination operations reaches a predetermined number. A content distribution system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. There are a plurality of types of the calling operation, and some of the plurality of types are associated with the providing user or the content; the event control means has a means for determining whether or not the event occurrence condition is satisfied based on the associated type of call operation. A content distribution system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. A content distribution system that distributes content including at least video provided by a providing user to a user terminal of each viewing user, comprising: the user terminal includes a content display unit that displays the content, and a viewing screen on which a user can perform a call operation while viewing the content is displayed; An event control means for generating an event when a given event generation condition is satisfied; Equipped with the event control means determines whether the event occurrence condition is satisfied for each group made up of viewing users of the content being viewed, and controls the occurrence of the event. Content delivery system.

8. A computer system comprising: a user terminal of each viewing user; and the content distribution system according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The user terminal displays the content display unit and an avatar display unit that displays an avatar of the viewing user on the viewing screen.

9. The computer system of claim 8.

10. A content distribution method for distributing content including at least video provided by a providing user to a user terminal of each viewing user, comprising the steps of: the user terminal includes a content display unit that displays the content, and a viewing screen on which a user can perform a call operation while viewing the content is displayed; generating an event when a given event generation condition is satisfied; changing an end time of the event based on a state in which a chain condition including at least a continuity determination condition for determining continuity of the call operation based on the timing of the call operation is satisfied; Content delivery methods including:

11. A content distribution method for distributing content including at least video provided by a providing user to a user terminal of each viewing user, comprising: the user terminal includes a content display unit that displays the content, and a viewing screen on which a user can perform a call operation while viewing the content is displayed; generating an event when a given event generation condition is met; Including, The generating of the event includes determining whether the event generating condition is satisfied for each group made up of viewing users of the content being viewed, and controlling the generation of the event. Content delivery methods.

Images