Content distribution system, server system and program

Abstract

To provide a content distribution system, or the like, which can increase a motivation to post a post object or an effect of performances in content distribution.SOLUTION: A server system for distributing a content of a performance that a performer performs on a performer terminal to a viewer terminal of a viewer includes: a display processing unit which executes display processing of a content in which a post object moves, the post object being posted by the viewer consuming a parameter of the viewer, in a virtual field where the performer performs; and a provision processing unit which executes processing to provide the performer with a present corresponding the posted post object or the consumed parameter when the post object posted to the virtual field is collected, or provide the viewer who has posted the post object with a return corresponding to the posted post object or the consumed parameter when the post object posted to the virtual field is not collected.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a content distribution system, a server system, a program, and the like. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, content distribution systems that perform live content distribution via a network such as the Internet have been gaining popularity. For example, systems disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2 are known as conventional technologies for such content distribution systems. Patent Document 1 discloses displaying a GUI on a viewer's terminal for providing tips to performers appearing in the content being viewed. Patent Document 2 discloses changing the screen configuration on the viewer's side depending on the state of support given by the viewer to the performers. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2018-182546 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2018-171282 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In such a content distribution system, viewers of the content input contribution objects called tips or gifts to praise the content or performers, or to support the performers who distribute the content. However, even if a viewer inputs a contribution object, there is no reward for inputting the contribution object, and it is only a one-way action from the viewer to the performer. For this reason, it is not possible to sufficiently increase the motivation to input the contribution object. Furthermore, after the contribution object is input by the viewer, the contribution object is simply collected without any special effects. For this reason, the effects of the submission of the contribution object are insufficient. Thus, in the content distribution systems up to now, the improvement of the motivation to submit contribution objects in content distribution and the achievement of special effects, etc. have been insufficient.

[0005] According to some aspects of the present embodiment, it is possible to provide a content distribution system, a server system, a program, and the like that can improve the motivation to post objects in content distribution and the dramatic effects, etc. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a content distribution system that distributes content of a performance performed by a performer on a performer terminal to a viewer terminal of a viewer, the content distribution system including: a display processing unit that performs a process of displaying the content in a virtual field where the performer's performance is performed, in which a posted object that can be input by the viewer consuming the viewer's parameters moves; and an assignment processing unit that performs a process of granting a gift corresponding to the inputted posted object or the consumed parameters to the performer when the inputted object input into the virtual field is collected, and granting a rebate corresponding to the inputted posted object or the consumed parameters to the viewer who input the inputted object when the inputted object input into the virtual field is not collected. Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a program that causes a computer to function as each of the above-mentioned units, or a computer-readable information storage medium that stores the program.

[0007] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, when a posted object inserted by a viewer is collected, a gift is given to the performer, and when the inserted posted object is not collected, a refund is given to the viewer. In this way, by giving a gift to the performer when the posted object is collected, it is possible to increase the motivation of the performer to perform a performance. On the other hand, by giving a refund to the viewer when the posted object is not collected, it is possible to motivate the viewer to insert a posted object next time. Furthermore, when the posted object is collected, a performance is performed in which a gift is given to the performer, and when the posted object is not collected, a performance is performed in which a refund is given to the viewer. Therefore, it is possible to provide a content distribution system and the like that can improve the motivation to insert posted objects in content distribution, the performance effect, and the like.

[0008] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the display processing unit may perform display processing of the content in which a third party different from the performer retrieves the posted object that was dropped into the virtual field.

[0009] In this way, by having a third party other than the performer collect the posted objects, the performer is able to concentrate on performing, which ultimately makes it possible to increase the appeal and entertainment value of the content in which the performer performs.

[0010] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the display processing unit may perform display processing of the content in which a third party, whose ability to retrieve the posted object is set according to status information of the third party, retrieves the posted object that has been dropped into the virtual field.

[0011] In this way, the collection ability varies depending on the status information of the third party, so that it is possible to realize a content display process in which posted objects are collected by third parties with various collection abilities.

[0012] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the display processing unit may perform display processing of the content in which the third party employed by the performer retrieves the posted object that was dropped into the virtual field.

[0013] In this way, for example, if a performer wants to concentrate on performing, the performer can hire a third party by paying a fee and have the third party collect the posted objects.

[0014] In addition, one aspect of the present disclosure may include a compensation processing unit that sets the compensation paid by the actor for the employment of the third party according to status information of the third party.

[0015] In this way, the fee paid by the performer to hire a third party will vary depending on the third party's status information, expanding the performer's options for hiring a third party and enabling the performer to hire a third party corresponding to the desired fee and retrieve the posted object.

[0016] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the system may include a compensation processing unit that calculates the compensation paid by the performer for the employment of the third party using a calculation method selected from a plurality of calculation methods.

[0017] In this way, the compensation paid by the performer to the third party can be calculated using various calculation methods, and the posted object in the virtual field can be collected by the third party employed using the calculated compensation.

[0018] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the third party may be a character that moves in the virtual field and collects the posted object.

[0019] In this way, it becomes possible to have a third party character operate to retrieve the posted object submitted by the viewer, and the third party character retrieves the posted object on behalf of the performer, thereby giving the performer a gift resulting from the retrieval.

[0020] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the third party may be a character that is placed in the virtual field by the viewer and moves around the virtual field to collect the posted object.

[0021] In this way, by having a third-party character placed in the virtual field by the viewer collect the posted object, the viewer can help the performer who is currently performing, thereby allowing the performer to focus on the performance.

[0022] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the display processing unit may perform display processing of the content in which the posted object is collected by a collection method selected by a performer from among a plurality of collection methods.

[0023] In this way, the performer can collect the posted object using the collection method selected by the performer, and obtain the gift provided by the collected posted object.

[0024] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the granting processing unit grants the gift to the performer if the posted object is collected within a given period, and grants the return to the viewer if the posted object is not collected within the given period, and the given period may be a performance period during which the performer performs a performance, or a divided period when the performance period is divided into multiple periods.

[0025] In this way, it becomes possible to determine whether or not the posted object has been collected after a given period of time, which can be set in various ways, and if it has been collected, to give a gift to the performer, and if it has not been collected, to give a refund to the viewer.

[0026] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the granting processing unit may perform a process of granting a benefit to the viewer who submitted the submitted object when the submitted object submitted to the virtual field is collected.

[0027] By providing a reward to the viewer when a posted object is provided in this manner, it is possible to provide the viewer with an effective motivation to submit a posted object.

[0028] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the granting processing unit may perform a process of granting the reward to the viewer when the posted object is collected, such as a process of granting the viewer successful submission points of the posted object, or a process of having the performer perform a reward performance.

[0029] In this way, viewers will be encouraged to submit contribution objects in order to gain successful submission points and special performance, and it is possible to provide the viewers with an effective motivation for submitting contribution objects.

[0030] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the granting processing unit may perform processing to change the benefit to be granted to the viewer when the posted object is collected, depending on the situation.

[0031] In this way, the benefit given to the viewer when the posted object is collected can be changed according to various circumstances.

[0032] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the granting processing unit may perform processing to change the rebate to be granted to the viewer when the posted object is not collected, depending on the situation.

[0033] In this way, the amount of rebate given to the viewer when the posted object is not collected can be changed according to various circumstances.

[0034] In one aspect of the present disclosure, when the viewer throws a second posted object corresponding to the rebate that will be granted to the viewer if the posted object is not collected into the virtual field, the display processing unit may perform a display process of the content in which the second posted object moves in the virtual field, and the granting processing unit may perform a process of granting the second rebate corresponding to the second posted object to the viewer if the second posted object is not collected.

[0035] In this way, the viewer can re-inject the refund that was given when the posted object was not collected as a second posted object, and even if the second posted object is not collected, the second refund corresponding to the second posted object will be refunded and given to the viewer.

[0036] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the granting processing unit may differ the rebate status of the rebate item granted to the viewer when the posted object is not collected from the rebate status of the second rebate item granted to the viewer when the second posted object is not collected.

[0037] By varying the form of return in this way, it is possible to effectively motivate viewers to re-post posted objects consecutively.

[0038] In addition, one aspect of the present disclosure may include a penalty processing unit that imposes a penalty on the performer or a third party who collects the posted object on behalf of the performer if the posted object is not collected.

[0039] In this way, performers or third parties can be expected to proactively retrieve the posted objects submitted by viewers in order to avoid being penalized, and the occurrence of situations in which posted objects are left abandoned after being submitted can be prevented.

[0040] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the display processing unit includes a reception unit that receives postings of information to the content or the performer based on operation of the viewer's terminal by the viewer, and the display processing unit performs display processing of common information of the content that is displayed commonly on both the performer terminal and the viewer terminal, and difference information of the content that is displayed on either the performer terminal or the viewer terminal and is information for encouraging operation by the performer, and may also perform display processing of the difference information on the performer terminal according to the posting status of the viewer's posting information.

[0041] In this way, when a viewer posts information in response to a performer's action, the display process of the difference information of the content on the performer's terminal is performed according to the posting status of the viewer's posted information. Therefore, not only is it possible for the viewer to react to the performer's action by posting information, but the display process of the difference information according to the posting status is performed, so that the performer can be encouraged to take action in response to the viewer's reaction to the posted information. Therefore, it is possible to provide a content distribution system or the like that makes it easy for the performer to respond to the viewer's reaction to the performer's action with an action.

[0042] Furthermore, one aspect of the present disclosure relates to a server system that distributes content of a performance given by a performer on a performer terminal to a viewer terminal of a viewer, the server system including: a display processing unit that performs a display process of the content in a virtual field where the performance of the performer is performed, in which a posted object that can be input by the viewer consuming the viewer's parameters moves; and an awarding processing unit that performs a process of, when the posted object input into the virtual field is collected, awarding a gift corresponding to the inputted posted object or the consumed parameters to the performer, and, when the posted object input into the virtual field is not collected, awarding a rebate corresponding to the inputted posted object or the consumed parameters to the viewer who input the posted object.

[0043] According to such a server system, when the posted object is collected, a gift is given to the performer, thereby increasing the motivation of the performer to perform a performance. On the other hand, when the posted object is not collected, a return item is given to the viewer, thereby motivating the viewer to input the posted object next time. When the posted object is collected, a performance is performed in which a gift item is given to the performer, and when the posted object is not collected, a performance is performed in which a return item is given to the viewer. Therefore, it is possible to provide a server system etc. that can improve the motivation to input posted objects in content distribution and the performance effect. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0044] [Figure 1] 1(A) to 1(F) are explanatory diagrams of hardware devices that realize the content distribution system of this embodiment. [Diagram 2] 2 shows an example of the configuration of a content distribution system according to the present embodiment. [Diagram 3] 13 shows an example of the configuration of a terminal device. [Figure 4] An explanatory diagram of live streaming using VR characters. [Diagram 5] 5(A) and 5(B) are diagrams for explaining data types of playback data. [Figure 6] 6(A) and 6(B) are diagrams for explaining data types of playback data. [Figure 7] 7(A) to 7(C) are explanatory diagrams of the method of this embodiment. [Figure 8] 4 is a flowchart illustrating a process according to the present embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 illustrates the withdrawal of content by a third party. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of the collection of content by a third-party character. [Figure 11] 11 is a flowchart for explaining the processing of the present embodiment when a performer employs a third party. [Figure 12]13 is a flowchart for explaining a process for setting the ability of a third party to collect posted objects and the compensation to be paid by an actor to a third party according to the status information of the third party. [Figure 13] Example of third-party status information. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of a method in which a viewer places a character that collects posted objects in a virtual field. [Figure 15] 11 is a flowchart for explaining the process of this embodiment in which a collection method is selected and a process is performed to determine whether or not a posted object has been collected when a given period of time has elapsed. [Figure 16] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a technique for setting a given period. [Figure 17] 11 is a flowchart illustrating a process of giving a reward to a viewer when a posted object is collected. [Figure 18] 11 is a flowchart for explaining a process for changing the benefits and return items given to a viewer depending on the situation. [Figure 19] 10 is a flowchart for explaining the processing of the present embodiment when a viewer submits a second posted object corresponding to a return item. [Figure 20] 13 is a flowchart for explaining a process of imposing a penalty on a performer or a third party when a posted object is not collected. [Figure 21] 21(A) and 21(B) are explanatory diagrams of a method for displaying common information and difference information of content in a live broadcast of a fishing game. [Figure 22] 22(A) and 22(B) are explanatory diagrams of a method for displaying common information and difference information of content in a live broadcast of a fishing game. [Figure 23] 23(A) and 23(B) are explanatory diagrams of a method for displaying common information and difference information of content in live streaming of a competitive game. [Figure 24] 24(A) and 24(B) are explanatory diagrams of a method for displaying common information and difference information of content in live streaming of a competitive game. [Diagram 25]25(A) and 25(B) are explanatory diagrams of a method for displaying common information and difference information of content in live streaming of a VR character. [Figure 26] 26(A) and 26(B) are explanatory diagrams of a method for displaying common information and difference information of content in live streaming of a VR character. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0045] The present embodiment will be described below. Note that the present embodiment described below does not unduly limit the contents of the claims. Furthermore, not all of the configurations described in the present embodiment are necessarily essential configurations.

[0046] 1. Content distribution system First, the hardware device for realizing the content distribution system of the present embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 1(A) to 1(F).

[0047] In Fig. 1(A), a server system 500 (information processing system) is communicatively connected to terminal devices TM1-TMn via a network 510. For example, the server system 500 is a host, and the terminal devices TM1-TMn are clients. The content distribution system and its processing of this embodiment may be realized by the server system 500, or may be realized by distributed processing between the server system 500 and the terminal devices TM1-TMn.

[0048] The content distribution system and processing of this embodiment can also be realized by a blockchain technique. For example, each process of the content distribution system of this embodiment can be executed using a program called a smart contract that can be executed in Ethereum. In this case, the terminal devices TM1 to TMn are connected in a peer-to-peer manner. Furthermore, various information such as content information communicated between the terminal devices TM1 to TMn is transferred using a blockchain. In the following, each of the terminal devices TM1 to TMn will be appropriately referred to as a terminal device TM.

[0049] The server system 500 can be realized by, for example, one or more servers (such as a management server, a game distribution server, a video distribution server, a billing server, a service providing server, an authentication server, a database server, or a communication server). The server system 500 provides various services for managing live distribution, and can manage data required for live distribution of various contents such as games and VR characters, and distribute client programs and various data. This allows viewers to access the server system 500 using a terminal device TM, which is a viewer terminal, and to watch live distribution of contents provided by the server system 500. The processing of the server system 500 realizes a live distribution function for live distribution of contents to viewers, a posting function for enabling viewers to post tips and comments on performers and their performances, and the like. Tips are also called gifts. Performers are content distributors. The processing of the server system 500 also realizes an online shopping function for virtual electronic media such as billing items, a game provision function for enabling online games to be played, a user management function for registering users and managing information for each user, and the like.

[0050] The network 510 (distribution network, communication line) is a communication path that uses, for example, the Internet or wireless LAN, and can include a communication network such as a telephone communication network, a cable network, a wireless LAN, etc., in addition to a LAN using a dedicated line (dedicated cable) for direct connection or Ethernet (registered trademark), etc. The communication method can be either wired or wireless.

[0051] The terminal device TM (user terminal) is, for example, a terminal having a net connection function (Internet connection function). As these terminal devices TM, various devices can be used, such as a portable communication terminal such as a smartphone or a mobile phone shown in Fig. 1(B), a portable game device shown in Fig. 1(C), a home game device (stationary type) shown in Fig. 1(D), an arcade game device shown in Fig. 1(E), or an information processing device such as a personal computer (PC) or a tablet PC shown in Fig. 1(F). Alternatively, the terminal device TM may be a wearable device (HMD, watch type device, etc.) that is attached to a part of the user's body such as the head or arm.

[0052] An example of the configuration of the content delivery system of this embodiment is shown in Fig. 2. Note that the configuration of the content delivery system is not limited to that shown in Fig. 2, and various modifications are possible, such as omitting some of the components (each unit) or adding other components.

[0053] The content distribution system includes a processing unit 100, a storage unit 170, and a communication unit 196. This content distribution system can be realized, for example, by a server system 500 in Fig. 1(A), and is communicatively connected to a performer terminal TMP, which is a terminal device TM, and viewer terminals TMA to TMAm via a network 510. Note that, hereinafter, each viewer terminal TMA1 to TMAn will be collectively referred to as a viewer terminal TMA as appropriate.

[0054] The processing unit 100 (processor) performs reception processing, transmission processing, content information generation processing, acceptance processing, granting processing, compensation processing, penalty processing, management processing, display processing, sound processing, etc. based on various information, programs, or operation information stored in the memory unit 170.

[0055] Each process (each function) of the present embodiment performed by each unit of the processing unit 100 can be realized by a processor (a processor including hardware). For example, each process of the present embodiment can be realized by a processor that operates based on information such as a program, and a memory that stores information such as a program. The functions of each unit of the processor may be realized by individual hardware, or may be realized by integrated hardware. For example, the processor includes hardware, and the hardware may include at least one of a circuit that processes a digital signal and a circuit that processes an analog signal. For example, the processor may be configured with one or more circuit devices (e.g., ICs, etc.) mounted on a circuit board, or one or more circuit elements (e.g., resistors, capacitors, etc.). The processor may be, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). However, the processor is not limited to a CPU, and various processors such as a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) or a DSP (Digital Signal Processor) can be used. The processor may also be a hardware circuit using an ASIC. The processor may also include an amplifier circuit, a filter circuit, etc. that process an analog signal. The memory (storage unit) may be a semiconductor memory such as an SRAM or a DRAM, or a register. Alternatively, it may be a magnetic storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD), or an optical storage device such as an optical disk drive. For example, the memory stores computer-readable instructions, and the instructions are executed by the processor to realize the processing (function) of each part of the processing unit 100. The instructions here may be a set of instructions constituting a program, or may be instructions that instruct the hardware circuitry of the processor to operate.

[0056] The processing unit 100 includes a reception processing unit 102, a transmission processing unit 104, a content information generating unit 106, a reception unit 108, a granting processing unit 110, a compensation processing unit 112, a penalty processing unit 114, a management unit 118, a display processing unit 120, and a sound processing unit 130. Note that the configuration of the processing unit 100 is not limited to this, and various modifications are possible, such as omitting some of these components or adding other components.

[0057] The receiving processor 102 performs a receiving process of information using the communication unit 196. For example, the receiving processor 102 performs a process of receiving information from the performer terminal TMP and the viewer terminal TMA via the communication unit 196 and the network 510. Information received from the performer terminal TMP is, for example, operation information input by the performer using the operation unit 260 in FIG. 3 described later, and playback data for playing back the performer's performance. The playback data is, for example, a motion number for playing back the motion of a character that moves according to the performer's performance, motion data, or shooting data of the performer's performance. Information received from the viewer terminal TMA is, for example, operation information input by the viewer using the operation unit 260 in FIG. 3, and information posted by the viewer regarding the content or the performer. Posted information includes tips (gifts) and posted comments for the content or the performer.

[0058] The transmission processing unit 104 performs a process of transmitting information using the communication unit 196. For example, the transmission processing unit 104 performs a process of transmitting information to the viewer terminal TMA and the performer terminal TMP via the communication unit 196 and the network 510. The information transmitted to the viewer terminal TMA and the performer terminal TMP is, for example, content information used for playing back content on the viewer terminal TMA and the performer terminal TMP. The content information is display image information displayed on the display unit 290 in Fig. 3, and output sound information such as audio information, music information, and sound effect information output from the sound output unit 292.

[0059] The content information generating unit 106 performs a process of generating content information to be distributed by the content distribution system of this embodiment. Specifically, the content information generating unit 106 generates information on the content that progresses based on the operation of the performer's terminal TMP by the performer. That is, the content information is generated by performing a process of progressing the content. For example, the content information generating unit 106 performs a process of generating content information such as display image information displayed on the display unit 290 of the viewer terminal TMA or the performer terminal TMP, and output sound information output from the sound output unit 292.

[0060] The content information generating unit 106 may also generate game content information by performing game processing for a user to play a game. The game processing may be, for example, a process of starting a game when a game start condition is satisfied, a process of progressing the started game, a process of ending a game when a game end condition is satisfied, or a process of calculating game results. Taking a browser game as an example, the content information generating unit 106 controls the progress of the game for each user by managing various information of the user for each user. The user information is stored in the user information storage unit 174. For example, a web page constituting a website providing a game service is displayed on the terminal device TM in response to a request from the terminal device TM such as the performer terminal TMP or the viewer terminal TMA. Specifically, the web page is displayed by a web browser provided in the terminal device TM. When a hyperlink on the displayed web page is selected by the user, new HTML data corresponding to the hyperlink is transmitted to the terminal device TM, and the web page based on the new HTML data is displayed on the terminal device TM. In this way, the web pages are sequentially provided to the terminal device TM in response to the user's operation, so that the game can be progressed based on the user's operation on the terminal device TM. In this case, the display image information generated by the content information generating unit 106 is, for example, HTML data.

[0061] The reception unit 108 receives operation input information from the performer and receives operation input information from the viewer. The operation input information is information input based on the operation of the operation unit 260 (FIG. 3) of the performer terminal TMP by the performer, and information input based on the operation of the operation unit 260 of the viewer terminal TMA by the viewer.

[0062] The granting processing unit 110 performs a process of granting gifts, return items, and benefits. The compensation processing unit 112 performs a process regarding the compensation paid by the user for the charge. The penalty processing unit 114 performs a process of granting a penalty. The granting processing unit 110, the compensation processing unit 112, and the penalty processing unit 114 will be described in detail later.

[0063] The management unit 118 performs, for example, authentication processing of a user. For example, it performs authentication processing of a user who has logged in using the terminal device TM. This authentication processing is performed, for example, based on a password or account information entered by the user. The management unit 118 also performs various billing processing. For example, it performs processing to determine billing, processing to create and store billing data, etc. The management unit 118 also performs various management processing. For example, it performs processing to manage various services and processing to manage various information. The management unit 118 can be realized, for example, by a management server.

[0064] For example, a user acquires an account by going through a prescribed procedure in order to use a service provided by the server system 500 in Fig. 1(A) or the like. By logging in by inputting a password associated with the acquired account, the user can use various services such as live streaming, playing network games such as social games, services on live streaming sites and game sites, online shopping for items, exchanging messages between users, and registering friend users. The management unit 118 also performs management processing of such user account information.

[0065] The display processing unit 120 performs processing for displaying an image on the display unit 290 of the terminal device TM shown in Fig. 3, which is the performer terminal TMP or the viewer terminal TMA. For example, the display processing unit 120 transmits display image information (image generation data) such as HTML data to the terminal device TM via the transmission processing unit 104, the communication unit 196, and the network 510, and performs processing for displaying an image corresponding to the display image information on the display unit 290 of the terminal device TM.

[0066] The sound processing unit 130 performs processing for outputting sound from the sound output unit 292 of the terminal device TM. For example, the sound processing unit 130 transmits output sound information (sound generation data) to the terminal device TM via the transmission processing unit 104, the communication unit 196, and the network 510, and performs processing for outputting sound (voice, music, game sound, sound effect) corresponding to the output sound information from the sound output unit 292 of the terminal device TM.

[0067] The storage unit 170 serves as a work area for the processing unit 100, the communication unit 196, and the like, and its functions can be realized by a semiconductor memory, an HDD, an SSD, an optical disk device, and the like. The storage unit 170 includes a content information storage unit 172 and a user information storage unit 174. The content information storage unit 172 stores information on the content to be distributed. The content is, for example, entertainment content, such as game content, virtual reality (VR) content, or video distribution content. Specifically, the content is live content, such as live game commentary content that provides a live commentary of the game play of an actor, or live content that provides a live commentary of the performance of an actor or a VR character corresponding to the actor. The content information is various information constituting the content, such as display image information, output sound information, video information, or content sequence information for content progression. The user information storage unit 174 stores various information on the user. For example, the user information storage unit 174 stores personal information of the user (such as name, sex, date of birth, and email address) as user information. For example, account information of the user (user ID) is also stored as user information. For example, billing information that is the subject of billing processing is associated with each account information of each user.

[0068] The communication unit 196 communicates with external devices, and its functions can be realized by hardware such as a communication ASIC or a communication processor, or by communication firmware. For example, the communication unit 196, which is a communication interface, performs various communication processes for communicating with terminal devices TM such as the performer terminal TMP and the viewer terminal TMA via the network 510.

[0069] The content delivery system of FIG. 2 performs each process of the present embodiment based on the program of the present embodiment. This program is a program (program for making a computer execute the process of each part) for making a computer (a device having an operation part, a processing part, a storage part, and an output part) function as each part of the present embodiment. This program is stored in, for example, an information storage medium. That is, the content delivery system of the present embodiment performs various processes of the present embodiment based on the program (data) stored in the information storage medium. The information storage medium, which is a medium readable by a computer, stores programs, data, etc., and its functions can be realized by an optical disk, a HDD, a semiconductor memory, etc. Note that the program (data) for making a computer function as each part of the present embodiment may be distributed from an information storage medium possessed by the server system 500 (host device) via the network 510. The use of such an information storage medium by the server system 500 can also be included in the scope of the present embodiment.

[0070] An example of the configuration of the terminal device TM is shown in Fig. 3. The terminal device TM includes a processing unit 200, an operation unit 260, an interface unit 262, a storage unit 270, an information storage medium 280, a display unit 290, a sound output unit 292, and a communication unit 296. Note that the configuration of the terminal device TM is not limited to that shown in Fig. 3, and various modifications are possible, such as omitting some of the components (each unit) or adding other components.

[0071] The processing unit 200 (processor) executes terminal-side processing in the content distribution system based on operation information from the operation unit 260, programs, etc. For example, it executes processing for content distribution, game processing, etc. The processing unit 200 can be realized by a processor or the like, similar to the processing unit 100 in Fig. 2 described above. Note that each process in the content distribution system of this embodiment may be realized by distributed processing between the server system 500 and the terminal device TM.

[0072] The operation unit 260 is for the user to input various information such as operation information, and its functions can be realized by operation buttons, direction indicator keys, analog sticks, levers, various sensors (angular velocity sensors, acceleration sensors, etc.), a microphone, or a touch panel display. The interface unit 262 performs interface processing with external devices, and performs processing for communicating with external devices according to a predetermined interface standard, for example. The function of the interface unit 262 can be realized by hardware such as an interface processing ASIC or an interface processing processor, or interface processing firmware. For example, when the movement of a performer is captured by an external motion capture device, the motion data obtained by the motion capture is input to the terminal device TM via the interface unit 262. Also, when the movement of a performer is photographed by an external photographing device or the voice of the performer is recorded by an external microphone, the data of the photographed video and the recorded voice are input to the terminal device TM via the interface unit 262. Also, the interface unit 262 performs interface processing with portable information storage media such as IC cards (memory cards), USB memories, or magnetic cards in which various information about the user is stored.

[0073] The storage unit 270 serves as a work area for the processing unit 200, the communication unit 296, etc., and its functions can be realized by a semiconductor memory, HDD, SSD, optical disk device, etc. The information storage medium 280 (a computer-readable medium) stores programs, data, etc., and its functions can be realized by an optical disk, HDD, semiconductor memory, etc. The processing unit 200 performs various processes of this embodiment based on the programs (data) stored in the information storage medium 280. This information storage medium 280 can store programs (programs for causing a computer to execute the processes of each unit) for causing a computer (a device equipped with an operation unit, a processing unit, a storage unit, and an output unit) to function as each unit of this embodiment.

[0074] The display unit 290 outputs an image generated by this embodiment, and its function can be realized by an LCD, an organic EL display, a CRT, an HMD, etc. The sound output unit 292 outputs a sound generated by this embodiment, and its function can be realized by a speaker, a headphone, etc. The communication unit 296 (communication interface) communicates with the server system 500 and external devices such as other terminal devices via the network 510, and its function can be realized by hardware such as a communication ASIC or a communication processor, or communication firmware.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 2, the content distribution system (server system) of this embodiment that distributes the content of a performance performed by a performer on a performer terminal TMP to a viewer terminal TMA of a viewer includes a display processing unit 120 and an assignment processing unit 110.

[0076] The display processing unit 120 performs a process of displaying content in which a posting object that can be inserted by a viewer consuming the viewer's parameters moves in a virtual field where a performer performs a performance. For example, the reception unit 108 performs a process of receiving posting information for a content or a performer based on the operation of the viewer's terminal TMA by the viewer. The content is, for example, the content of a performance performed by a performer. Posting of posting information is, for example, a tip inserted by a viewer or a posted comment. For example, in a content distribution system, a viewer of the content provides a posting item or posts a comment to praise the content or performer or to support the performer who distributes the content. The provision of a posting item from a viewer to a performer is called a "tipping" or a "gift" in imitation of the donation from the audience to a street performer. Hereinafter, these will be collectively referred to as "tipping" as appropriate. Posting of a tip is realized by a viewer inserting a posting object, which is, for example, a posting item such as a tip. A posting object can also be called a gift object. For example, a viewer operates the operation unit 260 of the viewer terminal TMA to input a submitted object into the content or the performer that progresses based on the performer's operation. Specifically, the viewer performs an operation to input a submitted object into a virtual field in which the performer (the character corresponding to the performer) performs. When the submitted object is input into the virtual field in this manner, the submitted object moves in the virtual field in which the performer's performance is performed. Then, the display processing unit 120 performs display processing for a display image of the content in which the performer performs in the virtual field and the submitted object input by the viewer moves in the virtual field.

[0077] A viewer can input a posting object such as a tip by consuming a viewer's parameter. For example, if the posting object is a paid item, the viewer's parameter is a parameter of the amount of the tip that the viewer pays for the charge. For example, in the case of a tip, the parameter is a parameter of the amount of the tip. The amount may be paid in virtual currency such as in-game currency, or in entertainment content points such as in-game points. That is, a posting object is an object that can be posted by a viewer by paying the amount, and is an object that can be input by consuming the amount of the amount. Alternatively, the viewer's parameter may be a parameter of the number of posted objects. For example, the number parameter is consumed and decreased each time a viewer posts. Also, if a plurality of posted objects are input in one post, the number parameter is consumed and decreased by the number of objects posted. Note that the viewer's parameter is not limited to such a parameter of the amount or the number parameter, and various parameters that enable input of a posted object can be assumed. For example, the posted object may be an object that can be input by consuming a status parameter such as a physical strength parameter of the viewer, or an object that can be input by the viewer consuming a point parameter of entertainment content such as in-game points. Furthermore, these viewer parameters are stored in association with the viewer as a user, for example, in the user information storage unit 174 of FIG. 2.

[0078] The granting processing unit 110 performs a process of granting a gift to the performer and a process of granting a return to the viewer. Specifically, when a posted object input into the virtual field is collected, the granting processing unit 110 grants a gift corresponding to the input posted object or the consumed parameters to the performer. The collected posted object may be automatically collected, collected by the performer, or collected by a third party other than the performer as described below. The gift is, for example, a gift given to the performer when the posted object is collected. For example, the granting of the gift to the performer may be a granting of an object that is the same as or of the same type as the posted object input by the viewer to the performer, or a granting of an object different from the posted object to the performer. In addition, when a posted object is input by a viewer consuming a parameter of the number of posted objects, the granting of the gift to the performer may increase the parameter of the corresponding number of the performer by an amount corresponding to the consumed number. In addition, when a viewer consumes a compensation parameter for a posted object to input the posted object, the gift given to the performer may increase the performer's corresponding compensation parameter by an amount corresponding to the compensation consumed.

[0079] Furthermore, when the posting object input into the virtual field is not collected, the granting processing unit 110 performs a process of granting a return corresponding to the input posting object or the consumed parameters to the viewer. For example, the granting processing unit 110 performs a process of granting a return to the viewer who input the posting object. The return is, for example, a payback given to the viewer in return for inputting the posting object. For example, the return is a return to the viewer of a part of the posting object posted by the viewer. For example, the return to the viewer may be a return to the viewer of at least a part of an object that is the same as or of the same type as the posting object input by the viewer, or may be a return to the viewer of an object different from the posting object. Furthermore, when the viewer consumes a parameter for the number of posted objects to input a posting object, the return to the viewer may be a return to at least a part of the number of parameters that have been consumed and reduced, and may restore the reduced number of parameters. Furthermore, when the viewer consumes a parameter for the posted object to input a posting object, the return to the viewer may be a return to at least a part of the parameter for the consumed and reduced, and may restore the reduced parameter for the reduced compensation. For example, a viewer inputs a posting object by paying a fee and consuming it, and if the posted object is not collected, at least a portion of the consumed fee is returned to the viewer.

[0080] The receiving processor 102 performs a process of receiving playback data for playing back the performer's performance from the performer terminal TMP. The playback data is data for identifying and playing back a series of movements of the performer's performance. The performer's performance is realized by a plurality of movements of the performer. Examples of the playback data include motion numbers, motion data, and video data for playing back motion. The motion numbers are, for example, preset motion numbers, and are numbers associated with, for example, motion data. That is, the motion numbers are numbers for identifying corresponding motion data. The motion data is data for identifying and playing back a series of movements of a model object such as a character. For example, the motion data is data for playing back a series of movements of the skeleton of the model object. Each part object of the model object moves so as to follow each bone of the skeleton. Then, by moving a model object such as a character based on the motion data, it becomes possible to allow the audience to view a performance based on a series of movements performed by the character as a performance based on a series of movements performed by the performer. The motion numbers and motion data are also called animation numbers and animation data, respectively. The video data for motion reproduction is video data (photographed data) used to reproduce the movement of a model object such as a character corresponding to a performer by photographing the performer performing in real space with a photographing device. For example, if the photographing device has a depth sensor, this video data may include not only color image data of the photographed image but also depth image data.

[0081] The display processing unit 120 also performs a display process of content in which a third party different from the performer collects the posted object that was thrown into the virtual field. For example, the display processing unit 120 performs a display process of a display image in which a third party collects the posted object that was thrown into the virtual field instead of the performer who is performing a performance. Here, the third party may be a person different from the performer, or may be a virtual character. The other person is, for example, a third party who collects the posted object at the request of the performer. Note that the third person may collect the posted object without such a request. The character is, for example, called an NPC (Non Player Character), and is a character that operates under computer control. For example, the character is controlled by a given algorithm by computer processing to collect the posted object in the virtual field. The character may be a character owned by the performer as a character other than the VR character that performs the performer's performance, or may be a character that collects the posted object at the request of the performer. For example, the character may be a character owned by a person different from the performer, or may be an avatar character of a specific person such as a celebrity.

[0082] The display processing unit 120 also performs display processing of content in which a third party, whose ability to collect posted objects is set according to the third party's status information, collects posted objects that have been thrown into a virtual field. The third party's status information is, for example, the third party's work history information or attribute information. The work history information is, for example, the third party's work history information regarding the collection of posted objects. For example, the work history information is the number of times the posted objects have been collected, the frequency of collection, or the most recent collection history, for the work of collecting posted objects. The attribute information of the third party is the third party's user information or attributes in amusement content such as games (wizard, warrior, merchant, fire, water, wind, etc.). The third party's user information is, for example, the third party's gender, age group information, friend information, etc. The ability to collect posted objects is, for example, the speed at which posted objects are collected, the time it takes to collect a predetermined number of posted objects, the collection rate of posted objects, or the ability to collect a specific posted object, such as a high rarity or value.

[0083] The display processing unit 120 also performs display processing of content in which a third party employed by the performer retrieves the posted object that was thrown into the virtual field. For example, the performer hires a third party by paying a fee, and the third party retrieves the posted object that was thrown into the virtual field on behalf of the performer. The fee may be paid in virtual currency such as in-game currency, or may be paid by consuming entertainment content points such as in-game points. The performer may also pay a fee to another person to hire the other person as a third party that retrieves the posted object, or may pay a fee to another person to hire a character owned by the other person as a third party that retrieves the posted object. The performer may also have a character that the performer owns retrieve the posted object by paying a fee.

[0084] The compensation processing unit 112 also sets the compensation paid by the performer for the employment of the third party according to the status information of the third party. For example, the compensation paid by the performer for the employment of the third party is changed according to the status information of the third party. For example, the status information of the third party is the work history information and attribute information of the third party as described above. More specifically, the status information (work history information) of the third party is the cumulative performance and the most recent performance regarding the number of collected items, the amount of collected items, etc. Alternatively, the status information may be the number of big-money bags acquired, such as a big-money hunter, the cumulative number of times employed, or the most recent number of times employed corresponding to the popularity. The status information of the third party may also be a rank (level, rank, grade) according to the cumulative performance, current condition, personality element, information on a favorite position, etc. The current condition may be a little tired or in top form. The personality element may be a type that is in good form in the first half (running away), a type that comes in close in the second half (sprinting), an all-rounder, an emphasis on number of items, an emphasis on big money, etc. The preferred location information may be, for example, that the performer is good at collecting items on the right side of the virtual field screen, the center of the screen, or the left side of the screen. For example, the performer selects which status information to employ as a third party, taking into consideration the excitement timing of the event being held and the time limit. When employing multiple people, the balance of status information is also considered. When the third party is a person, the employment is decided based on the person's self-declaration and past history. Also, by taking into consideration the preferred location information, it becomes possible to employ a third party that reflects the on-site layout of the event being held.

[0085] The compensation processing unit 112 calculates the compensation paid by the performer for the employment of the third party by a calculation method selected from among a plurality of calculation methods. The calculation method of the compensation may be selected by the performer or may be automatically selected by a given algorithm. The calculation method of the compensation may be a commission system based on the results, such as paying X% of the amount collected by collecting the posted object. The calculation method may also be a bidding method (auction method) in which multiple people submit bids. For example, if the third party is a person, the starting value of the bid is determined by self-declaration or past history. If the auction result is an offer to the third party character for an amount exceeding the normal contract amount, the performance of the character will be improved. The calculation method may also be such that the compensation paid by the performer changes depending on the number of people employed. For example, when multiple people are employed, the more people there are, the higher the coefficient is multiplied by the basic contract amount, which is the compensation for employment. For example, for the first person, it is x1.0, for the second person, x1.2, for the third person, x2.0, and for 10 or more people, x5.0. The more people employed, the higher the coefficient is multiplied by the contract amount, and the higher the compensation paid by the performer. As the number of third parties who collect posted objects increases, the number of objects collected and the recovery rate also increase, but the compensation paid by the performer is also increased to balance this out.

[0086] The third party is, for example, a character that moves in a virtual field to collect posted objects. For example, a character controlled by a computer moves in a virtual field based on a given algorithm to collect posted objects. For example, the character is controlled to move by a computer with the collected object as a destination target. The character is, for example, an object, such as a model object. The character is a display object displayed in a display image of the content, and may be a three-dimensional object or a two-dimensional object. The character may be a character owned by the performer, a character owned by someone other than the performer, or a character that is not owned by anyone.

[0087] The third party may also be a character that is placed in the virtual field by a viewer and moves in the virtual field to collect posted objects. For example, a viewer of content may place his / her own character in the virtual field to collect posted objects. For example, when multiple viewers are watching content, each viewer may be allowed to place his / her own character in the virtual field. Furthermore, a character may be placed in a position in the virtual field corresponding to the viewer's viewing location. For example, when multiple viewers are watching content, each of the multiple characters owned by the multiple viewers is placed in a position corresponding to the viewing location of each of the multiple viewers.

[0088] The display processing unit 120 also performs display processing of the content in which the posted object is collected by a collection method selected by the performer from among a plurality of collection methods. For example, in a first collection method, when a plurality of posted objects are scattered in the virtual field, a third party carries these plurality of posted objects to a collection location. For example, a character corresponding to the third party moves in the virtual field and carries the scattered plurality of posted objects to the collection location. In a second collection method, the posted object is collected by touching the position of the posted object on a touch panel screen, for example. The performer selects a desired collection method from a plurality of collection methods including the first and second collection methods. Alternatively, the performer may be able to select a collection method in which a person collects the object and a collection method in which a character collects the object. Alternatively, the performer may be able to select a collection method in which a third party collects the object and a collection method in which the performer himself collects the object. In addition, the acquisition rate and the success rate of the posted object may be changed according to the collection method selected by the performer.

[0089] The granting processing unit 110 also performs a process of granting a gift to the performer when the posted object is collected in a given period, and granting a refund to the viewer when the posted object is not collected in the given period. That is, at the timing when a given period has elapsed, it is determined whether the posted object has been collected, and if it has been collected, the gift is granted to the performer, and if it has not been collected, the refund is granted to the viewer. In this case, the given period may be a performance period during which the performer performs a performance, or may be a divided period (part period) when the performance period is divided into multiple periods (multiple parts). If the length of the performance period is determined to be, for example, one hour, it is determined at the timing when the one-hour performance period ends whether the posted object has been collected, and if it has been collected, the gift is granted to the performer, and if it has not been collected, the refund is granted to the viewer. In this case, the performance period is the entire period during which the performance is performed. Alternatively, in each of the first half, middle and latter half periods that are the divided periods of the performance period, it may be determined whether the posted object has been collected, and if it has been collected, a gift may be given to the performer, and if it has not been collected, a refund may be given to the audience. In addition, if the performance has multiple stories, for example, the divided periods may be periods corresponding to each story.

[0090] Furthermore, when the posted object that was inserted into the virtual field is collected, the granting processing unit 110 performs processing to grant a privilege to the viewer who inserted the posted object. For example, when the posted object is collected, a gift is given to the performer and a privilege is given to the viewer, and when the posted object is not collected, a return is given to the viewer. The privilege is intended to give the viewer, who is the user, an advantage or preferential treatment in entertainment content such as game content, VR content, and live video content. When a privilege is granted, the viewer can progress through the entertainment content more advantageously and is given preferential treatment in the entertainment content.

[0091] In addition, the granting processing unit 110 performs a process of granting a privilege to a viewer when a posted object is collected, such as a process of granting a successful posting point of the posted object to the viewer or a process of having the performer perform a privilege performance. The successful posting point of the posted object is a point that indicates that the posting of the posted object, such as a tip, was successful. As the successful posting point increases, the viewer can progress through the entertainment content more advantageously, or is given preferential treatment in the entertainment content. A privilege performance is, for example, a special performance that a performer performs for the viewer. For example, in a privilege performance, the performer (a character corresponding to the performer) points at the viewer, calls the viewer by name and makes a voice of gratitude, displays a display such as text for the viewer, or performs a special performance for the viewer.

[0092] The granting processing unit 110 also performs processing to change the privilege granted to the viewer when the posted object is collected according to the situation. For example, the granting processing unit 110 grants the viewer a first privilege in a first situation, and grants the viewer a second privilege different from the first privilege in a second situation. For example, the granting processing unit 110 changes the privilege granted to the performer according to the relationship between the viewer who inputs the posted object and the performer or third party (person or character) who collected the inputted posted object, or the attributes of the viewer and the attributes of the performer or third party who collected the posted object. For example, if the relationship between the viewer and the performer or third party who collected the posted object is a first relationship, the first privilege is granted, and if the relationship is a second relationship, the second privilege is granted. For example, the closer the relationship is determined to be, the higher the value of the privilege granted to the viewer. Alternatively, if the similarity between the viewer's attributes and the performer or third party who collected the posted object is a first similarity, the first privilege is granted, and if the similarity is a second similarity, the second privilege is granted. For example, the more similar the attributes are, the higher the value of the reward is given to the viewer. The reward processing unit 110 also changes the reward given to the viewer depending on whether the posted object is collected directly by the performer or by a third party (person, character). For example, a higher value reward is given to the viewer when the object is collected by the performer. A higher value reward means, for example, that the successful investment points given to the viewer are higher, or that the performer performs a better reward performance for the viewer. For example, the higher the value of the reward given, the more advantageously the viewer will be able to progress through the entertainment content, or the more preferentially he or she will be treated in the entertainment content.

[0093] The granting processing unit 110 also performs a process of changing the return to be given to the viewer when the posted object is not collected, depending on the situation. For example, the degree of return of the return is changed. For example, the granting processing unit 110 grants the first return to the viewer in a first situation, and grants the second return different from the first return to the viewer in a second situation. For example, the first return is given when the relationship between the viewer and the performer is the first relationship, and the second return is given when the relationship is the second relationship. For example, the closer the relationship is determined to be, the higher the degree of return of the return. Alternatively, the first return is given when the similarity between the viewer's attribute and the performer's attribute is the first similarity, and the second return is given when the similarity is the second similarity. For example, the more similar the attributes are, the higher the degree of return of the return. Alternatively, the granting processing unit 110 may change the return to be given to the viewer depending on the time the inputted posted object stayed in the virtual field. For example, the longer the time that the posted object stays in the virtual field, the higher the degree of return of the return. Alternatively, the granting processing unit 110 changes the return given to the viewer according to the number of times the posted object is input or the amount of the consideration for inputting the posted object. For example, the more the number of inputs or the higher the amount of the consideration for input, the higher the degree of return of the return. The degree of return of the return is the ratio or degree of the return returned to the viewer with respect to the posted object input by the viewer. For example, when a viewer inputs K posted objects and L returned objects are returned as return, the degree of return of the return can be expressed, for example, by L / K. Also, when a viewer inputs a posted object with a consideration=X and a consideration=Y is returned as return, the degree of return of the return can be expressed, for example, by Y / X.

[0094] Furthermore, the display processing unit 120 performs a display process of the content in which the second posted object moves in the virtual field when the viewer inputs the second posted object corresponding to the return given to the viewer when the posted object is not collected. The granting processing unit 110 performs a process of granting the second return corresponding to the second posted object to the viewer when the second posted object is not collected. That is, it enables the return given when the posted object is not collected to be reinvested as the second posted object. Then, when the inputted second posted object is not collected, the second return corresponding to the second posted object is given to the viewer to be returned. For example, when the posted object is not collected within a given period, the investment returned to the viewer who invested the posted object can be reinvested by the viewer to input the second posted object.

[0095] The granting unit 110 also differentiates the refund mode of the return item given to the viewer when the posted object is not collected from the refund mode of the second return item given to the viewer when the second posted object is not collected. For example, assume that the posted object input by the viewer in the first tip is not collected, and the viewer inputs the second posted object, which is the return item due to the non-recovery, in a second tip, and this second posted object is also not collected, and the second return item is given to the viewer. In this case, the refund mode of the return item given in the first tip is differentiated from the refund mode of the second return item given in the second tip. Here, the refund mode is, for example, the refund degree described above. The refund degree can also be called the refund rate. For example, if the refund rate of the return item given in the first tip is R1 and the refund rate of the return item given in the second tip is R2, for example, R2>R1 is set so that more is returned the second time. For example, assume that 20 coins are tossed in the first tip, and the coins are not collected, so that 4 coins are returned to the viewer. In this case, the refund rate of the first tip is R1=0.2. In the second tip, the four returned coins are tossed, and if the coins are not collected, two coins are returned, for example with a payout rate of R2 = 0.5. This effectively motivates viewers to reinvest (repost, reinvest) the posted object continuously.

[0096] Furthermore, the penalty processing unit 114 performs processing for imposing a penalty on the performer or a third party who collects the posted object on behalf of the performer when the posted object is not collected. For example, when the posted object is not collected, the return is returned to the viewer who input the posted object, but a penalty is imposed on the performer or a third party who collects the posted object on behalf of the performer for failing to collect the posted object. The penalty is intended to put the performer or a third party who fails to collect the posted object at a greater disadvantage or disadvantage in entertainment content such as game content. When a penalty is imposed, the performer or a third party is hindered from progressing in the entertainment content or is treated poorly in the entertainment content. Specifically, a penalty that hinders the progress of the content is imposed, for example, by exploding the posted object that could not be collected, destroying the virtual field, or reducing the area of ​​the virtual field.

[0097] The reception unit 108 also performs a process of receiving information posted to content or performers based on the viewer's operation of the viewer terminal TMA. The posted information is, for example, a tip or a comment provided by the viewer. For example, the viewer operates the operation unit 260 of the viewer terminal TMA to provide a tip to the content or performer proceeding based on the performer's operation. Alternatively, the viewer operates the operation unit 260 of the viewer terminal TMA to submit a comment to the content or performer proceeding based on the performer's operation. The reception unit 108 then accepts the comment input submitted by the viewer. Note that in the case where multiple performers perform in one piece of content, the reception unit 108 will accept a tip, comment, or the like provided to a performer designated by the viewer among the multiple performers.

[0098] Then, the display processing unit 120 performs a display process of the content information. Specifically, the display processing unit 120 performs a display process of common information of the content commonly displayed on both the performer terminal TMP and the viewer terminal TMA, and difference information of the content displayed on one of the performer terminal TMP and the viewer terminal TMA. The difference information of the content is, for example, information for encouraging an operation by the performer. For example, by displaying the difference information of the content, the operation of the performer using the operation unit 260 of the performer terminal TMP is encouraged. Specifically, the display processing unit 120 performs a display process of difference information for encouraging a reaction of the performer to the reaction (posting, etc.) of the viewer side to the content or the performer. For example, the display processing unit 120 performs a process for displaying the common information of the content on both the display unit 290 of the performer terminal TMP and the display unit 290 of the viewer terminal TMA. The display processing unit 120 also performs a process for displaying the difference information of the content on the display unit 290 of the performer terminal TMP or the display unit 290 of the viewer terminal TMA.

[0099] The display processing unit 120 then performs a display process of the difference information of the content on the performer terminal TMP according to the posting status of the viewer's posted information. For example, the display processing unit 120 changes the display control of the difference information of the content on the performer terminal TMP based on the posting status of the viewer's posted information. For example, the display processing unit 120 performs a process of changing the display content of the difference information or changing the display mode. Specifically, when a viewer posts posted information such as a tip, and the posting is accepted by the accepting unit 108, the display processing unit 120 performs a display process of making the difference information that was visible only to the viewer visible to the performer, or changing the content of the difference information that was not shown to the viewer. For example, when a viewer posts information about the content or the performer, the display processing unit 120 performs a display process of generating the performer's reaction to the posting.

[0100] For example, suppose that the difference information of the content is displayed on the viewer terminal TMA but not displayed on the performer terminal TMP. That is, the difference information is displayed on the display unit 290 of the viewer terminal TMA but not displayed on the display unit 290 of the performer terminal TMP. In this case, the display processing unit 120 performs processing to display at least a part of the difference information on the performer terminal TMP according to the posting status of the posted information. For example, the entire difference information is displayed on the performer terminal TMP, or only a part of the difference information is displayed on the performer terminal TMP.

[0101] The display processing unit 120 also sets the display content or display mode of the difference information displayed on the performer terminal according to the posting status of the posted information. For example, the display content, such as what to display, where to display, and when to display the difference information of the content, is set according to the posting status of the posted information. Also, the display mode, such as how much to display, how easily to display, and for what display period, is set according to the posting status of the posted information.

[0102] Also, assume that the content difference information is hidden on the viewer terminal TMA and displayed on the performer terminal TMP. That is, the difference information is displayed on the display unit 290 of the performer terminal TMP, but not on the display unit 290 of the viewer terminal TMA. In this case, the display processing unit 120 sets the display content or display mode of the difference information to be displayed on the performer terminal TMP according to the posting status of the posted information. For example, depending on the posting status of the posted information, it sets what to display, where to display, when to display, how much to display, how easily to display, or for what display period for the content difference information.

[0103] The content distribution system and processing of the present embodiment described above can be implemented in various ways, such as by the server system 500 in FIG. 1(A) or by distributed processing between the server system 500 and the terminal device TM. For example, the processing performed by the content information generating unit 106, the receiving unit 108, the granting processing unit 110, the compensation processing unit 112, the penalty processing unit 114, the management unit 118, the display processing unit 120, the sound processing unit 130, etc. of the content distribution system may be implemented by processing by a terminal device TM such as a performer terminal TMP or a viewer terminal TMA. For example, the server system may process only information required for performing each of the above-mentioned processes such as the display process and the content information generating process, or may perform processing to simply transmit the information to the terminal device TM, and the terminal device TM may perform other processes. For example, a program for performing each of the above-mentioned processes such as the display process and the content information generating process is installed in the terminal device TM, and the terminal device TM performs each of the above-mentioned processes based on the installed program. Also, the same program for performing each of the above processes may be installed in the performer terminal TMP and the viewer terminal TMA, and the content of each of the above processes executed by the program may be changed depending on whether the operator of the terminal device TM is a performer or a viewer. Also, the content distribution system may be realized by an information processing system other than the server system 500.

[0104] 2. Method of the Present Invention Next, the method of this embodiment will be described in detail.

[0105] 2.1 Gifts and Refunds from Collection and Non-Collection of Posted Objects In the live distribution of content by a content distribution system, the content of a performance performed by a performer on a performer terminal is distributed to a viewer terminal of a viewer, and the viewer enjoys viewing the performer's performance. An example of such live distribution of content will be described first.

[0106] For example, Fig. 4 shows an example of live distribution by a VR character CH. In this live distribution, when a performer performs, the VR character CH (model object) performs in the virtual field VFL in the virtual space according to the performer's performance (action). For example, the VR character CH performs by dancing, waving its hands, jumping, clapping its hands, and the like. In order to realize such a performance of the character CH, for example, playback data for playing back the performance is used.

[0107] For example, in Figure 5(A), motion data MT1, MT2, MT3... are associated with motion numbers N1, N2, N3... In other words, by selecting a motion number, the motion data associated with that motion number can be selected. Also, model data MDL1, MDL2, MDL3... are associated with characters CH1, CH2, CH3..., which are model objects. Model data is data that defines the shape of a character, which is a model object. For example, a model object is made up of multiple objects called part objects, and each object is made up of multiple polygons (primitives), and the model data is the data for these objects and polygons.

[0108] In FIG. 5(B), for example, the performer performs an operation on the performer terminal to select a desired action from options of actions (performance, behavior) such as waving, jumping, clapping, etc. on the menu screen MS. Specifically, the performer selects the desired action by performing a touch operation or the like on the menu screen MS displayed on the touch panel display of the performer terminal. Then, the motion number corresponding to the selected action (performance, behavior) is selected, and the motion data associated with this motion number is selected. As a result, the motion of the character CH in FIG. 4 is reproduced based on the selected motion data, and the character CH performs the selected action. For example, when "wave" is selected on the menu screen MS in FIG. 5(B), the character CH in the virtual field VFL also performs a wave action, and when "jump" is selected, the character CH in the virtual field VFL also performs a jump action.

[0109] Thus, in FIG. 5(B), the data type of the playback data for playing back the performer's performance is the data type of the motion number, and the performer can select the desired motion number to move the character CH and perform the performance.

[0110] In FIG. 6(A), the performer PFM wears a motion capture suit ST on his / her body. The motion capture suit ST has multiple markers MK attached to it, and the positions of these markers MK are measured to obtain the performer's motion data MT. The motion data MT defines the posture of the skeleton corresponding to the performer PFM, and the skeleton has multiple joints and multiple bones defined by these joints. The motion data MT includes, for example, three-dimensional position data of the skeleton's joints and angle data of the bones. There are various detection methods in motion capture, such as optical, inertial sensor, mechanical, and magnetic. In the optical method, the movement of the performer PFM wearing the motion capture suit ST with markers MK realized by reflectors or the like attached is captured by a camera. In the mechanical method, a sensor that measures mechanical rotation angles and displacements, such as a potentiometer or an encoder, is used. In the magnetic method, a magnetic sensor is provided as a receiver, and a magnetic field is sent to it from a magnetic generator as a transmitter.

[0111] Thus, in FIG. 6(A), the data type of the playback data for playing back the performer's performance is motion data, and by using the motion data acquired by motion capture, it is possible to move the character CH and have it perform.

[0112] In FIG. 6(B), the performer PFM uses a camera of the performer terminal TMP mounted on a tripod to record his / her own performance against a blue screen. Motion data MT is extracted (detected) from the motion playback video data MV obtained by recording. Methods for extracting motion data MT from such video data MV include a method using an RGB sensor or a depth sensor provided on a camera, such as a method called Kinect (registered trademark). For example, the movement of the performer PFM in the background is detected based on color image data from an RGB sensor provided on the camera of the performer terminal TMP. Also, by using depth image data from a depth sensor provided on the camera of the performer terminal TMP, depth information of each part of the performer PFM as seen from the camera can be obtained, making it possible to extract motion data MT with higher accuracy.

[0113] Thus, in FIG. 6(B), the data type of the playback data for playing back the performer's performance is the data type of video data for motion playback, and by extracting motion data from this video data for motion playback, it is possible to move the character CH and have it perform a performance.

[0114] As described above, the content distribution system of this embodiment enables live distribution of content in which the content of a performance performed by a performer on a performer terminal is distributed to the viewer terminal of a viewer. Note that the content realized by the content distribution system of this embodiment is not limited to the content of live distribution of a VR character as shown in Fig. 4, and various types of content can be envisioned, such as content in which the performer himself performs a performance, or content in which the performer plays a game, etc.

[0115] In the distribution of such content, viewers of the content input contribution objects called tips or gifts, etc., to praise the content or performers, or to support the performers who distribute the content. By providing such tips, it becomes possible to increase the motivation of the performers who perform, and as a result, content with better performance can be distributed to viewers.

[0116] However, even if a viewer inputs a posting object such as a tip, there is no reward for inputting the posting object, and it is only a one-way action from the viewer to the performer. Therefore, it is not possible to effectively motivate the viewer to input the posting object, and it is not possible to sufficiently increase the motivation to input the posting object. Also, after the posting object is input by the viewer, the posting object is automatically collected, for example, and the content continues as it is without sufficient performance, etc. For this reason, the viewer who input the posting object feels that he or she has wasted his or her time, and the motivation to input the posting object in the content distribution and the performance effect, etc. are not sufficiently achieved.

[0117] Therefore, in this embodiment, a method is adopted in which, when the inputted posted object is collected, a gift is given to the performer, and, even when the inputted posted object is not collected, a return is given to the viewer for the inputted posted object. Figures 7(A) to 7(C) are explanatory diagrams of such a method of this embodiment.

[0118] For example, in FIG. 7(A), content is distributed in which a VR character CH performs a performance such as dancing or waving in a virtual field VFL. In FIG. 7(A), a post object OBC, which is a tip, is inserted into the virtual field VFL by a viewer of the content. For example, when a viewer performs an operation to throw in a post object OBC on a viewer terminal, the post object OBC moves in the virtual field VFL on a trajectory toward the character CH corresponding to the performer. That is, the post object OBC moves in the virtual field VFL where the performance of the character CH corresponding to the performer is performed. In FIG. 7(A), the inserted post object OBC is in a state of being scattered in the virtual field VFL. This post object OBC is an object that can be inserted by a viewer consuming the viewer's parameters. For example, when the post object OBC is a charged item, the post object OBC can be inserted by consuming a parameter of the viewer as the price paid by the viewer for the charge. Alternatively, the post object OBC can be inserted by consuming a parameter of the number of the post objects OBC.

[0119] In FIG. 7B, the posting object OBC that was input into the virtual field VFL is collected. The collection of the posting object OBC may be automatic, may be performed by the performer, or may be performed by a third party as described below. When the posting object OBC is collected in this manner, a gift resulting from the collection of the posting object OBC is given to the performer. Specifically, a gift corresponding to the input posting object OBC or the consumed parameter is given to the performer. For example, the posting object OBC itself is given to the performer as a gift. Alternatively, when the posting object OBC is input by consuming the parameter of the viewer's compensation, a gift that increases the parameter of the corresponding compensation (amount) in the performer is given. That is, an amount corresponding to the amount of the tip is given to the performer. Alternatively, when the posting object OBC is input by consuming the parameter of the number of the posting object OBC in the viewer's compensation, a gift that increases the parameter of the corresponding number in the performer is given.

[0120] On the other hand, in FIG. 7(B), the posting object OBC input into the virtual field VFL is not collected. In this case where the posting object OBC is not collected, for example, a return is given to the viewer who input the posting object OBC to return at least a part of the input. Specifically, when the input posting object OBC is not collected, a return corresponding to the input posting object OBC or the consumed parameters is given to the viewer who input the posting object OBC. For example, at least a part of the posting object OBC is returned to the viewer as a return. That is, a part of the tip input by the viewer is returned to the viewer as a return. Alternatively, when the posting object OBC is input by consuming the viewer's compensation parameters, a return is given to return at least a part of the consumed and decreased compensation parameters to restore them to their original state, and the decreased compensation parameters are restored. That is, a part of the amount of the tip input by the viewer is returned to the viewer. Alternatively, when a posted object OBC is input by consuming the number of parameters of the viewer's posted object OBC, a refund granting process is performed to refund at least a portion of the consumed and reduced number of parameters to restore the reduced number of parameters.

[0121] 8 is a flowchart explaining the processing of this embodiment. First, the content distribution system judges whether or not a viewer has consumed his / her own parameters to input a posting object such as a tip (step S1). For example, it judges whether or not a viewer has operated a viewer terminal to input a posting object by consuming a compensation parameter for the posting object, a parameter for the number of items, etc. Then, when a posting object has been input, the input posting object is moved in a virtual field where a performer performs a performance (step S2). For example, the posting object is moved in a trajectory toward a character corresponding to the performer.

[0122] Next, the content distribution system judges whether the inputted posted object has been collected (step S11). If the inputted posted object has been collected, a gift corresponding to the inputted posted object or the consumed parameters is given to the performer (step S12). On the other hand, if the inputted posted object has not been collected, a return corresponding to the inputted posted object or the consumed parameters is given to the viewer who inputted the posted object (step S13).

[0123] As described above, in this embodiment, when the posted object inserted by the viewer is collected, a gift is given to the performer, and when the posted object is not collected, a refund is given to the viewer. In this way, by giving a gift to the performer when the posted object is collected, the gift serves as encouragement and can increase the motivation of the performer to perform. Furthermore, when the posted object that the viewer inserted is collected and a gift is given to the performer, the viewer can understand that his or her praise and support has been received by the performer. On the other hand, in this embodiment, when the posted object is not collected, a refund is given to the viewer. That is, when the posted object is not collected, for example, a part of it is returned to the viewer as a refund. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of a situation in which the viewer feels that it was a waste to throw the posted object because it is not collected and not given to the performer even though the viewer has taken the trouble to insert the posted object. Furthermore, the return of the refund motivates the viewer to insert the next posted object, and can increase the motivation to insert the posted object in content distribution. In addition, when the posted object is collected, a gift is given to the performer, and when the posted object is not collected, a return is given to the viewer, improving the presentation effect of posting the posted object in content distribution. Therefore, it is possible to provide a content distribution system that can improve the motivation to input the posted object in content distribution and the presentation effect.

[0124] 2.2 Various processing examples and techniques Next, various processing examples and methods of this embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, for example, a third party other than the performer performs a display process of the content in which the posted object put into the virtual field is collected. For example, in FIG. 9, a third party other than the performer touches the screen of the terminal device to collect the posted object OBC put into the virtual field VFL.

[0125] For example, in a content distribution system such as this embodiment, the performer is busy performing a performance, and even if the viewer puts the posting object OBC into the virtual field VFL, it is difficult for the performer to collect the posting object OBC while performing the performance. Therefore, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, a third party collects the posting object OBC on behalf of the performer. In this way, the performer can concentrate on performing his / her own performance, and as a result, the attractiveness and entertainment of the content in which the performer performs can be improved. On the other hand, if the viewer puts in the posting object OBC but the object is not collected, the performer will not receive the support and praise of the viewer, and the performer will not be able to obtain the posting object OBC as a gift. Therefore, in this embodiment, a third party collects the posting object OBC on behalf of the performer. In this way, it is possible to allow the performer to obtain the gift of the viewer's posting object OBC while improving the attractiveness and entertainment of the content in which the performer performs.

[0126] In this embodiment, the third party different from the performer is, for example, a character that moves in the virtual field VFL to collect the posted object OBC. For example, in FIG. 10, a third party character THP appears in the virtual field VFL. This third party character THP collects the posted object OBC that was thrown into the virtual field VFL. For example, the third party character THP controlled by a computer moves on the virtual field VFL with the posted object OBC as a moving target to collect the posted object OBC scattered in the virtual field VFL. In this way, it is possible to make the third party character THP move and collect the posted object OBC thrown by the viewer. Then, the third party character THP collects the posted object OBC on behalf of the performer in this way, and the performer is given a gift by the collected object. Therefore, it is possible to allow the performer to obtain the gift by the viewer's posted object OBC while improving the appeal and fun of the content in which the performer performs. In addition, it is possible to display a display image in which the third party character THP moves around and collects the posted object OBC, and the production effect in the content distribution is improved.

[0127] FIG. 11 is a flowchart explaining the processing of this embodiment when the performer employs a third party. Here, the parts that differ from FIG. 8 will be mainly explained. The processing of FIG. 11 differs from FIG. 8 in steps S3 and S4 of FIG. 11. That is, in step S3, the content distribution system determines whether or not the performer has employed a third party to collect the posted object. If the performer has employed a third party, then, as shown in step S4, the third party employed by the performer is caused to collect the posted object that was entered into the virtual field. Thereafter, the processing from step S11 onwards is carried out in the same manner as in FIG. 8.

[0128] In this embodiment, a content display process is performed in which a third party employed by the performer collects the posted object that was inserted into the virtual field. For example, when the performer pays a fee to employ a third party, a display image is displayed in which the employed third party collects the posted object that was inserted into the virtual field on behalf of the performer. The third party employed by the performer may be a person or a character as shown in FIG. 10. In this way, for example, when the performer wants to concentrate on performing a performance, the performer can employ a third party by paying a fee and have the third party perform the work of collecting the posted object. Therefore, the performer can concentrate on performing the performance, which can improve the appeal and interest of the content in which the performer performs, and the posted object that was inserted to praise or support the performer or the content can be collected by the third party employed by the performer, and the performer can also obtain gifts from the posted object.

[0129] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a process for setting the ability of a third party to collect posted objects and the compensation to be paid by a performer to a third party, depending on the status information of the third party.

[0130] First, the content distribution system acquires the status information of the third party (step S21). For example, the status information such as the work history information and attribute information of the third party is acquired. Then, the collection ability of the third party's posted object is set according to the status information of the third party (step S22). For example, the collection ability such as the collection speed, collection time, or collection rate of the posted object is changed according to the status information such as the work history information and attribute information of the third party. Also, the consideration paid by the performer to the third party is set according to the status information of the third party (step S23). For example, the consideration paid by the performer for the employment of the third party is changed according to the status information such as the work history information and attribute information of the third party. Also, the consideration paid by the performer for the employment of the third party is calculated according to a calculation method selected by the performer from among a plurality of calculation methods (step S24). Note that the calculation method of the consideration may be automatically selected according to a given algorithm. Then, it is determined whether the performer has paid the consideration, and if the consideration has been paid, the third party employed by the performer is made to collect the posted object inserted in the virtual field (steps S25 and S26).

[0131] For example, FIG. 13 shows an example of the third party's status information. In FIG. 13, the third party's status information includes work history information. The work history information is, for example, the third party's cumulative performance, most recent performance, number of big wins won, cumulative number of times employed, most recent number of times employed, etc. The status information also includes rank information such as the third party's level, rank, and grade. The status information also includes information on the third party's current condition, such as normal, top form, and tired. The status information also includes personality element information of the third party, such as a good type in the first half, a type that makes a comeback in the second half, an all-rounder, a focus on quantity, and a focus on large amounts of money. The status information also includes information on the third party's preferred position, such as a good position in the center of the screen, a good position on the right side of the screen, or a good position on the left side of the screen.

[0132] As shown in Fig. 12, in this embodiment, a third party, whose ability to collect posted objects is set according to the third party's status information, performs a display process for content in which posted objects that have been thrown into a virtual field are collected. For example, posted objects that have been thrown into a virtual field are collected by a third party, whose ability to collect posted objects is set according to status information as exemplified in Fig. 13. In this way, the collection ability differs according to the third party's status information, so that it becomes possible to display a display image of content in which posted objects are collected by third parties with various collection abilities, thereby improving the presentation effect of the content, etc.

[0133] As shown in FIG. 12, in this embodiment, the price paid by the performer for the employment of a third party is set according to the status information of the third party. For example, when the performer pays a price to a third party whose price is set according to the status information as exemplified in FIG. 13, the third party collects the posted objects that were put into the virtual field. In this way, the price paid by the performer to employ the third party varies according to the status information of the third party. Therefore, for example, if the performer wants to employ a third party with high abilities such as collection ability, the performer can pay a high price to employ the third party to collect the posted objects. Alternatively, for a third party with low abilities such as collection ability, the performer can employ the third party for a low price to collect the posted objects. Therefore, the performer has a wider range of options for employing a third party, and the performer can employ a third party corresponding to the price at the price desired by the performer to collect the posted objects.

[0134] As shown in FIG. 12, in this embodiment, the compensation paid by the performer for the employment of a third party is calculated using a calculation method selected from a plurality of calculation methods. For example, the compensation paid by the performer to the third party is calculated based on a calculation method selected from a commission method, a bidding method, or a method of varying compensation depending on the number of people employed. In this way, it is possible to calculate the compensation paid by the performer to the third party using various calculation methods, and to have the third party employed for the calculated compensation collect the posted object in the virtual field. It is also possible to provide various methods for the compensation paid by the performer to the third party, thereby expanding the options for the payment method of the performer's compensation.

[0135] In this embodiment, the third party may be a character that is placed in the virtual field by a viewer and moves in the virtual field to collect the posted object. For example, in FIG. 14, a character THA that is placed in the virtual field VFL by viewer A and moves in the virtual field VFL to collect the posted object OBC, and a character THA that is placed in the virtual field VFL by viewer B and moves in the virtual field VFL to collect the posted object OBC are shown. In this case, the character THA may be placed in a position desired by viewer A, and the character THB may be placed in a position desired by viewer B. In this way, the viewers A and B can place the characters THA and THB in a place where the posted object OBC is easy to collect, for example, and collect the posted object OBC. Alternatively, for example, in the virtual field VFL, the character THA may be placed in a position set as the viewing location of viewer A, and the character THB may be placed in a position set as the viewing location of viewer B. Also, the viewers A and B may have the characters THA and THB collect the posted object OBC other than the posted object that they themselves have input. That is, they have the characters THA and THB collect the posted object OBC that has been input by another person. In this way, by having the characters THA and THB placed in the virtual field by the viewers A and B collect the posted object OBC, the viewers A and B can help the performers who are performing and allow the performers to concentrate on performing. This ultimately enables the viewers to view content with better performances.

[0136] FIG. 15 is a flowchart for explaining the process of this embodiment in which a collection method is selected and a process for determining whether or not the posted object has been collected when a given period of time has elapsed is performed. Here, the differences from FIG. 8 will be mainly explained. The process of FIG. 15 differs from FIG. 8 in steps S5 and S6 in FIG. 15. That is, in step S5, the content distribution system starts collecting the posted object by the performer using a collection method selected from among a plurality of collection methods. In addition, in step S6, it is determined whether or not a given period of time has elapsed. Then, when the given period of time has elapsed, it is determined whether or not the inputted posted object has been collected, and if it has been collected, a gift is given to the performer, and if it has not been collected, a return is given to the viewer (steps S11, S12, S13).

[0137] As shown in FIG. 15, in this embodiment, a display process is performed for content in which posted objects are collected by a collection method selected by the performer from among a plurality of collection methods. For example, various collection methods are provided as collection methods for posted objects, and posted objects in a virtual field are collected by a collection method selected by the performer from among these collection methods. For example, various collection methods can be provided, such as a collection method in which posted objects scattered in the virtual field are carried to a collection location, a collection method in which posted objects to be collected are selected on the screen and collected, a collection method in which a person collects the posted objects, or a collection method in which a character collects the posted objects. In this way, the performer can select a collection method that is advantageous to him / herself or a collection method that he / she likes, collect the posted objects by the selected collection method, and obtain a gift from the collected posted objects.

[0138] As shown in FIG. 15, in this embodiment, if the posted object is collected in a given period, a gift is given to the performer, and if the posted object is not collected in a given period, a return is given to the viewer. That is, when a given period has elapsed, it is determined whether the posted object has been collected, and if it has been collected, a gift is given to the performer, and if it has not been collected, a return is given to the viewer. As shown in FIG. 16, for example, this given period may be a performance period TALL during which the performer performs a performance, or may be divided periods T1, T2, T3, and T4 when the performance period TALL is divided into a plurality of periods. In this way, it is possible to determine whether the posted object has been collected when the entire performance period TALL during which the content is performed has elapsed, or to determine whether the posted object has been collected when each of the divided periods T1, T2, T3, and T4, such as the first half period, the middle period, and the second half period, has elapsed. This makes it possible to determine whether or not a posted object has been collected after a given period of time, which can be set in various ways, and execute a process of giving a gift to the performer if the posted object has been collected, and giving a refund to the viewer if the posted object has not been collected.

[0139] FIG. 17 is a flowchart explaining the process of granting a reward to a viewer when a posted object is collected. Here, the differences from FIG. 8 will be mainly explained. The process in FIG. 17 differs from FIG. 8 in step S14 of FIG. 17. That is, in step S11, the content distribution system determines whether the submitted posted object has been collected, and if the submitted object has been collected, in step S12, a gift is awarded to the performer. Then, if the submitted object has been collected, in step S14, the viewer is further given rewards such as points for successful submission of the submitted object and a reward performance by the performer.

[0140] As shown in FIG. 17, in this embodiment, when a posted object that has been inserted into the virtual field is collected, a process is performed to give a reward to the viewer who has inserted the posted object. That is, when the posted object is collected, a gift is given to the performer, and a reward is given to the viewer as an outcome. On the other hand, when the posted object is not collected, a return is given to the viewer. By giving a reward to the viewer in this way, the viewer can, for example, proceed through entertainment content more advantageously, or be treated preferentially in the entertainment content. Therefore, by inserting the posted object, the viewer can support and praise the performer, and when the viewer successfully collects the posted object, a reward is also given to the viewer. Therefore, it is possible to give an effective motivation to insert the posted object to the viewer.

[0141] As shown in FIG. 17, in this embodiment, when a posted object is collected, a process of granting a reward to a viewer includes a process of granting successful insertion points of the posted object to the viewer or a process of having the performer perform a reward performance. For example, when a posted object is collected, successful insertion points indicating that the posting of the posted object was successful are granted to the viewer as a reward. As the successful insertion points increase, the viewer can advance through the entertainment content more advantageously, and is given preferential treatment in the entertainment content. Furthermore, when a posted object is collected, a reward performance is performed by the performer, which is a special performance for the viewer. In this way, the viewer will insert the posted object in order to obtain successful insertion points or a reward performance, and it is possible to provide the viewer with an effective motivation to insert the posted object.

[0142] FIG. 18 is a flowchart for explaining a process of changing the reward and return given to the viewer according to the situation. First, the content distribution system judges various situations related to the viewer, performer, third party, the submitted object, etc. (step S31). Then, according to the situation judged in step S31, the reward given to the viewer when the submitted object is collected is changed (step S32). That is, the reward given to the viewer is changed in step S14 of FIG. 17. Also, according to the situation judged in step S31, the return given to the viewer when the submitted object is not collected is changed (step S33). That is, the return given to the viewer is changed in step S13 of FIG. 17.

[0143] As shown in FIG. 18, in this embodiment, a process is performed to change the benefit given to the viewer when the posted object is collected according to the situation. For example, the benefit given to the performer is changed according to the relationship between the viewer who input the posted object and the performer or third party who collected the posted object, or according to the attributes of the viewer and the attributes of the performer or third party who collected the posted object. Alternatively, the benefit given to the viewer is changed depending on whether the posted object is collected directly by the performer or by a third party. In this way, the benefit given to the viewer when the posted object is collected changes according to various situations. Therefore, it is possible to grant the viewer an appropriate benefit according to the situation, and also to increase the viewer's expectations for the grant of various benefits according to the situation.

[0144] As shown in FIG. 18, in this embodiment, a process is performed to change the return value given to the viewer when the posted object is not collected according to the situation. For example, the return degree of the return value given to the viewer is changed according to the situation. For example, the return value given to the viewer when the posted object is not collected is changed according to the situation such as the relationship between the viewer and the performer, or the similarity between the viewer's attribute and the performer's attribute. Alternatively, the return value given to the viewer when the posted object is not collected is changed according to the time the inputted posted object stayed in the virtual field. In this way, the return value given to the viewer when the posted object is not collected changes according to various situations. Therefore, it is possible to give the viewer an appropriate return value according to the situation, and it is also possible to increase the viewer's expectations for the grant of various return values ​​according to the situation.

[0145] FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating the processing of this embodiment when a viewer submits a second posted object corresponding to a return item.

[0146] First, the content distribution system judges whether or not the viewer has inserted a second contribution object corresponding to the return item into the virtual field (step S41). If the viewer has inserted the second contribution object, the system moves the second contribution object in the virtual field where the performer performs (step S42). For example, the system moves the second contribution object along a given trajectory. The system then judges whether or not the inserted second contribution object has been collected (step S43). If the second contribution object has been collected, the system gives the performer a gift corresponding to the inserted second contribution object (step S44). On the other hand, if the second contribution object has not been collected, the system gives the viewer a second return item corresponding to the inserted second contribution object in a return form different from that of the previous return item (step S45).

[0147] As shown in FIG. 19, in this embodiment, when a viewer inputs a second posted object corresponding to a refund given to the viewer when the posted object is not collected into the virtual field, a display process is performed for the content in which the second posted object moves in the virtual field. Then, when the inputted second posted object is not collected, a process is performed to give the viewer a second refund corresponding to the second posted object. That is, it is possible to re-input the refund that was returned when the posted object was not collected as the second posted object. Then, when the inputted second posted object is not collected, the second refund corresponding to the second posted object is given to the viewer and returned. In this way, the viewer re-inputs the refund that was returned when the posted object was not collected as the second posted object, and even when the second posted object is not collected, the second refund corresponding to the second posted object is returned and given.

[0148] As shown in FIG. 19, in this embodiment, the payout state of the return item given to the viewer when the posted object is not collected is different from the payout state of the second return item given to the viewer when the second posted object is not collected. In this way, when the posted object inputted the first time is not collected and a second input is made to input the second posted object which is the return item, and this second posted object is also not collected and the second return item is given to the viewer, the payout state of the return item given in the first input is different from the payout state of the second return item given in the second input. For example, the payout state of the degree of payout or the payout rate is different. In this way, it is possible to effectively motivate the viewer to re-input the posted object continuously.

[0149] Figure 20 is a flowchart explaining the process of imposing a penalty on a performer or a third party if the posted object is not collected. Here, the parts that differ from Figure 8 will be mainly explained. The process in Figure 20 differs from Figure 8 in step S15 of Figure 20. That is, in step S11, the content distribution system determines whether the submitted posted object has been collected, and if it has not been collected, in step S13, a rebate is awarded to the viewer. Then, if the posted object has not been collected, in step S15, a penalty is imposed on the performer or a third party who collects the posted object on behalf of the performer.

[0150] As shown in Fig. 20, in this embodiment, a penalty process is performed in which a penalty is imposed on a performer or a third party when a posted object is not collected. In other words, when a posted object is not collected, a refund is returned to the viewer who input the posted object, but a penalty is imposed on the performer or a third party who collects the posted object on the performer's behalf for failing to collect the posted object. This makes it possible to implement a penalty process that puts a performer or a third party who fails to collect a posted object at a greater disadvantage or disadvantage in entertainment content. Therefore, it is expected that the performer or a third party will proactively collect the posted object input by the viewer to avoid the imposition of a penalty, and it becomes possible to suppress the occurrence of a situation in which a posted object is left abandoned after being input.

[0151] 2.3 Displaying content differences according to posting status In this embodiment, a display process of content difference information according to the posting status may be performed. For example, in a conventional content distribution system, the viewer throws a tip or the like, and the viewer reacts to the performer's actions by cheering, and the performer does not take action in response to the viewer's reaction. For example, even if the viewer throws a tip, the performer does not react to it, so it becomes a one-way communication from the viewer to the performer, and the attractiveness and fun of the content distribution and the viewer's enthusiasm for the content distribution cannot be improved.

[0152] In this embodiment, a mechanism is provided that allows the performer to easily respond to the viewer's reaction to the performer's behavior, thereby providing a content distribution system that allows the performer and the viewer to be closely involved. For example, different GUIs (Graphical User Interfaces) are prepared for the performer and the viewer, and the GUI on the performer's terminal is changed according to the posting status. Specifically, in this embodiment, when there is difference information that is information that is displayed on the performer's terminal but not on the viewer's terminal, or information that is not displayed on the performer's terminal but displayed on the viewer's terminal, a display process of the difference information is performed on the performer's terminal according to the posting status such as the viewer's tipping status, and the performer is prompted to operate by the display process of this difference information. Specifically, a display process is performed in which information that was visible only to the viewer (for example, hints such as fish shadows in a fishing game described later) becomes visible to the performer when the viewer posts tipping, or the content of information that is not visible to the viewer (for example, options for actions that the performer can choose) changes.

[0153] 21(A) to 22(B) are explanatory diagrams of the method of this embodiment when applied to live distribution of a fishing game. The content of the fishing game progresses based on the operation of the performer's terminal by the performer, and a game commentary showing the performer playing the fishing game is live distributed. For example, a pond in which fish swim, trees, rocks, etc. are arranged in the virtual field VFL of the game space, and a fishing game is played in which a virtual character CH corresponding to the performer catches fish swimming in the pond. FIG. 21(A) shows a display image displayed on the display unit 290 of the performer's terminal, and FIG. 21(B) shows a display image displayed on the display unit 290 of the viewer's terminal.

[0154] The content information (content image) which is the display image includes common information (common image) of the content displayed in common on both the performer terminal and the viewer terminal, and difference information (difference image) of the content displayed in either the performer terminal or the viewer terminal. For example, in Fig. 21(A) and Fig. 21(B), the pond, tree, rock, character CH, and fishing rod are common information of the content displayed in common on both the performer terminal and the viewer terminal. On the other hand, the shadow of the fish FH is displayed on the viewer terminal as shown in Fig. 21(B) but not on the performer terminal as shown in Fig. 21(A), and is difference information of the content displayed on either the performer terminal or the viewer terminal. That is, in Fig. 21(A) and Fig. 21(B), the common information of the pond, tree, rock, character CH, and fishing rod are displayed on both the performer terminal and the viewer terminal, and the difference information of the fish shadow is displayed only on the viewer terminal and not on the performer terminal. Therefore, only the viewer can see the fish shadow, and the performer cannot see the fish shadow.

[0155] In FIG. 22(A), a viewer posts a posting object OBC, which is a tip, into the virtual field VFL, and this posting is accepted. That is, based on the viewer's operation of the viewer's terminal, a posting object OBC, which is posting information for the content or the performer, is posted, and this posting is accepted. In this case, in this embodiment, a display process of difference information on the performer terminal is performed according to the posting status of the viewer's posting information. Specifically, when a viewer posts a tip, etc., a fish shadow, which is difference information that was not displayed on the performer terminal as in FIG. 21(A), is displayed on the performer terminal as in FIG. 22(A). For example, depending on the posting status of the viewer, the display control of difference information on the performer terminal is changed. That is, the display control is changed from the display control of not displaying the fish shadow, which is difference information, on the performer terminal as in FIG. 21(A), to the display control of displaying the fish shadow, which is difference information, on the performer terminal as in FIG. 22(A).

[0156] As described above, the content distribution system of this embodiment accepts information posted to content or performers based on the operation of the viewer's terminal by the viewer. As described in Fig. 21(A) and Fig. 21(B), the system performs a display process of common information of the content that is commonly displayed on both the performer's terminal and the viewer's terminal, and difference information of the content that is displayed on either the performer's terminal or the viewer's terminal and is information for encouraging the performer to operate. Then, as described in Fig. 22(A), when the posted information such as a tip from the viewer is accepted, the system performs a display process of difference information on the performer's terminal according to the posting status of the posted information from the viewer.

[0157] In this way, when a viewer posts information in response to a performer's action, the display process of the difference information of the content on the performer's terminal is performed according to the posting status of the viewer's posted information. Therefore, not only is it possible for the viewer to react to the performer's action by the posted information, but the display process of the difference information according to the posting status is performed, so that the performer can be encouraged to take action in response to the viewer's reaction to the posted information. Therefore, rather than one-way communication from the viewer to the performer, two-way communication can be realized, and a mechanism can be realized that makes it easier for the performer to respond to the viewer's reaction to the performer's action with an action. Therefore, it is possible to provide a content distribution system that can closely involve the performer and the viewer, and it is possible to significantly improve the appeal and interest of content distribution and the viewer's enthusiasm for content distribution.

[0158] In this embodiment, a process is performed in which at least a part of the difference information is displayed on the performer terminal depending on the posting status of the posted information. For example, in FIG. 21(A), the fish shadow, which is the difference information, is not displayed on the performer terminal, but as shown in FIG. 22(A), when a viewer posts a tip, the fish shadow, which is the difference information, is displayed on the performer terminal. In this way, the performer can see the fish shadow that was not visible in FIG. 21(A) in FIG. 22(A), and it is possible to encourage the performer to take action such as casting a fishing rod in a position where the fish shadow can be seen. Therefore, it is possible to realize a mechanism that makes it easier for the performer to respond to the viewer's reaction to the post of the performer's action with an action.

[0159] In this embodiment, the display contents or display mode of the difference information displayed on the performer terminal is set according to the posting status of the posted information. For example, for the difference information of the content, what to display, where to display, at what timing, how much to display, how easily to display, or for what display period, etc. are set. For example, in FIG. 22(A), the shadow of the fish FH, which is the target to be caught in the fishing game, is displayed as the difference information. Also, the shadow of the fish, which is the difference information, is displayed at the location where the viewer puts in the posted object OBC. Also, the shadow of the fish, which is the difference information, is displayed at the timing when the viewer puts in the posted object OBC. Alternatively, the display of the shadow of the fish by putting in such a posted object OBC is performed only when the posting is performed within a given period such as a reception period or a bonus time period. Also, for example, when the number of posts of the posted object OBC is one as in Fig. 22(A), the fish shadow of one fish FH is displayed as the difference information, and when the number of posts of the posted object OBC is multiple as in Fig. 22(B), the fish shadow of multiple fish FH is displayed as the difference information. Alternatively, the fish shadow may be displayed in a display mode that is easier to see as the number of posts of the posted object increases. For example, when the number of posts is small, the fish shadow is displayed semi-transparently, and when the number of posts is large, the fish shadow is displayed as a normal image that is not semi-transparent. Alternatively, the display period of the fish shadow is extended as the number of posts increases.

[0160] 23(A) to 24(B) are explanatory diagrams of the method of this embodiment when applied to live distribution of a fighting game. FIG. 21(A) to FIG. 22(B) are examples of the case where the difference information of the content (fish shadow) is displayed on the viewer terminal and not displayed on the performer terminal, while FIG. 23(A) to FIG. 24(A) are examples of the case where the difference information of the content is not displayed on the viewer terminal and is displayed on the performer terminal. For example, in FIG. 23(A) and FIG. 23(B), the character CH, the enemy characters CE1 to CE3, and the virtual field VFL which is the battle field are common information of the content displayed in common on both the performer terminal and the viewer terminal. On the other hand, the menu screen MS on which information on the action options is displayed is displayed on the performer terminal as shown in FIG. 23(A), but is not displayed on the viewer terminal as shown in FIG. 23(B), and is the difference information of the content displayed on either the performer terminal or the viewer terminal. For example, the menu screen MS displays information on options for selecting an action for the character CH corresponding to the performer, and items such as attack, magic, defense, and items are displayed as options. In this way, in Figures 23(A) and 23(B), the character CH, enemy characters CE1 to CE3, and virtual field VFL, which are common information, are displayed on both the performer terminal and the viewer terminal, and the information on the action options, which is difference information, is displayed only on the performer terminal, not on the viewer terminal. Therefore, only the performer can see the menu screen MS of the action options, and the viewer cannot see the menu screen MS of the options.

[0161] In FIG. 24(A), a viewer posts a posting object OBC, which is a tip, into the virtual field VFL, and this posting is accepted. In this case, in this embodiment, a display process of difference information is performed on the performer terminal according to the viewer's posting status. Specifically, when a viewer posts a tip, the item "Special Move A", which was not displayed as an option in FIG. 23(A), becomes displayed in FIG. 24(A). That is, the display control of the options, which are difference information, is changed according to the posting status of the viewer. That is, the display control is changed from the control of not displaying the option "Special Move A", which is part of the difference information, as in FIG. 23(A), to the display control of displaying the option "Special Move A", as in FIG. 24(A).

[0162] In this way, as shown in Fig. 24(A), by a viewer posting a posting object OBC, which is a tip, the options for the performer's actions are increased, and the character CH corresponding to the performer can select a new action, such as unleashing a special move A. Therefore, not only can viewers react to the performer's actions by posting information such as tips, but it is also possible to encourage the performer to perform a new action such as special move A in response to the viewer's reaction to the information posted. Therefore, a mechanism is realized that makes it easier for the performer to respond to the viewer's reaction to the performer's actions with his or her own actions, and content distribution that allows the performer and the viewer to be closely involved can be realized.

[0163] In this embodiment, even in the case of FIG. 24(A), the display contents or display mode of the difference information displayed on the performer terminal can be set according to the posting status of the posted information, and it is possible to set what, where, at what timing, how much, how easily visible, and for what display period to display. For example, in FIG. 24(A), a new item (special move A) of the action options of the character CH corresponding to the performer in the fighting game is displayed as the difference information. Also, on the condition that the viewer throws the posted object OBC into the position of the character CH, the new item is displayed as an option. Also, when the viewer throws the posted object OBC, the new item is displayed as an option, or when the posted object OBC is thrown within a given period such as the reception period or the bonus time period, the new item is displayed as an option. Or, the number of items newly displayed as options is changed, the ease of visibility of the item is changed, or the display period of the item is changed according to the number of posted objects OBC.

[0164] 24(B), when a viewer inserts a posted object OBC, images of monster characters CM1 and CM2, which are difference information that had not been displayed on the performer terminal until then, are displayed. In this case, the monster characters CM1 and CM2 are displayed at the position where the posted object OBC was inserted, and the number of monster characters CM1 and CM2 displayed is changed according to the number of posted objects OBC, the visibility is changed, and the display period is changed.

[0165] FIG. 25(A) to FIG. 26(B) are explanatory diagrams of the method of this embodiment when applied to live distribution of a VR character. In this live distribution, a performer selects an action, and in a virtual field VFL in a virtual space, a VR character CH performs a performance according to the selected action. For example, the VR character CH waves its hands, jumps, and claps its hands while dancing. In this case, for example, in FIG. 25(A) and FIG. 25(B), the character CH and the virtual field VFL are common information of the content displayed in common on both the performer terminal and the viewer terminal. On the other hand, the menu screen MS displaying information on the action options of the character CH is displayed only on the performer terminal and not on the viewer terminal, and is therefore difference information of the content. Also, in this live content, multiple viewers can vote to select clothing accessories to be worn by the character CH. And as shown in FIG. 25(B), a voting screen VS showing the state of voting by the multiple viewers is displayed only on the viewer terminal and not on the performer terminal, and is therefore difference information of the content. This voting screen VS displays images of the clothing items that are the subject of voting, such as hats, ribbons, and boots, and the viewers can see the images of these clothing items, but the images of these clothing items are not displayed on the performer's terminal, so the performer cannot see them.

[0166] In Fig. 25(B), for example, a hat has been selected as number one by voting posted by multiple viewers. As a result, as shown in Fig. 26(A), the image of the hat OBH, which is difference information that was not displayed on the performer terminal in Fig. 26(A), is now also displayed on the performer terminal. That is, a process of displaying difference information on the performer terminal is performed according to the posting status of the posted information of multiple viewers. For example, a process of displaying an image of the hat OBH, which is difference information that is displayed on the viewer terminal but not displayed on the performer terminal, is performed on the performer terminal according to the posting status of the votes of multiple viewers.

[0167] Also, the display contents or display mode of the difference information displayed on the performer terminal is set according to the posting status of the multiple viewers. For example, in FIG. 25(B), as a result of the posting of votes by multiple viewers, the number of votes for the hat was the highest, so an image of the hat is displayed on the performer terminal in FIG. 26(A). However, if the number of votes for the ribbon is the highest, an image of the ribbon is displayed, and if the number of votes for the boots is the highest, an image of the boots is displayed. That is, according to the number of votes, which is the posting status of the multiple viewers, it is determined which of the clothes, which is the difference information, is to be displayed on the performer terminal, and the display contents of the difference information to be displayed on the performer terminal are determined. Also, if the hat is selected by voting, the hat is displayed at the head position of the character CH, and if the boots are selected by voting, the boots are displayed at the foot position of the character CH. That is, according to the number of votes, which is the posting status of the multiple viewers, it is determined at which position on the character CH the clothes, which is the difference information, is to be displayed. Also, for example, if a clothes item with a very high number of votes is selected, the display mode of the difference information may be changed, such as by displaying a special production effect.

[0168] As shown in FIG. 26(B), when a viewer inserts a submission object OBC and this is accepted, the number of options that the performer can select on the menu screen MS increases. For example, in FIG. 26(B), the option "wink" is added. And, for example, when the performer selects "wink", the character CH will wink at the viewer who threw in the submission object OBC. As a result, when a viewer reacts to the performance of the character CH by inserting a submission object, the performer will be able to select a new option item generated by this reaction, and when the performer selects this option item, a wink reaction will be made to the viewer. Therefore, it is possible to provide a content distribution system that allows the performer and the viewer to be closely involved.

[0169] Although the present embodiment has been described in detail as above, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that many modifications are possible that do not substantially deviate from the novel matters and effects of the present disclosure. Therefore, all such modifications are intended to be included in the scope of the present disclosure. For example, a term described at least once in the specification or drawings together with a different term having a broader meaning or synonymy can be replaced with that different term anywhere in the specification or drawings. In addition, the process of moving a posting object, the process of giving a gift, the process of giving a return, the process of giving a reward, the process of collecting a posting object by a third party, etc. are not limited to those described in the present embodiment, and methods equivalent to these are also included in the scope of the present disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0170] 100... processing unit, 102... reception processing unit, 104... transmission processing unit, 106... content information generation unit, 108... acceptance unit, 110... grant processing unit, 112... compensation processing unit, 114... penalty processing unit, 118... management unit, 120... display processing unit, 130... sound processing unit, 170... storage unit, 172... content information storage unit, 174... user information storage unit, 196... communication unit, 200... processing unit, 260... operation unit, 262... interface unit, 270... storage unit, 280... information storage medium, 290... display unit, 292... sound output unit, 296... communication unit, 500... server system, 510... network, CH, CH1, CH2, CH3...characters, MS...menu screen, OBC...posting object, TM, TM1~TMn...terminal device, TMA...viewer terminal, TMP...performer terminal, VFL...virtual field, MT, MT1, MT2, MT3...motion data, MV...video data, N1, N2, N3...motion number, MD1, MDL2, MDL3...model data, MK...marker, PFM...performer, THP...third party character, THA, THB...character, CM1, CM2...character, CE1, CE2, CE3...enemy character, FH...fish, OBH...hat, VS...voting screen

Claims

1. A content distribution system that distributes content of a performance performed by a performer at a performer terminal to a viewer terminal of a viewer, a display processing unit that performs a display process of the content in which a contribution object that can be input by the viewer consuming the viewer's parameters moves in a virtual field where the performance of the performer is performed; an awarding processing unit that performs a process of, when the posted object input into the virtual field is collected, awarding a gift corresponding to the input posted object or the consumed parameters to the performer, and, when the posted object input into the virtual field is not collected, awarding a return corresponding to the input posted object or the consumed parameters to the viewer who input the posted object; Including, The display processing unit is A content distribution system characterized in that a third party different from the performer and employed by the performer performs a display process of the content to retrieve the posted object that was inserted into the virtual field.

2. In claim 1, A content distribution system comprising a compensation processing unit that sets a compensation paid by the performer for the employment of the third party in accordance with status information of the third party.

3. In claim 1, A content distribution system comprising a compensation processing unit that calculates a compensation to be paid by the performer for the employment of the third party by a calculation method selected from a plurality of calculation methods.

4. A content distribution system that distributes content of a performance performed by a performer at a performer terminal to a viewer terminal of a viewer, a display processing unit that performs a display process of the content in which a contribution object that can be input by the viewer consuming the viewer's parameters moves in a virtual field where the performance of the performer is performed; an awarding processing unit that performs a process of, when the posted object input into the virtual field is collected, awarding a gift corresponding to the input posted object or the consumed parameters to the performer, and, when the posted object input into the virtual field is not collected, awarding a return corresponding to the input posted object or the consumed parameters to the viewer who input the posted object; Including, The display processing unit is A content distribution system characterized in that the ability to retrieve the posted object is set for a third party different from the performer, and the third party to whom the retrieval ability is set performs a display process of the content in which the posted object that has been thrown into the virtual field is retrieved.

5. A content distribution system that distributes content of a performance performed by a performer at a performer terminal to a viewer terminal of a viewer, a display processing unit that performs a display process of the content in which a contribution object that can be input by the viewer consuming the viewer's parameters moves in a virtual field where the performance of the performer is performed; an awarding processing unit that performs a process of, when the posted object input into the virtual field is collected, awarding a gift corresponding to the input posted object or the consumed parameters to the performer, and, when the posted object input into the virtual field is not collected, awarding a return corresponding to the input posted object or the consumed parameters to the viewer who input the posted object; Including, The display processing unit is A content distribution system characterized in that a third party, who is a person other than the performer or a virtual character owned by the other person, performs a display process of the content in which the posted object that was dropped into the virtual field is retrieved.

6. In claim 5, A content distribution system, wherein the third party is a character that is placed in the virtual field by the viewer and moves around the virtual field to collect the posted objects.

7. In any one of claims 1 to 6, The display processing unit is A content distribution system characterized in that a third party, whose ability to retrieve the posted object is set according to status information of the third party, performs a display process of the content in which the third party retrieves the posted object that has been inserted into the virtual field.

8. In any one of claims 1 to 7, The display processing unit is A content distribution system, comprising: a display process for displaying the content in which the posted object is collected by a collection method selected by the performer from among a plurality of collection methods.

9. In any one of claims 1 to 8, The granting processing unit is When the posted object is collected within a given period, the gift is given to the performer, and when the posted object is not collected within the given period, the return is given to the viewer; A content distribution system, wherein the given period is a performance period during which the performer performs the performance, or a divided period when the performance period is divided into a plurality of periods.

10. In any one of claims 1 to 9, The granting processing unit is A content distribution system comprising: a process for granting a privilege to the viewer who input the posted object in the virtual field when the posted object is collected.

11. In claim 10, The granting processing unit is A content distribution system characterized in that, when the posted object is collected, a process of granting the bonus to the viewer is performed by granting the viewer points for successful posting of the posted object, or by having the performer perform a bonus performance.

12. In claim 10 or 11, The granting processing unit is A content distribution system, comprising: a process for changing the benefit given to the viewer when the posted object is collected according to a situation.

13. In any one of claims 1 to 12, The granting processing unit is A content distribution system, comprising: a process for changing the rebate given to the viewer when the posted object is not collected, according to circumstances.

14. In any one of claims 1 to 13, The display processing unit is a display process of the content in which, when the viewer throws a second contribution object corresponding to the return item that is to be given to the viewer in the case where the contribution object is not collected, the second contribution object moves in the virtual field; The granting processing unit is A content distribution system comprising: a process for granting a second rebate corresponding to the second posted object to the viewer if the second posted object is not collected.

15. In claim 14, The granting processing unit is A content distribution system characterized in that the rebate status of the rebate given to the viewer when the posted object is not collected is different from the rebate status of the second rebate given to the viewer when the second posted object is not collected.

16. In any one of claims 1 to 15, A content distribution system comprising a penalty processing unit that imposes a penalty on the performer or the third party who collects the posted object on behalf of the performer if the posted object is not collected.

17. In any one of claims 1 to 16, a reception unit that receives posting information for the content or the performer based on an operation of the viewer terminal by the viewer, The display processing unit is A content distribution system characterized by displaying common information of the content that is displayed commonly on both the performer terminal and the viewer terminal, and differential information of the content that is displayed on either the performer terminal or the viewer terminal, the differential information being information to encourage operation by the performer, and displaying the differential information on the performer terminal in accordance with the posting status of the viewer's posted information.

18. A server system that distributes content of a performance performed by a performer on a performer terminal to a viewer terminal of a viewer, a display processing unit that performs a display process of the content in which a contribution object that can be input by the viewer consuming the viewer's parameters moves in a virtual field where the performance of the performer is performed; an awarding processing unit that performs a process of, when the posted object input into the virtual field is collected, awarding a gift corresponding to the input posted object or the consumed parameters to the performer, and, when the posted object input into the virtual field is not collected, awarding a return corresponding to the input posted object or the consumed parameters to the viewer who input the posted object; Including, The display processing unit is A server system characterized in that a third party different from the performer and employed by the performer performs a display process of the content to retrieve the posted object that was inserted into the virtual field.

19. A server system that distributes content of a performance performed by a performer on a performer terminal to a viewer terminal of a viewer, a display processing unit that performs a display process of the content in which a contribution object that can be input by the viewer consuming the viewer's parameters moves in a virtual field where the performance of the performer is performed; an awarding processing unit that performs a process of, when the posted object input into the virtual field is collected, awarding a gift corresponding to the input posted object or the consumed parameters to the performer, and, when the posted object input into the virtual field is not collected, awarding a return corresponding to the input posted object or the consumed parameters to the viewer who input the posted object; Including, The display processing unit is A server system characterized in that the ability to retrieve the posted object is set for a third party different from the performer, and the third party to whom the retrieval ability is set performs a display process of the content in which the posted object that has been thrown into the virtual field is retrieved.

20. A server system that distributes content of a performance performed by a performer on a performer terminal to a viewer terminal of a viewer, a display processing unit that performs a display process of the content in which a contribution object that can be input by the viewer consuming the viewer's parameters moves in a virtual field where the performance of the performer is performed; an awarding processing unit that performs a process of, when the posted object input into the virtual field is collected, awarding a gift corresponding to the input posted object or the consumed parameters to the performer, and, when the posted object input into the virtual field is not collected, awarding a return corresponding to the input posted object or the consumed parameters to the viewer who input the posted object; Including, The display processing unit is A server system characterized in that a third party, who is a person other than the performer or a virtual character owned by the other person, performs a display process of the content in which the posted object that was dropped into the virtual field is retrieved.

21. a display processing unit that performs a display process of content in which a posted object that can be input by a viewer consuming the viewer's parameters moves in a virtual field where a performer performs; an awarding processing unit that performs a process of, when the posted object inputted into the virtual field is collected, awarding a gift corresponding to the inputted posted object or the consumed parameters to the performer, and, when the posted object inputted into the virtual field is not collected, awarding a return corresponding to the inputted posted object or the consumed parameters to the viewer who inputted the posted object; Make your computer work The display processing unit is A program characterized in that a third party different from the performer and employed by the performer performs a display process of the content to retrieve the posting object that was entered into the virtual field.

22. a display processing unit that performs a display process of content in which a posted object that can be input by a viewer consuming the viewer's parameters moves in a virtual field where a performer performs; an awarding processing unit that performs a process of, when the posted object inputted into the virtual field is collected, awarding a gift corresponding to the inputted posted object or the consumed parameters to the performer, and, when the posted object inputted into the virtual field is not collected, awarding a return corresponding to the inputted posted object or the consumed parameters to the viewer who inputted the posted object; Make your computer work The display processing unit is A program characterized by setting a retrieval ability of the posted object for a third party different from the performer, and performing a display process of the content in which the third party to whom the retrieval ability has been set retrieves the posted object that has been thrown into the virtual field.

23. a display processing unit that performs a display process of content in which a posted object that can be input by a viewer consuming the viewer's parameters moves in a virtual field where a performer performs; an awarding processing unit that performs a process of, when the posted object inputted into the virtual field is collected, awarding a gift corresponding to the inputted posted object or the consumed parameters to the performer, and, when the posted object inputted into the virtual field is not collected, awarding a return corresponding to the inputted posted object or the consumed parameters to the viewer who inputted the posted object; Make your computer work The display processing unit is The display processing unit is A program characterized in that a third party who is a person other than the performer or a virtual character owned by the other person performs a display process of the content in which the posted object that was dropped into the virtual field is retrieved.

Images