Computer Program, Server Device, and Method

Abstract

To provide a computer program capable of giving a feeling of reality of participating in a game to a viewing user.SOLUTION: A computer program distributes operation data regarding operation of a distribution user or a first animation of a first avatar object of a distribution user generated based on the operation data, and a second animation regarding a game generated based on operation data of a distribution user by using a received web page toward a terminal device of a viewing user via a communication line, receives gift information for showing that a gift is given to a distribution user generated by operation of a viewing user for viewing a second animation is received by a terminal device of a viewing user via operation of a viewing user who views the second animation during execution of a unit section of a game via a communication line, and distributes a second animation in which a gift object generated based on gift information is displayed during a time section from completion of a unit section to beginning of a next unit section toward a viewer's terminal device. via a communication line.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technology disclosed in this application relates to a computer program, a server device, and a method used for delivering a game-related video from a terminal device of a distributing user to a terminal device of a viewing user.

Background Art

[0002] As a service used for delivering a game-related video from a terminal device of a distributing user to a terminal device of a viewing user, a service called Mirrativ (Non-Patent Document 1) is known.

[0003] In this service, the distributing user can use a terminal device to deliver to terminal devices of a plurality of viewing users a video including an animation of an avatar generated based on operation data related to the operation of this distributing user, and a game-related video generated based on operation data related to the operation of this distributing user. Note that the above Non-Patent Document 1 is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Non-Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In the above service, each viewing user can exchange comments with the distributing user and can also give a gift to the distributing user. However, the comments and gifts thus sent by each viewing user to the distributing user do not affect elements used in the game played and distributed by the distributing user, such as game objects or parameters. Therefore, it is difficult for each viewing user to feel that they are participating in the game when viewing the video related to the game distributed by the distributing user.

[0006] Therefore, the technology disclosed in the present application provides a computer program, a server device, and a method capable of giving the viewing user a sense of participating in the game.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0007] A computer program according to one aspect causes "at least one processor to function so as to distribute, via a communication line, to a terminal device of a viewing user, a first video including operation data related to the operation of a distributing user or an animation of a first avatar object of the distributing user generated based on the operation data, and a second video related to a game generated based on operation data related to the operation of the distributing user using a received web page; to receive, via the communication line, gift information indicating that a gift is to be given to the distributing user generated by the terminal device of the viewing user via an operation of the viewing user for viewing the second video while a unit interval of the game is being executed; and to distribute, via the communication line, the second video to the terminal device of the viewer such that a gift object generated based on the gift information is displayed in a time interval from after the end of the unit interval to before the start of the next unit interval."

[0008] A method according to one aspect is "a method executed by at least one processor that executes computer-readable instructions, the method including: delivering, via a communication line, to a terminal device of a viewing user, a first video including animation of a first avatar object of the delivery user related to operation data of the delivery user or based on the operation data, and a second video related to a game generated based on operation data related to operations of the delivery user using a received web page; receiving, via the communication line, gift information indicating that a gift is to be given to the delivery user generated by the terminal device of the viewing user via an operation of the viewing user while viewing the second video during an execution of a unit interval of the game; and delivering, via the communication line, to the terminal device of the viewer, the second video in which a gift object generated based on the gift information is displayed in a time interval from after the unit interval ends until before the next unit interval starts."

[0009] A server device according to one aspect is "comprising at least one processor, the processor delivering, via a communication line, to a terminal device of a viewing user, a first video including animation of a first avatar object of the delivery user related to operation data of the delivery user or based on the operation data, and a second video related to a game generated by the terminal device of the delivery user based on operation data related to operations of the delivery user using a received web page; receiving, via the communication line from the terminal device of the viewing user, gift information indicating that a gift is to be given to the delivery user generated by an operation of the viewing user while viewing the second video during an execution of a unit interval of the game; and delivering, via the communication line, to the terminal device of the viewer, the second video generated by the terminal device of the deliverer in which a gift object generated based on the gift information is displayed in a time interval from after the unit interval ends until before the next unit interval starts."

[0010] A method according to another aspect is a method executed by at least one processor that executes computer-readable instructions, the method including: delivering, via a communication line, to a viewing user's terminal device a first video including animation of an operation data related to an operation of a distribution user or a first avatar object of the distribution user generated based on the operation data, and a second video related to a game generated by the distribution user's terminal device based on operation data related to an operation of the distribution user using a received web page; receiving, from the viewing user's terminal device via the communication line, gift information indicating that a gift is to be given to the distribution user generated by an operation of the viewing user while viewing the second video during execution of a unit interval of the game; and delivering, via the communication line, to the viewer's terminal device the second video generated by the distributor's terminal device, in which a gift object generated based on the gift information is displayed in a time interval from after the unit interval ends until before the next unit interval starts.

[0011] A server device according to another aspect includes "at least one processor, and the processor distributes, via a communication line, a first video including motion data related to the operation of a distribution user or animation of a first avatar object of the distribution user generated based on the motion data, and a second video related to a game generated based on operation data related to the operation of the distribution user using a received web page, to a terminal device of a viewing user. The server device transmits, via a communication line, a web page including a computer program to the terminal device of the distribution user. The computer program causes the terminal device of the distribution user to receive, via the communication line, gift information indicating that a gift is to be given to the distribution user generated by the terminal device of the viewing user via an operation of the viewing user who views the second video while a unit section of the game is being executed, and causes the second video to be generated such that a gift object generated based on the gift information is displayed in a time section from after the unit section ends until before the next unit section starts."

[0012] A method according to another aspect is a method executed by at least one processor that executes computer-readable instructions, the method including: transmitting, via a communication line, a web page including a computer program to a terminal device of a distribution user, the terminal device being configured to distribute, via the communication line, a first video including animation of a first avatar object of the distribution user related to operation data of the distribution user or based on the operation data, and a second video related to a game generated based on operation data related to operations of the distribution user using a received web page, to a viewing user's terminal device; wherein the computer program causes the terminal device of the distribution user to receive, via the communication line, gift information indicating that a gift is to be given to the distribution user generated by the viewing user's terminal device via an operation of the viewing user's terminal device for viewing the second video while a unit interval of the game is being executed, and causes the second video to be generated such that a gift object generated based on the gift information is displayed in a time interval from after the unit interval ends until before the next unit interval starts.

[0013] A computer program according to another aspect causes at least one processor to function such that: a first video including animation of a first avatar object of a distribution user related to operation data of the distribution user or based on the operation data, and a second video related to a game generated based on operation data related to operations of the distribution user using a received web page, are received from the terminal device of the distribution user via a communication line; and a gift object generated based on gift information indicating that a gift is to be given to the distribution user, the gift information being transmitted by the viewing user's terminal device via an operation of the viewing user's terminal device for viewing the second video while a unit interval of the game is being executed, is displayed in a time interval from after the unit interval ends until before the next unit interval starts, and the second video is received from the terminal device of the distribution user via the communication line.

[0014] A method according to another aspect is a method executed by at least one processor that executes computer-readable instructions, the method including: receiving, via a communication line, a first video including animation of operation data related to the operation of a distribution user or a first avatar object of the distribution user generated based on the operation data, and a second video related to a game generated based on operation data related to the operation of the distribution user using a received web page; and receiving, from a terminal device of the distribution user via the communication line, the second video in which a gift object generated based on gift information indicating that a gift is to be given to the distribution user, which is transmitted by the terminal device of the viewing user via an operation of the viewing user for viewing the second video while a unit interval of the game is being executed, is displayed in a time interval from after the unit interval ends until before the next unit interval starts. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015]

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Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0016] Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, common components are denoted by the same reference numerals. It should also be noted that components shown in one drawing may be omitted in another drawing for convenience of explanation. Furthermore, note that the attached drawings are not necessarily drawn to an exact scale.

[0017] 1. Configuration of the video distribution system Briefly, the video distribution system disclosed in the present application enables a user who performs distribution (hereinafter referred to as a "distribution user") to use his or her terminal device to transmit, via a communication line, a first video including an animation of a first avatar object generated based on operation data related to the operation of the distribution user, and a second video related to a game generated based on operation data related to the operation of the distribution user, to a terminal device of a user who views the video (hereinafter referred to as a "viewing user").

[0018] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a video distribution system according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the video distribution system 1 can include a plurality of terminal devices 10 connected to a communication line (not shown) and one or more server devices 20 connected to the communication line. Each terminal device 10 is connected to one or more server devices 20 via a communication line (not shown).

[0019] 1-1. Terminal device 10 The plurality of terminal devices 10 can include terminal devices 10 of one or more distribution users (here, terminal device 10A) and terminal devices 10 of one or more viewing users (here, terminal devices 10B to 10D). Each terminal device 10 can serve as either a terminal device for distributing a video (the terminal device 10 of a distribution user) or a terminal device for viewing a video (the terminal device 10 of a viewing user) by having a common configuration.

[0020] When each terminal device 10 operates as a terminal device (terminal device of a distribution user) for distributing video, by executing the installed video distribution application, it acquires operation data regarding the operation of the distribution user, and transmits a first video including the animation of a virtual character (first avatar object) changed according to the acquired data to the server device 20 (distribution server system 20A) via a communication line. Such a first video is distributed by the server device 20 (distribution server system 20A) via a communication line to the terminal device 10 (terminal device of a viewing user) that executes the installed video viewing application to receive the video.

[0021] Also, when each terminal device 10 operates as a terminal device of a distribution user, by executing the browser function incorporated in the installed video distribution application and / or by executing the installed web browser application, it receives a web page (HTML document) from the server device 20 (web server device 20B), and can execute the game program included in this web page. By executing this game program, each terminal device 10 can generate a second video in which at least one game object is operated based on the operation data regarding the operation of the distribution user. This game object includes a game object including the virtual character (second avatar object) of the distribution user that operates based on the above operation data.

[0022] Furthermore, when each terminal device 10 operates as a terminal device of a distributing user, the second video thus generated can be transmitted to the server device 20 (distribution server system 20A) via a communication line by executing the video distribution application. Such a second video is also distributed by the server device 20 (distribution server system 20A) via a communication line to the terminal device 10 (terminal device of a viewing user) that executes the installed video viewing application to receive the video.

[0023] Furthermore, when each terminal device 10 operates as a terminal device of a distributing user, by executing the video distribution application, the terminal device 10 of the viewing user that views the second video (distributed by the terminal device 10 of this distributing user) can receive, via the server device 20 (distribution server system 20A), gift information indicating that a gift is to be given to this distributing user and / or comment information indicating that a comment is to be sent to this distributing user.

[0024] On the other hand, when each terminal device 10 operates as a terminal device (terminal device of a viewing user) for viewing a video, by executing the installed video viewing application, the first video and / or the second video distributed by the terminal device 10 of the distributing user can be received via the server device 20 (distribution server system 20A).

[0025] Furthermore, when each terminal device 10 operates as a terminal device of a viewing user, by executing the video viewing application, gift information indicating that a gift is to be given to the distributing user and / or comment information indicating that a comment is to be sent to this distributing user can be transmitted to the terminal device of this distributing user via the server device 20 (distribution server system).

[0026] Note that the above-described video distribution application and video viewing application can be installed and executed on each terminal device 10 as an integrated single application or as separate applications respectively.

[0027] Each terminal device 10 is any terminal device capable of executing such operations, and can include, without limitation, smartphones, tablets, mobile phones (feature phones), and / or personal computers, etc.

[0028] 1-2. Server device 20 In FIG. 1, as an example, a distribution server system 20A and a web server device 20B are shown as one or more server devices 20.

[0029] The distribution server system 20A can distribute the first video and / or the second video transmitted by each terminal device (the terminal device of each distribution user) 10 to each terminal device (the terminal device of each viewing user) 10. Furthermore, the distribution server system 20A can transmit gift information indicating that a gift is to be given to a certain distribution user and / or comment information indicating that a comment is to be sent to a certain distribution user, which are transmitted by each terminal device (the terminal device of each viewing user) 10, to the terminal device 10 of that distribution user.

[0030] To execute such operations, in one embodiment, the distribution server system 20A can include a distribution server device 20a, a database (DB) server device 20b, and a game API server device 20c, which are connected to each other via a communication line (including a wireless line and / or a wired line not shown).

[0031] The distribution server device 20a can distribute the first video and / or the second video transmitted by the terminal device 10 of each distribution user to each terminal device 10. Further, the distribution server device 20a can store the gift information and / or comment information transmitted by the terminal device 10 of each viewing user in the DB server device 20b.

[0032] The DB server device 20b can store the gift information and / or comment information received from the distribution server device 20a, and read out the gift information and / comment information inquired by the game API server device 20c and transmit it to the game API server device 20c.

[0033] When the game API server device 20c receives an inquiry about the gift information and / or comment information from the terminal device 10 of each distribution user, it can read out the gift information and / or comment information for the terminal device 10 of that distribution user from the DB server device 20b and transmit it to the terminal device 10 of that distribution user.

[0034] In the example shown in FIG. 1, for the purpose of distributing the load, etc., a configuration is shown in which the distribution server system 20A includes three server devices, namely, the distribution server device 20a, the DB server device 20b, and the game API server device 20c. However, at least one of these three server devices may be integrated with any of the remaining server devices.

[0035] Next, the web server device 20B can transmit a web page (HTML, a document created according to, for example, HTML5) in which a game program is incorporated to the terminal device 10 of each accessing distribution user. When this game program is executed by the received and decoded terminal device 10, it causes the terminal device 10 to execute various operations related to video distribution, including an operation of executing a game, an operation of transmitting a game screen generated along with the execution of the game to the distribution server system 20A (distribution server device 20a), and an operation of acquiring gift information and / or comment information transmitted to this distribution user from the distribution server system 20A (game API server device 20c).

[0036] 1-3. Communication line The communication line (not shown) can include, without limitation thereto, a mobile phone network, a wireless LAN, a fixed phone network, the Internet, an intranet, and / or Ethernet (registered trademark), etc.

[0037] 2. Hardware configuration of each device Next, an example of the hardware configuration of each of the terminal device 10 and the server device 20 will be described.

[0038] 2-1. Hardware configuration of terminal device 10 An example of the hardware configuration of each terminal device 10 will be described with reference to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing an example of the hardware configuration of the terminal device 10 (server device 20) shown in FIG. 1 (in FIG. 2, the reference numerals in parentheses are described in relation to the server device 20 as will be described later).

[0039] As shown in FIG. 2, each terminal device 10 can mainly include a central processing unit 11, a main storage device 12, an input / output interface device 13, an input device 14, an auxiliary storage device 15, and an output device 16. These devices are connected to each other by a data bus and / or a control bus.

[0040] The central processing unit 11, also known as the "CPU," performs operations on instructions and data stored in the main memory device 12 and stores the results of those operations in the main memory device 12. Further, the central processing unit 11 can control the input device 14, the auxiliary storage device 15, the output device 16, etc. via the input / output interface device 13. The terminal device 10 can include one or more such central processing units 11.

[0041] The main memory device 12, also known as the "memory," stores instructions and data received from the input device 14, the auxiliary storage device 15, and the communication line 30 (such as the server device 20, etc.) via the input / output interface device 13, as well as the operation results of the central processing unit 11. The main memory device 12 can include, without limitation to these, RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), and / or flash memory, etc.

[0042] The auxiliary storage device 15 is a storage device having a larger capacity than the main memory device 12. It stores instructions and data (computer programs) that constitute the above-described specific applications (such as applications for video distribution, applications for video viewing, etc.) and web browser applications, etc. By being controlled by the central processing unit 11, these instructions and data (computer programs) can be transmitted to the main memory device 12 via the input / output interface device 13. The auxiliary storage device 15 can include, without limitation to these, magnetic disk devices and / or optical disk devices, etc.

[0043] The input device 14 is a device that captures data from the outside and includes, without limitation to these, touch panels, buttons, keyboards, mice, and / or sensors, etc. The sensor can include, without limitation to these, sensors that include one or more cameras, etc. and / or one or more microphones, etc., as will be described later.

[0044] The output device 16 can include, without limitation thereto, a display device, a touch panel, and / or a printer device, etc.

[0045] In such a hardware configuration, the central processing unit 11 sequentially loads instructions and data (computer programs) that constitute a specific application stored in the auxiliary storage device 15 into the main storage device 12, and by calculating the loaded instructions and data, controls the output device 16 via the input / output interface device 13, or alternatively, via the input / output interface device 13 and the communication line 30, various information can be transmitted and received with other devices (such as the server device 20 and other terminal devices 10, etc.).

[0046] Thereby, the terminal device 10 can execute operations necessary for distributing the first video and / or the second video, operations necessary for receiving gift information and / or comment information sent to the own terminal device 10 by other terminal devices 10, operations necessary for receiving the first video and / or the second video distributed by other terminal devices 10, and / or operations necessary for transmitting gift information and / or comment information to other terminal devices 10 (including various operations to be described in detail later).

[0047] Note that the terminal device 10 may include one or more microprocessors and / or a graphics processing unit (GPU) instead of or together with the central processing unit 11.

[0048] 2-2. Hardware configuration of server device 20 The hardware configuration example of each server device 20 will also be described with reference to FIG. 2. As the hardware configuration of each server device 20 (distribution server device 20a, DB server device 20b, game API server device 20c, and web server device 20B), for example, the same configuration as that of each terminal device 10 described above can be used. Therefore, the reference numerals for the components of each server device 20 are shown in parentheses in FIG. 2.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 2, each server device 20 can mainly include a central processing unit 21, a main memory device 22, an input / output interface device 23, an input device 24, an auxiliary storage device 25, and an output device 26. These devices are connected to each other by a data bus and / or a control bus.

[0050] The central processing unit 21, the main memory device 22, the input / output interface device 23, the input device 24, the auxiliary storage device 25, and the output device 26 can be substantially the same as the central processing unit 11, the main memory device 12, the input / output interface device 13, the input device 14, the auxiliary storage device 15, and the output device 16 included in each terminal device 10 described above, respectively.

[0051] In such a hardware configuration, the central processing unit 21 sequentially loads instructions and data (computer programs) that constitute a specific application stored in the auxiliary storage device 25 into the main memory device 22, and by calculating the loaded instructions and data, controls the output device 26 via the input / output interface device 23, or alternatively, via the input / output interface device 23 and the communication line 30, various information can be transmitted and received with other devices (such as each terminal device 10, etc.).

[0052] As a result, the server device 20 can perform operations necessary to distribute the first video and / or the second video transmitted by the terminal device 10 of each distribution user to the terminal device 10 of each viewing user, operations necessary to transmit the gift information and / or comment information transmitted by the terminal device 10 of a certain viewing user to the terminal device 10 of a distribution user to the terminal device 10 of that distribution user, etc. (including various operations to be described in detail later).

[0053] Note that the server device 20 may include one or more microprocessors and / or a graphics processing unit (GPU) instead of or together with the central processing unit 21.

[0054] 3. Functions of each device Next, an example of the functions of each of the terminal device 10 and the server device 20 will be described. 3-1. Functions of terminal device 10 An example of the functions of the terminal device 10 will be described with reference to FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is a block diagram schematically showing an example of the functions of the terminal device 10 shown in FIG. 1.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 3, the terminal device 10 may mainly include a first video generation unit 100, a second video generation unit 110, a communication unit 120, a display unit 130, a storage unit 140, a user interface unit 150, and a gift processing unit 160.

[0056] (1) First video generation unit 100 The first video generation unit 100 can generate a first video including an animation of the first avatar object of the distribution user based on operation data related to the operations of the distribution user. To achieve this, the first video generation unit 100 can include, for example, an acquisition unit 102 (not shown) and a processing unit 104 (not shown).

[0057] The acquisition unit 102 can include one or more first sensors 102a (not shown) that acquire data related to the face of the distributing user, and one or more second sensors 102b (not shown) that acquire audio data related to the speech and / or singing uttered by the distributing user.

[0058] In a preferred embodiment, the first sensor 102a can include an RGB camera that images visible light and a near-infrared camera that images near-infrared light. As such a camera, for example, those included in the True Depth camera of the iPhone X (registered trademark) can be used. The second sensor 102b can include a microphone that records sound.

[0059] First, regarding the first sensor 102a, the acquisition unit 102 images the face of the distributing user using the first sensor 102a disposed in proximity to the face of the distributing user. Thereby, the acquisition unit 102 can generate data (for example, an MPEG file) that records the image acquired by the RGB camera in association with a time code (a code indicating the acquired time) over a unit time. Further, the acquisition unit 102 can generate data (for example, a TSV file [a file in a format that records a plurality of data separated by tabs between data]) that records a predetermined number (for example, 51) of numerical values indicating depths (for example, floating-point numerical values) acquired by the near-infrared camera in association with the time code over a unit time.

[0060] Regarding a near-infrared camera, specifically, a dot projector emits an infrared laser forming a dot (point) pattern onto the face of a performer, and the near-infrared camera captures the infrared dots projected and reflected on the face of the performer, and generates an image of the captured infrared dots. The acquisition unit 102 compares the image of the dot pattern emitted by a pre-registered dot projector with the image captured by the near-infrared camera, and uses the displacement of the positions at each point (each feature point) (for example, each of 51 points·feature points) in both images to calculate the depth of each point (each feature point) (the distance between each point·each feature point and the near-infrared camera). The acquisition unit 102 can generate data in which the numerical values indicating the depths calculated in this way are associated with the time code as described above and recorded over a unit time.

[0061] Next, regarding the second sensor 102b, the acquisition unit 102 acquires the voice regarding the speech and / or singing uttered by the distribution user using the second sensor 102b arranged in proximity to the distribution user. Thereby, the acquisition unit 100 can generate data (for example, an MPEG file) recorded over a unit time in association with the time code. In one embodiment, the acquisition unit 102 can acquire data regarding the face of the distribution user using the first sensor 102a and simultaneously acquire voice data regarding the speech and / or singing uttered by the distribution user using the second sensor 102b. In this case, the acquisition unit 102 can generate data (for example, an MPEG file) in which the image acquired by the RGB camera and the voice data regarding the speech and / or singing uttered by the distribution user using the second sensor 102b are associated with the same time code and recorded over a unit time.

[0062] The acquisition unit 102 can output the data (such as an MPEG file and a TSV file, etc.) regarding the face of the distribution user and / or the voice data (such as an MPEG file, etc.) regarding the speech and / or singing uttered by the distribution user generated in this way to the processing unit 104.

[0063] Here, the case where the first sensor 102a includes an RGB camera and an infrared camera has been described. However, the first sensor 102a may include, for example, (A) a camera that detects infrared rays emitted by an infrared laser and reflected by the face of the performer, (B) a plurality of RGB cameras that image visible light, or (C) a single camera that images visible light. In the case of (A) above, the acquisition unit 102 can calculate the depth for each feature point on the face of the distribution user by the same method as described above. In the case of (B) above, the acquisition unit 102 can calculate the depth (depth) for each feature point on the face of the distribution user using a plurality of images captured by the plurality of RGB cameras. In the case of (C) above, the acquisition unit 102 can calculate the depth (depth) of each feature point on the face of the distribution user from the image captured by the single camera using deep learning or the like. Further, in the case of (C) above, the acquisition unit 102 may calculate the depth (depth) of each feature point on the face of the performer by performing analysis processing (image processing or the like) on the image captured by the single camera.

[0064] Based on the data regarding the face of the distribution user from the acquisition unit 102, the processing unit 104 can generate a video including the animation of a virtual character (the first avatar object of the distribution user). Regarding the video of the virtual character itself, the processing unit 104 can use various information (for example, geometry information, bone information, texture information, shader information, blend shape information, etc.) stored in a character data storage unit (not shown) to cause a rendering unit (not shown) to perform rendering, thereby generating a video of the virtual character.

[0065] Furthermore, the processing unit 104 uses the data related to the face of the distribution user (data related to the depth of each feature point on the face of the performer) from the acquisition unit 102 to change the expression of the first avatar object, and generates a video (for example, a video in which the expression of the first avatar object changes in synchronization with the movements of the performer's mouth and both eyes, that is, a video in which the expression of the first avatar object changes following lip-sync and eye tracking with respect to the performer's face) using various well-known techniques.

[0066] In addition, in order to generate a first video including the animation of the first avatar object of the distribution user based on the operation data related to the operation of the distribution user, it is also possible to use any other well-known technique.

[0067] (2) Second video generation unit 110 The second video generation unit 110 can generate a second video related to the game based on the operation data related to the operation of the distribution user using the web page received from the web server device 20B.

[0068] Specifically, the second video generation unit 110 executes the game program incorporated in the web page received from the web server device 20B, and based on the operation data indicating the operation of the distribution user input by the user interface unit 150, draws a second video (game video) related to the game in which the game object (self-game object) including the second avatar object of the distribution user operates. In this second video, for example, various game objects including an enemy character that attacks the self-game object, a wingman character that supports the self-game object, etc. operate according to the above game program.

[0069] (3) Communication unit 120 The communication unit 120 can communicate various information required for video distribution and / or viewing between the distribution server system 20A and the web server device 20B. For example, the communication unit 120 can access the web server device 20B to receive a web page (HTML document) including a game program required for game execution. Also, when the terminal device 10 operates as a distribution user's terminal device, the communication unit 120 can transmit the first video and / or the second video to the distribution server system 20A, and can receive gift information and / or comment information sent to this distribution user from the distribution server system 20A. Further, when the terminal device 10 operates as a viewing user's terminal device, the communication unit 120 can receive the first video and / or the second video transmitted by the distribution user's terminal device 10 from the distribution server system 20A, and can transmit gift information and / or comment information to the distribution user to the distribution server system 20A.

[0070] (4) Display unit 130 The display unit 130 can display various information required for video distribution and / or viewing. For example, the display unit 130 can display the distributed first video and / or second video, and / or the received first video and / or second video, etc.

[0071] (5) Storage unit 140 The storage unit 140 can store various information required for video distribution and / or viewing.

[0072] (6) User interface unit 150 The user interface unit 150 can input various information required for video distribution and / or viewing through the user's operation. For example, when executing a game, the user interface unit 150 can input operation data indicating the content of the distribution user's operation from the distribution user and output it to the second video generation unit 110.

[0073] (7) Gift processing unit 160 The gift processing unit 160 can process gift information transmitted and received regarding video distribution and / or viewing. For example, when the terminal device 10 operates as the terminal device 10 of the distribution user, the gift processing unit 160 can process the gift information sent to this distribution user. Also, when the terminal device 10 operates as the terminal device 10 of the viewing user, the gift processing unit 160 can process the gift information sent by this viewing user.

[0074] 3-2. Functions of server device 20 An example of the functions of the server device 20 will be described with reference to FIG. 4. FIG. 4 is a block diagram schematically showing an example of the functions of the server device 20 shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 4, the server device 20 can mainly include a communication unit 200, a storage unit 210, and a gift processing unit 220.

[0075] The communication unit 200 can communicate various information required for video distribution and / or viewing between the terminal device 10 of the distribution user and / or the terminal device 10 of the viewing user. For example, when the server device 20 operates as a distribution server system 20A, it can receive the first video and / or the second video from the terminal device 10 of each distribution user and distribute it to the terminal device 10 of each viewing user, etc. Also, when the server device 20 operates as a web server device 20B, it can send a web page incorporating a game program to the terminal device 10 of each accessing distribution user, etc.

[0076] The storage unit 210 can store various information required for video distribution and / or viewing.

[0077] The gift processing unit 220 can process the gift information sent from each viewing user to each distribution user.

[0078] Note that when the server device 20 operates as a web server device 20B, it may lack the gift processing unit 220.

[0079] 4. Overall operation of video distribution system 1 Next, the overall operation performed in the video distribution system 1 having the above configuration will be described with reference to FIGS. 5A and 5B. FIGS. 5A and 5B are flowcharts showing an example of the operation performed in the video distribution system 1 shown in FIG. 1.

[0080] First, referring to FIG. 5A, in step (hereinafter referred to as "ST") 302, according to the operation of the distribution user (here, distribution user A), the terminal device 10 (here, terminal device 10A) starts and executes a video distribution application.

[0081] Next, in ST304, the terminal device 10A generates a first video including an animation of the first avatar object of the distribution user A based on the operation data regarding the operation of the distribution user A. As a result, as illustrated in FIG. 6, a first video 404 including an animation of the first avatar object 402 of the distribution user A is displayed on the display unit 130 of the terminal device 10A.

[0082] Returning to FIG. 5A, further, the terminal device 10A transmits the generated first video 404 to the distribution server device 20a of the distribution server system 20A. The distribution server device 20a distributes the first video received from the terminal device 10A to the terminal devices 10 of each viewing user who is executing a video viewing application. As a result, the first video 404 as illustrated in FIG. 6 is also displayed on the display unit 130 of the terminal device 10 of each viewing user.

[0083] Next, in ST306, when the distribution user A taps the icon 406 (see FIG. 6) named "Game" displayed on the display unit 130 of the terminal device 10A, the terminal device 10A executes the browser function installed in the video distribution application. As a result, in ST308, the terminal device 10A accesses the web server device 20B in a state where the video distribution application is executed (that is, the first video 404 is distributed to the terminal devices 10 of each viewer), and can receive an HTML5 document in which a game program is incorporated.

[0084] Next, in ST310, the terminal device 10A can generate a video related to the game (second video) by executing the game program incorporated in the received HTML5 document.

[0085] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the second video displayed on the display unit of the terminal device 10A shown in FIG. 1. As illustrated in FIG. 7, in the second video 500, the self-game object 504 including the second avatar object 502 of the distribution user A can operate based on the operation data related to the operation performed on the user interface unit 150 of the distribution user A. Thereby, for example, the self-game object 504 can operate according to the operation of the distribution user A, collide with the ball as the game object 506A, and drop the game object 506A into the pocket 508A which is a game object.

[0086] The second avatar object 502 of the distribution user A can be generated using the first avatar object 402 of the first distribution user A. For example, the second avatar object 502 may be completely or substantially the same as the first avatar object 402, or may be a deformed, reduced, and / or enlarged version of at least a part of the first avatar object 402, or may be a part of the first avatar object 402.

[0087] In this second video 500, comment information sent from at least one viewer to the distributing user A may be displayed in some areas (chat areas), for example, in the upper area 510 as illustrated in FIG. 7. As the comment information, for example, it may include any comment information such as a comment 512 from viewer X cheering for distributing user A, a comment 514 indicating that viewer Y has given a gift G1 to distributing user A, and the like.

[0088] Returning to FIG. 5A, in ST312, the terminal device 10A transmits the second video (game screen) 500 generated in ST310 to the distribution server device 20a of the distribution server system 20A. The distribution server device 20a distributes the second video received from the terminal device 10A to the terminal devices 10 of each viewer who is executing the video viewing application. As a result, the second video 500 as illustrated in FIG. 7 can also be displayed on the display unit 130 of each viewer's terminal device 10 (for example, covering the first video 404 as illustrated in FIG. 6 and hiding most of the first video 404).

[0089] Next, consider the case where viewer B, who is viewing the second video 500 transmitted by the terminal device 10A, gives a gift G2 to the distributing user A. Viewer B can operate the terminal device 10B to select a command to select gift B from among a plurality of prepared gifts and give it to the distributing user A. As a result, the terminal device 10B transmits gift information indicating that gift G2 is to be given to the distributing user A to the distribution server device 20a of the distribution server system 20A. This gift information may include, for example, recipient identification information for identifying the recipient (distributing user A) of the gift, gift identification information for identifying the gift, and sender identification information for identifying the sender (viewer B) of the gift.

[0090] When the viewing user B operates the terminal device 10B to give a gift, it is also possible to send a comment according to this gift. In this case, the gift information sent by the terminal device 10B to the distribution server device 20a can also include comment information in addition to the recipient identification information, gift identification information, and sender identification information.

[0091] In ST316, the distribution server device 20a can store the gift information received from the terminal device 10B in the DB server device 20b. For example, the DB server device 20b can store, in association with the recipient identification information, the number identification information for identifying which gift was given, the gift identification information, and the sender identification information (and further comment information) as gift information.

[0092] In ST318, during the execution of the game, the terminal device 10A of the distribution user A can inquire of the game API server device 20c whether new gift information has arrived for the distribution user A at a predetermined cycle. For example, if the terminal device 10A has received one piece of gift information (for example, the gift information from the viewing user Y illustrated in FIG. 7) from the game API server device 20c since the start of the game, it can inquire of the game API server device 20c about the presence or absence of gift information from the second piece onward.

[0093] In ST320, in response to an inquiry from the terminal device 10A, the game API server device 20c requests the DB server device 20b for gift information for the second and subsequent items regarding the distribution user A. If the DB server device 20b can retrieve the item number identification information for the second and subsequent items as the item number identification information associated with the distribution user A (recipient identification information), it transmits the gift identification information and the sender identification information (and further comment information) corresponding to each of the item number identification information for the second and subsequent items to the game API server device 20c as the gift information for the second item. Here, it is assumed that the DB server device 20b can only retrieve the item number identification information for the second item, and it transmits the gift identification information and the sender identification information (and further comment information) corresponding to this item number identification information for the second item to the game API server device 20c as the gift information for the second item. In response to this, the game API server device 20c transmits the gift information for the second item to the terminal device 10A of the distribution user A.

[0094] Next, referring to FIG. 5B, in ST322, the terminal device 10A that has received the second gift information can execute a game based on this second gift information. The terminal device 10A can display, on the game screen (the second video), a game object set based on the sender (here, the viewing user B) identified by the sender identification information included in the gift information and / or the gift (here, gift G2) uniquely identified by the gift identification information included in the gift information. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, the terminal device 10A can also display, in the second video, a game object corresponding to gift G2 (for example, any one of game objects 520A to 520F). Although not shown, the terminal device 10A can also display, in the second video, a game object (enemy character and / or ally character) including the avatar object of the viewing user B, for example. The terminal device 10A can also display, in the second video, a self-game object (a game object including the second avatar object of the distribution user A) whose hit points have increased based on gift G2. Each terminal device 10 can generate and display a second video including the avatar object of each viewing user and / or each gift by storing the avatar object (image) of its user (viewing user) in association with each sender identification information and storing the gift (image), etc. in association with each gift identification information. A specific method for generating the second video based on the gift information will be described later in section "5".

[0095] Also, the terminal device 10A can also display the comment information included in the gift information on the game screen (the second video). For example, as illustrated in FIG. 7, when the viewing user B selects to send a comment when granting gift G2 to the distribution user A in ST314, the terminal device 10A can display the comment information 516 "It's gift G2." on the second video 500. In this way, the comment of the viewing user displayed in the second video 500 may correspond to the gift information sent by that viewing user to that distribution user.

[0096] Note that the terminal device 10A has received two pieces of gift information from the game API server device 20c so far (the terminal device 10A identifies how many pieces of gift information it has received so far during the execution of the game). Therefore, in the next cycle, it is possible to inquire of the game API server device 20c about the presence or absence of gift information from the third piece onward.

[0097] Next, returning to FIG. 5B, in ST324, the terminal device 10A distributes the second video 500 including the game object set based on the gift information to the terminal devices 10 of each viewing user via the distribution server system 20A by the same method as in ST312.

[0098] Next, in ST326, when the terminal device 10A continues the game, the processes after ST308 described above can be repeated. On the other hand, when the terminal device 10A does not continue the game, the process ends.

[0099] 5. Generation of the second video (game screen) based on gift information Next, a specific method for generating the second video based on the gift information mentioned in relation to ST308 to ST324 above will be described.

[0100] 5-1. First example FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the second video displayed on the display unit of the terminal device 10A when the first unit section of the game is being executed by the terminal device 10A shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the second video displayed on the display unit of the terminal device 10A when the first unit section of the game shown in FIG. 1 ends. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the second video displayed on the display unit of the terminal device 10A when the first time section of the game is being executed by the terminal device 10A shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a specific example of the operation performed in the video distribution system 1 shown in FIG. 1.

[0101] As illustrated in FIG. 7, in the game described herein, the distribution user A moves the self-game object 504 including the second avatar object 502 upward, causing the self-game object 504 to collide with a ball (in FIG. 7, as an example, balls 506A and 506B are shown), which is one of the game objects, and dropping this ball into a pocket (in FIG. 7, as an example, pockets 508A and 508B are shown), which is one of the game objects.

[0102] Each time the distribution user A moves the self-game object 504 once, the hit points (physical strength) shown in the gauge 518 displayed as "life" decrease by one. These hit points also correspond to the number of times (operation times or movement times) that the distribution user A can operate or move the self-game object 504. When the hit points shown in the gauge 518 reach 0, the game ends. Such hit points increase by one when the distribution user A can drop one ball (506A or 506B) into a pocket (508A or 508B).

[0103] Also, when the self-game object 504 falls into a pocket (508A or 508B), the game ends.

[0104] First, in ST1000 shown in FIG. 10, the terminal device 10A of the distribution user A executes the first unit interval of the game. Note that the execution of the first unit interval may be started by the distribution user A performing at least one operation (for example, an operation of clicking a start button and / or an operation of touching the self-game object 504, etc.) via the user interface unit 150. When this first unit interval is executed, the distribution user A can move the self-game object 504 of the distribution user A, for example, only once via the user interface unit 150 of the terminal device 10A. Specifically, for example, the distribution user A touches the self-game object 504 with a finger on a touch panel (not shown) and moves it in a desired direction D 1By shifting (swiping), the direction D of the force acting on the self-game object 504 can be adjusted. 2 The direction D of the force ( 2 is represented by the direction in which the arrow 501 points. Note that direction D 1 and direction D 2 have a relationship that is mutually different by 180 degrees.). In this state, furthermore, the more the distribution user moves their finger downward (or upward), the more the magnitude of the force acting on the self-game object 504 can be increased (or decreased) (the magnitude of the force is represented by the length of the arrow 501).

[0105] When the distribution user A releases their finger from the touch panel, the self-game object 504 is applied with a force having the magnitude indicated by the arrow 501 and moves in the direction indicated by the arrow 501.

[0106] As a result, the self-game object 504 can collide with the ball 506A and drop this ball into the pocket 508A, and roll to the area between the pocket 508A and the pocket 508B and the new pocket 508D as illustrated in FIG. 8. Since the self-game object 504 moves from the position illustrated in FIG. 7 to the position illustrated in FIG. 8, the second video 500 can be expressed such that the entire screen scrolls downward. In the example shown in FIG. 8, the second video 500 can scroll so that the self-game object 504 is always displayed approximately in the center in the vertical direction.

[0107] Returning to FIG. 10, in ST1002, in parallel with such an operation of the distribution user A, that is, in parallel with the terminal device 10A executing the first unit interval, the terminal device 10A can receive gift information from the terminal devices 10 of each viewing user who is viewing the second video 500 via the distribution server system 20 (by the method described above with reference to FIGS. 5A and 5B). However, game objects based on such gift information are not displayed in the second video 500 (except for the comment 516 illustrated in FIG. 7) while the first unit interval is being executed.

[0108] Next, when the distribution user A performs a series of operations (at least one operation) including an operation of touching the touch panel with a finger, an operation of moving the finger that has touched the touch panel downward (including an operation of moving the finger in an arbitrary direction to adjust the force and direction acting on the self-game object 504), and an operation of separating the finger from the touch panel, the self-game object 504 can move to the position illustrated in FIG. 8 and stop at that position. In this way, when the self-game object 504 stops at the position illustrated in FIG. 8, in ST1004 shown in FIG. 10, the terminal device 10A ends the execution of the first unit interval.

[0109] Next, in ST1006, the terminal device 10A can display game objects based on the gift information received while executing the first unit interval in the second video 500 in the first time interval that occurs after the first unit interval. Specifically, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 9, for example, six types of gift objects 520A, 520B, 520C, 520D, 520E, and 520F can be displayed in the second video 500 in the first time interval.

[0110] In the example shown in FIG. 9, as the first type of gift object 520A, there are three gift objects 520A having a shape imitating a white star 1 , 520A 2 and 520A 3is being displayed. As the second type of gift object 520B, there are two gift objects 520B having a shape imitating a black-painted star 1 and 520B 2 is being displayed. As the third type of gift object 520C, there are two gift objects 520C having a shape imitating a white diamond 1 and 520C 2 is being displayed. As the fourth type of gift object 520D, there is one gift object 520D having a shape imitating a white heart 1 is being displayed. As the fifth type of gift object 520E, there is one gift object 520E having the character "Bravo!" 1 is being displayed. As the sixth type of gift object 520F, there are two gift objects 520F having the character "☆ Wonderful ☆" 1 and 520F 2 is being displayed. Note that seven or more types of gift objects 520 may be displayed

[0111] Such a gift object can be displayed in the area between a plurality of game objects that are important for the progress of the game and do not overlap with the plurality of game objects displayed in the second video 500. The plurality of important game objects include, for example, the ball 506, the pocket 508, the self-game object 504, etc. illustrated in FIG. 9. An important game object is a game object that may prevent the progress of the game if it is displayed overlapping any gift object. For example, if the ball 506, the pocket 508, and the self-game object 504 are hidden by any gift object, the distribution user A cannot recognize where these game objects are displayed in the second video 500, so it may be difficult to play the game smoothly. Therefore, as illustrated in FIG. 9, in the technology disclosed in the present application, since the gift object is displayed in the area between a plurality of important game objects, these plurality of important game objects are clearly displayed without being hidden by the gift object. Thus, the distribution user A can play the game without being hindered in the progress of the game.

[0112] For each of the plurality of types of gifts used in the video distribution system 1 in this way, a unique gift object (that is, gift identification information for identifying the gift) is assigned. The terminal device 10A of the distribution user A can specify an appropriate gift object to be displayed from among the gift objects assigned to each of the plurality of types of gifts by using the gift identification information (see ST314) included in the gift information received from the terminal device 10 of each viewing user via the distribution server device system 20.

[0113] Returning to FIG. 10, in ST1008, the terminal device 10A executes the second unit interval of the game. Note that the execution of the second unit interval may be started when the distribution user A performs at least one operation (for example, an operation of clicking the start button and / or an operation of touching the self-game object 504) via the user interface unit 150. When this second unit interval is executed, the distribution user A can move the self-game object 504 again, for example, only once via the user interface unit 150 of the terminal device 10A. The operations executable by the distribution user A to move the self-game object 504 are as described in the above ST1000.

[0114] In this second unit interval, in one embodiment, the gift objects (the gift objects illustrated in FIG. 9) displayed in the first time interval can all be displayed as they are. In one embodiment, when the self-game object 504 interacts (for example, comes into contact) with at least one of these displayed gift objects, the distribution user A can acquire the score (points) and / or parameters corresponding to the gift object that interacted in such a manner. Therefore, the distribution user can move the self-game object 504 while attempting to interact with more gift objects and / or attempting to drop the ball 506C into the pocket 508C.

[0115] Note that in one embodiment, when the self-game object 504 interacts with the gift object displayed in the second video 500, the distribution user A can acquire the score corresponding to the gift object (gift identification information). Thereby, the distribution user A can acquire a higher score (points) by causing the self-game object 504 to interact with more gift objects.

[0116] In another embodiment, when the self-game object 504 interacts with a gift object displayed in the second video 500, the self-game object 504 can obtain parameters corresponding to the gift object (gift identification information). Such parameters may include the attack power, defense power, physical strength, mobility, equipment, and / or items of the self-game object 504. Thereby, the distribution user A can obtain a higher score (points) by causing the self-game object 504 to interact with more gift objects.

[0117] Furthermore, the values of such scores (points) and / or parameters can be set based on the given gift (gift identification information). Specifically, for example, in a situation where the viewing user C gives a gift to the distribution user A using the terminal device 10C, the viewing user C can select a desired gift from among a plurality of prepared gifts. A point (gift point) corresponding to each of these plurality of gifts is set and displayed. In one embodiment, the gift point corresponding to a certain gift can be a point based on the purchase amount of the gift (the purchase amount of the gift itself, or a point proportional to the purchase amount of the gift). In another embodiment, each viewing user can obtain points (also referred to as "my points") each time they view a second video (which may be the first video) distributed by the distribution user. Each viewing user can select a desired free gift from among a plurality of prepared free gifts, and can obtain this desired free gift by consuming the my points they possess. Thus, in this case, the gift point corresponding to a certain gift can be a point based on the number of my points consumed when obtaining the gift (the number of my points consumed when obtaining the gift itself, or a point proportional to the number of my points).

[0118] The terminal device 10A of the distribution user A that has received gift information from the viewing user C reads out the gift points corresponding to the gift identification information included in the gift information from the storage unit 140, and based on the read gift points (for example, in proportion to the gift points), it is possible to set the score (points) acquired by the distribution user A and / or the above parameters of the self-game object 504.

[0119] In ST1010, in parallel with such an operation of the distribution user A, that is, in parallel with the terminal device 10A executing the second unit interval, the terminal device 10A can receive gift information (by the method described above with reference to FIGS. 5A and 5B) from the terminal devices 10 of each viewing user who is viewing this second video 500 via the distribution server system 20. However, game objects based on such gift information are not displayed in the second video 500 (except for the comment 516 illustrated in FIG. 7) while the second unit interval is being executed.

[0120] Next, in ST1012, when the distribution user A executes the above-described series of operations (at least one operation), the self-game object 504 can move from the position illustrated in FIG. 9 (or FIG. 8) to a new position (not illustrated) and stop at that position. In this way, when the self-game object 504 stops at the new position, the terminal device 10A ends the execution of the second unit interval.

[0121] After that, until the game ends, the terminal device 10A can repeat, in ST1016, the operation of executing the Mth unit interval (where M is a natural number of 3 or more) and displaying the game object based on the gift information received during the execution of the Mth unit interval in the second video in the Mth time interval.

[0122] In this way, when each viewer who watches the second video 500 sends gift information to the distributing user, a game object based on the gift information is displayed as a game object that can affect the self-game object 504 in the second video 500 viewed by the distributing user and each viewer. As a result, each viewer can affect the success or failure of the game played by the distributing user by sending gift information to the distributing user, and thus can feel as if they are participating in the game. Furthermore, each viewer can select a gift with a higher gift point (for example, price) as the gift to be given to the distributing user, so that the game object set based on the height of the gift point affects the self-game object (has a greater impact on the success or failure of the game). Thereby, each viewer can more strongly feel as if they are participating in the game.

[0123] Furthermore, the terminal device 10A of the distributing user A does not display a game object based on the gift information received during the execution of a unit interval in the game in the second video 500 during that unit interval, but can display it in the second video 500 collectively in the time interval occurring after that unit interval. Thereby, the terminal device 10A can suppress a situation where the execution of the unit interval (that is, the game play by the distributing user A) is inhibited by the game object based on the received gift information.

[0124] Specifically, for example, while the unit interval is being executed, when the distributing user A touches the touch panel with his finger and moves his own game object 504 in, for example, ST1000 (FIG. 7) and ST1008 (FIG. 9), if a game object based on the gift information received from each viewing user in that unit interval is displayed in the second video 500 in real time, an interaction unintended by the user may occur between the moved own game object 504 and the game object based on the suddenly appearing gift information, or at least a part of such an important game object may be hidden when the game object based on the suddenly appearing gift information overlaps and is displayed on the important game object especially as the screen scrolls. However, in the technology disclosed in the present application, the terminal device 10A of the distributing user A does not display a game object based on the gift information received during the execution of the unit interval in the game in the second video 500 during that unit interval, but can display it in the second video 500 collectively in the time interval occurring after that unit interval. Thereby, the possibility of such inconvenience can be suppressed. Such a display restriction on the game object based on the gift information is particularly useful in mobile phones, smartphones, etc. where the size of the display is small (the resolution is low), increasing the possibility that an important game object and a game object based on the gift information (gift object) overlap.

[0125] Furthermore, generally, when a game program is installed in the terminal device 10, or when the game program is incorporated into a video distribution application installed in the terminal device 10, in order to execute a new game, the terminal device 10 needs to install a new game program or a video distribution application incorporating the new game program. In this case, from the perspective of the game program manufacturer, since it is necessary to prepare game programs corresponding to each of a plurality of operating systems, there is a problem that the man-hours required for manufacturing the game program increase. On the other hand, from the user's perspective, in order to obtain a new game, it is necessary to download a new game program and / or update an existing game program, so there are problems such as communication load, communication cost, time, and laboriousness.

[0126] In contrast, in the technology disclosed in the present application, the terminal device 10 of the distribution user does not execute the game program installed in this terminal device 10 in order to execute a game, but calls the browser function incorporated in the video distribution application, and uses this browser function to receive a web page (HTML document, particularly an HTML5 document) from the web server device 20B and execute the game program incorporated in this web page. Thereby, the terminal device 10 of the distribution user can easily execute a new game. Therefore, when providing a new game, the game program manufacturer only needs to incorporate the new game program into the web page (HTML document, particularly an HTML5 document) transmitted by the web server device 20B, so that the man-hours required for manufacturing the new game program can be suppressed. Also, since the user does not need to download a new game program or the like in order to receive the provision of a new game, the communication load, communication cost, time, and labor can be suppressed.

[0127] 5-2. Second example FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing another example of the second video displayed on the display unit of the terminal device 10A when the first unit interval of the game is being executed by the terminal device 10A shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing still another example of the second video displayed on the display unit of the terminal device 10A when the first unit interval of the game is being executed by the terminal device 10A shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing another example of the second video displayed on the display unit of the terminal device 10A when the first unit interval of the game shown in FIG. 1 ends. FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing another example of the second video displayed on the display unit of the terminal device 10A when the first time interval of the game is being executed by the terminal device 10A shown in FIG. 1.

[0128] As exemplified in FIG. 11, the game described here is such that the distributing user A draws a picture in area 606 within the time limit displayed in area 604 according to the theme displayed in area 602.

[0129] Also in this example, FIG. 10 used in the first example is similarly referred to. Regarding matters common to the first example in the second example, detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0130] First, in ST1000 shown in FIG. 10, the terminal device 10A of the distributing user A executes the first unit interval of the game. The execution of the first unit interval may be started by the distributing user A performing at least one operation (for example, an operation of clicking the start button and / or an operation of drawing a picture in area 606) via the user interface unit 150. Thereby, as exemplified in FIG. 11, the terminal device 10A can display the theme in area 602 and the time limit that decreases with the passage of time in area 604 in the second video 600. The distributing user A can draw a picture in area 606, for example, as exemplified in FIG. 12, by touching and moving a finger or a touch pen on the touch panel or the like.

[0131] Returning to FIG. 10, in ST1002, in parallel with such an operation of the distribution user A, that is, in parallel with the terminal device 10A executing the first unit interval, the terminal device 10A can receive gift information (by the method described above with reference to FIGS. 5A and 5B) from the terminal devices 10 of each viewing user who is viewing the second video 500 via the distribution server system 20. However, game objects based on such gift information are not displayed in the second video 500 (except for the comment 610 illustrated in the area 608 of FIG. 12) while the first unit interval is being executed. Note that the comment 610 displayed in the area 608 can be displayed by a method similar to that described above in relation to the first example.

[0132] Next, in ST1004, when the time limit runs out, the terminal device 10A ends the execution of the first unit interval. Next, in ST1006, the terminal device 10A can display game objects based on the gift information received while executing the first unit interval in the second video 600 in the first time interval that occurs after the first unit interval. Specifically, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 13, for example, two types of gift objects 520A, 520B can be displayed in the second video 600 in the first time interval. In the example shown in FIG. 13, as the first type of gift object 520A, there are two gift objects 520A 1 and 520A 2 displayed, which have a shape imitating a white star. As the second type of gift object 520B, there is one gift object 520B 1 displayed, which has a shape imitating a black star.

[0133] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the terminal device 10A can display game objects (real-time gift objects) based on the gift information (real-time gift information) received while executing the first "time interval" in the second video 600 in this first time interval.

[0134] Specifically, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 14, for the real-time gift object, as the third type of gift object 520C, there is one gift object 520C having a shape imitating a white diamond 1 is displayed. Further, as the fourth type of gift object 520D, there are two gift objects 520D having a shape imitating a white heart 1 and 520D 2 are displayed. As the fifth type of gift object 520E, there is one gift object 520E having the character "Bravo!" 1 is displayed. As the sixth type of gift object 520F, there is one gift object 520F having the character "☆ Wonderful ☆" 1 is displayed. Note that seven or more types of gift objects 520 may be displayed.

[0135] Such gift objects can be displayed in the area between these important plurality of game objects so as not to overlap with the plurality of game objects important for the progress of the game, which are displayed in the second video 600. The plurality of important game objects include, for example, area 602 and area 606 etc. illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14.

[0136] Returning to FIG. 10, thereafter, until the game ends, the terminal device 10A can repeat the operation of, in ST1008 and later, executing the L-th unit interval (where L is a natural number of 2 or more) and displaying, in the second video in the L-th time interval, the game object based on the gift information received during the execution of the L-th unit interval (furthermore, the L-th "time interval").

[0137] In addition, in one embodiment, when a gift object is displayed in the second video 600, the distribution user A can obtain a score corresponding to the gift object (gift identification information). Thereby, the distribution user A can obtain a higher score (points) by receiving more gift information from the viewing user.

[0138] In another embodiment, when a gift object is displayed in the second video 600, the distribution user A can obtain a parameter corresponding to the gift object (gift identification information). This parameter may include the number of colors that can be represented in the picture drawn in the area 600, and / or the time for increasing the limited time, etc. Thereby, the distribution user A can obtain a higher score (points) by receiving more gift information from the viewing user.

[0139] Furthermore, the values of such scores (points) and / or parameters can be set based on the given gift (gift identification information). Specifically, for example, in a situation where the viewing user C uses the terminal device 10C to give a gift to the distribution user A, the viewing user C can select a desired gift from among a plurality of prepared gifts. For each of these plurality of gifts, a point (gift point) corresponding to the gift is set and displayed. In one embodiment, the gift point corresponding to a certain gift can be the purchase amount of the gift. In another embodiment, each viewing user can obtain points (also referred to as "my points") each time they view the second video (which may be the first video) distributed by the distribution user. Each viewing user can select a desired free gift from among a plurality of prepared free gifts, and can obtain this desired free gift by consuming the held my points. Therefore, in this case, the gift point corresponding to a certain gift can be the number of my points consumed when obtaining the gift.

[0140] The terminal device 10A of the distribution user A that has received gift information from the viewing user C reads out gift points corresponding to the gift identification information included in the gift information from the storage unit 140, and based on the read gift points (for example, in proportion to the gift points), it can set the score (points) obtained by the distribution user A and / or the above parameters of the self-game object 504.

[0141] In this way, each viewing user who views the second video 600, when sending gift information to the distribution user, a game object based on the gift information is displayed as a game object that can affect the distribution user in the second video 600 viewed by the distribution user and each viewing user. As a result, each viewing user can affect the success or failure of the game played by the distribution user by sending gift information to the distribution user, so that they can get a feeling of participating in the game. Furthermore, each viewing user can select a gift with a higher gift point (for example, price) as the gift to be given to the distribution user, and the game object set based on the height of the gift point will affect the self-game object (have a greater impact on the success or failure of the game). As a result, each viewing user can more strongly get a feeling of participating in the game.

[0142] Furthermore, the terminal device 10A of the distribution user A does not display the game object based on the gift information received during the execution of the unit interval in the game (furthermore, the time interval that occurs after this unit interval) in the second video 600 during that unit interval, but can display it in the second video 600 in a lump in the time interval that occurs after that unit interval. Thereby, the terminal device 10A can suppress a situation where the execution of the unit interval (that is, the game play by the distribution user A) is inhibited by the game object based on the received gift information.

[0143] Specifically, for example, while the unit interval is being executed, when the distributing user A touches the touch panel with a finger and draws a picture on, for example, ST1000 (FIG. 12 etc.), if a game object based on the gift information received from each viewing user in that unit interval is displayed in real time in the second video 500 (particularly, the area 604 indicating the limited time and the area 602 indicating the theme etc.), there may be an inconvenience such that at least a part of the characters indicating the theme and / or the remaining time is hidden due to the display of the game object based on the gift information that suddenly appears in the area 602 and / or the area 604. However, in the technology disclosed in the present application, the terminal device 10A of the distributing user A does not display the game object based on the gift information received during the execution of the unit interval in the game in the second video 600 during that unit interval, but can display it in the second video 600 collectively in the time interval that occurs after that unit interval. Thereby, the possibility of such an inconvenience occurring can be suppressed.

[0144] 5-3. Third example The third example is that, in the first example or the second example described above, among the gift objects based on the gift information received from the viewing user while the unit interval is being executed, only the selected gift object is displayed in the time interval that occurs after this unit interval. Here, the third example based on the first example will be described, but the third example is similarly applicable to the second example.

[0145] For the sake of simplicity of explanation, a maximum of, for example, 8 types of gift objects (gift objects A to H) are prepared as multiple types of gift objects, and in one time interval, for example, 6 types of these 8 types of gift objects are selected and displayed. Here, the gift object A is assigned the gift object A unique to this gift A, the gift object B is assigned the gift object B unique to this gift B, and similarly, the gift objects C to H are each assigned unique gift objects C to H.

[0146] FIG. 15 is a diagram schematically showing a method of selecting gift objects to be displayed in each time interval in the video distribution system 1 shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 15, in the first unit interval, the terminal device 10A of the distribution user A receives 10, 1, 9, 1, 8, 1, 0, and 0 gift objects A to H, respectively, from the terminal devices 10 of any viewing users (ST1002).

[0147] First, for the first unit interval, among the gift objects A to H, the top N types (here, 3 types) of gift objects corresponding to the top N types (3 types) of gifts with the largest number of gifts given are selected as the first gift objects. Here, the top 3 types of gift objects (gift objects A, C, E) corresponding to the top 3 types of gifts (gifts A, C, E) with the largest number of gifts given are selected as the first gift objects.

[0148] Furthermore, for the first unit interval, among the gift objects excluding the first gift objects selected as described above, M types (here, 3 types) of gift objects selected according to the priority are selected as the second gift objects. The priority is determined based on the identification numbers assigned to each of the plurality of types of gift objects and the fact of whether or not they were selected as the first gift objects or the second gift objects in the unit interval immediately before the first unit interval.

[0149] In this example, among the gift objects excluding gift objects A, C, and E, three gift objects with young identification numbers (excluding those selected as the first gift object or the second gift object in the unit interval immediately before the first unit interval) are selected as the second gift object. Specifically, gift objects B, D, and F with young identification numbers are selected as the second gift object. Note that it is considered that those with young identification numbers are in the order of A to H (in another embodiment, it can be considered that those with young identification numbers are in the order of H to A).

[0150] As a result, in the first time interval occurring after the first unit interval, the terminal device 10A displays 10 gift objects A, 9 gift objects C, and 8 gift objects E as the first gift object, and 1 gift object B, 1 gift object D, and 1 gift object F as the second gift object in the second video (ST1006).

[0151] Next, in the second unit interval, the terminal device 10A of the distribution user A receives 8, 9, 10, 1, 1, 1, 1, and 1 gift objects A to H respectively from the terminal device 10 of any viewing user (ST1010).

[0152] First, for the second unit interval, among the gift objects A to H, the top N types (here, 3 types) of gift objects corresponding to the top N types (3 types) of gifts with the largest number of gifts given are selected as the first gift object. Here, the top 3 types of gift objects (gift objects A, B, and C) corresponding to the top 3 types of gifts (gifts A, B, and C) with the largest number of gifts given are selected as the first gift object.

[0153] Furthermore, for the second unit interval, among the gift objects excluding the first gift object selected as described above, M types (here, 3 types) of gift objects selected according to the priority are selected as the second gift object.

[0154] In this example, among the gift objects excluding gift objects A, B, and C, 3 types of gift objects with young identification numbers (however, excluding those selected as the first gift object or the second gift object in the first unit interval immediately before the second unit interval) are selected as the second gift object. Specifically, in the first unit interval, gift objects D, E, and F have already been selected as the first gift object or the second gift object. Therefore, first, gift objects G and H are selected as the second gift object. As the remaining 1 type of second gift object, gift object D, which has the youngest identification number among the remaining gift objects D, E, and F, is selected.

[0155] As a result, in the second time interval that occurs after the second unit interval, the terminal device 10A displays 8 gift objects A, 9 gift objects B, and 10 gift objects C as the first gift object, and 1 gift object G, 1 gift object H, and 1 gift object D as the second gift object in the second video (ST1014).

[0156] Here, among the gifts received by the terminal device 10A in the second unit interval, gift objects E and F will not be displayed in the second time interval, respectively. In one embodiment, the gift corresponding to the non-displayed gift object that is given in the second unit interval and not displayed as the first gift object or the second gift object in the second time interval can be carried over as the gift given in the third unit interval that occurs after the second unit interval.

[0157] Next, in the third unit interval, the terminal device 10A of the distribution user A receives one, one, one, ten, one, one, zero, and zero of gifts A to H, respectively, from the terminal devices 10 of any of the viewing users (ST1016). However, as described above, for the gifts given in the second unit interval and corresponding to the non-displayed gift objects that were not displayed in the second time interval (one gift E and one gift F), they are carried over as the gifts given in the third unit interval. Therefore, finally, in the third unit interval, the terminal device 10A of the distribution user A receives one, one, one, ten, two (one of which is carried over from the second unit interval), two (one of which is carried over from the second unit interval), zero, and zero of gifts A to H, respectively, from the terminal devices 10 of any of the viewing users.

[0158] First, for the third unit interval, among the gift objects A to H, the top N types (here, 3 types) of gift objects corresponding to the top N types (3 types) of gifts with the largest number of gifts given are selected as the first gift object. Here, the top 3 types of gift objects (gift objects D, E, F) corresponding to the top 3 types of gifts with the largest number of gifts given (gifts D, E, F) are selected as the first gift object.

[0159] Furthermore, for the third unit interval, among the gift objects excluding the first gift object selected as described above, M types (here, 3 types) of gift objects selected according to the priority are selected as the second gift object.

[0160] In this example, among the gift objects excluding the gift objects D, E, and F, three gift objects having young identification numbers (excluding those selected as the first gift object or the second gift object in the second unit interval immediately before the third unit interval) are selected as the second gift object. Specifically, in the second unit interval, the gift objects A, B, C, G, and H have all already been selected as the first gift object or the second gift object. Therefore, among these remaining gift objects A, B, C, G, and H, the three gift objects A, B, and C having the youngest identification numbers are selected as the second gift object.

[0161] As a result, in the third time interval that occurs after the third unit interval, the terminal device 10A displays, in the second video, 10 gift objects D, 2 gift objects E, and 2 gift objects F as the first gift object, and 1 gift object A, 1 gift object B, and 1 gift object C as the second gift object (ST1016).

[0162] In this way, among the gift objects based on the gift information received from the viewing user while the unit interval is being executed, only the selected gift objects can be displayed in the time interval that occurs after this unit interval. Thereby, when a large number of gift objects are displayed in the second video, it is possible to suppress the situation where the game board is unnaturally filled with a large number of gift objects and looks unpleasant, and / or a high load is imposed on the CPU 11 of the terminal device 10A of the distribution user A, preventing the progress of the game. Furthermore, it is also possible to suppress the situation where the same type of gift object is continuously displayed many times.

[0163] Furthermore, a gift given in a certain unit interval and corresponding to a non-displayed gift object that was not displayed in the time interval occurring immediately after this unit interval is carried over as a gift given in the next unit interval occurring immediately after the above time interval. As a result, as time passes, the gift object corresponding to the gift given by each viewer user to the distribution user A will surely be displayed in the second video as at least the second gift object (it may also be displayed as the first gift object). Therefore, the act of giving a gift by each viewer user will always be rewarded by the fact that the gift object corresponding to that gift will surely be displayed in the second video.

[0164] 5-4. Fourth example When the terminal device 10A of the distribution user A receives "a plurality" of specific types of gift information from the terminal devices 10 of at least one viewer user in, for example, ST1002 (or ST1010) shown in FIG. 10, the terminal device 10A of the distribution user A can display, in ST1006 (or ST1014), a plurality of gift objects corresponding to that specific type of gift information in the second video so as not to overlap each other (for example, as illustrated in FIG. 9, the gift objects 520C 1 and 520C 2 can be displayed in the second video 500 so as not to overlap each other). In this case, as the total number of gift objects corresponding to that specific type of gift information increases, the game progress may be hindered by the display of a large number of those gift objects.

[0165] Therefore, the terminal device 10A of the distribution user A can integrate these multiple identical gift objects in various ways according to the total number of these multiple identical gift objects and display them in the second video.

[0166] FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram showing yet another example of the second video displayed on the display unit of the terminal device 10A shown in FIG. 1. Here, for the sake of convenience, the total number of a plurality of identical gift objects is referred to as the "total number of objects".

[0167] First, as a first aspect, a mode in which a certain representative gift object overlaps by the "total number of objects" is available. As illustrated in FIG. 16, for example, when three target gift objects 520C are displayed (the total number of objects is 3), the three identical gift objects 520C are displayed in a mode in which a certain representative gift object 520C' overlaps by the total number of objects (here, 3). Here, as an example, the representative gift object 520C' is the same as each of the gift objects 520C, but may be a modified (enlarged, reduced, rotated, inverted, or excerpted, etc.) version of the gift object 520C, or may be a representation of the gift object 520C using characters and / or symbols, etc.

[0168] As a second aspect, a mode expressed by a combination of a certain representative gift object and a character indicating the total number of objects is available. In the example shown in FIG. 16, for example, when 98 gift objects 520C are displayed (the total number of objects is 98), the 98 identical gift objects 520C are expressed by a combination of a certain representative gift object 520C' and a character (such as "98" or "×98", etc.) indicating the total number of objects (here, 98). Here, as an example, the representative gift object 520C' is the same as each of the gift objects 520C, but may be a modified (enlarged, reduced, rotated, inverted, or excerpted, etc.) version of the gift object 520C, or may be a representation of the gift object 520C using characters and / or symbols, etc.

[0169] As a third aspect, a mode in which a certain representative gift object is expressed by a density corresponding to the total number of objects can be used. For example, the density of the color given to the representative gift object can be set to be high (or low) in proportion to the total number of objects. Also in this mode, the representative gift object can be the same as the target gift object, but it may be a modified (enlarged, reduced, rotated, inverted, or excerpted, etc.) version of the target gift object, or it may be a representation of the target gift object using characters and / or symbols, etc.

[0170] As a fourth aspect, a mode in which a certain representative gift object is expressed by a size corresponding to the total number of objects can be used. For example, the size of the representative gift object can be set to be large (or inversely small) in proportion to the total number of objects. Also in this mode, the representative gift object can be the same as the target gift object, but it may be a modified (enlarged, reduced, rotated, inverted, or excerpted, etc.) version of the target gift object.

[0171] Note that the above-described first to fourth aspects are applicable when displaying a plurality of identical gift objects in the second video. The identical gift objects may include, without limitation, each of the gift objects 520A, 520B, 520D, 520E, and 520F illustrated in FIG. 9. Furthermore, the above-described first to fourth aspects can be used in combination with each other.

[0172] As a result, the terminal device 10 of the distributing user can integrate a plurality of identical gift objects in a manner according to the total number of these gift objects and display them in the second video. Thereby, the terminal device 10 can surely show in the second video the fact that a plurality of identical gifts have been given to the distributing user (that is, the fact that each viewing user has given a gift to the distributing user), and at least partially suppress a situation where the progress of the game being distributed is hindered.

[0173] By displaying a plurality of gift objects in a manner according to the total number of these gift objects, it is possible to suppress the size occupied by these plurality of gift objects in the display unit and the amount of calculation required for the drawing and processing of these plurality of gift objects. Generally, the resolution (screen size) of the display unit of the user's terminal device 10 and the calculation ability of the user's terminal device 10 are limited, and are further limited in the order of personal computer, smartphone, and feature phone. Therefore, displaying a plurality of gift objects in a manner according to the total number of these gift objects is particularly important for the terminal device 10 having such limited resolution and calculation ability.

[0174] 6. Modification example The unit interval executed by the terminal device 10A of the distributing user A can include the time point from when the progress of the game starts by the distributing user A executing at least one operation to the time point when the progress of this game stops. Such a unit interval may be selected from the group including at least one action, at least one scene, at least one scenario, at least one stage, at least one surface, at least one game, and combinations thereof.

[0175] As long as the game distributed as the second video is a game capable of repeating such a unit interval and unit time at least once, it may be a shooting game, a sports game, a role-playing game, an action game, a simulation game, a breeding game, and / or a puzzle game, etc.

[0176] In the various embodiments described above, the case where the terminal device 10 of the distribution user receives an HTML (especially HTML5) document incorporating a game program from the web server device 20B in order to generate a video related to the game (second video) has been described. However, instead of the configuration in which the terminal device 10 of the distribution user receives an HTML document incorporating a game program from the web server device 20B, the installed video distribution application is executed to receive necessary information from a data server device (or some server device not shown included in the distribution server system 20A) not shown, and it is also possible to generate a second video including a screen related to the game.

[0177] In the various embodiments described above, the terminal device 10 of the distribution user may be a smartphone or the like used by a general user, or may be a dedicated terminal device installed in a studio or the like. In this case, at least one server device among the distribution server device 20a, the DB server device 20b, and the game API server device 20c (furthermore, the web server device 20B) included in the distribution server system 20A may be installed together with the dedicated terminal device in the studio or the like.

[0178] In the various embodiments described above, the case where the terminal device 10 of the distributing user generates a first video including the animation of the first avatar object of this distributing user based on the operation data regarding the operation of the distributing user and the audio data regarding the voice of the distributing user, and transmits this first video to the distribution server device 20a has been described. However, the terminal device 10 of the distributing user may transmit the operation data regarding the operation of the distributing user and the audio data regarding the voice of the distributing user to the distribution server device 20a, and the distribution server device 20a may generate a first video based on this operation data and audio data and distribute it to the terminal devices 10 of each viewing user. Alternatively, the terminal device 10 of the distributing user may transmit the operation data regarding the operation of the distributing user and the audio data regarding the voice of the distributing user to a separately provided server device, and this separately provided server device may generate a first video based on the operation data and audio data and return it to the terminal device 10 of the distributing user, and the terminal device 10 of the distributing user may transmit the received first video to the distribution server device 20a. Furthermore, the terminal device 10 of the distributing user may transmit the operation data regarding the operation of the distributing user and the audio data regarding the voice of the distributing user to the terminal devices 10 of each viewing user via the distribution server device 20a or the above-mentioned separately provided server device, and the terminal devices 10 of each viewing user may generate (render) and display a first video based on the received operation data and audio data.

[0179] Also, in any of the above cases, generating the first video based on the operation data and audio data transmitted by the terminal device 10 of the distributing user may be shared among at least two of the devices including the distribution server device 20a, the above-mentioned separately provided server device, and the terminal devices 10 of each viewing user. In any case, the device responsible for generating the first video can receive and store information (such as an image) regarding the avatar object to be operated from, for example, the distribution server device 20a or the like.

[0180] Furthermore, in any case, the gift information and / or comment information transmitted by the terminal device 10 of each viewing user can be transmitted to the device responsible for generating the first video among the distribution server device 20a, the separate server device, and the terminal device 10 of each viewing user by any method. Thereby, the device that generates the first video can execute processing based on the received gift information (for example, displaying a gift object in the first video) and / or processing based on the received comment information (for example, displaying a comment in the first video). Also, in any case, the device responsible for generating the first video can receive and store information (such as images) corresponding to various gifts used, for example, from the distribution server device 20a or the like.

[0181] In the various embodiments described above, the case where comment information is transmitted from the terminal device 10 of a viewing user to the terminal device 10 of a distribution user via the distribution server system 20A in a form incorporated into the gift information has been described. However, the comment information may be transmitted to the terminal device 10 of the distribution user separately from the gift information. In this case, it is possible to separately provide a configuration equivalent to the above-described DB server device 20b and game API server device 20c used for transmitting the gift information for transmitting the comment information.

[0182] The various embodiments described above can be used in combination with each other as long as no contradiction or inconvenience occurs.

[0183] 7. Supplementary note The computer program according to the first aspect can cause the processor to "distribute, via a communication line, a first video including animation of operation data related to the actions of a distribution user or an animation of a first avatar object of the distribution user generated based on the operation data, and a second video related to a game generated based on operation data related to the operations of the distribution user using a received web page, to a terminal device of a viewing user; receive, via the communication line, gift information indicating that a gift is to be given to the distribution user generated by the terminal device of the viewing user via an operation of the viewing user who views the second video while a unit section of the game is being executed; and distribute, via the communication line, the second video to the terminal device of the viewer such that a gift object generated based on the gift information is displayed in a time period from after the unit section ends until before the next unit section starts." In the computer program according to the second aspect, in the first aspect, "the unit section may include a time period from when the progress of the game starts by the distribution user executing at least one operation to when the progress of the game stops." In the computer program according to the third aspect, in the first aspect or the second aspect, "the gift object may not overlap with an important game object in the game when displayed in the time period in the second video." In the computer program according to the fourth aspect, in any one of the first aspect to the third aspect, "the gift object may be displayed in a region located between a certain game object and another game object displayed in the second video." In the computer program according to the fifth aspect, in any one of the first to fourth aspects, "the gift includes a plurality of types of gifts, the gift object includes a plurality of types of gift objects, and a unique gift object among the plurality of types of gift objects is assigned to each of the plurality of types of gifts". In the computer program according to the sixth aspect, in the fifth aspect, "for the unit interval, the top N types of gift objects corresponding to the top N types of gifts with the largest number of gifts given among the plurality of types of gift objects are determined as the first gift objects, where N is a natural number, and for the unit interval, M types of gift objects selected according to the priority among the plurality of types of gift objects excluding the first gift object are determined as the second gift objects, where M is a natural number, and in the time interval, the first gift object and the second gift object are displayed in the second image". In the computer program according to the seventh aspect, in the sixth aspect, "the priority is determined based on the identification number assigned to each of the plurality of types of gift objects and the fact of whether or not it was displayed as the first gift object or the second gift object in the time interval before the time interval". In the computer program according to the eighth aspect, in the seventh aspect, "for the next unit interval occurring after the unit interval and the time interval, among the plurality of types of gift objects, the top N types of gift objects corresponding to the top N types of gifts with the largest number of gifts granted are determined as new first gift objects, where N is a natural number, and for the next unit interval, among the plurality of types of gift objects excluding the new first gift object, M types of gift objects selected according to priority are determined as new second gift objects, where M is a natural number, and in the next time interval occurring after the next unit time, the new first gift object and the new second gift object are displayed in the second image". In the computer program according to the ninth aspect, in the eighth aspect, "a gift corresponding to a non-displayed gift object that was a gift granted in the unit interval and not displayed as the first gift object or the second gift object in the time interval is carried over as a gift granted in the next unit interval". In the computer program according to the tenth aspect, in any one of the first aspect to the ninth aspect, "real-time gift information indicating that a gift is to be granted to the distribution user, generated by the viewer's terminal device via an operation of the viewer who views the second video in the time interval, is received via a communication line, and a real-time gift object generated based on the real-time gift information is displayed in the time interval, and the second video is distributed via the communication line to the viewer's terminal device". In the computer program according to the eleventh aspect, in any one of the first aspect to the tenth aspect, "the web page is generated according to HTML5". In the computer program according to the twelfth aspect, in any one of the first aspect to the eleventh aspect, "the communication line can include the Internet". In the computer program according to the 13th aspect, in any one of the 1st aspect to the 12th aspect, "the processor may be a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, or a graphics processing unit (GPU)". The method according to the computer program of the 14th aspect is "a method executed by at least one processor that executes instructions readable by a computer, including a first video including animation of the first avatar object of the distribution user related to the operation data of the distribution user or generated based on the operation data, and a second video related to a game generated based on operation data related to the operation of the distribution user using the received web page, and distributing the first video and the second video to the terminal device of the viewing user via a communication line; during the execution of a unit interval of the game, receiving, via the communication line, gift information indicating that a gift is to be given to the distribution user, generated by the terminal device of the viewing user through the operation of the viewing user while viewing the second video; and distributing, via the communication line, the second video, in which a gift object generated based on the gift information is displayed in a time interval from after the end of the unit interval to before the start of the next unit interval, to the terminal device of the viewer". In the method according to the 15th aspect, in the 14th aspect, "the communication line may include the Internet". In the method according to the 16th aspect, in the 14th aspect or the 15th aspect, "the processor may be a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, or a graphics processing unit (GPU)". The server device according to the method according to the 17th aspect can "comprise at least one processor, and the processor includes a first video including animation of the first avatar object of the distribution user related to the operation data of the distribution user or generated based on the operation data, and an operation related to the operation of the distribution user using the received web page. The second video related to the game generated by the terminal device of the distribution user based on the operation data is distributed to the terminal device of the viewing user via a communication line, and while the unit interval of the game is being executed, the gift information indicating that a gift is to be given to the distribution user generated by the operation of the viewing user who views the second video is received from the terminal device of the viewing user via the communication line, and the gift object generated based on the gift information is displayed in the time interval from after the end of the unit interval to before the start of the next unit interval, and the second video generated by the terminal device of the distributor is distributed to the terminal device of the viewer via the communication line." In the server device according to the 18th aspect, in the 17th aspect above, "the communication line may include the Internet". In the server device according to the 19th aspect, in the 17th aspect or the 18th aspect above, "the processor may be a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, or a graphics processing unit (GPU)". The method according to the 20th aspect can be "a method executed by at least one processor that executes instructions readable by a computer, the method including: a first video including animation of operation data related to the operation of a distribution user or a first avatar object of the distribution user generated based on the operation data; and a second video related to a game generated by a terminal device of the distribution user based on operation data related to the operation of the distribution user using a received web page, and distributing the first video and the second video to a terminal device of a viewing user via a communication line; receiving, from the terminal device of the viewing user via the communication line, gift information indicating that a gift is to be given to the distribution user generated by an operation of the viewing user who views the second video while a unit interval of the game is being executed; and distributing, via the communication line, the second video generated by the terminal device of the distributor to the terminal device of the viewer, the gift object generated based on the gift information being displayed in a time interval from after the end of the unit interval to before the start of the next unit interval." In the method according to the 21st aspect, in the 20th aspect, "the communication line may include the Internet." In the method according to the 22nd aspect, in the 20th aspect or the 21st aspect, "the processor may be a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, or a graphics processing unit (GPU)." The server device according to the 23rd aspect is configured to transmit a web page including a computer program to the terminal device of the distribution user via a communication line, where the server device includes at least one processor, and the processor is configured to distribute, via the communication line, a first video including operation data related to the operation of the distribution user or animation of a first avatar object of the distribution user generated based on the operation data, and a second video related to a game generated based on operation data related to the operation of the distribution user using the received web page, to the terminal device of the viewing user. The computer program causes the terminal device of the distribution user to receive, via the communication line, gift information indicating that a gift is to be given to the distribution user generated by the terminal device of the viewing user via the operation of the viewing user who views the second video while the unit section of the game is being executed, and causes the second video to be generated such that a gift object generated based on the gift information is displayed in a time section from after the end of the unit section to before the start of the next unit section. In the server device according to the 24th aspect, in the 23rd aspect, "the communication line may include the Internet". In the server device according to the 25th aspect, in the 23rd aspect or the 24th aspect, "the processor may be a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, or a graphics processing unit (GPU)". The method according to the 26th aspect is "a method executed by at least one processor that executes instructions readable by a computer, including a first video including animation of the first avatar object of the distribution user related to the operation data of the distribution user or based on the operation data, and a second video related to a game generated based on operation data related to the operation of the distribution user using the received web page, and transmitting a web page including a computer program to the terminal device of the distribution user configured to distribute the first video and the second video to the terminal device of the viewing user via a communication line, and the computer program causes the terminal device of the distribution user to receive, via the communication line, gift information indicating that a gift is to be given to the distribution user generated by the terminal device of the viewing user via the operation of the viewing user who views the second video while the unit section of the game is being executed, and the gift object generated based on the gift information is displayed in a time section from after the end of the unit section to before the start of the next unit section, and generating the second video." In the method according to the 27th aspect, in the 26th aspect, "the communication line may include the Internet." In the method according to the 28th aspect, in the 26th aspect or the 27th aspect, "the processor may be a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, or a graphics processing unit (GPU)." The computer program according to the 29th aspect can be configured to "receive, via a communication line, from a terminal device of the distribution user, a first video including motion data related to the actions of the distribution user or animation of a first avatar object of the distribution user generated based on the motion data, and a second video related to a game generated based on operation data related to the operations of the distribution user using the received web page, and to display, during a unit interval of the game, a gift object generated based on gift information indicating that a gift is to be given to the distribution user, which is transmitted by the terminal device of the viewing user via an operation of the viewing user for viewing the second video, during a time interval from after the end of the unit interval to before the start of the next unit interval, and to receive the second video from the terminal device of the distribution user via the communication line." enable the processor to function as described above. In the computer program according to the 30th aspect, in the 29th aspect, "the communication line may include the Internet." In the computer program according to the 31st aspect, in the 29th aspect or the 30th aspect, "the processor may be a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, or a graphics processing unit (GPU)." The method according to the 32nd aspect can be "a method executed by at least one processor that executes instructions readable by a computer, the method including: receiving, via a communication line, a first video including animation of an operation data related to an operation of a distribution user or an animation of a first avatar object of the distribution user generated based on the operation data, and a second video related to a game generated based on operation data related to an operation of the distribution user using a received web page; and receiving, via the communication line, the second video from a terminal device of the distribution user, wherein a gift object generated based on gift information indicating that a gift is to be given to the distribution user, which is transmitted by the terminal device of the viewing user via an operation of viewing the second video while a unit section of the game is being executed, is displayed in a time section from after the unit section ends until before the next unit section starts." In the method according to the 33rd aspect, in the 32nd aspect, "the communication line may include the Internet." In the method according to the 34th aspect, in the 32nd aspect or the 33rd aspect, "the processor may be a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, or a graphics processing unit (GPU)."

Explanation of Signs

[0184] 1 Video distribution system 10 Terminal device 10A Terminal device of distribution user 10B, 10C, 10D Terminal devices of viewing users 20 Server device 20A Distribution server system 20a Distribution server device 20b Database (DB) server device 20c Game API server device 20B Web server device

Claims

1. When executed by at least one processor, distributing game data relating to a game generated based on operation data relating to an operation of a certain user to terminal devices of other users via a communication line; receiving, via a communication line, gift information indicating that a gift will be given to the certain user, the gift information being generated by the terminal device of the certain user through an operation of the certain user while the unit section of the game is being executed; causing the at least one processor to function so as to distribute the game data, in which a gift object generated based on the gift information is displayed in a time interval different from the unit interval, to a terminal device of the other user via a communication line; the unit interval includes a time period during which the certain user is able to operate an object used in the game, The gift includes a plurality of types of gift, the gift object includes a plurality of types of gift objects; A unique gift object from among the plurality of types of gift objects is assigned to each of the plurality of types of gifts; For the unit interval, Among the plurality of types of gift objects, top N types of gift objects corresponding to the top N types of gifts having the largest number of given gifts are determined as first gift objects, where N is a natural number; For the unit interval, M types of gift objects selected according to a priority order from among the plurality of types of gift objects excluding the first gift object are determined as second gift objects, where M is a natural number; During the time period, the first gift object and the second gift object are displayed in the game data. A computer program comprising:

2. the gift object does not interact with game objects displayed in the game data; The computer program product of claim 1 , wherein the gift object is displayed in an area located between one game object and another game object displayed in the game data.

3. A computer program as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the gift object is generated based on information regarding the number of gifts granted contained in the gift information and a predetermined priority for displaying the gift object.

4. 4. The computer program product according to claim 1, wherein the game is executed by alternately repeating the unit interval and the time interval.

5. 5. The computer program product according to claim 1, wherein the unit section is a section selected from the group including at least one action, at least one scene, at least one scenario, at least one stage, at least one level, at least one game, and combinations thereof.

6. 6. The computer program product according to claim 1, wherein the gift object does not overlap with a game object important to the game when displayed in the time period in the game data.

7. A computer program as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the gift object is displayed at a time interval different from the unit interval while the game is being executed.

8. The priority is: an identification number assigned to each of the plurality of types of gift objects; A computer program as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the determination is based on the fact that the gift object was displayed as the first gift object or the second gift object in a time period preceding the time period.

9. For the next unit interval occurring after the unit interval and the time interval, Among the plurality of types of gift objects, top N types of gift objects corresponding to the top N types of gifts having the largest number of given gifts are determined as new first gift objects, where N is a natural number; For the next unit interval, M types of gift objects selected according to a priority order from among the plurality of types of gift objects excluding the new first gift object are determined as new second gift objects, where M is a natural number; The computer program product of claim 8 , wherein in a next time interval occurring after the next unit interval, the new first gift object and the new second gift object are displayed in the game data.

10. The computer program of claim 9, wherein a gift awarded in the unit interval that corresponds to a non-displayed gift object that was not displayed as the first gift object or the second gift object in the time interval is carried over as a gift awarded in the next unit interval.

11. receiving, via a communication line, real-time gift information indicating that a gift will be given to the certain user, the real-time gift information being generated by a terminal device of the certain user through an operation of the certain user viewing the game data during the time period; A computer program as described in any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the game data, in which a real-time gift object generated based on the real-time gift information is displayed in the time period, is distributed to the terminal device of the other user via a communication line.

12. 1. A method performed by at least one processor executing computer readable instructions, comprising: distributing game data relating to a game generated based on operation data relating to an operation of a certain user to terminal devices of other users via a communication line; receiving, via a communication line, gift information indicating that a gift will be given to the certain user, the gift information being generated by the terminal device of the certain user through an operation of the certain user while the unit section of the game is being executed; a step of distributing the game data, in which a gift object generated based on the gift information is displayed in a time interval different from the unit interval, to a terminal device of the other user via a communication line; the unit interval includes a time period during which the certain user is able to operate an object used in the game, The gift includes a plurality of types of gift, the gift object includes a plurality of types of gift objects; A unique gift object from among the plurality of types of gift objects is assigned to each of the plurality of types of gifts; For the unit interval, Among the plurality of types of gift objects, top N types of gift objects corresponding to the top N types of gifts having the largest number of given gifts are determined as first gift objects, where N is a natural number; For the unit interval, M types of gift objects selected according to a priority order from among the plurality of types of gift objects excluding the first gift object are determined as second gift objects, where M is a natural number; During the time period, the first gift object and the second gift object are displayed in the game data.

13. the gift object does not interact with game objects displayed in the game data; The method of claim 12 , wherein the gift object is displayed in an area located between one game object and another game object displayed in the game data.

14. A method described in claim 12 or 13, wherein the gift object is generated based on information regarding the number of gifts granted contained in the gift information and a predetermined priority for displaying the gift object.

15. At least one processor; The at least one processor: distributing game data relating to a game generated by a terminal device of a certain user based on operation data relating to an operation of the certain user to terminal devices of other users via a communication line; receiving gift information, which is generated by an operation of the other user while the unit section of the game is being executed, from the terminal device of the other user via a communication line, the gift information indicating that a gift will be given to the certain user; a gift object generated based on the gift information is displayed in a time interval different from the unit interval, and the game data generated by the terminal device of the certain user is distributed to the terminal device of the other user via a communication line; the unit interval includes a time period during which the certain user is able to operate an object used in the game, The gift includes a plurality of types of gift, the gift object includes a plurality of types of gift objects; A unique gift object from among the plurality of types of gift objects is assigned to each of the plurality of types of gifts; For the unit interval, Among the plurality of types of gift objects, top N types of gift objects corresponding to the top N types of gifts having the largest number of given gifts are determined as first gift objects, where N is a natural number; For the unit interval, M types of gift objects selected according to a priority order from among the plurality of types of gift objects excluding the first gift object are determined as second gift objects, where M is a natural number; The server device, wherein during the time period, the first gift object and the second gift object are displayed in the game data.

16. the gift object does not interact with game objects displayed in the game data; The server device according to claim 15, wherein the gift object is displayed in an area located between a certain game object and another game object displayed in the game data.

17. A server device as described in claim 15 or 16, wherein the gift object is generated based on information regarding the number of gifts granted contained in the gift information and a predetermined priority for displaying the gift object.

18. A system including a terminal device of a certain user, a terminal device of another user, and a server device connected to the terminal device of the certain user and the terminal device of the other user via a communication line, the terminal device of the certain user is configured to generate game data relating to a game based on operation data relating to an operation of the certain user; the terminal device of the other user is configured to generate gift information indicating that a gift will be given to the given user through an operation of the other user while the unit section of the game is being executed; The server device includes: Distributing the game data to the terminal devices of the other users via the communication line; receiving the gift information from the terminal device of the other user via the communication line; a gift object generated based on the gift information is displayed in a time interval different from the unit interval, and the game data generated by the terminal device of the certain user is distributed to the terminal device of the other user via the communication line; the unit interval includes a time period during which the certain user is able to operate an object used in the game, The gift includes a plurality of types of gift, the gift object includes a plurality of types of gift objects; A unique gift object from among the plurality of types of gift objects is assigned to each of the plurality of types of gifts; For the unit interval, Among the plurality of types of gift objects, top N types of gift objects corresponding to the top N types of gifts having the largest number of given gifts are determined as first gift objects, where N is a natural number; For the unit interval, M types of gift objects selected according to a priority order from among the plurality of types of gift objects excluding the first gift object are determined as second gift objects, where M is a natural number; During the time period, the first gift object and the second gift object are displayed in the game data.

19. the gift object does not interact with game objects displayed in the game data; 20. The system of claim 18, wherein the gift object is displayed in an area located between one game object and another game object displayed in the game data.

20. A system as described in claim 17 or 18, wherein the gift object is generated based on information regarding the number of gifts granted contained in the gift information and a predetermined priority for displaying the gift object.

Images