Video distribution device, video distribution method, and video distribution program

Abstract

To provide a moving image distribution device and the like which can improve motivation involved in moving image distribution of a distributor and / or a viewer.SOLUTION: A moving image distribution device includes one or a plurality of processors. The one or the plurality of processors execute distribution of information for displaying a moving image including a first character object generated on the basis of movement of a first user to a terminal device of at least one user different from the first user, and distribution of information for displaying a moving image further including a first object corresponding to a first gift to the terminal device of at least one user in response to a display request of the first gift to the first character object which has been transmitted from the terminal device displaying the moving image. The information for displaying the moving image includes information for changing display of the first object on the basis of information on the first user or a user having requested display of the first gift.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments disclosed in this specification relate to a video distribution device, a video distribution method, and a video distribution program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a video distribution system for distributing distribution data including video data and the like to one or a plurality of terminal devices has been known. In recent years' video distribution systems, a technology has been developed in which a viewer who views a distribution screen based on distribution data operates a terminal device to provide a predetermined object, a comment, and the like to a distributor who is the creator of the video data.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 describes a video distribution system that distributes distribution data in which video data from a distributor and image data showing an item provided by a viewer are simultaneously displayed to one or a plurality of terminal devices. In this video distribution system, a viewer can view image data showing an item provided by the viewer himself / herself as well as image data showing an item provided by another viewer together with the video data from the distributor.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in the conventional video distribution system, images showing objects such as items provided by viewers were all displayed uniformly. For this reason, even an image showing an object provided by a viewer with a deep connection to the video distribution system could be buried by an image showing an object provided by another viewer, and the viewer's willingness to participate in the distribution event could decrease.

[0006] Also, in the conventional video distribution system, an image showing an object such as an item provided by a viewer is displayed without any change whether it is displayed together with the video data of a distributor who is actively involved in the video distribution system or together with the video data of a distributor who is not actively involved in the video distribution system. In this way, since it is difficult for each distributor to differentiate from other distributors, the distribution motivation of each distributor could decrease.

[0007] Furthermore, in the conventional video distribution system, an image showing an object from a viewer with a strong relationship with the distributor and an image showing an object provided by another viewer with a weak relationship with the distributor are displayed in the same way if they are of the same type of image. In this way, since the distributor and the viewer have no influence on the video display even if they strengthen their mutual relationship, the motivation to be involved in the video distribution system could decrease.

[0008] The video distribution apparatus, video distribution method, and video distribution program related to the disclosed video distribution system are made to solve such problems, and it is possible to improve the willingness of the distributor and / or the viewer to participate in video distribution.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0009] The video distribution device is a video distribution device that distributes a video including a character object generated based on the movement of a user, and includes one or more processors. The one or more processors distribute information for displaying a video including a first character object generated based on the movement of a first user to a terminal device of at least one user different from the first user, and in response to a display request for a first gift for the first character object transmitted from the terminal device that has displayed the video, further distribute information for displaying a video further including a first object corresponding to the first gift to the terminal device of at least one user. The information for displaying the video includes information for changing the display of the first object based on information regarding the first user or the user who made the display request for the first gift.

[0010] Also, in the video distribution device, it is preferable that the change in the display of the first object is executed based on information regarding the number of display requests for the first gift for the first character object transmitted from the terminal device of at least one user.

[0011] Also, in the video distribution device, it is preferable that the change in the display of the first object is executed based on the number of users associated with the first user.

[0012] Also, in the video distribution device, the one or more processors further execute distributing information for displaying a video further including input information to at least one terminal device in response to a display request for the input information for the first character object transmitted from the terminal device of at least one user, and it is preferable that the change in the display of the first object is executed based on information regarding the number of display requests for the input information.

[0013] In addition, in the video distribution device, the terminal device of the user who has made a display request for the first gift can transmit a display request for input information regarding a character object generated based on the movements of other users, and it is preferable that the change in the display of the first object is executed based on information regarding the number of display requests for the input information transmitted from the terminal device of the user who has made the display request for the first gift.

[0014] In addition, in the video distribution device, the input information is preferably character information or evaluation information regarding the character object.

[0015] In addition, in the video distribution device, one or more processors further execute determining whether information for displaying a video has been distributed in each of a plurality of consecutive periods, and it is preferable that the change in the display of the first object is executed based on information regarding the number of the consecutive periods when the periods in which the information for displaying the video has been distributed are consecutive.

[0016] In addition, in the video distribution device, one or more processors further execute counting the number of terminal devices that are the destinations of the information for displaying the video, and it is preferable that the change in the display of the first object is executed based on the counted number of terminal devices.

[0017] In addition, in the video distribution device, in changing the display of the first object, after a lapse of a predetermined time from the start of distribution of the video including the first object, information for displaying a video further including a second object based on information regarding the first user or the user who has made the display request for the first gift is preferably distributed to the terminal devices of at least one user.

[0018] In addition, in the video distribution device, one or more processors distribute information for displaying a video including at least a second character object generated based on the first character object and the movement of the second user to a terminal device of at least one third user different from the first user and the second user, and in response to a display request for a first gift for either the first character object or the second character object transmitted from the terminal device that has displayed the video, distributes information for displaying a video further including a first object corresponding to the first gift to the terminal device of at least one third user. When the video includes a first object for each of the first character object and the second character object, it is preferable that one or more processors determine the rankings of the first user and the second user based on the points associated with the second object for the first character object and the points associated with the second object for the second character object, and execute this.

[0019] In addition, in the video distribution device, it is preferable that one or more processors execute granting a privilege to at least one of the first user and the second user based on the points associated with the second object for the first character object and the points associated with the second object for the second character object.

[0020] A video distribution method is a video distribution method of a video distribution device that includes one or more processors and distributes a video including a character object generated based on the movement of a user. The one or more processors distribute information for displaying a video including a first character object generated based on the movement of a first user to a terminal device of at least one user different from the first user, and in response to a display request for a first gift for the first character object transmitted from the terminal device that has displayed the video, distributes information for displaying a video further including a first object corresponding to the first gift to the terminal device of at least one user. The information for displaying the video includes information for changing the display of the first object based on information about the first user or the user who has made the display request for the first gift.

[0021] A video distribution program is a video distribution program of a video distribution device that includes one or more processors and distributes a video including a character object generated based on the movement of a user. The one or more processors are caused to distribute information for displaying a video including a first character object generated based on the movement of a first user to a terminal device of at least one user different from the first user, and in response to a display request for a first gift for the first character object transmitted from the terminal device that has displayed the video, distribute information for displaying a video further including a first object corresponding to the first gift to the terminal device of at least one user. The information for displaying the video includes information for changing the display of the first object based on information about the first user or the user who has made the display request for the first gift.

[0022] A video distribution method is a video distribution method of a video distribution system having a server device that distributes a video including a character object generated based on the movement of a user, and each terminal device possessed by each of a plurality of users. The terminal device possessed by the first user among the plurality of users generates a first character object based on the movement of the first user, and transmits information for displaying a video including the generated first character object to the server device. The server device receives information for displaying a video including the first character object from the terminal device possessed by the first user, and distributes the received information to the terminal device of at least one user different from the first user. The terminal device of at least one user displays a video based on the information received from the server device, and transmits a display request for a first gift for the first character object included in the displayed video to the server device. The server device distributes information for displaying a video further including a first object corresponding to the first gift to the terminal device of at least one user in response to the display request transmitted from the terminal device that has displayed the video. The information for displaying the video includes information for changing the display of the first object based on information regarding the first user or the user who has made the display request for the first gift.

Effect of the Invention

[0023] The video distribution device, video distribution method, and video distribution program can improve the willingness of the distributor and / or viewer to participate in video distribution.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0024]

Figure 1

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0025] Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, it should be noted that the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to those embodiments, but extends to the invention described in the claims and its equivalents.

[0026] (Video Distribution System 1) FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the schematic configuration of the video distribution system 1. The video distribution system 1 includes terminal devices 2 operated by respective ones of a plurality of users and a server device 3. The terminal devices 2 and the server device 3 are interconnected via a communication network such as a base station 4, a mobile communication network 5, a gateway 6, and the Internet 7, for example. Communication between the terminal devices 2 and the server device 3 is performed based on a predetermined communication protocol. The predetermined communication protocol is, for example, the Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), etc.

[0027] The terminal device 2 is an information processing device such as a smartphone. The terminal device 2 may be a mobile phone, a tablet terminal, a tablet PC (Personal Computer), an e-book reader, a wearable computer, etc. The terminal device 2 may also be a portable game machine, a game console, a notebook PC, etc. The terminal device 2 may be any information processing device as long as it can generate and / or play video data based on the captured imaging data. Note that the terminal device 2 is a type of video distribution device.

[0028] In the example shown in FIG. 1, one server device 3 is illustrated as a component of the video distribution system 1, but the server device 3 may be a collection of a plurality of physically separate server devices. In this case, each of the plurality of server devices may have the same function, or may have a distributed function of one server device 3. Note that the server device 3 is a type of video distribution device.

[0029] (Terminal device 2) FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the schematic configuration of the terminal device 2.

[0030] The terminal device 2 is connected to the server device 3 via the base station 4, the mobile communication network 5, the gateway 6, and the Internet 7, and communicates with the server device 3. The terminal device 2 generates motion data, etc. according to various data (imaging data, etc.) input by the user, and transmits the generated data to the server device 3. Further, the terminal device 2 receives the distribution data distributed from the server device 3, and displays a distribution screen, etc. based on the received distribution data. To realize such functions, the terminal device 2 includes a communication I / F 21, a storage device 22, a display device 23, an input device 24, an imaging device 25, a microphone 26, and a processor 27.

[0031] Hereinafter, a user who uses at least the function of generating motion data may be referred to as a distribution user, and a user who uses at least the function of displaying a distribution screen based on distribution data may be referred to as a viewing user. Note that the user may be both a distribution user and a viewing user.

[0032] The communication I / F 21 is implemented as hardware, firmware, or communication software such as a TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol) driver or a PPP (Point-to-Point Protocol) driver, or a combination thereof. The terminal device 2 can transmit data to other devices and receive data from other devices via the communication I / F 21.

[0033] The storage device 22 is, for example, a semiconductor memory device such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) or a RAM (Random Access Memory). The storage device 22 stores an operating system program, a driver program, an application program, and data used in the processing by the processor 27. The driver program stored in the storage device 22 includes an output device driver program for controlling the display device 23 and an input device driver program for controlling the input device 24. The application program stored in the storage device 22 is a control program for generating motion data described later and playing back distribution data from the server device 3. The data stored in the storage device 22 is identification information (e.g., user ID (identification)) for uniquely identifying the user. Further, the storage device 22 stores, as data, model data, background data, etc. described later. Further, the storage device 22 stores, as data, a user table T1, an object table T2, an activity table T3, and a lottery probability table T4 described later. Further, the storage device 22 may temporarily store data related to a predetermined process. Note that the control program may be transmitted from the server device 3 or other devices.

[0034] Background data is asset data for constructing a virtual space that constitutes a moving image of a distribution screen displayed by distribution data. The background data includes data for drawing the background of the virtual space, data for drawing various objects included in the distribution screen, and data for drawing various background objects displayed on the distribution screen other than these. The background data may include object position information indicating the positions of various background objects in the virtual space.

[0035] The display device 23 is a liquid crystal display. Note that the display device 23 may be an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display or the like. The display device 23 displays a moving image corresponding to the moving image data supplied from the processor 27, a still image corresponding to the still image data, and the like.

[0036] The input device 24 is a pointing device such as a touch panel. The touch panel can detect various touch operations such as taps, double-taps, and drags by the user. The touch panel may be provided with a capacitive proximity sensor and be configured to be able to detect non-contact operations by the user. Note that the input device 24 may be an input key or the like. The user can use the input device 24 to input characters, numbers, symbols, or the position on the display screen of the display device 23. When the input device 24 is operated by the user, it generates a signal corresponding to the operation. Then, the input device 24 supplies the generated signal to the processor 27 as a user instruction.

[0037] The imaging device 25 is a camera having an imaging optical system, an image sensor, an image processing unit, etc. The imaging optical system is, for example, an optical lens, which forms an image of a light beam from a subject on the imaging surface of the image sensor. The image sensor is a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor), etc., and outputs an image of the subject image formed on the imaging surface. The image processing unit creates moving image data in a predetermined file format at predetermined intervals from the images continuously generated by the image sensor and outputs it as imaging data. Alternatively, the image processing unit creates still image data in a predetermined file format from the images generated by the image sensor and outputs it as imaging data.

[0038] The microphone 26 is a sound collecting device configured to acquire the voice emitted by the user and convert it into voice data. The microphone 26 is configured to be able to acquire the voice input of the user, the voice input of the user acquired by the microphone 26 is converted into voice data, and the voice data is transmitted to the server device 3 via the communication I / F 21.

[0039] The processor 27 is a processing device that loads the operating system program, driver program, and application program stored in the storage device 22 into the memory and executes the instructions included in the loaded programs. The processor 27 is, for example, an electronic circuit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), MPU (Micro Processing Unit), DSP (Digital Signal Processor), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or a combination of various electronic circuits. The processor 27 may be implemented by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), PLD (Programmable Logic Device), FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), MCU (Micro Controller Unit), etc. In FIG. 2, the processor 27 is illustrated as a single component, but the processor 27 may be a collection of a plurality of physically separate processors.

[0040] The processor 27 functions as a generation unit 271, a transmission unit 272, a reception unit 273, and a reproduction unit 274 by executing various instructions included in the control program.

[0041] (Generation unit 271) Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 3, an example of the function of the generation unit 271 will be described. As shown in FIGS. 3(a) and (b), the imaging device 25 of the terminal device 2 held by the distribution user U is installed in the terminal device 2 so that, for example, the face of the distribution user U looking at the display screen of the display device 23 is in the imaging direction D. The imaging device 25 continuously images the face of the distribution user U in the imaging direction D, acquires imaging data of the face of the distribution user U, and outputs it to the processor 27. The imaging device 25 may also acquire imaging data by imaging parts other than the face of the distribution user U, such as the head, arms, hands (including fingers), chest, torso, legs, or other parts. Further, the imaging device 25 may be a 3D camera capable of detecting the depth of a person's face.

[0042] Based on the imaging data continuously output by the imaging device 25, the generation unit 271 generates face motion data, which is a digital representation of the facial movements of the distribution user U, as needed over time. The face motion data may be generated at predetermined sampling time intervals. In this way, the face motion data generated by the generation unit 271 can digitally represent the facial movements (changes in expressions) of the distribution user U in a time series.

[0043] The generation unit 271 may generate body motion data, which is a digital representation of the positions and orientations of each part (head, arms, hands (including fingers), chest, torso, legs, or other parts) of the distribution user U, together with the face motion data or separately from the face motion data.

[0044] The body motion data may be generated based on detection information from a known motion sensor worn by the distribution user U. In this case, the communication I / F 21 of the terminal device 2 has a predetermined communication circuit for acquiring detection information from the motion sensor worn by the distribution user U via wireless communication. Then, the generation unit 271 generates body motion data based on the detection information acquired by the communication I / F 21. The body motion data may be generated at predetermined sampling time intervals.

[0045] In this way, the body motion data generated by the generation unit 271 can digitally represent the body movements of the distribution user U in a time series.

[0046] The generation of body motion data based on detection information from a motion sensor worn by the distribution user U may be performed, for example, in a shooting studio. In this case, the shooting studio may be equipped with a base station, a tracking sensor, and a display. The base station is, for example, a multi-axis laser emitter. The motion sensor worn by the distribution user U may be, for example, a Vive Tracker provided by HTC CORPORATION, and the base station may be, for example, a base station provided by HTC CORPORATION.

[0047] Also, a supporter computer may be installed in a separate room adjacent to the shooting studio. The display in the shooting studio may be configured to display information received from the supporter computer. The server device 3 may be installed in the same room as the room where the supporter computer is installed. The room where the supporter computer is installed and the shooting studio may be separated by a glass window. In this case, the operator of the supporter computer can visually recognize the distribution user. The supporter computer may be configured to be able to change the settings of various devices provided in the shooting studio according to the operation of the supporter. The supporter computer can, for example, change the setting of the scanning interval by the base station, the setting of the tracking sensor, and the various settings of various other devices. The operator may input a message to the supporter computer, and the input message may be displayed on the display in the shooting studio.

[0048] (Transmission unit 272) The transmission unit 272 transmits the face motion data and / or body motion data generated by the generation unit 271 to the server device 3 via the communication I / F 21 together with the distribution user ID stored in the storage device 22. Hereinafter, the face motion data and the body motion data may be collectively referred to as motion data.

[0049] The transmission unit 272 transmits the voice data of the distribution user U acquired by the microphone 26 to the server device 3 in real time via the communication I / F 21. Note that the voice data may be transmitted to the server device 3 in synchronization with the motion data.

[0050] The transmission unit 272 transmits a display request for causing the response information input by the distribution user U operating the input device 24 to be displayed on the distribution screen, and a display request for causing a gift object corresponding to the gift object information described later to be displayed on the distribution screen, to the server device 3 via the communication I / F 21. Note that the display request includes the distribution user ID stored in the storage device 22. Details of the response information will be described later. Further, the transmission unit 272 transmits an end request for instructing the end of video distribution to the server device 3 via the communication I / F 21. Note that the end request includes the distribution user ID stored in the storage device 22.

[0051] (Receiving unit 273) The receiving unit 273 receives the distribution data transmitted from the server device 3 via the communication I / F 21. The distribution data is distribution data including at least the motion data related to the distribution user and the user ID of the distribution user, or distribution data including various display requests, etc. Note that details of the distribution data will be described later.

[0052] (Reproduction unit 274) The reproduction unit 274 generates drawing data for displaying the distribution screen based on the motion data generated by the generation unit 271 and / or the distribution data received by the receiving unit 273, and displays the distribution screen on the display device 23 based on the generated drawing data.

[0053] (Examples of various screens) Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 4 to 9, examples of various screens displayed on the display device 23 of the terminal device 2 of the distribution user and the viewing user will be described.

[0054] FIG. 4(a) is a diagram showing an example of a distribution screen 400 displayed on the display device 23. The distribution screen 400 includes a character object 401, an evaluation button 402, a gift button 403, a comment button 404, and a response information display area 405.

[0055] Upon the start of video distribution, the terminal device 2 of the distributing user simultaneously executes transmission processing of motion data and the like by the transmission unit 272 and display processing of the distribution screen 400 by the reproduction unit 274. Note that video distribution starts in response to selection of a predetermined video distribution start button (not shown) displayed on the display device 23 of the terminal device 2 of the distributing user by the distributing user.

[0056] The terminal device 2 of the viewing user receives information indicating one or more distributing users during distribution from the server device 3 and displays a video selection screen (not shown) for selecting one or more distributing users during distribution. Next, the terminal device 2 of the viewing user transmits a viewing start request including information indicating the distributing user selected on the video selection screen in response to an operation of the input device 24 by the viewing user to the server device 3. Then, the terminal device 2 of the viewing user receives distribution data related to the distributing user indicated by the information included in the viewing start request from the server device 3 and displays the distribution screen 400 based on the received distribution data. Note that the server device 3 registers (stores in the storage device 32) the viewing user of the terminal device 2 that has transmitted the viewing start request as the viewing user during viewing. The terminal device 2 of the viewing user terminates reception of the distribution data and terminates display of the distribution screen 400 by transmitting a viewing end request to the server device 3 in response to an operation of the input device 24 by the viewing user. Note that the server device 3 cancels the registration of the viewing user of the terminal device 2 that has transmitted the viewing end request as the viewing user during viewing.

[0057] The character object 401 is an object image generated based on the motion data of the distributing user. When the motion data includes face motion data, the expression of the character object 401 changes in synchronization with the movement of the expression of the distributing user. When the motion data includes body motion data, the corresponding part of the character object 401 operates in synchronization with the movement of the body of the distributing user.

[0058] The evaluation button 402 is an object image for instructing the transmission of evaluation data regarding the distribution screen 400 and the like. When the input device 24 is a touch panel, the evaluation button 402 is selected when the viewing user performs a tap operation on the display area of the evaluation button 402. The evaluation button 402 may not be displayed on the terminal device 2 of the distributing user. When the evaluation button 402 is selected by the viewing user while viewing the distribution screen 400, the transmission unit 272 transmits evaluation data indicating that a "positive evaluation of the distribution screen 400" has been made or evaluation data indicating that a "positive evaluation of the character object 401 included in the distribution screen 400" has been made to the server device 3 via the communication I / F 21. The server device 3 may transmit the received evaluation data to the terminal device 2 of the distributing user.

[0059] Note that the evaluation button 402 may also be an object image for instructing the transmission of evaluation data indicating that a "negative evaluation of the distribution screen 400" has been made or evaluation data indicating that a "negative evaluation of the character object 401 included in the distribution screen 400" has been made. Further, the distribution screen 400 may include a plurality of types of evaluation buttons 402 (for example, two types of evaluation buttons: an evaluation button for transmitting positive evaluation data and an evaluation button for transmitting negative evaluation data).

[0060] When a plurality of viewing users are viewing the distribution screen 400, the aggregated information obtained by aggregating the evaluation data transmitted from the terminal devices 2 of each viewing user may be included in the distribution screen 400. For example, the server device 3 may count the number of pieces of evaluation data transmitted from each of the terminal devices 2 of a plurality of viewing users, and include the number of pieces of evaluation data in the distribution screen 400. The aggregated information is not limited to the number of pieces of evaluation data, and may be information regarding the time zone when the evaluation data was transmitted, etc. Note that the aggregation period is a period from the start of distribution of the distribution screen 400 to the current time, or a predetermined period (for example, a period from 21:00 to 24:00), etc. Also, a plurality of aggregation periods may be set. When the received evaluation data is transmitted to the terminal device 2 of the distribution user, the aggregation of the evaluation data may be executed by the terminal device 2 of the distribution user. In this case, the process of including the aggregated information in the distribution screen 400 may be executed by the terminal device 2 of the distribution user.

[0061] The gift button 403 is an object image for instructing the display of a selection screen 410 for selecting a gift object to be displayed on the distribution screen 400. When the input device 24 is a touch panel, when the viewing user performs a tap operation on the display area of the gift button 403, the gift button 403 is selected. When the gift button 403 is selected by the viewing user who is viewing the distribution screen 400, the selection screen 410 is displayed. Details of the selection screen 410 will be described later. The gift button 403 may not be displayed on the terminal device 2 of the distribution user.

[0062] The comment button 404 is an object image for instructing the display of a comment input window (not shown) for inputting a comment (character string) to be displayed on the distribution screen 400. When the input device 24 is a touch panel, when the viewing user performs a tap operation on the display area of the comment button 404, the comment button 404 is selected. When the comment button 404 is selected by the viewing user who is viewing the distribution screen 400, a comment input window (not shown) is superimposed and displayed on the distribution screen 400. The comment button 404 may not be displayed on the terminal device 2 of the distribution user.

[0063] The comment input window is displayed only on the display device 23 of the terminal device 2 of the viewing user who has selected the comment button 404, and the comment input window and the character string being input in the comment input window are not displayed on the display devices 23 of the terminal devices 2 of other viewing users. The comment data indicating the comment (character string) input into the comment input window by the viewing user operating the input device 24 is transmitted by the transmission unit 272 to the server device 3 via the communication I / F 21.

[0064] The response information display area 405 includes information regarding comment data, evaluation data, and / or gift objects transmitted from the terminal devices 2 of each viewing user who is viewing the distribution screen 400. Hereinafter, the information regarding comment data, evaluation data, and / or gift objects may be collectively referred to as response information.

[0065] In the example of the response information display area 405 shown in FIG. 4(a), it is shown that the terminal device 2 of the viewing user named "User A" has transmitted comment data indicating the comment "cute". It is also shown that the terminal device 2 of the viewing user named "User B" has transmitted evaluation data. It is also shown that the gift object "bear" has been selected by the terminal device 2 of the viewing user named "User C".

[0066] The server device 3 receives a display request for response information from the terminal device 2 of the viewing user who is viewing the distribution screen 400, and transmits distribution data including the response information to the terminal devices 2 of other viewing users other than the terminal device 2 that sent the display request. The playback unit 274 of each terminal device 2 of the viewing users who are viewing the distribution screen 400 displays the distribution screen 400 in which the response information included in the distribution data transmitted from the server device 3 and the response information transmitted to the server device 3 are arranged in chronological order and included in the response information display area 405. Further, the server device 3 transmits the response information included in the distribution data from the terminal device 2 of the viewing user to the terminal device 2 of the distribution user, and the playback unit 274 of the terminal device 2 of the distribution user displays the distribution screen 400 in which the response information included in the distribution data transmitted from the server device 3 is arranged in chronological order and included in the response information display area 405.

[0067] Note that the server device 3 may generate distribution data in which the response information from the terminal devices 2 of one or more viewing users who are viewing the distribution screen 400 is arranged in chronological order in the order of transmission and included in the response information display area 405 of the distribution screen 400, and transmit the distribution data to the terminal devices 2 of the distribution user and each viewing user.

[0068] An upper limit number may be set for the number of response information that can be displayed in the response information display area 405. In the example of the response information display area 405 shown in FIG. 4(a), the upper limit number of response information that can be displayed is "3". When the number of response information displayed on each terminal device 2 exceeds the set upper limit number, each terminal device 2 displays the distribution screen 400 in which the new three response information are included in the response information display area 405 in order. Note that the server device 3 may generate distribution data in which the three response information with the newer received time are included in the response information display area 405 in order, and transmit the distribution data to the terminal devices 2 of each viewing user.

[0069] Note that a known scroll bar may be displayed adjacent to the response information display area 405. In this case, in response to the operation of the scroll bar by the viewing user, the response information older than the response information displayed in the response information display area 405 is displayed in the response information display area 405.

[0070] FIG. 4(b) is a diagram showing an example of a selection screen 410 displayed on the display device 23. The selection screen 410 shown in FIG. 4(b) is displayed so as to overlap the distribution screen 400. The selection screen 410 may be displayed after the display of the distribution screen 400 is terminated.

[0071] The selection screen 410 includes an image and / or name indicating one or more candidate objects. In the example shown in FIG. 4(b), images and names indicating eight types of candidate objects are displayed on the selection screen 410. The number of candidate objects displayed on the selection screen 410 is not limited to eight. Note that when the server device 3 cannot include a part of the image indicating a plurality of candidate objects within the selection screen 410, a known scroll bar may be included within the selection screen 410. In this case, in response to an operation of the scroll bar by the viewing user, an image indicating a candidate object that is not currently displayed on the selection screen 410 is scrolled and displayed within the selection screen 410.

[0072] Each of the candidate objects indicates a gift object, and the image indicating the candidate object is, for example, an icon image indicating a gift object, a thumbnail image, or the like. Note that on the selection screen 410, the candidate objects may be displayed separately for each classification of the gift objects (free gifts, paid gifts, accessories, cheering goods, appeals, variety, etc.). Note that a gift object belonging to a paid gift (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a "paid gift object") is a gift object that can be purchased by a viewing user consuming a virtual currency value "coin". A gift object belonging to a free gift is a gift object that can be obtained, for example, by consuming points that can be obtained without consuming a currency value, but instead by watching a distribution.

[0073] When the input device 24 is a touch panel, the candidate object is selected according to the tap operation of the viewing user on the display area of the image and / or name indicating the candidate object. When the candidate object is selected by the viewing user, the transmission unit 272 sets information indicating the selected candidate object (for example, object ID, etc.) as gift object information, and sends a display request for displaying the gift object corresponding to the gift object information on the distribution screen to the server device 3 via the communication I / F 21. When the display request of the gift object from the terminal device 2 of the viewing user is sent to the server device 3 in this way, the gift object selected by the viewing user is given to the distribution user or the character object 401 of the distribution user, and as shown in the distribution screen 500 described later, the given gift object is displayed.

[0074] FIG. 5(a) is a diagram showing an example of the distribution screen 500 displayed on the display device 23 after the display request of the gift object is sent. Similar to the distribution screen 400 shown in FIG. 4(a), the distribution screen 500 includes a character object 401, an evaluation button 402, a gift button 403, a comment button 404, and a response information display area 405. Further, the distribution screen 500 includes gift objects 406a and 406b.

[0075] The gift objects 406a and 406b in the case where the distribution screen 500 is displayed by the terminal device 2 of the distribution user will be described. The server device 3 receives a display request including gift object information (such as object ID) from the terminal device 2 of the viewing user who is viewing the distribution screen 400, and sends the distribution data including the display request to the terminal device 2 of the distribution user. The playback unit 274 of the terminal device 2 of the distribution user displays the gift objects 406a and 406b, which are object images corresponding to the gift object information (the gift object information included in the display request) included in the distribution data received from the server device 3.

[0076] The gift objects 406a and 406b in the case where the distribution screen 500 is displayed on the terminal device 2 of another viewing user other than the terminal device 2 that has transmitted the display request will be described. The server device 3 receives a display request including gift object information from the terminal device 2 of the viewing user who is viewing the distribution screen 400, and transmits the distribution data including the display request to the terminal device 2 of another viewing user other than the terminal device 2 that has transmitted the display request. The playback unit 274 of each viewing user's terminal device 2 displays the gift objects 406a and 406b, which are object images corresponding to the gift object information (the gift object information included in the display request) included in the distribution data received from the server device 3.

[0077] When the distribution screen 500 is displayed on the terminal device 2 that has transmitted the display request including the gift object information, the terminal device 2 displays the gift objects 406a and 406b, which are object images corresponding to the information indicating the candidate object selected by the viewing user operating the terminal device 2.

[0078] The gift objects 406a and 406b may be displayed on the distribution screen 500 for a preset display time (for example, 10 seconds, 15 seconds) respectively. Also, the gift objects 406a and 406b that move along a preset movement route may be displayed respectively.

[0079] FIG. 5(b) is a diagram showing another example of the distribution screen 510 displayed on the display device 23 after the display request of the gift object is transmitted. The distribution screen 510 includes, similar to the distribution screen 400 shown in FIG. 4(a), the character object 401, the evaluation button 402, the gift button 403, the comment button 404, and the response information display area 405. Further, the distribution screen 510 includes a gift object 406c.

[0080] A description will be given of the gift object 406c when the distribution screen 510 is displayed by the terminal device 2 of the distributing user. The server device 3 receives a display request including gift object information (such as object ID) from the terminal device 2 of the viewing user, and transmits the distribution data including the display request to the terminal device 2 of the distributing user. The playback unit 274 of the terminal device 2 of the distributing user displays the gift object 406c, which is an object image corresponding to the gift object information (the gift object information included in the display request) contained in the distribution data received from the server device 3. The gift object 406c is an object image having a shape imitating a fishing rod, and the display of the gift object 406c is changed according to the display time. The gift object 406c is a kind of normal object.

[0081] A description will be given of the gift object 406c when the distribution screen 510 is displayed by the terminal device 2 of another viewing user other than the terminal device 2 that transmitted the display request. The server device 3 receives a display request including gift object information from the terminal device 2 of the viewing user, and transmits the distribution data including the display request to the terminal device 2 of another viewing user other than the terminal device 2 that transmitted the display request. The playback unit 274 of each terminal device 2 of the viewing users displays the gift object 406c, which is an object image corresponding to the gift object information (the gift object information included in the display request) contained in the distribution data received from the server device 3.

[0082] When the distribution screen 510 is displayed by the terminal device 2 that transmitted the display request including the gift object information, the terminal device 2 displays the gift object 406c, which is an object image corresponding to the information indicating the candidate object selected by the viewing user operating the terminal device 2.

[0083] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, a description will be given of the transition of the display of the gift object 406c.

[0084] Figure 6(a) is a diagram showing an example of a delivery screen 600 after a predetermined time has elapsed since the delivery screen 510 shown in Figure 5(b) was displayed. Similar to the delivery screen 400 shown in Figure 4(a), the delivery screen 600 includes a character object 401, an evaluation button 402, a gift button 403, a comment button 404, and a response information display area 405.

[0085] In the delivery screen 600 shown in Figure 6(a), as a gift object 406c, a moving image is displayed in which a fishing rod and a lure are connected by a fishing line and the lure moves downward on the delivery screen 600.

[0086] Figure 6(b) is a diagram showing an example of a delivery screen 610 after a predetermined time has elapsed since the delivery screen 600 shown in Figure 6(a) was displayed. Similar to the delivery screen 400 shown in Figure 4(a), the delivery screen 610 includes a character object 401, an evaluation button 402, a gift button 403, a comment button 404, and a response information display area 405.

[0087] In the delivery screen 610 shown in Figure 6(b), as a gift object 406c, an image showing a fishing rod and a fishing line, in which the lure has moved below the lower edge of the delivery screen 610 and is not included in the delivery screen 610, is displayed.

[0088] Figure 7(a) is a diagram showing an example of a delivery screen 700 after a predetermined time has elapsed since the delivery screen 610 shown in Figure 6(b) was displayed. Similar to the delivery screen 400 shown in Figure 4(a), the delivery screen 700 includes a character object 401, an evaluation button 402, a gift button 403, a comment button 404, and a response information display area 405.

[0089] In the distribution screen 700 shown in FIG. 7(a), as the gift object 406c, an image showing a fishing rod and a fishing line is displayed, and further, a moving image of the fish object 406d moving upward on the distribution screen 700 along the extending direction of the fishing line is displayed. By displaying the gift object 406c and the fish object 406d, a moving image is provided to the user indicating that the fish object 406d is caught using the fishing rod and fishing line that are the gift object 406c.

[0090] FIG. 7(b) is a diagram showing an example of the distribution screen 710 after a predetermined time has elapsed since the distribution screen 700 shown in FIG. 7(a) was displayed. Similar to the distribution screen 400 shown in FIG. 4(a), the distribution screen 710 includes a character object 401, an evaluation button 402, a gift button 403, a comment button 404, and a response information display area 405.

[0091] In the distribution screen 710, the fish object 406d after moving to a predetermined position is displayed. The predetermined position is, for example, the position (the end point of the fishing rod) where the fishing rod and fishing line, which are the gift object 406c, are connected. When the fish object 406d moves to the predetermined position, the display of the gift object 406c ends. Note that after the fish object 406d moves to the predetermined position and a further predetermined time elapses, the display of the fish object 406d ends.

[0092] The fish object 406d shown in FIGS. 7(a) and (b) is selected by lottery from among a plurality of types of fish objects 406d. Hereinafter, an example of the lottery process executed by the server device 3 will be described.

[0093] The plurality of types of fish objects 406d are classified into a plurality of groups (for example, Group 1, Group 2, Group 3, etc.). For example, when information indicating the rarity is associated with the fish object 406d, Group 1 is a group that includes the fish object 406d with the highest rarity (super rare), Group 2 is a group that includes the fish object 406d with medium rarity (rare), and Group 3 is a group that includes the fish object 406d with the lowest rarity (normal).

[0094] Each group may be classified not by the rarity of the fish object 406f, but by the season of the fish indicated by the fish object 406 or the market price, etc.

[0095] A lottery probability is assigned to each of Groups 1 to 3. For example, the lottery probability of Group 1 is 5%, the lottery probability of Group 2 is 20%, and the lottery probability of Group 3 is 75%. Each terminal device 2 randomly selects a group according to the lottery probabilities assigned to each of Groups 1 to 3. That is, the playback unit 274 of each terminal device 2 selects Group 1 with a probability of 5%, selects Group 2 with a probability of 20%, and selects Group 3 with a probability of 75%. Next, the playback unit 274 randomly selects one fish object 406d with equal probability from among the one or more fish objects 406d included in the selected group. Then, the playback unit 274 displays the distribution screens 700 and 710 on which the selected fish object 406d appears, and ends the lottery process. Note that the lottery process may be executed by the processor 33 of the server device 3. In this case, distribution data for displaying the distribution screens 700 and 710 is generated by the server device 3 and distributed to each terminal device 2.

[0096] FIG. 8(a), FIG. 8(b) and FIG. 9(a) are diagrams showing examples of a delivery screen 800, a delivery screen 810, and a delivery screen 900 that are displayed on the display device 23 after a display request for another gift object is transmitted. Similar to the delivery screen 400 shown in FIG. 4(a), the delivery screen 800, the delivery screen 810, and the delivery screen 900 include a character object 401, an evaluation button 402, a gift button 403, a comment button 404, and a response information display area 405. The delivery screen 800, the delivery screen 810, and the delivery screen 900 include two gift objects 406c, 406c that mimic fishing rods.

[0097] The gift objects 406c, 406c will be described in the case where the delivery screens 800, 810, and 900 are displayed by the terminal device 2 of the delivering user. The server device 3 receives a display request including gift object information (such as an object ID) from each of the terminal devices 2 of the two viewing users, and transmits delivery data including the display request to the terminal device 2 of the delivering user. The playback unit 274 of the terminal device 2 of the delivering user displays the gift objects 406c, 406c, which are object images corresponding to the gift object information (the gift object information included in the display request) included in the delivery data received from the server device 3.

[0098] The gift objects 406c, 406c will be described in the case where the delivery screens 800, 810, and 900 are displayed by the terminal devices 2 of other viewing users other than the terminal device 2 that transmitted the display request. The server device 3 receives a display request including gift object information from each of the terminal devices 2 of the two viewing users, and transmits delivery data including the display request to the terminal devices 2 of other viewing users other than the terminal device 2 that transmitted the display request. The playback unit 274 of each viewing user's terminal device 2 displays the gift objects 406c, 406c, which are object images corresponding to the gift object information (the gift object information included in the display request) included in the delivery data received from the server device 3.

[0099] The gift objects 406c, 406c will be described in the case where the distribution screens 800, 810, and 900 are displayed by the terminal device 2 (the terminal device 2 of one of the two viewing users) that has transmitted a display request including gift object information. The server device 3 receives a display request including gift object information from the terminal device 2 of the other viewing user among the two viewing users, and transmits the distribution data including the display request to the terminal device 2 of one of the two viewing users. The playback unit 274 of the terminal device 2 of one of the viewing users displays the gift object 406c, which is an object image corresponding to the information indicating the candidate object selected by the viewing user who operates the terminal device 2, and also displays the gift object 406c, which is an object image corresponding to the gift object information (the gift object information included in the display request) included in the distribution data received from the server device 3.

[0100] Similar to the transition of the display of the gift object 406c shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, two gift objects 406c, 406c are displayed on the distribution screens 800, 810, and 900.

[0101] In the delivery screen 800 shown in FIG. 8(a), as two gift objects 406c, 406c, moving images are respectively displayed in which a fishing rod and a lure are connected by a fishing line and the lure moves downward on the delivery screen 800. In the delivery screen 810 shown in FIG. 8(b), as two gift objects 406c, 406c, images showing a fishing rod and a fishing line are respectively displayed, and further, moving images of each fish object 406e, 406f moving upward on the delivery screen 810 are displayed along the extending direction of each fishing line. In the delivery screen 900 shown in FIG. 9(a), the fish objects 406e, 406f after moving to a predetermined position are displayed. In the delivery screen 900, when the fish objects 406e, 406f move to a predetermined position, the display of the gift objects 406c, 406c ends. After a predetermined time has elapsed since the fish objects 406e, 406f moved to a predetermined position, the display of the fish objects 406e, 406f ends.

[0102] Each of the fish objects 406e, 406f is selected by lottery from among a plurality of types of fish objects 406 in the same manner as the fish object 406d.

[0103] The lottery probability used in the lottery process is changed according to information regarding the delivering user and / or information regarding the viewing user who selected the gift object 406c corresponding to the fish object.

[0104] FIG. 9(b) is a diagram showing an example of the delivery screen 910 displayed on the display device 23 after a display request for a gift object is transmitted. The delivery screen 910 includes a character object 401, an evaluation button 402, a gift button 403, a comment button 404, and a response information display area 405, similar to the delivery screen 400 shown in FIG. 4(a). Further, the delivery screen 910 includes gift objects 406g, 406h.

[0105] The gift objects 406g and 406h in the case where the distribution screen 910 is displayed by the terminal device 2 of the distributing user will be described. The server device 3 receives a display request including gift object information (such as object ID) from each terminal device 2 of the viewing users, and transmits the distribution data including the display request to the terminal device 2 of the distributing user. The playback unit 274 of the terminal device 2 of the distributing user displays the gift objects 406g and 406h, which are object images corresponding to the gift object information (the gift object information included in the display request) included in the distribution data received from the server device 3.

[0106] The gift objects 406g and 406h in the case where the distribution screen 910 is displayed by the terminal device 2 of another viewing user other than the terminal device 2 that transmitted the display request will be described. The server device 3 receives a display request including gift object information from the terminal device 2 of the viewing users, and transmits the distribution data including the display request to the terminal device 2 of another viewing user other than the terminal device 2 that transmitted the display request. The playback unit 274 of each terminal device 2 of the viewing users displays the gift objects 406g and 406h, which are object images corresponding to the gift object information (the gift object information included in the display request) included in the distribution data received from the server device 3.

[0107] When the distribution screen 910 is displayed by the terminal device 2 that transmitted the display request including the gift object information, the terminal device 2 displays the gift objects 406g and 406h, which are object images corresponding to the information indicating the candidate object selected by the viewing user operating the terminal device 2.

[0108] Each of the gift objects 406g and 406h may be changed according to the information about the distributing user and / or the information about the viewing user who selected the gift objects 406g and 406h. The details of the change process of the gift objects 406g and 406h will be described later.

[0109] In the distribution screen 910 shown in FIG. 9(b), although the gift objects 406g and 406h are the same, since the information about the viewing user who selected the gift object 406g is different from the information about the viewing user who selected the gift object 406h, the display modes of the gift object 406g and the gift object 406h are displayed differently from each other.

[0110] Details of various tables and the functions of the playback unit 274 used to display the various screens shown in FIGS. 4 to 9 will be described.

[0111] (Various tables) FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the data structures of a user table T1, an object table T2, an activity table T3, and a lottery probability table T4 stored in the storage device 22. Note that the user table T1, the object table T2, the activity table T3, and the lottery probability table T4 may be stored in the storage device 32 of the server device 3. In this case, the terminal device 2 may acquire (receive) the latest user table T1, object table T2, activity table T3, and lottery probability table T4 at a predetermined timing and store them in the storage device 22.

[0112] (User table T1) FIG. 10(a) is an example of the data structure of a user table T1 for managing users (distribution users and viewing users) participating in the video distribution system 1. In the user table T1, for each user, a user ID, a name, a character object, possessed objects, etc. are stored in association with each other.

[0113] The user ID is an example of identification data for uniquely identifying each user. The name is an example of data indicating the name of each user.

[0114] The character object is, for example, a model ID for identifying model data for generating an animation of the character object. The model data is stored in the storage device 22 in association with the model ID. The model data may be three-dimensional model data for generating a three-dimensional animation, or two-dimensional model data for generating two-dimensional model data. The model data includes, for example, rig data (so-called "skeleton data") indicating the skeleton of the face and parts other than the face of the character object, and surface data indicating the shape and texture of the surface of the character object. The model data may include a plurality of different model data. Each of the plurality of model data may have different rig data from each other, or may have the same rig data. Each of the plurality of model data may have different surface data from each other, or may have the same surface data.

[0115] The owned object is an object ID indicating an object owned by each user. The owned object is an object that a user has come to own by consuming "coins", which are virtual currency values, in the purchase function in the video distribution system 1. For example, the distributing user can, during the distribution of the distribution screen, operate the terminal device 2 to attach the owned object to the character object included in the distribution screen.

[0116] In the user table T1, object display information may be stored in association with each user. For example, the object display information is an object ID indicating the attached object displayed in association with the character object of the distributing user in the video.

[0117] (Object table T2) Figure 10(b) is an example of the data structure of object table T2 that manages objects selected as gift objects. In object table T2, for each object, an object ID, image information, rarity, placement location, etc. are stored in association with each other.

[0118] The object ID is an example of identification data for uniquely identifying each object. The image information is one or more still images corresponding to each object. The image information may also be one or more moving images corresponding to each object. The rarity is information indicating the degree of rarity of each object. The placement location is information indicating the location where the image information of each object is displayed. Note that when the display position and display range of a character object are determined, information indicating the relative position with respect to the character object may be stored as the placement location.

[0119] Objects are classified into multiple types. For example, objects include an effect object indicating an effect gift, a normal object indicating a normal gift, a wearable object indicating a wearable gift, and a message object indicating a message gift. Hereinafter, the image information and the placement location will be described according to the type of the object.

[0120] An effect object is an object that affects the impression of the entire delivery screen. An effect object is, for example, an object imitating confetti. When the effect object is an object imitating confetti, an image showing a plurality of pieces of paper is stored as the image information.

[0121] Information indicating "space" is stored as the placement location of the effect object. For example, an object imitating confetti is displayed across the entire delivery screen. Also, the effect object may be displayed so as to overlap with the character object. Different from the wearable object described later, the effect object is displayed without being associated with a specific part of the character. In this way, by displaying the effect object in response to an instruction from the viewing user, the video delivery system 1 can change the impression of the entire delivery screen compared to before the said effect object is displayed.

[0122] A normal object is, for example, an object imitating a stuffed toy, a bouquet of flowers, an accessory, or an item suitable for a gift or present. Information indicating "space" is stored as the placement location of the normal object. For example, information regarding a predetermined movement route is associated with the normal object, and a normal object that moves along the predetermined movement route within the delivery screen is displayed. Note that the normal object may be displayed so as to overlap with the character object. In this case, different from the wearable object described later, the normal object is displayed without being associated with a specific part of the character object.

[0123] When the normal object is displayed overlapping with the character object, for example, the normal object may be displayed so as to overlap with "parts other than the 'head' including the 'face'" of the character object. In this case, the normal object is not displayed overlapping with the "head" of the character object. Also, the normal object may be displayed so as to overlap with "parts other than the 'upper body' including the 'face'" of the character object. In this case, the normal object is not displayed overlapping with the "upper body" of the character object.

[0124] The wearable object is an object that is displayed on the distribution screen in association with a specific part (wearable location) of the character object. For example, the specific part can be the front left side, front right side, rear left side, rear right side, front center side, rear center side, left eye, right eye, left ear, right ear, and the entire hair on the head of the character object. Also, the specific part can be the thumb, ring finger, wrist, elbow, shoulder, forearm, entire hand, entire arm, etc.

[0125] The wearable object associated with a specific part of the character object is displayed on the distribution screen so as to be in contact with the specific part of the character object. Also, the wearable object associated with a specific part of the character object may be displayed on the distribution screen so as to cover part or all of the specific part of the character object. The specific part may be specified by three-dimensional position information indicating a position in the three-dimensional coordinate space, or may be associated with the position information of the three-dimensional coordinate space.

[0126] The image information of the wearable object is, for example, image information imitating accessories (such as hairpins, necklaces or earrings) worn by the character object, clothes (such as T-shirts or one-piece dresses), costumes, and other things that the character object can wear.

[0127] As the placement location of the wearable object, information indicating the wearable part showing which part of the character object the wearable object is associated with is stored. For example, when the wearable object is a "hairpin", information indicating the "head" of the character object is stored as the placement location of the wearable object. Also, when the wearable object is a "T-shirt", information indicating the "torso" of the character object is stored as the placement location of the wearable object.

[0128] As the placement location of the object to be worn, information indicating a plurality of wearing parts in a three-dimensional coordinate space may be stored. For example, when the object to be worn is a "hairpin", as the placement location of the object to be worn, information indicating two parts, namely, "the left side behind the head" and "the right side behind the head" of the character object, may be stored. Thereby, the object to be worn imitating the "hairpin" is displayed so as to be worn on both "the left side behind the head" and "the right side behind the head" of the character object.

[0129] When a plurality of types of objects to be worn having common wearing locations are worn on a character object, the plurality of types of objects to be worn are worn on the character object at intervals of time. Thereby, a plurality of types of objects to be worn having common wearing parts are not worn on the character object at the same time. For example, when "head" is stored as the wearing location of both the object to be worn indicating a "hairpin" and the object to be worn indicating a "hat", the object to be worn indicating a "hairpin" and the object to be worn indicating a "hat" are not displayed on the head of the character object at the same time.

[0130] In the object table T2, a display time corresponding to the type of the object may be stored in association with the object ID of the object. For example, as the display time of the object to be worn, a time longer than the display time of the effect object and the display time of the normal object may be stored. For example, when "60 seconds" is stored as the display time of the object to be worn, "5 seconds" may be stored as the display time of the effect object, and "10 seconds" may be stored as the display time of the normal object.

[0131] (Activity table T3) FIG. 10(c) is an example of the data structure of an activity table T3 that manages various types of information indicating the degree of involvement of each user in the video distribution system 1. In the activity table T3, for each user, a user ID, points, consumed coins, and the like are stored in association with each other.

[0132] Points are information indicating point values according to, for example, the number of times of transmission of evaluation data and / or comment data by each viewing user. Consumption coins are information indicating the cumulative value of consumed coins calculated each time each distribution user consumes a virtual currency value of "coins".

[0133] (Lottery Probability Table T4) FIG. 10(d) is an example of the data structure of a lottery probability table T4 that manages the lottery probabilities used in the lottery process of gift objects. In the lottery probability table T4, for each lottery probability, a lottery probability ID, the probability of rarity (SR), the probability of rarity (R), the probability of rarity (N), etc. are stored in association with each other.

[0134] (Function of the playback unit 274) The playback unit 274 generates an animation of a character object based on the motion data. For example, when motion data is generated by the generation unit 271, the playback unit 274 extracts the model ID of the character object associated with the user ID stored in the storage device 22 from the user table T1. Also, when the motion data is included in the distribution data received by the reception unit 273, the playback unit 274 extracts the model ID of the character object associated with the user ID included in the distribution data from the user table T1.

[0135] Next, the playback unit 274 reads out the model data associated with the extracted model ID from the storage device 22. Then, the playback unit 274 generates an animation of the character object based on the read model data and the motion data.

[0136] When the motion data includes face motion data, the playback unit 274 generates an animation of the character object so that the expression of the character object changes based on the face motion data. Thereby, the playback unit 274 can generate an animation of the character object that moves in synchronization with the movement of the expression of the distribution user based on the read model data and face motion data.

[0137] When the motion data includes face motion data and body motion data, the playback unit 274 generates an animation of the character object that moves in synchronization with the expression and body movement of the distribution user based on the read model data, face motion data, and body motion data.

[0138] The playback unit 274 generates a distribution screen that displays a moving image including the generated animation of the character object and a background image showing the background generated using the background data stored in the storage device 22. When voice data of the distribution user is acquired by the microphone 26 or the voice data of the distribution user is included in the distribution data, the playback unit 274 may synthesize the voice (of the distribution user) generated based on the voice data into the generated moving image. In this way, the playback unit 274 can generate an animation of the character object that moves in synchronization with the expression and body movement of the distribution user, and generate a distribution screen in which the voice of the distribution user is synthesized into this animation.

[0139] In addition, the playback unit 274 may attach the object held by the distribution user (for example, the worn object) to the character object in response to the request of the distribution user. For example, when the distribution user operates the terminal device 2 and an instruction to attach a worn object to the character object of the distribution user is given before or after the start of distribution of the distribution screen, the playback unit 274 attaches the worn object to the character object of the distribution user based on this display request.

[0140] Further, when the display request for the gift object is included in the distribution data, the playback unit 274 specifies the information to be included in the distribution screen according to the display request. In this case, the playback unit 274 extracts the points associated with the user ID included in the display request from the activity table T3, adds a predetermined additional point to the extracted points, and stores the added points in the activity table T3 in association with the user ID included in the display request. When the display request included in the distribution data is the display request for the evaluation data, the playback unit 274 may store, as points, a value obtained by multiplying the number of transmission times of the evaluation data by a predetermined coefficient in the activity table T3 in association with the user ID. In this case, in the activity table T3, the number of transmission times of the evaluation data is stored in association with the user ID. When the activity table T3 is updated, the updated activity table T3 is transmitted to the server device 3, and the activity table T3 stored in the storage device 32 of the server device 3 is also updated.

[0141] When the specified information is the object ID of a specific effect object, the playback unit 274 refers to the object table T2 and extracts the still image or moving image (image information) of the effect object associated with the object ID of the specific effect object, and generates a distribution screen including the extracted still image or moving image. For example, when a display request for an effect gift showing confetti or fireworks is made, the playback unit 274 generates a distribution screen including a moving image of an effect object (not shown) imitating confetti or fireworks.

[0142] When the specified information is the object ID of a normal object, the playback unit 274 refers to the object table T2 and extracts the still image or moving image (image information) and the placement location of the normal object associated with the object ID of the normal object. Next, the playback unit 274 generates a distribution screen including the still image or moving image of the normal object placed at the position indicated by the placement location.

[0143] The playback unit 274 may generate a distribution screen including a moving image of a normal object that moves within the display area of the distribution screen. For example, the playback unit 274 may generate a distribution screen including a moving image of a normal object that falls from the top to the bottom of the distribution screen. In this case, the normal object may be displayed within the display area of the distribution screen while falling from the start of the fall to the lower end of the distribution screen, and may disappear from the distribution screen after falling to the lower end of the distribution screen.

[0144] Note that the movement route of the normal object may be a route in the left-to-right direction, right-to-left direction, upper-left to lower-left direction, or other directions of the distribution screen, and may also be a route along a straight orbit, circular orbit, elliptical orbit, spiral orbit, or other orbits.

[0145] When the specified information is the object ID of a specific wearable object, the playback unit 274 refers to the object table T2 and extracts the image information and arrangement location of the wearable object associated with the object ID of the wearable object. Next, the playback unit 274 generates a distribution screen including the image information of the wearable object worn on the wearing part indicated by the arrangement location.

[0146] For example, when a specific wearable object is a "hair accessory modeled after cat ears", the playback unit 274 generates a distribution screen including a character object wearing a wearable object modeled after "hair accessory" on the head (the arrangement location associated with the object ID of "hair accessory"). Note that the wearable object may be displayed on the distribution screen so as to move along with the movement of the wearing part (arrangement location) of the character.

[0147] Note that when the playback unit 274 includes a gift object (effect object, normal object, wearable object, etc.) on the distribution screen in response to a display request from the terminal device 2 of the viewing user, the playback unit 274 may change the display of the gift object based on information about the distribution user related to the distribution screen and / or information about the viewing user who made the display request, and generate a distribution screen including the changed gift object.

[0148] For example, the playback unit 274 refers to the activity table T3 and extracts the points associated with the user ID of the viewing user included in the display request. When the extracted points exceed a predetermined point, the playback unit 274 changes the display of the gift object corresponding to the display request.

[0149] The change in the display of the gift object includes, for example, changing the display color of the image (still image or moving image) of the gift object, changing at least one of the saturation, brightness, and luminance of the image of the gift object, changing the image of the gift object to perform a predetermined operation (moving along a predetermined route, repetitive motion, etc.), changing the image of the gift object to another image, changing the size of the image of the gift object, changing the transparency of the image of the gift object, adding a predetermined image to the image of the gift object, not displaying at least a part of the image of the gift object, etc. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 9, the gift object 406g is an object whose display has not changed, and the gift object 406h is an object whose display has changed.

[0150] When the points associated with the user ID of the viewing user correspond to the number of times the viewing user has sent evaluation data (for example, the points are the number of times of sending multiplied by a predetermined coefficient), the stronger the involvement of the viewing user with the video distribution system 1, the higher the possibility that the display of the gift object will change. As a result, it becomes possible to improve the viewing motivation of the viewing user. Note that the number of times the viewing user has sent evaluation data may be the number of times of sending evaluation data for the current and past distribution screens only of the distribution user who is distributing the distribution screen being viewed.

[0151] Also, when the points associated with the user ID of the viewing user correspond to the number of times the viewing user has sent comment data (for example, the points are the number of times of sending multiplied by a predetermined coefficient), the stronger the involvement of the viewing user with the video distribution system 1, the higher the possibility that the display of the gift object will change. As a result, it becomes possible to improve the viewing motivation of the viewing user. Note that the number of times the viewing user has sent comment data may be the number of times of sending comment data for the current and past distribution screens only of the distribution user who is distributing the distribution screen being viewed.

[0152] Note that the points associated with the user ID of the viewing user may be based on both the number of times the viewing user has sent evaluation data and the number of times the viewing user has sent comment data (for example, the points are the sum of a value obtained by multiplying the number of times of sending evaluation data by a first coefficient and a value obtained by multiplying the number of times of sending comment data by a second coefficient). The points associated with the user ID of the viewing user may be based on the number of times the viewing user has requested the display of the gift object. Note that each viewing user may be ranked in the order of the points associated with the user ID of the viewing user.

[0153] (Server device 3) FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the schematic configuration of the server device 3.

[0154] The server device 3 generates distribution data based on the motion data from the terminal device 2 of the distributing user and / or the response information from the terminal device 2 of the viewing user, and distributes (transmits) the distribution data to the terminal device 2 of the viewing user. For this purpose, the server device 3 includes a communication I / F 31, a storage device 32, and a processor 33.

[0155] The communication I / F 31 is implemented as hardware, firmware, or communication software such as a TCP / IP driver or a PPP driver, or a combination thereof. The server device 3 can transmit data to other devices and receive data from other devices via the communication I / F 31.

[0156] The storage device 32 is, for example, a semiconductor memory device such as a ROM or a RAM. The storage device 32 may be, for example, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, or various other storage devices capable of storing data. The storage device 32 stores an operating system program, a driver program, an application program, and data used in the processing by the processor 33.

[0157] The processor 33 is a processing device that loads an operating system program, a driver program, and an application program stored in the storage device 32 into memory and executes instructions included in the loaded programs. The processor 33 is, for example, an electronic circuit such as a CPU, an MPU, a DSP, or a GPU, or a combination of various electronic circuits. The processor 33 may be realized by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC, a PLD, an FPGA, or an MCU. In FIG. 11, the processor 33 is illustrated as a single component, but the processor 33 may be a set of a plurality of physically separate processors.

[0158] The processor 33 functions as a server reception unit 331 and a distribution unit 332 by executing various instructions included in the control program.

[0159] (Server reception unit 331) The server receiving unit 331 receives the motion data, or the motion data and the audio data transmitted from the terminal device 2 of the distribution user, together with the user ID, via the communication I / F 31. Further, the server receiving unit 331 receives various requests (such as a display request and an end request) transmitted from the terminal device 2 of the viewing user via the communication I / F 31.

[0160] (Distribution unit 332) The distribution unit 332 distributes distribution data including various data (motion data (and user ID), motion data and audio data (and user ID), display request, end request, etc.) received by the server receiving unit 331 to the terminal device 2 of the distribution user and the terminal devices 2 of one or more viewing users via the communication I / F 31.

[0161] (Operation sequence of the video distribution system 1) FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the operation sequence of the video distribution system 1. This operation sequence is mainly executed by the processors 27 and 33 in cooperation with the respective elements of the terminal device 2 and the server device 3 based on programs stored in the storage device 22 and the storage device 32 in advance. Hereinafter, it will be described on the assumption that the distribution user Ua operates the terminal device 2a, the viewing user Ub operates the terminal device 2b, and the viewing user Uc operates the terminal device 2c.

[0162] First, the transmission unit 272 of the terminal device 2a transmits the motion data generated by the generation unit 271 to the server device 3 via the communication I / F 21 (step S101). The transmission unit 272 may transmit the audio data together with the motion data. Since the process of step S101 is continuously executed at predetermined time intervals until the distribution of the distribution screen ends, the processes related to steps S101 to S107 are intermittently executed.

[0163] Next, the distribution unit 332 of the server device 3 distributes distribution data including the motion data received from the terminal device 2a to the terminal device 2b and the terminal device 2c via the communication I / F 31 (steps S102 and S103). Note that the distribution data includes the user ID of the distribution user Ua.

[0164] Next, the playback unit 274 of the terminal device 2a generates drawing data for displaying a distribution screen based on the motion data (and audio data) generated by the generation unit 271, and displays the distribution screen on the display device 23 based on the generated drawing data (step S104). Also, the playback unit 274 of the terminal device 2b generates drawing data for displaying a distribution screen based on the distribution data received by the reception unit 273, and displays the distribution screen on the display device 23 based on the generated drawing data (step S105). Further, the playback unit 274 of the terminal device 2c generates drawing data for displaying a distribution screen based on the distribution data received by the reception unit 273, and displays the distribution screen on the display device 23 based on the generated drawing data (step S106).

[0165] Next, the transmission unit 272 of the terminal device 2b transmits, via the communication I / F 21, a display request for causing the response information input by the viewing user Ub by operating the input device 24 to be displayed on the distribution screen and / or a display request for causing a gift object corresponding to the gift object information to be displayed on the distribution screen to the server device 3 (step S107).

[0166] Also, the transmission unit 272 of the terminal device 2a continuously transmits the motion data (and audio data) generated by the generation unit 271 to the server device 3 via the communication I / F 21 (step S108).

[0167] The distribution unit 332 of the server device 3 distributes the distribution data including the motion data received from the terminal device 2a to the terminal device 2b via the communication I / F 31 (step S109), and distributes the distribution data including the motion data received from the terminal device 2a, the response information corresponding to the display request, and / or the gift object to the terminal device 2c via the communication I / F 31 (step S110), and transmits the distribution data including the response information corresponding to the display request and / or the gift object to the terminal device 2a (step S111).

[0168] Next, the playback unit 274 of the terminal device 2b generates drawing data for displaying a distribution screen based on the response information input by the viewing user Ub operating the input device 24 and the distribution data received by the receiving unit 273, and displays the distribution screen on the display device 23 based on the generated drawing data (step S112). Also, the playback unit 274 of the terminal device 2c generates drawing data for displaying a distribution screen based on the distribution data received by the receiving unit 273, and displays the distribution screen on the display device 23 based on the generated drawing data (step S113). Further, the playback unit 274 of the terminal device 2a generates drawing data for displaying a distribution screen based on the motion data (and audio data) generated by the generation unit 271 and the distribution data received by the receiving unit 273, and displays the distribution screen on the display device 23 based on the generated drawing data (step S114).

[0169] The transmission unit 272 of the terminal device 2a transmits a termination request for the distribution screen in response to the termination operation of the input device 24 by the distribution user Ua to the server device 3 via the communication I / F 21 (step S115).

[0170] Next, the distribution unit 332 of the server device 3 distributes an instruction to terminate the playback of the distribution screen to the terminal device 2b and the terminal device 2c via the communication I / F 31 (steps S116 and S117).

[0171] Next, the playback unit 274 of the terminal device 2b ends the playback of the distribution screen in response to the end instruction received by the reception unit 273 (step S118). Also, the playback unit 274 of the terminal device 2c ends the playback of the distribution screen in response to the end instruction received by the reception unit 273 (step S119).

[0172] Then, the playback unit 274 of the terminal device 2a that transmitted the end instruction ends the playback of the distribution screen (step S120).

[0173] Note that in the processing procedure shown in FIG. 12, it is possible to omit a part of the steps (steps) constituting the processing procedure, add steps not explicitly shown as steps constituting the processing procedure, and / or change the order of the steps. As long as such an omitted, added, or order-changed processing procedure does not depart from the spirit of the present invention, it is included in the scope of the present invention.

[0174] As described in detail above, in the video distribution system 1 of the present embodiment, even for the same gift object, its display can be automatically changed based on information regarding the distribution user related to the distribution screen and / or information regarding the viewing user who made the display request. With such a video distribution system 1, it becomes possible to improve the willingness of the distribution user and / or the viewing user to participate in the distribution event. Furthermore, such a video distribution system 1 enables the provision of various variations of gift objects according to the degree of involvement of the distribution user and / or the viewing user in the video distribution system 1. Also, due to the interaction between the involvement of the distribution user and / or the viewing user in the video distribution system 1 and the video distribution system 1, the distribution user and / or the viewing user can automatically display a new gift object without performing any operations, enabling simplification of the interface. Moreover, in the video distribution system 1, since no new instructions or communications accompanying the instructions from the distribution user and / or the viewing user are required to automatically change the display of the gift object, it is possible to prevent in advance delays in information processing due to the processing load of the terminal device 2 and the server device 3 and / or delays in communication due to the load on the communication network.

[0175] (Modification Example 1) Note that the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. For example, the transmission unit 272 of the terminal device 2 of the distributing user may transmit the imaging data acquired by the imaging device 25 instead of the motion data. For example, the transmission unit 272 of the terminal device 2 of the distributing user transmits the imaging data continuously output by the imaging device 25 to the server device 3 via the communication I / F 21 together with the user ID stored in the storage device 22. Next, when the imaging data is received by the server receiving unit 331, the distribution unit 322 of the server device 3 generates distribution data including the received imaging data and the user ID of the distributing user, and transmits it to the terminal device 2 of each viewing user. Then, the playback unit 274 of each terminal device 2 displays a distribution screen including the imaging data and the background image. Note that the playback unit 274 of each terminal device 2 may generate a distribution screen that does not include the background image. Further, the playback unit 274 of each terminal device 2 may synthesize the generated moving image with the voice (of the distributing user) generated based on the voice data. In this way, the terminal device 2 can display a distribution screen showing the live video of the distributing user.

[0176] (Modification Example 2) Also, the playback unit 274 of the terminal device 2 of the distributing user may use game video data indicating the situation of the game played by the distributing user as the distribution data. The game video data is data of a moving image captured from the game screen of a predetermined game being played by the distributing user. In this case, the processor 27 of the terminal device 2 functions as a game progress unit for progressing a predetermined game by executing various instructions included in the game program stored in the storage device 22. The game progress unit progresses a predetermined game in response to an instruction by an operation of the input device 24 by the distributing user. The generation unit 271 of the terminal device 2 of the distributing user continuously acquires an image of the game screen of the predetermined game currently in progress in response to a recording instruction by the distributing user, generates data of a moving image, and continuously outputs it as game video data.

[0177] Next, the transmission unit 272 of the terminal device 2 of the distribution user transmits the game video data continuously output by the generation unit 271 to the server device 3 via the communication I / F 21 together with the user ID stored in the storage device 22. Next, when the game video data is received by the server reception unit 331, the distribution unit 322 of the server device 3 generates distribution data including the received game video data and the user ID of the distribution user, and transmits it to the terminal device 2 of each viewing user. Then, the playback unit 274 of each terminal device 2 may generate a distribution screen for displaying a moving image including the received game video data and a background image showing the background generated using the background data stored in the storage device 22. Note that the playback unit 274 of each terminal device 2 may generate a distribution screen that does not include the background image. In this way, each terminal device 2 can display a distribution screen showing the live situation of the game of the distribution user.

[0178] The game video data transmitted to the server device 3 by the transmission unit 272 of the terminal device 2 of the distribution user may be data of a moving image captured from a game screen of a predetermined game played by the distribution user in the past. In this case, the generation unit 271 of the terminal device 2 of the distribution user continuously acquires images of the game screen of the ongoing predetermined game in response to a recording instruction by the distribution user, generates moving image data, and stores it in the storage device 22 as game video data. Then, the transmission unit 272 of the terminal device 2 of the distribution user transmits the game video data stored in the storage device 22 to the server device 3 via the communication I / F 21 together with the user ID stored in the storage device 22. Thereby, it becomes possible to provide the video distribution system 1 capable of distributing the play history of the game played by the distribution user in the past.

[0179] (Modification Example 3) In addition, in the process of changing the display of the gift object, the information about the distribution user related to the distribution screen and / or the information about the viewing user who has made a display request for the gift object, which are used by the playback unit 274, can be any information. Hereinafter, the distribution user related to the currently distributed distribution screen will be referred to as the current distribution user, and the viewing user who has made a display request for the gift object on the currently distributed distribution screen will be referred to as the current viewing user. A modified example of the process of changing the display of the gift object will be described.

[0180] For example, the playback unit 274 refers to the activity table T3, extracts the consumption coins associated with the user ID of the current viewing user included in the display request, and if the extracted consumption coins exceed a predetermined value, the display of the gift object corresponding to the display request may be changed. Thereby, the stronger the involvement of the current viewing user in the video distribution system 1, the higher the possibility that the display of the gift object will change, and thereby, it becomes possible to improve the viewing motivation of the current viewing user.

[0181] In addition, the playback unit 274 may change the display of the gift object in response to the condition for the paid gift object selected by the current viewing user as the gift object being satisfied.

[0182] The condition for the paid gift object is, for example, that the total monetary value of the paid gift objects selected by the current viewing user as the gift objects to be displayed on the currently distributed distribution screen is equal to or greater than a first predetermined amount from the start of distribution of the currently distributed distribution screen to the current time. Also, the condition for the paid gift object may be that the total monetary value of the paid gift objects selected by the current viewing user as the gift objects to be displayed on the distribution screens distributed by the current distribution user in the past and the currently distributed distribution screen is equal to or greater than a second predetermined amount.

[0183] In addition, the condition regarding the paid gift object may be that the total monetary value of the paid gift objects selected by each of all the viewing users as the gift objects to be displayed on the currently distributed distribution screen is equal to or greater than a third predetermined amount from the start of the distribution of the currently distributed distribution screen to the current time. Further, the condition regarding the paid gift object may be that the total monetary value of the paid gift objects selected by all the viewing users as the gift objects to be displayed on the distribution screens distributed in the past by the current distribution user and the currently distributed distribution screen is equal to or greater than a fourth predetermined amount.

[0184] In addition, the playback unit 274 may change the display of the gift object corresponding to the display request based on the information indicating the number of times the current viewing user has requested an association (e.g., follow) with another user. Hereinafter, an example of the process related to the association request will be described. First, on the distribution screen where the association button (e.g., follow button) is displayed, when the viewing user selects the association button, the transmission unit 272 of the terminal device 2 transmits a one-way association request from the viewing user to the distribution user related to the distribution screen via the communication I / F 21 to the server device 3. Note that the association request includes the user ID of the viewing user who selected the association button. Then, the server reception unit 331 of the server device 3 receives the one-way association request transmitted from the terminal device 2 via the communication I / F 31, adds "1" to the number of times the viewing user has made a one-way association, and stores the added number of times the viewing user has made a one-way association in the storage device 32 in association with the user ID included in the association request, and the process related to the association request ends.

[0185] Note that after the one-way association request from the viewing user to the distribution user is transmitted to the server device 3, if the server device 3 receives a request regarding the rejection of the one-way association from the terminal device 2 of the distribution user, the server device 3 may determine that the one-way association is not established and not add to the number of times the viewing user has made a one-way association.

[0186] The playback unit 274 acquires (receives) information indicating the number of times of one-way association performed at a predetermined timing from the server device 3 and stores it in the storage device 22. When the number of times the current viewing user has requested association with other users exceeds a predetermined number, the display of the gift object corresponding to the display request is changed. Further, the playback unit 274 may change the display of the gift object corresponding to the display request when the number of times the current distribution user has been requested association from other users exceeds a predetermined number. As a result, the stronger the involvement of the viewing user with the video distribution system 1, the higher the possibility that the display of the gift object will change, and it becomes possible to improve the viewing motivation of the viewing user.

[0187] In addition, when a one-way association of user B with respect to user A is established and a one-way association of user A with respect to user B is established, the playback unit 274 determines that mutual following between user A and user B is established, and adds "1" to both the mutual following number of user A and the mutual following number of user B. The playback unit 274 may change the display of the gift object corresponding to the display request when the mutual following number of the current distribution user is equal to or more than a predetermined number. Further, the playback unit 274 may change the display of the gift object corresponding to the display request when the mutual following number of the current viewing user is equal to or more than a predetermined number. As a result, the stronger the involvement of the viewing user with the video distribution system 1, the higher the possibility that the display of the gift object will change, and thereby it becomes possible to improve the viewing motivation of the viewing user.

[0188] In addition, the playback unit 274 may change the display of the gift object corresponding to the display request when the number of displays of evaluation data transmitted by one or a plurality of viewing users exceeds a predetermined number for the currently distributed distribution screen. As a result, if the number of evaluations sent for the distribution screen on which the character object of the current distribution user is displayed (for example, the number of times a "like" evaluation is received) is large, the possibility that the display of the gift object will change is increased, and thereby it becomes possible to improve the motivation of the viewing user to send evaluation data.

[0189] In addition, when the number of display counts of comment data transmitted by one or more viewing users exceeds a predetermined number for the distribution screen during distribution, the playback unit 274 may change the display of the gift object corresponding to the display request. As a result, if the number of comments sent to the distribution screen on which the character object of the current distribution user is displayed is large, the possibility of the display of the gift object changing increases, and it becomes possible to improve the willingness of the viewing user to send comments.

[0190] In addition, the playback unit 274 may change the display of the gift object corresponding to the display request according to the tendency of the video distribution of the current distribution user. In this case, for example, the time when each distribution user starts distributing the distribution screen and / or the distribution time of the distribution screen of each distribution user (distribution start time and distribution end time) may be stored in the storage device 32 in association with the user ID of each distribution user. The playback unit 274 acquires from the server device 3 the time when each distribution user starts distributing the distribution screen and / or the distribution time of the distribution screen of each distribution user (distribution start time and distribution end time), and determines whether or not the distribution user distributes the distribution screen in each of a plurality of consecutive periods.

[0191] When the periods in which the current distribution user distributes the distribution screen are consecutive and the number of such consecutive periods exceeds a predetermined number, change the display of the gift object corresponding to the display request. For example, when the current distribution user distributes the distribution screen every day for a predetermined number of days or more, the playback unit 274 may change the display of the gift object corresponding to the display request. As a result, the stronger the involvement of the distribution user in the video distribution system 1, the higher the possibility that the display of the gift object presented by the viewing user changes, and it becomes possible to improve the distribution willingness of the distribution user.

[0192] In addition, the playback unit 274 may count the number of terminal devices 2 of the viewing users who are viewing the distribution screen during distribution (the number of viewing users who are viewing). In this case, when the number of terminal devices 2 of the viewing users at the distribution destination exceeds a predetermined number, the playback unit 274 may change the display of the gift object corresponding to the display request. As a result, the higher the number of viewers of the distribution screen, the higher the possibility that the display of the gift object presented by the viewing users will change, and it becomes possible to improve the distribution motivation of the distributing user.

[0193] In addition, the playback unit 274 may change the display of the gift object corresponding to the display request based on the distribution time of the current distributing user. For example, when the distribution time from the start of distribution of the current distribution screen being distributed to the current time exceeds a predetermined time, the playback unit 274 may change the display of the gift object. Further, when the total distribution time of all distributions made by the current distributing user during a predetermined period exceeds a predetermined time, the playback unit 274 may change the display of the gift object (for example, the playback unit 274 changes the display of the gift object displayed on the distribution screen related to the current distributing user whose total distribution time exceeded 10 hours within March 2020). As a result, the higher the possibility that the display of the gift object presented by the viewing users will change according to the distribution time of the distribution screen of the distributing user, and it becomes possible to improve the distribution motivation of the distributing user.

[0194] As described in detail above, even for the same gift object, the video distribution system 1 can automatically change its display based on information about the distributing user related to the distribution screen and / or information about the viewing user who made the display request. With such a video distribution system 1, it becomes possible to improve the willingness of the distributing user and / or the viewing user to participate in the distribution event.

[0195] In addition, when the time when any of the conditions for changing the display of the gift object described above is satisfied is within the first period, the playback unit 274 may change the gift object to the first display, and when the time is within the second period, the playback unit 274 may change the gift object to the second display. For example, when the time when any of the conditions for changing the display of the gift object described above (for example, the condition that the points associated with the user ID of the viewing user included in the display request exceed a predetermined point) is satisfied is at night (18:00 to 6:00 the next day), a predetermined image (for example, a "moon" image) may be added to the gift object, and / or the display color of the gift object may be darkened. In addition, when the time when any of the conditions for changing the display of the gift object described above is satisfied is during the day (6:00 to 18:00), a predetermined image (for example, a "sun" image) may be added to the gift object, and / or the display color of the gift object may be brightened. The first period and the second period may be, for example, any of the periods defining the four seasons, or the periods in which the average temperature is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature and / or lower than a predetermined temperature. In addition, when the time when any of the conditions for changing the display of the gift object described above is satisfied is during a predetermined event execution period, the playback unit 274 may change the gift object according to the event period. The gift object according to the event period is a gift object that can be used during the event period, a gift object with a design that matches the worldview during the event period, and the like.

[0196] When the gift object included in the distribution screen by the display request from the terminal device 2 of the viewing user displays a plurality of types of object images, the playback unit 274 may change the display of one of the object images or both of the object images.

[0197] For example, taking the case where the gift object is the "fishing rod" object shown in FIGS. 5(b) to 9(a) as an example, the playback unit 274, when a predetermined condition among the conditions for changing the display of the above-described gift object (the condition that the number of displays of evaluation data transmitted by one or more viewing users for the delivery screen during delivery exceeds a predetermined number) is not satisfied, extracts each probability associated with the lottery probability ID "L-01" from the lottery probability table T4, and executes a lottery process based on each extracted probability to display one fish object. On the other hand, when the predetermined condition is satisfied, the playback unit 274 extracts each probability associated with the lottery probability ID "L-02" from the lottery probability table T4, and executes a lottery process based on each extracted probability to display one fish object.

[0198] As a result, when the condition for changing the display of the gift object is satisfied, the possibility of displaying a fish object with a high rarity increases, and it becomes possible to improve the viewer's motivation to display the gift object. Further, when each of a plurality of viewing users makes a display request to display the "fishing rod" object, and the condition for changing the display of the gift object is a condition related to information about the viewing user, the fish object that appears changes according to the "fishing rod" object (according to the information about the viewing user), so that it becomes possible to realize a video delivery with high interest. Note that the more luxurious the design of the fish object with a higher rarity, the better.

[0199] Note that when a predetermined condition among the conditions for changing the display of the above-described gift object is satisfied, the playback unit 274 may change the lottery probability after changing the display of the "fishing rod" object. Further, when a predetermined condition among the conditions for changing the display of the above-described gift object is satisfied, the playback unit 274 may shorten or lengthen the time for the fish object to move to a predetermined position after the "fishing rod" object appears.

[0200] (Modification Example 4) At least a part of the functions realized by the processor 27 of the terminal device 2 may be realized by a processor other than the processor 27 of the terminal device 2. At least a part of the functions realized by the processor 27 may be realized by, for example, the processor 33 of the server device 3. Specifically, a part of the functions of the playback unit 274 (the animation generation function and / or the distribution screen generation function of the character object) may be executed in the terminal device 2. For example, distribution data for displaying the distribution screen generated in the server device 3 may be transmitted to each terminal device 2, and each terminal device 2 may display the distribution screen based on the received distribution data. Further, the transmission unit 272 of the terminal device 2 of the distribution user may transmit the video data of the distribution screen displayed based on the drawing data generated by the playback unit 274 of the terminal device 2 to the terminal device 2 of the viewing user who has not transmitted a display request via the server device 3. Thereby, the terminal device 2 of the viewing user who has not transmitted a display request can display the same distribution screen as the distribution screen displayed on the terminal device 2 of the distribution user only by acquiring the video data. For example, in the operation sequence shown in FIG. 12, steps S101 to S103 are not executed, and the playback unit 274 of the terminal device 2a executes step S104. Next, the transmission unit 272 of the terminal device 2a transmits the video data of the distribution screen displayed in step S104, and the distribution unit 332 of the server device 3 distributes the video data received from the terminal device 2a to the terminal devices 2b and 2c via the communication I / F 31. Further, without executing step S110, the transmission unit 272 of the terminal device 2a transmits the video data of the distribution screen displayed in step S114, and the distribution unit 332 of the server device 3 distributes the video data received from the terminal device 2a to the terminal device 2c via the communication I / F 31.

[0201] (Modification Example 5) In addition, the video distribution system 1 may be configured so that a viewing user can submit a co-performance application for co-performing with the distributing user. For example, when a co-performance application button is displayed in the distribution screen displayed on the terminal device 2 of the viewing user, if the co-performance application button is selected by the viewing user operating the input device 24, the terminal device 2 transmits a co-performance application to the server device 3, and the server device 3 transmits the co-performance application to the terminal device 2 of the distributing user.

[0202] When the terminal device 2 of the distributing user receives a co-performance application, it displays at least a permission button for permitting the co-performance application. When the permission button is selected by the distributing user operating the input device 24, the terminal device 2 of the distributing user determines that the distributing user has permitted the co-performance application, and transmits information regarding co-performance permission to the server device 3. Hereinafter, a viewing user whose co-performance application has been permitted may be referred to as a co-performance user.

[0203] When the server device 3 receives information regarding co-performance permission from the terminal device 2 of the distributing user, it transmits the information regarding co-performance permission to the terminal device 2 of the co-performance user. When the terminal device 2 of the co-performance user receives the information regarding co-performance permission from the server device 3, it transmits motion data for generating a character object of the co-performance user, or the motion data and audio data, to the server device 3. Here, the terminal device 2 of the co-performance user displays a co-performance video distribution screen including the character object of the distributing user and the character object of the co-performance user based on the motion data for generating the character object of the distributing user and the motion data for generating the character object of the co-performance user.

[0204] When the terminal device 2 of the distributing user receives motion data for generating a character object of a co-performing user, or the motion data and audio data, from the server device 3, it displays a co-performance video distribution screen including the character object of the distributing user and the character object of the co-performing user based on the motion data for generating the character object of the distributing user and the motion data for generating the character object of the co-performing user.

[0205] The terminal device 2 of the distributing user has transmitted motion data for generating a character object of the distributing user and motion data for generating a character object of the co-performing user to the server device 3. The server device 3 transmits the motion data for generating the character object of the distributing user and the motion data for generating the character object of the co-performing user to the terminal device 2 of a viewing user different from the co-performing user, and the terminal device 2 of the viewing user different from the co-performing user displays a co-performance video distribution screen. Hereinafter, the co-performing user is referred to as the distributing user.

[0206] Note that the server device 3 may generate distribution data for displaying the co-performance video distribution screen. In this case, the server device 3 has the function of the playback unit 274 of the terminal device 2 of the distributing user, and based on the motion data for generating the character object of the distributing user and the motion data for generating the character object of the co-performing user received from each of the terminal device 2 of the distributing user and the terminal device 2 of the co-performing user, generates distribution data for displaying a co-performance video distribution screen including the character object of the distributing user and the character object of the co-performing user.

[0207] Also, when the server device 3 receives a co-performance application from the terminal device 2 of the viewing user, the co-performance application may be permitted by the management operator who manages the server device 3 operating the server device 3.

[0208] The co-starring video distribution screen may include a video in which character objects of three or more distribution users co-star. That is, three or more distribution users may virtually co-star in the video using their respective characters.

[0209] A case will be described where, for each of a plurality of distribution users during co-starring, the terminal devices 2 of a plurality of viewing users transmit a display request for the above-mentioned "fishing rod" object. The terminal device 2 of the viewing user can transmit a display request for the "fishing rod" object to any one of the terminal devices 2 of a plurality of distribution users during co-starring. In this case, the playback unit 274 of each terminal device 2 counts the number of fish objects that have appeared for each distribution user, and calculates fishing points based on the counted number. Then, the playback unit 274 determines the ranking of a plurality of distribution users during co-starring based on the calculated fishing points.

[0210] The playback unit 274 of each terminal device 2 may give a privilege corresponding to the determined ranking or the calculated fishing points to each distribution user. Also, the playback unit 274 may give a privilege to a distribution user whose determined ranking is above a predetermined ranking or a distribution user whose calculated fishing points are above a predetermined value.

[0211] In this case, the condition for changing the display of the above-mentioned gift object may be that the number of distribution users during co-starring exceeds a predetermined number. As a result, the higher the number of co-starring users, the higher the possibility that the display of the gift object given by the viewing user changes, and it becomes possible to improve the co-starring motivation of the distribution user.

[0212] Also, the playback unit 274 of each terminal device 2 may change the display of the gift object corresponding to the display request based on the number of character objects included in the co-starring video distribution screen. For example, the more character objects there are, the more luxurious the designed gift object is displayed.

[0213] In addition, the playback unit 274 of each terminal device 2 may change the display of the gift object corresponding to the display request based on the number of times the co-star video distribution screen is displayed. For example, the more the co-star video distribution screen containing a character object with a large number of display times of the co-star video distribution screen, the more luxurious the designed gift object may be displayed. For example, the more the number of times the co-star video distribution screen of a specific combination of character objects is displayed, the more luxurious the designed gift object may be displayed. For example, the more the co-star video distribution screen containing a character object with a large number of co-star times with different character objects, the more luxurious the designed gift object may be displayed.

[0214] (Modification Example 6) The distribution screens (400, 500, 510, 600, 610, 700, 710, 800, 810, 900, 910) displayed on the terminal device 2 of the distributing user and the distribution screens (400, 500, 510, 600, 610, 700, 710, 800, 810, 900, 910) displayed on the terminal device 2 of the viewing user do not have to be the same screen. For example, the distribution screen displayed on the terminal device 2 of the distributing user may not include the evaluation button 402, the gift button 403, and the comment button 404.

Explanation of Signs

[0215] 1 Video distribution system 2, 2a, 2b, 2c Terminal device 21 Communication I / F 22 Storage device 23 Display device 24 Input device 25 Imaging device 26 Microphone 27 Processor 271 Generation unit 272 Transmission unit 273 Reception unit 274 Playback unit 3 Server device 31 Communication I / F 32 Storage device 33 Processor 331 Server Receiver Unit 332 Distribution Unit 4 Base Station 5 Mobile Communication Network 6 Gateway 7 Internet

Claims

1. A video distribution device that distributes a video including a character object generated based on the movement of a user, comprising one or more processors, The one or more processors, Distribute information for displaying a first video including a first character object generated based on the movement of a first user to a terminal device of at least one user different from the first user, In response to a first display request for a first gift for the first character object, which is transmitted from the terminal device that has displayed the first video, distribute information for displaying the first video further including a first object corresponding to the first gift to the terminal device of the at least one user, Execute, The information for displaying the first video includes information for changing the display of the first object in response to a condition regarding the first user or the user who made the first display request for the first gift being satisfied, The change in the display of the first object is that if the time when the condition is satisfied is the first period, the display of the first object is changed to the first display, and if the time when the condition is satisfied is the second period, the display of the first object is changed to the second display A video distribution device characterized by the above.

2. The video distribution device according to claim 1, wherein the change in the display of the first object is executed based on information regarding the number of times of the first display request transmitted from the terminal device of the at least one user.

3. The video distribution device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the change in the display of the first object is executed based on the number of users associated with the first user.

4. The one or more processors, Determine whether information for displaying the first video was distributed in each of a plurality of consecutive periods, Further execute, The video distribution device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the change in the display of the first object is executed based on information regarding the number of consecutive periods in which the information for displaying the first video was distributed.

5. The one or more processors, Count the number of terminal devices to which the information for displaying the first video is transmitted, Further execute, The change in the display of the first object is executed based on the counted number of terminal devices, the video distribution apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. One or more of the processors, After a lapse of a predetermined time from the start of distribution of the first video including the first object, information for displaying the first video further including a second object based on information about the first user or the user who made the first display request is distributed to the terminal device of at least one of the users. The video distribution apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further executing.

7. One or more of the processors, Information for displaying a second video including at least a second character object generated based on the movement of the first character object and the second user is distributed to the terminal device of at least one third user different from the first user and the second user. In response to a third display request for the first gift for either the first character object or the second character object transmitted from the terminal device that displayed the second video, information for displaying the second video further including the first object corresponding to the first gift is distributed to the terminal device of at least one of the third users. When the second video includes the first object for each of the first character object and the second character object, based on a first point associated with the second object for the first character object and a second point associated with the second object for the second character object, determining the rankings of the first user and the second user. The video distribution apparatus according to claim 6, executing.

8. One or more of the processors, Based on the first point and the second point, awarding a privilege to at least one of the first user and the second user. The video distribution apparatus according to claim 7, executing.

9. A video distribution method of a video distribution apparatus including one or more processors and distributing a video including a character object generated based on the movement of a user, One or more of the processors, Information for displaying a first video including a first character object generated based on the movement of a first user is distributed to a terminal device of at least one user different from the first user. In response to a first display request for a first gift for the first character object, which is transmitted from the terminal device that has displayed the first video, information for displaying the first video further including a first object corresponding to the first gift is distributed to the terminal device of the at least one user. including The information for displaying the first video includes information for changing the display of the first object in response to a condition related to the first user or the user who made the first display request for the first gift being satisfied. The change in the display of the first object is such that if the point in time when the condition is satisfied is in a first period, the display of the first object is changed to a first display, and if the point in time when the condition is satisfied is in a second period, the display of the first object is changed to a second display. A video distribution method characterized by the above.

10. A video distribution program for a video distribution device including one or more processors and distributing a video including a character object generated based on the movement of a user, to one or more of the processors, distribute information for displaying a first video including a first character object generated based on the movement of a first user to a terminal device of at least one user different from the first user. In response to a first display request for a first gift for the first character object, which is transmitted from the terminal device that has displayed the first video, information for displaying the first video further including a first object corresponding to the first gift is distributed to the terminal device of the at least one user. cause to execute The information for displaying the first video includes information for changing the display of the first object in response to a condition related to the first user or the user who made the first display request for the first gift being satisfied. The change in the display of the first object is such that if the point in time when the condition is satisfied is in a first period, the display of the first object is changed to a first display, and if the point in time when the condition is satisfied is in a second period, the display of the first object is changed to a second display. A video distribution program characterized by the above.

11. A video distribution method for a video distribution system having a server device that distributes a video including a character object generated based on a user's movement, and each terminal device possessed by a plurality of users, comprising: Among the plurality of users, a terminal device possessed by a first user: Generates a first character object based on the movement of the first user; Transmits information for displaying a first video including the generated first character object to the server device; Including; The server device: Receives information for displaying a first video including the first character object from the terminal device possessed by the first user; Distributes the received information for displaying the first video to a terminal device of at least one user different from the first user; The terminal device of the at least one user: Displays the first video based on the information received from the server device; Transmits a first display request for a first gift for the first character object included in the displayed first video to the server device; The server device distributes, in response to the first display request transmitted from the terminal device that has displayed the first video, information for displaying the first video further including a first object corresponding to the first gift, to the terminal device of the at least one user; Including; The information for displaying the first video includes information for changing the display of the first object in response to a condition related to the first user or the user who made the first display request for the first gift being satisfied; The change in the display of the first object is such that if the time point when the condition is satisfied is the first period, the display of the first object is changed to the first display, and if the time point when the condition is satisfied is the second period, the display of the first object is changed to the second display; A video distribution method characterized by the above.

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