Content delivery device and computer program

Abstract

To provide a content providing device capable of contributing to lowering of an economic risk of a content production side by providing predetermined content through a communication terminal related to a preliminarily permitted browsing person.SOLUTION: A content providing device comprises: browsing screen outputting means for outputting a moving image data display region for displaying moving image data provided by a moving image distribution server and a stage map data display region for displaying a stage map involved in moving image data to a terminal browsing screen browsed by a communication terminal; avatar providing means for providing an avatar associated with a browsing person; avatar displaying means for displaying the avatar on the terminal browsing screen; avatar operation data receiving means for receiving avatar operation data for operating the avatar; and browsing screen controlling means for outputting an avatar based on the avatar operation data in the terminal browsing screen. The content distribution device allows the avatar based on the avatar operation data to move in the stage map data display region.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a technology for distributing content data consisting of videos, voices, etc., and allowing viewers to participate in the distributed content data.

Background Art

[0002] (The advent of the era when social distancing is required) Triggered by the spread of the novel coronavirus, in order to prevent infection with the novel coronavirus, an era has come when social distancing (a new lifestyle of maintaining distance between people) is required.

[0003] (Social distancing and theater) In a theater equipped with a stage and an auditorium, acting by an actor under a three-dimensional stage device and viewing it by the audience who have entered the auditorium is the entertainment called theater. In the case of a theater where the auditorium is full as before, social distancing cannot be maintained. In addition, scenes where actors speak loudly or get close to each other are inevitable. Due to these circumstances, in order to ensure social distancing, restrictions that have never existed before have been imposed, such as setting a limit on the number of audience members or choosing plays where actors are less likely to get close to each other, and ingenuity has been made within those restrictions.

[0004] (The relationship between staying at home and entertainment) In order to prevent infection with the novel coronavirus, the tendency to refrain from going out is increasing. Therefore, there is also an increasing demand for "being able to enjoy at home" for entertainment. Now, when many people try to fulfill the demand of "being able to enjoy at home", the typical behavior pattern is to obtain (purchase) content while staying at home and consume it while staying at home. A more specific example is to conclude a contract (billing) with a movie distribution service company and watch video content through a communication line.

[0005] (Increase in Participatory Entertainment) Passive entertainment, such as "watching movies," only involves watching the provided content, and consumers are passive, so there is little that can be enjoyed repeatedly. Therefore, to enable active participation, social networking services (SNS) that provide consumers with functions such as chat and text functions on the terminals they operate are becoming increasingly popular.

[0006] A typical example of entertainment that allows for active participation is games. Games can be classified into various types such as competitive, role-playing, and quiz games. Because there is an element of change over time, they have the advantage of being less boring. The sense of tension provided by the real-time nature that can only be experienced at that moment is attractive. In addition, in the case of games where participants are fluid on the Internet, they are even less likely to become boring.

[0007] SNS that allow not only the transmission of text data but also the transmission of images (referred to as "image posting," etc.) have also become widespread. For example, it is a service where, by transmitting (posting) an image of a character showing a line in a speech bubble or an image of a character performing actions such as emotions of joy, anger, sorrow, and pleasure, one can have a character represent feelings and thoughts that cannot be expressed in words.

[0008] As a technology that has developed the service of image posting, for example, there is the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1. That is, it is a technology centered on monitoring user transmissions and controlling to provide a new and valuable privilege when transmissions with continuous transmission timing and relevance to the transmission content by different viewing users continue in a chain to a certain extent.

[0009] (Avatar Technology) As described above, since the "representation by a character" uses pre-prepared characters, one has no choice but to select from the prepared characters. To solve this problem, a technology that uses the facial images of participants has also been realized. However, in a virtual space where an unspecified number of people can participate, a technology that presents so-called "virtual characters (avatars)" is more widespread in terms of safety (privacy protection) than a technology that discloses facial images. As an example of a technology that enables participants to operate such avatars, there is Patent Document 2.

[0010] (Input of virtual items into Internet live broadcasts) Services that distribute live content via a network are widespread as "Internet live broadcasts". Now, for performers who give live performances in real spaces such as live houses and theaters, gifts such as bouquets and flowers may be handed to them. As a technology to realize this in a virtual space, there is also a technology that allows viewers of Internet live broadcasts to purchase flowers or predetermined logos and display images such as throwing them on the display screen. An example of this is the technology disclosed in Patent Document 3.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0011]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0012] (Existence of problems that cannot be solved by infrastructure improvement) As described above, the infrastructure for delivering concerts at live houses, plays at theaters, etc. to net users via live Internet broadcasts is being improved. However, with regard to the content provided by making use of the improving infrastructure, there are potential (or already manifest) problems on both the content producer side and the consumer side that pays a price for the content (see Fig. 1).

[0013] (Performer, actor, content creator) For performers at live houses and actors in plays, in order to provide high-quality content, preparation time such as practice is necessary, and mass production is difficult (most of the cases of mass-producing content will be shoddy and become boring once and for all). Content creators such as novelists and screenwriters also require a certain amount of time to create high-quality content. Mass production is difficult, and they are creating while hoping to be enjoyed diversely and many times with a small amount of content.

[0014] (Content production organization) High-quality content requires a large investment. That is, in production organizations that have performers or actors, there is a risk as to whether the investment amount can be recovered. The problem of investment risk has existed since before the spread of the novel coronavirus, but it can be said that the risk has been increasing these days when the number of people entering live houses and theaters is restricted.

[0015] (Diversification and changes in the demands of content consumers) There are not a few content consumers who do not want games (such as competitive or adventure types) that use physical abilities such as quickness, reflexes, and stereoscopic vision in moving objects for reasons such as getting tired (people who want to enjoy passively). On the other hand, there are also consumers who hope for content that they can actively participate in. There are consumers who always want new content, and there are also consumers who want to deeply enjoy their favorite content many times. Ultimately, when capturing a large number of content consumers, they have diverse demands and are changing in accordance with the "lifestyle of the new era." Since there are also consumers who cannot keep up with the changes, the diversification of content consumers' demands is progressing.

[0016] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a technology that contributes to reducing the economic risk on the content production side while meeting the diverse demands and changes of content consumers.

[0017] In order to search for prior patent applications similar to the present invention described later, the following search formula was used. [Video / CL]*[Avatar / CL + Doppelgänger / CL]*[Distribution / CL + Transmission / CL]*[Participant / SP + Viewer / SP] = 14 pieces [Video / CL]*[Avatar / SP + Doppelgänger / SP]*[Distribution / CL + Transmission / CL]*[Drama / SP] = 5 pieces

[0018] Although the above-mentioned Patent Documents 1 to 3 were also extracted using the above search formula, no prior patent application that seems similar to the present invention was found.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0019] To solve the above-mentioned problems, a first invention related to a content providing apparatus and a second invention related to a computer program for controlling the content providing apparatus according to the first invention are provided.

[0020] (First Invention) The first invention relates to a content providing apparatus that provides a predetermined content so that it can be viewed on a communication terminal (for example, a smartphone) related to a pre-approved viewer. The content providing apparatus a viewing screen output means for outputting a video data display area for displaying video data provided by a video distribution server and a stage map data display area for displaying a stage map related to the video data on a terminal viewing screen viewed by the communication terminal; Avatar providing means for providing an avatar corresponding to a viewer related to the communication terminal; Avatar display means for displaying the avatar on the terminal browsing screen; Avatar operation data receiving means for receiving avatar operation data in which the viewer operates the avatar provided by the avatar providing means using the communication terminal related to the viewer; Browsing screen control means for outputting an avatar based on the avatar operation data in the terminal browsing screen; It is provided with. The browsing screen output means transmits the video URL received from the video distribution server to the communication terminal, thereby displaying the video data in the video data display area in the terminal browsing screen. Related to the content providing device (see "Drama providing server group" in FIGS. 2 to 4).

[0021] (Term Explanation) "Communication terminal related to a viewer who has been pre-approved" means that it is not in a state where anyone can access it. Passwords and the like given in the case of pre-registration systems or when a predetermined fee has been paid correspond to "approval".

[0022] "Content" is digitalized audio, text, still images, video, or a combination thereof. It is diverse, such as plays, music performances with or without lyrics, sports games, performances such as entertainment.

[0023] "Stage map related to video data" means, for example, a floor plan of the stage of a play if the video data is a play, a map of the battlefield if the video data is a combat game, or a map of a location related to the lyrics if the video data is a song with lyrics. The "stage map" is, if the video data is a play, a map of the location that serves as the stage of the play (if the inside of the house is the stage, a floor plan of that house). It can be a two-dimensional map, a three-dimensional map, or a combination of them. Since it can be provided by software, features such as allowing partial zooming in and out, or incorporating predetermined buttons so that characters, images, etc. can be displayed by tapping the buttons can be incorporated.

[0024] The video data to be displayed in the "video data display area" does not have to be real-time distributed video data. That is, pre-recorded video data may also be used. It is also possible to accumulate video data and use it on demand (see FIGS. 9 and 10).

[0025] By combining "video data" and the "stage map related to the video data", it becomes possible to diversify and deepen the content that can be provided. For example, it becomes possible to participate in a play themed on searching for a criminal by playing the play in video data and moving around inside the stage map to participate in the search for the criminal.

[0026] If there are various features incorporated in the "stage map", different ways of enjoying can be possible even if the video data is the same. By devising such features, a single viewer can enjoy the same content many times. For content producers, it becomes a system that has the possibility of diversifying and deepening content centered around one piece of video data. As a result, it contributes to reducing the economic risk on the content production side.

[0027] The "browsing screen control means" controls so that when a viewer operates the features incorporated in the "stage map" via an avatar (when avatar operation data is transmitted to the avatar operation data receiving means), characters and images related to the features are displayed only on the communication terminal of the viewer concerned (see FIG. 7).

[0028] The "content providing device" is a computer equipped with a data communication function, a CPU, a random access memory, a storage for data accumulation, etc. When the amount of data to be processed is large, it is configured as a server group.

[0029] The "video distribution server" may be provided inside the content providing device (see Fig. 8). On the other hand, if it is a video distribution server that exists physically separately from the content providing device and is directly transmitted from that server to the communication terminal related to the viewer, the load on the content providing device can be reduced.

[0030] (Operation) Those who wish to view a predetermined content obtain permission in advance. The content providing device enables a video data display area for displaying video data provided by the video distribution server and a stage map data display area for displaying a stage map related to the video data to be output by a viewing screen output means on the communication terminal related to the viewer who has been permitted in advance.

[0031] The viewer outputs the avatar provided by the avatar providing means via the communication terminal and operates it as necessary. That is, avatar operation data is output from the communication terminal to the content providing device. The content providing device receives the avatar operation data and outputs an operation based on the avatar operation data in the terminal viewing screen by the viewing screen control means. While viewing the video data output to the video data display area, the viewer can operate their own avatar in the stage map data display area. Since the stage map data is related to the video data being viewed, the video data can be enjoyed actively rather than passively.

[0032] (Variation 1 of the First Invention) In the first invention, it is also possible to control so that the avatar cannot move in the stage map data display area on a part of the communication terminal related to the viewer (see Figs. 2 and 6).

[0033] (Term Explanation) There are various methods for identifying "a part of the communication terminal related to the viewer". Typically, it is a method of having the viewer select whether "the avatar can move / cannot move" at the stage of prior permission. A viewer who selects "the avatar can move" becomes a "participant", and a viewer who selects "the avatar cannot move" becomes a "viewer". It is also possible to disclose the rules to the viewers and operate them by making the lottery system for "a part of the communication terminal related to the viewer" or by presenting a selective quiz and arranging them in the order of those who answer quickly.

[0034] (Function) Depending on the selection or restriction of whether one's own avatar can move or not in the stage map data display area, the viewer can enjoy the provided content in different ways. The operator of the content providing device can reasonably distribute the information processing capacity in the content providing device by setting the communication terminal where the avatar cannot move in the stage map data display area.

[0035] For example, a viewer who selects "the avatar can move" becomes a "participant" and enjoys actively, while a viewer who selects "the avatar cannot move" can enjoy passively as a "viewer".

[0036] (Variation 2 of the First Invention) Variation 1 in the first invention is more preferably formed as follows. That is, when the avatar moves in the stage map data display area based on the above avatar operation data, the above viewing screen control means adjusts the volume in the communication terminal related to the viewer according to the distance from the moving image data display area to the avatar (see Fig. 6).

[0037] (Term Explanation) "Adjusting the volume according to the distance" is to prevent the viewer from increasing the audible volume even if they adjust the volume on their communication terminal. Similar to the real world, a setting where the volume is inversely proportional to the square of the distance is preferable for reproducing the sense of presence. However, since it is a way of presenting the provided content, it is not necessary to make a uniform decision.

[0038] (Function) When the viewer operates their communication terminal and the distance from the video data display area to the avatar in the stage map data display area increases, the volume output as the video data in the video data display area decreases. Therefore, when the viewer wants to prioritize hearing, they should operate the avatar so as not to move their own avatar away from the video data display area in the stage map data display area.

[0039] (Variation 3 of the First Invention) The first invention is more preferably formed as follows. That is, the browsing screen output means is also to output item data that can be browsed on the communication terminal related to the avatar operation data based on the avatar operation data for the avatar in the stage map data display area (see Figure 7).

[0040] (Term Explanation) Item data includes cases of simple display and cases of hidden items where videos or enlarged images appear by tap operations or the like.

[0041] (Variation 4 of the First Invention) The first invention is more preferably formed as follows. That is, the browsing screen output means is also to output sales goods data regarding salable goods related to the content provided for browsing, and is provided with goods purchase data receiving means for receiving purchase data, which is an indication of the intention to apply for purchase of the goods related to the viewer who has browsed the sales goods data, sent from the communication terminal of the viewer. When the goods related to the purchase data are digital data, digital goods related to the goods will be transmitted (see Figure 11).

[0042] (Term Explanation) "Sales goods" are not limited to goods that can be digitized. However, as long as the goods can be digitized, timely sales can be made by the content providing device according to the present invention. For example, when the content is a game or the like, data that can be a hint for solving the game may be used. When a play is output in the video data display area, the script or theme song of the play; when an actor appears in the video data display area, related goods of the actor; when an animated video is output in the video data display area, related goods of the anime character; goods related to the items shown in the stage map data display area (for example, precise images of the items), etc.

[0043] (Function) The viewing screen output means also outputs sales goods data related to the salesable goods related to the content provided for viewing. The viewer who has viewed the sales goods data decides to make a purchase and transmits purchase data as an indication of the intention to apply from his or her own communication terminal. The transmitted purchase data is received by the goods purchase data receiving means. When the goods related to the purchase data are digital data, digital goods related to the goods are transmitted.

[0044] (Second Invention) The second invention is a computer program for controlling the content providing device according to the first invention, and relates to a computer program for controlling a content providing device that provides a predetermined content to be viewable on a communication terminal related to a pre-approved viewer. The computer program is A video data display area for displaying video data provided by a video distribution server on a terminal browsing screen browsed by the communication terminal, and a browsing screen output procedure for outputting a stage map data display area for displaying a stage map related to the video data; An avatar providing procedure for providing an avatar corresponding to a viewer related to the communication terminal; An avatar display procedure for displaying the avatar on the terminal browsing screen; An avatar operation data receiving procedure for receiving avatar operation data in which the viewer operates the avatar provided in the avatar providing procedure using the communication terminal related to the viewer himself / herself; A browsing screen control procedure for outputting the avatar based on the avatar operation data in the terminal browsing screen, and outputting the avatar based on the avatar operation data so as to move in the stage map data display area; shall be executed by the content providing device; In the browsing screen output procedure, the video URL received from the video distribution server is transmitted to the communication terminal, whereby the video data is displayed in the video data display area in the terminal browsing screen.

[0045] (Variation 1 of the second invention) In the second invention, in the browsing screen control procedure, it is more preferable to control so that the avatar in the stage map data display area cannot move on a part of the communication terminal related to the viewer.

[0046] (Variation 2 of the second invention) Variation 1 in the second invention is more preferably formed as follows. That is, when the avatar based on the avatar operation data moves in the stage map data display area, in the browsing screen control procedure, the volume on the communication terminal related to the viewer is adjusted according to the distance from the video data display area to the avatar.

[0047] (Variation 3 of the Second Invention) In the second invention, in the above-described browsing screen output procedure, sales goods data related to salable goods related to the content to be browsed is also output, a goods purchase data receiving procedure for receiving purchase data, which is an indication of the intention to purchase the goods, transmitted from the communication terminal related to the viewer who has browsed the sales goods data, and when the goods related to the purchase data are digital data, a digital goods transmission procedure for transmitting digital goods related to the goods, may be executed by the above-described content providing apparatus.

[0048] It is also possible to transmit from a computer storing the computer program according to the second invention to other terminal means through a communication line. In addition, the computer program according to the second invention can be stored in a recording medium and provided. Here, the "recording medium" is a medium that can carry a program that cannot occupy space by itself. For example, a hard disk, CD-R, DVD-R, flash memory, etc.

Advantages of the Invention

[0049] According to the first invention, it is possible to provide a content providing apparatus that contributes to reducing the economic risk on the content production side while meeting the diverse and changing demands of content consumers. According to the second invention, it is possible to provide a control computer program for a content providing apparatus that contributes to reducing the economic risk on the content production side while meeting the diverse and changing demands of content consumers.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0050]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0051] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described based on the drawings and embodiments. The drawings used here are FIGS. 2 to 11. Refer to FIG. 1 as well if necessary. Regarding the arrows in the drawings, solid lines indicate wired communication and two-dot broken lines indicate wireless communication.

[0052] (FIG. 2) In FIG. 2, there are actors performing a reading play, a game host also serving as the play director, spectator A participating in the game, and spectator B watching the reading play, all of whom are remotely located and interacting via electronic information devices. Note that only two spectators are shown for illustration purposes, but in reality, there are a large number of spectators (as described later).

[0053] The actors perform a reading play in a theater (not shown). The reading play is recorded by a digital video camera and communication devices and sent as video data including audio to a video distribution server (video platform = "Video PF" in the figure) as video data with sound. The video distribution server creates a limited URL for distribution to the communication terminals of spectator A and spectator B via the Internet. Then, in response to access from the communication terminal of the viewer who has obtained the limited URL, it distributes the video data of the reading play. However, images other than the video data of the reading play are output in combination on the screens of the communication terminals of spectator A and spectator B (as described later).

[0054] While watching the video data of the reading play, the game host guides spectator A and spectator B as the host in voice. The voice is output from the speakers of the communication terminals of spectator A and spectator B via a group of drama-providing servers.

[0055] The group of drama-providing servers stores in advance material data for outputting a map of the stage where the reading play is being performed, etc. It also stores in advance data for the lobby where spectators display avatars, materials for the party venue, and data for the video data display area for outputting the video data of the reading play, etc.

[0056] In order to appreciate the reading play described above, spectator A and spectator B have prepaid the appreciation fee in advance and obtained the limited URL and password for appreciation. When accessing with their own communication terminals using the limited URL and password, on the output screen of the terminal, a theater stage map is output from the top, the video data of the reading play is in the center, the party venue is below that, and the lobby is below that.

[0057] The viewer causes an avatar representing themselves to be displayed on the output screen described above. In the figure, it is illustrated that the avatar of viewer A is in the party venue and the avatar of viewer B is in the lobby.

[0058] (Figure 3) In Figure 3, a hardware configuration (function) for realizing the outline shown in Figure 2 is shown in a block diagram. Also, regarding the main data transmission, it is shown together with the numbers in parentheses, indicating that the data is transmitted and processed in ascending order of the numbers.

[0059] In the theater, the actors perform a recitation drama, and the state of their performance is transmitted by the drama live data transmission means to the video distribution server (1). In the video distribution server, the drama live data is received by the drama live data receiving means, and the limited URL generation means generates a limited URL. Then, the generated limited URL is transmitted to the drama providing server group (2).

[0060] In the drama providing server group, the limited URL receiving means receives the limited URL and embeds it in the browsing screen output means. On the other hand, in accordance with the drama live data, the game host provides progress data by voice to the browsing screen output means via the progress data transmission means (3). Also, material data such as a stage map in the pre-stored browsing material database is provided to the browsing screen output means (4).

[0061] The browsing screen output means transmits the limited URL, progress data, and material data to the participant terminals that have been pre-approved (5). At the participant terminal, the received limited URL is transmitted to the video distribution server (6), and video data is received (7). The video data received by the video data receiving means is output to the browsing means (output screen) in the participant terminal.

[0062] The participant transmits avatar operation data to the drama providing server group by operating the avatar operation means of their communication terminal (8). The drama providing server group has an avatar operation data receiving means for receiving avatar operation data. Then, via the browsing screen control means, avatar operation reflection data reflecting the avatar operation is output on the participant terminal (9).

[0063] (Figure 4) Figure 4 is a diagram showing what information processing is being done when there are many participants. For every 100 communication terminals (participant terminals) related to participants, one drama providing server (L, M, N, ···) is provided. That is, physically, the servers for receiving the avatar operation data transmitted from the participant terminals and reflecting it on the browsing screen by the browsing screen control means are segmented into groups of 100 each.

[0064] In the figure, it is shown that the drama providing server L is in charge of the participant terminals P1 to P100. Similarly, the drama providing server M is in charge of the participant terminals Q1 to Q100, and the drama providing server N is in charge of the participant terminals R1 to R100, respectively. In order to be able to give the participant terminal an experience close to real-time for reflecting the avatar operation reflection data corresponding to the avatar operation data on the browsing screen, a lot of computing processing power is required.

[0065] In the figure, it is shown that the browsing screen output means is not made independent, but it may also be provided in each of the drama providing servers (L, M, N, ···).

[0066] Although it has been described that one server is allocated for every 100 participant terminals, the number of corresponding participant terminals varies depending on the real-time processing ability of the server. For example, when there is a large amount of avatar operation data from the participant terminals, it is dealt with by reducing the number of corresponding participant terminals and increasing the number of servers.

[0067] (Figure 5) FIG. 5 is a diagram for showing what information processing is being performed regarding the differences between the communication terminal related to the participant and the communication terminal related to the viewer (viewer terminal).

[0068] Since the viewer terminal is not given the authority to operate the avatar, unlike the communication terminal related to the participant, it does not have avatar operation means. That is, the viewer terminal does not transmit avatar operation data. Since a large burden is imposed on the server for the real-time processing of the avatar operation data transmitted by the participant terminal, a server that provides video data, progress data, and material data to the viewer terminal is separated from the server.

[0069] In FIG. 5, although it is assumed that the drama providing server corresponding to the participant terminal and the server corresponding to the viewer terminal are provided separately, it does not mean that it is better to avoid corresponding to a mixture of the participant terminal and the viewer terminal.

[0070] (FIG. 6) FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram for showing that the volume SA in the video data reproduced by the participant terminal becomes smaller as the avatar A operated by the participant terminal moves farther away from the "stage", which is the video data display area, on the drama stage map.

[0071] Although participant A can view the readers' theater on the output screen of the participant terminal, the volume SA reproduced from the participant terminal becomes smaller as it moves farther away from the stage on the drama stage map. Therefore, it becomes necessary to operate avatar A while making a trade-off between prioritizing movement on the drama stage map and prioritizing the voice of the readers' theater.

[0072] In the figure, it is assumed that a speaker for playing the video (readers' theater) is installed on the party venue side at the center of the stage. Let the distance between the position of the playback speaker and avatar B, who is only watching at the party venue, be DB. Also, let the distance between the position of the playback speaker and avatar A, who has moved on the drama stage map, be DA. If DA = DB + L (the difference in distance), then SA = kSB / LL (k is a constant) This results in (LL is the square of L). In this embodiment, the voice SA is set as described above, but it is not mandatory to do so.

[0073] (Fig. 7) Fig. 7 is an illustration of an example where the avatar A performs an action on the stage map. Suppose there are areas in the stage map output area where a book is spread out, a pair of scissors has fallen, and a report sheet has fallen. And suppose participant A uses their communication terminal P1 to operate the avatar A to approach the report sheet and tap it (Fig. 7(a)).

[0074] As shown on the left side of Fig. 7(b), only on the communication terminal P1 of participant A, the memo on the report sheet is enlarged and displayed. And the content written in the memo can be read as a certain point in the readers' theater or serve as a clue to solve the questions shown in the play if one knows it during the progress of the readers' theater.

[0075] Naturally, on the communication terminal P2 of viewer B who does not have the right to move the avatar to the stage map area, the viewer B cannot view the content of the memo on the report sheet that participant A can read (right side of Fig. 7(b)).

[0076] As described above, the ways for participant A and viewer B to enjoy the readers' theater are different. By operating the avatar A, participant A can view items not revealed in the readers' theater or collect clue-solving information. That is, participant A can enjoy an active participation type of entertainment. Viewer B can enjoy the readers' theater leisurely without being interested in the operations by the avatar B. That is, viewer B can enjoy the entertainment passively without taking any actions themselves.

[0077] For Participant A, as shown in FIG. 6, due to the operation of Avatar A, the voice of the readers' theater may become inaudible or the participant may be distracted and miss some parts, leaving the possibility that the whole picture of the readers' theater cannot be understood. This may lead to dissatisfaction that, despite having participated once, the whole picture could not be clarified, resulting in the desire to participate again (or rather, to watch instead of participate). As a result, it means that consumers of Participant A's type may be able to enjoy it multiple times.

[0078] For Viewer B, as shown in FIG. 7(b), since items and information not revealed only by the readers' theater cannot be obtained, there remains the possibility that the whole picture of the readers' theater cannot be understood. This may lead to dissatisfaction that, despite having watched once, the whole picture could not be clarified, resulting in the desire to watch again (or rather, to participate instead of watch). As a result, it means that consumers of Viewer B's type may be able to enjoy it multiple times.

[0079] (FIG. 8) FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an embodiment in which the video distribution function is incorporated into the drama providing server group. That is, unlike FIG. 3 which showed an embodiment where the video distribution server was physically separated from the drama providing server group, it is shown as a video distribution device.

[0080] By incorporating the video distribution function into the drama providing server group, when outputting the screen on the participant terminal (the same applies to the viewer terminal), the limited URL required in FIG. 3 becomes unnecessary. Therefore, the limited URL generation means becomes unnecessary. At the same time, the participant terminal no longer needs to send the limited URL.

[0081] Although FIG. 8 shows that video data is being transmitted from the video distribution means, it may also be transmitted together with progress data and material data by the pattern screen output means.

[0082] (FIG. 9) FIG. 9 shows an embodiment including a play database for storing play data in a video distribution server. When play raw data transmitted from the play raw data transmission means of the theater is received by the play raw data reception means of the video distribution server, the play raw data is stored in the play database (1).

[0083] Also, progress data and material data transmitted by the play providing server group to the participant terminals (although not shown, also to the viewer terminals) are received and stored in the play database (5). Distribution of video data to the participant terminals is to transmit the video data once stored in the play database (7).

[0084] The play raw data, the progress data, and the material data are stored in the play database at different timings, but each data can be synthesized (edited as necessary, for example, deleting or modifying the progress data). By providing the play database, it becomes possible not only to provide real-time viewing (participation and viewing) of the readers' theater content but also to provide it on demand.

[0085] By enabling on-demand provision, it becomes possible to provide the content to apparent consumers for whom real-time viewing is not schedule-appropriate, potential consumers who were unaware of the existence of this readers' theater content during real-time distribution, and so on.

[0086] (FIG. 10) The embodiment shown in FIG. 10 incorporates the functions of the video distribution server shown in FIG. 9 inside the play providing server group. The features due to incorporating the functions of the video distribution server inside the play providing server group have been described in the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, and the features due to providing the play database have been described in the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, so a detailed description of FIG. 10 is omitted.

[0087] (FIG. 11) The embodiment shown in FIG. 11 includes a sales system for goods related to the content (such as a reading drama or game progress) provided by the foregoing embodiments.

[0088] The browsing screen output means is also caused to output sales goods data from the related material database. The sales goods data is, for example, data such that when an item appearing on a stage map is tapped, details and sales price of the item are displayed. Data for introducing related goods of an actor appearing in a reading drama, data for presenting a method of downloading a theme song at the ending of a reading drama, etc. are also sales goods data. Further, it may be data for enjoying a reading drama more (for example, data serving as a hint for solving a game, etc.).

[0089] In the participant terminal (which may also be a viewer terminal), the goods purchase data transmission means is provided and output from the drama providing server group. The participant considers purchasing from among the sales goods data (10) and uses the goods purchase data transmission means to transmit purchase data including procedures such as confirmation of the intention to apply for purchase and payment method to the drama providing server group (11).

[0090] The transmitted purchase data is received by the goods purchase data receiving means in the drama providing server group. And if the purchased goods related to the purchase data are digital data that can be downloaded on the communication terminal that transmitted them, the digital goods related to the purchase are transmitted to the communication terminal via a related material database or the like (13).

[0091] In cases where the goods related to the purchase are not digital data or cannot be downloaded on the communication terminal, procedures such as mailing are separately carried out.

[0092] (Effects expected by the embodiment) Verify whether the foregoing embodiments contribute to solving the problems of the entertainment-related persons illustrated in FIG. 1. Regarding the diversification of consumers, there is a possibility that consumers who wish to actively engage with content can enjoy it as participants, and consumers who wish to passively enjoy it can enjoy it as viewers.

[0093] For consumers who desire new content, since it is a new form of entertainment that combines a reading drama and a participatory game, there is a possibility that they can enjoy it. Also, for consumers who want to enjoy their favorite content repeatedly, since it is content that has a mechanism such that it is difficult to fully understand without operating an avatar and participating, or it is difficult to fully understand because one misses something by operating the avatar, there is a possibility that they can enjoy it.

[0094] For actors and content creators, by utilizing the infrastructure of real-time distribution, the content according to the present embodiment can be provided without the physical distance between the theater and the consumer's place of residence. Since it becomes a content providing infrastructure that has the potential to be enjoyed repeatedly, it leads to the possibility of providing motivation for high-quality performances that take time.

[0095] By having a sales system (see FIG. 11), sales of related goods of actors and scripts of plays can be expected, so it will increase the income sources for actors and content creators.

[0096] For content production organizations, since the content can be enjoyed by one consumer multiple times and also supports on-demand provision, a single performance in a theater by an actor can expect complex profits. As a result, it becomes easier to secure the amount of money that can be invested in one content production.

[0097] In the above-described embodiment, the content to be provided is a reading drama (a composite content with added game elements such as mystery-solving) by a drama providing server group, but the content that the technology according to the present invention can provide is not limited to this. For example, various entertainment materials such as games with cards added to murder mysteries, adventure games, dramas adapted from mystery novels, and rakugo can be provided as content.

Industrial Applicability

[0098] The present invention has applicability in the entertainment industry, the information and communication service industry that digitizes and communicates entertainment, the manufacturing and maintenance industries of equipment necessary for digitizing and managing entertainment, the data service industry that handles digital data of entertainment, and the like.

Claims

A content providing apparatus capable of two-way communication with a video distribution server that digitizes and stores content related to a predetermined entertainment and can distribute predetermined video data via a video URL, and provides the content so that it can be viewed on a communication terminal of a pre-authorized viewer, comprising: a video data display area for displaying video data provided by the video distribution server to the communication terminal via a video URL on a terminal viewing screen viewed by the viewer via the communication terminal; and a stage map data display area for displaying a stage map related to the entertainment; viewing screen output means for outputting; avatar providing means for transmitting and providing an avatar assigned to each viewer of the communication terminal to the communication terminal; avatar display means for displaying the avatar on the terminal viewing screen; avatar operation data receiving means for receiving avatar operation data in which the viewer operates the avatar provided by the avatar providing means on the communication terminal of the viewer; viewing screen control means for outputting the avatar based on the avatar operation data in the terminal viewing screen; a viewing material database storing content to be output to the viewing screen output means; progress data transmitting means for inputting progress data associated with the entertainment that progresses with the display of the video data by the host and transmitting it for output by the viewing screen output means; The viewing screen output means is configured to display the video data in the video data display area on the terminal viewing screen, and the viewing screen control means is configured to move and display the avatar based on the avatar operation data via the viewing screen output means in the stage map data display area. Content providing apparatus.

2. The video distribution server is provided inside the content providing apparatus. The content providing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. A video data storage means for storing video data distributed by the video distribution server is provided. The content providing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 or 2.

4. A part of the communication terminal of the viewer is controlled so that the avatar cannot move in the stage map data display area. ​ ​ ​ The content providing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. When the avatar based on the avatar operation data moves in the stage map data display area, the browsing screen control means adjusts the volume in the communication terminal related to the viewer according to the distance from the moving picture data display area to the avatar. The content providing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The browsing screen output means also outputs item data viewable on the communication terminal related to the avatar operation data based on the avatar operation data for the avatar in the stage map data display area. The content providing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The browsing screen output means also outputs sales goods data regarding salable goods related to the content to be browsed, and includes goods purchase data receiving means for receiving purchase data which is an indication of intention to purchase the goods sent from the communication terminal of the viewer who has browsed the sales goods data, and when the goods related to the purchase data are digital data, the digital goods related to the goods are transmitted. The content providing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. A computer program for controlling a content providing apparatus that can perform two-way communication with a video distribution server that digitizes and stores content related to a predetermined entertainment and can distribute predetermined video data via a video URL, and provides the content so that it can be viewed on a communication terminal of a viewer who has been previously permitted. The computer program includes: a browsing screen output procedure for outputting a moving picture data display area for displaying moving picture data provided by the moving picture distribution server to the communication terminal via the communication terminal on the terminal browsing screen viewed by the viewer, and a stage map data display area for displaying a stage map related to the entertainment; an avatar providing procedure for providing an avatar assigned to each viewer related to the communication terminal; an avatar display procedure for displaying the avatar on the terminal browsing screen; An avatar operation data receiving procedure for receiving avatar operation data for operating the avatar provided in the avatar providing procedure by the viewer on the communication terminal related to the viewer himself / herself, A viewing screen control procedure for outputting an avatar based on the avatar operation data in the terminal viewing screen and outputting the avatar based on the avatar operation data so as to move in the stage map data display area, A content output procedure for outputting predetermined content from a viewing material database storing the content to be output in the viewing screen output procedure to the terminal viewing screen, A progress data transmission procedure for the host to input progress data associated with the entertainment that progresses with the display of the video data and transmit it for output in the viewing screen output procedure, shall be executed by the content providing device, In the viewing screen output procedure, the video data shall be displayed in the video data display area in the terminal viewing screen, In the viewing screen control procedure, the avatar based on the avatar operation data shall be moved and displayed in the stage map data display area via the viewing screen output procedure, A computer program.

9. The video distribution server shall be provided inside the content providing device, The computer program according to claim 8.

10. The content providing device shall also execute a video data storage procedure for storing the video data distributed by the video distribution server, The computer program according to any one of claims 8 or 9.

11. In the viewing screen control procedure, a part of the communication terminal related to the viewer shall be controlled so that the avatar cannot move in the stage map data display area, The computer program according to any one of claims 8 to 10.

12. When the avatar based on the avatar operation data moves in the stage map data display area, In the viewing screen control procedure, the volume in the communication terminal related to the viewer shall be adjusted according to the distance from the video data display area to the avatar, The computer program according to any one of claims 8 to 11.

13. In the above browsing screen output procedure, sales goods data related to salable goods related to the content to be browsed is also output, a goods purchase data receiving procedure for receiving purchase data, which is an indication of the intention to apply for purchase of the above goods, transmitted from the communication terminal related to the viewer who has browsed the sales goods data, when the goods related to the above purchase data are digital data, a digital goods transmission procedure for transmitting digital goods related to the goods, are to be executed by the above content providing apparatus A computer program according to any one of claims 8 to 12.

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