Content Delivery System and Program

Abstract

To provide a content distribution system, etc. that enables viewers to actively check game actions of distributors.SOLUTION: A content distribution system includes a distribution processing unit which performs distribution processing for allowing a viewer of a viewer terminal to view a game distribution content of a game played by a distributor on a distributor terminal, a storage unit that stores information on the game distribution content and information on a game action performed by the distributor in a game, an acceptance unit that accepts a display request for a game action when a viewer makes the display request, and a display processing unit for performing processing for displaying, on a viewer terminal, a display image in which a game distribution image based on the information on the game distribution content and a game action image based on the information on the game action are combined with each other when the display request is accepted.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a content delivery system, a program, and the like.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, content delivery systems that deliver content via networks such as the Internet have become popular. As such a content delivery system, a content delivery system for game distribution in which viewers can watch the state of a distributor's game play is known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a content delivery system for live distribution of e-sports.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in conventional game distribution, viewers have only watched a display image on which the state of the distributor's game play is displayed. For example, even if the viewer wanted to see more of a map screen or an item selection screen that was displayed only for a moment and then hidden by the distributor, the viewer could do nothing, and the viewer could not actively confirm the distributor's game actions.

[0005] According to some aspects of the present embodiment, it is possible to provide a content delivery system, a program, and the like that allow viewers to actively confirm the game actions of a distributor.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a content distribution system including: a distribution processing unit that performs a distribution process for a viewer of a viewer terminal to view game distribution content of a game played by a distributor on a distributor terminal; a storage unit that stores information on the game distribution content and information on game actions performed by the distributor in the game; a reception unit that receives the display request when the viewer makes the display request for the game actions; and a display processing unit that performs a process of displaying, on the viewer terminal, a display image in which a game distribution image based on the information on the game distribution content and a game action image based on the information on the game actions are combined when the display request is received. Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a program that causes a computer to function as each of the above units, or a computer-readable information storage medium storing the program.

[0007] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, when a viewer who views game distribution content makes a display request for the game actions of the distributor and this display request is received, a display image in which an image of the game action for which the display request has been made is combined with the game distribution image is displayed on the viewer terminal. As a result, the viewer can display the game action image of the distributor by his / her own active display request and confirm the game actions of the distributor. Therefore, it becomes possible to provide a content distribution system or the like in which the viewer can actively confirm the game actions of the distributor.

[0008] Also, in one aspect of the present disclosure, the game action image may be an image extracted from a game image or a game video on the distributor terminal.

[0009] In this way, the game action image can be generated by a simple process of extracting from the game image or the game video on the distributor terminal.

[0010] Also, in one aspect of the present disclosure, the game action image may be an image generated based on the game play information of the distributor on the distributor terminal.

[0011] In this way, it becomes possible to generate a game action image based on game play information with a small amount of data.

[0012] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the game behavior image may be an image generated based on the game play information, separate from the game image, during the broadcaster's game play on the broadcaster terminal.

[0013] In this way, when the distributor plays the game, a game action image generated based on game play information separately from the game image can be used, and this game action image can be synthesized with the game distribution image and displayed on the viewer terminal.

[0014] In addition, in one aspect of the present disclosure, the display device may include a sound processing unit that performs processing to output game broadcast sounds of the game being broadcast at the viewer terminal when the display image in which the game action image is composited with the game broadcast image based on the display request (a computer may function as the sound processing unit).

[0015] In this way, even when a display image in which a game action image is combined with a game distribution image is displayed, it is possible to output a game distribution sound corresponding to the game distribution image to the viewer.

[0016] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the accepting unit may change the degree of acceptance of the display request based on information about the viewer.

[0017] In this way, a request from a viewer to display the game action of the distributor can be accepted with a degree of acceptance according to the viewer's information, and a display image in which the game action image is synthesized with the game distribution image can be displayed.

[0018] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the distribution processing unit may perform a process of notifying the distributor that the viewer has made the display request.

[0019] This allows the broadcaster to be notified that viewers are interested in learning more about the broadcaster's gaming behavior.

[0020] In one aspect of the present disclosure, when the viewer inputs a command corresponding to the gaming action on the viewer terminal, the receiving unit may receive the command input as the display request for the gaming action.

[0021] In this way, the viewer can request the display of a game action simply by inputting a command corresponding to the game action.

[0022] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the display processing unit may perform processing to display the game behavior history of the broadcaster on the viewer terminal, and the reception unit may receive a designation operation of the viewer's game behavior in the game behavior history as the display request for the game behavior.

[0023] In this way, the viewer can request the display of a gaming action simply by performing an operation to specify the gaming action in the gaming action history.

[0024] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the game action may be an action of displaying a game map, an action of inputting a game command, or an action of using a game item.

[0025] In this way, images of game actions with low dynamic elements can be synthesized with game distribution images and displayed on the viewer terminal. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0026]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0027] Hereinafter, this embodiment will be described. Note that the embodiment described below does not unduly limit the content described in the claims. Also, not all of the configurations described in this embodiment are essential constituent elements.

[0028] 1. Content delivery system First, with reference to FIGS. 1(A) to 1(F), a hardware device for realizing the content distribution system of the present embodiment will be described.

[0029] In FIG. 1(A), a server system 500 (information processing system) is communicatively connected to terminal devices TM1 to TMn via a network 510. For example, the server system 500 is a host, and the terminal devices TM1 to TMn are clients. Note that the content distribution system and its processing of the present embodiment may be realized by the server system 500, or may be realized by distributed processing between the server system 500 and the terminal devices TM1 to TMn.

[0030] Also, the content distribution system and processing of the present embodiment can also be realized by a blockchain method. For example, each process of the content distribution system of the present embodiment may be executed using a program called a smart contract that can be executed on Ethereum. In this case, the terminal devices TM1 to TMn will be connected peer-to-peer. Also, various types of information such as content information communicated between the terminal devices TM1 to TMn will be transferred using a blockchain. Note that hereinafter, each of the terminal devices TM1 to TMn will be described as the terminal device TM as appropriate.

[0031] The server system 500 can be realized by, for example, one or more servers (such as a management server, a content delivery server such as a game delivery server or a video delivery server, a billing server, a service providing server, an authentication server, a database server, or a communication server). This server system 500 provides various services for operating content delivery, and can manage data necessary for delivering viewing content and deliver a client program and various data. As a result, viewers can access the server system 500 using the terminal device TM which is a viewer terminal, and view the viewing content provided from the server system 500. Further, by the processing of the server system 500, a delivery function for delivering viewing content to viewers, a participation action function (posting function) that enables participation actions (posting) such as viewers' donations to viewing content, etc. are realized. The distributor is, for example, a performer of viewing content. Further, by the processing of the server system 500, an online shopping function for virtual electronic media such as billing items, a game providing function that enables playing online games, a user management function for registering users and managing user-specific information, etc. are realized.

[0032] The network 510 (distribution network, communication line) is a communication path using, for example, the Internet or a wireless LAN, etc., and can include a dedicated line (dedicated cable) for direct connection, a LAN using Ethernet (registered trademark), etc., as well as communication networks such as a telephone communication network, a cable network, or a wireless LAN. Also, the communication method can be either wired or wireless.

[0033] The terminal device TM (user terminal) is a terminal having, for example, a network connection function (Internet connection function). As these terminal devices TM, for example, portable communication terminals such as smartphones and mobile phones shown in FIG. 1(B), portable game devices shown in FIG. 1(C), home game devices (stationary type) shown in FIG. 1(D), business game devices shown in FIG. 1(E), or information processing devices such as personal computers (PCs) and tablet PCs shown in FIG. 1(F) can be used. Alternatively, as the terminal device TM, wearable devices (HMD, watch-type devices, etc.) worn on parts such as the user's head and arm may be used.

[0034] FIG. 2 shows a configuration example of the content distribution system of the present embodiment. Note that the configuration of the content distribution system is not limited to FIG. 2, and various modifications such as omitting a part of its components (each part) or adding other components are possible.

[0035] The content distribution system includes a processing unit 100, a storage unit 170, and a communication unit 196. This content distribution system can be realized, for example, by the server system 50 in FIG. 1(A), and is communicatively connected to the distributor terminal TMP, which is a terminal device TM, and the viewer terminals TMA to TMAm via the network 510. Hereinafter, each of the viewer terminals TMA1 to TMAn will be generically referred to as the viewer terminal TMA as appropriate.

[0036] The processing unit 100 (processor) performs distribution processing, reception processing, management processing, display processing, or sound processing, etc., based on various information, programs, or operation information stored in the storage unit 170.

[0037] Each process (each function) of the present embodiment performed by each part of the processing unit 100 can be realized by a processor (a processor including hardware). For example, each process of the present embodiment can be realized by a processor that operates based on information such as a program and a memory that stores information such as a program. The processor may be, for example, a processor in which the functions of each part are realized by individual hardware, or the functions of each part may be realized by integrated hardware. For example, the processor includes hardware, and the hardware can include at least one of a circuit for processing digital signals and a circuit for processing analog signals. For example, the processor can also be composed of one or more circuit devices (such as ICs, etc.) mounted on a circuit board and one or more circuit elements (such as resistors, capacitors, etc.). The processor may be, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). However, the processor is not limited to the CPU, and various processors such as a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) or a DSP (Digital Signal Processor) can be used. Also, the processor may be a hardware circuit by an ASIC. Also, the processor may include an amplifier circuit or a filter circuit that processes analog signals. The memory (storage unit) may be a semiconductor memory such as SRAM or DRAM, or may be a register. Or it may be a magnetic storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD), or an optical storage device such as an optical disk device. For example, the memory stores instructions readable by a computer, and when the instructions are executed by the processor, the processes (functions) of each part of the processing unit 100 are realized. The instructions here may be a set of instructions constituting a program or instructions for instructing an operation to the hardware circuit of the processor.

[0038] The processing unit 100 includes a distribution processing unit 102, a reception unit 104, a management unit 118, a display processing unit 120, and a sound processing unit 130. Note that the configuration of the processing unit 100 is not limited to this, and various modifications such as omitting some of these components or adding other components are possible.

[0039] The distribution processing unit 102 performs various distribution processes. Specifically, the distribution processing unit 102 performs a distribution process for the viewer of the viewer terminal TMA to view the viewing content. For example, the distribution processing unit 102 performs a transmission process of information using the communication unit 196. Specifically, the distribution processing unit 102 performs a process of transmitting information to the viewer terminal TMA and the distributor terminal TMP via the communication unit 196 and the network 510. The information transmitted to the viewer terminal TMA is, for example, information on the viewing content. The information transmitted to the distributor terminal TMP is, for example, feedback information from the viewer terminal TMA. The information on the viewing content is, for example, information for displaying a display image (video) on the display unit 290 shown in FIG. 3 described later, or information for outputting output sound such as voice, music, or sound effects from the sound output unit 292. For example, the distribution processing unit 102 performs streaming distribution of the viewing content. Streaming distribution is video distribution by streaming processing. Alternatively, the distribution processing unit 102 may distribute the viewing content to the viewer terminal TMA using reproduction information for reproducing the viewing content at the viewer terminal TMA. The reproduction information is, for example, input information input by the distributor using the distributor terminal TMP, or information for reproducing the performance of the distributor who is the performer. The distribution processing unit 102 can also perform a reception process of information using the communication unit 196. Specifically, the distribution processing unit 102 performs a process of receiving information from the distributor terminal TMP and the viewer terminal TMA via the communication unit 196 and the network 510. The information received from the distributor terminal TMP is, for example, information on the viewing content distributed by the distributor. The information received from the viewer terminal TMA is, for example, input information input by the viewer using the viewer terminal TMA, such as participation behavior information of the viewer with respect to the viewing content. The participation behavior information is also called viewer's contribution information.

[0040] Also, the distribution processing unit 102 may perform various content processes. For example, the distribution processing unit 102 may perform a process of generating information on viewing content that progresses based on an operation of the distributor terminal TMP by the distributor. That is, a process of advancing the viewing content and a process of generating information on the viewing content are performed. For example, the distribution processing unit 102 may perform a game process for a user to play a game and generate information on game content that is viewing content. The game process is, for example, a process of starting a game when a game start condition is satisfied, a process of advancing the started game, a process of ending the game when a game end condition is satisfied, or a process of calculating a game result such as a game score. Taking a browser game as an example, the distribution processing unit 102 controls the progress of the game for each user by managing various information of the user for each user. The information of the user is stored in the user information storage unit 174. For example, a web page constituting a website providing a game service is displayed on the terminal device TM such as the distributor terminal TMP or the viewer terminal TMA in response to a request from the terminal device TM. Specifically, the web page is displayed by a web browser provided in the terminal device TM. When a hyperlink on the displayed web page is selected by the user, new HTML data corresponding to the hyperlink is transmitted to the terminal device TM, and a web page based on the new HTML data is displayed on the terminal device TM. In this way, by sequentially providing the web page to the terminal device TM according to the user's operation, it becomes possible to advance the game based on the user's operation on the terminal device TM. In this case, the display image information generated by the distribution processing unit 102 is, for example, HTML data or the like.

[0041] The reception unit 104 performs various reception processes. For example, the reception unit 104 performs a reception process for information input by the distributor on the distributor terminal TMP or a reception process for information input by the viewer on the viewer terminal TMA. Details of the reception unit 104 will be described later.

[0042] The management unit 118 performs, for example, user authentication processing. For example, it performs authentication processing for a user who logs in using the terminal device TM. This authentication processing is performed based on, for example, a password or account information entered by the user. The management unit 118 also performs various billing processing. For example, it performs billing determination processing, billing data creation processing, and storage processing. The management unit 118 also performs various management processing. For example, it performs management processing for various services and management processing for various information. The management unit 118 can be realized, for example, by a management server.

[0043] For example, a user acquires an account by following a predetermined procedure in order to use services provided by server system 500 or the like shown in Fig. 1(A). By logging in by entering a password associated with the acquired account, the user can use various services such as live streaming, playing social games or online games, services on live streaming sites or game sites, online shopping for items, exchanging messages with other users, and registering friend users. Management unit 118 also performs management processes for such user account information.

[0044] The display processing unit 120 performs processing to display an image on the display unit 290 of the terminal device TM shown in Fig. 3, which is the distributor terminal TMP or the viewer terminal TMA. For example, the display processing unit 120 transmits display image information (image generation data) such as HTML data to the terminal device TM via the communication unit 196 and the network 510, and performs processing to display an image corresponding to the display image information on the display unit 290 of the terminal device TM.

[0045] The sound processing unit 130 performs processing for outputting sound from the sound output unit 292 of the terminal device TM. For example, it transmits output sound information (sound generation data) to the terminal device TM via the communication unit 196 and the network 510, and performs processing for outputting sound (voice, music, game sound, sound effect) corresponding to the output sound information from the sound output unit 292 of the terminal device TM.

[0046] The storage unit 170 serves as a work area for the processing unit 100, the communication unit 196, and the like, and its functions can be realized by a semiconductor memory, an HDD, an SSD, an optical disk device, or the like. The storage unit 170 includes a content information storage unit 172 and a user information storage unit 174. The content information storage unit 172 stores information about viewing content to be distributed. The viewing content is entertainment content, such as game content, virtual reality (VR) content, or video streaming content. For example, the viewing content is live content. Examples of live content include game streaming content (game commentary content, game demonstration content) that streams a streamer's gameplay, and performance streaming content that streams performances by real-world idols, singers, bands, actors, or the like, or corresponding VR characters. The viewing content information is various information used by viewers to view the viewing content on the viewer terminal TMA, such as display image information (video information), output sound information, or content sequence information for progressing through the content. The user information storage unit 174 stores various information about the user. For example, the user information storage unit 174 stores personal information of the user (such as name, sex, date of birth, and email address) as user information. For example, the user's account information (user ID) is also stored as user information. For example, billing information to be subject to billing processing is associated with each account information of each user.

[0047] The communication unit 196 communicates with external devices, and its functions can be realized by hardware such as a communication ASIC or a communication processor, or communication firmware. For example, the communication unit 196, which is a communication interface, performs various communication processes for communicating with terminal devices TM such as a distributor terminal TMP and a viewer terminal TMA via the network 510.

[0048] The content distribution system of FIG. 2 performs each process of this embodiment based on a program of this embodiment. This program (a program for causing a computer to execute the processing of each unit) causes a computer (a device including an operation unit, a processing unit, a storage unit, and an output unit) to function as each unit of this embodiment. This program is stored, for example, in an information storage medium. That is, the content distribution system of this embodiment performs various processes of this embodiment based on the program (data) stored in the information storage medium. The information storage medium, which is a computer-readable medium, stores programs, data, etc., and its functions can be realized by an optical disk, a hard disk drive, a semiconductor memory, etc. Note that the program (data) for causing a computer to function as each unit of this embodiment may be distributed via a network 510 from an information storage medium included in a server system 500 (host device). The use of such an information storage medium by the server system 500 is also within the scope of this embodiment.

[0049] An example configuration of the terminal device TM is shown in Fig. 3. The terminal device TM includes a processing unit 200, an operation unit 260, an interface unit 262, a memory unit 270, an information storage medium 280, a display unit 290, a sound output unit 292, and a communication unit 296. Note that the configuration of the terminal device TM is not limited to that shown in Fig. 3, and various modifications are possible, such as omitting some of the components (each unit) or adding other components.

[0050] The processing unit 200 (processor) executes terminal-side processing in the content distribution system based on operation information from the operation unit 260, programs, etc. For example, it executes processing for content distribution, game processing, etc. The processing unit 200 can be realized by a processor or the like, similar to the processing unit 100 in FIG. 2 described above. Note that each process in the content distribution system of this embodiment may be realized by distributed processing between the server system 500 and the terminal device TM.

[0051] The operation unit 260 is used by the user to input various information such as operation information, and its functions can be realized by operation buttons, directional keys, analog sticks, levers, various sensors (angular velocity sensors, acceleration sensors, etc.), a microphone, or a touch panel display. The interface unit 262 performs interface processing with external devices, for example, processing to communicate with external devices according to a predetermined interface standard. The interface unit 262 also performs interface processing with portable information storage media such as IC cards (memory cards), USB memories, or magnetic cards, in which various information about the user is stored. The functions of the interface unit 262 can be realized by hardware such as an interface processing ASIC or interface processing processor, or interface processing firmware.

[0052] The storage unit 270 serves as a work area for the processing unit 200, the communication unit 296, etc., and its functions can be realized by a semiconductor memory, HDD, SSD, optical disk device, etc. The information storage medium 280 (a computer-readable medium) stores programs, data, etc., and its functions can be realized by an optical disk, HDD, semiconductor memory, etc. The processing unit 200 performs various processes of this embodiment based on the programs (data) stored in the information storage medium 280. This information storage medium 280 can store programs (programs that cause the computer to execute the processes of each unit) that cause a computer (a device including an operation unit, processing unit, storage unit, and output unit) to function as each unit of this embodiment.

[0053] The display unit 290 outputs images generated by this embodiment, and its function can be realized by an LCD, an organic EL display, a CRT, an HMD, etc. The sound output unit 292 outputs sounds generated by this embodiment, and its function can be realized by a speaker, headphones, etc. The communication unit 296 (communication interface) communicates with external devices such as the server system 500 and other terminal devices via the network 510, and its function can be realized by hardware such as a communication ASIC or a communication processor, or communication firmware.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 2, the content distribution system (server system) of this embodiment includes a distribution processing unit 102, a reception unit 104, a display processing unit 120, and a storage unit 170.

[0055] The distribution processing unit 102 performs distribution processing for viewing content to viewers on the viewer terminal TMA. Specifically, the distribution processing unit 102 performs distribution processing for viewing game distribution content of a game played by a distributor on the distributor terminal TMP to viewers on the viewer terminal TMA. The game distribution content is content for viewers to view the state of gameplay by a distributor, and is game demonstration content that allows viewers to view a demonstration of gameplay by a distributor. The game distribution content may be content that allows viewers to view a demonstration of past gameplay by a distributor, or content that allows viewers to view a demonstration of gameplay by a distributor in real time. The game distribution content may also be silent content in which only game images are displayed and no game sounds, etc. are output.

[0056] The storage unit 170 stores information on game distribution content and information on the game actions performed by the distributor in the game. The information on game distribution content is information for displaying a game distribution image in which the state of the distributor's game play is shown on the viewer terminal TMA. For example, when the game distribution content is streamed, the information on game distribution content is video information to be streamed. Alternatively, a game distribution image may be generated based on game play information such as the operation information of the distributor on the distributor terminal TMP, etc. In this case, the information on game distribution content is various information necessary for generating (playing back) the game distribution image. The information on game actions is information for displaying an image of the game actions performed by the distributor in the game on the viewer terminal TMA. The image of the game actions may be an image extracted from the game image or game video on the distributor terminal TMP, or may be an image generated based on the game play information of the distributor on the distributor terminal TMP.

[0057] When the viewer requests the display of game actions, the reception unit 104 performs a process of receiving the request for the display of game actions by the viewer. For example, when the viewer performs a given operation for making a display request on the viewer terminal TMA, the reception unit 104 determines that the viewer has requested the display of game actions and receives the display request.

[0058] When the display request from the viewer is received, the display processing unit 120 performs processing to display on the viewer terminal TMA a display image in which a game distribution image based on the information of the game distribution content and a game action image based on the information of the game action are synthesized. The game distribution image is, for example, an image in which the state of the game play of the distributor (the state of the game demonstration) is displayed. The game action image is an image in which the state of the game action of the distributor requested by the viewer for display is displayed. The game action image is, for example, a notification image for notifying the viewer of the game action of the distributor. The game action is various actions performed by the distributor during the game play. For example, the game action is an action performed by the distributor operating the operation unit of the distributor terminal TMP. For example, when a character corresponding to the distributor appears in the game, the game action also includes the action of this character. And the game action image is an image that allows the viewer to visually recognize the game action of the distributor. Note that when the game distribution image and the game action image are synthesized, the time axes of the game distribution image and the game action image to be subjected to the synthesis processing do not necessarily have to match. For example, an image of a game action performed by the distributor at a second timing different from the first timing may be synthesized with the game distribution image at the first timing in the demonstration of the game play of the distributor.

[0059] The game play image is, for example, an image extracted from a game image or a game video on the distributor terminal TMP. For example, the game play image may be extracted by cutting out an image corresponding to the game play from a still game image, or the distributor may record a game video of a series of plays and extract the game play image from this game video. For example, when the distributor performs game play on the distributor terminal TMP, a game video composed of game images is displayed on the display unit of the distributor terminal TMP. In this case, the game play image is, for example, an image obtained by extracting an image of the area where the distributor's game play is visually displayed from the game image or game video displayed on the distributor terminal TMP. And the information of the game play image extracted from the game image or game video in this way is stored in the storage unit 170. For example, when the distributor's game play is an action of displaying a game map, the game play image can be obtained, for example, by extracting an image of the map screen from the game image or game video. Also, when the distributor's game play is an action of inputting a game command, the game play image can be obtained, for example, by extracting an image of the command input screen from the game image or game video. Also, when the distributor's game play is an action of using a game item, the game play image can be obtained, for example, by extracting an image of the item selection screen from the game image or game video.

[0060] The game action image may also be an image generated based on, for example, the game play information of the distributor on the distributor terminal TMP. For example, a game action image is generated based on the game play information when the distributor performs a game action, and the generated game action image is synthesized with the game distribution image. In this case, the generation of the game action image based on the game play information may be performed in the content distribution system (server system) or on the distributor terminal TMP. For example, when the distributor's game action is an action of displaying a game map, a game action image can be generated by using, as the game play information, the operation information input by the distributor when the map is displayed. Also, when the distributor's game action is an action of inputting a game command, a game action image can be generated by using, as the game play information, the operation information input by the distributor when the game command is input. Further, when the distributor's game action is an action of using a game item, a game action image can be generated by using, as the game play information, the game play operation information input by the distributor when the item is used.

[0061] Also, the game action image is an image generated based on game play information separately from the game image, for example, during the game play of the distributor on the distributor terminal TMP. For example, during the game play of the distributor, a game image for the distributor to play the game is generated, and at the same time, a game action image is also generated based on the game play information of the distributor at that time. For example, on the distributor terminal TMP, the generation process of the game action image is also performed in parallel with the generation process of the game image. Then, the information of the generated game action image is stored in the storage unit 170.

[0062] Moreover, the content distribution system of the present embodiment includes a sound processing unit 130. When a display image in which a game action image is synthesized with a game distribution image is being displayed based on a display request, the sound processing unit 130 performs a process of outputting the game distribution sound of the distributed game on the viewer terminal. For example, the sound processing unit 130 performs a process of directly outputting the game distribution sound of the distributed game, rather than the sound output when the game action image is displayed, on the viewer terminal. For example, the sound processing unit 130 performs a process of outputting the game distribution sound corresponding to the game distribution image at that time on the viewer terminal. Note that, for example, assume that an image of a game action performed by the distributor at a second timing different from the first timing is synthesized with the game distribution image at the first timing in the demonstration of the distributor's game play. In this case, the sound processing unit 130 causes the viewer terminal TMA to output the game distribution sound at the first timing, rather than the game distribution sound at the second timing when the game action is performed.

[0063] In addition, the reception unit 104 performs a process of changing the acceptance degree of the viewer's display request based on the viewer's information. The viewer's information is, for example, information on the relationship between the viewer and the distributor, the viewer's attribute information, or the viewing history information of the viewer's distributor content. The information on the relationship between the viewer and the distributor is, for example, information on whether the viewer and the distributor are in a friend relationship or a follower relationship, or whether the viewer and the distributor belong to the same team (group). The viewer's attribute information is, for example, information on whether the viewer's attribute and the distributor's attribute are the same attribute or the same type of attribute. The attribute may be, for example, an attribute in a game (such as a warrior, a wizard, etc.) or an attribute in the real world (such as a place of residence, gender, age, etc.). The viewing history information of the viewer's distributor content is, for example, the number of times or the viewing frequency of the viewer's viewing of the distributor's content. The acceptance degree of the display request is the degree to which the display request of the game action image is accepted in terms of the disclosure range, display time, or the number of requestable times for the viewer's display request. For example, when the reception unit 104 determines based on the viewer's information that the acceptance degree of the display request is the first acceptance degree, it accepts the display request of the game action image within the first disclosure range, the first display time, or the first number of requestable times. In addition, when the reception unit 104 determines based on the viewer's information that the acceptance degree of the display request is the second acceptance degree, it accepts the display request of the game action image within the second disclosure range, the second display time, or the second number of requestable times. For example, when it is determined that the acceptance degree is the second acceptance degree, the game action image may be displayed within a second disclosure range that is narrower than the first disclosure range, or within a second display time that is shorter than the first display time, or a display request within a second number of requestable times that is less than the first number of requestable times may be recognized.

[0064] Also, the distribution processing unit 102 performs processing to notify the distributor that a display request has been made by the viewer. For example, when the viewer makes a display request for the game actions of the distributor in the game distribution content, the distributor is notified that a display request has been made by the viewer. In this case, the distributor may also be notified of the viewer's comments related to the game actions of the distributor. Also, the notifications of a plurality of viewers who have viewed the game distribution content may be summarized and notified on a single notification screen.

[0065] Also, when the viewer makes a command input corresponding to a game action on the viewer terminal, the reception unit 104 receives this command input as a display request for the game action. For example, when the game action of the distributor is an action to display a game map, the reception unit 104 receives, as a display request for the game action of map display, the command input for displaying the game map made by the viewer. Also, when the game action of the distributor is an action to use an item in the game, the reception unit 104 receives, as a display request for the game action of item use, the command input for using the item made by the viewer.

[0066] Also, the display processing unit 120 performs processing to display the game action history of the distributor on the viewer terminal TMA. For example, the display processing unit 120 performs processing to display on the viewer terminal TMA an image of the game action history in which the game actions performed at each timing are visibly displayed in association with each timing at which the distributor performs a game action in the game distribution video. Then, the reception unit 104 receives the designation operation of the viewer's game action in the game action history as a display request for the game action. For example, when a balloon or icon image for viewing the game actions performed at each timing is displayed in the image of the game action history, if the viewer performs an operation to designate this balloon or icon image, the reception unit 104 determines that a display request for the game action corresponding to the balloon or icon has been made.

[0067] Also, game actions include, for example, actions such as displaying a game map, inputting game commands, or using game items. Note that game actions are not limited to these actions, and various game actions performed by the distributor during game play can be assumed. For example, when the distributor performs a game action of displaying a game map during game play on the distributor terminal TMP, information on the game action for displaying an image of the game action and specific information on the timing when the game action was performed are stored in the storage unit 170 in association with, for example, information on the game distribution image. Similarly, when the distributor performs an action of inputting a game command or using a game item during game play on the distributor terminal TMP, information on the game action for displaying an image of the game action and specific information on the timing when the game action was performed are stored in the storage unit 170 in association with, for example, information on the game distribution image.

[0068] Note that each process of the content distribution system of FIG. 2, the distribution process, the reception process, the synthesis process of the game distribution image and the game action image, and the display process of the synthesized image described above can be realized in various modified embodiments such as being realized by the server system 500 in FIG. 1(A), being realized by the terminal device, or being realized by distributed processing of the server system 500 and the terminal device. For example, the server system may process only the information necessary for performing each process of the present embodiment or perform only the process of transmitting the information to the terminal device, and the terminal device may execute the other processes. For example, a program for performing each process of the present embodiment may be installed in the terminal device, and the terminal device may execute each process of the present embodiment based on the installed program. Also, the content distribution system may be realized by an information processing system other than the server system 500.

[0069] 2. Method of this Embodiment Next, the method of this embodiment will be described in detail.

[0070] 2.1 Request for Display of Game Action For example, in FIG. 4, a distributor who is a player is playing a game such as an RPG (Role-Playing Game) by operating a character CH, for example. In such a game, when the distributor performs a game action of displaying a game map, a map screen as shown in A1 of FIG. 4 is displayed on the game image. Also, when the distributor performs a game action of using an item in the game, an item selection screen as shown in A2 is displayed on the game image. Further, in FIG. 5, a distributor who is a player is playing a fighting game in which the player battles against an enemy character. And the distributor performs a command input as shown in A3 and, for example, unleashes a special move against the enemy character. In FIG. 5, for ease of explanation, the command input image shown in A3 is displayed on the game image, but in a normal game mode, such a command input image is not displayed, and in a training mode such as when performing skill training, such a command input image is displayed.

[0071] In game distribution (game live streaming, game demonstration), a game distribution image in which the state of the distributor's game play in the games shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 is displayed is shown on the viewer terminal. The viewer can watch and enjoy the state of the distributor's game play through such a game distribution image, or can obtain hints useful when the viewer plays the same game by confirming the game actions performed by the distributor in the game. For example, by checking the map screen shown in A1 of FIG. 4, the viewer can know where in the game world the distributor is playing the game to clear quests or the like, or the terrain of the dungeon, and can obtain hints when the viewer plays the game. Also, by checking the item selection screen shown in A2 of FIG. 4, the viewer can know what items the distributor used to clear quests or the like in the game, and can obtain hints when the viewer plays the game. Further, by checking the command input image shown in A3 of FIG. 5, the viewer can know in what order and how the operation unit was operated by the distributor to unleash a special move, and can obtain hints when the viewer unleashes a special move.

[0072] However, when the distributor opens and displays the map screen shown in A1 of FIG. 4 during gameplay on the distributor's terminal, the map screen may be closed and hidden immediately afterwards. For this reason, viewers watching the game delivery image are unable to view the map screen in more detail even though they wanted to, and a situation occurs where they cannot obtain sufficient hints to clear the game. Similarly, when the distributor displays the item screen shown in A2 of FIG. 4 during gameplay on the distributor's terminal, the item selection screen may be hidden immediately afterwards. For this reason, viewers watching the game delivery image are unable to confirm in detail which items were selected on the item selection screen, and a situation occurs where they cannot obtain sufficient hints to clear the game. Also, in the case of a game where the map screen and the item selection screen are displayed on a screen separate from the screen on which the game image is displayed, the map screen and the item selection screen are not displayed in the game delivery image, so the viewer cannot confirm how the items were selected on the item selection screen. Also, the command input image shown in A3 of FIG. 5 is not displayed when the distributor is playing the game in the normal game mode, so viewers watching the game delivery image cannot know what command inputs the distributor made to execute the special move.

[0073] Therefore, in this embodiment, when a viewer makes a display request for the game actions of the streamer in the game delivery image, this display request is accepted, and a display image in which the game delivery image and the game action image for which the display request was made are combined is displayed on the viewer's terminal. That is, by accepting the request from the viewer and synthesizing the game actions desired by the viewer into the currently delivered game delivery image (game play image, game demonstration image) and displaying it on the viewer's terminal, the viewer can more actively grasp the game actions. For example, in watching a game delivery (game play), generally, a viewer can only interact from outside the game, such as by posting comments. On the other hand, there may be cases where the viewer wants to reflect their own operations on the game delivery screen in a form not limited to posting comments. For example, in a game such as an FPS / TPS, there may be cases where the player who is the streamer only performs an operation to display the overall map, etc., for an instant. In such cases, the player side can perform appropriate information collection even for an instant display because it is an intentional operation on their part, but it is difficult for the viewer side to recognize the information because they could not predict it. In this embodiment, for example, a method is provided that enables a viewer to actively access an interface with low dynamic elements such as a map, status, or menu and display it.

[0074] FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 are explanatory diagrams of the method of this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6, while viewing the game image displayed on the distributor terminal, the distributor is playing a game such as an RPG, and information on game distribution content for distributing the state of this game play is stored in the storage unit 170 which is a database of the server system 500. The information on game distribution content is an image for displaying the game image displayed on the distributor terminal on the viewer terminal. In the case of streaming distribution, the video information of the game is stored in the storage unit 170 as the information on game distribution content. Alternatively, the reproduction information for reproducing the game distribution image may be stored in the storage unit 170 as the information on game distribution content. Also, when the distributor performs game actions such as map display or item selection in the game, the information on the game actions is stored in the storage unit 170. In this case, timing information for specifying at what timing in the game play of the distributor terminal the distributor performed game actions such as map display or item selection is also stored in the storage unit 170 in association with the information on the game actions. The information on the game actions may be the information on the game action images obtained by extracting the image of the map screen or the image of the item selection screen from the game image or game video displayed on the distributor terminal, or may be the information on the images of the map screen or item selection screen generated based on the game play information separately from the game image during the game play of the distributor on the distributor terminal. Alternatively, the information on the game actions may be the game play information which is the operation information of the distributor at the time of map display or item selection. In this case, based on the game play information stored as the information on the game actions, the images of the map screen and the item selection screen are generated.

[0075] On the viewer terminal, for example, a game distribution image of an RPG is displayed based on the information of the game distribution content stored in the storage unit 170. When the viewer makes a display request for a game action and this display request is accepted, as shown in FIG. 6, a display image in which a game distribution image based on the information of the game distribution content and a game action image based on the information of the game action are synthesized is displayed on the viewer terminal. For example, when the viewer makes a display request for a game action of map display, a display image in which an image of the map screen is synthesized with the game distribution image is displayed. Also, when the viewer makes a display request for a game action of item selection, a display image in which an image of the item selection screen is synthesized with the game distribution image is displayed.

[0076] Also in FIG. 7, the distributor is playing a fighting game against an enemy character while viewing the game image displayed on the distributor terminal, and the information of the game distribution content for distributing the state of this game play is stored in the storage unit 170 which is the database of the server system 500. Also, when the distributor performs a game action of command input, the information of this game action is stored in the storage unit 170. In this case, the timing information for specifying at what timing the distributor performs a game action such as command input in the game play of the distributor terminal is also stored in the storage unit 170 in association with the information of the game action. The information of the game action may be the information of the game action image obtained by extracting the command input image from the game image or game video displayed on the distributor terminal, or may be the information of the command input image generated based on the game play information separately from the game image during the game play of the distributor on the distributor terminal. Alternatively, the information of the game action may be the game play information which is the operation information of the distributor at the time of command input. In this case, based on the game play information stored as the information of the game action, a command input image is generated in the server system 500 or the like.

[0077] On the viewer terminal, based on the information of the game distribution content stored in the memory unit 170, for example, a game distribution image of a battle game is displayed. Then, when the viewer makes a display request for a game action of command input and this display request is accepted, as shown in FIG. 7, a display image in which a command input image is synthesized with the game distribution image is displayed.

[0078] 2.2 Processing Examples of the Present Embodiment FIGS. 8 and 9 are flowcharts for explaining the processing of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8, game processing of a game played by the distributor is executed on the distributor terminal (step S1). Then, information on the game distribution content of the game played by the distributor is stored (step S2). That is, information on the game distribution content for displaying the game images on the distributor terminal shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 as game distribution images on the viewer terminal is stored in the memory unit 170. Also, information on the game actions performed by the distributor in the game is stored (step S3). For example, in FIG. 6, information on the game actions of map display and item selection images for display on the viewer terminal is stored in the memory unit 170. In FIG. 7, information on the game actions of command input images for display on the viewer terminal is stored in the memory unit 170.

[0079] As shown in FIG. 9, the content distribution system executes distribution processing for a viewer of a viewer terminal to view game distribution content based on the information of the game distribution content stored in the storage unit 170 (step S11). For example, distribution processing for displaying a game image (game video) on the distributor terminal in FIGS. 6 and 7 as a game distribution image (game distribution video) on the viewer terminal is performed. Then, the content distribution system determines whether or not the viewer has requested the display of the distributor's game actions (step S12). For example, in FIG. 6, it is determined whether or not the viewer has requested the display of game actions such as map display and item selection by the distributor. In FIG. 7, it is determined whether or not the viewer has requested the display of game actions such as command input by the distributor. When such a display request is made, the content distribution system performs a process of accepting this display request (step S13). Then, the content distribution system displays a display image in which a game distribution image based on the game distribution content and a game action image based on the game action information are combined on the viewer terminal (step S14). For example, in FIG. 6, a display image in which an image of a map screen or an item selection screen, which is a game action image, is combined with the game distribution image is displayed. In FIG. 7, a display image in which a command input image, which is a game action image, is combined with the game distribution image is displayed.

[0080] As described above, in this embodiment, distribution processing is performed on game distribution content of a game played by a distributor on a distributor terminal for a viewer on a viewer terminal to view. Also, information on the game distribution content and information on game actions performed by the distributor in the game are stored in the storage unit 170. When the viewer makes a display request for a game action, this display request is received, and a display image in which a game distribution image based on the information on the game distribution content and a game action image based on the information on the game action are combined is displayed on the viewer terminal. In this way, when a viewer who views the game distribution content makes a display request for the game action of the distributor, a display image in which the image of the game action for which the display request has been made is combined with the game distribution image is displayed on the viewer terminal. As a result, the viewer can display the game action image of the distributor by his or her own active display request and confirm the game action of the distributor. Therefore, it becomes possible to provide a content distribution system or the like in which the viewer can actively confirm the game action of the distributor. Note that the synthesis process of the game distribution image and the game action image based on the viewer's display request may be realized via, for example, an external processing server for processing. For example, the content distribution system may request the processing server for processing to perform a synthesis process of the game distribution image and the game action image based on the display request, and perform a process of displaying the synthesized image of the game distribution image and the game action image generated by the processing server for processing on the viewer terminal.

[0081] The game action image is, for example, an image extracted from a game image or game video on the distributor terminal. For example, FIG. 10 is a game image displayed on the distributor terminal, and this game image displays an image of a map screen and an image of an item selection screen. In this case, as shown in B1 and B2, by performing a process (trimming process) of cutting out and extracting the image of the map screen and the image of the item selection screen from the game image, a game action image of map display and a game action image of item selection are generated. Then, the information of the generated game action image is stored in the storage unit 170. In this way, a game action image can be generated by a simple process of cutting out and extracting an image from the game image of the distributor terminal. And, the game action image generated in this way can be synthesized into the game distribution image and displayed on the viewer terminal. For example, the display areas of the map screen and the item selection screen are often fixed in the game, and it is easy to specify which area of the image on the game image should be cut out and extracted to extract the image of the map screen and the image of the item selection screen. Also, even when the display areas of the map screen and the item selection screen change according to the game situation, the display areas of the map screen and the item selection screen can be specified by using the game information (information of the game program and information of parameters used in the program) used in the game process. Therefore, by monitoring game play information such as the operation information of the distributor, the timing when the distributor performs game actions of map display and item selection is detected, and at the detected timing, the display areas of the map screen and the item selection screen are cut out and extracted, so that the image of the map screen and the image of the item selection screen can be extracted.

[0082] Also, the game action image may be, for example, an image extracted from a game video on the distributor terminal. For example, when a distributor who is a player equips an item, a game video which is a video of a series of game actions of removing the equipped item, selecting another item, and equipping the selected item is recorded. Then, the game action image extracted from this game video may be synthesized into the game distribution image and displayed as a display image.

[0083] The game action image may also be an image generated based on the game play information of the distributor on the distributor terminal. For example, in FIG. 10, the operation information input by the distributor to display the map screen and the operation information input by the distributor to display the item selection screen are acquired as game play information, and this game play information is stored in the storage unit 170 as game action information. The operation information that is game play information is, for example, input key information. Then, the content distribution system or the viewer terminal, etc., generates an image of the map screen or an image of the item selection screen, which is a game action image, based on this game play information that is game action information. And the image in which the generated image of the map screen and the image of the item selection screen are combined into the game distribution image is displayed on the viewer terminal. In this way, compared with the game action image extracted from the game image or game video, the game action image can be generated based on the game play information with a small data amount, and for example, the used storage area of the storage unit 170 can be saved.

[0084] In this case, the game action image may be an image generated based on the game play information separately from the game image when the distributor plays the game on the distributor terminal. For example, in FIG. 11, on the distributor terminal, a game image for the distributor to play the game is generated, and separately from this game image, a command input image is generated. This command input image is generated by a command input image generation process that is executed in parallel with the game image generation process separately from the game image based on the operation information of the distributor, which is game play information. Then, the information of the command input image generated in this way is stored in the storage unit 170 as game action information. And the display image in which this command input image is combined into the game distribution image is displayed on the viewer terminal. In this way, when the distributor plays the game, a game action image generated based on the game play information separately from the game image can be used to combine this game action image into the game distribution image and display it on the viewer terminal.

[0085] For example, in a game device having a first display unit on which a game image is displayed and a second display unit on which various types of information not displayed on the game image are displayed, a command input image may be generated as the display image of the second display unit. Therefore, it becomes possible to use the command input image generated in this way as a game action image. Also, when an image of a map screen or an image of an item selection screen is generated as the display image of the second display unit, it becomes possible to use the image of the map screen or the image of the item selection screen generated in this way as a game action image.

[0086] Also, in this embodiment, the game actions include actions such as displaying a game map, inputting game commands, or using game items. By doing so, images of a map screen with low dynamic elements, game command images, item selection screen images, etc. can be combined as game images into the game distribution image and displayed on the viewer terminal.

[0087] Figs. 12(A) and 12(B) are explanatory diagrams of a method for specifying game actions and the like. As shown in Fig. 12(A), in this embodiment, game actions are classified, for example, into map-based game actions, item-based game actions, command-based game actions, and the like. Further, each of the map-based game actions, item-based game actions, and command-based game actions is classified into more detailed actions. Then, when the distributor plays the game, based on game play information such as the operation information of the distributor, it is detected which game actions the distributor has performed based on the action classification information as shown in Fig. 12(A). And the information of the game actions for displaying the images of the detected game actions is generated by the method described, for example, in Figs. 10 and 11. Also, as shown in Fig. 12(B), timing information for specifying at which timing the game actions GA1, GA2, GA3, and GA4 are performed during the distributor's game play is also generated. Fig. 12(B) is the game action history of the distributor. Then, this timing information is stored in the storage unit 170 in association with the information of the game actions. In this way, the information of the game actions at the timing specified by the timing information can be read from the storage unit 170, and the game action images based on the read game action information can be synthesized with the game distribution images.

[0088] Also, in this embodiment, when a display image in which a game action image is synthesized with a game distribution image is displayed based on a display request from a viewer, a process of outputting the game distribution sound (game commentary sound) of the game being distributed is performed on the viewer terminal. For example, even when an image of a map screen or an image of an item selection screen is displayed on the display unit of the viewer terminal according to the viewer's display request, instead of the sound output when the map screen or the item selection screen is displayed, the game distribution sound corresponding to the game distribution image at that time is directly output on the viewer terminal. For example, when a battle between characters is taking place in the game being distributed, the game distribution sound such as the voices generated by the characters during the battle is output. In this way, even when a display image in which a game action image is synthesized with a game distribution image is displayed, the game distribution sound corresponding to the game distribution image can be output to the viewer, and a situation where the viewer is given the feeling that the game distribution has been interrupted can be prevented.

[0089] In FIG. 13, a request for displaying the game actions of the viewer is made at timing TR. In FIG. 13, the direction of t is the direction of the time axis. In this case, in the present embodiment, an image of the game actions of the distributor at timing TA different from timing TR can be synthesized with the game distribution image at timing TR. For example, when the viewer is looking at the game distribution image at timing TR, there may be a case where the viewer wants to check what game actions the distributor performed at timing TA earlier than that. For example, there may be a case where the viewer wants to check an image of the map screen or an image of the item selection screen displayed at timing TA. In this case, the viewer requests, by the display request at timing TR, to display the game actions of the distributor at timing TA earlier than that. In this way, even when a request for displaying the game actions at the past timing TA is made, as the game distribution image, an image at the timing corresponding to timing TR of the display request rather than timing TA is displayed. And as shown in FIG. 13, also for the game distribution sound, the game distribution sound at timing TV corresponding to timing TR of the display request is output instead of timing TA. By doing so, for example, even when the viewer makes a request for displaying the game actions of the distributor at a timing different from the timing of the display request, the game distribution audio corresponding to the game distribution image is output from the viewer terminal.

[0090] FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining a process of changing the acceptance degree of a display request based on viewer information. First, the content distribution system determines whether a viewer has made a display request for the game actions of the distributor (step S21). Then, when a display request is made, the content distribution system determines the acceptance degree of the viewer's display request based on relationship information such as the friendship relationship or team relationship between the viewer and the distributor, the viewer's attribute information, or the viewing information of the viewer's distributor content (step S22). For example, the acceptance degree of the display request, such as the number of available request times, display time, and disclosure range of the display request, is determined. Then, the content distribution system performs a display request acceptance process based on the determination result of the acceptance degree (step S23).

[0091] As described above, in this embodiment, the acceptance degree of the display request is changed based on the viewer information. In this way, the display request for the game actions of the distributor by the viewer can be accepted with an acceptance degree corresponding to the viewer information, and a display image in which the game action image is synthesized into the game distribution image can be displayed. For example, assume that the viewer and the distributor are in a friendship relationship or belong to the same team. Or assume that the attributes of the viewer and the distributor are the same or similar. Or assume that the viewer is a heavy user who has frequently viewed the distributor's viewing content many times in the past. In this case, for example, the number of available request times for the display request increases, the display time of the game action image becomes longer, and the disclosure range of the game action also becomes wider, so that game actions that the distributor considers to be confidential information can also be disclosed. On the other hand, assume that the viewer and the distributor do not have a friendship relationship or the like, have little relationship, the attributes of the viewer and the distributor are not similar, and the viewer has hardly viewed the distributor's viewing content. In this case, for example, the number of available request times for the display request decreases, the display time of the game action image becomes shorter, and the disclosure range of the game action also becomes narrower.

[0092] In this embodiment, for example, when a display request is received from a plurality of viewers, the display request may be accepted, and the game action images corresponding to the display requests of these plurality of viewers may be synthesized with the game distribution image for display. For example, when a display request is received from a predetermined proportion of the number of viewers (for example, half of the number of viewers) among the viewers watching the game distribution content, it is determined that the display requirements of the game action images are satisfied, and the game action images corresponding to the display request are synthesized with the game distribution image for display. For example, when a display request for game action images for explaining a special move is received from a large number of viewers, the game action images are synthesized with the game distribution image for display.

[0093] In this embodiment, a process is also performed to notify the distributor that a display request has been made by the viewer. Specifically, for example, among a plurality of game actions in the distributor's game play, a notification process is performed to let the distributor recognize which game action the viewer has made a display request for. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of such a notification to the distributor. In FIG. 15, the distributor is informed that a notification has come from the viewer of the game distribution for which a display request has been made. Also, comments from the viewer who made the display request are shown. Specifically, comments regarding game actions such as the distributor's map display and command input are shown. For example, by seeing the viewer's comment "I want you to not immediately hide the map", the distributor can recognize that the viewer is showing interest in the game action of the distributor's map display. Also, by seeing this comment, the distributor can know that it is better to perform the game actions of showing and hiding the map slowly during the game play of the game distribution. Also, by seeing the comment "I don't really understand how to use that special move", the distributor can know that the viewer is showing interest in the command input for the special move. That is, by seeing the notification as shown in FIG. 15, the distributor can confirm that the distributor wants to know information regarding game actions such as the map display and command input in its own game. Thus, in this embodiment, the distributor is notified that a display request has been made by the viewer. As a result, the distributor can be notified that the viewer wants to know the content of the distributor's game actions. And by seeing such a notification, the distributor can utilize it for improving its own game distribution content and the like.

[0094] Next, specific examples of requests for display by the viewer will be described. In the present embodiment, for example, when the viewer inputs a command corresponding to a game action, a request for display of the game action is made. FIG. 16 is a flowchart for explaining the process when a request for display by command input is made. First, the content distribution system determines whether or not the viewer of the viewer terminal has input a command during viewing of the game distribution (step S31). And when such a command input is made, the content distribution system searches for information on the game actions of the distributor corresponding to the command input (step S32). For example, in the game action history described in FIG. 12(B) and FIG. 17 described later, the game actions corresponding to the command input are searched backward in time from the timing when the request for display was made. Then, the content distribution system displays, on the viewer terminal, a display image in which a game image based on the searched game action information is synthesized on the game distribution image (step S33).

[0095] As described above, in the present embodiment, when the viewer inputs a command corresponding to a game action on the viewer terminal, this command input is accepted as a request for display of the game action. By doing so, the viewer can make a request for display of the game action simply by inputting a command corresponding to the game action, so that it becomes possible to provide a suitable operation interface environment for the viewer's request for display. For example, when the viewer wants to see a game action image of map display, the viewer uses the operation unit of the viewer terminal to input the command input that is input when the map screen is displayed in the game. Also, when the viewer wants to see a game action image of item selection, the viewer uses the operation unit of the viewer terminal to input the command input that is input when the item selection screen is displayed in the game. For example, the viewer often plays the same game that the distributor is distributing. In this case, the viewer is familiar with the command inputs corresponding to game actions such as map display and item selection. Therefore, when the viewer wants to display an image of the game action he / she wants to see, he / she can easily input the command input corresponding to that game action.

[0096] Also, in this embodiment, when a viewer performs a designation operation of a game action in the game action history, a display request for the game action is made. FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram of the display request by designating a game action in the game action history. For example, C1 in FIG. 17 is a sequence bar (seek bar, progress bar) of a game distribution video. By using this sequence bar, the viewer can view the game distribution video at the timing specified by the viewer. And for this sequence bar, as shown in C2, C3, and C4, the game actions of the distributor performed at each timing of the game distribution are associated and displayed. For example, at timing t1, the distributor has opened and displayed a map screen, and at timing t2, the distributor is selecting an item. Also, at timing t3, the distributor is performing a specific command input to unleash a special move. When the viewer wants to confirm, for example, the game action of the distributor's map display, the viewer performs an operation of designating the balloon of C2. For example, the viewer performs an operation of touching the balloon of C2. As a result, a display request for the game action of the map display is made, and a display image in which the game distribution image and the map screen image are synthesized is displayed. Also, when the viewer wants to confirm, for example, the game action of the distributor's item selection, the viewer performs an operation of designating the balloon of C3, and when the viewer wants to confirm the game action of the special move command input, the viewer performs an operation of designating the balloon of C4. As a result, a display request for the game actions such as item selection and command input is made, and a display image in which the game distribution image and the item selection screen image or command input image are synthesized is displayed.

[0097] Thus, in this embodiment, a process is performed to display the game play history of the distributor on the viewer terminal, and a designation operation of the viewer's game play in the game play history is received as a request for displaying the game play. That is, in FIG. 17, the game play history of the distributor as shown in C2, C3, and C4 is displayed on the viewer terminal. Then, in this game play history, for example, when the viewer performs a designation operation of the game play by designating the portions shown in C2, C3, and C4, this designation operation is received as a request for displaying the game play. And, a display image in which an image of the game play for which the designation operation has been performed is synthesized with the game distribution image is displayed on the viewer terminal. In this way, the viewer can request the display of the game play only by performing a designation operation of the game play in the game play history, so that an operation interface environment suitable for the viewer's display request can be provided. Note that the method of the viewer's display request is not limited to the methods of FIGS. 16 and 17. For example, a dedicated menu screen for the display request may be displayed on the viewer terminal, and on this menu screen, the viewer may be able to select the game play of the distributor that the viewer desires.

[0098] Note that although the above embodiment has been described in detail, those skilled in the art will easily understand that many modifications are possible without substantially departing from the novel matters and effects of the present disclosure. Therefore, all such modified examples are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, in the specification or the drawings, a term (such as "throwing money") described at least once together with a broader or synonymous different term (such as "participation action") can be replaced with the different term at any location in the specification or the drawings. Also, the distribution process of the game distribution content, the process of receiving the display request, the synthesis process and the display process of the game distribution image and the game play image, etc. are not limited to those described in this embodiment, and methods equivalent to these are also included within the scope of the present disclosure.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0099] 100…Processing unit, 102…Distribution processing unit, 104…Reception unit, 118…Management unit, 120…Display processing unit, 130…Sound processing unit, 170…Memory unit, 172…Content information memory unit, 174…User information memory unit, 196…Communication unit, 200…Processing unit, 260…Operation unit, 262…Interface unit, 270…Memory unit, 280…Information storage medium, 290…Display unit, 292…Sound output unit, 296…Communication unit, 500…Server system, 510…Network, CH…Character, GA1, GA2, GA3, GA4…Game actions, TM, TM1~TMn…Terminal devices, TMA, TMA1~TMAm…Viewer terminals, TMP…Distributor terminal

Claims

1. A distribution processing unit that performs distribution processing for a game distribution content of a game played by a distributor on a distributor terminal so that a viewer on a viewer terminal can view it; A storage unit that stores information on the game distribution content and information on game actions performed by the distributor in the game; A reception unit that receives the display request when the viewer makes the display request for the game action; A display processing unit that performs processing to display, on the viewer terminal, a display image in which a game distribution image based on the information on the game distribution content and a game action image based on the information on the game action are synthesized when the display request is received; comprising; the distribution processing unit performs processing to notify the distributor that the viewer has made the display request, and a content distribution system characterized by this.

2. A distribution processing unit that performs distribution processing for a game distribution content of a game played by a distributor on a distributor terminal so that a viewer on a viewer terminal can view it; A storage unit that stores information on the game distribution content and information on game actions performed by the distributor in the game; A reception unit that receives the display request when the viewer makes the display request for the game action; A display processing unit that performs processing to display, on the viewer terminal, a display image in which a game distribution image based on the information on the game distribution content and a game action image based on the information on the game action are synthesized when the display request is received; comprising; the reception unit receives the command input as the display request for the game action when the viewer makes the command input corresponding to the game action on the viewer terminal, and a content distribution system characterized by this.

3. A distribution processing unit that performs distribution processing for a game distribution content of a game played by a distributor on a distributor terminal so that a viewer on a viewer terminal can view it; A storage unit that stores information on the game distribution content and information on game actions performed by the distributor in the game; A reception unit that receives the display request when the viewer makes the display request for the game action; A display processing unit that performs processing to display, on the viewer terminal, a display image in which a game distribution image based on the information on the game distribution content and a game action image based on the information on the game action are synthesized when the display request is received; comprising; The display processing unit A content distribution system, characterized in that it synthesizes an image of the game action performed by the distributor at a second timing different from the first timing with respect to the game distribution image at the first timing in the demonstration of the game play of the distributor. **Claim 4** In claim 3, A content distribution system, characterized by including a sound processing unit that causes the game distribution sound at the first timing to be output at the viewer terminal, rather than the game distribution sound at the second timing when the game action is performed. **Claim 5** In any one of claims 1 to 4, A content distribution system, characterized in that the game action image is an image extracted from a game image or a game video on the distributor terminal. **Claim 6** In any one of claims 1 to 4, A content distribution system, characterized in that the game action image is an image generated based on the game play information of the distributor on the distributor terminal. **Claim 7** In claim 6, A content distribution system, characterized in that the game action image is an image generated based on the game play information separately from the game image when the distributor plays the game on the distributor terminal. **Claim 8** In any one of claims 1 to 7, The reception unit A content distribution system, characterized in that it changes the acceptance degree of the display request based on the information of the viewer. **Claim 9** In claim 1 or 3, The display processing unit Performs a process of displaying the game action history of the distributor on the viewer terminal, The reception unit A content distribution system, characterized in that it accepts the designation operation of the game action of the viewer in the game action history as the display request of the game action. **Claim 10** In any one of claims 1 to 9, A content distribution system, characterized in that the game action is an action of displaying a game map, an action of inputting a game command, or an action of using a game item. **Claim 11** A distribution processing unit that performs distribution processing for a viewer of a viewer terminal to view game distribution content of a game played by a distributor on the distributor terminal, A storage unit that stores information on the game distribution content and information on the game actions performed by the distributor in the game. When the viewer makes a display request for the game action, a reception unit that receives the display request; As a display processing unit that performs processing to display, on the viewer terminal, a display image in which a game distribution image based on the information of the game distribution content and a game action image based on the information of the game action are synthesized when the display request is received; Function the computer; The distribution processing unit; A program characterized by performing processing for notifying the distributor that the viewer has made the display request.

12. A distribution processing unit that performs distribution processing for a viewer of a viewer terminal to view game distribution content of a game played by a distributor on a distributor terminal; A storage unit that stores information on the game distribution content and information on game actions performed by the distributor in the game; When the viewer makes a display request for the game action, a reception unit that receives the display request; As a display processing unit that performs processing to display, on the viewer terminal, a display image in which a game distribution image based on the information of the game distribution content and a game action image based on the information of the game action are synthesized when the display request is received; Function the computer; The reception unit; A program characterized by receiving, as the display request for the game action, a command input corresponding to the game action when the viewer performs the command input on the viewer terminal.

13. A distribution processing unit that performs distribution processing for a viewer of a viewer terminal to view game distribution content of a game played by a distributor on a distributor terminal; A storage unit that stores information on the game distribution content and information on game actions performed by the distributor in the game; When the viewer makes a display request for the game action, a reception unit that receives the display request; As a display processing unit that performs processing to display, on the viewer terminal, a display image in which a game distribution image based on the information of the game distribution content and a game action image based on the information of the game action are synthesized when the display request is received; Function the computer; The display processing unit; A program characterized by synthesizing an image of the game action performed by the distributor at a second timing different from the first timing with respect to the game distribution image at the first timing in the demonstration of the game play of the distributor.

Images